A man sustained burns to his left shoulder and back after a gas cylinder reportedly exploded while he was cooking at his Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara house.

The house was also destroyed.

The Guyana Fire Service, in a statement, said firefighters from the Leonora Fire Station responded to the incident with Water Tender #133, Water Carrier #28 and Ambulance #25 under the command of Section Leader Corbin.

Upon arrival, the crew found the building completely engulfed in flames and immediately launched a coordinated firefighting operation to bring the blaze under control.

Their efforts successfully contained the fire to the affected building, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

The injured person received immediate medical attention from Emergency Medical Technicians at the scene before being transported to a hospital for further treatment.

Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine its cause.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE

(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Police Force (GPF) Cricket Club produced a disciplined all-round performance to defeat Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) by five wickets in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Panther Security Inc. Second Division T20 Competition on Sunday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

After restricting GCC to 130-8 in their allotted 20 overs, the Police outfit responded with 133-5 in 16.1 overs, completing the chase with 23 deliveries to spare.

GPF handed GCC a 5-run defeat in the latest round of the ongoing Panther Security T20.

Batting first, GCC relied on contributions from Timothy McAlmont, who top-scored with 33 off 28 balls, including four fours and a six.

Former West Indies batsman Leon Johnson added 26 from 34 deliveries, while Tyree Glasgow struck 20 off 16 balls and Dhanesh Persaud contributed 19 from 16 deliveries.

However, GPF’s bowlers kept the scoring in check, preventing GCC from building the substantial total needed to put the home side under pressure.

Dwayne Dick led the bowling effort with an economical spell of 2-15 from four overs, including a maiden. Ameer Mohamed claimed 2-21, while Lennox Andrews took 2-30. Kapildeo Charandeen chipped in with 1-22.

In reply, GPF made light work of the target, with Pernell London setting the tone through an aggressive innings of 39 from just 17 deliveries. His knock featured five fours and two sixes, providing the early impetus for the successful chase.

Andrew Lyte continued the momentum with a brisk 26 off 20 balls, while Dick contributed 19 from 15 deliveries to keep the Police side firmly on course.

Kyle Michael then played a steadying role, remaining unbeaten on 30 from 32 balls, while Mohamed finished not out on nine to guide GPF to victory at 133-5 in 16.1 overs.

Despite the defeat, Persaud was the standout bowler for GCC, claiming 3-14 from his four overs, while Kishon Singh supported with 2-34.

GPF’s victory was built on an effective bowling performance that restricted GCC to a manageable total, followed by an assertive batting display led by London and supported by valuable contributions throughout the order.

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – Guyana is set to host more than 140 representatives from governments, communities and organisations for the Second Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) Conference and Financing Forum, as the country continues to push for greater investment in protecting nature and advancing sustainable development.

The two-day event will be held on October 30 and 31 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown under the theme, “Investing in Nature: From Global Commitments to Practical Action.”

In a press release the Department of Public Information (DPI) said the conference forms part of Guyana Nature and Biodiversity Finance Week and will bring together political leaders, financial institutions, investors, scientists, Indigenous Peoples and local communities to examine how global biodiversity commitments can be translated into practical action. A major focus will be mobilising public and private financing for biodiversity protection, while ensuring that conservation efforts also support livelihoods and economic development. Discussions will explore financing mechanisms including blended finance, green and biodiversity bonds, carbon and biodiversity markets, and funding through multilateral institutions.

The conference follows the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit, which Guyana hosted from July 23 to 25, 2025. The second gathering is expected to build on that foundation by strengthening international cooperation and examining how biodiversity-rich countries can develop and finance conservation initiatives that can be implemented and scaled.

The programme will also highlight Indigenous and community stewardship, youth innovation and scientific monitoring, while reviewing progress in expanding biodiversity conservation areas and strengthening the Alliance’s institutions. The opening day is expected to feature a leaders’ plenary, discussions on biodiversity finance and sessions examining the role of young people and women in conservation. An exhibition and opportunities for partnership-building will also form part of the programme. The second day will focus on the Financing Forum, with attention on investment mechanisms and the public policies needed to support them, alongside regional discussions and practical financing sessions.

The meeting is expected to conclude with a review of key findings, agreements reached and next steps for participants. With more than 140 members expected to participate, the Second GBA Conference and Financing Forum is positioned to advance the global biodiversity conversation from commitments towards investment, implementation and measurable action.

Source: Kaieteur News

…says former PNCR leader’s legacy of local government reform must live on

(Kaieteur News) – The Georgetown Mayor and City Council will explore naming a street after late former People’s National Congress (PNC) leader and attorney Robert Corbin, as well as establishing an annual youth award in his honour.

Mayor Alfred Mentore made the announcement on Monday evening while addressing Corbin’s family, friends and comrades at his wake at Congress Place, Sophia.

Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Moore

Mentore said the council should find ways to ensure Corbin’s contribution to Guyana is remembered, particularly his work in local government and his relationship with young people.

“At the level of the council, I would implore my councilors to look at some kind of civic arrangement that we could put in place for the late Robert Herman Orlando Corbin,” the mayor said.

He added: “Even with the naming of a street after Mr. Corbin, it is something that we will do at the level of the council to ensure that we can remember the name Robert Orlando Corbin.”

Corbin, who held several senior positions in government, including minister and prime minister, died on October 10. He also served as leader of the opposition and head of the PNC. He was a prominent figure in Guyana’s political landscape and advocated for stronger local government and greater autonomy for municipalities.

Corbin’s daughter, Justice Fidela Corbin interacts with supporters during the wake.

Reflecting on Corbin’s work, Mentore said the former political leader played an important role in shaping legislation affecting local authorities, including the Georgetown City Council.

He recalled Corbin’s involvement in matters relating to local government administration and the transfer of funds to municipalities, noting that his advocacy remained relevant.

The mayor said despite legislation being passed to support local authorities, the council still faces difficulties obtaining resources from central government.

“Even as we stand now, even though those bills became acts or those bills became law, the government still frustrates the council to not provide those resources,” Mentore said.

He pledged that the council would continue to press for the issues Corbin championed to be addressed.

A section of the gathering at the event Monday evening.

Mentore also proposed an annual award to recognise young people in communities, pointing to Corbin’s connection with youth and his work with communities across the country.

“I’m also of the view that we need to look at matters as it relates to some kind of youth award, some initiative of the council where on a yearly basis we can look at people in the various communities and award those persons,” he said.

He urged young people to learn more about Corbin and other political figures who helped shape Guyana’s history, encouraging them to read and form their own views about their contributions.

Mentore also pointed to Corbin’s record on political and electoral reform, saying there were lessons to be learnt from his approach to advocacy as the country continues to debate reforms to the electoral system and the voters’ list.

The mayor’s remarks suggest that the proposed street naming and youth award will have to be explored at the council level before any formal arrangements are confirmed.

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-organised KSM Investment Inc. 50-over First Division tournament will reach a crucial stage on Saturday, with Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Rose Hall Canje, Tucker Park and Port Mourant battling for places in the final.

The two semifinal matches will be played at the Rose Hall Town Community Centre Ground and the historic Port Mourant Cricket Ground, with both encounters scheduled to begin at 9:30 am.

The four teams advanced after emerging as winners of their respective zones in the round-robin competition, which featured 13 teams from across Berbice.

Kevin Sinclair

At the Rose Hall Town Community Centre Ground, the visiting Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour will face the home team, Rose Hall Canje, in what promises to be a competitive contest between two sides boasting considerable talent.

Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour will be led by former national all-rounder Clinton Pestano, with Test players Kevlon Anderson and Kevin Sinclair expected to spearhead their batting effort.

They will receive support from Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, Javed Karim, Jason Sinclair, the promising Leon Reddy, and all-rounders Eon Hooper and Keith Simpson.

Pestano and national fast bowler Sylus Tyndall are expected to lead the visitors’ pace attack, while the spin department will feature off-spinners Rampersaud, the Sinclair brothers and Hooper, alongside left-arm spinners Simpson and teenage prospect Jayden Goupat.

However, the home team will be eager to capitalise on familiar conditions as they pursue a place in the final.

Rose Hall Canje’s batting will be led by the exciting Sanjay Algoo, captain Adrian Hetmyer, Romario Ramdehol, Richard Ramdehol, Rajindra Beharry and Luke Amsterdam.

National fast bowler Isai Thorne will spearhead the home side’s bowling attack, supported by medium-pacers Gautam Dhanraj, Raymond VanTenie, Algoo, Hetmyer and Devon Wharton.

The spin-bowling responsibilities will be shared by the Ramdehol brothers and promising youngster Brandon Grimmond.

The second semifinal at the Port Mourant Cricket Ground will see Tucker Park take on the home side, Port Mourant, with both teams seeking to secure their place in the championship match.

Tucker Park will be led by experienced campaigner Nial Smith and feature Zeymul Ramsammy, Kwesi Mickle, Garfield Benjamin, Gilbert Griffith, Thierry Henry, Kevin Kisten, Nigel Deodat and Mical Amsterdam.

Their experience and depth will be tested by a Port Mourant side led by former national player Damodar Cameron.

Port Mourant will rely on a group of promising young players, including Rampersaud Ramnauth, Romeo Deonarain, Rampersab Ramnauth, Ruben Latcha, Balram Chappelle and Munesh Rampersaud, as they look to make home advantage count.

Source: Kaieteur News

…points to falling case clearance rates, court delays, financial accountability

(Kaieteur News) – Attorney-at-law Christopher Ram has warned that confirming Guyana’s acting Chancellor and Chief Justice will do little to improve the administration of justice unless deeper problems affecting judicial performance, court management and financial accountability are addressed.

In a business and economic commentary dated 13^th October,2026, Ram said the prolonged reliance on acting appointments to fill the Judiciary’s two highest offices must be resolved, but argued that the focus on confirmation was overshadowing more fundamental deficiencies within the justice system.

“Even if both acting officeholders were confirmed tomorrow, there is little reason to believe that such appointments, without accompanying reforms, would significantly improve the administration of justice,” Ram stated.

Attorney at Law, Christopher Ram

He argued that the Judiciary’s performance must be assessed by results rather than the amount of money spent, the number of judges appointed or the modernisation initiatives undertaken.

While acknowledging improvements such as additional judges, upgraded facilities, electronic filing and virtual hearings, Ram said the Judiciary’s own statistics raised serious questions about its ability to dispose of cases efficiently.

Citing page 30 of the Judiciary’s 2023 Annual Report, he noted that the Demerara Judicial Registry’s clearance rate for Statements of Claim plunged from 54.8 per cent in 2021 to 4.7 per cent in 2023.

The clearance rate for Fixed Date Applications also fell from 88.3 per cent in 2022 to 25.4 per cent in 2023.

In actual numbers, Statements of Claim concluded dropped from 204 in 2021 to just 16 in 2023, while Fixed Date Applications concluded declined from 1,653 in 2022 to 486.

Ram said the Court of Appeal presented a similarly troubling picture. According to page 26 of the same report, 361 matters were filed in 2023, but only 163 were disposed of, representing a disposal-to-filing ratio of approximately 45 per cent, down from 76 per cent in 2021.

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Roxane George

“These are not allegations by dissatisfied litigants but figures published by the Judiciary itself, which require explanation and, where necessary, corrective action,” he said.

Ram acknowledged that changes in reporting methodology, staffing or case classification might account for some of the declines. However, he argued that the Judiciary should explain the figures and publish comparable data for 2024 and 2025.

He said the public was entitled to know how many cases remained outstanding, their age, how long judgments had been reserved and what measures were being taken to reduce delays.

“Judicial independence protects judges against interference in deciding cases; it does not exempt the administration of the courts from scrutiny,” he stated.

Court performance and accountability

Ram pointed to the temporary appointments of Justices Arif Bulkan and Rafeek Khan as evidence that experienced and productive judges could help reduce outstanding cases.

Their contribution, he argued, suggested that the problem was not simply the number of judges available, but also how effectively judicial resources were deployed.

He also questioned the extent of financial accountability within the Judiciary, noting that the institution enjoys constitutional financial and administrative autonomy under Articles 122A and 222A of the Constitution, including funding through a direct charge on the Consolidated Fund.

Article 223, he added, requires the Auditor General to audit the accounts of all courts.

“Financial independence is essential, but it cannot become an exemption from accountability,” Ram said.

He cited the Supreme Court’s 2022 Annual Report, which recorded approximately $3.59 billion in funding and $3.20 billion in expenditure. According to Ram, the report contained financial schedules but no identifiable accompanying independent audit opinion.

He further pointed to the Auditor General’s 2024 Annual Report, which identified completed audits of the Supreme Court’s financial statements for 2015, 2016 and 2017, but did not identify corresponding audits for subsequent years.

Ram questioned whether financial statements for later years had been prepared and audited, and where the resulting reports could be examined.

He also criticised delays in the publication and presentation of the Judiciary’s annual reports. The 2022 report was laid before the National Assembly in January 2024, while the 2023 report was not laid until November 2025. He noted that reports for 2024 and 2025 were not listed on the Judiciary’s website at the time of his commentary.

“As an officer of the court, I regard judicial independence as indispensable, but the Judiciary cannot insist that other public authorities comply with the law and account for public funds while treating its own obligations as secondary,” he said.

“Having more money is no substitute for proper financial management.”

Appointments must be based on merit

Turning to the constitutional impasse over the substantive appointments, Ram noted that Article 127 requires agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition for the appointment of a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice.

However, he argued that acting appointments should not automatically entitle the officeholders to confirmation.

He said appointments to the Judiciary’s highest offices should follow a transparent, merit-based process that considers legal competence, integrity, experience, administrative ability, leadership and a commitment to meaningful judicial reform.

Acting Chief Justice, Navindra Singh

Ram also argued that other qualified candidates deserved consideration, pointing to the respective judicial careers of Justice Deo Rishi Persaud and acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh.

Persaud was appointed to the High Court in 2004 and the Court of Appeal in 2017, while Singh was appointed to the High Court in 2012 and the Court of Appeal in 2025.

Ram acknowledged that the differences in their career timelines did not automatically determine who should be appointed, but said they demonstrated why confirmation should not be treated as a foregone conclusion.

“Neither seniority nor incumbency should replace a proper assessment of merit,” he stated.

Ram maintained that the constitutional appointments impasse should be resolved, but warned against confusing that outcome with meaningful reform of the justice system.

He argued that even if the acting Chancellor and Chief Justice were confirmed immediately, outstanding cases would remain, reserved judgments would still need to be delivered, and questions about judicial performance and financial accountability would persist.

“The fundamental problem is not the absence of substantive titles but the need for effective leadership, efficient judicial administration and meaningful accountability. Unless these deficiencies are addressed, confirmation is unlikely to produce any significant improvement in the delivery of justice,” Ram concluded.

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – Japhet Khan produced a brilliant all-round performance to spearhead Rose Hall Town Poonai’s Pharmacy into the final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/Faizal Jaffarally Under-12 tournament on Sunday, as they crushed Cotton Tree Cricket Club by 125 runs at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

Khan struck a commanding 65 before returning with the ball to claim two wickets, inspiring the home side to a comprehensive victory in humid conditions in front of a fair-sized crowd.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Rose Hall Town Poonai’s Pharmacy endured an early setback, losing openers Eon Dhanpat and Daniel La Cruz for ducks to slump to 8-2 in the second over.

The winning Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy team

However, Khan and Ejaz Ishmael steadied the innings with a crucial 100-run partnership for the third wicket, rebuilding the home team’s position and laying the foundation for a competitive total.

Ishmael was eventually dismissed for a patient 34, while Khan continued to dominate with a mature innings of 65, which included four sixes and nine boundaries.

Captain Jarrel Grant and Berbice Under-13 player Lamar La Fleur then combined for a valuable 60-run partnership for the fifth wicket, pushing Rose Hall Town towards a formidable total.

Grant contributed 21, including one six and one four, before being brilliantly caught on the midwicket boundary with the score at 176-5 in the 20th over.

La Fleur remained unbeaten on 35, striking four boundaries and a six, while Tamesh Narine finished unbeaten on two as Rose Hall Town Poonai’s Pharmacy posted 180-5 from their allotted 20 overs.

Aaron Laurie was the pick of the Cotton Tree bowlers, claiming 2-36.

Chasing 181 for victory and a place in their first-ever Berbice junior final, Cotton Tree struggled against a disciplined Rose Hall Town bowling attack.

The visitors were dismissed for a paltry 55 in 16.3 overs, suffering a comprehensive defeat as none of their batters managed to reach double figures. A.R. Ganesh top-scored with six, while extras contributed a team-high 34 runs.

Ejaz Ishmael delivered an economical spell, claiming 2-10 from four overs, while Khan continued his outstanding afternoon with 2-8 from three overs.

Eon Dhanpat, Grant, Navo Raghoo and La Cruz chipped in with one wicket apiece, while two Cotton Tree batters were run out to complete the rout.

Source: Kaieteur News

(Kaieteur News) – Davion Mars maintained his unbeaten run in the Pegasus Weekly Chess League, recording his fifth consecutive victory to retain sole possession of first place as the seven-round tournament resumed following its Chess Olympiad break.

The Pegasus Weekly Chess League is presented by Drayton’s Chess Club in partnership with the Pegasus Chess Club and the Guyana Chess Federation.

Davion Mars (left) in action against Ryan McKay

Round five, contested on Monday, October 12, at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, produced several closely fought encounters and notable shifts in the standings, with just two rounds remaining.

Mars, a Mechanical Engineer, who entered the round as the tournament leader, faced a stern test against Ryan McKay. Despite an aggressive opening, several inaccuracies left Mars in a difficult position, with McKay gaining a clear extra pawn by move 14.

Subsequent computer analysis indicated that McKay had established a significant advantage, leaving the tournament favourite facing the prospect of losing his perfect record.

However, Mars remained persistent in his search for attacking opportunities, and his determination paid off when McKay blundered on move 19. Mars capitalised on a discovered attack to win a knight, dramatically shifting the balance of the encounter.

McKay eventually resigned 16 moves later, allowing Mars to escape with the victory and extend his record to five wins from five games.

Keron Sandiford kept the pressure on the leader with a crucial victory over Odinnie Reece, moving to four points and remaining within one point of Mars with two rounds left.

Chess coach Oluwadare Oyeyipo also strengthened his championship prospects, defeating Raymond Sookdeo in a game featuring the classical Four Knights Defence.

The victory lifted Oyeyipo two places into third position with 3.5 points, keeping him within reach of the leading pair as the race for the title intensifies.

Jaden Taylor recorded another significant result, overcoming Woman Candidate Master Jessica Callender to climb three places into fifth with three points. Taylor is level on points with McKay, who occupies fourth position.

Meanwhile, industrial engineer Martin Poon defeated the competition’s youngest participant, Sachin Beharry, to advance two places into seventh with 2.5 points.

Despite the loss, Beharry continues to gain valuable experience against established players, highlighting the league’s role in providing emerging competitors with regular opportunities to develop their skills.

Mars leads the standings with five points, followed by Sandiford on four and Oyeyipo on 3.5. McKay and Taylor share fourth and fifth places with three points each.

With the championship entering its decisive stage, Mars will be aiming to preserve his perfect record, while Sandiford and Oyeyipo remain hopeful of capitalising on any slip.

Round six is scheduled for Monday, October 19, at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

Source: Kaieteur News