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A $402.5 million tissue culture laboratory is being established on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

This lab will allow local authorities to use plant fragments to produce millions of plantlets, a move that Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says will significantly boost local production.

The building should be operational by the first quarter of 2025. Once completed and operations, millions of plantlets will be produced annually.

Currently, Guyana only produces about 15,000 plantlets from nurseries across the country. Plantlets are young or small plants; when produced in the laboratory, they can then be planted in other spaces.

Not only will it increase the amount of plantlets available for cultivation, but the the large-scale production of non-traditional crops for Guyana, such as berries, will be possible.

“This will be a game changer for us,” Mustapha said on Monday during his ministry’s end-of-year press conference.

He added, “This here will help us to expand Guyana’s agricultural output.”

The state-of-the-art facility will produce high-yielding, disease- and pest-resistant plantlets, eradicating the need for farmers to utilise chemicals on their farms.

Last year, the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture and the Energy Resource Institute (TERI) of India inked an agreement to create the facility.

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Guyana spends about US$6.6 million (or approximately GY$1.3 billion) importing about 53 million hatching eggs to satisfy local demand.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, however, told reporters on Monday that the government is on an ambitious agenda to be self-sufficient in this regard, possibly by the end of 2025.

“Guyana is importing approximately 53 million hatching eggs annually. We are hoping that by the end of 2025 or early 2026, that we can produce all our hatching eggs (we need),” Mustapha said at his ministry’s end-of-year press conference on Monday.

In 2024, Guyana produced 144,000 hatching eggs; last year, 27,000 eggs were produced. The Agriculture Minister, however, posited that local production will increase significantly in coming months with the expansion of the local breeding programme.

New facilities will be set up across the country, he said.

If this feat is achieved, and Guyana produces the eggs it needs, Guyana could slash the mammoth US$6.6 million sum out of its food import bill.

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Three men from Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice will be charged with the murder of Marciano Michel Nelson, a Surinamese national who was working in Guyana. Charges were recommended following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Those to be charged are Nicholas Chinarine, also known as “Kakoo”, a 24-year-old labourer; Christopher Chinarine, 22; and Michael Anthony Brijjader, also known as “Mickey”, a 31-year-old labourer. The men will make their appearance at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Nelson also known as “Dutchie” was murdered sometime between December 21 and 22, 2024 in Bangladesh, Port Mourant.

He was discovered in a trench with chop wounds to his forehead, chin head and feet. Police said he was found about 100 metres from his house.

Detectives also searched his house and observed a small amount of blood on the floor, and the deceased’s clothing was scattered, suggesting a possible struggle.

Nelson was questioned back in October in relation to the murder of Parmanand Pertab who was found dead in a drain along the southern side of Bangladesh back street.

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The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) said it is proud of its achievements for 2024, so far as maternal and neonatal deaths at the hospital are concerned.

While the hospital was able to boast of low figures last year, Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran said they are able to provide even lower figures for this year.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday at the hospital’s Resource Centre on New Market Street, in Georgetown, he disclosed that the hospital saw 10 maternal deaths last year compared to eight for 2024.

“Of those eight maternal deaths, each and every one of them was referred to us in a very critical state. We wish we could have done better or more for them, but the care they would have gotten where they were and they got from us would have been the same because they were basically transferred,” he said.

Of those eight deaths, they were all indirect maternal deaths, Rambarran pointed out.

As for neonatal deaths, he revealed 41 for this year as opposed to 83 for last year.

“For last year… we happily reported and boasted about the significance about the improvement we have made in maternal and child health,” he expressed, adding, “
Last year we boasted that in the history of the Georgetown hospital we had the lowest maternal deaths ever. We boasted as well that it was the year we had the lowest ever neonatal deaths ever in the history of Georgetown hospital. This year we will boast that we have achieved much further.”

Rambarran said they are proud of this achievement, especially when taken in the context that without these eight referrals, the hospital would have had zero such deaths.

Dr. Winsome Scott, Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Georgetown Hospital, offered that in 2023, GPHC reported 83 neonatal deaths out of a total of 947 neonatal admissions.

Dr. Winsome Scott, Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Georgetown Hospital (News Room/December 30,2024)

“I am delighted and extremely proud to share that as of December 29, 2024, GPHC has recorded 955 admissions and 41 neonatal deaths, representing a 50 percent reduction in neonatal deaths as compared to 2023.

The NICU provides specialised care for sick and premature babies.

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Tis the season for giving, and Guyanese cricketer Sherfane Rutherford has treated West Indies fans around the world to a sparkling treat with bat in hand in limited-overs cricket for 2024.

Following a breathtaking century in the opening ODI against Bangladesh where he blasted 113 runs from 80 balls, the 26-year-old set a record of amassing the most runs in eight consecutive ODI innings by any West Indian batter.

The left-hander made his ODI debut in 2023, scoring a half-century in his second match against England in Antigua. However, it was his transformation in Sri Lanka earlier this year that truly marked his resurgence.

Known for his hard-hitting ability, Rutherford registered back-to-back half centuries during the three-match series, including a match-winning unbeaten 50 in the final game, which guided the West Indies to their first victory in Sri Lanka since 2005.

Sherfane Rutherford

The Guyanese cricketer credits his resurgence to self-reflection and a shift in mindset.

“The turning point for me was asking myself a tough question: Will you play cricket for your whole life and be basic or be the same person?”

Rutherford shared: “I think that question changed everything for me.”

He went on to explain how this shift in approach impacted his mentality and work ethic towards the game: “I just decided that I am going to do what others weren’t doing. I was going to work harder, improve and find ways to better my game.”

Interestingly, Rutherford made his international debut in 2018 in a T20 international appearance, and although being out of the fold for several years, it was his experience in the shortest format that helped shape his adaptation in the longer format.

“Its about batsmanship,” Rutherford explained.

“The intensity is similar to T20s. It’s about knowing when to attack and when to hold back, making those adjustments.”

Even as he was on the fringes of the West Indies squad, the chance to represent the region rekindled a childhood dream and filled him with immense pride.

“Playing for the West Indies means a lot to me because it’s something my parents always wanted for me.” he said. “Every time I put on the maroon, it gives me that extra boost and joy and pride, knowing I’m representing the region.”

Sherfane Rutherford converted his fifth successive 50-plus score into his maiden ODI hundred • Randy Brooks

Rutherford’s journey hasn’t been without its obstacles. Hailing from Enmore in Guyana, as one of seven siblings, family played a significant role in his life.

However, like many he faced the heart-wrenching reality of loss.

“Losing my parents was very tough. But when I lost my dad in 2022, that’s when I became a father myself. Having a family of my own gives me strength to keep going, to keep working though setbacks, no matter the pain.”

For the strong-minded batter, his uptick in form creates an avenue to honour his parents spiritually.

“Now, its just about doing it for my parents. My daddy loved cricket, and my mom is a big fan as well. Everything I achieve reflects their hard work and the sacrifices they made for me.”

By the end of 2024, Rutherford accumulated 425 runs in seven innings at an average of 106.25 and a strike rate of 120.06 with a century and four half centuries and was named the Player of the Series in the West Indies’ recent ODI series against Bangladesh.

Additionally, the 26-year-old has been nominated for the ODI player of the year by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following his meteoric rise.

While his career is still in the embryonic stages, the promise Rutherford has shown is a testament to grit and determination.

It’s a reminder that hard work, self belief and resilience are the key ingredients to success at the highest level. (Windies Cricket)

 

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Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on Monday ruled that the 2020 election fraud trial should start afresh.

The case has already faced several delays, even after evidence was presented and with the presiding magistrate, Leron Daly, proceeding on sick leave. The Acting Chief Magistrate has since taken over the case.

However, she indicated that the Court will now have to decide the mode of the trial, that is, whether it is to be done summarily or indictably.

The Acting Chief Magistrate is expected to rule on the mode of trial on January 13, 2025. Submissions are to be filed by January 6, 2025.

The trial involves nine defendants, including former government minister Volda Lawrence and former GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield.

The accused face charges related to conspiring to defraud voters by manipulating the election results during the disputed 2020 General and Regional elections.

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When the inaugural One Guyana/Kashif and Shanghai Futsal championship kicked off almost one month ago with a historic 64 teams in the fray, it would have been anybody’s guess as to who the final four teams would be.

The guessing period is over with Sparta Boss, the perennial bosses of futsal, set to play Back Circle ‘A’, who can be considered one of the top exponents of this format.

Another top futsal side, Bent Street ‘A’ will be throwing all they’ve got at the Brazilian/Guyanese combo of players that have been named, Road Warriors and have looked a clinical unit that is capable of upstaging all and sundry in their march to the top prize of two-million dollars.

The crowd-pleasing and exciting brand of futsal being executed by Road Warriors is exactly what central teams and those around Guyana must be aiming to learn, going forward.

Nonetheless, Bent Street ‘A’ has what it takes to pull off what will be considered the biggest win of their playing career if they can achieve it.

They’ll be banking on the experience of senior Golden Jaguars Daniel Wilson, Colin Nelson, Pernel Schultz, Marcus Wilson, Sese Norville in goal, Jamaine Beckles, Jobe Ceasar, Clive Nobrega, Daniel Ross and Adrian Aaron.

In reaching this final four, Bent Street ‘A’ narrowly got past Region 9 (2-1), Spaniard (3-2), Stabroek ‘B’ (5-2) and Team Cruel (6-3).

Their opponents, however, seem very versed in the universal style of futsal and have been schooling each opponent thus far in their march.

Their first win was a 10-2 drubbing of Footsteppers who were hardly allowed to step on the ball.

Next up they clipped Victoria Eagles 8-3, trounced Ballers United of Berbice 10-0 and humbled Gold Is Money 9-1 in their quarter-final showdown.

Road Warriors will be led by Wendrecky De Souza, who is the second highest goal scorer of the championship (11 goals), Matheus De Souza (8-goals), goalkeeper Erilson Cadete, who has one goal and plays out of his position regularly, Hildemir Filho, Dionathas Pereira, Daniel Alves, Teon Stewart, Jaleei Alcindor and Chai Williams.

The first semi-final brings together Sparta Boss, who boasts a star-studded line-up that includes a number of current and former senior Golden Jaguars in captain Jermaine Junor, Omari Glasgow, goalkeeper Omar Jones, Curtez Kellman, Ryan Hackett, Darron Niles, Eusi Phillips, Carl Griffith, Kelsey Benjamin and Nicholas McArthur.

Spart,a in mapping their way to this stage, hammered Melanie 12-0, got past Festival City 7-4, defeated Bent Street ‘B’ 5-2 and eased past Stabroek Ballers ‘A’ 6-3.

Their opponents Back Circle ‘A’, while not boasting such big names, have been holding their own and will be led by the championship’s leading goal scorer with 22 goals, Bevney Marks.

He will receive able support from his goalkeeper who has only been beaten thrice in four matches, Azariel Davis.

Ravin Naughton, Akil Plass, Cecil Jackman, Mikel Garraway, Stephon Reynolds, and Darren Benjamin will lend support as the big prize is just two matches away.

Back Circle ‘A’ boasts the best goal record in the championship to date and has only conceded three goals while first in the most of any team, 49 in four matches as a result of a 12-0 beating of Essequibo, 16-0 thrashing of Vryheid’s Lust, almost similar score against Timehri Warriors, the latter scoring once and a 5-2 win over North East.

Only time will tell who the two teams battling in the final for the top prize of two million, the loser also walking away with a handsome one million. The respective losers will collide in the third-place match with $500,000 and $200,000 at stake.

Meanwhile, the female segment of the championship will also see the finalists being decided when the final leg of the home and away format is contested.

The respective winners on Boxing night, Lady Canaimas 11-0 over The Lioness and Lady Royals with a 7-0 triumph against Tucville Terrorists seems like to bolster that aggregate on their way to the final.

The losers will play for third. The winning team will pocket G$200,000, losing finalist G$100,000, third place G$60,000 and fourth place G$40,000.

New Year’s Night schedule:
Lady Royals vs Tucville Terrorists                20:00h
Lady Canaimas vs The Lioness                    20:30h
Exhibition Game Brazil vs Venezuela        21:00h
Back Circle ‘A’ vs Sparta Boss                      22:00h
Road Warriors vs Bent Street ‘A’               23:30h

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The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in declaring a State of Emergency (SOE) in the wee hours of Monday morning, has said that the circumstances that mandated this “extreme action” is the virtual outbreak of gang violence and the increased use of high-powered illegal firearms, including automatic weapons.

Furthermore, the government said it believes that certain criminal gangs throughout the country are likely to immediately increase their brazen acts of violent criminal activity.

Government representatives on Monday said at a press conference that they are traumatised at the alarming rate of deaths involving innocent bystanders.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Stuart Young stated that the 61 homicides for December 2024 (622 homicides for the year), is not the main reason for the declaration.

The firearm situation, and the type of guns being used, is what is of particular concern, Young said. He referenced two incidents over the past 48 hours where someone was shot just outside of a police station with a high-powered weapon, and 24 hours later, six people were targeted and shot, with five dying.

“This was a reprisal shooting and there can be expected heightened reprisal activity that immediately took us out of the norm,” Young said.

No curfew has been set, though, and the police service will be given additional powers to search premises and persons without warrants and to detain persons for 48 hours, after which, a magistrate can order additional time.

Young stressed that a “continued level of planning and execution by criminal elements” is expected.

President Christine Kangaloo declared the SOE on the advice of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

The government said the circumstances warranting the declaration of the public emergency are based on the advice of the police service to the National Security Council of heightened criminal activity which endangers the public safety.

The last time a state of emergency was declared in Trinidad and Tobago was in 2021 to allow for restrictions to fight the Covid-19 virus.

In 2014, during the tenure of the People’s Partnership government, a SoE was also triggered in response to a crime wave.

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The Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA) earned $2.6 billion in revenue from January to November 2024.

This information was provided by the Attorney General’s Chambers. The sum is likely to increase when December’s earnings are are tallied.

It was also noted that the revenue generated by the body has been steadily increasing.

In 2022, the body earned $1.7 billion, and in 2023, $2.5 billion.

Established under the Deeds Registry Act Chapter 5:01, the DCRA falls under the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and is responsible for administering the laws related to land, whether by way of transport, leases, mortgages, as well as those laws relating to trademarks, patents and designs, geographical indications, copyrights, trade unions, companies, partnership, business names, powers of attorney, bills of sale contracts and other deeds.

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Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said recently that the United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned five oil tankers that are reportedly owned by a Syrian conglomerate and were fraudulently using Guyana’s flag.

See below the full release issued by MARAD: 

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) wishes to share the facts in relation to information shared in a recent Capital News video report.

The story claims that five oil tankers registered under the Guyana Flag, linked to a Syrian conglomerate company in Iran and Syria, and connected to Venezuela were sanctioned by the United States Treasury Department. These ships are not registered in Guyana; thus, they are false and fraudulent registrations.

Guyana, through MARAD operates a closed registry. Therefore, the registration of vessels under the Guyana flag is limited to ships owned by Guyanese nationals, residents, citizens of Caribbean Community states (CARICOM), and corporate bodies established under the laws of Guyana. None of the purported owners falls into any of these categories.

Since 2021, incidences of false Guyana registrations have come to the fore. The perpetrators of this fraud have targeted several countries including Guyana, Panama, and regional states. The Maritime Administration Department and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs continue to share information on these false registrations which come into our possession, with all United Nations (UN) member states and relevant regional and international maritime associations.

The sanctions being applied by the United States of America, the United Kingdom and other Western States are part of the said response to the threats posed by these false registrations.

The Government of Guyana makes it pellucid that there is no sinister plot afoot to operate or have a separate ship registry and Guyana does not, has not, and will not offer a flag of convenience for vessels. In this regard, it continues to take steps to protect the sovereignty and integrity of Guyana.

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