This is a podcast of the Jamaica & Caribbean Weekly News Summary for the week ending March 31st, 2023. The JAMAICA WEEKLY News Summary Podcast is brought to you by Jamaicans.com.
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Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, the only Caribbean heritage museum in the United States, will host a grand reopening on Saturday, April 8th. Still in the northeast section of Broward Mall, the archive, art gallery and center for the arts recently relocated to a larger unit, now benefiting from more space for community collaboration. The event, themed “A Celebration of the Caribbean,” will welcome attendees of all ages and cultures with free entry, family-friendly activities and surprises.
The day will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m. The first 50 guests to attend the ribbon cutting will receive welcome gifts. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., guests can explore the facility on their own, or join one of three guided group tours starting at 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Kids can enjoy Easter activities including kite and hat making, and the whole family can enjoy musical performances and interactive cultural dance presentations.
Photo by David I. Muir
In the evening, the museum will host donors and partners for a private reception. Invited attendees will learn about the museum’s progress, programs, plans for future development and additional partnership opportunities, while they enjoy great company, entertainment and light refreshments.
“We are excited to welcome South Florida to the new Island SPACE facility,” said president of the board of directors, Calibe Thompson. “While many loved our original location, the new space feels bigger, brighter and more welcoming. We are planning a robust calendar of culturally enriching, educational and exciting events and exhibits, and we can’t wait to learn what our wonderful guests, familiar and new, think about the work we do.”
To find the new location: Guests may park in the lot near Broward Boulevard and University Drive, and enter through the doors across from the disabled parking area, where the mall meets the new construction. After passing the management offices, Island SPACE will be the first unit on the left.
For more information about the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum Grand Reopening: A Celebration of the Caribbean, visit islandspacefl.org/reopening or contact 954-999-0989.
Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora.
The public is invited to visit the museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Visit islandspacefl.org to learn more.
Find information on ways to give at islandspacefl.org/giving, GoFundMe, Benevity for corporate giving and Facebook, donate directly through PayPal or Zelle to give@islandspacefl.org, or email the museum for details at museum@islandspacefl.org.
The post Island SPACE Caribbean Museum Welcomes South Florida for Grand Reopening appeared first on Jamaicans.com.
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Phillip Fernandes, GHB President and Coach of the Under-21 girls
According to Fernandes, these conditions were far from optimal and placed a further strain on the country’s ability to produce successful teams.
Fernandes expressed disappointment that “after more than twenty years of requests, the Federation is no closer to securing an artificial surface for hockey which all other teams in the Pan American Federation have.”
“While all other teams consistently train on full-sized artificial surfaces year-round, just because these players are born in Guyana, they have to make do with thick grass fields which are often unavailable, a reduced sized gymnasium, a small basketball court-sized carpeted surface or the once per week National Stadium training,” expressed Fernandes.
“Our players deserve better than this and I am hopeful that someday the commitment and passion of our players will be rewarded with suitable facilities that can enable greater success.”
When asked about the Providence artificial football field, Fernandes indicated that while the field would be ideal, “the Guyana Football Federation had indicated a fear of their warranty being voided and therefore they could not allow hockey to train there.”
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National Boys Under-21 coach, Robert FernandesLikewise, the Boys Under-21 coach, Robert Fernandes told News Room Sport, “There are some things you can’t teach, like the speed of the surface, the speed that you have to think at, you can’t replicate that on grass.”
He added, “every tournament we go to, we are the only team not to have an artificial turf and quite frankly teams are surprised how well we play without having that facility…we make the best of the situation we are in but I think that [artificial turf] will take us to a whole new level.”
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An artificial Hockey turfFacilities Manager for the International Hockey Federation, Alastair Cox, articulated during a presentation that costs would vary depending on which part of the world the turf facility is being constructed and the design but it can potentially range from US$ 675,000 – US$900,000.
These prices cater to a complete facility that can host international tournaments.
However, to do a turf solely, and no additional structures, it is approximately US$200,000.
It is understood those figures are likely to be cheaper for Guyana based on the cost of materials locally.
Several players expressed hope they can get such a facility here to allow them to consistently train and improve their skills.
Increased agricultural production, cleaner environments and convenient transport of goods are just a few of the benefits in store for Region Three residents, as each of the 14 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), on Friday received a tractor, trailer and $2.5 million in subvention.
The tractors and trailers were valued at some $5.8 million each. This represents some $116.2 million in direct government investment under the local government ministry.
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Tractors handed over to the NDCs (Photo: DPI/March 31, 2023)The simple handing over took place at the Leonora Track and Field Facility on the sidelines of day two of the Office of the President (OP) Direct outreach in the region.
President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in brief remarks stressed the importance of care and maintenance of the environment.
“Today, Minister Dharamlall and the ministry of local government are working very hard across the various NDCs in delivering another promise by the government of Guyana, where every single NDC will now receive one brand-new tractor with a hydraulic trailer to assist them in maintaining their environment. Whether it’s the routine patching of roads or moving of materials, this would definitely help to upgrade the efficiency, ” he said.
The president urged the NDCs to take care of the assets to serve the people of the region, who are the real owners.
“We have to hold people accountable in the way they utilise government assets, and the way in which they care for government assets. Because this is ultimately the asset of the people, and our government is not only investing in people and assets for the people, but investing in the transformation of our country, and the transformation of our communities,” Dr Ali stated.
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Tractors handed over to the NDCs (Photo: DPI/March 31, 2023)Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, noted that the initiative is part of a larger agenda for the transformation of Region Three and Guyana as a whole.
“Since President Ali assumed the Presidency in August 2020, our country has moved on a trajectory of rapid and very visible transformation, and this transformation is being seen and experienced in all ten administrative regions of our country. His Excellency has repeatedly made a commitment to our Guyanese brothers and sisters, first of all to advance a rapid transformation and modernisation for our country by major transformative projects, but in parallel, addressing the local issues and irritants that are of the most immediate concern to them,” he pointed out.
A number of ongoing projects in Region Three, including the gas-to-energy project at Wales, a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant to be constructed within the vicinity of the project, the Vreed-en-Hoop shore base, the new Demerara river crossing, and the new four-lane highway being constructed from Crane to Schoonord, and then from Schoonord to Parika were highlighted.
Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall explained that 120 tractors and trailers were procured by his ministry, through an intervention made by President Ali.
The procurement will see each NDC and town in Guyana receiving a tractor and trailer, as well as subventions. Just last week, Minister Dharamlall and a team from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development distributed tractors, trailers and subventions to multiple NDCs on the Soesdyke/Linden highway, and the East Bank of Demerara to aid in community enhancement activities. (DPI)
Guyana’s manufacturing sector generated over $55 billion while the services sector saw another $460 billion for the year 2022.
Rice and sugar accounted for “most” of the economic growth in the manufacturing sector and the boost in the services sector was credited to the higher demand for building materials and consumer goods in light of the ongoing housing and construction drive.
These revelations were made in the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Annual report for 2022 which was made available at their Annual General Meeting held on Friday at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.
According to the report, during 2022, the manufacturing sector registered year-on-year growth of 3.9 per cent, a “negligible” increase of the 3.5 per cent realised in the previous year.
, Rafeek Khan</p>
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President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Rafeek Khan“The comparatively low rate is attributed to the 18.9 per cent decline in sugar production and a 33 per cent decline in chemical production, particularly oxygen in 2022 which coincided with a decline in COVID-19 hospitalisations,” the report noted.
Nevertheless, it was noted that rice manufacturing increased by 2.8 per cent for 2022.
And, within the other manufacturing sub-sectors, there has been a 4.9 per cent growth of fabricated metal products, a 35.7 per cent growth in plastic products and a 98.8 per cent growth in paper products, the report highlighted.
And, this year, the report noted that manufacturing is projected to grow by 5.7 per cent.
“This growth will largely be driven by the growth in sugar manufacturing as it will recover and expand by 29.3 per cent, rice and other manufacturing will realise growth rated of 6.1 per cent and four per cent, respectively,” it noted.
Meanwhile, the report noted that the services sector generated $460 billion, thus expanding by nine per cent for the year 2022.
And it is forecasted that this year, the services sector will expand by a further 5.6 per cent.
According to the annual report, this sector is “pivotal” to the economy since it contributed almost 16 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over 40 per cent of non-oil GDP.
The report identified the growth of wholesale and retail trade and repairs, administrative and support services, financial and insurance activities, real estate activities and storage and the “key drivers” for the expansion.
“Growth in wholesale and retail trade and repairs was largely driven by higher demand for building materials and consumer goods due to the ongoing housing and construction drive.
“Administrative and support services; the expansion was driven by greater activity related to the rental and leasing of construction machinery, increased economic activity in the business process outsourcing industry and higher demand for security services,” the report highlighted.
Guyana is the lowest-ranked team in the competition, the only team making its international debut and the only team featuring players who have never played the game on an artificial surface.
Coach Robert Fernandes indicated that, while expectations are modest, the team has to start somewhere, and if competition comes as close as Barbados and our players don’t participate, they will never gain the experience needed to be competitive in the future.
Guyana will face Canada in its very first match on Tuesday 11th April at 11:00h followed by hosts Barbados the following afternoon at 13:30h and completes its pool round matches against Chile on Friday, April 14th at 12:00h.
The tournament will then go to crossovers with the other pool with the finals being played on Tuesday 18th April at 15:30h.
The second season of the Guyana Learning Channel’s Whiz Kids wrapped up on Friday afternoon with Joseph Prendergast from the Marian Academy emerging as the 2023 champion.
The finals, which were held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, saw two sets of semi-finalists competing for a spot in the lightning round.
Makai Dowlin, Miles Gonsalves and Aiden Persaud from the School of the Nations, Demetrius Garaway and Kia Griffith from Jo’sel Educational Institute, and Joseph, were split into groups of three to compete for one of two spots in the playoff round.
The pupils answered an array of questions from four categories, English, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies.
Joseph and Makai scored the most points during their respective rounds. They then had to answer 40 questions each and the pupil with the most correct answers was crowned the winner. Joseph copped first place with 185 points while Makai scored a total of 145 points and was awarded second place.
Aiden Persaud was awarded third place. All finalists were presented with a certificate of participation.
In brief remarks, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand congratulated the pupils who participated. She also commended the team at the Guyana Learning Channel for the work put into producing Whiz Kids.
She noted that the Guyana Learning Channel played an important role in education delivery while schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Manickchand highlighted that daily the channel produces content, which is not only educational but also interactive and entertaining.
Head of Distance Learning, Anieshaw Mohamed, said that the idea behind the competition was birthed after observing Minister Manickchand having her own rapid-fire question and answer time with her niece.
The game show features Grade Six students from various primary schools competing against each other by answering questions in four categories -Mathematics, English Language, Science, and Social Studies. (Ministry of Education press release)
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Part of the CARITA Swim team
In a release from GOA, it was explained that at their first convened Council Meeting with all constituent members on Thursday, newly-elected Secretary-General, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, reported that the Executive Committee has thus far engaged every single association member by way of individual letters which have been duly received and in months to come, will be engaging every Association.
President Godfrey Munroe addressed the meeting and apprised them of decisions taken because of reasons of expediency to address some requests and correspondence which have been directed to the GOA.
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Some of the items that were donated to the group
He also said that a number of drainage and irrigation works were done and are still ongoing to ensure infrastructure is in place to minimize flooding and provide sufficient irrigation.
Chairman of the group, Leroy Hamer said that the tools will be used to assist young farmers as the group is now working to promote intercropping.
“We’ve now focusing on young people and these tools will help them because even though they are farming they have to get tools. These tools will contribute to that and help us to develop ourselves. Because we are doing long-term and short-term crops, these tools will really help,” he noted.
He further stated that farmers in the village benefited from training on best practices for coconut cultivation from the ministry’s National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in collaboration with the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI). As a result, the group is now looking to expand its farming practices to include coconut cultivation.
Minister Mustapha also committed to assisting the group with planting materials to commence and develop their coconut cultivation.
The items included fertilizers, a mechanical tiller, forks, rakes, garden hoes, shovels, cutlasses, and files. The group comprises approximately 60 farmers, 30 of whom are young people. (Ministry of Agriculture press release)
The Police on Thursday arrested a 39-year-old construction worker from New Street Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice who was found with 10,512 grammes ( 23 lbs) of cannabis hidden inside a suitcase during a roadblock at Fellowship Public Road, East Coast Demerara.
Police Headquarters revealed that the suspect was among four passengers inside the car (HC 7522) which was being driven by a 47-year-old man from Lighttown Village, East Berbice.
One of the ranks searched the black suitcases belonging to the suspect and found 10 bulky parcels, all containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
He was told of the offence, arrested and cautioned.
“He admitted possession, saying that ‘Red Man’ of Canje Berbice gave him the suitcase with the drugs to take to a man at Anns Grove, East Coast Demerara,” the Police report noted.
He was escorted to Mahaicony Police Station and is slated to be charged soon.
