The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, May 8 – 02:25h-03:55h and Friday, May 9 –02:55h-04:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, May 8 – 13:50h-15:20h and Friday, May 9 –14:30h-16:00h.
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. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.79 metres and 4.02 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.
Ease dust, noise, reckless driving on ECD – Jagdeo to truck drivers
With ongoing construction activities along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor, truck drivers as well as contractors have been cautioned against being reckless and causing disruptions to citizens.
This warning was issued by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a meeting on Wednesday with truck operators involved in housing and infrastructure projects along the ECD corridor.
ways.
Though there was a 21 per cent reduction in fatal accidents at the end of 2024, the Head of State contended that a lot more must be done to curb road accidents, especially the reckless behaviour of truck drivers.
sideration braking speed and the load factor.
In the same breath, however, the Head of State acknowledged that there was a gap in human resource assets in Guyana’s rapidly-growing economy. He noted that in order to continue this development trajectory, law and enforcement will play critical roles in ensuring these truck drivers adhere to rules and regulations when operating on the roadways.
The meeting, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, saw Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill as well as other technical staff from various ministries also in attendance.
“There is not a single person in this room, who will tell me there is not an element of uneasiness if you have to drive to the airport, and it’s not [only] during the day; it’s 24/7 with the trucks… We have to implement strong measures to limit the speed of those trucks, but we also have a problem – the average age of a truck driver years ago might have been 30 plus, today, it’s 22 or 23,” he noted at the GPF’s Annual Officers’ Conference in February.
President Ali had pointed
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) had previously proposed a review of the issuance of drivers’ licences, particularly for heavy-duty truck drivers as well as an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act to increase the minimum age to 21 years for commercial vehicle driver’s licences (trucks, buses, and tax-
Wednesday’s engagement was convened to address residents' complaints about disruptions caused by the trucks working on major infrastructure projects. The concerns raised included dust pollution, noise, reckless driving, and the noise and vibrations caused by the trucks' tailgates.
During the meeting, the Vice President emphasised that all contractors and subcontractors would be held accountable for these disruptions. He noted that moving forward, the involved agencies would collaborate with the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to implement traffic measures. These will include designated routes for trucks to access their work sites and the establishment of speed limits.
Additionally, the Vice President reminded contractors of their obligation to periodically water any dry and dusty roads, and to ensure their trucks are covered while transporting materials.
With a construction boom being experienced across the country, the Guyana Government has constantly been imploring truck drivers against creating unsafe road conditions for other users.
Only back in February, President Dr Irfaan Ali had cautioned the Police Force to come up with a clear strategy to tackle the continued lawlessness on Guyana’s road-
out that these young drivers do not have sufficient experience on the roadways before being allowed to drive trucks, which he noted are completely different from driving a motor car, especially taking into con-
is).
Moreover, while an e-ticketing system, surveillance cameras and speed indicators have been implemented to enhance traffic management, President Ali had noted
during his February address to senior cops that stronger penalties might be the answer to effect these changes.
“It’s not the best approach that penalties must drive change. The best approach is that self-consciousness, societal pressure, doing the right thing should be able to drive change and drive home the point that we have to do the right thing. But unfortunately, when that doesn’t work, you have to go to stronger measures, which is the penalties,” the Head of State stressed.
Only last November, President Ali had announced a series of sweeping measures for errant road users including the suspension of drivers’ licences after three speeding tickets, especially for truck drivers.
Since then, the Police’s Traffic Department has strengthened enforcement efforts with, among other things, more body cameras for traffic ranks.
Just Tuesday, President Ali handed over another 5000 new body cameras to the Police Force as part of the Government’s efforts to modernise Police operations.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Officials, truck operators and contractors at Wednesday’s engagement with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
“I
Adrianna Younge’s drowning
agree that there were missteps” by police, but no rushed judgments – PM Phillips
…says let the investigation
speak
Two weeks after the tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge at the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo had sparked outrage and concerns within the local and international communities, Prime Minister Mark Phillips has said that investigations are ongoing to determine the manner in which the 11-year-old had lost her life.
On Wednesday, April 23, 11-year-old Adrianna Younge had gone to the poolside of the Double Day Hotel with her grandmother, Carol Xavier, and other relatives when, at some time between 13:10h and 14:00h, she was discovered missing.
After a missing person’s report had been filed, the police released a statement indicating that the child was seen leaving the hotel’s premises in a motorcar. This information turned out to be inaccu-
rate, adding another layer of controversy to the case. The child’s body was eventually discovered floating in the pool the following day, April 24. The hotel was then set ablaze, and was eventually destroyed.
A postmortem examination conducted on the child’s body by three international pathologists, including one selected by the family, revealed the girl’s cause of death as drown-
ing. As police investigations continue, it is now left to determine the manner of death.
This is according to Prime Minister Mark Phillips during an appearance on the Reset Talk Show on Wednesday morning.
“So, the three pathologists did their work, and the conclusion is that she died by drowning or from drowning. However, as a
Government, we've already committed, and I wish to tell you that the investigation is ongoing to determine the manner of death. Very important,” the Prime Minister said.
Errors by police
The Prime Minister also admitted that there were several errors made by the Guyana Police Force in managing the situation. Nevertheless, he assured that the ongoing investigation is intended to uncover everything regarding the unfortunate incident.
“Let me say up front (that) like you, I agree that there were missteps. They would have had searches, the police would have taken action, but I will not pronounce on that on this programme. What I want to assure you (is) that the ongoing investigation would get down to the bottom of everything that occurred, including the searches: what time they were done,
what was seized, etc. So, we have to wait the outcome of the investigation. I don't want to prejudice the investigation by offering my views as to whether a search was done or whether it was done properly or not,” PM Phillips has said.
The owner of the hotel has been released from police custody, but is barred from leaving the country and is required to report to the police station on a daily basis. Meanwhile, the em-
ployee responsible for providing the inaccurate information of the child leaving the hotel has been sent on leave. Additionally, two police officers have been relieved of their duties over their handling of the case.
The commander in charge of the division at the time, Assistant Police Commissioner Khalid Mandall, has also been sent on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Phillips
The late 11-year-old Adrianna Younge
Caricom looks to adopt Guyana’s...
Nandlall’s statement comes as certain sections of society are being critical of the charges brought against individuals who are caught in photos or videos damaging properties and looting during the recent unrest.
The recent unrest started after a postmortem examination found that 11-year-old Adriana Younge, whose body was found in the pool at the now-gutted Double Day Hotel, Tuschen East Bank Essequibo (EBE), died from drowning.
On the evening of April 28, the unrest saw individuals initially blocking off roads by burning debris but it quickly escalated to include attacks on innocent passers-by, looting and arson of businesses and further destruction of public and private property. Several businesses, including
major furniture outlets and Chineseowned supermarkets were looted, with at least one building torched.
There is also video on social media of a vagrant being beaten by protestors. To date, more than 50 persons
have been placed before the courts for Inciting Terror and/or Larceny, while wanted bulletins have been issued for several others.
In defending the charges, AG Nandlall contended that those actions were aimed at driving fear into citizens, hence the nature of the charges were “appropriately used” against persons who attempted to reign terror across the country.
“To those who say that this is the wrong charge, I say to them to find a better charge. There could not have been a more appropriate charge… To those who are saying that this is wrong charge, I say to you that CARICOM is [now] emulating Guyana in this regard, and we are proud to lead by example on this matter,” he contended.
Whither… …corruption?
It’s long past the time we can pussyfoot around the elephant in the (Guyanese) room – corruption! After all, ain’t it corruption in the Police Force that kindled that massive outpouring of togetherness (and anger) at the unexplained circumstances around Adrianna’s drowning?? And we know that’s only the tip of a massive iceberg!! So, your Eyewitness would like to ask the question frontally – and brutally: is it possible to get rid of corruption in general??
And he’d like to give you his answer just as frontally and brutally – NO, there ain’t!! There’s no ifs and buts about this…corruption is endemic to our human condition. One famous philosopher pronounced about “out of this crooked timber we are made”. We come into the world already bent towards corruption. We didn’t need no apple to tempt us or no serpent to stray us!!
So, does this mean we gotta accept corruption?? Absolutely not!! Some people are also born with the urge to kill their fellow human beings…should we allow the Ted Bundys of the world to get away with their cold-blooded slaughter?? More to the point, we’re all born with the sex urge. Do we allow folks to bop others on the heads like the cavemen and cavewomen of yore, and drag them into their lairs to satisfy their urges?? No siree Bob!! The thing is, we gotta set up rules of the game to control those tendencies that are detrimental to us as a society living the good life. And hold folks accountable!!
So, now about corruption? The first thing is we all gotta follow your Eyewitness’s philosophy as stated above, and assume that EVERYONE is out to screw you over. That shopkeeper selling you rice?? Check his scale. That contractor bidding for contracts?? Check out if he’s bribing the folks in charge of procurement. The contractor executing the contract for a road or a bridge or whatever? Check out if he’s bribing the Government supervisors – and so on and so forth.
The question is the eternal one signalled all the way back to Roman times – Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who’s gonna guard the guardians?? In this case, who’ll keep tabs on them in an infinite regression!! Well since the corruption we’re worried about right now concerns the Police, the fiasco that unfolded before our eyes over in Tuschen – due to the ubiquity of social media and now preserved in the “cloud” – is as good a place to start as any. It’s like a loose thread that we can use to unravel the entire corrupt sweater that’s been woven ever since Burnham took over in 1964.
We can start with that report on the Raum spiriting poor Adrianna away…
…the Case of Adrianna’s drowning
Apart from the autopsy into the cause of Adrianna’s death – drowning, pronounced by three foreign pathologists – with the family’s swearing she’d been killed elsewhere and the body placed later in the pool – the Police have to either show conclusively that she did die in the pool – or alternatively, somewhere else that can be identified. Along with who and how, etc.
Yesterday, we discovered that Adrianna’s family lawyer – the blustering Darren Wade – had been replaced by TWO other lawyers. They met with the top COP to find out what progress had been made in the GPF investigation – but were told the latter were working on it. And that some samples were sent abroad for testing. Clearly, the case hasn’t been cracked. There’s been talk that the family might be turning to another (4th!) pathologist and the body might have to be flown abroad. There would be, of course, the “chain of custody” questions.
Meanwhile, the country remains on tenterhooks.
…our heroes?
Your Eyewitness didn’t accept the escapades of Diddy – but he could move along by ruefully telling himself that the world has changed. But how does he deal with the accusations that 84-year-old Smokey Robinson molested four of his maids??
Say it ain’t so, Smokey!!
Guyana, Colombia propose MoU to strengthen agri ties, expand Cut Rose Project
Guyana and Colombia have begun discussions on the possibility of forming a joint initiative to further develop Guyana’s Cut Rose Project to boost floriculture production. This is expected to take place under a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which would serve as a framework for future collaboration.
These discussions were led by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who on Tuesday welcomed Graybern Livingston Forbes, Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Guyana, who had made a courtesy call on the minister that was aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture.
Their meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture provided an opportunity for both officials to discuss areas of mutual interest, and explore strategic collaborations to support the sustainable development of Guyana’s agriculture sector.
Minister Mustapha expressed appreciation for Colombia’s interest in deepening agricultural ties with Guyana, and emphasized the importance of SouthSouth cooperation in advancing innovation, research, and trade within the region.
Ambassador Forbes reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Guyana, and highlighted the potential for knowledge exchange and joint initiatives. He was particularly impressed by Guyana’s advancement in hydroponic farming, noting it as a model for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices that could be further enhanced through joint research and technical cooperation.
President Dr Irfaan Ali’s ‘Cut Rose’ project, which was conceptualized to create employment for single parents, continues to make significant progress. It had earned over $4 million for the first half of 2023.
The Cut Rose project sought to cut the importa-
tion of roses by 30 percent by the end of 2023, and at the same time provide employment and a training ground for single women.
Guyana imports 42,000 roses annually from the US, Canada and Holland, among other countries. The project’s production
continues to increase, with 12,067 roses harvested as at June 2023, and a weekly projection of approximately 500 roses.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Resident Colombian Ambassador to Guyana, Graybern Livingston Forbes
African PetroWork Solution becomes 1st African oil and gas services provider in Guyana
– to commence operations in Guyana, Suriname's Offshore Oil & Gas Sector
PetroWork Solution, an Angola-based energy services company, has announced plans to commence operating in Guyana, marking its entry as the first African oil and gas services provider into Guyana’s rapidly growing offshore sector.
The company has also revealed intentions to expand into neighbouring Suriname, with Guyana serving as a strategic hub for its regional operations.
Headquartered in Luanda, PetroWork Solution is a privately held firm with over a decade of experience supporting international operators such as ExxonMobil, Total, SBM Offshore, Saipem, BP, and Chevron.
The company specializes in integrated engineering and logistical support services for the oil, gas and marine sectors, with deep expertise in complex offshore environments.
The announcement was made during a high-level reception hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of
Photo Credit: Jasmaine Assanah, GCCI
Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at the Houston Club, on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) —one of the world's premier gatherings of energy industry leaders. The event drew a broad cross-section of Guyanese business leaders and international oil and gas in-
vestors, underscoring the global attention focused on Guyana's energy boom.
"We see many parallels between Angola's early deepwater journey and what's unfolding now in Guyana," Valentin Malinescu, CEO of PetroWork Solution, has said.
"The Guyanese
Government has created a uniquely welcoming environment for foreign investment. We're proud to bring our experience to help support this next phase of growth — not just in Guyana, but across the region," he added.
PetroWork Solution's entry into Guyana is being facilitated by a local
investment consortium, which include Dr. Roshan (Rosh) Khan, entrepreneur Mahaish Ramoutar, and American investor Arick Wierson, who maintains a range of business interests in the country. The group has spent more than a year planning the initiative.
"PetroWork is more than a technical partner; it's a symbol of a broader realignment. This move opens the door for greater Africa–South America energy collaboration, and Guyana is perfectly positioned to lead that charge," Dr Khan has emphasized.
"This partnership reflects a core tenet of our economic strategy: building new bridges between the Global South," said Dr Peter Ramsaroop, CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment, as he spoke on the revelation of the operations soon to begin.
“Under President Irfaan Ali's leadership, we are cultivating direct investment relationships with emerg-
$192M Railway Embankment Expansion
ing economies. PetroWork Solution is a perfect example of that vision in action," he added.
The company's regional expansion — starting in Guyana and soon extending to Suriname — will include both offshore and onshore services, supported by a globally-sourced, seasoned workforce. The move is seen as part of a broader trend of peer-based South-South investment, bypassing traditional Western-dominated development pathways.
With the GuyanaSuriname Basin emerging as a significant oil exploration hotspot, the entry of PetroWork Solution underscores the growing interest and investment in the region's energy sector.
The collaboration between Guyana and Suriname, coupled with investments from companies like PetroWork Solution, is poised to further strengthen the basin's position in the global energy landscape.
Edghill urges remaining residents to relocate as completion nears
With the highly-anticipated US$192 million Railway Embankment Road Expansion Project scheduled to be completed within the next few months, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has made a call for the remaining home owners, who are yet to collect their compensation from Government and who are within the path of the project, to relocate as soon as possible.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill last Friday inspected works ongoing on the US$192 million Railway Embankment Road Expansion Project, as well as engaged several residents from the East Coast of Demerara who are with-
in the parameters of the project. One of the key issues the Public Works Minister raised while engaging residents was the deadline for completion of the highly-anticipated Railway Embankment Road Expansion Project. With the project expected to be completed by October 2025, a total of 108 residents were scheduled to be relocated to facilitate the road expansion works.
During the visit, Minister Edghill met with the final five residents who are yet to relocate, and has encouraged continued cooperation in order to allow contractors to work without disruption. There were 108 persons from Enmore to Belfield.
We have gone through everybody. They came in and signed and settled, except you. Everybody collected their monies based upon the consultants calculations. We re at the last stage now, where these are the only encumbrances that are remaining.
Edghill stressed, We re kindly asking everybody to wrap up in the next couple of days and push back. We don t want to have to come and do it. We don t want to put anybody out of bread, that s why we made sure we made the arrangements.
The Minister also clarified the Ministry s arrangements with residents to facilitate the awarding of house lots for residents who have been relocated.
The assistance with the house lot was not dependent upon your moving. We said to everybody who didn t ap-
Bank of China. It is aimed at easing traffic congestion and catering for expected industrialisation at Enmore. The scope of works for the US$192 million project includes expansion of the Railway Embankment Road to four lanes from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau; the expansion of the existing East Coast Demerara Road from Orange Nassau to Mahaica to four lanes; and the rehabilitation of the two-lane East Coast Demerara Road from Belfield to Orange Nassau.
ply, Apply . And those who had applied, (we said) Bring your paperwork so we can let the Ministry of Housing help to fast track your application, so you could be able to
be properly situated . The ECD Railway Embankment Project falls under the Framework Concessional Loan Agreement from the Exim
Additionally, 22 culverts and 48 bridges, including another bridge across the Hope Canal at the Railway Embankment section, are being constructed.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill during the engagement last Friday
$63.5M Banobo Guest House opened at Mabaruma
Afresh chapter in hospitality and tourism has begun in Mabaruma Settlement, Region One, with the official opening of the Banobo Guest House.
The Guest House was officially commissioned during a simple ceremony on Tuesday with Minister of Housing and Water, the Region One Parliamentary Representative Collin Croal.
Among those present at the commissioning were Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, Regional Vice-Chairperson Annansha Peters, and Regional Executive Officer Sewchand.
Funded at a cost of approximately $63.5 million through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) Grant, the facility boasts ten rooms, a spacious kitchen, storage areas, and a balcony. It is designed to boost the hospitality offerings in the region while promoting sustainable development.
She said, “When we envisioned our guest house, we wanted to create more than a place to stay. Our mission is to provide an unparalleled experience for travellers, where comfort, hospitality and local culture come together”.
Chairperson of the Mabaruma Settlement Community Development Council (CDC), Lynn Hernandez, has expressed pride at the project’s completion.
Adding that the project created job opportunities and stimulated community growth, she praised the Government’s continued support for development initiatives.
Commending the CDC for their leadership and initiative, Minister Croal noted
that the project stands as a shining example for other villages to emulate. He emphasized that the project not only addresses the shortage of accommodation in the region — especially during major events — but also contributes meaningfully to the region’s broader growth agenda.
Corentyne supermarket robbery
Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, in sharing similar sentiments, highlighted the Government’s commitment to hinterland development through initiatives such as the LCDS funds that empower communities and stimulate sustainable economic progress.
In addition to the Guest House, a new $6 million bakery has also been commissioned in the same compound. It is aimed at promoting the production of more local products. Some 105 solar systems have also been handed over to households in the area.
3 arrested; Police searching for other suspects
Following Tuesday evening’s robbery at a Corentyne supermarket, Police have arrested three persons for questioning, including one who was at the supermarket as a customer at the time of the robbery.
At about 19:30h on Tuesday, armed bandits attacked and robbed the Golden Spring Supermarket at Number 66 Village, Corentyne. Several customers who were there were also robbed; and the bandits escaped with a customer’s vehicle, which was later found abandoned.
Reports are that four masked men who entered the supermarket opened fire
and robbed customers and the cashier.
According to the victims, while they were shopping, four masked men, wearing hoodies and long clothing, entered the supermarket brandishing firearms. They then ordered everyone present to lie facedown on the floor, and fired several shots in the air during the process.
Region Six Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus, said the Police received a call from the proprietor of this supermarket, Zhigang Hu, a 38-year-old Guyanese of Chinese descent, that there was a robbery in progress.
The commander said it took the Police between 10 to 15 minutes to respond, and when they arrived, they discovered that several persons, along with the owner, were robbed of cash, jewellery, and other valuables, and one person had been robbed of a motor car.
“To be exact, it was seven adults, both males and females, who were robbed at that location of an undisclosed amount of cash and jewellery,” the Police Commander said.
He noted that some of the victims were shoppers, while others were accompanying persons in the supermarket.
According to Bacchus, intelligence led to the recovery of the vehicle, which was left abandoned at Number 68 Village.
“At this time, we are continuing our investigation actively on the ground, and we are hoping to find some sort of evidence so that justice can be done in regards to the incident at the supermarket,” Bacchus assured.
Meanwhile, Haresh Persaud, who uses a crutch to move about claimed it was his car that was stolen. He said he had purchased it three months ago to aid him in moving around, after being involved in an accident which injured one of
his legs.
“I went to the wash bay to wash my car, and my cousin brought me back to collect it. When I collected the car, the boy that running the car wash asked me to give him a spin to buy a bag of ice. So, we went to Number 71 supermarket and it did not have ice. So, we went to the Number 66 supermarket. When we drive in, four gunmen approached us and they searched us,” Persaud detailed. “…and [they] took away everything we had” he added.
“They tried to pull out my car key, but the car was
in ‘N’, so the key couldn’t come out. If it was in park, then the key could have come out. After they couldn’t get out the key, they beat us up a little and put us to lay down in the car. They put one man with a gun to watch me and my friend, and the three of them gone in the supermarket. When they finished doing what they had to do and fire some shots, then they came back out and throw me out of my car and gone with my car,” he recounted.
Persaud has said he is of the opinion that the men were waiting for someone with a vehicle to drive into the parking lot before making their move, having secured a getaway vehicle.
Shavnarine Richards, who operates a car wash at Number 68 Village, was in the car with Persaud. He said that, after being robbed, he was then taken into the supermarket and put to lie down.
“One of them told us to lie down flat in the car; to push back the seat and lie flat on the seat. A little after, one of them come back and say let us go in the supermarket, and I tell them that my partner can’t walk, his foot break. So, they say let me alone go in. When I go in, they tell me to lie down flat on the ground.
Well, before that, they already take everything I had, a phone and yesterday [Monday] money that I worked for – about $35,000 out of my pocket, and then they carry me inside the Chinese supermarket to lie down. And all I hear is his gunshots.” Richards said there were between 12 and 15 persons in the supermarket when he was taken into the building. He said that while he was there, he heard about four or five gunshots. The Police are continuing their investigations.
Two of the suspects who were arrested
Haresh Persaud, who was thrown out of his car after he was robbed
Car wash operator Shavnarine Richards was robbed and taken into the supermarket by the bandits
Regional
Putin and Venezuela's Maduro sign strategic partnership agreement in Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday signed a strategic partnership agreement in a ceremony shown on state TV.
The two leaders also discussed energy and oil during their talks in Moscow, Russia's Interfax news agency reported.
In the agreement, Russia and Venezuela said they would promote joint initiatives within OPEC +, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, and other organisations in the energy sector.
"The parties will promote the balanced and stable long-term development of global energy markets without the use of unfair competition instruments," the agreement said.
They agreed to cooperate in the exploration and development of new oil and gas
fields in their joint ventures as well as to expand oil trading operations. The document also envisages closer cooperation between Russia and Venezuela at the United Nations and other organisations and in the area of arms control, along with joint opposition to the imposition of unilateral sanctions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier described the strategic agreement as a "weighty, substantial and very important framework document".
Since 2022, Russia has already signed strategic partnership pacts with China, North Korea and Iran. (Excerpt from Reuters)
B’dos MP acquitted of rape
Anine-member jury has found Barbadian Member of Parliament (MP) and former deputy speaker of the House, Neil Rowe, not guilty of raping a woman at his Kingsland, Christ Church residence on September 18, 2022. Following a three-hour summation by Justice Pamela Beckles in the No. 5 Supreme Court, the jurors returned a unanimous verdict on Wednesday.
The St Michael North West Member of Parliament, Rowe, 45, first appeared in Court in October 22, 2022 and was not required to plead for the indictable offence.
Rowe was accused of
New Belize
engaging in sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent or acting recklessly as to whether she consented.
He was removed as deputy speaker in January
police
2024 but remained the elected parliamentary representative for St. Michael North West.
(Sources: Barbados Today, Caribbean National Weekly, Loop News)
commissioner backs six-month state of emergency
Just days into his new role, Belize’s Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, has declared his full support for a six-month state of emergency (SoE) as a bold measure to confront a recent surge in gun violence, largely driven by escalating gang rivalries.
Appearing on Channel 5’s morning talk show Open Your Eyes, Rosado painted a grim picture of the security landscape, particularly in areas like the Martin’s community. “The situation is critical,” he said. “I do believe there is a need for a state of emergency to address security concerns… The guys on the ground need a time out.”
His remarks come after a spate of violent inci-
dents, including the murder of 37-year-old Nelson Henry, also known as “Mung,” who was gunned down outside his children’s home. Police suspect the killing was gang-related. The incident has rattled the Ladyville community, one of several areas struggling to cope with the fallout of gang-related crime.
Rosado says the recent uptick in violence, particularly in Belize City, demands decisive action.
“We have a wide continuum of policing strategies available, from community policing to combat policing,” he noted. “But when the violence reaches this level, a timeout becomes necessary.”
While states of emergency have been used before in
Belize—typically lasting one to three months—Rosado is calling for a longer stretch this time around. “We need to pursue a six-month period,” he insisted. “If that is the only way that would calm them, then I would extend it.”
While no official SoE has yet been announced, Rosado indicated that discussions are ongoing and hinted that a decision could come soon.
“Honestly, I do believe the situation is critical,” he said. “It is up for discussion, but I will surely support a state of emergency in order to give us the opportunity to assess the situation on the ground and put the necessary things in place.” (Excerpt from Caribbean National Weekly)
US Secretary of State Rubio meets with Eastern Caribbean, The Bahamas Heads of Government
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the heads of government from the Eastern Caribbean and The Bahamas to underscore the urgent need for enhanced regional cooperation to combat drug and firearms trafficking and illegal migration – key drivers of violence and instability.
Spokesperson Tammy Bruce in her statement, said that Secretary Rubio encouraged Caribbean partners to strengthen intelligence-sharing, security cooperation, and border security through initiatives like the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.
Secretary Rubio urged our partners to make responsible, transparent decisions when selecting vendors and contractors for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring they are not vulnerable to privacy and security risks and exploitation by malign actors like the Chinese Communist Party.
He also reaffirmed our
commitment to holding accountable Cuban regime officials, foreign government officials, and those involved in facilitating the regime’s forced labor scheme, including Cuba’s medical missions, her statement added.
With hurricane season less than one month away, Secretary Rubio announced the reactivation of two USadministered programs to strengthen early warning systems and provide rapid, life-saving assistance across the Caribbean.
Participants in the meeting included prime minister Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, prime minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, prime minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas, prime minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia, prime minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, and prime minister Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis. (Source: Caribbean News Global)
Sacha Cosmetics founder to lead TT Trade Ministry
Sacha Cosmetics founder Satyakama "Kama" Maharaj has been sworn-in as the Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism.
Maharaj was sworn-in at President's House, St Ann's on May 7. Progressive
Empowerment Party political leader Phillip Alexander was also swornin as a Minister in the Ministry of Housing.
The two join the rest of the Cabinet of Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, who were sworn-in on May 3. Persad-Bissessar had told reporters then that the person selected to lead the Trade ministry was out of the country and would be swornin at a later date. (Excerpt from Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)
Rubio says Venezuelans sheltering at Argentinian embassy ‘rescued’ by US
Five members of Venezuela’s political opposition have left the Argentinian diplomatic compound in their country’s capital, Caracas, where they had sheltered for more than a year to avoid arrest, and were in the United States on Tuesday, the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said.
Rubio did not provide details of the group’s movements to reach the US, but he described the event as a rescue operation.
The government of the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, did not immediately comment on the situation.
“The US welcomes the successful rescue of all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian embassy in Caracas,” Rubio said on X.
“Following a precise operation, all hostages are now safely on US soil.”
The government of Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, allowed the five people into the ambassador’s residence in March
2024, when authorities loyal to Venezuela’s ruling party issued warrants for their arrest, accusing them of promoting acts of violence to destabilize the country. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Members of the delegations, led by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, attending a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 7, 2025
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the Heads of Government from the Eastern Caribbean and The Bahamas, May 6, 2025
Neil Rowe, flanked by lead counsel Michael Lashley and Sade Harris, entering the court on Wednesday
Claudia Macero (L), Pedro Uchurrurtu (C) and Magalli Meda are photographed greeting the media in August from the embassy where they had been sheltering (BBC)
OPakistan vows to respond, only hit military targets, after India launches strikes
India launched strikes on both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir early Wednesday local time.
Pakistan’s prime minister described the attack as “an act of war” and Islamabad has pledged to retaliate, marking a major escalation between the two countries.
il prices edged lower on Wednesday as investors priced in a build in gasoline inventories in the U.S. ahead of the U.S.China trade talks this weekend.
Brent crude futures were down 77 cents a barrel, or around 1.24%, at $61.38 a barrel by 1:50 p.m. ET (1750 GMT), while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down 73 cents, or 1.24%, lower at $58.36 a barrel.
Both benchmarks plunged to four-year lows this week after OPEC+ decided to speed up output increases, stoking fears of oversupply at a time when U.S. tariffs have increased concerns about demand.
The U.S. and China are due to meet in Switzerland, which could be the first step toward resolving a trade war disrupting the global economy.
The trade talks between the world's two largest economies come after weeks of escalating tensions that have seen duties on goods imports between the countries soar well beyond 100%.
Meanwhile, both benchmarks lost some ground after data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed gasoline inventories in the U.S. rose unexpectedly last week, raising concerns among analysts of weak demand ahead of a major driving holiday in the U.S. later this month.
"This is the first bad report for gasoline in a couple of weeks. The refiner had been cranking up the utilization rate. But today in this report it went backwards," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho.
However, U.S. crude inventories fell by 2 million barrels to 438.4 million barrels in the week, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for an 833,000-barrel draw.
Limiting the losses, some U.S. producers have signalled that they would cut spending, cautioning that the country's oil output may have peaked.
Volatility is expected to persist on quicker-than-expected OPEC+ supply, while U.S. policymaking remains unpredictable, said Tamas Varga, an analyst at PVM. (Excerpt from Reuters)
China chides US over ‘serious negative impact’ of Trump tariffs as trade talks set to begin
China has vowed to “safeguard international fairness and justice” in upcoming talks with the United States in Switzerland, the first meeting between the two countries to discuss trade war that has roiled the global economy since US president Donald Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs last month.
China’s vice-premier He Lifeng will meet US treasury secretary Scott Bessent on the sidelines of meetings in Switzerland between 9 and 12 May. US trade representative Jamieson Greer will also attend.
“If the US wants to resolve the issue through negotiation, it must face the serious negative impact of unilateral tariff measures on itself and the world,” China’s commerce ministry said. Bessent said on Tuesday the talks would be focused on de-escalating the trade war, rather than negotiating any deal.
“We will agree what we’re going to talk about. My sense is that this will be about de-escalation, not about the big trade deal,” Bessent told Fox news. “This isn’t sustainable,” he said.(Excerpt from The Guardian)
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan will only hit military targets in India, not civilian.
“We will never target civilians,” he said in an interview on Pakistani news channel Geo News when asked about striking India. “We will abide by international law. We will contain this international confrontation to military targets only.”
Pakistan’s military says at least 31 people were killed in what India has dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” which
in easing the current violence.
So far, it is not clear how much of a mediating role the US has taken in the conflict.
New Delhi said targeted “terrorist infrastructure.” Pakistan has claimed it shot down five Indian Air Force jets.
According to a senior Indian defense source, shelling by the Pakistani military killed at least 12 people on the Indian side of the de facto border that divides Kashmir. United States President Donald Trump encouraged de-escalation between India and Pakistan Wednesday, following the sharp escalation between the two countries.
He said in the Oval Office that he was willing to assist
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also the interim national security adviser, spoke to officials from both India and Pakistan Tuesday evening, and “urged both to keep lines of communication open and avoid escalation.” the US State Department said Wednesday. The hostilities come after gunmen killed more than two dozen civilians, mostly tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir last month. India accused Pakistan of being involved, which it denied. Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan each control parts of Kashmir but claim it in full, and have fought three wars over the territory. (Source: CNN)
Black smoke over Sistine Chapel indicates no new pope
Black smoke has emerged from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope has not been elected after a first round of voting.
The secret conclave to choose a new pontiff will return to vote up to four rounds of voting today (and in the following days) if needed.
The 133 cardinals eligi -
ble to vote, cast their first ballot at the end of a day laden with pomp, ceremony and ancient rites. It came two weeks after the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
For the past few centuries, no pope has been elected after the first voting round. White smoke indicates a pope has been chosen. (Source: The Telegraph)
Denmark to summon US envoy over report of Greenland spying directive
Denmark has said that it will summon the US ambassador to Copenhagen to respond to reports that US intelligence agencies have been ordered to increase espionage in Greenland.
CIA, NSA and Defense Intelligence Agency all included in ‘collection emphasis message’, a report says.
High-ranking officials working under Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, issued the instruction to agency heads in a “collection emphasis message”, the Journal reported.
The Central Intelligence
Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency were all included in the message.
It told chiefs to study Greenland’s independence movement and attitudes to American efforts to extract resources on the island, according to the Journal, citing two unnamed officials familiar with the matter.
Seasoned intelligence operatives say the Arctic island of about 56,000 inhabitants has not historically been a target of US espionage activity.
The move will further alarm Denmark, a US ally
and Nato member, which has repeatedly vowed that the island is not available for sale or annexation. The country is planning to spend
$1.5bn to protect Greenland, which has autonomous status under Denmark’s constitutional monarchy.
Trump, who has mused since his first presidency about the possibility of possessing Greenland, refused to rule out seizing the 836,000 sq mile territory by force in an interview with NBC that was broadcast last weekend. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
UK in talks with US officials over movie tariffs, says minister
Britain is in "active discussions" with top U.S. officials over the 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the U.S. announced by President Donald Trump, as it aims to protect one of its biggest creative industries, UK creative industries minister Chris Bryant told parliament on Wednesday.
Bryant noted that Trump had not given any details about his proposal, adding that it was not clear how tariffs could be applied to the film industry, with productions often created and developed across different
locations and countries.
The entertainment industry was left flummoxed on Monday by Trump's announcement of tariffs, with executives questioning both the timing of the proposed levy and how it could be enforced.
Britain has a leading film and TV production industry, centred on studios located close to London. Production spending on films in Britain in 2024 totalled $5.91 billion, according to ProdPro, compared with $14.54 billion in the United States. (Excerpt from Reuters)
The aftermath of an Indian strike on Bilal Mosque in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, on Wednesday
Black smoke rising from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday
A protester flies an upside-down US flag during a demonstration against Trump’s threats to annex Greenland on 14 March in Nuuk, Greenland (Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
T20 Blaze…
Henry registers tournament’s first century as Jamaica crush Barbados
West Indies all-rounder
Chinelle Henry stamped her class on the West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze in emphatic fashion, as she blasted the tournament’s first century and powered reigning champions Jamaica to a comprehensive 62-run victory over Barbados at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Wednesday.
Henry’s unbeaten 100 off just 49 balls, decorated with six fours and eight sixes, turned what looked like a faltering Jamaican innings into a match-winning total of 149-5. She then returned to bowl three wicketless overs for a mere 12 runs to help restrict Barbados to 87-4 in their 20 overs, as Jamaica registered their second win of the tournament.
After opting to bat, Jamaica were rocked early by an inspired spell from West Indies speedster Shamilia Connell, who ripped through the top order to leave the innings reeling at 11-3 in the third over. Connell removed Jodian Morgan (one), Chedean Nation (four), and Abigail Bryce (zero) in a fiery burst that returned 3-14 from her four overs.
But the crisis brought out the best in Henry, who counterattacked with authority and composure, as she dominated a stabilizing 71-run fourth-wicket stand with captain Rashada Williams, who held her end with a dogged 25 from 42 balls before she fell to Keila Elliott.
Still, Henry took
charge, and launched into the Barbadian bowlers with ferocity — particularly punishing Naijanni Cumberbatch and Shanika
remained unfazed, and accelerated in the final overs to bring up her century in style and take Jamaica to a formidable total on a challenging surface.
Barbados never got going in their reply, as they crumbled early to 26-3 inside six overs, as the Jamaican bowlers applied relentless pressure.
Celina Whyte and Neisha-Ann Waisome were clinical with the new ball, as they combined for three wickets in the powerplay.
Bruce in a devastating middle overs’ onslaught.
Even after Keneisha Ferron (six) departed with the score at 105-5, Henry
Waisome picked up both Kyshona Knight (two) and Kycia Knight (seven), while Whyte removed Trishan Holder for a duck.
Naijanni Cumberbatch, with 35 off 56, tried to hold the innings together and built a 57-run partnership
with Asabi Callender, who was left unbeaten on 30. However, when Chedean Nation had Cumberbatch caught, the asking rate kept climbing, and the boundary drought proved fatal. In fact, Cumberbatch’s solitary four and a six from Callender were the only boundaries in the innings, as Barbados never threatened the target. Waisome ended with 2-10.
Jamaica’s emphatic victory lifts them back into contention, while Barbados are still left searching for their first win of the tournament.
Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket
Rohit Sharma has retired from Test cricket with immediate effect, meaning India would need to name a new full-time captain almost immediately after the end of IPL 2025, with India’s 5-Test series in England scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley.
“Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” Rohit, who had retired from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup last year with him as captain, said in a post on social media on Wednesday evening.
Rohit retires with 4301 runs in 67 Test matches, averaging 40.57 despite the poor recent run. He scored 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries over the years, with a best of 212 against South Africa in Ranchi in October 2019.
Roger Binny, the former India allrounder and current BCCI president, in paying tribute to Rohit, said in a statement, “Mr Rohit Sharma’s impact on Indian cricket transcends records and statistics. He brought a sense of calm and assurance to the team - both as a player and as a captain. His ability to stay composed under pressure and to consistently put the team’s needs above his own made him a truly special player and leader. Indian cricket has been fortunate to have a figure like Rohit - someone who upheld the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship. He leaves behind not just a remarkable playing record, but a culture of discipline and selflessness
that will inspire future generations.”
As recently as Tuesday, Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach across the three international formats, had said in response to a question on the future of senior pros Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: “Till the time they are performing, they should be a part of the team. When you start and when you end is your individual decision. No coach, no selector, no BCCI can tell you when you should call it quits. If you perform, then why 40? You can jolly well play till 45, who’s stopping you?”
Rohit’s decision comes after poor home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand late last year, and then a horror tour of Australia across December 2024 and January 2025, when he crossed 50 just once and averaged 10.93 from eight Test matches. India won both Tests against Bangladesh, but were swept 3-0 by New Zealand under Rohit’s captaincy, and then lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia 3-1.
Rohit missed the first and last Tests on that tour of Australia. He missed the first Test to be at home in
India for the birth of his child, and the last Test, in Sydney, when he “stood down”. At the time, he had stressed that it was just that: a reaction to his poor batting form, not a “retirement decision”, and that he was not “going to take myself out of the game”.
Jasprit Bumrah is currently India’s designated vice-captain, and led in the first and last Tests in Australia in Rohit’s absence.
Speaking to Star Sports during the Test match, Rohit had said, “I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won’t come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day.
“I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time, I have to
be realistic as well. So, life won’t change by what people with a mic, pen or laptop write or say. They can’t decide when we should retire, when we should sit out, when we should captain. I am a sensible man, mature man, father of two kids. So, I know what I need in life.”
Immediately after returning from Australia, Rohit played a one-off match for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in January, after the selectors, in coordination with BCCI, made it mandatory for contracted players to feature in domestic cricket. Rohit’s batting woes continued as he made 3 and 28 against Jammu & Kashmir.
While the selectors decided to keep him as India’s captain for the Champions Trophy, Rohit was aware success in the ICC event wouldn’t guarantee his spot in the Test format. And so,
despite his leading India to the title in March, Rohit decided to bring the curtains down on his Test career.
The development comes with little over a month to go for the start of India’s 5-Test tour of England on June 20. The selectors are expected to finalise the Test squad in the coming weeks, but with Rohit retiring, the biggest question for the Ajit Agarkar-led panel would be naming the next Test captain.
Bumrah is an option, but putting that responsibility on a fast bowler, particularly one who has just returned from injury, might not be easy. He shouldered a heavy workload during the Australia tour, and was diagnosed with a stress reaction on his lower back, resulting in his being unable to bowl in the second innings of the final Test in Sydney. Bumrah missed the Champions Trophy there-
(ESPNCricinfo)
after, and only resumed playing since April, in the IPL, where he represents Mumbai Indians.
Chinelle Henry
Rohit Sharma’s Test stats
Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket
TSavory ‘disappointed’ after Breakout League exit
he Guyana Rainforest Rangers (GRR) were on Tuesday afternoon booted out of the ongoing West Indies Breakout League on the heels of a crushing 7-wicket loss to the Barbados Pelicans: their 4th loss in 5 League games played. It had not been the best of outings for the Guyanese team; they struggled with
their batting, the factor that essentially cost them in the must-win encounter with the Pelicans.
In the aftermath of Tuesday afternoon’s loss, GRR Captain Kemol Savory expressed his disappointment at their campaign ending, but had words of praise for the way in which the Pelicans had approached the contest.
“Definitely! You must feel disappointed! Having
said that, I must say that the way the guys went out and bat, they didn’t allow us to settle in a bowling department, you know. They played some lovely shots, and the positive intent: I think that was good for them,” Savory shared.
The wicketkeeper-batsman went on dissect a crucial part of the Rainforest Rangers’ performance, or lack thereof, commending the batters that stepped up
Men’s basketball team set for French Guiana tour this month
Guyana’s senior men’s basketball team will travel to French Guiana from May 21st – 26th as part of the South American territory’s “Guyana Day” celebrations: a weeklong showcase of Guyanese culture through arts, entertainment and sports.
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has welcomed the rare opportunity to compete in French Guiana, a territory that does not participate in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) tournaments.
Outside of the InterGuiana Games, matches between the two nations at the senior level have been infrequent, and according to the GBF, the upcoming tour is a significant milestone for the national programme.
Led by Head Coach Adrian Hooper and Assistant Coach Marlon Rodriguez, the team represents a carefully selected national squad aimed at balancing experience with emerging talent.
According to Hooper, while this particular tour focuses on a core group of players, the GBF has structured other tours throughout the year to allow greater rotation and offer exposure to a broader pool of athletes.
Among the standout additions to the roster is U.Sbased guard Anish Ramlall from St. Cloud State University. His inclusion signals the GBF’s continued push to integrate diaspora players into the national programme, building a
deeper and more diverse talent pool.
Stanton Rose Jr (Untouchables), Harold Adams (Royals), Orlan Glasgow (Royals), Jermaine Slatter (Kobras), Zian Gray (Eagles), Travis Belgrave (Eagles), Nikkoli Smith (Ravens), Shamar Huntley (Ravens), Denzil Ross (Eagles), Dominic Vincente (Ravens) and Domair Gladstone (Untouchables) are the other players selected.
The tour follows Guyana’s recent visit to Suriname, another move by the GBF to maintain a consistent level of competition and development for its national teams. The initiative is part of a broader strategic plan to keep local talent active and exposed to international basketball environments.
GBF President Michael Singh has said, “This trip, which also serves as a reward for consistent performances during the One Guyana League, provides
our players with the opportunity to experience basketball in a new environment, and immerse themselves in a different culture.”
He added, “At the same time, we’re using this momentum to refocus our efforts on revitalizing the men’s national programme, with tours like the one to French Guiana serving as incentives for standout performances in the local league.”
Regarding Ramlall’s selection, Singh explained, “Diaspora talent is essential if we’re going to advance our basketball programme. Anish has demonstrated a genuine interest in contributing to the development of basketball in Guyana. He travelled here, participated in the One Guyana League, and gave us the chance to evaluate his abilities. I believe he impressed the coaching staff, which led to his selection.”
in a pressure situation. Savory explained, “We never got the start we wanted at the top there, you know. So, it was always difficult coming down to the back end. Having said that, I must say well done to [Kevlon] Anderson and young [Quentin] Sampson. The way they played, they showed some sort of fight; and that’s what we’re looking at in the future.”
At the behest of former West Indies spinner Samuel Badree in a postmatch conversation, Savory also had glowing words for the Breakout League tournament.
“Young [Riyad] Latiff,
he’s been bowling well. Anderson, with the bat, was very outstanding for us. I must say it’s a learning curve for all of us in this tournament, and it’s the first time. I must give credit to Cricket West Indies and CPL for bringing out this tournament so our young players could get the opportunity,” Savory related.
The Guyana Rainforest Rangers ended the West Indies Breakout League with 15 points from one win and 4 losses in 5 games. they finished the tournament in fifth position, just about the bottom team, Jamaica Titans, who could muster only 8 points from a similar one win
and 4 losses.
While the hosts Trinidad and Tobago Legions have already qualified for the next round in the top three with 31 points, as did Windward Islands Infernos with 22 points; the final top three teams would have been decided based on the result of the final League clash between the Windward Islands and Leeward Islands Thunder on Wednesday night.
The teams finishing second and third on the points table will battle in tomorrow’s (Friday, May 9th) Eliminator, while the winner of that game will meet the number one finisher in Saturday’s final.
Milton Pydana, aka ‘Golden Gloves Man’, to be buried in Guyana on Monday …Night of Reflection set for DCC Ground on Saturday
Milton Robert Pydana, the only Guyanese wicketkeeper to have featured for the West Indies in One Day Internationals, passed away in his adopted homeland of USA on April 15 last, and will be laid to rest in Guyana on Monday, May 12, 2025, his request for his remains to be interred in the land of his birth being honoured.
Born on January 27, 1950 in the Ancient County of Berbice, the exploits of Milton Pydana, aka ‘The Gloves Man’, are well documented the world over, with Cricket West Indies and the Guyana Cricket Board being among others paying glowing tributes to the late player. A Night of Reflection will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground in Queenstown from 17:30hrs,
where it is anticipated that those attending and who would have had interaction with Pydana, would go down memory lane as they reflect on his playing career. The funeral service for the late Milton Robert Pydana will take place on Monday, May 12, 2025 at the Central Assembly of God
Church, Lot 330 Church and East Street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana. Viewing of the remains will be held from 13:00hrs, to be followed by a thanksgiving service from 14:00hrs, with his final resting place being the Bel Air Cemetery. A repast will be held at DCC Ground following the burial.
Milton Robert Pydana
National Basketball team Coach, Adrian Hooper
Anish Ramlall
Rainforest Rangers Captain, Kemol Savory
The Guyana Rainforest Rangers ended the Breakout League with just one victory
CENTRAL STAGS CONFIRMED FOR 2025 EXXONMOBIL GUYANA GLOBAL SUPER LEAGUE
The Central Stags
will represent New Zealand in the 2025 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), marking the team’s first international campaign in 15 years.
Following a dominant domestic season, the Central Stags enter the GSL as the reigning champions of New Zealand’s 2024/25 Super Smash.
Topping the regular season table, the Stags showcased their class in the final by beating a star-laden Canterbury Kings side to secure their fourth national T20 title.
Led by experienced skipper Tom Bruce, who was named New Zealand Cricket’s Men’s Super Smash Player of the Year, the Stags come into the GSL on the back of an excellent campaign last season. Bruce’s explosive 157.67 strike rate has underscored his value, while strike bowler Blair Tickner claimed the most wickets in the competition, averaging just 19.13 with the ball.
The squad will draw on a rich talent pool from New Zealand’s central provinc-
es that have been a proven breeding ground for international stars. Several Stags have gone on to represent the BLACK CAPS, including Tom Bruce, Dane Cleaver, Blair Tickner, Will Young, Josh Clarkson, and Ajaz Patel; and many of these are expected to feature in a strong lineup at the GSL.
This marks the Stags’ first overseas team appearance since the 2010/11 Champions League, a moment that holds special significance as Central Districts Cricket celebrates its 75th jubilee season.
Sir Clive Lloyd, Chairman of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, has said: “We are thrilled to welcome the reigning Super Smash champions, the Central Stags, to this year’s GSL. Their inclusion adds further quality and excitement to the tournament. With their proud legacy in New Zealand cricket, we’re confident they’ll not only bring a high standard of play, but also experience the warmth and hospitality that the people of Guyana are renowned for.”
Lance Hamilton, Central Districts Cricket Chief Executive, has said:
“It’s been 15 years since the Stags competed over-
seas as a team, and for the 2025 generation to have this opportunity to play in Guyana against peer teams from around the globe is a
very special way for us to enter our 75th jubilee season as an organisation. The GSL showed what a strong concept it is during last
year’s successful inaugural tournament, and we can’t wait to be involved in this exciting competition with a rapidly growing brand.”
