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The 22 homes damaged by the devastating windstorm in Karasabai, Region Nine, are now receiving assistance for repairs and reconstruction.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips led teams from the Men on Mission, the Civil Defence Commission, and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to the area on Friday to facilitate these efforts.

Almost immediately following the storm on Sunday, November 3, the CDC ventured into the community with relief supplies such as food iteams and tarpaulin.

About seven families are expected to have their homes completely rebuilt, while the remainder will benefit from repair works.

Recognising the importance of having the Men on Mission play a key role in these efforts, President Ali reminded of the government’s mandate to support Guyanese in times of need.

“We are very pleased to be here. Our only mission is to make life better for every family [and] every Guyanese,” he asserted.

Earlier this month, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai visited the area along with the CDC to assess the situation and make a recommendation to the cabinet.

Based on this recommendation, these families will now have their homes returned to them.

See below the full statement issued:

 On November 16, 2024, Guyana Port Inc. (GPI) officially commissioned their new 4M Damen Cutter Suction Dredger during a ceremony held at their Lot 12 Support East Bank Demerara facility. The event marked a significant milestone in Guyana’s maritime sector, with the state-of-the-art dredger set to enhance dredging activities and maintain critical waterways.

The commissioning ceremony featured remarks from prominent attendees, including the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, who highlighted the critical role of waterways in Guyana’s trade.

He stated, “The movement of goods via waterways is growing rapidly, with 80% of goods being shipped due to reduced costs and higher volume capacity. This dredger is essential for maintaining river channels to accommodate larger vessels, which will lead to increased shipments, lower costs, and expanded opportunities for imports and exports. I encourage the private sector to explore the investments happening in our maritime sector as we continue to modernise and transform Guyana.”

Minister Edghill while speaking also highlighted the Government’s plan to build out traditional sectors such as agriculture, maritime and infrastructure as we work together to build out a sustainable Guyana.

Pritipaul Singh Jr., Managing Director of GPI, emphasised the strategic importance of the new investment, stating, “This investment is a significant step towards establishing Guyana as a regional hub for expanded shipping operations. It reinforces our commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure to meet growing demands.”

 

The Damen Cutter Suction Dredger 350 features a robust and efficient design, ideal for high-quality production with low maintenance. Its capabilities include precise dredging operations that will ensure Guyana’s waterways remain navigable and support the country’s growing economic activities. The acquisition was facilitated by the Damen Shipyards Group in the Netherlands, a long-standing partner of GPI. Speaking on this partnership, Bram Van Der Plas, Area Manager for the Caribbean at Damen Shipyards Group, noted, “We are proud to collaborate with GPI in this transformative project. This dredger is a testament to our strong partnership and shared vision for Guyana’s maritime future.”

Other speakers included Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Chairman of the Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce, who commended the investment as a step toward regional collaboration, and Mr. Joan Nadal Sastre, Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Guyana, who reiterated the EU’s support for infrastructural development in the region.

As Guyana positions itself as a key player in the maritime industry, the addition of the Damen Cutter Suction Dredger 350 underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through strategic investments.

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A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in Cummings Park, ‘E’ Field Sophia Reserve, Georgetown earlier today, as an 11-month-old infant, Melveena Angel Blair, tragically lost her life in a devastating fire that destroyed her family’s home.

The fire broke out at approximately 11:18 hrs, leaving the family—mother Tineisha Israel, 34; father Carl Blair, 33; and siblings Carl Jr., 6; Carlton, 4; and Carlos, 2—homeless and grieving the loss of their beloved child.

The inferno completely consumed the family’s small wooden home, measuring just 3.3m x 2.6m, along with all of their belongings. Despite swift efforts by neighbors, who attempted to douse the flames with buckets of water, the fire spread rapidly, leaving the family with little time to escape.

In addition to the tragic loss of young Melveena, one sibling, Carl Jr., sustained third-degree burns and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Emergency response teams, including Water Tenders #113 and #105, WC19, and an ambulance, arrived on the scene with a crew of 25 personnel, including 15 firefighters. Unfortunately, the blaze had already taken its toll by the time they arrived.

Preliminary investigations by the Guyana Fire Service suggest that the fire was accidentally sparked by children playing with matches, which ignited nearby combustible materials. At the time of the incident, no adults were present in the house. The children’s mother, Tineisha Israel, was reportedly working just five houses away, leaving the children unsupervised at the time of the fire.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, visited the scene shortly after the tragedy, expressing his deep sorrow over the loss. Minister Benn met with family members, police officers from the Turkeyen Police Station, and firefighters to discuss the incident and offer support. He, along with Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham and the firefighting crew, extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and the wider community affected by the disaster.

“Words cannot express the depth of sorrow we feel for this family. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety in the home,” Minister Benn said. “We must all take responsibility for preventing such devastating incidents.”

Also responding to the crisis was Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who, along with her team, visited the scene to provide assistance to the family. The Ministry is working to offer both emotional and practical support as the family navigates the painful process of coping with their loss and starting over.

The fire has shaken not only the Blair family but also the entire Cummings Park community, who have rallied together to offer their condolences and support. The Guyana Fire Service is urging parents and guardians across the nation to take fire safety precautions seriously, particularly when children are present. They recommend equipping homes with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and buckets of sand in case of an emergency. Additionally, it is vital to educate children on the dangers of fire and to avoid leaving them unsupervised.

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Gudakesh Motie will be part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for the 2024 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL).

Motie has been a stalwart for the Amazon Warriors since making his debut for the franchise in 2021.

He was part of the squad that won the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2023 and played for the Amazon Warriors in the 2024 final.

Motie was the leading wicket-taker for the Warriors during the 2024 CPL, claiming 17 victims at an average of just 18.64.

He joins fellow Guyanese players Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul in a strong Warriors squad.

The 2024 Global Super League runs from November 26 to December 7 with the Amazon Warriors competing against Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders and Victoria.

All the matches are set to take place at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The Global Super League is an annual T20 tournament that takes place in Guyana featuring T20 teams from around the world competing for a US$1million prize fund across 11 matches.

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Kaieteur Warriors defeated Pakaraima Force by two wickets in the female exhibition game to kickstart the final day of the first-ever Guyana Cricket Board National T20 League, powered by BetCAGESports.

Batting first on Saturday, Pakaraima Force managed 89-6 from the allotted 20 overs at the National Stadium, Providence, with Tilleya Madramootoo topscoring with 34 off 49 (2x4s).

Opener Katana Mentore made 17 off 29 (1×4) and Shemaine Campbelle 13 off 12 (2x4s), as Cyanna Retemiah bagged 3-26 (4), Trisha Hardat 2-17 (4) and Ashmini Munisar 1-8 (4).

In reply, several players chipped in to guide Warriors to victory at 90-8 from 19.1 overs.

Realeanna Grimmond made 19 off 24 (2x4s), Retemiah 12 off 13, Ashmini Munisar 11 off 15, while Mandy Mangru, Tiea Isaacs and Melanie Dover scored 10 each.

Bowling for Force, Sheneta Grimmond picked up 2-16 (4), Nyia Latchman 2-20 (4), while Latisha Jordan, Danielle Manns and Tremayne Marks picked up one wicket apiece.

Next up is the third place game of the National T20 League, featuring Berbice Piranhas against Demerara Pitbulls, followed by the grand final starting at 19:00h between Essequibo Anacondas and Essequibo Jaguars.

 

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Press Release from Tourism Guyana

Filled with stories about the vibrant culture, rich history and awe-inspiring natural wonders of Guyana, Tourism Guyana, in partnership with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), on Thursday unveiled the third edition of its magazine at the Guyana Exposition and Trade Fair (GuyExpo) 2024.

The magazine cover featuring the enchanting view of Pelu Palu fall, Kopinang, located in Region Eight, was unveiled by co-founder of Tourism Guyana and co-owner of the publisher Creative Marketing Company (CMC), Lesa Fleming along with Director of GTA, Kamrul Baksh.

Fleming noted that the journey towards producing this edition of the magazine was a challenging yet satisfying experience.

“We are excited; very, very excited to make this copy of the Tourism Guyana magazine accessible to patrons at GuyExpo, investors, tourists and others,” she said.

The magazine features personal experiences from writers who have travelled Region Eight exploring the breathtaking waterfalls of Wailang Pelu, Pelu Palu, and Kopinang in Guyana’s hinterland, adventures through the capital city of Georgetown, the Savannahs, historic ruins, eco-friendly activities, the Biggest Party in Sport- the Caribbean Premier League and more.

One of the key contributors to the magazine is the GTA. Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh lauded the team for the compilation and publication of the magazine.

“I am really elated that this copy is finally here. Its iconic cover page really speaks about venturing deeper, experiential adventure and really representing our tourism product very well. Of course the GTA has contributed several pieces of articles and they really give good perspectives and insights into Guyana’s tourism product,” he noted.

Baksh added that the magazine is usually distributed at Trade Fairs across the world as the team works to promote Destination Guyana.

“These magazines are not only distributed locally, but naturally we take them to all the major trade shows that we visit. A lot of people relate to our stories, to other people travelling there and I think that’s an excellent testimonial and an excellent way to promote Guyana,” he said.

This edition of the magazine also highlights the Indigenous peoples of Guyana’s rainforest, who work tirelessly to protect the treasures within and prevent many endangered species from becoming extinct.

And last but not least, it features the late Dave Martins of The Tradewinds band, cherished as an icon in the Caribbean region for his songs that transcend various cultures and generations.

Free copies of the magazine are available at GuyExpo and will be made accessible to the public in the coming weeks.

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Investigators are currently probing a midday fire which claimed the life of a toddle in Cummings Lodge, Georgetown.

Fire Chief Gregory Wickham confirmed the fire occurred sometime around 11:40hrs.

He said the child’s corpse was found among the debris in a small zinc and wooden shack.

Efforts are currently being made to locate the child’s mother, who reportedly left to go to the nearby shop.

Another individual was also reportedly injured and taken to the hospital.

Wickham said a team of officials from the Guyana Fire Service is currently at the scene.

The News Room will provide more details in a subsequent report.

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The final of the Guyana Cricket Board’s first-ever National T20 League will be contested by the Anacondas and the Jaguars, two franchises that have the county Essequibo attached to their names.

In the semi-finals on Friday at the National Stadium, Providence, Jaguars defeated Berbice Piranhas in a tense low-scoring affair, before Anacondas pulled off a major upset by defeating the powerful Demerara Pitbulls side.

Anacondas and Jaguars will meet in the grand final from 19:00h on Saturday at Providence, while Piranhas and Pitbulls will clash in the third place playoff before.

Tomanni Caesar (right) receives the Player-of-the-Match award from Guyana Harpy Eagles Head Coach Ryan Hercules

Caesar, Jawahir steer Jaguars home

SUMMARY: Berbice Piranhas 109 all out from 19.4 overs (Adrian Sukhwa 55, Jonathan Rampersaud 16, Suresh Dhanai 10*; Ashmead Nedd 3-20, Joshua Jones 3-26, Ricardo Adams 2-20, Rajiv Ivan 1-19, Joemal LeFleur 1-24) vs Essequibo Jaguars 110-6 from 19.5 overs (Tomanni Caesar 36*, Kevon Jawahir 21*, Kemol Savory 20; Jonathan Rampersaud 4-10, Veerasammy Permaul 1-17, Kelvin Umroa 1-21)

Tomanni Caesar and Kevon Jawahir led a remarkable recovery to steer Essequibo Jaguars into the final defeating Berbice Piranhas in a low-scoring opening semi-final.

Chasing 110, Jaguars were limping at 55-6 in the 12^th over with Joemal La Fleur, Kanaiya Ramkarran, Kemol Savory, Rajiv Ivan, Zeynul Ramsammy and Ricardo Adams all dismissed.

With the momentum with Piranhas, Caesar and Jawahir dug deep to lift the Jaguars out of deep trouble, sealing victory with an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership of 55 in 8.2 overs.

Player-of-the-Match Caesar made 36* off 38 (2x4s, 1×6) and Jawahir ended on 21* off 27 (2x4s).

Earlier, the parsimonious Ashmead Nedd picked up 3-20 and former national youth seamer Joshua Jones impressed with 3-26 as Jaguars dismissed Piranhas with two balls remaining in the innings.

Opener Adrian Sukhwa, the tournament’s leading runscorer, was the lone player to really put up a fight, scoring 55 off 46 balls (6x4s, 1×6).

Anacondas stop Pitbulls in their tracks

SUMMARY: Essequibo Anacondas 150-8 from 20 overs (Quentin Sampson 47, Kevin Boodie 33; Goolcharran Chulai 2-15, Clinton Pestano 2-34) vs Demerara Pitbulls 101 all out from 15.5 overs (Raymond Perez 21, Joshua Persaud 19; Quentin Sampson 3-6, Keemo Paul 2-21)

In semi-final one, Essequibo Jaguars defeated Berbice Piranhas by four wickets, chasing 110 for victory.

Anacondas pulled off a heist in semi-final two on Friday night, defeating the powerful Christopher Barnwell-led Pitbulls by 49 runs.

Chasing 151, Pitbulls were given a riveting start of 42 in three overs by Joshua Persaud and Raymond Perez, setting the stage for what seemed like a successful run-chase.

However, they were both dismissed in quick succession- Perez for 21 off 11 and Persaud for 19 off eight- and Pitbulls batting went into rapid decline with no other player getting into double figures.

Quentin Sampson took 3-6, Keemo Paul 2-21, while Garfield Phillips, Nial Smith, Antony Adams and Richie Looknauth had one wicket each as Pitbulls were dismissed for 101 in 15.5 overs.

Sampson earlier cracked 47 off 26 to lead Anacondas to the winning total.

The tournament is powered by Bet CAGE Sports.

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