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By Danielle Swain in Baku, Azerbaijan

danielle@newsroom.gy 

At the ongoing UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Guyana has been encouraging the preparation and training of local expertise to assess and report on key deliverables required by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In particular, Guyana participated in a pre-launch event for the Adaptation Technical Expert Review (TER) training.

Nickolaus Oudkerk, from the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Office of the President shared Guyana’s experiences alongside Panama, Kenya and Egypt during a panel discussion focused on preparing the adaptation chapter of their Biennial Transparency Report (BTR).

The event aimed to introduce a new training course for expert reviewers assessing adaptation information reporting by countries, as part of efforts to strengthen global climate resilience.

Enhancing Adaptation Efforts in Developing Nations

Donald Cooper, Director of the UNFCCC Transparency Division, opened the event by emphasizing the critical role adaptation plays in developing nations, praising Guyana’s efforts.

“The most impressive thing I took from participating as an observer in the review of Guyana’s BTR is how much they owned it,” Director Cooper remarked. “It was theirs. They prepared it, they knew everything that was in it, and they defended it, explained it, and convinced everybody about why they went that way.

Donald Cooper, Director of the UNFCCC Transparency Division (Photo: News Room)

“In other words, a consultant didn’t come in, fill out a form, and change the name from Jamaica to Guyana.”

He continued, “I was pleasantly surprised. You’re talking to the chief civil servant responsible for that particular area, and he knew more about Adaptation, Forestry, Blue CF than I did. So, the ownership and understanding is phenomenal. It comes from preparing their BTRs, leading to their new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), so the process is extra ordinally valuable.”

Panama and Guyana: Navigating Challenges

Mabel Zuñiga Quintero, from Panama, highlighted the nation’s commitment to including adaptation in its BTR despite not having a finalised National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

“We took everything we had on adaptation to build a structure that actually works,” she said. Quintero emphasized the importance of local ownership and capacity-building, stating that their BTR was developed with local consultants and government officials.

Nickolaus Oudkerk, from Guyana and Mabel Zuñiga Quintero, from Panama share their countries’ experiences in preparing the adaptation section of their transparency reports (Photo: News Room)

Oudkerk, highlighted Guyana’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, particularly flooding.

“Adaptation is survival for us,” he stated. With most of the population residing along a low-lying coastline, Guyana faces significant risks from sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

“In 2005, when we had our worst flood, we incurred damages that were equivalent to 60% of our country’s GDP and that affected hundreds of thousands of persons,” Oudkerk recounted. In a nation with a population of just around 750,000, such events underscore the critical importance of implementing effective adaptation measures.

Building on Existing Strategies

Guyana has several national strategies to address climate challenges. The country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, first launched in 2009 and updated in 2013 and 2021, serves as a cornerstone for its adaptation efforts. Additionally, the Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan provides a framework for assessing risks and identifying necessary actions across various sectors.

“We looked at our current scenario, looking at our climate vulnerability profile, looking at the importance economically and looking at the kind of risks associated across all sectors,” Oudkerk explained. Further sharing that by identifying those risks, Guyana could determine the necessary adaptation actions and the agencies responsible for implementing them.

Creating a National Adaptation Database

One significant outcome of Guyana’s adaptation reporting process is the development of a comprehensive national adaptation database.

Oudkerk noted that previously, Guyana had lists of projects and activities, but the database allowed for better coordination between entities, reducing redundancies.

The database aids in tracking progress towards the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and enhances transparency for potential international support.

Start with what you have: Challenges and Lessons Learned

Guyana, like other developing nations, faced many obstacles in preparing their BTR but Oudkerk encouraged other countries to begin their adaptation reporting, even if all the answers aren’t immediately available.

“You don’t have to be perfect,” Oudkerk advised. “Start with what you have, use existing documents and knowledge, and build upon it.”

Despite progress, Guyana faced challenges in data collection and capacity building. Coordinating information across various ministries, private sectors, civil society, and indigenous communities required significant effort.

The pre-launch event, organized by the UNFCCC secretariat with support from the Woodwell Climate Research Center, aimed to strengthen the global network of experts reviewing adaptation efforts. With an anticipated increase in BTR submissions, the need for trained reviewers is more critical than ever.

Guyana’s approach to climate adaptation underscores the critical importance of national ownership and capacity building in environmental initiatives.

By sharing its journey, Guyana hopes to inspire other nations to prioritize adaptation in their climate strategies.

The post At UN Climate Summit, Guyana hailed for ownership of national climate plans appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Following November’s Concacaf Nations League matches, Concacaf has confirmed the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims participating national teams and matchups.

Guyana’s Golden Jaguars have a tough draw against the formidable Guatemala.

The Latin American nation is ranked ninth in Concacaf and has only missed six Gold Cups since 1963.

Guyana is ranked 20th and qualified for the main draw in 2019, but it has been unable to advance beyond the prelims since.

In the two recent meetings – League A of the Nations League, Guatemala won 3-1, while at the Gold Cup prelims in 2021, they won 4-0.

The Prelims will be played during the FIFA Match Window of March 2025 and consist of seven home-and-away matchups.

The 14 national teams that have qualified for the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims are, in alphabetical order per League:

League A (8 teams): Quarterfinal losing teams (four teams): Costa Rica, Honduras, Jamaica, Suriname

Group Stage Third Place Finishers (two teams): Guatemala, Nicaragua

Group Stage Fourth Place Finishers (two teams): Martinique and Trinidad and Tobago

League B (2 teams): Two best second-place finishers (two teams): Bermuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Play-In (four teams)L Play-in Winners (four teams): Belize, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Guyana

To determine the Prelims matchups, Concacaf has ranked the participating national teams 1-14 based on the Concacaf Rankings, with the highest-ranked national team facing the lowest-ranked national team (1 vs 14).

2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims Rankings
*As of November 20, 2024

(1) Costa Rica
(2) Jamaica
(3) Honduras
(4) Guatemala
(5) Trinidad and Tobago
(6) Martinique
(7) Nicaragua
(8) Guadeloupe
(9) Suriname
(10) Cuba
(11) Guyana
(12) Bermuda
(13) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
(14) Belize

The seven matchups are as follows:

(1) Costa Rica vs Belize (14)
(2) Jamaica vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (13)
(3) Honduras vs Bermuda (12)
(4) Guatemala vs Guyana (11)
(5) Trinidad and Tobago vs Cuba (10)
(6) Martinique vs Suriname (9)
(7) Nicaragua vs Guadeloupe (8)

After home-and-away play, the winner in each matchup will qualify for the Group Stage of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.

The Prelims schedule will be announced at a later date. (Modified release from Concacaf) 

The post Guyana to face Guatemala in 2025 Gold Cup Prelims appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The arrival of LIAT 2020 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri on Tuesday, marked another important milestone in the development of Guyana’s aviation industry.

The airline’s inaugural flight not only heralded a new chapter for regional travel but also provided Guyanese with another affordable flight option, further connecting the nation to the wider Caribbean.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne and a delegation from his country, and the Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill.

The event underscored the historical and enduring ties between Antigua and Barbuda, and Guyana. These ties have been strengthened through shared interests in regional integration and development.

In his address, Prime Minister Browne emphasised the importance of LIAT to the region, noting that Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana have enjoyed strong relations for many years.

PM Browne also highlighted that LIAT 2020 is a far stronger and better-capitalised airline than its predecessors.

“We have invested almost ECD$200 million, making LIAT 2020 the best-capitalised airline operating in the Caribbean today,” he added, reassuring the public of the airline’s stability and longevity.

The prime minister went on to explain that the new LIAT 2020 is positioned to serve the Caribbean region efficiently, with the financial backing and strategic partnerships required for long-term success.

He also spoke of the airline’s partnership with Air Peace Caribbean Limited, which, alongside Air Peace Africa, forms one of the largest airline networks in West Africa.

This connection opens up new possibilities for transatlantic travel, with plans to add a larger 125-seater aircraft next year, further extending the airline’s reach beyond the Caribbean.

Additionally, Minister Edghill underscored the significance of LIAT 2020’s arrival in Guyana.

He pointed out that Guyana’s aviation sector has experienced substantial growth since 2020, driven by both strategic investments in infrastructure and the country’s growing economic importance on the global stage.

“Every week, LIAT 2020 will add 796 seats with eight flights to Guyana, and that’s a big, big improvement,” the minister stated.

Minister Edghill further added that the growing demand for air travel was not just about increased passenger numbers but about providing dependable service to the public.

“Guyanese, the business community, and the tourism sector only ask for three things: predictability, reliability, and consistency. We want to know that when we show up, we can get our flight, just like anywhere else in the world,” he said, reinforcing the expectations for the airline’s performance.

Meanwhile, CEO of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Ramesh Geer, and Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, were also present at the inaugural ceremony.

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Guyana’s Golden Jaguars emerged victorious over Barbados in a high-scoring Concacaf Nations League Play-In match at the National Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara.

Tuesday evening, the final score of 5-3 showcased the Golden Jaguars’ offensive prowess and determination to advance to the Gold Cup Prelims.

From the outset, Guyana demonstrated its attacking intent, and Osaze de Rosario quickly became the focal point of the match.

The 23-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 27th minute, finding the back of the net with a powerful header inside the penalty area, marking his second consecutive game with a goal.

De Rosario continued to impress, doubling his tally just before halftime.

In the 41st minute, he executed a precise left-footed strike inside the box, further establishing Guyana’s dominance on the field.

Just as the first half drew close, de Rosario completed his hat-trick in the 45’+2 minute.

He converted another header, capitalising on a well-placed free kick service delivered by Nathan Moriah-Welsh.

With three goals in the first half, de Rosario secured a commanding lead and energised the home crowd.

Osaze de Rosario had a first-half hat-trick for the Golden Jaguars

The second half opened with a spirited response from Barbados.

Thierry Gale pulled one back for the visitors in the 49th minute, striking a well-placed ball from Niall Reid-Stephen to give his team a glimmer of hope.

However, Guyana quickly reasserted its control over the match.

In the 57th minute, Omari Glasgow scored with a stunning free kick from outside the box, extending Guyana’s lead once again.

Niall Reid-Stephen, who had already provided an assist, added his name to the scoresheet in the 63rd minute.

He skillfully maneuvered inside the box, creating the necessary space to take a shot at goal, which further solidified Guyana’s advantage.

 Despite trailing, Barbados continued to fight back, with Gale scoring his second goal in the 67th minute.

He unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, capitalizing on a recovered ball in midfield by Ethan Taylor.

As the match concluded, Guyana’s dominance was underscored by an unfortunate own goal from Nicoli Brathwaite in the 90’+5 minute.

 Brathwaite attempted to block a shot from Isaiah Jones but inadvertently redirected it into his net, sealing the match at 5-3 in favor of Guyana.

With this impressive victory, Guyana clinched the series with an aggregate score of 9-4, propelling them into the Gold Cup Prelims.

The team will now prepare for a challenging match against Guatemala during the FIFA Match Window in March 2025.

This matchup is particularly significant, as it offers Guyana the opportunity to return to the Gold Cup for the first time since 2019.

PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/newsroomgy/posts/pfbid02tGVKqR6SUofatgpFnUEc6oHARqiicBhD3nLLMvBmJ8HPEgxpNyCtdvzG2pu7FKuAl

The post De Rosario’s hat-trick powers Golden Jaguars into Gold Cup prelims appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Cricket fever is about to ignite in Guyana as local cricketing sensation Shimron Hetmyer gears up to represent the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the inaugural ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSLT20).

This marquee tournament will take place from November 26 to December 7, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, featuring five elite teams from around the globe vying for a US$1 million prize pool.

Expressing his excitement, Hetmyer shared, “I’m thrilled to represent the Guyana Amazon Warriors on home soil in this historic tournament. The GSLT20 is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our talent against world-class teams, and I can’t wait to see the stands filled with our passionate fans cheering us on. Let’s make this a tournament to remember!”

The tournament promises action-packed entertainment, with 10 thrilling group-stage matches and the much-anticipated grand finale on December 7.

The participating teams are Guyana Amazon Warriors, Lahore Qalandars, Hampshire Hawks, Rangpur Riders and Victoria.

Tickets, ranging from G$1,000 to G$7,000, are available at five convenient locations:

Georgetown:

Local Box Office, 233-234 Camp Street (Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

Berbice:

• Ally and Sons, 15-9 Main and New Streets, New Amsterdam
• Sensation Variety and Gift Shop, 10 Number 78 Public Road, Corriverton

Essequibo:

• ICAN Technologies, 1 Apartment 47 WD’s Mall, Charity
• ICAN Technologies, 53 Cottonfield, Essequibo Coast
• S&N Creole Snackette, Cottonfield Old Road, Essequibo Coast

Fixtures:

Tuesday, November 26- Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Lahore Qalandars (19:00h)

Wednesday, November 27- Hampshire Hawks vs Rangur Riders (19:00h)

Friday, November 29- Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Victoria (19:00h)

Saturday, November 30- Hampshire Hawks vs Lahore Qalandars (10:00h)

Sunday, December 1- Rangpur Riders vs Victoria (10:00h)

Sunday, December 1- Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Hampshire Hawks (19:00h)

Tuesday, December 3- Victoria vs Lahore Qalandars (19:00h)

Wednesday, December 4- Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Rangpur Riders (19:00h)

Thursday, December 5- Lahore Qalandars vs Rangpur Riders (19:00h)

Friday, December 6- Hampshire Hawks vs Victoria (19:00h)

Saturday, December 7- GSLT20 Final (19:00h)

 

The post ‘A fantastic opportunity!’ Hetmyer pumped ahead of Global Super League appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below full release from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has grown increasingly concerned about the growing number of road fatalities as a result of reckless usage of the country’s roadways, and is urging the Guyana Police Force to implement stronger enforcement of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic  Act.

Furthermore, the Chamber is calling on the Government of Guyana to revise the system of penalties  to implement stricter consequences for breach of traffic laws.  

The country continues to be plagued with daily reports of road fatalities, and thus far in the year, there have been 117 deaths as a result of these road accidents. This loss of life cannot be allowed to continue unabated while Guyana loses its valued citizens. It is therefore crucial that the Guyana Police Force implements a robust education and awareness, and monitoring campaign to ensure that road users operate within the ambit of the law. The State, too, must not turn a blind eye to this issue which has become an epidemic—timely and measured action is needed with great urgency particularly as it relates to legislating stricter penalties against errant road users.  

Beyond the implementation and enforcement of traffic laws, the GCCI is calling on members of the public to utilise the roadways in a safe and responsible manner. Speeding and disregard for traffic laws must not be tolerated, and failure to admonish these behaviours when we witness them may be regarded as complicity in lawlessness.  

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