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Two low-income families from Mon Repos and Lusignan on the East Coast Demerara corridor received new homes through the government’s Core Homes Support programme on Friday.

The initiative is part of the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal presented the keys of the homes to the recipients who expressed relief and gratitude for the improved standard of living these homes provide.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

Baburam Sanichar interacting with Minister Croal

Baburam Sanichar and his wife, Rajdularie Hookumchand at their new home

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal handing over the keys to a new home to Shauna Badrinauth

63-year-old Shauna Badrinauth at her new home

Baburam Sanichar’s new home

Baburam Sanichar’s new home

For 63-year-old Shauna Badrinauth, the new home brings an end to years of hardship. Previously residing in the lower flat of her in-laws’ home in Better Hope, she often faced severe flooding during rains.

Brimming with tears, she said, “I couldn’t put down any mats or anything…The disgusting thing that used to happen every time you went out and came home when it rained, the place used to be under water. All we could have done was wash down [the place] and go to bed.”

With this new, stable home, she can finally live comfortably and securely. Badrinauth said, “It’s very beautiful. I am thankful for it. It is a shelter that is not flooded. [I] feel so comfortable knowing that water cannot [come] in,”

Meanwhile, the core home for Baburam Sanichar and his wife, Rajdularie Hookumchand, was modified to include a ramp to accommodate her mobility needs after she suffered a stroke during the construction phase.

This addition allows Hookumchand to navigate the home independently.

Baburam expressed his gratitude, saying, “We live better now than before… It is better for me because I used to [lift] her. One of my friends gave me this wheelchair.” A concrete walkway was also constructed from the lot’s entrance to the ramp, ensuring Hookumchand has unrestricted access to her new home.

During remarks, Minister Croal disclosed that contracts were recently awarded to construct 157 out of 188 core homes in targeted areas.

To date, 22 core homes have been handed over to families along the East Coast corridor.

“It makes a difference for them [the beneficiaries] … [It provides them with a comfortable and long-lasting environment, one that their children can feel proud and happy about,” Minister Croal noted.

Each home features two bedrooms, a kitchen unit, and indoor sanitary facilities, and is valued at $5 million with a $100,000 financial contribution from the recipients.

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President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has outlined the government’s vision of creating an urban estate of harmony that marries nature with luxury in an urban setting, making eco-tourism more accessible.

This model will emphasise the creation of sustainable, inclusive, and equitable urban environments focused on fostering a sense of community.

During a meeting with representatives of the Latin American Conservation Council on Friday, the president provided a comprehensive overview of the government’s approach to eco-tourism development.

The meeting, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, explores opportunities for collaboration between the Council and Guyana, particularly within the realm of high-end eco-tourism.

“These are things that are very important for us,” the president said.

He added, “ the holistic economy that we are building is about…bringing in the new economy that will shape the world, and also looking at our natural competitive advantage and living outdoors.”

This has been achieved through several strategies, including infrastructure development, regional integration, and the enhancement of bilateral trade agreements.

Through a partnership with the King’s Foundation, the government is aiming to rejuvenate the city and promote nature-based tourism that tells the story of the country’s natural assets.

The renovation of the Botanical Gardens and National Zoo is part of this effort to enhance the eco-tourism experience.

Furthermore, developing targeted marketing approaches and twinning Guyana’s eco-tourism offerings with established destinations like Costa Rica are seen as important strategies.

“The market for eco-tourism comes a lot from Europe and the UK, but there is also a strong Japanese market for nature tourism that is linked to hiking, because a big part of their experience is hiking, and we have some of the best hiking experiences that we can offer here in Guyana,” he noted.

The president also pointed out that Guyana’s net-zero emissions status makes it a prime candidate for sustainable investment.

“This is what the world will be looking at in the next five or 10 years: who manufactures processed goods in the least environmentally damaging environment, who produces the product in the least environmentally damaging way.  Those are the things that will set the market apart, and I think that we offer tremendous opportunity in creating that value,” he said.

It is equally important to note that the government is ensuring that local communities, especially indigenous communities, directly benefit from the country’s eco-tourism development through revenue sharing and the implementation of their own development plans.

The Latin America Conservation Council (LACC) is a group of global leaders who work with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to protect the natural resources of Latin America.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, government ministers, and private sector representatives were also present at the meeting. (Story: DPI)

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Danielle Swain, a young journalist with News Room Guyana, has been awarded a fellowship by Climate Tracker to report on the UN Climate Summit (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Known for her commitment to local, indigenous and environmental issues, Danielle’s recent work for the News Room has focused on how carbon financing, channeled through Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), benefits indigenous communities and local populations. Her coverage highlights how funds from carbon credits support sustainable projects, improve infrastructure, and empower local groups in remote areas.

“This fellowship is a tremendous opportunity to deepen my understanding of climate policy and to connect with leading climate journalists and experts,” Danielle commented.

“Reporting from COP29 will help me to see how Guyana’s efforts to conserve the rainforest while earning figures in the global conversation to reward countries for keeping their forests intact.”

Through its fellowship programmes, Climate Tracker, a nonprofit organisation, connects young reporters to major events like the annual UN Climate Summits, offering them the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and produce impactful stories on climate action, policy, and negotiations. In addition to fellowships, the organisation also runs workshops, conducts research, and produces toolkits and guides on climate change topics.

This fellowship places Swain among a global network of reporters covering COP29, where leaders will address climate financing and strategies for adaptation.

With Guyana’s unique position as a leader in carbon financing and environmental stewardship, Swain’s reporting from Baku will shine a spotlight on climate financing, forests and indigenous peoples.

Through her reports, Swain aims to amplify voices from Guyana and underscore the importance of robust climate financing for vulnerable nations.

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In two weeks’ time, the Ministry of Housing and Water will be returning to Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to distribute about 1,600 house lots to residents.

And, about 4,000 persons in the region have legitimate applications in the land management system of the Ministry of Housing and Water.

As they continue to wait patiently for their house lots, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues assured last Wednesday that the government will continue to make new lands available for the people of Region 10.

During an outreach to Block 42, in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, she spoke about a new housing development at Wismar and other locations where lots will be distributed.

Five hundred house lots will be allocated in Fitz Hope, Linden and over 1,000 in Wismar.

“So big things are happening in Region 10 and we are not done there. We are looking at other areas, like Kwakwani, areas along the highway to make available to the people of this region and we will satisfy all of those applications; all of those people who have an old application will be able to come to us and get their land through the ministry in Linden,” Rodrigues shared.

In the coming weeks, she said road upgrades would also be conducted in Blue Berry Hill, an areas similar to Block 42 which had to be regularised. “This Block 42 will see similar type of development very soon,” she assured residents.

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See the full statement below:

Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Friday morning, reiterated CARICOM’s call for the establishment of a Second International Decade for People of African Descent. She was at the time speaking during her address at a high-level event in New York, marking the closure of the first Decade.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Guyana and CARICOM, Minister Walrond emphasized that the proclamation of the International Decade for People of African Descent in 2014 and the subsequent adoption of a comprehensive programme of activities led to increased global awareness of the contributions and challenges faced by People of African Descent. This, she said, served as a basis for the crafting of initiatives geared towards the preservation of our cultural heritage and education on the pervasive systemic racism entrenched in the legacies of slavery and colonialism.

“The International Decade has also provided much-needed impetus for many governments, institutions and individuals to rewrite the narratives of the past which had been promulgated for centuries – shedding light on the egregious unspoken truths and preserving the dignity of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade,” Minister Walrond stated.

She said the progress in implementing the programme of activities should not be seen as a stop-gap measure but as part of an ongoing effort to ensure the rights of all are equally protected and respected.

“We must all acknowledge that the full recognition, justice and development of People of African descent have not been fully realized as the legacies of slavery and colonialism still negatively impact the lives of people of African descent,” the minister stressed.

Despite the challenges that remain, Minister Walrond expressed CARICOM’s optimism that the multilateral system will build on the accumulated knowledge and evidence gained during the Decade. By fostering open and inclusive dialogue, she asserted, the international community can work collaboratively to address these challenges in a pragmatic and effective manner.

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Essequibo Jaguars pulled off a stunning last-ball victory over Demerara Pitbulls in a high-scoring thriller in the Guyana Cricket Board’s National T20 League on Thursday at the LBI ground, East Coast Demerara.

Set a tall chase of 185, Jaguars needed 17 off the final over bowled by Floy Joseph, and Myheim Khan struck the first ball for six before being dismissed next delivery for 11 off seven.

With 11 needed off four balls, Joseph bowled a wide and next delivery Tomanni Caesar struck a six over deep extra cover.

Caesar then got two and a single off the next two balls, leaving Kevon Jawahir to close out the contest with a pull shot for four through deep mid-wicket.

Jaguars were set on their way by opener Joemal La Fleur, who blasted five fours and two sixes in 46 off 31.

Ricardo Adams also chipped in with 33 off 24 (2x4s, 3x6s), the in-form Zeynul Ramsammy made 30 off 16 (1×4, 2x6s) and Rajiv Ivan made a breezy 29 off 17 (3x4s, 2x6s).

Bowling for Pitbulls, Christopher Barnwell took 2-22, Joseph 2-29 and Clinton Pestano 2-37.

Earlier, Pitbulls got several contributions that propelled them to the huge total.

Opener Joshua Persaud topscored with 31 off 22 (2x4s, 1×6), Rickey Sargeant made 30 off15 (3x4s, 2x6s) and Raymond Perez scored 26 off 29 (3x4s) in the top-order, before Joseph with 25* off nine (2x4s, 2x6s) and Ronaldo Jeffrey 20* off 15 (2x4s, 1×6) provided the late impetus.

Off-spinner Khan was the standout bowler, claiming 4-33, while Ivan picked up 2-41.

The league continues this weekend with Essequibo Anacondas taking on Demerara Hawks on Saturday and Berbice Pirahnas battling Berbice Caimans on Sunday.

The GCB National T20 League is sponsored by BetCageSport and endorsed by the Government of Guyana.

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by Sharda Bacchus

Shardabacchus@newsroom.gy  

Having lost a leg, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident, Jesus Mahamgoo still tried to provide for his wife and four children.

For years, they have been living in a rented apartment and his dream of building a comfortable space one day for them is now closer to realization.

“We renting a good time and I think the time up now fah pay rent and is time to own my own place.

One of the recipients pulling a lot number at the exercise (Photo: Ministry of Housing & Water/November 08, 2024)

“We planning to build something and live because renting is not an easy thing to deal with,” Mahamgoo told the News Room as he wait to pull a number for his house lot at the Ministry of Housing and Water ‘Dream Realised’ initiative held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center on Friday.

A total of 500 house lots were distributed at the event which is the 50th of such to be held by the Ministry since the PPP/C government assumed office in 2020.

The lots were allocated in the areas of La Bonne Intention Phase 4 and De Endragt, ECD.

Thought she does not live here, 49-year-old Bibi Fazeela Singh hopped on the next flight out when she received the call about receiving her lot recently.

A solider pulling a lot number at the exercise (Photo: Ministry of Housing & Water/November 08, 2024)

She waited for 15 years, a period of frustration which she was not willing to redo.

“I don’t have a land. I don’t have a house. I am glad and grateful and thankful for it”

“After I applied, was just hoping and praying and waiting that someday I would be called and finally I was called. Long and at last,” Singh told the News Room.

Meanwhile, for pensioner, Corin Gibson who is confined to a wheelchair, the time is now to get her own home.

Gibson lives with her sister and a niece.

“When I got the call I was very, very happy….I in a different mood.

“I am not working now because I get sick that’s why I am happy that I can get my own. I don’t have to share,” Gibson shared.

In his address at the ceremony, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal said the government have invested over $62 billion in infrastructural works on the East Coast of Demerara.

And for this year, he said another $32 billion dollars is being spent to develop several areas on the ECD.

“Every resource that we have asked for, for both housing and water, it has been made available for us to fulfill our mandate. And so, the work continues,” Croal said.

With thousands of house lots allocated over the years, Croal said there are currently 40,000 pending applicants in Region Four.

“That is why we have set up a portal….for those who are pending 2019 and prior because we also want to be able to clear all of those older applicants so that we can move the years upward,” he said.

The Ministry of Housing & Water held its 50th ‘Dream Realised’ initiative on Friday (Photo: Ministry of Housing & Water/November 08, 2024)

Meanwhile, in acknowledging the long year of waiting for many, Minister within the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues reminded the recipients of value of the accomplishment, which is geared at transforming lives of families.

“Giving you or giving a family a house lot, it has that effect that will multiply for years and for generations to come.

The exercise also saw the ministry handing over 490 Certificate of Titles to home owners (Photo: Ministry of Housing & Water/November 08, 2024)

“For many of you this is the first asset that your family will have. Some of you are becoming first time property owners…You have made it to a point in your life where you are going to forever change the trajectory of your family by creating generational wealth,” Rodrigues said.

Apart from the house lots, the exercise also saw the ministry handing over 490 Certificate of Titles to home owners.

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In an effort to promote legal housing and occupancy, the Ministry of Housing and Water have regularised a total of 17 squatting areas since 2020.

And by the first quarter of 2025, another nine squatting areas are expected to be regularised.

“As part of our work programme…we have a number of unregulated areas or areas where we have squatting. For example on the East Coast itself, we have by and large regularised 17 areas overall since we are back in office and about 4 of those are on the East coast of Demerara.

“By the end of the first quarter of 2025, it is our intention to have another 9 areas be regularised,” Croal said while delivering address at a Dream Realised exercise on Friday.

The areas to be regularised, he said include Vigilance South and North, Coldingen North, De Endraght South, Enmore (New Town and Hope West) and Enterprise (Block 8 and Market Street).

“The work that we are doing and the impact on our citizens is bringing joy and satisfaction.

“We have a mandate,” Croal said.

The PPP/C government has adapted a zero tolerance policy on squatting and continuously warned that new squatting areas will not be regularised.

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Police are investigating a shooting incident that left a 14-year-old student hospitalised after he was shot in the chest during an altercation at Durban Park, Georgetown, on Thursday evening of.

The victim, a Form 3 (Grade 9) student from ‘B’ Field Sophia, was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with a gunshot wound following the incident, which occurred at approximately 22:40 hrs. His condition is reported to be stable.

According to the teenager, he and a male friend, known only as ‘Ranks’, were walking along Charlotte Street when they encountered a Caucasian woman.

The pair allegedly approached the woman, and ‘Ranks’ is said to have pulled out a cutlass and stolen her handbag. They both fled the scene and ran south along Albert Street.

As they fled, a group of individuals began chasing them. The victim, attempting to escape, turned east onto South Road, while ‘Ranks’ reportedly ran in a different direction. The chase continued, and the teenager eventually found himself near the Durban Park area, where he was caught by a group of men.

The victim recounted that he was assaulted by several men who began to strike and kick him before he heard a loud explosion and felt a burning sensation on the left side of his chest. The men then fled the scene, and the teenager was left injured. Bystanders who witnessed the incident came to his aid and called the police.

The injured boy was transported to GPHC, where he was treated for his injuries. Police have launched a search for ‘Ranks’, the woman involved in the robbery, and the men responsible for the assault and shooting. However, no arrests have been made as of yet.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and law enforcement officials are continuing to question potential witnesses and process the crime scene.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident or the individuals involved to come forward.

Editor’s Note: The Commissioner of Police has advised that the vendor was subsequently released from custody and the car was handed back to him. This came after questions were raised regarding the man’s arrest.

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