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The News Room’s Fareeza Haniff engaged President Dr. Irfaan Ali about his three years in office so far

The concerns he hinted at have been increasingly discussed by members of government and private sector players. It is believed that many productive sectors are rapidly expanding but there isn’t enough labour, or skilled labour, to meet local needs.

Among the solutions recently floated by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh is that companies can invest in accommodation options or transportation services to attract much-needed workers.

Aside from the labour concerns, Dr. Ali reminded Guyanese that he was elected President during a tumultuous period. That is, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional external shocks, like the Ukraine/ Russia war, exacerbated economic conditions.

Dr. Ali, however, believes that his government has been working to fulfil its manifesto promises and manage newfound oil and gas wealth while grappling with those external shocks.

And he said isn’t daunted by harsh critics or naysayers.

“I am not spending my time analysing the negativity that comes with the venomous pen or the blessed intellectualism that doesn’t exist.

“We went to the polls with a manifesto and have a responsibility to fulfil that,” the Head of State said.

eight athletes who are set to represent Guyana at the Commonwealth Youth Games from August 4-11 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Minister met with the young athletes and officials moments before they departed for the twin-island republic for the Games, dubbed Trinbago 2023.

Ramson Jr. remarked: “On behalf of the government and people of Guyana, I wish you every success and we are grateful for your service. Congratulations on being selected as national representatives. It is an honour and privilege to represent one’s country, and do so with honour, pride, distinction and to the best of your abilities.”

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. (sixth left) and GOA President Godfrey Munroe (left) with members of the Guyanese contingent

He further emphasised the government’s commitment to developing sport in Guyana.

“As a government we are working and making the strategic investment in developing the sporting landscape and industry.”

Reflecting on his own life experiences, Minister Ramson referenced the potential and positive impact sports has on moulding one’s life.

He outlined to the selected student athletes to use the experiences of sport to expand their horizon, growth and development.

“In your young and budding careers filled with so much potential, you are on the pathway to excellence and it’s critical that you remain disciplined as students of your sport and life.”

Minister Ramson Jr. implored the athletes to use the opportunity of the games and the current position they are in to inculcate the right habits and create the attributes, attitudes and mindset that would see them maximising and realising their full potential in sport and life.

“Know that you have worked hard, sacrificed, have the talent and potential to do of your best, meet new friends in your downtime, discuss training regimen, adopt a resilient, positive and growth mindset as a key ingredient for realisation of your potential and talent as you embark on this wonderful journey.”

From left: Narissa McPherson, Attoya McPherson, Javon Roberts, Malachi Austin, Tianna Springer, Elliott Gonsalves, Shareefah Lewis and Ariel Rodrigues (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/July 29, 2023)

TEAM GUYANA 

The Games will feature seven disciplines of athletes and para-athletes between ages 14 and 18.

CARIFTA medallists Tianna Springer, Javon Roberts, Attoya Harvey, Malachi Austin and Narissa McPherson will compete in Track and Field, with Julian Edmonds performing the role of coach.

In Swimming, Ariel Rodrigues, Elliott Gonsalves and Shareefah Lewis will take to the pool, with Syhka Gonsalves performing coaching duties.

Completing Guyana’s contingent of 13 are Dr. Victor Allen, Physiotherapist Vanessa Wickham and Team Leader Nalini McKoy.

The swimmers will commence competition on August 6, while the athletics team will display their talent a day after.

Flagbearers Tianna Springer (left) and Elliott Gonsalves (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/July 29, 2023)

Gerald Anthony Sobers succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting, the Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for the alleged shooter.

The Police are seeking the public’s assistance to locate Ossaffo Chester, 22, of 60 Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Sobers succumbed to his injuries a month after he was allegedly shot over an old grievance with a colleague at a Dazzle Housing Scheme, ECD, supermarket.

Sobers, 25, a security guard of Paradise, ECD sustained a gunshot wound to his neck during the July 3, 2023 incident.

His sister, Joy Sobers, told the News Room in a telephone interview that the wound damaged the man’s spinal cord, causing him to lose mobility from his chest down. It is believed that the incident stemmed from an encounter Sobers and the suspect had about three weeks before the shooting, during which the suspect had allegedly attempted to shoot him with his service weapon.

Since the incident, Sobers was hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital in a critical state. He succumbed while receiving medical attention on Saturday, July 29.

A Police investigation is said to be ongoing. According to Joy, she learnt that her brother was visiting his brother-in-law at his West Coast of Demerara (WCD) home when he reportedly received a call from a supervisor, who owed him some money.

The supervisor, Joy said, reportedly asked Sobers to come to ECD. Shortly after, Joy said a cousin who had been with Sobers just moments before, recalled hearing an explosion which sound like a squib. It was, in fact, the sound of Sobers being shot.

, Jamaica have become just the third Concacaf nation – and the first from the Caribbean – to reach the Round-of-16 off the back of an outstanding defensive display as they ended Brazil’s campaign with a scoreless draw in Melbourne.

The Reggae Girlz had their backs to the wall for a large part of this contest but they remain, along with Switzerland and Japan, one of just three nations yet to concede a goal at Australia and New Zealand 2023.

With Jamaica knowing that a draw would secure progression and Brazil likely to need a win, the pattern of this contest was established early on as the South American side – oddly wearing blue against an opponent in yellow – enjoyed the bulk of possession but struggled to break down a well-organised Reggae Girlz side.

Brazil pushed and probed, holding a 59% share of the ball at the break, but outside of a 39^th minute Tamires effort that was easily handled down low by Rebecca Spencer there was almost nothing of note inside the first hour.

The longer the contest wore on the more frustrated Brazil became, and the more assured was Jamaica’s defensive resolve. With star forward Khadija Shaw struggling with injury the Reggae Girlz created very little going forward, but such was their work at the back, that mattered little.

Legendary Brazil forward Marta started and was aiming to become the first player – either male or female – to score in six World Cups but her night, and possibly her Women’s World Cup career, ended in the 81^st minute as Jamaica survived a few nervy final moments to secure their place in history. (FIFA)