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The second sprint camp, organised by A Record Chance Inc., will occur on Saturday, November 30, at Thirst Park.

It promises to be an exceptional opportunity for Guyana’s top junior athletes to enhance their performance in the sport.

This initiative is designed to refine athletic skills and provide a comprehensive understanding of how to maximise individual talents both on and off the field.

With over 120 athletes already signed up, the camp will bring together a diverse young talent eager to learn and grow.

Approximately 30 experienced coaches will also be participating, contributing to a robust coaches’ programme that aims to elevate the region’s training standard.

This collaboration between athletes and coaches is expected to foster a rich learning environment, where participants can exchange knowledge and experiences.

Carlwyn Collins, the Marketing Manager of A Record Chance Inc., emphasized the importance of this camp in boosting athletes’ value. He noted that scouts have been reaching out to assess local talent, indicating a growing interest in Guyana’s athletes from abroad.

This camp serves as a platform to showcase local talent and prepare athletes for future opportunities in competitive sports.

National Indoor record holder Arinze Chance, the founder of A Record Chance Inc., highlighted that while the organization’s primary focus is on track and field, plans are underway to expand its reach to other athletic disciplines by 2026.

He underscored that the camp is not solely centered on technical training; it encompasses a holistic approach to athletic development, considering mental, emotional, and physical aspects.

A fascinating aspect of the camp is the involvement of Karim Abdel-Wahab, a world-renowned NCAA coach.

He will provide virtual coaching tips to participants and lead the coaches’ course, sharing invaluable insights and strategies that can help athletes elevate their game.

In addition to the athletic training, the sprint camp aims to engage the broader community by being open to the public.

Various novelty events will raise awareness about the sport and promote a culture of athletics in Guyana.

This initiative seeks to develop individual athletes and inspire a new generation of sports enthusiasts.

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So far this year, a total of 182 domestic violence-related reports have been received via the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s toll-free 914 hotline.

The calls form part of the more than 6,000 received through the hotline in 2024.

“The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has offered the region and the Spotlight Initiative a comprehensive model, starting from a reporting mechanism with the 914 24-hour toll-free hotline.

“In this year alone, over 6,000 calls were made to this hotline. 182 of them were related to domestic violence, 292 to child abuse cases. It tells you what is happening very clearly in our country,” said Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, recently.

Dr Persaud made the disclosure while addressing the issue of gender-based violence. To eradicate the issue, she called on the public to utilise the available avenues to report such cases, so that action can be taken and the necessary assistance can be provided.

“We must be proactive in this fight to eliminate gender-based violence.”

“Whenever there is a case of gender-based violence, we must report it, even if it has nothing to do with us. Don’t turn a blind eye,” Dr Persaud encouraged.

The 914 hotline was launched in December 2020 in response to the significant decline in the reporting of violence and child abuse. It is just one of the many avenues available to address the issue of gender-based violence.

 

Another option is the iMatter app. Police officers have also been specially trained under the Cop Squad initiative on how to handle domestic violence cases, particularly when taking reports and dealing with victims.

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A shooting incident that took place around 21:30 hrs Wednesday night in Sophia resulting in a man being shot by officers after allegedly resisting arrest and pulling a gun during a domestic violence intervention.

According to initial reports, two police ranks, a Corporal and a Constable, were on mobile patrol when they received a call for assistance from Turkeyen Police Station in relation to a domestic violence complaint.

The victim, an 18-year-old sales representative from ‘E’ Field Sophia, had accused her 25-year-old boyfriend, Quincy Morris, of assaulting her.

The officers accompanied the victim to Morris’ residence, where they were informed by his sisters that he was not at home.

However, as the officers were leaving the premises, Morris was spotted approaching the house with approximately 20 other men.

The police approached Morris and informed him of the domestic violence allegations. When the officers attempted to arrest him, Morris resisted and reportedly told them, “I am not going anywhere… this is Sophia.”

At this point, Morris allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the officers.

In response, one of the officers drew his service weapon and fired a single shot, striking Morris in the upper thigh. The suspect collapsed to the ground. As the situation escalated, the group of men surrounding the officers caused further chaos, with one of them retrieving the firearm from Morris and fleeing the scene.

The officers contacted the Police Operations Room for backup, and Morris was taken into custody. He was subsequently transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital for treatment, where he is being treated for a gunshot wound. His condition is stable, and he is currently under police guard while investigations continue.

Several individuals have been questioned in relation to the incident, and police are continuing to gather information as part of their ongoing investigation.

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By Kurt Campbell

kurt@newsroom.gy

It’s time to explore an often-overlooked treasure of Guyana: the South Rupununi.

Nestled in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), this part of the country is a land of stark beauty, where vast savannahs meet towering mountains, and indigenous culture thrives.

It’s a place where nature, adventure, and culture intertwine like nowhere else in Guyana, and this year, it’s becoming the focus of an exciting new tourism circuit.

To take you on this journey I will begin in the early hours of Tuesday, November 26, at Wichabai Ranch—an eco-tourism haven that’s family-owned and operated by Justin and Erin, passionate hosts with a love for adventure.

It’s 5:30 am, and the sun rises majestically behind the mountains, painting the sky with shades of orange and gold. The light spills across the ranch, and the day begins with a sense of wonder.

Day breaks at Wichabai Ranch. (Photo: Kurt Campbell/ News Room – November 27, 2024)

Wichabai, however, is just one piece of the puzzle that is the South Rupununi. As we arrived the previous day, we’d already set foot on a new tourism path that stretches across the savannahs, from ranches to indigenous villages.

South Rupununi Savannahs near Wichabai Ranch (Photo: Rehanah Persaud/ November 26, 2024)

Day One: Morai Morai Ranch – where culture meets nature

Our adventure kicked off in Katoonarib, at the Morai Morai Ranch, where we were immediately embraced by the warmth of the local community.

As we joined the indigenous people in preparing cassava bread and learning the traditional art of arrow making, we were transported into a way of life that’s been preserved for generations.

The air was filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and the earth beneath our feet felt different from the rainforest experiences in the north – here, the trails were dustier, the sand crunching beneath our boots.

We even had the chance to taste tuma – a unique stew/broth made from fish and deer meat, lovingly prepared in a pot over an open flame. The flavours were rich and authentic, and the experience, from shooting arrows to fetching water from a hand-dug well, felt as immersive as it was educational.

The News Room’s Kurt Campbell fetches water from a hand-dug well at Morai Morai. (Photo: Rehanah Persaud/ November 26, 2024)

It was here we met Orville, whose mother works at the ranch, and Nicholas Cyril, affectionately known as ‘Uncle Bakes’, the ranch owner. Over lunch, Nicholas regaled us with tales of his life in the South Rupununi—stories of survival, culture, and the land that he holds dear.

Wichabai Ranch: Adventure and relaxation combined

After a day at Morai Morai, we journeyed to Wichabai Ranch, where adventure awaited. A hike up to a mountain viewpoint gave us sweeping vistas of the savannah, while the sight of capybaras cooling off in a nearby lake was the perfect moment to unwind. Swimming in the refreshing waters, with the mountains in the background, it felt like time had slowed down.

The highlight of the next morning was an early-morning trail walk, where the sky gradually brightened, revealing a landscape that was both familiar and foreign.

We walked through the tall grasses, the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze, while birds of every size and colour flitted above us.

South Rupununi Savannahs near Wichabai Ranch (Photo: Rehanah Persaud/ November 26, 2024)

Saddle Mountain: Horseback Riding and Scenic Views

After a picnic lunch at Saddle Mountain Ranch, we mounted our horses and set off to explore the range. Here, the land stretched out before us in all its golden glory, the savannah dotted with cattle, and the distant mountains standing like silent sentinels. Horseback riding through the rugged terrain provided a real taste of what life is like for the ranchers here.

Horseback riding at Saddle Mountain Ranch.
(Photo: Rehanah Persaud/ November 26, 2024)

It was clear to see that the South Rupununi is different from the North. While the North offers lush rainforests and river-based adventures, the South boasts open plains, wildlife conservation, and lifestyle-based experiences that connect travellers deeply with the land.

The South Rupununi Tourism Circuit: A work in progress

According to Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, the South Rupununi is quickly catching up to the more well-known northern destinations.

“What distinguishes the product in the South is the unique blend of lifestyle, adventure, and conservation. You’ve got the vast savannahs, horse riding, and cattle ranching. It’s a completely different type of experience compared to the rainforest adventures of the North.”

Over the last three years, the Ministry of Tourism and partners like the GTA have worked hard to develop the South Rupununi Tourism Circuit. The effort has already led to investments in infrastructure, product development, and marketing, with a focus on authentic experiences such as traditional cassava bread making, arrow crafting, and wildlife conservation.

A vehicle drives on flat rocks in a small lake to get to Saddle Mountain

An Exciting Future Ahead

What sets this region apart isn’t just the natural beauty, but the way it’s integrated with the people and their culture. At each stop, we felt the sense of community—the genuine care and pride locals take in their way of life. It’s a destination that promises not only breathtaking views and adrenaline-filled experiences but also deep, cultural immersion that will leave you with a better understanding of this beautiful corner of the world.

The South Rupununi is a place where you can truly connect with the land, the people, and the wildlife. And with the South Rupununi Tourism Circuit developing at such a rapid pace, it’s only a matter of time before this hidden gem becomes the next big thing in Guyanese tourism.

So, pack your bags, leave the hustle and bustle behind, and venture into the wild, wide-open spaces of Guyana’s South Rupununi. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

The sun sets on Wichabai Ranch. (Photo: Kurt Campbell/ News Room – November 26, 2024)

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See below the full statement issued by the Ministry of Finance

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh successfully piloted Financial Papers Numbers 3 and 4 for 2024 through the National Assembly when the House this morning approved $84.5 billion in Supplementary Funding which will allow for the advancement of key Government initiatives. The approval in the wee hours of today followed meticulous debate in the House as Government and Opposition members traded queries and responses in relation to each provision. Among the key initiatives provided for were Government’s $100,000 cash grant to persons 18 years and older and the transformational Gas to Energy project.

In Financial Paper Number 3, Government sought approval for Supplementary Estimates (Current) totalling $456.9 million in advances made from the Contingency Fund, for the period 2024-11-07 to 2024-11-22 which were primarily related to security services for the Ministry of Education and Regions 1 and 6.

Additionally, in Financial Paper Number 4, the Government sought the House’s support for Current and Capital Estimates totalling $84.1 billion for the period ending 2024-12-31.

To begin the rollout of the highly anticipated $100,000 cash grant initiative, which was announced by President Irfaan Ali in October last, the National Assembly approved $30.5 billion so that resources would be provided for the initiative. Dr. Singh, during a recent interview with the media said that the Government is focused on ensuring that this economic prosperity reaches all Guyanese citizens. While providing details on the distribution process, he outlined that it will be done in two steps. Step 1 involves a registration process where a registration schedule for each area will be provided to guide persons to their registration centre along with the dates for registration. Persons are advised to visit their respective registration centre with a valid National Identification Card or Passport. Step 2 will involve verification of the registration to ensure there are no duplications along the way. This initiative, when completed, will place $60 billion in the hands of citizens across the country.

Meanwhile, an amount of $25.3 billion was approved under the Office of the Prime Minister to advance Government’s transformational Gas to Energy project which, when it comes on stream, is expected to result in a reduction of electricity costs by 50 percent countrywide. This project not only promises to significantly reduce energy costs but also to meet the growing demand for electricity in Guyana.

In line with Government’s 2020 Manifesto promise of delivering 50,000 house lots over the term, approval was also granted for $8.4 billion under the Ministry of Housing and Water to continue the administration’s transformational and expansive housing schemes initiative, as well as its coastal water supply programme. Government is already well on its way to achieving this promise, with over 40,000 house lots expected to be distributed by the end of 2024.

Further, under the agriculture sector, $5.5 billion was approved for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority to support the advancement of D&I works throughout the country and $4.5 billion was approved under the Ministry of Health to advance construction of  the six regional hospitals at Lima, De Kendren, Diamond, Enmore, Bath and No. 75 Village, as well as to initiate works on regional hospitals at Lethem, Moruca and Kato. This was in addition to the approval by the House of $3.6 billion for the provision of drugs and medical supplies.

The National Assembly today also approved $1.2 billion under the Ministry of Education to support the operations of the University of Guyana for which tuition fees will be abolished in January 2025 as announced by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali in October last.

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In an ongoing effort to sensitize consumers about price trends in markets across Guyana, the Ministry of Agriculture through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC) will be intensifying its monitoring and reporting of the prices in fresh and agro-processed commodities.

This was recently disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha.

Minister Mustapha noted that a few months ago, the New GMC was instructed to compile a list detailing daily market prices for fresh and agro-processed commodities.

He explained that while this process is ongoing, the programme will be intensified for the upcoming holiday season.

“We know that consumers usually have more spending power during the holiday season. More monies are spent on a variety of fresh and agro-processed commodities. A few months ago, I tasked the New GMC with providing daily market updates for major markets across the country. As we head into the Christmas Season, these efforts will be intensified so that consumers are made aware of the commodities being sold and what they are being sold for,” Minister Mustapha explained.

The minister also said while the government does not exercise price control mechanisms, efforts are being made to minimize food production prices.

“While we do not practice price control in Guyana, the government has been making interventions at all levels to minimize food production costs. From the Ministry’s standpoint, we’ve been making inputs such as seeds and other planting materials, agricultural inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers as well as livestock and poultry available to farmers. Added to that, we’ve been investing in research, climate-smart agricultural techniques, and critical infrastructure like farm-to-market roads, processing facilities, pump stations, and sluices,” he added.

Minister Mustapha said that come December, the Ministry will be posting daily market prices on its social media pages to guide consumers over the holiday season. He also said that the ministry was also exploring monitoring and sharing the prices for basic commodities in popular supermarkets across the country and will be partnering with various government agencies like the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (Ministry of Agriculture press release)

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A massive blaze on Tuesday afternoon destroyed a storage bond at Industrial Site, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

A release from the Guyana Fire Service noted that the call reporting the fire was received at 16:43 hrs. Firefighting teams reportedly arrived at the location by 16:56 hrs.

At the time of arrival, the one-story wooden and concrete structure, measuring approximately 31.7 feet by 28.3 feet, was entirely consumed by the flames.

A firefighter battles the blaze

The bond, owned by 61-year-old Glenn Lall, was utilised as a storage facility.

The eastern side of the bond was occupied by Lall, while the western side housed tenants, including individuals identified as Lin Oingjun, Jiang Jincup, Xiale Wei, Cajjian Sheng, Sun Haitag, Zhao Hansi, and Chen Limsian.

The firefighting operation involved the deployment of multiple appliances and a response team that included 14 firefighters. The crew utilised water and foam to extinguish the fire.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, pending an investigation by the Fire Prevention Department. Though the bond and all its contents were destroyed, there were no reported injuries or fatalities.

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Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh confirmed that Guyana experienced significant population growth, as discovered in the 2022 Census conducted by the Bureau of Statistics.

Speaking about the progress of the census on Tuesday, Dr. Singh assured the public that preliminary results will be available before the end of the year.

“The population has grown, that is the report that I have received so we have seen significant population growth which I don’t think will come as a surprise to anybody,” Dr. Singh told reporters at the sidelines of an event at the Pegasus Suites, Kingston, Georgetown.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely release of these findings.

“The preliminary results of the census will be available before the end of the year, we remain as a government firmly committed to that objective. I, myself, and I know that I speak for the rest of the cabinet are of the view that this exercise really should have been completed already we have had and I have communicated this to the chief statistician that we would like to see this completed,” the Finance Minister said.

Minister Singh (right) being shown the layout of the census 2022 by Chief Statistician Mr LaCurez and Deputy Census Officer Ms Profitt (Photo: DPI)

He added, “I know that they [Bureau of Statistics] are very advanced in their work and I am expecting that they will ensure that that commitment is met.”

Dr. Singh also highlighted that the Bureau of Statistics conducted the enumeration exercise facing several challenges.

“….they did have a number of homes where they got no responses, they had to do multiple visits, their work was interrupted on a number of occasions by bad weather, inaccessibility etc, there are a variety of reasons.”

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Statistics in a statement last month disputed claims that the delay in publication of the 2022 census was due to political interference.

“The legal framework and official principles promote and ensure the independence of the Bureau. Our work is guided by scientific principles and sound statistical practices that adhere to the highest international standards and conventions,” the statement noted.

It was further noted that “any delay” in the publication of the census results is due to “considerable challenges encountered during this census round.”

The statement also referenced delays in censuses across the Caribbean region in countries like Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Dominica and St. Lucia.

“This was due to several factors, including respondent suspicion, apathy and fatigue in a post- COVID environment,” the statement noted.

 

 

 

 

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The world is coming to Guyana.

So says the marketing slogan of the inaugural Global Super League (GSL), an invitation-only, five-team T20 competition which started Tuesday night.

Only lasting 11 days, the tournament is unusually brief, with a ten-match group stage followed by a floodlit, Friday-night final at Providence Stadium in Georgetown.

It will be the first major T20 competition to unite teams from several different domestic and franchise leagues since the short-lived Abu Dhabi T20, and evokes the defunct Champions League (CLT20).

The catch?

None of the five teams – Hampshire, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders, Victoria, and hosts Guyana Amazon Warriors – are reigning champions at home.

The wider context that explains the GSL’s existence is that Guyana is in the midst of an oil boom.

Nine years ago, the US-based ExxonMobil discovered oil off the north coast, with reserves now estimated at the equivalent of 11 billion barrels; now, the International Monetary Fund ranks Guyana as the fastest-growing economy in the world – by far.

Sir Clive Lloyd gives a speech ahead of play during the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League T20 match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Lahore Qalandars at Providence Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – GSLT20/Global Super League via Getty Images)

The upshot is a tournament designed to reflect the country’s ambition. “Guyana is the place to be,” Clive Lloyd, the league’s chairman, says.

“There are a lot of things in store here for cricket… I’m hoping that a lot more people will come to experience being in Guyana. There’s a lot to see and do, people are friendly, and the country is expanding.”

It was Mohammad Irfan Ali, Guyana’s president, who first publicly floated the concept of the GSL in April, and he unveiled the trophy last week during Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s state visit.

Bobby Ramroop, the owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise, is heavily involved in the new league, and ExxonMobil is the title sponsor.

The Guyanese government is trying to position the country as a destination for sports tourism, and cricket is front and centre. It is investing heavily in the sector, with new facilities under construction.

Lloyd expects that a second cricket venue may be ready to host games in the second season of GSL, most likely in the Berbice region.

Captain Imran Tahir of Guyana Amazon Warriors looks on ahead of play during the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League T20 match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Lahore Qalandars at Providence Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – GSLT20/Global Super League via Getty Images)

The GSL has faced criticism from climate activists as a “sportswashing vehicle” on account of its association with the oil giant.

The league’s argument is that by promoting tourism to Guyana, it will help the country diversify its economy and enable it to be less reliant on finite natural resources.

There is a significant prize pot of US$1 million for the winning team, and the hosts are clear favourites: they were runners-up in the recent CPL, have a strong historic record at home, and have the majority of their squad available.

That includes Gudakesh Motie, who is playing in the GSL rather than West Indies’ ongoing Test series against Bangladesh.

The other teams are missing key players: Lahore Qalandars are without their star names like Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf; Hampshire and Rangpur Riders have lost James Vince and Shakib Al Hasan respectively to the Abu Dhabi T10; and Victoria’s squad draws heavily on their Major League Cricket partnership with San Francisco Unicorns.

Each side is permitted to field up to five overseas players in its XI, and teams have made short-term signings to fill gaps in their squads – including several English players, who are available during their winter.

Darren Gough and Mickey Arthur are new coaches for Qalandars and Riders respectively. Arthur has also signed for the subsequent BPL.

The aim of the first season is primarily to provide proof of concept, with ambitions for a bigger tournament in 2025. “They’re trying to get more teams involved,” Lloyd says.

“The prize money is excellent: I’m sure that winning a million dollars is quite healthy… This first one is important to make sure that excited cricket is played, so people want to come back.”

The ten IPL franchises are conspicuous by their absence, though Hampshire’s involvement came about as a result of their recent buy-out by GMR Group, the co-owners of Delhi Capitals.

Lloyd believes an Indian team could be involved in the future: “I hope so. They have some exciting cricketers, and it’d be wonderful for them to come this far and display their talents.”

The GSL’s existence will prompt debate about the case for relaunching the CLT20, which was mothballed a decade ago, when broadcasters lost interest.

The franchise world has evolved significantly since with the emergence of the PSL, BPL, SA20, ILT20, MLC and the Hundred, and the “big three” boards held early discussions about the prospect earlier this year.

In practice, the GSL is unlikely to evolve into a full-fledged Champions League: it is all about Guyana, and would not function without Amazon Warriors’ involvement.

But Lloyd is confident that it will not be a flash in the pan: “I think it could be very successful. This could be something that lasts quite a while.” (ESPNcricinfo)

 

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