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See below the full release from the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo: 

The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo is pleased to announce that registration is now open for members of the media.

Media and Operations Director, Fareeza Haniff noted that registration can now be done seamlessly via the company’s website (www.guyanaenergy.gy) or using its mobile app, Guyana Energy, available for download on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

To register, persons can visit the website, click on ‘Attend – Media Registration.’ The deadline for registration is February 7^th, 2025.

Haniff was keen to note that this is an incredible opportunity for media practitioners to gain exclusive access to industry leaders, government officials, and key decision-makers.

The Director said, “The GECSCE Secretariat recognises that our media partners are not only crucial to chronicling the incredible stories of transformation, collaboration, and sustainable development in Guyana and beyond, but they are also important to the overall success of our event.”

“We are indeed grateful for the support of the media and to ensure a seamless registration process, the Secretariat has made significant investments in upgrading its technological infrastructure.”

Haniff added, “I now invite all media representatives to get registered and be part of this premier event. We look forward to welcoming our media partners to what will arguably be the most exceptional chapter in our history.”

The fourth edition of the Guyana Energy Conference is poised to be its largest and most impactful to date. In addition to the main four-day conference spanning from February 18th to 21st, 2025, there will also be other major events. These include the Energy Run, an Essay Competition, a Taste of Guyana event, and a Conference Village.

The draft agenda for the conference is also live and can be reviewed via this link: https://guyanaenergy.gy/conference/agenda

 

 

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There have been criticisms of contractors building the houses in various schemes and in response, a more robust monitoring system has been developed.

This is according to the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who spoke at a recent press conference.

“Yes, we have seen criticisms and rightfully so, in terms of quality of work done and this is something we have strengthened in terms of the monitoring team for the housing units but it does not take away the impact from the construction of those houses,” Croal stated.

He also said, “Every segment of our population has an opportunity for equal access for home ownership.”

Over the past few years, some $12.5 billion has been invested in the coastal regions, resulting in the completion of 1,865 homes across various income brackets, including low-income, moderate-income, middle-income, and young professionals.

A total of 867 low-income homes were completed and keys handed over last year, while 398 moderate-income homes were also completed.

For middle income, 138 homes were completed while 330 young professionals were done. There were also 82 core homes built.

“In 2024, we have invested in the completion of houses $4.3 billion,” Minister Croal said.

Under the hinterland housing programme 20 houses were completed in Region One and 70 houses were completed in Region Nine.

Currently, 1, 724 houses are under construction.

“Those are at various stages and by the middle of this year, all of those are expected to be completed,” Croal said as works continue to complete the rest of the housing programme.

But the allocation of lots and handing over of the houses does not stop there. Minister Croal explained that in 2024, 7, 118 certificate of titles were processed.

“Yes you say persons allocated, yes you see persons are able to access their areas, their land but there is another aspect involved where persons have to sign for their agreements of sale as well as for the processing of their title, that is an activity very often takes place behind the scene, so when the allocation is done, that is not the end of it, there is another set of work that is involved,” Croal stated.

He added: “To date, therefore we have processed over 14,710 titles and that does not include as I speak, there is another close to 2, 500 certificate to process for titles that is at the land registrar awaiting to be signed off and going through its check and balance.”

While the government continues to push for homeownership for every citizen, not everyone can afford to do their own construction. And so, the government implemented the steel and cement housing subsidy programme to assist citizens with the construction of their homes.

To date, the programme has seen an investment of over $370 million, with 1,478 vouchers issued to beneficiaries

The post More robust monitoring for houses built- Croal  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Ministry of Labour said it has made significant progress on the issue of child labour in the country.

What once obtained, especially on the Pomeroon coconut plantations in Region Two, can no longer be found happening now, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton said on Tuesday at a press conference.

Speaking at his ministry on Brickdam, he said the ministry continues to raise awareness on the issue and its detrimental effects on children’s development.

“In the early stages when I became minister we went and reviewed some instances and indeed at that time, primarily in the Pomeroon River, on these coconut plantations, we witnessed child labour,” he shared.

“I can tell you now, in our visits now; that is not happening there anymore, so we have made a lot of progress in this regard,” he continued.

The term “child labour,” according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is often defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.

In 2024, the ministry met with Toshaos (Indigenous leaders) and other leaders of St. Monica, Wakapoa Village, Mashabo, and Karawab in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), and Moco Moco Village and Aishalton in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).

Awareness walks were held in Regions Four (Georgetown) and One (Port Kaituma) with over 1,000 persons, including students participating.

The walks featured participation from community leaders, schools, residents and others with banners, tokens and information flyers distributed.

Labour officers also conducted 41 school visits at both primary and secondary levels, with interactive presentations tailored to different age groups.

Topics included the rights of children, the value of education, and how to recognise and report child labour cases.

Of note is the fact that not all work done by children should be classified as child labour that is to be targeted for elimination.

“The participation of children or adolescents above the minimum age for admission to employment in work that does not affect their health and personal development or interfere with their schooling, is generally regarded as being something positive,” the ILO said.

This includes activities like assisting in a family business or earning pocket money outside school hours and during school holidays.

“These kinds of activities contribute to children’s development and to the welfare of their families; they provide them with skills and experience and help to prepare them to be productive members of society during their adult life,” the ILO explained.

The post No more child labour on Pomeroon coconut plantations – Min. Hamilton appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The 2025 Budget will include a comprehensive programme to address solid waste management nationwide, as part of the government’s bid to enhance community livelihoods.

The national street lighting programme, which provides for the erection of street lights along the roadways in communities, will also be expanded this year.

This promise was made by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali during a community engagement in Foulis, on the East Coast Demerara.

The president’s visit is part of the government’s ongoing effort to engage with communities and ensure that their key concerns are appropriately reflected in the coming budget.

During his visit, the president posed immediate and long terms solutions to key issues, including those related to road obstruction, dwindling burial spaces and garbage disposal.

“This year, we are putting in resources to continue the street lighting programme, so all the large communities especially will have street lights. In 2025, one of the main things we want to do for the NDCs is help them build their capacity to collect garbage. And we have to also build garbage disposal sites,” he explained.

Through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, an additional 25 compactor garbage trucks will be procured to enhance waste management efforts.

Some persons also requested speed bumps in the community to ensure that the roads are safer, and the president promised that this would also be addressed.

Scores of area residents came out to greet the president, interact with him and express their appreciation for the government’s timely interventions in addressing their concerns.

Bibi Lalbahadur said that a lot has been done by the government to support the country’s youth.

“The president is doing well for everybody. I like the way things are going, and I am happy to see the president here,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Another resident, Mohamed Hussein, noted that under this government, “more things are coming”.

“I am very grateful that he listened to all the concerns. I am also grateful to see that all the roads have been improving, and more infrastructure work is being done. We also have a hospital being done at Enmore now, and that’s great,” he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by the Chairman of the Paradise Housing Scheme, Seon Williams, who added that the road improvement projects have positively impacted the livelihood of residents along the East Coast.

“The government is also including small contractors, giving them the opportunity to get something in their pocket, and also give back to the community. This means more employment. I have seen that happening not only in my village, but in villages across Guyana,” Williams stated.

Foulis has recently undergone significant infrastructural development, including the rehabilitation of nearly 20 community roads.

A new nursery school has been completed and fencing is currently underway. To further enhance educational opportunities, a contract has been awarded for a new learning lab within the community and construction is set to commence soon.

“Our sports ground is also being developed…making it usable for the community, after so many years. We are entirely grateful for that,” community Councillor Vanetta Singh said.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, and Head of the Works Services Group (WSG) at the Ministry of Public Works, Ron Rahaman, were present for the outreach in Foulis (Republished from the Department of Public Information) 

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ESPN’s NFL Wildcard coverage is set to make history with the explosive anthem “TOUCHDOWN”, a groundbreaking collaboration that unites powerhouse artists from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The track, crafted by acclaimed Haitian-Guyanese DJ and producer Michael Brun, Grammy-winning Jamaican producer IzyBeats, global Latin superstar J Balvin, Tasan Thompson (Papa San’s daughter), and dancehall legends Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, marks a cultural fusion unlike anything seen before on this scale.

The song was amplified via strategic features by Guyanese executive Ron André Elvis Telford of Creative Titans, who collaborated closely with Julian Jones-Griffith of Popstyle Music on the project.

“TOUCHDOWN” blends the infectious rhythms of Latin music with the bold energy of Caribbean dancehall, creating the perfect soundtrack for the high-stakes excitement of the NFL Wildcard round.

The collaboration not only highlights the power of music in global sports but also celebrates cultural unity across borders.

This alliance brings together artists known for pushing musical boundaries. J Balvin continues to be a global ambassador for reggaeton, while Bounty Killer and Beenie Man’s dancehall dominance is legendary.

Michael Brun and IzyBeats’ production fuses these influences seamlessly, creating a track that embodies the spirit of competition and celebration.

Catch “TOUCHDOWN” as it sets the tone for ESPN’s NFL Wildcard coverage- an unforgettable moment where sports, culture and music collide. (https://www.latinmusiccanada.com/)

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Police are investigating the death of Tiffianna Stewart, a 32-year-old unemployed woman from Linden, Region 10.

Stewart reportedly died on January 2, 2025.

Police Headquarters, in a statement, said the woman was known to suffer from ‘shortness of breath’ and would use an inhaler to control her breathing. She also suffered from a heart condition.

On January 2, Stewart was with her boyfriend relaxing in a car when she started coughing and blood was seen coming from her mouth. She subsequently became unconscious.

She was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where she was pronounced dead.

An examination of the body revealed that there were no visible marks of violence. The body was subsequently taken to the Pensioner Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination — scheduled for Wednesday (January 8).

The post Police probing death of Linden woman appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Two months after the abduction of Kevin Fiedtkou, an Operations Supervisor at Aurora Gold Mining Inc., Police Lance Corporal Delon Younge was placed before the court and charged.

Younge was charged on Tuesday with conspiracy to commit a felony. He appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Clive Nurse.

He pleaded not guilty and was placed on $40,000 bail. The matter was adjourned to February 2025 for disclosure.

Police reported that Deputy Commissioner and Commander for Regional Police Division 4A, Simon McBean stated the Director of Public Prosecutions returned the file on the investigation with recommendations that Lance Corporal Younge be charged.

Meanwhile, Commander McBean said the other rank involved in the abduction is slated to be charged under the Disciplinary Act for the unauthorised use of the Force’s vehicle.

The abduction of Fiedtkou occurred on October 10, 2024 at approximately 12:30 hrs at the Giftland Mall.

Reports indicate that Fiedtkou was forcibly taken by three unidentified men and subsequently taken to his home in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), where he was coerced into surrendering $9.5 million.

Police reports confirm that Fiedtkou was unharmed during the ordeal, and the suspects made their escape following the exchange of money.

Previously authorities had issued a wanted bulletin for Okeemo Arak Brummell, a 29-year-old resident of Bel Air Springs, Georgetown.

The post Felony charge for cop involved in abduction of Aurora employee appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In a tragic turn of events, an 18-year-old college student from Atlanta, Georgia, United States who came to Guyana to celebrate his birthday, drowned while swimming at Coomacka Mines, Linden, Region 10.

Dead is Demarius Wilabus Payne. The incident occurred on December 26, 2024.

Police Headquarters reported that a post-mortem examination done on December 30, 2024, revealed that the teen drowned.

According to reports, Payne was with relatives at the creek. While swimming, he ventured out to the deep part of the creek and attempted to cross over to the other side of the creek and drowned. The family members along with others searched the creek and Payne was fished out of the creek in an unconscious state.

He was pronounced dead at the Linden Hospital.

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“It’s a new series, a new opportunity,” West Indies Test coach Andre Coley said ahead of the two-match series in Pakistan.

The last series between the two sides, in Kingston in 2021, was drawn 1-1, but West Indies have not won a Test in Pakistan since November 1990.

It’s also true that there haven’t been too many of these- only seven since that game- but the best West Indies have done since that 1990 series is a draw, in Multan in November 2006.

As such, the series is part of the World Test Championship cycle, but doesn’t mean much for either team in terms of context: South Africa and Australia have qualified for the final, while Pakistan and West Indies bring up the rear, eighth and ninth respectively on the nine-team table.

It’s also a chance for Coley to sign off on a positive note before Daren Sammy takes over.

“Once you play a series or a match there’s an opportunity in itself,” Coley said at a press interaction on Tuesday.

“It’s not about us creating history, it’s about using the learnings from 2024 and that consistency that was inserted for the last 12 months, being more set around the brand of cricket we want to play.

“Different people in the squad who would have missed out on opportunities before can use this as an opportunity to do better and do it in conditions that could be different in some instances.

“When you talk about Test cricket, it’s not only the opposition’s skill that provides tests, but the different conditions, different environments, and different game situations provide those tests. And that’s why you want to play at this level and in this format, to test yourself over four-five days. The game could change so rapidly.”

The magical eight-run win, scripted by Shamar Joseph, against Australia in Brisbane in January was by far West Indies’ best result in Test cricket last year, but it was one of only two wins for them in the entire WTC cycle so far.

And Coley pointed to the inconsistencies of the batters for the team not being able to build on the work by the bowlers.

“Obviously, Jayden [Seales] back to full fitness, Shamar Joseph making his debut in 2024, Alzarri Joseph… Kemar Roach has been a standout in terms of his leadership, on and off the field, with his skill and mentorship. [Gudakesh] Motie and [Jomel] Warrican have been consistent when given an opportunity,” Coley said, counting off his main bowlers, of whom the two Josephs are not in Pakistan. Anderson Phillip is, and Kevin Sinclair is the third spinner.

“We’ve seen a couple of innings where our batters have… Kavem Hodge scoring his first hundred, Alick Athanaze missing out on at least three; there have been instances where we have had significant partnerships from a batting perspective. But they haven’t really been very consistent and put ourselves in match-winning totals.

“The standout has been that we’ve been able to keep ourselves in Test matches on the back of our bowling, and what the young bowlers have done. It’s time, going forward in 2025, that the batsmen now, having been given certain opportunities to test their skills, to learn and translate those into performances.”

The first Test will be played in Karachi, from January 16, and the second in Multan, from January 24, with West Indies playing a three-day tour game in Islamabad from January 10 to get used to the conditions. (ESPNcricinfo)

 

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