The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, May 7 –01:45h-03:15h and Thursday, May 8 – 02:25h-03:55h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, May 7 –13:00h-14:30h and Thursday, May 8 – 13:50h-15:20h.
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 lateafternoon hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to East South Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 13:20h reaching a maximum height of 2.21 metres.
Low Tide: 06:54h and 19:17h reaching minimum heights of 1.05 metres and 0.96 metre.
No space for excuses or lack of accountability – Pres Ali to cops
…as 5000 body cameras handed over to Police Force
In a major step toward modernising law enforcement and enhancing public trust, the Government of Guyana has handed over 5000 hightech body cameras to the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
According to President Dr Irfaan Ali, this initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to increase transparency, accountability, and service efficiency across policing operations.
At a formal ceremony on Tuesday morning, the Head of State was joined by Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram, and other senior security officials to mark the rollout of the new equipment.
The newly acquired body cameras boast cutting-edge features including, IP67 rating for rugged, dustproof, and waterproof use up to six feet, Wi-Fi, Long Term Evolution (LTE), and 4G streaming capabilities, 256 gigabytes of storage, with five hours of native battery life or up to ten hours with an extended battery, mounting versatility for use on uniforms or in vehicles and full integration with existing national surveillance networks.
The technology aims to support real-time monitoring, incident traceability, and evidentiary integrity while promoting responsible conduct by both officers and citizens.
In his address at the handing-over ceremony, President Ali emphasised that the deployment of the cameras marks an essential point in the evolution of the police, noting that there is no space for excuses or lack of accountability.
“A big part of improving service delivery is monitoring and evaluation, transparency and accountability, but also at the same time, giving our police officers, our men and women in uniform, the tools to make their job easier…But it also gives us an opportunity to have what I always
speak about, that is traceability. Traceability of behaviour, conduct from the citizenry and also from the police”.
“So, there is absolutely no excuse whatsoever from the Guyana Police Force of our men and women in the field not having, not being equipped with these cameras when conducting their duties and responsibilities,” the President said.
The Guyanese leader also outlined plans to expand the use of roadside surveillance cameras, speed-monitoring systems, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted traffic enforcement technologies, and mobile highway response units equipped for rapid deployment—components of a broader, technology-driven national crime prevention and enforcement strategy.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to work with the Guyana
Police Force in building out its capacity and capability, training our men and women in uniform in a service-oriented way. In a way in which the experience between the citizenry and the Guyana Police Force can be developed into one of trust, confidence and one in which we support each other with the primary objective of keeping our citizens and our country safe,” he added.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn echoed the President’s remarks, reiterating the Government’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of Guyanese through enhanced safety, better service delivery, and citizen-focused policing.
“We are aware that even where there may be deficiencies and human failings, that the question of technology could add to the certitude of delivering service that our citizens re-
quire and to build trust and confidence in respect of the work that we do in improving the lives of our citizens,” Benn noted.
This is the third batch of body cameras procured by the Government to improve the capabilities of the GPF. Back in January, some 500 body cameras were purchased.
In 2024, a whopping $44.8 billion had been approved for the Ministry of Home Affairs. The sum of $30.3 billion was approved for the GPF, of this total $5 billion was set aside for rehabilitation of Police stations, while sums had also been budgeted for the procurement of some 300 body cameras for Police ranks. Since the implementation of the new tech among ranks, GPF has noted a decline in cases ranging from police misconduct and ranks being assaulted among other issues.
President Dr Irfaan Ali along with Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram, and other senior security officials during the handing-over ceremony
Page Foundation
English
CSEC QUESTIONS
1. In the poems "From the Emigrants" and "Travelling Through the Dark", a conflict is set up between Nature and technology. OR For EACH poem:
(a) Describe the situation in which Nature and technology are in conflict.
(b) Identify ONE poetic device used to comment on the impact of technology on Nature, and comment on its effectiveness.
(c) What message is EACH poet presenting through the portrayal of Nature and technology?
2. From the prescribed list of poems that you have studied, choose TWO in which the speaker comes face to face with the reality of death.
(a) For EACH poem, describe the situation that causes the speaker to think about death.
(b) Discuss the reaction of EACH speaker to this encounter with death. ( 9 marks)
(c) Identify ONE poetic device which is used to convey the thoughts and feelings of the speaker in EACH poem and comment on its effectiveness.
Maths
Whatever happened…
…to that CSI vehicle
Exactly one year ago!! - your Eyewitness had written how chuffed he was to see that our crack (cracked?!!) crime sleuths in the Police Force had been handed a fully equipped Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) vehicle!! Imagine that!! Now he has to admit that he was such a fervent fan of all those CSI series on the boob tube that it could be said he was a CSI addict!!
We in dear Mudland were assured that, apart from having a bunch of top-drawer investigators, with the acquisition of the cutting-edge crime scene vehicle –a Mercedes-Benz one at that!! – the GPF had taken a “monumental step towards fortifying its crime-solving prowess”!! At the handing-over ceremony, we were told that the van was equipped with everything needed to conduct sophisticated forensic analysis on-site: cold storage units, first aid kits, wash sinks, computer workstations, secure lockers, power outlets, solar lighting systems, and tent facilities. It also stored specialized forensic equipment like evidence and sample bags; jars, seals and labels; tents, screens, crime scene markers and tape; PPE equipment, crime scene tools, search equipment, DNA & drug testing equipment; body bags, laboratory equipment as well as cleaning equipment, chemicals & disinfectant. Whew!! All that on the crime scene site!!
On behalf of the Force, the Top Cop had said they’d now be able to respond to crime scenes with greater speed and accuracy - ensuring that crucial evidence was properly documented and preserved.
“This not only improves the efficiency of crime-solving efforts, but also increases the chances of gathering crucial evidence that might otherwise have been destroyed”!! he had said.
So, the question your Eyewitness has is: “Where the heck was the CSI Van after all hell broke loose at the Double Day Hotel when Adrianna went missing and her parents and relatives insisted that some sorta foul play had been committed??”
And then again when the body was found floating in the pool? Shouldn’t the facilities of the van have been deployed to gather as much evidence ASAP – before it was tampered with. For instance, other DNA samples deposited by so many persons touching the body?? The police could’ve pronounced right then and there, at the scene, as to the nature of the “white substance” in Adrianna’s nose –cotton wool as alleged, or excreted “foam” as is normal in drowning victims??
But this raises the questions: “Has that CSI van ever been seen at ANY crime scene?? Where is it?? And it also raises the larger question that many have been troubled by. Modernising the Force by spending billions on equipment$34 billion budgeted this year – ain’t gonna do squat, unless we change the PEOPLE in the Police Force!!
Let’s move out deadwood!!
…to raising the masses?
The rise of the Scrapehead phenomenon in the wake of Adrianna’s death has prompted some Opposition leaders to complain about the low participation by African Guyanese in business. The historical reasons for the condition that became systemic was trotted out to explain that condition; but a fat lot of good it does to the community, as they excuse the Scrapeheads’ looting and burning businesses –this time the Chinese supermarkets that are multiplying.
Now, you’d think that those African Guyanese who’ve started successful businesses would go out of their wayand even stand on their heads - to give the underclass a boost up the ladder, especially those fighting to lead the Opposition!! But you’d be wasting a thought!! The sad reality that we’re seeing being played out once again - like an attack of déjà vu - is the so-called leaders just spewing incendiary rhetoric to create more Scrapeheads!!
It’s a sad indictment on the shortsightedness of these so-called leaders when they can’t distinguish tactics from strategy.
…to common sense?
Even if Opposition leaders don’t give a hoot about Scrapeheads, how in God’s Name will encouraging them to intimidate, burn and loot businesses get them crossover votes to win the election – like Kamla in TT??
Illegal gun, ammo found at Ann’s Grove; suspect flees
Police officers in Regional Division 4 ‘C’, East Coast Demerara (ECD) recovered an unlicensed 9mm pistol and eight matching rounds of ammunition early Tuesday morning during a patrol in Ann’s Grove Village, ECD.
According to reports, the ranks were conducting a routine operation around 03:00h on Monday when they observed a male on an electric cycle acting suspiciously. Upon seeing the approaching officers, the man quickly dismounted and fled the scene on foot.
A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of the firearm and ammunition. The electric cycle, along with the recovered items, were lodged at the Cove and John Police Station.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Handyman found dead in Linden pool
A69-year-old handyman was found dead Tuesday morning in the swimming pool of the Toucan Mall at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).
According to police reports, Henry Gardener, resided at the mall and reportedly assisted with its upkeep. According to police, Gardener was last seen around 20:00h on Monday, when he and the 67-year-old owner of the
mall conducted routine checks around the premises. The owner told investigators he left Gardener near the pool area.
By 07:20h on Tuesday morning, Gardener’s lifeless body was discovered in the pool. The police were alerted, and ranks from Regional Division 10 responded.
Upon examination of the exposed parts of the body, no marks of violence were observed. Gardener’s remains were subsequently taken to the Pensioner Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination is expected to determine the cause of death. ClosedCircuit Television (CCTV) footage of the incident has since been handed over to the Police.
This latest incident comes on the heels of another tragic case involving 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, who was also found dead in the pool at Double Day hotel, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
Moments after Henry Gardener’s body was found in the pool
Inaugural Arrival Day village launched
…aims to boost exam readiness, celebrate cultural diversity
The Education Ministry has launched its first Arrival Day Village at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown—an initiative aimed at equipping Grades 5 and 6 students with the knowledge needed for their upcoming exams
Grade 5 National Annual Assessment and the National Grade 6 Assessment.
This two-day event offers an engaging experience that aligns with their curriculum.
Students are encouraged
to engage actively, ask questions, and gain firsthand knowledge about Guyana's rich cultural diversity.
The village features exhibitors showcasing traditional foods, textiles, and other cultural artifacts, highlighting the uniqueness of each ethnicity.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand, speaking at the launch, emphasized that this exhibition is part of the government's ongoing efforts to promote cultural appreciation
and understanding among students.
“This morning, it gives me great pleasure to declare the inaugural Ministry of Education's Arrival Day Village. This is something you will see over and over again. To all parents, this village is made up of the social studies content required for your children's learning, for them to be successful at various exams, including the NGSA and CXC social studies and history, I encourage you to send your children to this village over the next two days.”
Meanwhile, the minister used the platform to reaffirm the government's commitment to continuing their efforts through ongoing development initiatives.
“I want you all to know whether you're in Grade Four, or Grade Five, or Grade Six, or high school, that our ancestors—the little ones, the old ones, the people who came before us—all of them withstood very harsh conditions to get here, and all of them struggled in very harsh conditions to stay here and build a better life for you. And that is what we in the government are committed to doing—building a better Guyana day by day so that you could thrive here, whether you live in Region 1 or Region 6.” She added that Guyanese persons owe their ancestors who came here. “We owe them the duty to look after this country so that all
persons can be better.”
The minister also reminded students of the importance of promoting unity. She stressed for them not to go down the path of becoming a bigot in any way, shape, or form, in their school or in their community.
“You are not going to be a bigot in any way, shape, or form, in your school or out of your school, in your community, on social media—whether it be Facebook, or Instagram, or TikTok, or whatever else they have—you are not going to be a bigot because you are bright, young Guyanese children aiming to grow up in a land that is full of love and unity and togetherness, a land that thrives where the government is committed to giving each and every one of you equal opportunities.”
On that note, the minister further urged students to show their ancestors that Guyanese students are will-
ing to do good work to continue their ancestral legacy.
Meanwhile, the minister lent her perspective to the use of technology, on which she highlighted that it should only be used for positive works.
“This smartphone gives you a lot of freedom. You have information old people like me could only get if we walked into a library and equally, you can send information easier than any other generation in the history of the world. And recently, I have been seeing on the internet people who are using that tool that is supposed to make you better, more advanced, more evolved, more informed in a way that portrays them and evidences them as proving them to be unintelligent and backward and you must never fall into that category.”
She mentioned that students must never believe that they are anonymous because their voice is behind a de-
vice where people cannot see them. She further added that if one wants to make remarks online, they must ensure that they can say it in front of cameras or to the public; if not, then it should be regarded by that person as unsayable.
“So if you cannot stand in front of all these cameras and say whatever bad information, then don't write it on the internet or else you'll get caught. You understand what I'm saying? This smartphone has also come with the evolution of smartness of humans to be able to track who is saying what. And we must resolve here that we will use these devices only to spread good information, to spread love, to promote unity, to make sure that the people who struggled and came here didn't waste their time by producing offspring and generations of people who are backward. We owe our ancestors who came here.”
Education Minister Priya Manickchand at a live cane cutting exhibition
APNU under fire for "false, malicious" claims linking Govt Minister to bail release
APartnership for National Unity (APNU) is facing sharp criticism over defamatory allegations leveled against a sitting Magistrate and Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, contained in its latest public statement.
The statement in question, which was released on Tuesday, accused Parag of having a hand in the release of one Glenroy Fraser from remand, on bail in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
APNU claimed that Fraser, who was charged with disrupting the peace, is a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) activist.
ed or directed a judicial officer in the discharge of their functions is entirely false, malicious and fabricated.
This reckless publication by APNU represents a calculated attempt to smear my
However, this was swiftly debunked by Parag, who released a statement on Tuesday denying that she had any hand in Fraser’s release. Parag made it clear that as an Attorney-at-Law by profession, she would not in any way have interfered in the workings of the court.
“The claim that I contact-
name and mislead the public, and it brings the administration of justice into disrepute,” the Minister said.
“As an Attorney-at-Law by profession, I hold unwavering respect for the doctrine of separation of powers and the constitutional independence of the judiciary. Any suggestion that I
would seek to influence the outcome of a judicial proceeding is not only deeply offensive, but also wholly incompatible with the principles I uphold,” Parag also said.
According to the Minister, she is already in talks with her lawyers, with a view of pursuing the appropriate legal action. Parag went on to demand an immediate retraction and public apology from the party, led by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton.
She added, “further, I wish to make it known that I am currently consulting with legal counsel and will be pursuing appropriate legal action against the authors and disseminators of this libellous and injurious publication. I will not allow any falsehood to go unchallenged, and I will defend my name and reputation vigorously and lawfully.”
“I demand the immediate retraction of the press release and a public apology from those responsible for its dissemination, for their
Man placed on 2-year peace bond for
threatening romantic rival
Aman involved in an alleged love triangle was on Friday placed on a two-year peace bond after admitting to threatening the husband of a woman he is allegedly romantically involved with.
Heeranand Boodhram, of Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, charged with threatening language, contrary to Section 14A of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:02.
The charge arose from an incident on Monday, April 21, at Waterloo Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, where Boodhram reportedly used threatening language toward Yugindra Persaud, the husband of a woman Boodhram is reportedly seeing.
Boodhram pleaded guilty with an explanation, claiming that Persaud had threatened to kill him, and
in response, he said: “If you want to kill me, I would bruck you up.”
In court, Boodhram further told the Magistrate that Persaud had been repeatedly urging him to stay away from his wife, but he maintained that Persaud was speaking to the wrong person. “I told him he needs to talk to his wife, not me,” Boodhram said.
Persaud told the court that he and his wife are working on their marriage and that he has tried to avoid conflict. However, during a recent encounter, after dropping his wife off at her mother’s home, he noticed Boodhram allegedly following his car. Finding it suspicious, he claimed that he had called the police. Before their arrival, he said Boodhram blocked his vehicle and threatened him saying, “Do what you want to do...”.
Persaud added that after Boodhram was arrested, he told investigators that he was under the influence of alcohol when he made the threats. Persaud also requested a restraining order, saying he wants no contact due to a child being involved at the residence.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Azore ordered Boodhram to have no contact with Persaud and placed him on a two-year bond to keep the peace.
deliberate attempt to malign both my name and the office I hold, and to cause harm to my reputation,” the Minister added.
In the release, APNU had referenced others who were charged with inciting violence and terrorism and refused bail. This is likely a reference to some of the persons that have been arrested and charged with the violent mayhem that swept the country, in the name of justice for the drowning of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.
What began as calls for justice escalated into chaos as protest actions were hijacked by criminal elements who ignited roadways, looted businesses, and terrorised communities across Georgetown, East Bank Demerara (EBD), West Bank Demerara (WBD), East Coast Demerara (ECD), Berbice, and other areas.
Last week Wednesday, 43 individuals from across Guyana were charged and
remanded to prison in connection with widespread acts of terrorism and looting during coordinated unrest that erupted nationwide last week Monday.
Nineteen more persons were hauled before the courts on Friday last in connection with terrorism, cybercrime, and robbery-related offences stemming from the recent unrest across Georgetown and Berbice, bringing the total number of individuals charged at that point to 62.
Essequibo Coast men face court on separate charges
…1 fined for traffic offence, other charged with child rape
Two Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) men were taken before Suddie Magistrate’s Court on Friday, to answer separate charges, one involving a traffic offence and the other, a serious criminal allegation.
In the first matter, 63-year-old John Bernard Boodhanlall, a driver of Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, was fined $30,000 after pleading guilty to refusing to provide a breath specimen for a breathalyser test. The charge stemmed from a recent traffic stop, and the court imposed the fine following his admission of guilt.
Meanwhile, in an un -
related case, 29-year-old Nazim Paul, a labourer from the Charity Housing Scheme, was charged with rape of a child under 16 years old. The indictable charge was read to him, and he was not required to enter a plea. The prosecutor objected to bail but Paul was released on $200,000 bail. The matter has been adjourned to June 16.
"Crab" charged with murder after stray bullet kills 7-year-old
The man accused of firing the stray bullet that struck and later killed seven-year-old Jeremiah Gustave has now been formally charged with murder.
On Tuesday, Odel Garnette, also known as “Crab,” appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith
McGusty, where the charge against him was upgraded from attempted murder to murder, following the child’s death on March 29.
Jeremiah was shot in the head on July 9, 2024, while sitting at his mother’s food stall on Charles Street, Charlestown, Georgetown during a reported crossfire between two individuals. He spent eight months in a coma and underwent multiple surgeries before succumbing to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the court heard that the previous attempted murder charge has been set aside, and the prosecution has now formally filed a murder charge. Garnette, who has been on remand since October 2024, is scheduled to return to court on May 27.
The case had already entered the trial stage under the previous charge before Jeremiah’s passing.
Meanwhile, the child’s mother, Keisha Gustave, continues to call for full justice, especially after charges were previously withdrawn against a second suspect in the case.
Heeranand Boodhram
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag
Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton
Odel Garnette
Dead: Jeremiah Gustave
Fined: John Bernard Boodhanlall
Rape charge: Nazim Paul
Teen faces fresh charges after initial $1.4M embezzlement case withdrawn
Nineteen-year-old Serena Samuels, a former office assistant of Good Intent, West Bank Demerara (WBD) is once again before the courts, this time facing a new series of charges in connection with alleged financial misconduct at her former workplace, Beacon Roti.
The teen had previously been charged in April for reportedly embezzling over $1.4 million from her employer. However, when she appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday, the prosecution disclosed that, following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), those initial charges had been formally withdrawn.
Samuels, who was en-
trusted with managing daily cash sales and petty cash while employed at Beacon Café on Sheriff Street,
Georgetown, is now facing 11 new charges of larceny by clerk or servant, contrary to Section 184 of the
ERC slams ‘inflammatory’ link...
Suggesting otherwise not only distorts the truth but risks deepening religious misunderstandings in our multi-faith society”.
“Suggesting otherwise distorts the truth and risks deepening religious misunderstandings in our multi-faith society,” the Commission stated.
Under its constitutional mandate, the ERC is tasked with promoting harmony and mutual respect across ethnic and religious lines in Guyana. It warned that
such editorial choices in international reporting, when left unchecked, can fuel intolerance and erode social cohesion in an already emotionally charged environment.
The ERC urged Caribbean Life and Wilkinson to revise the article’s headline and content, noting that such narratives must be grounded in verified facts and approached with cultural sensitivity, especially in plural societies like Guyana’s.
Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The new charges are based on incidents that allegedly occurred throughout March and early April 2024, during which time she is accused of stealing multiple sums of cash that were in her care as part of her duties. The total amount now being alleged in the fresh set of charges exceeds $1.3 million.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Magistrate McGusty explained that Samuels could apply for the $600,000 bail previously posted in the earlier case to be transferred toward the new charges. However,
the transfer would need to be coordinated with the individual who initially posted the bail. Samuel, who appeared unrepresented in court, stated that she was unsure whether she would be able to make contact with that person. The Magistrate advised her that failure to secure the transfer of the bail could result in her being remanded to prison. It remained unclear up to press time whether the transfer had been completed. The original charges stemmed from an internal audit conducted by the business owner, who reportedly discovered that Samuels
had allegedly failed to submit daily cash reports and could not account for large sums over a period stretching from mid-March to early April 2024. Upon discovering a shortfall totaling over $1.4 million, the employer filed a police report. Samuels was arrested and charged shortly after. At her first court appearance, she expressed a desire to reach a compromise and repay the money but noted that she had been unemployed at the time and was facing financial difficulties. With the new charges now formally laid, Samuels is expected to return to court on May 23.
The ERC is mandated by the Constitution of Guyana to "encourage and create respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in a plural society."
In the letter to Wilkinson, the ERC said, “articles like yours, when not carefully framed, can undermine these efforts by fostering misconceptions and intolerance. We urge you to consider revising the headline and content to avoid generalisations about religious practices.” FROM PAGE 16
2nd suspect wanted for murder of clothes vendor “Blackie”
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a wanted bulletin for 29-year-old Calvin Daly of Cocorite Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, who is now the second suspect in the brazen shooting death of popular Albouystown clothes vendor, Datson Davidson, also known as “Blackie.”
The development comes just days after the initial arrest of 33-year-old shopkeeper Colwin Mercurius of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, who was taken into custody mere hours after the incident on Thursday night.
According to the GPF, Daly is being sought for questioning in connection with the same fatal shooting, which has sent ripples of shock and fear through both the Albouystown and East La Penitence commu-
nities.
The incident occurred at about 20:45h at the junction of Cocorite and Freeman Streets, Georgetown in East La Penitence. Witnesses reported a heated argument between Davidson and Mercurius, who were said to be known to each other.
Tensions quickly escalated, and a gunshot was heard after which Davidson, 54, was found lying motionless on the roadway.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were summoned to the scene, where Davidson was pronounced dead by a medical professional. He had reportedly sustained a single gunshot wound. Crime scene investigators later recovered a 9mm pistol, one live round, and a spent shell from the area.
Mercurius was apprehended shortly after the incident.
In August 2011, Mercurius at age 19 was charged with possession of an unlicensed .38 Beretta pistol and six matching rounds. Though he was initially remanded to prison, he was later released.
In 2019, he again faced charges, this time for unlawful possession of a .32 Taurus pistol and ammunition. Police alleged the weapon was found in his crotch, though Mercurius’ attorney claimed it was discovered in a yard occupied by several persons. The firearm was linked to a
robbery committed on April 6, 2019.
Two years later, in 2021, Mercurius was again before the courts for a similar charge after a stop-andsearch operation yielded another .32 Taurus pistol and ammunition.
The case has now taken a new turn with the GPF’s release of a wanted bulletin for Calvin Daly, whom they believe also played a role in the fatal shooting of Davidson.
Police say Daly, who goes by the alias “Blackie,” was last known to reside at Lot 23 Cocorite Street, mere steps from where Davidson was killed. The wanted bulletin, which includes Daly’s photograph, urges anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station. Investigations are ongoing.
Charged, Serena Samuels being escorted by a Police Officer
Wanted: Calvin Daly
Arrested: Colwin Mercurius
Oil rises 3% on signs of
OOIL NEWS
more Europe and China demand, less US output
il prices climbed about three per cent on Tuesday on signs of higher demand in Europe and China, lower production in the United States, tensions in the Middle East and as buyers emerged the day after prices fell to a fouryear low.
Brent futures rose US$1.92, or 3.2 per cent, to settle at US$62.15 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained US$1.96, or 3.4 per cent, to close at US$59.09.
Both benchmarks rose out of technically oversold territory, the day after posting their lowest settlements since February 2021 on a decision by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies like Russia (OPEC+) to boost output.
"The market may be seeing some bottom fishing with a significant amount of profit-taking out of short holdings, a major contributor to today’s price rebound," analysts at energy advisory firm Ritterbusch and Associates said.
Prices also drew support after consumers in China increased spending during the May Day celebration and as market participants returned after the five-day holiday.
The US dollar fell to a one-week low against a basket of currencies as investors grew impatient about trade deals. A weaker US currency makes dollar-priced oil less expensive for buyers using other currencies.
In addition, lower oil prices in recent weeks have prompted some US energy firms like Diamondback Energy and Coterra Energy to announce that they would cut some rigs, which analysts said should over time increase prices by reducing output. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump says bombing of Yemen to stop as Oman confirms US-Houthi ceasefire
President Donald Trump has announced the United States is abandoning its daily bombing campaign of Yemen based on an understanding with the Houthis as Oman confirms that it has brokered a ceasefire between Washington and the armed group.
“The Houthis have announced to us that they don’t want to fight any more. They just don’t want to fight, and we will honour that, and we will stop the bombings,” Trump told reporters in the
White House on Tuesday during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Trump claimed that the Iran-aligned Yemeni group “capitulated” and has promised not to carry out attacks on shipping. It launched those attacks in October 2023 shortly after the war in Gaza started, saying the attacks were in support of Palestinians.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said the two sides have agreed to a ceasefire. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
India strikes Pakistan in aftermath of Kashmir tourist killings, Pakistan retaliates
India attacked nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday with at least three deaths reported, and Pakistan said it was mounting a response as the worst fighting in years erupted between the longstanding enemies.
Armies of the nuclear-armed neighbours exchanged intense shelling and heavy gunfire across their frontier in disputed Kashmir in at least three places, Police and witnesses told Reuters.
India's offensive occurred amid heightened tensions in the aftermath of an attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. Islamist assailants killed 26 men in the April 22 attack, the worst such violence tar-
geted at civilians in India in nearly two decades.
Pakistan said India launched missiles at three places, but an Indian
Government statement did not detail the nature of the strikes. India said it struck "terrorist infrastructure" where attacks against it were
planned and directed.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad was responding to the Indian attacks, but did not provide details. US President Donald Trump called the situation "a shame" and added, "I hope it ends quickly."
A spokesman for the Pakistan military told Reuters: Five Indian aircraft were shot down; Indian planes shot down by Pakistan while they were in Indian airspace; there's been an exchange of fire with Indian troops at multiple places along the ceasefire line in Kashmir and no Pakistani aircraft has been shot down. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Carney stresses Canada will never be for sale in 1st meeting with Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the White House on Tuesday for his first talks with US President Donald Trump and bluntly told the US President that Canada would never be for sale. Carney, who won the April 28 election on a promise to push back against US
tariffs and talk of annexation, later said he had also asked Trump to stop referring in public to Canada as the 51st state.
Overall, Carney termed the meeting as constructive, and said the two sides would start serious talks on a new relationship he insists is needed in the wake of the tariffs.
Trump told reporters the meeting was "great" and noted that he and Carney get along.
"I think the relationship is going to be very strong."
Although Carney has repeatedly called Trump's actions a betrayal, the two leaders showed little animosity
during an opening session at the Oval Office where both men praised each other in front of reporters before meeting privately.
Trump said the two sides would not be discussing Canada becoming part of the United States, but said it would be "a wonderful marriage." (Excerpt from Reuters)
No sense in Gaza ceasefire talks amid Israel’s ‘hunger war’ – Hamas
Hamas will no longer engage in ceasefire negotiations with Israel, seeing no point in doing so “as long as the hunger war and extermination war” continues on the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian group’s senior official.
Basem Naim told the AFP news agency on Tuesday that the international community must pressure the Government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the “crimes of hunger, thirst, and killings” in Gaza.
“There is no sense in en-
US Embassy in Honduras warns citizens of shooting threats
The US Embassy in Honduras warned US citizens to avoid several locations in the capital due to information it received of threatened mass shootings on Tuesday and on May 16.
In a short statement, the Embassy said the three target locations mentioned in the threat were a school, a civic centre, and an unnamed mall in Tegucigalpa.
(Reuters)
to
gaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip,” he said.
Naim’s remarks came a day after Netanyahu said the population of the enclave “will be moved” in an upcoming expanded military operation by Israeli forces that would reportedly entail “the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Drone strikes pound Port Sudan, putting aid deliveries at risk
Explosions and fires rocked Sudan's wartime capital Port Sudan on Tuesday, a witness said, part of a dayslong drone assault that has torched the country's biggest fuel depots and damaged its main gateway for humanitarian aid.
The action included drone strikes by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that targeted Port Sudan's container terminal, British maritime security firm Ambrey reported.
The strikes were the most
intense since the Port Sudan attack began on Sunday, marking a major escalation in the two-year-old conflict.
Drones have played an increasing role in the fighting and helped the army advance earlier this year.
Massive columns of
black smoke billowed from Sudan's main strategic fuel caches near the port and airport on Tuesday, a witness in the city said, while strikes also hit an electricity substation and a hotel near the presidential residence. (Excerpt from Reuters)
A city view of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administrated Kashmir, May 7, 2025 (Reuters/Stringer photo)
Palestinians struggle
get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis [Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo]
Police Officers operate outside the Government's civic centre
CWI Women’s T20 Blaze 2025… Guyana make it three in a row with defeat of Barbados
Guyana’s senior women’s team have defeated their Barbados counterparts by four wickets on Monday night at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In so doing, they have extended their impressive run in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women's T20 Blaze by defeating various opponents in a match for the third time in a row.
Having won the toss, Guyana Women chose to field first; and their bowlers again excelled, restricting Barbados from scoring runs consistently throughout the innings. The only Bajan batters who managed to reach double figures were Kyshona Knight (20 off 27 balls) and Captain Trishan Holder (13 runs).
Barbados ended their 20over innings at just 68 for 9, with Guyana’s Cherry-Ann Fraser and Shabika Gajnabi each taking one wicket, while Nyia Latchman and Sheneta Grimmond each took two.
Nyia Latchman had figures of 2 for 15
Guyana made difficult work of a small target, but eventually got the job done in 18.2 overs of the game. Katana Mentore was the only batter to reach double figures, as she made 14 off 26 balls to lead her team to victory.
Shamilia Connell with 2 for 13 and Keila Elliott with
Sheneta Grimmond had figures of 2 for 7
2 for 11 made the game competitive in the end, but were ultimately left disappointed with their overall team performance.
The Guyana women’s next encounter is against Trinidad and Tobago women at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in Kingstown on May 7th, 2025.
Stabroek Ballerz, Gold
is Money, Ballerz Empire enjoy winners’ circle
The Back Circle Tarmac in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown has been a hive of activity on Monday night as the second round of games in the ‘Settlement of all Arguments’ Futsal tournament was contested.
The Z-Tekk Family registered the first win when they needled Gaza Squad 1-0, then West Side Ballerz edged Broad Street 3-2. MJ Ballerz cruised past Gunners 2-0, while Festival City enjoyed a similar win against Spaniards in the following encounter.
Ballerz Empire defeated Lodge All Stars 3-1, and Stabroek Ballerz got past Bent Street B 3-0. Team
RV and Sophia B played to a 1-all draw, but Gold is Money closed off proceedings with a 1-0 victory over Unity Ballerz.
Teams in the I-Bet Supreme-sponsored tournament are competing for a $500,000 grand prize in this second edition of this street football competition. Second place finisher would be awarded $300,000 while third and fourth place finishers would pocket $150,000 and $100,000 respectively.
The 32 teams in this competition are: Back Circle A, Broad Street, Red Force, West Side Ballers, Back Circle B, Team RV, Genesis, Sophia B, Bent
Project Cricket Gear gives Blairmont players support
Blairmont Cricket Club, a leading producer of youth cricketers on the West Bank of Berbice and generally in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica), is the latest club to benefit from ‘Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana’, the noble initiative that is jointly owned by Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA.
This vibrant cricket club has been presented with one pair of batting pads, one cricket bat, one helmet, and a quantity of cricket balls.
A delighted Shabeer Baksh, long serving player and cricket administrator, has been very thankful for the gear, which he said would be used by junior cricketers of the club.
Facilitators of the project, having noted that they are happy to be part of the development of young cricketers in the area, have promised to continue striving to make every community a safer and better place.
Street A, Thomas St Ballers, Family, Stevedore Ballers, Taliban, Road Warriors, Z-Tekk, Gaza Squad, Gold is Money, Unity Ballers, Lodge Ballers, Ballerz Empire, North East La Penitence, Stabroek Ballers B, Albouystown, Victoria Eagles, Stabroek Ballers A, North Ruimveldt, Laing Avenue, Bent Street B, Festival City, Spaniards, MJ Ballers, and Gunners.
The tournament will continue on Friday, May 9th with more group stage action. The I-Bet-powered competition is billed to conclude on Monday, May 26th, at the same venue.
“We are pleased to be part of the development of young cricketers in Guyana. Our aim is to keep them off the streets and get them actively involved in sports, cricket in particular”, they disclosed.
Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far by this initiative: $610,000 in cash, thirteen coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, thirty- five pairs of cricket shoes, thirty-seven pairs of batting pads, forty-six cricket bats, forty-one pairs of batting gloves, twenty-nine thigh pads, three pairs of wicket- keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, fourteen gear bags, thirteen bat rubbers, seven helmets, one fiberglass bat, one pair of floppy hats, one pair of
inners, sixteen boxes and four of white cricket balls, thirteen boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone and twenty-eight footballs.
In addition to the above, gear valued above $600,000 has been donated by Sheik Mohamed, former national wicketkeeper/batsman.
All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.
To date, ninety-eight players, male and female from all three counties of Guyana, have benefitted directly from receipt of cash, eight gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, thirty-five bats, four boxes, six helmets, thirty-six pairs of cricket shoes, twenty-one pairs of batting pads, twenty-five thigh pads, one bat grip, thirty-eight pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicketkeeping pads and four pairs of wicketkeeping gloves with one pair of inners.
Many others have benefitted indirectly. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area have benefitted from receipt of two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree
Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club have received thirteen coloured uniforms, while RHCCCC received six boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicketkeeping gloves, two sets of stumps and bails.
Other beneficiaries are the Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem, youth coach Travis Persaud (one box of red cricket balls), male and female teams playing the traditional hardball and softball in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65 Young Titans with 30 T-Shirts, youths of Just Try Cricket Club,
Wakenaam Cricket Academy (one box of white balls), Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, Leguan Cricket Committee, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Malteenoes Sports Club (nine cricket balls each), Kendall’s Union Cricket Club with twelve red balls, Lower Corentyne, Corentyne Comprehensive and JC Chandisingh Secondary schools with twelve red balls each, Thaddeus Lovell with one pair of cricket shoes, GCC, two boxes of white cricket balls, Bush Lot United Sports Club, one box of red balls, West Demerara Cricket Association, one box of white balls and Blairmont Cricket Club with one pair of batting pads, one cricket bat, one helmet and cricket balls. Persons interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718-664-0896.
CWI Breakout League 2025…
Guyana Rainforest Rangers likely ousted by Pelicans’ 7-wicket win
Rangers, as he went on to construct a match-winning 102run partnership with Kevin Wickham. Though Wickham couldn’t see his team over the line because he perished for 23; Parris led the Pelicans home and possibly into the tournament’s playoff with an unbeaten 85 off 46 balls. His fiery innings encompassed 5 fours and 7 sixes.
gled in the initial rota-
A decent start for the Guyanese side was overtaken by a nightmare performance when three wickets fell in three consecutive overs, beginning in the 5th. Rivaldo Clarke went back to the dugout first, for 15 off 14, as Kadeem Alleyne of Barbados had the breakthrough. Zeynul Ramsammy then departed for 2, while Kevin Sinclair could only muster a duck.
At that stage, the GRR had fallen from 30 without loss to 39-3. Two overs later, Captain Kemol Savory just could not get going, while a lazy piece of running from Ronaldo Alimohamed cost him his wicket.
Thereafter, Kevlon Anderson and Quentin Sampson did the heavy lifting to produce a 76-run partnership.
With the GRR struggling at 64-5 by the 13th over, Anderson and Sampson turned on the gas
over, bowled by Jediah Blades, was dispatched for 12. Blades,
Ashmead Nedd made up for it in the second over by conceding just 4 runs, the third
however, managed to remove Brathwaite for 10 in that over, and Nedd dismissed Alleyne for
24 off just 13. The introduction of Shaqkere Parris was the harbinger of doom for the Rainforest
The Pelicans got to 1563 in 16.2 overs, and with 7 wickets and 22 balls to spare. Blades, Nedd and Alimohamed each took a wicket.
This loss has likely ended the Rainforest Rangers’ campaign in the inaugural Breakout League, their having won only one game while sustaining four losses in the League stage.
SCOREBOARD
1-0-19-0 Barbados
Kadeem Alleyne c KA Anderson b AR Nedd 24
Shian Brathwaite c †K Savory b J Blades 10
Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast set for massive expansion
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has, for the third consecutive year, pledged its support to the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, which will begin in late June. This tournament would be significantly expanded in its third year, with matches being held in all counties. Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr is strongly supporting the event, having recognised its potential to grow into a significant regional and international competition.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, Minister Ramson Jr, and title sponsors Kares Engineering Inc. are the driving forces behind the tournament's expansion.
Organizers FL Sport now cater to 80 teams across four zones, all competing for one championship.
FL Sport also has
Culture,
plans for a Caribbean tournament, with teams from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica expressing interest in competing against Guyana's best.
The Sport Ministry's
support includes utilizing some upgraded venues from the Government's ground enhancement project. Provision is being made for matches to be held at the Anna Regina Multipurpose Stadium, the Albion Sports
Complex, and the final at the National Stadium at Providence on Sunday, August 3.
FL Sport's Managing Director John Ramsingh, in acknowledging the Sport Ministry's crucial role in the tournament's growth, has said, "Without the keen support from the Ministry, a lot of what we have achieved would not be possible."
Ramsingh added, "His Excellency, the Sport Ministry, and our title sponsor have played key roles in our reaching greater heights each year. With the support, we will undertake a major project this year by carrying matches into the communities."
Ramsingh added that the tournament has grown from 32 teams in its first year to 80 teams in its third year, thanks
to the vision and support of the President, the Sport Minister, and key corporate sponsors.
The 2025 tournament will be held in Berbice on June 28 and 29, then move to the East Bank/ West Demerara region on July 5-6, before being staged in Georgetown/East Demerara on July 19-20. It would move to Essequibo on July 26-27, before the finals are held on August 3.
Each zone will have a limit of 16 teams, except for Georgetown/East Coast Demerara, which will have a maximum of 32 teams.
The top team from each zone will win $300,000 and qualify for the national final, where the winner would receive $1.7 million. The runners-up in the national final will receive $700,000, and the two losing semi-finalists will each receive
$300,000. Each losing finalist in the zone finals would receive $100,000. High-value cash incentives would also be offered for individual performances in the tournament. Registration for the tournament begins on May 14, with a fee of $30,000 per team. FL Sport has noted that further details will be announced later, but urged that registration be on a first come-first served basis. While teams can choose to register in any zone, they can only select one zone.
All zone and national finals will be streamed live on social media and ENet. Previous champions of the tournament are Eccles All-Stars (2023) and Titans All-Stars (2024).
Minister of
Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr (right) handing over the trophy to the captain of the 2024 champions, Leon Johnson
Ashmead Nedd had a tidy spell
Shaqkere Parris outplayed the Rainforest Rangers
Kelon Anderson slammed another half century
Quentin Sampson launched some big hits at the end
The defending champions are back! The Rangpur Riders have confirmed their return to the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), aiming to defend the title they memorably captured in 2024. This year’s event will take place from 10 to 18 July.
Last year’s tournament, staged at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, witnessed the Riders’ triumph over Cricket Victoria in a thrilling final, cementing their place in GSL history. With a combination of dynamic batting, disciplined bowling, and strong leadership, the Riders proved to be deserving champions of an action-packed competition.
The Rangpur Riders, one of the leading franchises in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), bring a rich pedigree to the GSL. Having won the BPL championship in 2017, the Riders have consistently been a playoff contender over the last three sea -
sons, showcasing their reputation for excellence and resilience.
At the 2024 GSL, the Riders were ably led by captain Nurul Hasan, whose astute leadership played a pivotal role in their successful campaign.
Soumya Sarkar emerged as their standout batter, accumulating an impressive 188 runs across five innings, while Kamrul Islam Rabbi spearheaded the bowling attack, claiming seven crucial wickets to finish as the team’s top wicket-taker.
Reflecting on the Riders’ return, Sir Clive Lloyd, Chairman of the ExxonMobil GSL, said:
“We are delighted to welcome back the 2024 GSL champions to this year’s tournament. The Rangpur Riders added tremendous excitement, skill, and professionalism to last year’s event, and were truly worthy winners. We eagerly anticipate their return to Guyana and look forward to witnessing
