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Attorney General Anil Nandlall on Wednesday announced that restorative justice will become a permanent feature of the justice system as part of efforts to implement a more effective and humane approach to addressing crime.

“Restorative justice is here and will become part of our legal systems permanently,” Nandlall said during a training on Wednesday.

The collaborative training event was organised between the High Commission of Canada and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Restorative justice processes empower victims, offenders, and the community to actively participate in resolving crimes.

He noted that restorative justice provides an avenue for conversations and compensation, sometimes often sufficient to resolve conflicts.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall delivered remarks at the Restorative Justice training (Photo: Mohabir Anil Nandlall/Facebook)

The Attorney General clarified that the restorative justice process only applies to specific categories of offenses and does not include violent crimes, capital offenses, and crimes against children.

“It is intended for you to fan out if you so desire these types of cases to the restorative justice officers, so you can use your valuable judicial time to concentrate on matters that require that type of attention,” Nandlall said.

The Attorney General revealed that majority of the cases before the courts are restorative justice cases and explained that there is a recurrence of the crimes since the system was never designed to the go to the root of the cause.

“What is the underlying cause of this repeated offender coming before you?” Nandlall questioned.

He highlighted that conventional methods of punishment such as the death penalty, hard labour, and solitary confinement have simply not worked.

“Have they resulted in a reduction of our crime statistics? No. In fact our crime statistics will show horrifyingly so, that they are increasing,” Nandlall stated.

Meanwhile, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, highlighted the transformative potential of restorative justice in improving the criminal justice system.

“Restorative justice processes empower victims of crime, the offender and the community alike to play an active part in the criminal justice system in response to the crime,” Justice Cummings-Edwards stated.

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards (Photo: Mohabir Anil Nandlall/Facebook)

Justice Cummings-Edwards explained that statistics show that offenders who engage in restorative justice are more likely to reintegrate successfully into society and not re-offend.

“Society is of the view that persons must be charged and locked up, the keys thrown away and they must rot and suffer in prison,” the Acting Chancellor said as she called for a paradigm shift in alternative sentencing.

Meanwhile, plans are underway to establish restorative justice officers across the country. These officers will also be twinned with Probation Officers.

 

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See full statement from the Ministry of Health:

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health’s Georgetown School of Nursing hosted its Biennial Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the institution’s largest cohort of graduates since its establishment in 1945.

A total of 434 healthcare professionals, including Registered Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Midwives, completed their training.

Graduating were 201 Registered Nurses; 171 Nursing Assistants; 36 Post-Basic Trained Midwives and 26 Single Trained Midwives at the National Culture Centre, Homestretch Avenue.

A total of 434 healthcare professionals, including Registered Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Midwives, completed their training (Photo: Ministry of Health/ November 27, 2024)

The feature address was delivered by Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who underscored the Government’s commitment to investment in training to further advance service delivery and quality health care in each region.

Dr Anthony further emphasised the importance of empathy and professionalism when delivering services to patients at all times.

“We are in this business to ensure people feel they are receiving competent and compassionate care,” he stated.

The graduates, who have been trained extensively in their respective fields, will now join healthcare teams nationwide, contributing to the continued transformation of Guyana’s healthcare system.

Dr Anthony urged them to embrace lifelong learning, stating that “Medicine is a field where learning never stops; therefore, staying updated ensures that we can address new challenges effectively.”

A total of 434 healthcare professionals, including Registered Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Midwives, completed their training (Photo: Ministry of Health/ November 27, 2024)

The Minister reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to continuously learning opportunities for healthcare professionals to stay updated on medical advancements.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh, praised the graduates for their dedication and urged them to carry the torch of compassionate care.

“You are the face of the healthcare system. Patients judge the system not by the facilities but by how they are treated by nurses. Remember, nursing is not just a profession; it’s a calling that requires compassion, empathy, and selflessness,” he emphasised.

He reminded the graduates of their critical role as advocates for patients, often serving as their greatest source of strength during life’s most challenging moments.

A total of 434 healthcare professionals, including Registered Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Midwives, completed their training (Photo: Ministry of Health/ November 27, 2024)

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of the Health Sciences Division Chandroutie Persaud, celebrated the graduates’ perseverance and success. She praised their commitment to excellence and acknowledged the vital role of the faculty in guiding them through challenges to this remarkable milestone.

“Your success today is a testament to your dedication and hard work. Challenges along the way have only strengthened you, providing the experience and knowledge needed to excel in your profession”, she emphasised.

As these graduates prepare to serve in public health facilities across Guyana, their contributions are expected to elevate the quality of care nationwide.

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Ovid James, a 37-year-old miner of Mahdia, Region Eight, was stabbed to death on Tuesday.

Police said the fatal stabbing occurred at about 07:00 hrs at Nine Miles Backdam, Honey Camp, Middle Mazaruni River.

The suspect is known as ‘Nigi’, a Brazilian national (his correct name and particulars are unknown).

Police Headquarters said James and suspect were employed with Alister Culpepper, a 41-year-old gold miner.

Culpepper said that about 16:00 hrs Monday, he washed down his dredge operation, after which he and all his workers went to Honey Camp Landing, where they spent the night imbibing alcoholic beverages and became intoxicated.

According to Rebecca Anton, a 45-year-old cook and James’ reputed wife, at about 06:00 hrs Tuesday, she realised that James was intoxicated. The woman said she managed to take him to camp where, on arrival, they met the suspect who was sitting at a table consuming High Wine.

James then joined the suspect after which they both started to argue as to who was their employer.

The Brazilian national then armed himself with a knife, walked up to the deceased and dealt him a stab to his lower abdomen, causing his intestines to protrude. James then fell to the ground and became motionless.

Police subsequently arrived at the scene and the body was escorted to the Issano Health Post, where it was pronounced dead.

Efforts are being made to locate the suspect as investigations continue.

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Devon Nigel Williams, a 28-year-old labourer of Sophia, Georgetown died on Tuesday days after he was found with apparent chop wounds about his body.

Police Headquarters said Williams lived in Sophia with his 52-year-old mother Dorette Anne LaRose, a clothes vendor.

LaRose told investigators that she was at home on Friday when she received information her son was lying under the Special Constabulary Outpost steps at Stabroek Market with what appeared to be wounds on his body.

As a result, she left home and went to Stabroek Market where she saw her son lying under the Constabulary stairs, with an injury to the back of his head.

The woman said she questioned her son as to how he received his injury and he told her that someone by the name ‘Stitchie’ chopped him because he stole from him.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were summoned to the scene and Williams was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

At about 07:00 hrs Tuesday, however, the woman told ranks that she was at home when she checked on her son and discovered him lying motionless on his bed.

EMTs were summoned to the scene but the victim was pronounced dead.

The scene was processed by detectives and the man’s body was examined. Injuries were seen to his left thigh below the knee, right hand, right shin bone, left elbow, forehead, left jaw, and head.

Old bruises were also observed on his back, ankles, and heel.

The body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy.

Several persons were questioned, and efforts are being made to locate ‘Stichie’. Investigations continue.

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To enhance the welfare of children and ensure adopted children are placed in safe spaces, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Tuesday officially opened Guyana’s first Central Adoption authority, paving the way for the resumption of inter-country adoption.

The Central Authority is the country’s first and was established in accordance with the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Act of 2021.

It paves the way for the resumption of inter-country adoption in keeping with principles of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Children.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud on Tuesday cut the ribbon to officially open the facility.

In her remarks, Dr Persaud said the Central Authority will be governed by regulations to ensure the effective management of the adoption processes.

The Central Authority is the country’s first and was established in accordance with the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Act of 2021 (Photo: Ministry of Human Services & Social Security/ November 26, 2024)

“Although a Central Authority has been established and will now allow the inter-country adoption to resume, the procedure still involves the local process where cases will be assessed by the Child Care and Protection Agency, moved to the adoption board and then the final point is the court. That has not changed with regard to the legislation,” Dr Persaud explained.

She added, “It is important that we ensure that children have safety and security…we want a loving family, we want encouragement and motivation and we want those children most importantly to have stability in their life and when it comes to their future.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud on Tuesday cut the ribbon to officially open the facility (Photo: Ministry of Human Services & Social Security/ November 2, 2024)

“This is a serious step for our country but it ensures the paramount safety of children across the length and breathe of Guyana.”

The Central Authority consists of five members including two lawyers.

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Authority, Kaycina Jardine was strategically established to facilitate, whether directly or indirectly, the implementation of the 1993 Hague convention with respect to the protection of children with respect to inter-country adoption.

In doing this, she said a key role of the Central Adoption is to ensure that the rights of children are protected and they are placed in safe spaces with suitable families.

“The convention’s fundamental principles were formulated with the aim of the protection of child that is the safeguards that were established to safeguard them from child abduction, sales and trafficking.

“The best interest of every child should be held at paramount,” Jardine said.

The 1993 Hague convention, she said, provided a more comprehensive approach to processing inter-country adoption.

Under the legislation, any child who is under the age of 18 and is a resident of the country can be adopted. To adopt, an individual is required to be over 18 years old and not older than 65 years old.

The Central Authority is situated on Fifth Street, Albertown, Georgetown.

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Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) is leading a groundbreaking transformation effort in Guyana’s banking sector, aiming to become the country’s first fully digital bank.

As part of this effort, DBL has invested in cutting-edge technology, including AI-driven processes and world-class customer relationship management (CRM) systems, to revolutionise banking accessibility and efficiency for citizens.

“Demerara Bank is the first bank to incorporate (Artificial Intelligence) into its processes, leading a digital transformation never seen before in Guyana,” DBL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dowlat Parbhu highlighted.

He was addressing the World Trade Centre Conference on ‘Banking Made Easier’ at Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre on Tuesday.

Dowlat Parbhu, CEO – Demerara Bank

The World Trade Center Guyana aims to actively support Guyanese businesses in promoting their ventures on the international stage while fostering growth and expansion. During the conference, it was highlighted that Demerara Bank understands the challenges and aspirations faced by Guyanese businesses.

The bank’s CEO explained that with advanced technology, DBL has reduced application processing times significantly. Loan agreements that previously took two weeks can now be completed within a day with AI technology.

“The turnaround time including documentation is within a day for customers. We have transformed that process which took two weeks to within a day but as fast as 20 minutes,” the CEO stated.

The bank has also launched a new website with integrated technology, enabling customers from anywhere in the country to apply for accounts online and then uplift their bank cards physically.

Parbhu further revealed that in collaboration with the government, DBL is also developing AI-based ID verification software, similar to what is used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to further incorporate easier access to banking systems.

Additionally, the bank envisions integrating with agencies like the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to enable seamless digital transactions, such as car loan registrations.

According to Parbhu, DBL is now the second-largest lender in Guyana, achieving phenomenal growth by expanding credit by 34 per cent over the past 12 months and a record 138 per cent over the last five years. He said this growth outpaced the overall banking sector, which recorded a 57.5 per cent increase in lending over five years.

Parbhu also noted that Demerara Bank has contributed $24 billion in lending over the past year, accounting for 38 per cent of total lending by the six commercial banks operating in Guyana.

The bank has also achieved the lowest average lending rate in the country and the best return on assets at 3.1 per cent when compared to the banking sector average of 2.1 per cent.

Parbhu said DBL has maintained the highest capital adequacy ratio at 23.53 per cent, surpassing the industry average of 18 per cent.

Additionally, the bank also recorded zero non-performing loans, a major achievement in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

“This speaks about the quality of assets against our capital and the strength of the bank against its peers.

“Demerara Bank has been championing the lending for the last five years in Guyana, these figures also have to be taken in context that DBL is the youngest bank in Guyana,” Parhbu stated.

Meanwhile, the World Trade Center Association and Demerara Bank reaffirmed their commitment to supporting small businesses in Guyana, with a focus on international promotion and sustainable growth.

Executive Director of the World Trade Center Association Robin van Puyenbroek emphasised the importance of fostering development for entrepreneurs, while Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh commended DBL for making banking accessible to all.

Dr. Singh praised the bank’s efforts to remove barriers for opening accounts and noted the government’s goal of expanding access to formal banking services.

He also highlighted the importance of technology-driven solutions in the banking sector and urged all banks to have outreaches about their process, especially in far-flung areas.

“The theme of banking made easier really is an extremely important theme and Demerara Bank has done an outstanding job at improving accessibility of banking services,” Dr. Singh said.

He said Demerara Bank’s ambitious vision, backed by cutting-edge technology and robust financial performance, is setting a new standard for banking in Guyana.

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Philon Edwards, the 26-year-old Guyana Defence Force Corporal who stabbed and chopped his fiancée, was remanded to prison after facing an attempted murder charge on Tuesday.

Edwards made his first court appearance on Tuesday at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court. He faced an attempted murder charge stemming from a violent attack on Letisha Reynolds, a 23-year-old cleaner of No. 30 Village, West Coast Berbice.

The case was heard before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir.

The charge was filed under Section 103(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Woman, 23, hospitalised after stabbed, chopped by GDF Corporal 

He was not required to enter a plea and bail was refused. He was remanded to prison and The case has been transferred to Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court.

The case was adjourned until December 12, 2024, for the filing of statements.

Reynolds was stabbed and chopped multiple times by Edwards at the home she shared with him and her five-year-old son.

According to reports, Edwards returned home at around 17:50 hrs but tensions flared when he accused Reynolds of allowing her child’s father to visit in his absence.

She admitted the visit did take place but assured Edwards that there was no interaction between them. Her words, meant to calm the situation, instead ignited a rage in Edwards.

Edwards retrieved a knife from the kitchen, pressed it against Reynolds’ neck and ordered that the little boy leave the premises. The child, in fear, left the house and Edwards dealt Reynolds several stabs to the left side face, below her left eye, her finger, and her abdomen.

Reynolds ran around the house in an attempt to escape but the suspect armed himself with a cutlass, caught her again and inflicted chop wounds to the the woman’s neck, leaving her bleeding profusely before fleeing the scene.

He subsequently turned himself in at the Weldaad Police Station and admitted that he had wounded the victim. He was promptly arrested and placed in custody.

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The government will be reviewing scholarship arrangements for students following the announcement that the University of Guyana (UG) will be free from January and student loans will be written off.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Tuesday explained that with tuition fees at UG now abolished, there is a direct implication on scholarship arrangements.

“We are considering how we will change the scholarship programme to suit this new reality but also to meet the needs and expectations of the students,” Dr. Singh explained.

He however, added that scholarships will likely remain for persons who need it as it also covers “a stipend and living expenses, etc.”

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh

In the meantime, Dr. Singh said he has already engaged the Ministry of Public Service about changes to be made to the government scholarship programme for UG students.

He also highlighted that it is not the government’s intention to continue with the “obligations” that historically was imposed on scholarship students.

“We want to make things as least onerous as they could possibly be. We are not in the business of imposing onerous obligations on people and so to the extent that we can remove or ease the obligations that are associated with scholarships we certainly will do so.

“…we have been adopting a more relaxed stance now in relation to people who are serving scholarship obligations,” Dr Singh revealed.

He listed one example where scholarship students were bound to work at a government agency can now work in the private sector

“If you have a good job in the private sector and you are still going to be contributing to national development we welcome you doing so and encourage you doing so.”

The Finance Minister affirmed the government’s interest in empowering Guyanese through education, emphasising that the goal is to make citizens highly qualified and allow them to contribute to national development in their chosen fields, whether in government or the private sector.

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To improve residents’ access to  quality healthcare, the sod was on Tuesday turned to commence construction of a world- class $4.4 billion Moruca Regional Hospital in Region One (Barima-Waini).

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony travelled to the Moruca sub-district to participate in the historic activity.

The facility, which will be located at Three Miles, Moruca, is being built to the tune of $4.4 billion and is expected to be completed within 24 months.

The project will be executed by Chinese firm, PCI-Sinpharmintl Consortium.

It will feature 45 in-patient beds, a fully functional operational theatre to support cataract surgeries and C-section, laboratory services, outpatient specialised clinics, dialysis services, a maternity and pediatric unit, digital X-ray, CT and ultrasound, among other services.

The project forms part of the US$97 million Inter-Development Bank (IDB) loan, aimed at strengthening the country’s health care system.

Addressing those gathered, President Dr Irfaan Ali said Region One is full is potential and opportunities and the government is investing to ensure they are fulfilled.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressed those gathered at the sod turning ceremony (Photo: News Room/ November 26, 2024)

“This morning, we gather not just to turn sod but to turn a new page of Moruca. A page which tells a story of transformation, empowerment and partnership,” Dr Ali said.

President Ali also noted the government has invested more than $52 billion to develop the various sectors in Region One.

Altogether, he said the investments are geared at ensuring the livelihood of every resident is enhanced.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Dr Anthony said when completed, residents of Region One will no longer be required to travel far distances to access key health services.

“So the quality of health care would improve significantly because of the investment the government is making.

“No longer would you have to go anywhere because you would have a world-class facility in this region,” Dr Anthony said.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister also highlighted that healthcare is being expande across the country. According to him, the government is working to ensure that another six health facilities are operation by the end of this year and another twelve by next year.

Currently there are 56 health facilities in Region One.

And to enhance the services, he added that medical professionals, many of whom hail from communities within the regions have been trained.

The intention, Dr Anthony added, is to train at least 600 more persons under the nursing programmes.

“Development and happening and it is something you can see. It is visible,” he said.

The new Moruca Regional hospital is expected to benefit over 30,000 residents of Region One and Sections of Region Two.

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