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No plans for ‘offensive action’ against Venezuela with British ship en route to Guyana – Jagdeo
Lip repairs added to advanced surgeries now available at GPHC
25 nations, over 200 athletes: Guyana to host CAC Bodybuilding Championship 2024
Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation President, Keavon Bess
In an interview on Thursday with News Room Sport, GBBFF President Keavon Bess outlined they have started the groundwork since making the initial bid in 2021.
This is the second time Guyana will host the championship, the first being in 2004.
Earlier this month, a Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation team visited Guyana and conducted inspections.
Bess highlighted that Guyana came in for high praises from the regional organisers, with some minor adjustments to be made.
Among the areas to be looked at are improved stage lighting for the high volume of athletes expected on stage at any given point, and a smooth and efficient backstage arrangement.
Bess pegs the approximate budget to successfully host the event at over G$20M.
Notably, the athletes will face their individual mandatory expenses, inclusive of airfare, accommodation and meals.
Only the CAC Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation officials and delegates are fully catered for by the host nation.
From a sport tourism standpoint, it brings a high influx of visitors for a four-day period.
Bess’ estimation of 200-250 athletes from 25 nations is based on the numbers when the championship was staged in Aruba this year. There were over 170 athletes from 22 countries.
To cement the status as the “best” CAC Championship, Bess related that networking and planning are critical with key partners such as the Guyana Police Force, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the Guyana Olympic Association.
One of those areas would be the efficient movement of athletes and officials to and from the airport, hotel and competition venue.
10 maternal deaths at GPHC this year; 303 critically ill women saved
There were 10 maternal deaths recorded at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Guyana’s main referral hospital, for the year so far.
This is according to the hospital’s Chief Consultant Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Rafi Rozan, who spoke at the GPHC’s end-of-year press conference on Thursday.
Dr. Rozan offered insights into his department’s work for the year. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, he said, accounts for up to about 40% of all of the hospital’s staff.
This year, he said there were about 15 to 30 babies delivered daily and an overall total of 4,860 deliveries (including 1,569 caesarean section deliveries).
However, there were 10 maternal deaths.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a maternal death is the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy.
Dr Rafi Rozan
Dr. Rozan, however, noted that figure is fewer than the number of deaths in previous years.
“… as compared from the two previous years, there would’ve been a decline (in the number of maternal deaths),” Dr. Rozan said.
Earlier this year, the News Room reported that there were 17 maternal deaths at the GPHC and across the country.
Dr. Rozan also noted that six of the 10 patients who eventually died this year were referred to the GPHC from other hospitals in a critical state; some of them were from outlying regions.
Three women, Dr. Rozan revealed, died due to ectopic pregnancies, three died due to respiratory disorders, another three died of hypertensive conditions during their pregnancies and the final woman faced a hypovolemic shock after her c-section.
These were all high-risk cases but Dr. Rozan pointed out that over 300 women, in critical conditions, were saved throughout the year.
Any woman who was facing a high-risk pregnancy but survived due to the care received is classified as a “maternal near miss.” Dr. Rozan said the hospital saw 303 ‘near miss’ cases.
“303 patients could have died but they obviously survived,” he said.
The Chief Consultant also revealed that there were 54 stillbirths this year so far. The WHO defines a stillbirth as a baby who dies after 28 weeks of pregnancy but before or during birth.
During an interview with the News Room last week, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said new operating theatres, better-equipped hospitals and health centres in the hinterland regions, the creation of maternal waiting homes and new training programmes for health workers are among the interventions being pursued by the Ministry of Health to improve maternal care in Guyana.
Former Head of the Reggae Girlz Named New Head Coach of Chicago Red Stars
The former head coach of Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz, Lorne Donaldson, has been appointed the new head coach of the Chicago Red Stars in the United States. Donaldson led the Jamaican team to the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Playing Career
Donaldson attended Jamaica College where he played for the school. In 1980, he played for Cavalier F.C. Before he became a coach, Donaldson was called up to Jamaica’s national football team, playing for the side for four years. He then moved on to play for Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado. He also played for the Denver Kickers in 1983 when the team won the National Amateur Cup, and in 1997, he played a single game for the Colorado Foxes. Donaldson is a three-time All-American and in 1995 was inducted into the Metropolitan State University Hall of Fame.
Coaching Career
Donaldson’s experience as a coach includes coaching at the youth level with Jamaica’s Under-17 and Under-20 national teams. He also coached the elite youth soccer club, Real Colorado, and serves as president and executive coaching director. In his work with Real Colorado, he has developed a number of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) stars, such as Janine Beckie and Sophia Smith of the Portland Thorns and Jaelin Howell of Racing Louisville. He worked as an assistant coach at MSU Denver after his playing career came to an end while completing his degree. He was named the 1996 American Professional Soccer League Coach of the Year, and in 1997, became a coach with the Douglas County Soccer Association. Donaldson was named Head Coach of the Jamaica Women women’s football team in 2022. After leading the Reggae Girlz to their second appearance at the Women’s World Cup in 2023, his contract, which ran out in September 2023, was not renewed.
“Always A Part Of My Life”
His contract with the Reggae Girlz was not renewed by a mutual agreement between Donaldson and the Jamaican Football Federation. He subsequently turned down offers from international clubs, saying that he wanted to take a break from coaching the national teams. He noted, however, that coaching always remains part of his life, and he maintained his leadership of the club with 6,000 kids in Colorado.
On to the Red Stars
Coach Donaldson will join the Chicago Red Stars to help them prepare for the upcoming NWSL draft, which takes place on January 12, 2024. The NWSL regular season begins on March 16, 2023. Donaldson is the third coach to head the Red Stars since 2021 after their head coach, Rory Dames, was banned for life by the NWSL for verbally abusing the players. The Red Stars had a difficult season in 2023, experiencing two four-game losing streaks and ending up at the bottom of the league. They were also shut out in five of six Challenge Cup matches. The club was sold to an investor group led by Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts, who noted that Donaldson had a proven record of being a winning coach and an advocate for his athletes. She believes his skills will elevate the players going forward. Donaldson himself has said he is excited to work with the team that includes some of the most talented players in the NWSL. He shared that what he enjoys most is coaching elite athletes to help them attain their highest potential.
Photo – Instagram
The post Former Head of the Reggae Girlz Named New Head Coach of Chicago Red Stars appeared first on Jamaicans.com.
The Top Business News Stories of 2023
Although there was a closure of Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport that caused flights to be redirected to Norman Manley International in Kingston for a few hours in August, overall, Jamaica’s business sector experienced many positive developments in 2023. Jamaicans were thrilled to see the opening of a new Krispy Kreme franchise in Kingston as the unemployment rate in the country fell to a historic low. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), and Jamaica received the best credit rating from Standard & Poor’s since 1999.
Huge Crowds Attended the Official Opening of the new Krispy Kreme doughnut franchise in Kingston
On June 3, 2023, the official opening of a new Krispy Kreme doughnut franchise in Kingston attracted large crowds. Doughnut fans started lining up at 4 am as they hoped to be among the shop’s first 100 customers, who had been promised prizes by the franchise. According to the group CEO of Restaurant Associates Limited, Lisa Lake, the holder of the local Krispy Kreme franchise, the organization was excited to welcome the crowds who came to enjoy the featured musical entertainment and other activities during the festive opening day. Krispy Kreme is the latest brand to be included in the portfolio of Restaurant Associates, which also holds Popeye’s, Little Caesar, and Burger King franchises.
Runway Shutdown Temporarily Redirects Flights from Sangster International Airport to Kingston
Due to a runway closure at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, flights were temporarily redirected to Kingston’s Norman Manley International facility on August 10, 2023. The airport issued a statement that the runway had been closed on a temporary basis and that no flight operations would occur for a few hours that morning. MBJ Airports Limited, which is responsible for the facility’s operations, worked to resolve the technical issues that caused the shutdown and told all departing passengers to check in for their flights as normal.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Presented with Lifetime Achievement Award
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) for his efforts in promoting sustainable travel and tourism. The award was presented to Bartlett at PATWA’s summit meeting in Berlin, Germany. The organization presents awards to honor outstanding work by individuals and organizations in the promotion of tourism in various sectors of the travel industry, including hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, government bodies, tourism ministries, and other providers. Bartlett thanked PATWA for the honor and shared that he was passionate about tourism, especially the sustainable development of tourism. Only by promoting sustainable tourism can the travel industry be leveraged to provide the kind of economic growth that can transform communities and nations.
Jamaica Experienced Its Lowest Unemployment Rate in History
According to the April 2023 Labor Force Survey, the unemployment rate in Jamaica dropped to a new low, with more Jamaicans working at that time than at any other in the island’s history. The data reported by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) showed that the unemployment rate in the country was 4.5 percent. This was 1.5 percentage points lower than the rate in a comparable period in 2022 and lower than the reported rate in July, which totaled 6.6 percent. In April 2023, 61,300 people were unemployed in Jamaica, 19.700 fewer than in April 2022. The drop was attributed in part to a reduction in the number of unemployed women.
Highest Credit Rating Received by Jamaica Since 1999
Jamaica’s credit rating was upgraded by Standard and Poor’s (S&P) to a BB-, the best rating the nation received since 1999 when the agency began rating the island’s sovereign debt. S&P upgraded Jamaica’s Term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from B+ to BB- and added a stable outlook for the country. The agency said the stable outlook reflected expectations that Jamaica’s government would continue its commitment to prudent fiscal policies and debt reduction and to support economic moves, including a flexible exchange rate and effective monetary policy.
Photo – Deposit Photos
The post The Top Business News Stories of 2023 appeared first on Jamaicans.com.
Linden Fire: Siblings, aunt died from smoke inhalation
The fire occurred around 02:00hrs on December 25 at Zella’s Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden living quarters.
In a press release, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) had said that upon arrival at the scene, firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the bottom floor of the building.
The bodies of the girls, 8 and 16, and their aunt was discovered in the bathroom area of the house.
Sixteen-year-old Angelique and eight-year-old Ronika had accompanied their mother, Onika Lawrence to the mining town to spend time with their relatives for the Christmas holiday.
In an interview with the News Room, Onika said Zella collected the children on Saturday and took them to her place so they could enjoy the holidays.
“My third daughter…came to me and said that Angelique and Ronika gone with aunt Kezzy…that is when I know they left…I said is they aunt and they will come back in the morning,” Onika said.
Around 02:00hrs Christmas morning, her other sister received a call informing her of the fire at Zella’s place.
“She start panicking….I said let me go get my phone and call. When I called Kezzy first, the call didn’t connect…I start calling my daughter phone but it keep ringing out…I said if it was a fire the phones wouldn’t have been ringing,” Onika related.
According to Onika, they decided to venture to the Zella’s place.
Upon arrival, she said she noticed the fire tender and police vehicle at the scene.
“When I got there the house was in complete darkness….I notice the police and firemen there…Everybody just in the yard. I tried to approach the officers and they stopped me,” she said.
Up to that point, Onika told the News Room that she had hope that they were in the building and was waiting to be rescued.
“I waited and waited until some other police came…They went in…I noticed a lil while after the hearse came and then is when I realised that they gone,” she added.
Onika said that the incident had left her devastated.
“It’s very hard at this moment….I never imagined that we come up to spend Christmas with the family and I woulda just lose my kids and my sister,” she cried.
Woman arrested for allegedly discharging friend’s firearm at Vergenoegen ‘village day’ festivities
A 37-year-old unemployed woman from New Amsterdam, Berbice was arrested in the wee hours of Wednesday during an event hosted as part of the Vergenoegen Village Day festivities.
Police said the arrest was made just after 04:00hrs at the Vergenoegen Tarmac, East Bank Essequibo.
According to a statement from Police Headquarters, ranks were told that the woman had a loaded firearm which she discharged.
The Police did not name the woman but said she was arrested and escorted to Leonora Police Station where she claimed to have been in the company of a friend who owned a firearm.
Police said the woman further claimed that the friend was discharging rounds and he gave her the firearm to discharge rounds also.
A search was made for the man the woman described but he could not be found and no weapon was found on the woman’s person.
Her hands and clothing were swabbed for gunshot residue (GSR). She remains in custody as investigations continue.
Monedderlust, Beacon and Slingerz lead groups after Christmas weekend playoff
Monedderlust FC
Despite Tabatinga’s spirited efforts at a comeback, with another goal from DaSilva in the 75th minute and a strike from Victor Peres in the 85th minute, Beacon’s dominant second-half display secured their victory.
Georgetown’s Beacon is top of Group B with two wins and six points, an undefeated streak. Tabatinga is close behind with three points from one win and one loss, while Herstelling Raiders have yet to secure a point after two games, positioning them at the bottom of the group standings.
Meanwhile, Monedderlust is poised to face off against Buxton Stars on December 27 at the Number Five Village Ground in Berbice, aiming to maintain their position at the summit of Group A, with three points from one win.
Buxton Stars secured a draw in their initial game, claiming one point, while Beacons (Bartica) have yet to notch a point after playing two matches. Slingerz have maintained their dominant position atop Group C, clinching two consecutive wins and accumulating six points.
Slingerz FC
Their recent victory, a hard-fought 1-0 triumph against Winners Connection on December 23, was sealed by Clive Nobrega’s goal in the 39th minute, solidifying their place at the summit.
Following closely behind is Winners Connection with six points from two victories, while Dominators is yet to put points on the board.
GFF Competition Directory Troy Peters said the teams showed remarkable determination during the Christmas weekend, solidifying their positions ahead of the upcoming semi-final round of the league.
“The teams exhibited an inspiring level of determination over the Christmas weekend, fortifying their standings in the groups as we move towards the pivotal semi-finals on December 29 and final on January 1, 2024. Anticipation is high for what promises to be a riveting culmination to this tournament.”
The GFF Elite League Promotional Playoff commenced on December 17 with nine victorious teams from the Member Associations’ Leagues fervently competing for a coveted spot in the prestigious Elite League Season Six, scheduled for 2024.
Participating clubs are Beacons (Bartica Football Association), Beacons (Georgetown Football Association), Buxton Stars (East Coast Demerara Football Association), Dartmouth (Essequibo/Pomeroon Football Association), Herstelling Raiders (East Bank Demerara Football Association), Monnederlust (Berbice Football Association), Slingerz (West Demerara Football Association), Tabatinga (Rupununi Football Association) and Winners Connection (Upper Demerara Football Association).
The Elite League represents GFF President Wayne Forde’s vision for advancing club football, acting as a crucial avenue for players aiming to transition into the national programme.
The league concludes on January 6, 2024. (GFF)
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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
Dr ShiliDr Shilindra Rajkumar, Head of Department for General Surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital (Photo: News Room/ November 23, 2023)
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Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation President, Keavon Bess
Dr Rafi Rozan
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Monedderlust FC
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Slingerz FC
