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The government plans to drill new wells in 25 additional villages across Region Nine as part of its 2025 work programme to achieve 100 per cent access to potable water in hinterland communities.

This announcement was made by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during a recent outreach in the region.

“We want to have a supply [of potable water] for another 25 villages that we have identified that will bring us to 100 per cent access…I want you to understand that you have a government that is committed to ensuring that all our communities are serviced from a potable water source,” Minister Coral explained.

Crashwater, for instance, will benefit from the drilling of a deeper well by the end of January to expand water coverage and productivity.

Similarly, Kwatamang is set to benefit from the drilling of a new well in the Southern cluster, which will provide the remaining 20 per cent of residents with clean water.

The $22.3 million water supply system which was commissioned earlier this month is only providing access to 40 additional households in Kwatamang.

Additionally, a new well will be dug in Apoteri.

Minister Croal highlighted that the government has invested $500 million to advance water access in Region Nine this year.

In 2024, water supply systems were upgraded and expanded at Sawariwau, Sand Creek, Kaicumbay, Baitoon, Crashwater, Katuur, Baishaizon, Cra Crana, Tiger Pond, Massara, Quiko, Quarrie, Quatata, Shiriri, and Rupertee.

Works are underway on the water systems at Tiperu, Pai Pang, Meriwaunau, Kokshebai, Yurong Paru, and Semonie.

Further, new wells are being drilled at Semonie, Pai Pang, Kokshebai, Taushida, Yurong Paru, Parabara, Moco Moco, Jawari, Sawariwau, Curicock, Wichabai, Apoteri and Crashwater. New wells were also recently completed in Moco Moco and Fairview.

Several villages also benefitted from the installation of water supply systems including elevated storage systems at Potarinau, Katoonarib, Aishalton, Fairview, Yakarinta, Katoka, Rukumuta, Rewa and Parishara.

Villages such as Kaicumbay, Yupukari, Quarrie, Baitoon, Quiko, Katuur, Massara, Kwatamang, Pai Pang, Moco Moco, Tiperu, Achiwib, Meriwaunau, Shea and Awarewaunau have benefitted from the construction of trestles.

Earlier this month, two water supply systems totalling $39.9 million were commissioned in the region at Rupertee and Massara.

With the investments made over the years, access to potable water currently stands at 94 per cent in Region Nine.

Overall, the government has drilled and completed more than 100 wells in the hinterland and riverine communities to date (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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Nitish Kumar Reddy hit a superb first Test century to keep India in the fourth Test, but Australia remain in a strong position at the end of day three in Melbourne.

Playing in his fourth Test and with his father among the India fans in the stands, the 21-year-old made an unbeaten 105 to drag his side from 191-6 to 358-9 at the close.

He put on 127 in 47 overs for the eighth wicket with Washington Sundar to frustrate Australia after the early dismissals of Rishabh Pant for 28 and Ravindra Jadeja for 17.

Sundar fell for 50 with Reddy unbeaten on 97 and when Jasprit Bumrah went for a three-ball duck, the batting all-rounder was at risk of being stranded as last man Mohammed Siraj emerged.

But Siraj survived the rest of Cummins’ over and Reddy, batting at number eight, reached three figures by elegantly driving his 10th four.

Bad light and rain arrived soon after with India still 116 runs behind – but Reddy’s knock means the tourists have hope of earning at least a draw over the final two days, with the series tied at 1-1.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father could not contain his emotions (Photo: Getty Images)

Superb Reddy shows the way

Reddy came into this series as a relative unknown, with three T20s his only previous international matches.

He won the emerging player award in this year’s Indian Premier League but had only scored one first-class century.

However the right-hander showed the skill and temperament of a player far beyond his years or record at the fabled MCG.

He came in after Pant was caught at deep third man attempting to audaciously scoop Boland over his shoulder to fine leg and produced a far more measured innings.

Reddy put pressure on to Australia’s bowlers with classy off-drives off the front and back foot and when easing Nathan Lyon back over his head for his one six.

He moved to 97 without offering a chance but, having seen his trusty partner Sundar fall, he then attempted a hack in an attempt to get to three figures.

The ball narrowly clearly the in-field and Reddy was able to take two – but that left Bumrah exposed to Cummins, who quickly nicked off India’s vice-captain to leave the youngster helpless at the non-striker’s end.

He nervously looked to the gloomy skies as Cummins completed his over and beat his bat in celebration as Siraj defended the final ball to loud cheers from the India supporters in the crowd.

After reaching his century, Reddy dropped to one knee and looked skywards again, with his father now in tears as India flags waved around him.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar frustrated Australia with a century partnership (Photo: Getty Images)

Flat Australia made to work

Australia began this Test with the jolt of momentum given by Sam Konstas’ debut half-century and dominated much of day two to position themselves as strong favourites for a 2-1 series lead.

This, though, was their toughest day since the defeat in the opening Test of the series.

After Pant gifted his wicket and Lyon pinned Jadeja lbw in the morning session, they were blunted for most of the day by the Reddy-Sundar stand as the pitch flattened.

Throughout the afternoon the only chance offered was a fluke deflection off the back of Sundar’s bat as he attempted to turn a leg-side ball to fine leg – but the chance was dropped by Steve Smith at second slip.

Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc received treatment on his back and his pace was down but left-hander Sundar finally edged the 162nd delivery he had faced to give off-spinner Lyon his second wicket.

Despite their toil, Australia still hold the upper hand.

They will hope to take the final India wicket quickly on the fourth morning and bat briskly enough to give them time to dismiss India a second time on the fifth day. (BBC)

 

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Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC instituted legal proceedings against social media activist Melissa Ann Atwell, known as Melly Mel, and his lawyer, Darshan Ramdhani KC confirmed the relevant documents were delivered to her Brooklyn, New York address.

Nandlall is suing Atwell for what he says are libelous posts made on her Facebook page, which has a sizeable following.

In the submissions, it has been posited that Nandlall has been badly affected by a series of posts made by Atwell. Among other things, Nandlall claims that Atwell’s posts attack his character and they insinuate that he is unfit to serve as Attorney General, a Member of Parliament, a member of the local bar, and a member of Government.

Nandlall said the relevant legal documents were served but the social media activist, as recent as Friday, made a post that she was “still waiting to be served.”

In a statement from the Attorney General’s lawyer, Mr. Ramdhani, it was noted that Atwell’s statements were untrue.

He said on December 17, 2024, Justice Nicola Pierre granted orders to dispense with personal service of the Amended Statement of Claim and the Notice of Appointment of Attorneys-at-Law upon Atwell. Leave was also granted to Mr. Nandlall to effect substituted service on Atwell by sending the said documents together with an order of court for service out of the jurisdiction and the defendant’s authorisation code by pre-paid courier service to her Brooklyn, New York address.

And in accordance with that order, he said that Mr. Nandlall, through his attorneys (Mr. Ramdhani and Raj Jaigobin, sent a pre-paid courier package by FedEx containing the documents.

“FedEx has since informed the attorneys of Mr Mohabir Anil Nandlall that the said package containing the documents was delivered to Melissa Ann Atwell’s apartment,” Mr. Ramdhani said.

Documents were provided, indicating that the package was delivered at Atwell’s address at 18:43 hrs, December 20, 2024.

It was also noted that the package was received. It was signed for by a D. Thompson.

“One would recall that by a live video, the defendant had stated that if service was effected on that apartment, she would effectively get the documents,” Mr. Ramdhani added.

Now, the court will be notified by affidavit evidence that the service was effected in accordance with its order. And the matter should proceed now.

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Addressing complaints that teachers and other public servants had to spend hours in line to get their $100,000 cash grant earlier this week, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo acknowledged that the distribution system could be improved.

“I saw the situation with some public servants and teachers and it should’ve never happened,” Jagdeo said at his weekly press conference.

He later added, “I agree they may have been issues with people waiting too long and all of that. It is a fair comment and we do have to find ways of getting the distribution done better.”

The distribution of the $100,000 cash grant for each Guyanese adult has gotten underway and teachers in Region Four were among those who started getting the grant on Monday.

Scores of teachers assembled outside the St. Stanislaus College, Brickdam, equipped with umbrellas and water bottles as they waited to get inside. Once inside, those who signed up previously were verified and were able to get their cheques quickly.

Jagdeo said efforts are being made to get the cheques prepared to as many people as possible before the end of this year. However, he said more dispersed system could be in place to get the cheques to people.

According to him, the Ministry of Finance has been engaged on moving to a better system that involves a “more conscientious way” of distributing the grant, possibly by engaging the managers of different agencies.

Outside of the distribution on the coast, the Vice President pointed out that the process went more smoothly in hinterland areas as teams went into communities and hubs.

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo Thursday said that about 100,000 citizens already received their $100,000 cash grant from the government.

He also said that about 366,000 individuals have already been registered for the grant.

The Vice President provided an update on the distribution process during his weekly press conference. In doing so, he said about 245,000 cheques have been cut so far and anticipates by the end of the year, about 300,000 cheques will be cut.

These cheques are for citizens in the hinterland regions and Region Four.

Next year, the distribution process will unfold in the remaining regions with funds from the 2025 National Budget.

“So we will have between the beginning of the year to about February when hopefully the budget will be passed to deliver these cheques to people… and then in that very same period, we will be able to register people in the other five regions,” Jagdeo explained on Thursday.

He added, “We will put the additional sums in the budget so that we will be able to cut cheques immediately after the budget is passed for the remaining number of people.”

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Raydon Krammer, a rising star from Region Seven, has received– a three-month training stint in Brazil with Academia de Futebol Real Brasil.

While final logistics will be confirmed as Krammer has Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams, he is expected to depart for the fully-funded training stint in March.

Krammer, who led D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary to victory in the 2022 KFC Goodwill International School Football Tournament and repeated the feat this year with Chase’s Academic Foundation, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

“I’ve waited for this moment for a long time. Since I was small, I’ve been training and wanted to get this opportunity,” the young man stated.

“I had the opportunity once but didn’t get to go because of financial problems. So now I’m really happy to get this scholarship because I’m going to represent my country; I’m going to represent my family, my former school, and my new school that I’m attending, and I’m so happy.”

Krammer in action for Chase’s Academic Foundation (PHOTO: Jemima Holmes)

Krammer, who previously won the tournament with D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary School, has shown exceptional dedication and talent. Despite facing challenges growing up in a remote community, he honed his skills with hard work and dedication.

His journey to success is a testament to his hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment.

Krammer balances his rigorous football training with his academic pursuits, demonstrating a strong work ethic on and off the field.

This Brazilian training stint will provide Krammer with invaluable experience and enhance his footballing abilities.

As he prepares for this exciting chapter, Krammer remains focused on representing his country and inspiring other young athletes to pursue their dreams.

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Corbin Bosch’s dream outing continued as he scored his maiden half-century off 46 balls and the highest score by a No.9 batter on debut in Tests as he built South Africa’s 90-run first-innings lead.

Pakistan ate into most of that in their second innings but lost three wickets and remained two runs behind, leaving South Africa with their noses in front.

The hosts, who need one more Test win to guarantee a place in the World Test Championship final, were at risk of squandering the opportunity to get ahead after collapsing from 178 for 4 to 213 for 8.

A 41-run stand between Bosch and Kagiso Rabada and a 47-run last-wicket partnership between Bosch and Dane Paterson gave them a healthy lead.

They did not maximise the advantage immediately and Pakistan’s opening pair of Saim Ayub and Shan Masood put on 49 inside 11 overs before they lost 3 for 25 on a day that ebbed and flowed, more from entertainment than the quality of the cricket. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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Rocky Ketwaroo, 25, a construction worker was brutally chopped about his body during an alleged attempted robbery on Christmas night in Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara.

Ketwaroo’s, mother Zora Mohammed spoke with the News Room and stated that her son’s injuries are severe. One of his friends was also injured in the attack. Mohammed explained that her son and his friend were attacked by about four men armed with cutlasses on bicycles.

The suspects attempted to rob Ketwaroo of his motorcycle.

“They just sit down and the boys them come up with a gun and ‘we gon rob ayuh’ and they retaliate and said ‘man is holiday, we ain’t want a story,” Mohammed explained.

She stated that her son left at about 18:00hrs on Christmas Day to meet with his friends.

According to Mohammed, Ketwaroo was chopped to his head. He also has three broken bones to his left leg, severe chop wounds to three of his fingers, and other lacerations about his body.

“Almost all happened on the left side, the foot from the chin bone to the ankle all there ‘broke’ that’s how the cutlass chop him up,” the mother stated.

Ketwaroo’s mother, Zora Mohammed

While she is thankful that her son is alive she hopes the Police will conduct a full probe into the incident.

“One [suspect] of them hold him down because they tried to get his keys for the motorbike from my son pocket but they didn’t get the keys, but they snatched his phone and somebody collect back the phone,” the woman explained.

Ketwaroo lost consciousness after he was attacked and was picked up by another friend and taken to the Grove Police Station. The mother said the Police then took him to the Diamond Hospital.

“Me want to them to get these people and lock them up, my son could have lost his life,” the woman said.

Mohammed said the friend who was injured was stabbed to his back, hand and head. He was discharged from the hospital the next day.

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