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The government is investing in digital learning solutions through the Ministry of Education to prepare the younger generation for Guyana’s digital future.

This was underscored by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the launching of the Digital Learning TV Box at the Leonora Track and Field Facility on Saturday.

The Digital Learning TV Box is a device that empowers households to access the new digital educational channels launched by the Guyana Learning Channel (GLC).

It serves as a link between traditional analog or non-ATSC-compliant smart TVs and the ATSC 3.0 digital broadcast standard, which provides greater picture and sound quality, better reception, and a more efficient use of the broadcast spectrum.

“I want to congratulate the Ministry of Education on further improving the digital platform through which accessibility to education, through which innovative approach to learning and through which a dynamic learning environment is created to enhance learning,” the president expressed in brief remarks.

The initiative is part of a broader investment in digital transformation, whereby a national digital platform that integrates education, finance and governance, is being created.

For example, a Digital School will be launched soon in Region Two, Three, and Six. This will provide interactive, high-quality education accessible to all students nationwide and even across the Caribbean.

This digital school will complement physical schools, ensuring students in even the most remote areas, have equal access to learning materials.

President Ali added that this tool will help mitigate issues such as teacher absenteeism and inadequate access to learning resources, ensuring continuous education.

“This [Digital TV box] and the Digital School will complement each other, so that our children can learn in an environment that they will have to operate in. Five years from now or less, your children will be operating in a completely new environment. An environment that is highly digitised, an environment in which AI (artificial intelligence) will be playing the lead role,” the head of state stressed.

Other digital solutions

In addition to education transformation, President Ali said the government is introducing self-service kiosks for services like driver’s license renewal, reducing bureaucracy, human bias and increasing efficiency.

“We will have it across the country… and you just scan your license, use your credit or debit card and you renew your license …at any facility; in a mall, in a police station,” the head of state explained.

Apart from this initiative, Guyanese will soon be able to make payments using their mobile devices through the national digital payment platform. This is being developed in partnership with the Indian Government.

The president noted that investments in digital infrastructure are designed to prepare the country for future crises, including potential pandemics like the COVID-19.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and Director of the GLC, Anieshaw Mohamed also delivered remarks.

To ensure that every household can access these enhanced digital channels, GLC is distributing Digital TV boxes to families at the Leonora Track and Field Facility. Some 2350 boxes is expected to be distributed here (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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A new automated speed ticketing system is being introduced on April 7 to detect and issue tickets for speeding violations, according to a post on President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s Facebook page.

This venture is part of the government’s Safe Road Intelligent Systems (SRIS) and has been developed in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA). The system uses advanced speed cameras and radar speed signs connected to cloud-based infrastructure to detect and ticket speeding violations.

“Tickets will be generated automatically and sent via SMS or email if drivers have their contact details registered with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). For others, physical tickets will be delivered to their address,” the Facebook post detailed.

New speed clocks on highways part of forthcoming e-ticketing system 

Violations can be contested in court or paid via MMG or the GRA’s upcoming “Padna” app.

Speeding has been identified as a leading cause of road fatalities. This initiative is expected to be a critical step in improving road safety amidst the rapid expansion of Guyana’s highways and road networks.

President Irfaan Ali highlighted the importance of adopting advanced technologies to enhance safety and accountability, emphasising that the system aims to save lives rather than penalise drivers, the post noted.

Alongside the deployment of radar speed signs and automated cameras, the government will roll out a nationwide awareness campaign to educate drivers on the system and its benefits

 

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In a strategic move geared to enhance its visibility globally, Cricket Zone USA has signed Guyana and West Indies left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie as its E4 Brand Ambassador.

Cricket Zone USA, owned by Guyanese entrepreneur and cricket fanatic Ravi Etwaroo, is North America’s largest cricket retail outlet, with a huge Caribbean clientele.

The company prides itself on supplying top quality and authentic cricket equipment and apparel at an affordable price, while also fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Managing Director of Cricket Zone USA and founder of the E4 brand, Ravi Etwaroo

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Gudakesh Motie to the E4 family,” Etwaroo said.

“We at Cricket Zone USA are proud of the achievements of this Guyanese son of the soil and we hope that this is the start of a long and fruitful alliance with the E4 brand.”

Motie, moments after signing on the dotted lines, said: “I’m excited to officially announce my partnership with E4 and Cricket Zone USA and the launch of my very own line of cricket gear. This is a proud moment for me.”

“This move means a lot to me not just as a player, but as someone who wants to give back to the cricket community and help the next generation with gear they can trust. Massive respect to my agent for the guidance and support in making this move happen.”

In 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Etwaroo took the bold step of unveiling his indigenous brand E4, supplying his own line of cricket gear to the North American and Caribbean markets.

And in March 2024, E4 was successfully approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to be used in all formats of international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is and franchise).

In effect, the E4 logo can legally be displayed on clothing and equipment used in international cricket.

This expansion would take E4 beyond the North American and Caribbean market, with the initial targets being Australia, England, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Motie will debut the E4 line at the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League when he turns out for Multan Sultans during the April 11 to May 18 tournament.

Over the years, Cricket Zone USA, through E4, has aligned with several cricketers across the region, among them Sherfane Rutherford, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Raymon Reifer, Fabian Allen, Kemol Savory, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Kennar Lewis, Matthew Nandu, Oraine Williams, Tevin Imlach, Adrian Hetmyer and West Indies female cricketers Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Mandy Mangru, Rashada Williams and Natasha McLean.

Notably, Kevin Sinclair was the first player to use the E4 brand in Test cricket.

It is the hope of Etwaroo that list will grow significantly in the coming years, as   the brand expands its global reach.

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Tevin Imlach’s magnificent 156 powered Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) to a dominant 131-run victory over Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) in the Dave’s West Indian Imports/Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) First-Division 50-over competition on Saturday at GCC.

Imlach, fresh off another stellar knock in this tournament and departing for national duty today (Sunday), anchored DCC’s massive 352-8.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles skipper faced 130 balls and strict ten fours and four maximums.

Joshua Persaud’s unbeaten 53 from 32 balls provided late fireworks, while Jonathan Van Lange (39), Raymond Perez (23), and Sachin Singh (23) contributed but failed to convert into a big score.

Devon Lord (3-64) and Kevin Sinclair (2-66) were the main wicket-takers for the home side.

Left-arm spinner Devon Lord took 3-64

GCC’s chase crumbled as they were bowled out for 221 in 49.3 overs. Navindra Persaud missed out on a deserved ton as he ended unbeaten on 96 (10x4s) from 136 balls.

But other than Sinclair, who made 38, GCC showed little resistance as  Christopher Barnwell (3-42), Ashmead Nedd (2-26), and Jaden Dowlin (2-28) ripped through the batting.

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricclubs.com/GeorgetownCricketAssociation/viewScorecard.do?matchId=407&clubId=21478

DCC cruised past Malteenoes Sports Club in a previous match as Van Lange’s 111 (7x4s; 7x6s) from 73 balls propelled DCC to 320-6 in 41 overs.

Malteenoes were bundled out for 112, with spinners Nedd (4-28) and Ezekiel Wilson (4-37) starring with the ball. Imlach also scored 83 in that match.

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricclubs.com/GeorgetownCricketAssociation/viewScorecard.do?matchId=405&clubId=21478

Moreover, the Police Sports Club secured a comfortable seven-wicket win over GCC in another fixture. GCC were dismissed for a paltry 77 in 33.5 overs as off-spiner Dwain Dick (5-8) delivered a sensational spell along with former GCC pacer Bernard Bailey (3-22).

Police chased the target in 16.3 overs led by Pernell London’s unbeaten 49.

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricclubs.com/GeorgetownCricketAssociation/viewScorecard.do?matchId=406&clubId=21478

 

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By September 2025, all individuals who applied for land in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) up to 2024 will receive provisional allocation letters for their house lots.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made this announcement on Saturday during a community meeting in La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

“We will clear the backlog completely in Region Three because we have now built the roads, we have opened up the lands in Wales,” the president said..

The lands in Wales were previously allocated to families under the previous administration following the closure of the sugar estates. However, after assuming office in 2020, the current government reclaimed these lands.

This initiative will now enable 3,000 to 4,000 families to receive their house lots, allowing them to build homes and improve their livelihoods.

“You’ll get that letter of provisional allocation and you will get to go see the development works and the lot [where you will be placed.] So, start saving for the construction of your home,” he urged residents.

President Ali highlighted the significant investment in housing in the last four years, with nearly $65 billion expended in the region to accelerate home ownership for thousands of residents. This marks a 1,321 per cent increase over the previous administration.

Additionally, a substantial $28 billion was spent on roads, highways, and bridges in the region, bringing significant relief for commuters and pedestrians.

New Highway

In addition, the president said bids are currently being invited for a major road link from Parika to Goshen.

Additionally, President Ali said by the end of August, “we will identify all the bridges all the way to Wales for bids. And what is the plan? The plan is the four-lane road to Parika and continuing to Goshen Road leading to Bartica, connecting back to Sandhills, all the way to Timehri; that is the vision.”

He reiterated that this project is not only about a road, but the opening up of tens of thousands of acres of land to support agriculture expansion.

Other investments

To boost agriculture, President Ali said a fertiliser plant will be established in the region, which will supply all the agricultural needs in the country. Additionally, a steel production partnership is currently being pursued.

This is part of the administration’s holistic vision of developing a manufacturing and industrial powerhouse.

This hub will be supported by 600 megawatts (MW) of power projects that will be developed right in Region Three to support Guyana’s industrial aspirations.

Currently, a gas-to-energy project is being developed in Wales that will transport natural gas from the Stabroek Block’s Liza oilfield to an integrated facility. As part of this project, a 300 MW combined cycle power plant is being constructed to supply power to citizens. A second power plant will be established in the region.

Healthcare

To expand healthcare services for residents there, the government is constructing a new state-of-the-art West Demerara Regional Hospital, and another at De Kinderen on the West Coast Demerara.

The head of state said these ongoing efforts are aimed at transforming Guyana into a regional leader in energy, food security, education, and healthcare, while ensuring economic prosperity for all.

The head of state also urged citizens to look beyond race and politics, stressing that the government he leads is a party of service and development, not opportunism.

During the meeting, a number of community issues were voiced to which President Ali immediately instructed the various agencies to address (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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Gujarat Titans’ thumping 36-run win over Mumbai Indians was the story of the night at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Despite being played at the same venue as their previous outing, tonight’s pitch offered a different recipe with its different clay, a patchy, two-paced surface that demanded a more thoughtful approach rather than sheer power.

Put into bat first, the Titans began their innings with measured intent, with openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan steadily building a platform on a surface that was clearly less conducive to a high-scoring extravaganza.

The duo took a balanced approach understanding tonight’s pitch would be a little on the slower side compared to the one from the first game and worked on building a solid foundation, working the ball into gaps, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.

At the end of the powerplay, GT managed to put together a respectable total of 66/0, with Sudharsan and Gill both contributing 32 runs each. Their strategic approach allowed them to conserve wickets setting up a platform for a more expansive middle overs assault.

However, as the match moved past the halfway stage, the dynamics shifted. The Titans lost two key wickets, skipper Shubman Gill, who had played a pivotal role in setting the tone, was caught by Naman Dhir off Hardik Pandya, departing for 38 and soon after Jos Buttler, who had been contributing briskly, was caught by Rickelton off Mujeeb Ur Rahman for 39, applying the breaks when the Titans’ were scoring freely.

A few useful hits from the lower middle order meant GT were able to finish at a formidable 196 for 8 in their 20 overs.

In return, Rohit Sharma went from the word go scoring two fours leaving MI fans on their feet but their celebration was short-lived as Mohammed Siraj claimed his wicket. Siraj quickly struck once in the powerplay giving the Titans the early upper hand.

Tilak Varma along with Surya Kumar Yadav took charge, attempting to rebuild the innings but Prasidh Krishna turned the tide dismissing Tilak for 39 off 36 balls and soon thereafter also dismissed Surya Kumar Yadav.

As wickets tumbled, MI’s innings started to resemble a sunken ship. With key partnerships disintegrating and the required run rate creeping up, MI found it hard to get back on track managing just 160/6 in their 20 overs. This loss means Mumbai has faced its second defeat in a row in the ongoing season while Gujarat came back from a loss to move up third in the points table. (IPLT20)

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali revealed on Saturday that his government hopes to soon implement a new driver’s license renewal system.

The new system, President Ali said, will be a digital one that joins other new digital systems from automated airport processes to payment ventures.

“We are now working to be among the first 10% of countries to have digital license renewal portals.

“(The portals are) like kiosks (or) ATM machines. We will have it across the country, and you just scan your license, and you just use your debit or credit card, and you renew your license right there in a mall or a Police station,” President Ali said at an event held at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Such a system is meant to help make key services more efficient while removing any human biases or lapses, the President explained.

He also noted that the government wants to introduce more digital services and is doing so through various digital tools and equipment. Already, a Digital School is being developed and airport processes are getting digitalized.

Soon, Dr. Ali noted too, a digital wallet or payment platform will be introduced.

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Permaul Punsammy, a 54-year-old fisherman of Whim, Corentyne, Berbice, lost his house in a devastating fire early Friday morning.

Punsammy told the News Room that he left home around 07:00 hrs to prepare a boat for a fishing trip set for Monday.

Upon arriving at Number 66 port, he reportedly received a phone call from his niece that his house was engulfed in flames. Punsammy said he rushed back to the scene, only to find that the four-bedroom wooden and concrete structure had already been reduced to ashes.

The house destroyed in the blaze

The Rose Hall Town Fire Station was promptly alerted, and firefighters responded swiftly; however, the damage was extensive.

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald confirmed that the fire was set with malicious intent.

Punsammy lost all of his belongings, including important documents and $160,000 in cash, in the blaze.

Permaul Punsammy, a 54-year-old fisherman of Whim

The fisherman has lived alone in the house since 2003; the house is owned by a relative who resides overseas.

Punsammy is currently staying with one of his daughters until he can find stable housing. Anyone willing to support him can contact him on: 755-8585.

 

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Deonarine Permaul, a fisherman of Nigg Village, Region Six, is hoping for assistance from the relevant authorities following a piracy incident recently.

On Wednesday, Permaul and his crew set out on a fishing expedition from the Kilcoy Port.

Permaul stated that at approximately 18:30 hours, while working in the Atlantic Ocean, they were approached by a rogue vessel.

Permaul recounted how the pirates cut their seine in half, seizing a substantial portion of their catch.

“A boat come from Berbice River and it past side of us. It wait till place get dark and he drive and he come and cut me seine. He cut from halfway and then he gone,” he relayed.

When they returned to shore on Thursday, Permaul and his crew could only salvage one tub of fish, weighing a disappointing 93 pounds.

He estimated the value of the stolen seine at $700,000, along with an additional loss of approximately $30,000 in fish.

Permaul said he was able to identify the boat involved in the theft.

“The boat red at the bottom and green on top. I get to understand that this boat sell from Mahaica and a go over and reach Suriname. I get contact with the person who sell the boat. He said he sell the boat to somebody in Suriname,” Permaul said.

He further said,” If me get back my other half seine I can start back work again because me workmen them out of job. The seine is about 2 miles.”

Following this act, the incident was reported to the authorities.

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See below the full press statement from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC): 

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