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By Vishani Ragobeer 

vishani@newsroom.gy

Ackeem Thomas, a local creative, joined dozens of local artists at this year’s ‘Beyond the Brush: heartbeat of Heritage’ art exhibition organised by FineArt.gy at the end of November. His piece, a fusion of three-dimensional (3D) printing and traditional painting, was one of the pieces that intrigued many.

His circular painting had shades of red, yellow, and green. And from its center- the darker green circle- a muscular man seemed to be emerging. The man was the intriguing part. He wasn’t a two-dimensional (2D) painted on the canvas; he was a 3D-printed plastic figure.

“The colours represent Guyana and the man represents oil, basically emerging from Guyana,” Ackeem told the News Room at the Palazzo, Camp Street, where the exhibition was held.

Ackeem’s creation blends 3D printing with traditional art

Ackeem didn’t just focus on the work that went into creating his piece, though. He opened up about merging technology and art. He said mixing his art with 3D printing is something he has been trying out but believes there is space- lots of space- to do more ‘tech’ things in art.

Augmented Reality (AR) is one aspect of technology he believes more exhibitions in Guyana could embrace. Using this, he explained, can help otherwise 2D creations to become more immersive and interactive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another aspect of technology that could be embraced, according to Ackeem. Generative AI programmes, like Midjourney for example, generate images based on language prompts or descriptions.

“I think if we wanna go forward, I think AI is the way to go, not to use it but to enhance your creativity, not to use it 100%,” he said.

Alyce Cameron, a mixed-media artist, at the Beyond the Brush exhibition (Photo: News Room/ November 30, 2024)

Several others agree that marrying technology and art has its benefits in the creative space.

Sade Barrow-Browne, the creator of the online art gallery FineArt.gy and the person behind Beyond the Brush, doesn’t believe that AI or technology detracts from artists’ work. She thinks artists create authentic pieces and in Guyana, that’s an integral part of cultural preservation.

Of course, she concedes, technology is unavoidable. So its responsible use is paramount.

“You can use it responsibly. If you have a vision of what you want, you can use AI,” she said. “It is to be used responsibly.”

Alyce Cameron, a mixed-media artist and tutor at the E.R. Burrowes School of Arts, contended that technology is a tool that can be used for good.

“Technology, I think, is supposed to make work easier,” Alyce told the News Room at the Palazzo exhibition.

Patrons at the Beyond the Brush exhibition (Photo: News Room/ November 30, 2024)

She continued, “Some persons think the two are competitive, they think the computer is taking away from the art but it depends. Now, you can put your thoughts into art and it can create an image of what you are thinking about.”

On the other side of the city, there is another exhibition at the National Art Gallery of Art (better known as Castellani House). This one is called ‘Immersion: Into the Jungle.’

When you walk into Castellani House, it might seem like this is a traditional art exhibition. The sight of patrons holding their phones in front of some of the pieces could be mistaken for the simple act of photographing or videoing an interesting piece.

Curator Pekahiah James quickly comes by to tell you that all is not as it seems.

She pinpoints the QR codes on the wall- one to connect to the free WiFi and the other, to download the ‘Artivive’ app. She then takes you across the room to a painting of the side profile of an Indigenous woman. Sure, the painting is an intriguing one but Pekahiah then tells you to open the Artivive app and hold your phone in front of the painting as though you were about to take a photo of it.

Soon enough- a strong WiFi connection permitting- the Indigenous woman turns to look at you. Well, it might seem as though she is glaring at you for some odd reason but you might be too taken aback that the painting moves to focus on her countenance.

VIDEO: Augmented Reality embraced at the Immersion: Into the Jungle exhibition

Pekahiah then tells you that pieces throughout the exhibition embrace technology in ways that perhaps, have never been seen in Guyana. The painting of the Indigenous woman uses Augmented Reality, or AR for short. It is a bit of technology that blends the physical and digital worlds, fostering a more immersive experience of both.

That’s not the only way technology has been infused into the exhibition.

“In this exhibition, we took the time to integrate physical artistic media with various forms of technology. These include the use of Augmented Reality, projection mapping, and motion, lighting, and sound,” Maharanie Jhillu, the lead project coordinator and artistic director of the exhibition, said at its launch in November.

Maharanie’s pieces are among those that demonstrate how embracing technology can make art more immersive.

One of her creations demonstrates how Guyana’s Indigenous people communicated through petroglyphs. Symbols that represent animals- fish and frogs, for example- recreate animals depicted on petroglyphs in Guyana’s Rupununi. With sensors behind her art, Maharanie’s piece seems to bring those animals to life. When you place your hand over the petroglyph of a frog, you hear its loud croaking soon after.

VIDEO: Maharanie’s piece incorporates sound at the Immersion: Into the Jungle exhibition

Technology finds its place throughout the exhibition. Akash Bridgemohan, the engineer who helped to bring the art pieces alive, said this event is necessary to show how technology and art can cooexist harmoniously.

“People often think of tech and art as being two immiscible entities when, in reality… we need to move more towards STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and where we can incorporate the two together,” he posited at the November launch.

In an interview with the News Room, Jhillu expressed hope that the exhibition may help to get more people excited about the arts. For her, the aim was to introduce an experience that is “unforgettable” while simultaneously encouraging more people to support the arts, in cash and kind.

Akash Bridgemohan, Pekahiah James, and Maharanie Jhillu at the Immersion: Into the Jungle Exhibition (Photo: Immersion: Into the Jungle/ Facebook)

It seems as though Immersion: Into the Jungle has been well-received. At Castellani House, many marvel at the paintings and artwork coming to life.

“I was fortunate to experience this experience and its unique immersiveness,” patron Keisha Perreira commented.

Like the patrons there, creatives seem to be embracing technology in the local arts scene. Yet, some concerns linger. Conversations on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are among those that draw concerns.

At one major commercial complex in Greater Georgetown, AI images are printed on canvases and sold for a pretty penny as home decor. Sadé and another local artist at the Beyond the Brush exhibition, Lisa Thompson are among those who weren’t very fond of that.

Sade Barrow- Browne (Photo: FineArt.gy/ Facebook)

“If you are appreciative of the arts and who makes that art, you wouldn’t want to see above what they can do for you in a more authentic way.

“It’s a little bit disrespectful and not appreciative of what we do,” Sadé emphasised.

Initial ire aside, Lisa believes the infusion of art and AI is a nuanced conversation.

She shares Sadé’s sentiments. For her, an artist’s creation is an amalgamation of how the world is perceived and one’s feelings, brought together by innate creativity. Art is a piece of the artist, she posits.

“The creative process for an artist, is not a click and print. It is a process, it takes time,” Lisa explained. And she posited that all this should clarify why an artist’s work should be supported and celebrated.

However, she has no hardline stance against AI art.

Lisa Thompson interacting with youngsters at the Palazzo (Photo: FineArt.gy/ Facebook)

“If it is presented as AI art, that’s fine. But if it is not, that’s dishonest (and) it’s disrespectful and it shows a lack of integrity,” Lisa reasoned.

The artists’ views are microcosmic of the varying takes on the increasingly topical discussion of technology and art in Guyana.

Back at the Palazzo, while surrounded by dozens of creatives, Ackeem shows that he is one of the local creatives embracing technology more. Though keen on using technology to push the boundaries of his art, he is firm in his stance that it should be used responsibly.

 

 

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Guyana’s NewHayven Merchant Bank, and Coastal Rim Properties, Inc., a U.S.-based developer, are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of The Oasis at Ogle, an innovative luxury mixed-use community set to transform Georgetown’s residential and commercial landscape.

An artist’s impression of the Oasis at Ogle space

This transformative development is the result of a strategic joint venture, combining NewHayven’s local expertise with Coastal Rim’s proven 50-year track record of delivering over 6,000 homes and millions of square feet of commercial and office space across the United States.

An artist’s impression of the Oasis at Ogle space

Located just minutes from ExxonMobil Guyana’s headquarters and Ogle International Airport, The Oasis at Ogle will feature modern residences, upscale retail, and world-class amenities in a secure, fully gated community. This landmark project promises to redefine luxury living in Guyana, offering residents and visitors a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and sophistication.

To learn about upcoming retail and residential for sale and leasing opportunities, please visit oasisguyana.com (Oasis Guyana press release)

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali issued a stern, public warning to the management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) that shortcomings in sugar production next year will not be overlooked.

The corporation, which employs thousands of people needed for sugar production, performed poorly this year. Though acknowledging that the sugar sector was beset by many challenges, the President said he expressed his government’s great dissatisfaction in an engagement with GuySuCo’s management.

He declared, “I’ve read the riot act to the management of GuySuCo.”

Beyond expressing that dissatisfaction clearly, the President said the management team was tasked with ensuring that targets for next year are achieved particularly since investments sought were supported by the government.

“We have supported that investment plan so I made it very clear that if the target for 2025, the first and second crop… if those targets are not achieved heads will roll,” President Ali said in an interview.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), in October, ntoed that GuySuCO only 24,711 tonnes of sugar, representing just 39 per cent of its 63,276-tonne target for the year. It was also noted that it would be difficult to lessen that deficit in the remaining cropping period this year.

The union, however, acknowledged that some challenges were faced.

But what are the challenges?

According to the President, the fields and factories across the coast were mismanaged and left dilapidated by the former government. So he explained that fields had to be restored, and much-needed maintenance and investments were needed at the factories.

Previously, the President said a major drought also impacted sugar production.

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There could be a management shakeup at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. should the power company fail to ease the electricity woes experienced by Guyanese, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said Friday.

In clear terms, the President said those responsible for the country’s main electricity body will be held accountable for continued shortcomings.

“If we don’t see with these investments, marked improvements by the end of the first quarter, by the end of January (when) we’ll start looking for the type of improvements that we will expect out of GPL, then heads will roll,” President Ali said sternly.

In a yearend interview with five women journalists, the President opened up about the challenges the power company grapples with.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaging five women journalists in a yearend interview (Photo: Office of the President/ December 20, 2024)

According to him, the company, and the main power grid it runs (the Demerara- Berbice Interconnected System), did not have enough investments from 2015 to 2020 while the former APNU+AFC government was in office. So, with demand outstripping supply, the President said his government has the herculean task of rapidly investing in GPL’s expansion.

There has been a need to invest in new generators locally as the power demand grows. The government sourced additional power from two power ships, so that excess demand can be met.

‘I will read the riot act’ – President says GPL management must be more responsive

Investments are being made to update the old transmission and distribution network.

The President assured citizens that the government is working to remedy the situation.

“I understand the frustration. We’re investing to make it better and we will hold accountable the persons who ought to ensure the system works and works better,” President Ali said.

Beyond current capacity, a major natural gas power project is under development. That should provide an additional 300 megawatts (MW) of power to Guyana- an amount nearly equivalent to what currently exists.

The government also hopes to greenlight a mega hydropower project once again.

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Seventeen-year-old Carl Rolland Reid called ‘Carloo’ of Tucville Squatting Area, Georgetown was shot dead on Friday night when he attempted to rob a food vendor and her daughter waiting for transportation on Aubrey Barker Road, in the City.

Police Headquarters said the robbery occurred about 21:10 hours on the northern side of Aubrey Barker Road by Reid and an identifiable man on a black motorcycle bearing registration number CL 7753.

The 45-year-old female food vendor from Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, and her 15-year-old daughter were standing at the junction of Kaikan Street, North Ruimveldt, waiting for transportation home when the armed suspects on the motorcycle stopped in front of them and demanded that they hand over their belongings.

“The two suspects came off the bike, each with a gun in hand, approached the victims, told them not to say anything, and ordered them to hand over their belongings. The victims were afraid and they handed over the articles,” Police said in a statement.

At the time, a 30-year-old Supernumerary Constable, was on duty at a guard hut near where the victims were being robbed. He was guarding ‘Awen 9’ Chinese Supermarket, on the southern side of Aubrey Barker Road. He was armed with the private security firm’s 9mm pistol and one magazine containing 15 live matching rounds.

“As the Supernumerary Constable stepped out of the hut, one of the suspects discharged four rounds in his direction. The Constable returned fire, discharging all the rounds in his firearm in the direction of the two suspects,” the statement disclosed.

Reid fell to the center of the road, motionless in a pool of blood, with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds, while his accomplice rode away west on Aubrey Barker Road and escaped.

Detectives found seven 9mm spent shells at the scene. Also, the 15-year-old victim’s cell phone was found in Reid’s pants crutch, as well as one black toy gun was found on the road next to his body.

Meanwhile, the Police anti-crime patrols were also immediately alerted, and two cops on motorcycle patrol in Nutmeg Street, Festival City, saw the other suspect escaping on the motorcycle heading in a northern direction on Nutmeg Street.

The Police gave chase and the suspect dropped the motorcycle, ran through an alleyway and made good his escape. The motorcycle is now lodged at the East La Penitence Police Station.

Police said several CCTV cameras were seen in the area and will be reviewed.

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On Friday, the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) signed contracts with over fifty-two (52) Community Development Councils (CDC) for critical drainage and irrigation work in several communities in Linden (Region 10).

The contracts, which were mostly for manual cleaning of drainage channels in several communities, were signed to the value of $112,282,975.

While addressing the gathering, Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha explained the contracts being signed were executed in two phases representing a total investment of over $224 million for 2024. He also said over 530 persons will be directly involved in the works.

“If you look at the number of persons that will be engaged; it will be way more than 530 persons. A CDC is made up of approximately 10 executives and we know that those will not be the only persons involved because community members will also be involved in these works. We are empowering you to maintain your communities. That is the philosophy of this government. That’s why you continue to see massive development and transformation in every sector in our country today. We are transforming Region Ten to become a major contributor to agricultural development,” Minister Mustapha explained.

A section of the gathering (Photo: Ministry of Agriculture/ December 20, 2024)

Ameilas Ward Phase 3 CDC, 1st Ville (Buckville) CDC, Burnham Drive CDC, Dalawalla CDC, Retrive CDC, and 58 Miles CDC were among the groups who signed contracts for drainage and irrigation works in their respective areas.

Minister Mustapha also disclosed that since the government took office in August 2020, approximately $1.5 billion was expended to in the region for a number of critical projects in the agriculture sector.

“Over the last four years, we’ve successfully executed approximately forty-four massive projects in Region Ten at a cost of over $1.5 billion. So, when people want to speak about discrimination and say that funds are not being made available to develop the region, let them give you the facts because the fact is that this region has seen its share of development and under this government, Region Ten will continue to see development in all the sectors. This is the first time in our country’s history that we are seeing this level of development. Development that is fast-paced and sustainable,” he explained.

Some of the works include the rehabilitation of 34 kilometers of access road at Ebini/Kimbia to support the corn and soya bean project, the construction of agro-processing facilities, cleaning and desilting of drains in Silvertown, Wismar, and Retrive in Linden. A number of scheduled and emergency works were also done to clear critical drainage and irrigation channels in West Watooka, Cacatara Creek, Silvertown, and Wismar.

Minister Mustapha also handed over a mini excavator to the region valued at approximately $13 million to assist with cleaning and desilting drainage channels in communities across the region. This was in keeping with a commitment made by Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during his last visit to the region (Ministry of Agriculture press release)

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Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s stance on protecting its territorial integrity and addressed concerns over Venezuela’s construction of a bridge across its territory.

“Today, as one of our neighbours seek to further their illegitimate claim to our territory, we will continue to do what is right, follow the international course of law, follow diplomacy,” the Commander-in-Chief stated on Thursday.

He revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also been instructed to formally communicate Guyana’s objections to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and international partners “that we do not take lightly and we condemn the bridge that they would have built on territory or crossing, accessing territory that is not theirs.”

In May, Guyanese authorities raised concerns about Venezuelan troops building a bridge on the Ankoko Island. The Ankoko Island forms part of the border between Guyana and Venezuela.

The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted atop the Pakarampa Mountain for the very first time on November 23. This mountain is located near the Guyana/ Venezuela border and President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Omar Khan and other officials witnessed the historic event (Photo: News Room/November 23, 2023)

The Guyanese President is against any effort to take control of Guyana’s territory.

He also highlighted the collective responsibility of all Guyanese in safeguarding the nation.

“We will continue to engage our friends and allies, we will continue to build our resilience and we promise all of Guyana one thing – all of Guyana belongs to all of us and all of Guyana will and must be protected by all of us and that is the resolve of you, the men and women in uniform,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

On December 9, Guyana submitted its final written argument to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the border controversy case against Venezuela.

The case, which started in March 2018, was referred to the ICJ by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to resolve the long-standing border controversy.

Guyana is asking the ICJ to confirm that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which set the boundary between the two countries, is legally valid and binding.

For over 60 years, Venezuela accepted the boundary, but just before Guyana’s independence, Venezuela rejected the Award and claimed more than two-thirds of Guyana’s Essequibo Region. Since then, Guyana has sought legal resolution.

Venezuela tried twice to dismiss the case in 2019 and 2022.

In December 2023, after Venezuela threatened to seize Guyanese territory, the ICJ ordered both countries not to interfere with Guyana’s control of the area until the case is resolved.

In the current phase, both sides exchange written arguments. Guyana submitted its first brief in April 2023, and Venezuela responded in April 2024. Guyana’s latest filing on December 9 replies to Venezuela’s arguments. Venezuela can respond with a Rejoinder by August 8, 2025. After that, the ICJ will schedule oral hearings.

 

 

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General Marine Company, the official authorized distributor of the Kawasaki line of motorcycles, has teamed up with local motocross rider Jeremy Tenpow for the 2025 season.

The company has announced that Tenpow will be onboard the 2025 Kawasaki KX250 bike, as he looks to continue his dominance with this new partnership.

Anthony Khan of General Marine Company said the establishment, located on Middle and Camp Street in Georgetown, is pleased to team up with the young rider.

“This model has all the latest technology and is designed for high performance in motocross racing,” Khan said.

“This partnership will undoubtedly produce impressive results and set a great example in the Guyanese motocross racing arena.”

Jeremy TenPow (centre) was a standout performer in Suriname recently

Tenpow, who is eagerly looking forward to great success in the new year, was understandably elated to represent the Kawasaki brand.

“I’m very excited about what’s ahead for the 2025 season with this new bike. Mr. Khan and his team’s full support is greatly appreciated. I will try my best to represent the Kawasaki brand well,” the rider said.

Tenpow tasted success in 2024, emerging as champion of the 125cc Pro and 250cc divisions at the Mainstay Motocross in August.

Earlier in December in Suriname, he was Open Class and 250cc champion and won the Holeshot at the MX100 Moto Extreme.

At the Velocross in Brazil in August, he copped a fourth place finish and won the Holeshot.

What is a Holeshot? Click here to find out 

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The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) on Friday stated that the speedboat operator and his bowman were suspended for increasing the fare from $100 to $500 to cross the Demerara River between Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop.

In a video posted to social media, a passenger and the captain and bowman were involved in an exchange over the increase in fare.

“MARAD is aware of a video circulating on social media showing a boat operator plying the Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop route, verbally abusing passengers and illegally demanding fares above the approved level of $100.

“MARAD strongly condemns such behaviour and wishes to inform the public that the Captain and the Bowman of the vessel in question have since been suspended indefinitely,” MARAD said in a release.

Passengers are reminded that the water taxi fare between Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop remains at One Hundred Dollars ($100), regardless of the time of the day.

Any boat operator not adhering to the approved fare structure should be reported immediately to MARAD, the body said.

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At 22:00h on the dot, a power outage put paid to any further action at the start of the fourth of five games in the Round-of-32 on Thursday night when the One Guyana/Kashif and Shanghai Organisation year-end football championship continued.

Back Circle was large and in charge of the action between themselves and Vryheid’s Lust as they were 2-0 up and looking very ominous in their play against the East Coast side in the tournament backed by the Government of Guyana.

Early goals from Cecil Jackman (first) and Darren Benjamin one minute later were setting the foundation for a solid win.

The organisers took the decision to call it a night since there was no certainty of when the power would have been restored. The game will continue from the point it stopped, two minutes into the first half, tonight at 18:30h.

The other game that was scheduled for Thursday night between Spainard and Bent will then follow before the scheduled matches for Saturday and they are California Square vs Back Circle ‘B’, Gold Is Money vs Touches, Team Cruel vs Paradise Invaders, North Ruimveldt vs Ballers United, Albouystown Ballers vs Agricola Ballers, and Victoria Eagles vs Road Warriors.

Three Round-of-32 matches were completed on Thursday night with Stabroek ‘B’ trouncing Show Stoppers, 7-0 on account of goals from Jamal Cozier (2nd, 6th, 11th, 20th), Nikolai Andrews (7th, 24th) and Lionel Holder in the 26th minute.

In a nail-biting showdown, Espanyol edged Laing Avenue 3-2. Laing Avenue drew first blood in the 5th minute when Prince Nero found the back of the nets.

Espanyol crew level in the 9th minute on account of Darwuin’s effort and then jumped to a 3-1 advantage by the 22nd minute through ripping goals from Esteben Hernandez (15th) and Feliz Nunez (22nd).

Laing Avenue fought valiantly to chip away at the Spanish team’s advantage, but only succeeded in reducing it by one when with three minutes to the final whistle, Isiah Scott found the back of the nets.

Thursday night’s action opened with a solid 4-1 triumph for Timehri Warriors against Kitty Hustlers.

Goals took some time to come by with the first half seeing a total drought. The deadlock was finally broken in the 18th minute when Warriors’ Doniel Moshette scored.

Kitty Hustlers leveled the score in the 22nd minute with a Darren Osborne strike but three unanswered goals from Timehri Warriors through Shamar Samuels (22nd), Own Goal (29th) and Deric Bethune in the 30th minute, sealed their passage into the round of 16 along with Espanyol and Stabroek ‘B’

Ther three teams have also qualified for the Guyana Energy Conference and Chain Supply Futsal Championship in February of 2025 and will all receive a complete set of uniforms compliments of the One Guyana/Kashif and Shanghai National Futsal Championship.

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