(Kaieteur News) – Silver Bullets began their title defence with an opening win as the New Era Entertainment planned ExxonMobil Guyana futsal tournament, now in its 21st edition, began Friday night at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.

In front of an appreciative crowd which included representatives from title sponsors ExxonMobil, namely Ms Latoya Warner, Shamur Denny and Tevin Stewart, along with Upper Demerara Football Association President Wainwright Bethune and Regional Chairman Deron Adams and Town Clerk Lennox Gasper, there were exciting group play round-robin matches for those in attendance.

The opening game pitted Code Ballers against Anunnaki, and this Group C clash ended with victory for Code Ballers who blasted their way to a 12-1 victory.

Part of the action in the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal tournament in Linden.

Dexter Milo was in top form scoring four goals, Duquan Samuels netted thrice with braces from Quasi Andries and Hilton Newland as Darnel Profitt got the other goal. Yance Smith hit in the consolation goal for Anunnaki.

Game two was won by the defending champions Silver Bullers who defeated Rockstone 5-3 playing in Group B.

Siegmund Cobena with a brace and Omar Williams and an own goal were the recorded scorers for Silver Bullets as Orlando Lowe netted twice for the losers.

Then Foundation Family overcame Galactic FC 4-3 in a group D encounter behind a brace by William Europe as Chaka Hall and Marcus Daniels got a goal apiece.

Daniel Gonsales with a double and Adri Gomes the other scored for the losers.

Marine Ballers failed to take the field against DC Ballers in a Group D fixture, but Hard Knocks in what was the night cap game, delivered a 3-1 beating over Attackers, with Delon Charter getting two goals and Omar Brewley the other. Shomor Kovlin hit the lone goal for Attackers.

Play continued Saturday and will resume Friday at the Retrieve Hard Court.

The tournament now in its 21st year, is sponsored by ExxonMobil Guyana for the fifth straight year and has attracted sixteen teams which are bracketed into four groups of four with a preliminary round robin format and the two top teams advancing to the quarterfinals.

The championship has at stake $3M and a winner’s trophy for the champions, $1M goes to the second placed team, with $500,000 and $250,000 respectively for the third and fourth place finishers.

Source: Kaieteur News

Dear Editor,

The tragic sinking of the 87-year-old MV Barima on the night of Saturday July 18, 2026, while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma will be successfully salvaged by BK Group of Companies; the leading business organization in Guyana has been awarded the critical but very important contract because it was the preferred bidder. Few if anyone is more qualified and experienced than the Executive Chairman of BK Group of Companies, Mr. Brian Tiwarie to execute the contract for the lifting and salvage of the MV Barima. With its highly specialized level of marine experience, elite engineers, certified divers, marine salvage specialists’ technical precision, heavy-duty equipment, unmatched capabilities and cutting-edge marine technology, BK Group of Companies is uniquely positioned to successfully execute such a huge and delicate underwater salvage of the state-operated ferry, the MV. Barima.

According to various sources, BK Group of Companies owns and operates the largest and most robust fleet of heavy-duty marine equipment in Guyana, including tugs, barges, boats and specialized cranes necessary to safely raise and stabilize the vessel and bring it to shore. Recognized as one of the largest if not the largest infrastructure and construction firms in the country, BK Group holds the distinction of an unparalleled track record of executing local and international high-stakes infrastructure and marine projects. It is the first and only Guyanese company to be awarded an international contract directly from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Over the years, the company has successfully constructed and repaired significant stretches of roads, schools, stellings, and sea and river defenses designed to prevent flooding on the coastal areas of the country, which is below sea level. Along with the first IDB contract, BK Group of Companies was also awarded several other international contracts funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Union (EU) the British government and the World Bank (WB), to protect the shorelines from floods. Some of the key projects included seawall installations and emergency breach sealings along the low-lying coastal plain spanning from Essequibo to Demerara and to the Berbice coastlines. These projects were rigorously and meticulously supervised and managed by professional experts from the respective international and local agencies and were completed on time. According to its executive Chairman, Mr. Brian Tiwarie, “our company has been known to deliver projects on time and to the standards and guidelines specified in the contracts. We have always fulfilled our obligations and have never failed on any of our contracts, whether funded locally or internationally.” This milestone underscores the company’s exemplary qualities and ability, strict adherence to local and international standards of compliance, safety, operational and regulatory excellence.

Given its deep roots in Guyana and world class capabilities, BK Group of Companies is a company accustomed to successfully managing huge projects and mobilizing considerable resources. Anyone familiar with the scale of BK’s activities in Guyana will recognize that this company more than any other is fully equipped and capable to complete the salvaging of the MV Barima swiftly, safely and efficiently. Contrary to some fictitious claims that the company does not have any salvaging experience, the BK Group of Companies in 2014, salvaged one of its largest barges on the Demerara river and a boat in the Berbice river. The truth is BK group of Companies is a well-established Guyanese company that is entrusted with an extraordinary massive marine recovery operation in the country and perhaps in the Caribbean, If nothing else, it deserves a fair opportunity to demonstrate to the nation what it can accomplish. This is a significant and excellent achievement for a local company, and it will provide valuable experience for other local companies to exemplify.

Furthermore, Mr. Tiwarie’s extensive practical business knowledge and skills, vast experience and unlimited ability and expertise have led many of his contemporaries to conclude that he has the “Midas Touch” which means that everything he touches turns into ‘Gold.’ It also means that Guyanese can be assured that BK Group of Companies will do a superb job to raise the MV. Barima because it has been incredibly successful in all its contracts, local and international. For decades, the company has been the cornerstone of the country’s infrastructural and national development and is perhaps the only local company to have such an impeccable and unblemished track record. Congratulations to Mr. Brian Tiwarie for accepting such a sensitive project and be assured that he will make all Guyanese proud.

Sincerely,

Dr. Asquith Rose 

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – The police account of the incident in which shots were fired in Kitty at a vehicle in which was the leader of the opposition, brings back haunting and uncomfortable memories of one of the darkest eras of Guyana. And it specifically brings back memories of the assassinations of WPA activists, Ohene Koama, Edward Dublin and Walter Rodney.

Ohene Koama was shot and killed in Georgetown by the police on November 28, 1979. He was just 36 years old. The police version of the killing was officers had seen Koama place a bulky bag in the trunk of his vehicle. When they approached him, he allegedly pulled a firearm from the bag. The police then shot and killed him.

However, residents who said they witnessed the incident gave a substantially different account. They reportedly said that Koama had just turned into Roxanne Burnham Gardens, where he lived, when two police vehicles approached, one in front and one behind. As he got out of his car, plainclothes policemen opened fire. Eusi Kwayana, the WPA’s co-founder, had testified that residents described the shooting as being carried out in cold blood.

The residents challenged the police account on two grounds. First, the size of the firearm described by police was such that it could not fit into the car’s trunk. Second, the rifle would have had to be assembled before it could be fired.

What makes the incident particularly significant is that the police claimed Koama had been carrying a cache of weapons in the trunk of his car, but subsequent testimony raised serious questions about the police version of events. Years later, evidence before the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry introduced an even more disturbing allegation that the weapons had been planted in his vehicle as part of a planned assassination.

During the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry in January 2015, a former security person testified that had operated as a double agent within the WPA, passing information to the state. He also said – and which was known publicly – that the PNC government had a death squad. This witness said that he was warned by a member of the death squad to distance himself from Koama because there was a plot to kill him. He indicated that the purpose of planting weapons was to portray the intended victim as dangerous, thereby providing the police with a justification for killing him. This it was said was an  established practice of the death squad.

Koama’s killing was not an isolated incident in the history of the WPA’s confrontation with the Burnham dictatorship. A few months later in February 1980, Edward Dublin, another WPA activist was shot and killed.  And in June of the same year, Dr. Walter Rodney was assassinated.

During the political protests following the 1997 elections, a grenade was thrown into the building housing the studio of NTN Channel 69.  A security guard was killed. A PNCR activist who had attended Saint Stanislaus College was said to have masterminded the operation.

But the PPPC has also been accused of engaging in acts of political violence. Following the 1997 protests, there was an explosion at the Pegasus Hotel. Despite the commotion caused and the evacuation of the building, one of the guests remained locked in his room and did not respond despite repeated attempts to get him out of his room. This person who died years later, was close to persons in the PPPC leadership. He was suspected of taking the device into the hotel.

Years later, on March 10, 2015, Courtney Crum-Ewing, aged 40, was walking through Diamond with a bullhorn, urging residents to vote against the incumbent PPP/C government in the May 11 elections. Residents reported hearing an initial gunshot followed by four shots in rapid succession. His body was found at the intersection of Third Avenue and Back Street. He had been shot five times. Fingers were pointed at the PPPC over that assassination.

Guyana must never return to the dark era of state-sponsored violence, when political opponents could be targeted, intimidated or even marked for assassination. The recent reported shooting incident at the vehicle in which the Leader of the Opposition was, demands an independent and credible investigation.

If the Government has nothing to hide, it should have nothing to fear from an impartial inquiry. Indeed, it should welcome one as an opportunity to dispel suspicion and establish the truth. Some quiet but firm prodding from the foreign diplomatic missions would also be welcome in forcing the government to establish such an investigation.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Source: Kaieteur News

Dear Editor,

As a public communications analyst, I was looking forward to the state visit of His Majesty King Charles III to Guyana, given its historical significance and the opportunity it presented for Guyana to showcase its growth, development, and standing as a modern republic.

However, the visit was overshadowed by various protests and demonstrations involving citizens expressing dissatisfaction with several national issues.

To be clear, freedom of speech and the constitutional right to peaceful public assembly are not in question. These are fundamental democratic rights that must be respected and protected.

Guyana has undergone significant economic transformation and has increasingly positioned itself as an important contributor to regional development within the Caribbean. Consequently, international engagements of this magnitude provide opportunities to demonstrate national progress, institutional maturity, and our capacity to welcome international partners.

Nevertheless, public unrest and heightened political tensions during such an important diplomatic engagement risk projecting an image of national division to the international community.

Every citizen must have the opportunity to express their opinions, concerns, and dissatisfaction. However, civic responsibility also requires that demonstrations be conducted peacefully, respectfully, and with consideration for the wider national interest, regardless of the cause being advocated.

National pride and freedom of expression should not be mutually exclusive. We must find a balance between exercising our democratic rights and demonstrating the maturity expected of a developing nation with growing international influence.

Sincerely,

Blane R Bunbury

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – The mind can be a funny thing.  Mine played a trick on me, did a somersault.  Now that King Charles III came and went, it’s confession time.  He should come again.  Guess who would lead the parade, the welcoming party?  Incidentally, there could be a temporary halt to calls for an apology and its grandaddy -money (reparations).  Really, he should come again.  Here’s why.

Whether in a taxi, or driving around, there are the signs!  All over Georgetown.  His distant granddaddy would have been pleased with the PPP for keeping the name.  The signs tell many stories.  Only a few are presented today.  Sand heaped in neat, respectable mounds at the edge of the streets.  Multiple construction sites in the city tidied up to honor a king.  Who cares that he was an ornament who hung around his mother’s skirts well past the age of 60?  If ever there was a praying man, it had to be the patient Prince of Wales, Charles Phillip Arthur George.  By George!  He was praying for his mum.  For her to go on a trip.  So, he could tryout the throne.  But here he came, and the PPP Govt. was all aflame.  I just spoke of neat streets.

When was the last time that any Guyanese driver, pedestrian, or motorcyclist could recall seeing bright, fresh, appealing road signs?  I did and my lens are on the Coke bottle side.  Road markers arrayed in a straight line.  Road cops looking every inch like traffic cops and not rogue cops.  Bobbies without the pirate hats (and the BBC accents).  The man who stole the show was not Pres. Ali, notwithstanding the operatic showman he is.  It was Guyana’s Traffic Doctor, Senior Supt. Mahendra Singh.  Turn left.  Don’t turn right.  No straightaway ahead.  Go East.  Stay away from the west.  North is out, south is in, and the more southerly the better.  Mr. Traffic in Guyana was Mr. Mahendra Singh.  Keep it moving, blokes.  Can’t keep the king waiting.

Where he found the uniformed bodies from doesn’t interest me.  It’s how they were marshalled and sent on their road missions by Mr. Mahendra.  Arise, Sir Mahendra!  Take a knee.  He deserves the accolades.  Well done, sir!  Now, there’s a favor to ask, just a little one, sir.  Can Guyanese be graced with this same kind of traffic diligence, traffic discipline, and traffic detail daily, please?  Saturday is on me, and Sunday is an extra freebie.  With 14 national holidays, that’s another two weeks off from the grind of the roads for both Mr. Mahendra’s men and the men and women of this mad, mad, mad, world called Guyana.

Revisiting my hard words, I owe King Charles III an apology.  Never mind that he can’t stop looking down his nose at hot, sweaty natives, and whisper an apology (who’s going to hear amid the thunderous vibrations of national noise nuisances!).  My apology is for all the improvements he made happen in Guyana, during his flying 48-hour visit.  Pres. Ali was all warm and fuzzy, touchy-feely, and cheerios.  Warning: the British are too fond of hugging.  Rather ghastly, bad form, and all that blather….  Vice President Jagdeo walked the straightest that I have ever seen.  Prime Minister Phillips changed overnight.  He developed a huge tolerance for noise.  Bishop Edghill got so lost in God Save the King that he forgot about saving himself.  C’mon, there has to be a place for the Hon Anil.  Oh yes, rule of law in action: The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Azruddin Mohamed got arrested.  Again.  (More soon [after the king leaves]).  It was good news for the British High Commissioner: he didn’t have lookout from the corner of his eye to check if Guyana’s Opp. Leader was bearing down on him with hand outstretched, and bent on making his day.

Only a monarch of extraordinary prowess could have made all this possible.  Thus, I am jumping on the bandwagon.  Do come again, Highness.  Lighten up Guyanese lives.  Give Guyanese something to celebrate.  An apology and some money could convert me into a believer, and supporter of the monarchy.  I trust that the British High Commission will convey my gratitude and regards.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) is delighted to announce Mohabir’s Construction as the official sponsor of the G$1 million first prize for its highly anticipated T10 Fundraiser Tournament, scheduled for Sunday, November 22, 2026, at the LBI Ground.

This substantial sponsorship represents a major investment in cricket development and demonstrates Mohabir’s Construction’s commitment to supporting young talent, community

engagement and the continued growth of the sport throughout Demerara.

At a presentation ceremony held at the DCB Office on Regent Street, Managing Director of Mohabir’s Construction, Ms. Mandy Mohabir, presented the sponsorship contribution to DCB

Competition Committee member Mr. Yeuraj Khemraj, in the presence of representatives of both organisations.

By sponsoring the tournament’s G$1 million first prize, Mohabir’s Construction has assumed a prominent role in supporting one of Demerara’s exciting cricket initiatives, helping to strengthen the tournament’s appeal while contributing directly to the DCB’s wider development objectives.

Officials of Mohabir’s Construction and the Demerara Cricket Board during the presentation of the sponsorship.

DCB Competition Committee Chairman Mr. Avishkar Ramgobin expressed appreciation for the company’s generous support. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Mohabir’s Construction as the official sponsor of the G$1 million first prize. This significant contribution demonstrates tremendous corporate confidence in our vision.

Beyond the excitement of competition, this tournament is designed to create opportunities for young cricketers, strengthen grassroots development and invest in the future of the game. We sincerely thank Mohabir’s Construction for this outstanding partnership.”

Managing Director of Mohabir’s Construction, Ms. Mandy Mohabir, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to community and youth development.

“We are proud to partner with the Demerara Cricket Board and sponsor the G$1 million first prize. We believe strongly in investing in young people and supporting initiatives that unite communities. Cricket has a remarkable ability to inspire and develop talent, and we are delighted to contribute to the continued growth of the sport.”

The tournament will bowl off at 10:00 a.m. and continue into the evening under floodlights, featuring eight franchises competing for the coveted G$1 million championship prize.

The participating franchises are Premier Insurance, Lusignan Bulls, Guyana Police Force, Mike’s Tynor XI, Young Rivals, Mae’s Spartans, Upper Demerara Titans and Transport Trailblazers.

Admission is G$1,000, with proceeds dedicated to the development of boys’ and girls’ cricket at the grassroots level throughout Demerara.

In keeping with the tournament’s developmental objectives, each franchise will be permitted a 15-player squad, comprising at least 12 players from Demerara and a maximum of three from outside the county.

Each franchise must also include at least two Under-19 players, with a minimum of one featuring in the starting XI.

These requirements are designed to provide emerging cricketers with meaningful exposure and opportunities to compete alongside experienced players.

The DCB encourages cricket enthusiasts, families, corporate supporters and the wider public to attend and support this exciting initiative, which combines competitive cricket with a meaningful investment in youth development.

The Board extends its sincere gratitude to Managing Directors Mr. Jaspal Mohabir and Ms. Mandy Mohabir, together with the entire Mohabir’s Construction team, for their generous sponsorship and confidence in the DCB’s developmental vision.

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – Residents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) now have another fast-food option following the opening of a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet at Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice, on Sunday.

The multi-million-dollar establishment adds to the commercial landscape of the busy Rosignol strip, which is already lined with several established fast-food outlets and other businesses.

KFC’s new location at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice.

KFC, one of Guyana’s most popular fast-food brands, has a large customer base across the country. The company said the opening of the new branch reflects its commitment to making its products more accessible to customers outside Regions Three and Four, where most of its outlets are concentrated.

Paul Subryan, Chief Executive Officer of KFC, confirmed to Kaieteur News that the Rosignol outlet is the company’s 13th branch in Guyana. He also disclosed that plans are underway to establish another outlet in Region Six, which he anticipates will be completed by the end of 2027.

Speaking at Sunday’s opening ceremony, Subryan said the investment represents the company’s confidence in Berbice’s growth and its commitment to creating employment and business opportunities in communities across Guyana.

“The opening of KFC Rosignol is about more than expanding our restaurant network. It represents our confidence in the continued growth and potential of Berbice and our commitment to bringing investment, employment and new opportunities to communities across Guyana. We are particularly pleased to create opportunities for residents to develop their skills and build careers within our business, while making the KFC experience more accessible to families and customers in Berbice,” he said.

CEO of KFC, Paul Subryan.

Subryan said the decision to establish a branch in Rosignol was largely influenced by the strong demand for the company’s products among Berbicians.

“When you look at school events, the number of No. 50 and No. 63 minibuses that frequent our stores is overwhelming. It’s amazing to see the kind of passion that Berbicians view our brand with. That’s the main reason why we’re here. We want to meet them,” he said.

The CEO also expressed confidence that the new establishment would contribute to economic activity in the surrounding communities, including by increasing the value of nearby properties and creating employment.

“When you have a modern building like this, obviously it takes up the real estate value of the areas around you. And in terms of the economy, most of our employees are coming from around these areas,” he stated.

Senior officials at the opening ceremony disclosed that construction of the facility began in mid-2026.

The new staff at the Rosignol outlet.

The new outlet features a drive-through service, while plans are also underway to install self-service kiosks that will allow customers to place orders and make payments using their bank cards.

Subryan said the branch currently provides employment for nearly 40 people drawn from Rosignol and other communities across Region Five.

The company’s payroll is also expected to accommodate security and transportation service providers, with arrangements currently being finalised.

The local KFC franchise is operated by Beharry Restaurant Operations, a subsidiary of the Beharry Group.

Source: Kaieteur News

Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed is set to appear at the Georgetown Magistrate’s  Court this morning, after a order was signed for him to be brought before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman in person for the continuation of extradition proceedings involving himself and his father, businessman Nazar Mohamed.

The family of Azruddin Mohamed has claimed that he has been kept in inhumane conditions at the Lusignan Prison. The prison service has denied this. 

Mohamed was on Friday remanded to police custody by Magistrate Abigail Gibbs following his arrest last Wednesday in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged payment of money to a Police Constable for the unauthorised release of CCTV footage relating to an October 12 shooting incident outside the residence of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch.

During the remand hearing, the prosecution raised concerns about the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing nature of the investigation. Mohamed’s defence team opposed his continued detention and maintained that he should be granted bail. However, Magistrate Gibbs ordered that he remain in custody as the investigation continues.

The footage was subsequently presented to reporters during a press conference held by Mohamed, who has disputed the police’s account of the shooting incident.

The extradition proceedings, which are separate from the ongoing police investigation, stem from a request by the United States Government for the surrender of Mohamed and his father to face fraud, money laundering and related charges.

Source: Kiskadee Watch