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Leading sprinters Emanuel Archibald and Jasmine Abrams won the respective Senior Sportsman and Sportswoman-of-the-Year for 2023 accolades when the National Sports Commission (NSC) awards were hosted at Castellani House on Thursday evening.

Archibald’s highlight in 2023 was becoming the first Guyanese athlete to secure a gold medal in the 100m event at the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador. Later, he won bronze at the Pan American Games in Chile.

Fellow Track compatriot Jasmine Abrams won silver in the 100m at the aforementioned Pan-Am Games, one of the standout performances of the 2023 season.

France-based Guyanese powerlifter Dominic Tyrell was the runner-up in the male category, while female chess champion Jessica Callender was the runner-up in the female category.

2023 Junior Sportswoman-of-the-Year Tianna Springer collects her award from Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad (PHOTO: News Room/Avidesh Narine/November 28, 2024)

On the junior side, the phenomenal sprinter Tianna Springer won the Junior Sportswoman-of-the-Year award after a blistering year. She won gold in the 400M at the CARIFTA Games, South America U-20, and Commonwealth Youth Games.

To little surprise, impressive swimmer Raekwon Noel was the Junior Sportsman-of-the-Year, winning an unprecedented five gold medals at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships. Some of those gold medal performances also shattered records.

The officials and athletes of the Athletics Association of Guyana won most of the awards, a testament to their outstanding 2023 season.

ENet, Guyana’s industry-defining telecommunications provider, was voted the lead corporate sponsor (large) in the corporate awards. Avenash Ramzan collects the award on behalf of ENet from NSC Commissioner Chateram Ramdihal (PHOTO: News Room/Avidesh Narine/November 28, 2024)

ENet, Guyana’s industry-defining telecommunications provider, was voted the lead corporate sponsor (large) in the corporate awards, while MVP Sports (medium) and Trophy Stall (small) received other sponsor awards.

Additionally, News Room’s Sports Editor, Avenash Ramzan, won the Award for Best  Broadcast Journalist, while  Editor  Akeem Greene got the award for Best Non-Print Journalist.

Jemima Holmes of Times Media Group won the award for Print.

News Room’s Sport Editor Avenash Ramzan won the award for Best Broadcast Journalist for 2023, while Editor Akeem Greene copped the award for Best Non-Print Journalist (PHOTO: News Room/Avidesh Narine/November 28, 2024)

 List of Awardees:

Senior Sportsman-of-the-Year: Emanuel Archibald (Athletics)

Runner-up: Dominic Tyrell (Powerlifting)

Senior Sportswoman-of-the-Year: Jasmine Abrams (Athletics)

Runner-up: Jessica Callender (Chess)

Junior Sportsman-of-the-Year: Raekwon Noel (Swimming)

Runner-up: Malachi Austin (Athletics)

Junior Sportswoman-of-the-Year: Tianna Springer (Athletics)

Runner-up: Kataleya Sam (Chess)

Sportsman (PWD): Uttamkumar Isurdeen (Athletics)

Sportswoman (PWD): Anya Lall (Chess)

Male Coach-of-the-Year: Mark Scott (Athletics)

Female Coach-of-the-Year: Tremayne Smartt (Cricket)

Team-of-the-Year: Youth Commonwealth 4x400m Mixed Relay Team (Athletics).

Association-of-the-Year: Athletics Association of Guyana

Male Sport Official-of-the-Year: Reon King (cricket)

Female Sport Official-of-the-Year: Kenisha Headley (Athletics)

Sport Journalist (Print): Jemima Holmes (Guyana Times)

Sport Journalist (Broadcast): Avenash Ramzan (News Room)

Sport Journalist (Non-Print): Akeem Greene (News Room)

Corporate Sponsor (Small): Trophy Stall

Corporate Sponsor (Medium): MVP Sports

Corporate Sponsor (Large): ENet

Posthumous Award: Terence Poole, M.S.

Special Award for Service in Sport Journalism (over 25 years) – Claude David (Kaieteur News), Donald Duff (Stabroek News), and Leon Horatio (Guyana Chronicle)

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By Isanella Patoir

isanella@newsroom.gy 

Several new adventures and tours for thrill-seekers and nature lovers were launched on Thursday at the Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown.

These thrilling tour packages, designed to immerse visitors in nature, culture, and history, allow people to embark on unforgettable adventures across Guyana’s pristine landscapes.

From jungle survival expeditions to cultural tours and wildlife safaris, the new tours offer it all.

Survival Adventure in Rockstone by The Wild Tales

This is a 2–4 day jungle expedition in Rockstone, a village located in Region Ten. Persons can dive into survival skills, encounter wildlife in Guyana, and explore the forest while enjoying fascinating storytelling about the Rockstone Poison Dart Frog, a plane wreck, and more.

A similar Essequibo River tour is also being offered by The Wild Tales.

Rupununi Extreme Four-Day Tours by Touring Guyana

This experience takes you into the heart of Guyana’s rainforest with a 4-day adventure featuring outdoor activities, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery.

Highlights include visits to Manari Ranch, horseback riding, hiking, camping, stargazing, bonfires, and shopping – all with inclusive meals.

Atta Lodge’s Guyana Biking Adventure Tour

Overnight guests at the Atta Lodge in Region Nine can now enjoy complimentary biking adventures on scenic trails. Day trippers will be charged a small fee, discovering the beauty surrounding Atta Lodge at their own pace.

Wanderlust Adventures GY Jonestown Memorial Tour

This tour combines history, culture, and natural beauty. Persons can explore the haunting legacy of Jonestown, engage with local residents at the Port Kaituma Market, and hear firsthand accounts from a witness of the tragic event.

Patamona Tours Kato Hiking and ATV Experience

This 2–3 night all-inclusive package blends relaxation and adventure. Activities include hikes to waterfalls, river tubing, target practice, birdwatching, sunset views, and campfire dinners.

Adventure Guianas Jaguar Tour

For a period of 3 days and 2 nights, persons can traverse the Essequibo, Rupununi, and Rewa Rivers to discover the traditions of the Machushi Tribe and observe stunning wildlife, including the jaguar and various bird species. The journey spans the South Pakaraima Mountains and Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh lauded the introduction of these products, emphasising the importance of innovation in the growing tourism sector.

“Those will certainly add value to our spectrum of experiences that we now offer at Destination Guyana,” Baksh said as he noted that accessibility to these destinations has improved and encouraged operators to maintain the highest of standards.

“One of the things I want to call and urge operators to do is continue to raise that bar of service,” Baksh said.

He also called for operators to ensure the products are properly marketed and urged operators with potential products to reach out to the GTA.

“Operators if you have any other ideas in any region, let us know and the entire team so that we can continue to co invest with you in assessments, in training and whatever is necessary to bring more solid products for visitors to enjoy.”

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Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday rejected calls for opposition and civil society representation on the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), accusing opposition parties of adopting an obstructionist approach that he said would stall government progress.

Speaking at a press conference, Jagdeo argued that including opposition figures in executive decision-making would undermine the government’s efficiency.

“We live in a democracy,” Jagdeo said. “But do you think President [Donald] Trump would appoint someone to manage his executive functions who has a track record of negativity and delays? A leader must choose individuals who align with their efforts, not those who hinder progress.”

Jagdeo criticised the opposition for what he described as a strategy of consistent blocking and delay. “Their entire approach is focused on obstruction. What seems like a normal decision now takes forever when the opposition is involved,” he said.

Despite criticism over delays in government projects, Jagdeo highlighted progress under the current administration, pointing to the improvement of over 3,000 community roads through smaller contractors as evidence of the government’s achievements.

He dismissed claims that the government was failing to engage experts for key contracts.

“You want us to do in this country what has never been done anywhere in the world, with an opposition that is not even technically capable of contributing meaningfully,” Jagdeo said.

“They miss the big picture every time.”

The Vice President signaled that the government remains open to collaboration with the opposition under different circumstances.

“We will work with the opposition in the future if they change their attitude,” he said.

“But this blocking strategy won’t fly with us.”

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, at his weekly press conference on Thursday, said opposition leaders, specifically Nigel Hughes of the Alliance for Change (AFC) and Aubrey Norton of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), must answer for repeated false utterances that go unchecked.

“These people are hiding from scrutiny,” Jagdeo said.

“They have been running away from questions, dodging the press.

“While we show up every Thursday, whether the week is tough or easy, and answer questions directly, they have resorted to creating fake links and livestreaming their events after the fact just to avoid being put under pressure,” Jagdeo noted.

He accused them of using these tactics to shield themselves from tough questions that might expose inconsistencies in their narrative.

Jagdeo focused on claims by Hughes that Afro-Guyanese men disappeared during the tenure of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) when Jagdeo held the presidency.

“This is a blatant lie,” Jagdeo declared.

“And yet, he repeats it in 2024, as if it’s some truth.”

He condemned Hughes and his party for continuing to perpetuate such falsehoods, which Jagdeo argued are designed to divide the nation.

Jagdeo who referenced a Stabroek News article said he hopes the media would hold Hughes accountable the next time he faced the press.

“I hope they confront him with the article, because he’s prone to stretch the truth in a very dishonest manner,” Jagdeo asserted.

He didn’t stop there, Jagdeo also criticized Hughes for repeatedly misinterpreting basic democratic principles, particularly the concept of a majority.

The Vice President was quick to point out that the matter had already been settled at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

“The public deserves the truth, and it’s time for these leaders to face the reality of their lies,” Jagdeo added.

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has again assured that public servants will receive retroactive salary increases in their December pay.

During a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo clarified that the salary increases, which will be retroactive to January 1, will be included in the December pay package for public servants.

“Salary increases would be a given to public servants, and it will be before the end of the year, most likely in their December pay,” Jagdeo stated.

In addition to the retroactive salary increases, Jagdeo also confirmed that public servants would receive a one-off cash grant of $100,000 before the end of the year, further easing the financial burden for workers.

This assurance follows last year’s 6.5 percent across-the-board salary increase provided by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government for public servants, teachers, members of the disciplined services, constitutional officeholders, and government pensioners.

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday provided further details on the progress of the $100,000 cash grant distribution, reassuring that the process will continue through December and into January/February 2025.

The initiative aims to provide every adult Guyanese with the cash grant.

Jagdeo explained that the new system, developed by the Ministry of Finance, can process up to 10,000 cheques per day. By the close of December, approximately 300,000 checks will be issued.

Efforts are focused on prioritizing public servants and pensioners, with a goal of distributing their cheques before the year’s end.

However, Jagdeo acknowledged that not everyone will receive the grant before Christmas, and some may receive theirs in early 2024.

The government is working to ensure a smooth distribution by using a separate system, scrutinized by the Auditor General, to prevent fraud and ensure that only registered recipients are able to collect cheques.

As of now, a total of $30.5 billion has been allocated for the initiative, with plans to appropriate additional funds for remaining citizens once the national budget is passed in February 2025.

Looking ahead, Jagdeo noted that future cash grants would be distributed more efficiently with the establishment of a comprehensive database during this registration process which simplifies the process of verifying and processing recipients.

Jagdeo also briefly touched on Guyana’s model for managing oil revenue, highlighting its focus on ensuring that citizens directly benefit from the nation’s growing wealth.

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The U.S. Export-Import (EXIM) Bank’s board has approved a loan to support Guyana’s ambitious Gas to Energy project, an initiative expected to bolster the country’s energy infrastructure and economic growth.

This was announced by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday.

The approval has to go to the U.S. congress and then it will return to the U.S. EXIM Bank for final approval.

“That is where we stand at this point,” the Vice President told reporters.

Although the loan amount approved is less than the full US$660 million requested by Guyana, it is expected to exceed US$500 million, covering exports originating from the United States.

The funding will also include retroactive financing, which will allow the government to recoup costs it has already incurred since the project began.

This development comes on the heels of a September visit to the United States by Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President. During this visit, Dr. Singh engaged with key officials from the EXIM Bank to discuss the project’s financing and ensure continued support.

The Gas to Energy project, located in Wales on the West Bank Demerara (WBD), is progressing despite some setbacks in securing the full $660 million loan. The government of Guyana has committed to advancing the project, allocating $400 million from its own resources to ensure its momentum.

Guyana’s efforts to secure support from EXIM Bank have been ongoing for some time. This loan is seen as a vital step in realizing the full potential of the Gas to Energy project.

The project is expected to generate a reliable energy source for the country, cutting current costs by half. With the financing now in place, Jagdeo is optimistic about the project’s continued progress and its long-term impact.

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By Sharda Bacchus

Shardabacchus@newsroom.gy 

After overcoming numerous challenges, the newly rehabilitated $688 million Eteringbang airstrip in Region Seven has been completed and officially named in honour of the late Brigadier Gary Beaton.

Now known as the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to withstand all weather conditions and ensure 24-hour accessibility.

Serving as a critical transportation link between Guyana and Venezuela, the aerodrome is capable of accommodating all local aircraft, except the Beechcraft. This vital project was initially started under the guidance of Brigadier (Ret’d) Beaton, who served as a Government Projects Engineer.

To pay tribute to his unwavering service and dedication, the aerodrome was officially opened and renamed on Thursday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali – Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Now known as the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to withstand all weather conditions and ensure 24-hour accessibility (Photo: News Room/ November 28, 2024)

The ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including the widow of Brigadier (Ret’d) Beaton, Member of Parliament Jennifer Westford.

In his address, President Ali highlighted the importance of the facility in transforming the community’s economic prospects.

“This facility will lead to many other developments in the community,” President Ali assured the gathered crowd.

“For years, this facility held back the community economically and in terms of infrastructure, simply because access was limited. Now, things will change.”

President Ali also urged residents to remember the sacrifices made by Brigadier Beaton and other servicemen who lost their lives on December 6, 2023.

“It is with great pride that we celebrate this commissioning today. We would have loved for Gary to be here physically, but his legacy lives on. The good book tells us that our works endure, and it is the work we do, the contributions we make, and the sacrifices we offer that keep us alive.”

The airstrip, which is constructed of laterite, had faced serious safety concerns over the years. Situated near the Guyana-Venezuela border, soldiers and engineers working on the project were confronted with a range of difficulties, from robberies to challenges in sourcing materials. In September 2022, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) began upgrading the airstrip to concrete pavement, allocating $214.5 million to the project. This upgrade covers approximately 2,100 feet of the runway, significantly enhancing safety and operational capacity.

Now known as the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to withstand all weather conditions and ensure 24-hour accessibility (Photo: News Room/ November 28, 2024)

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, emphasized the profound impact the new infrastructure will have on the region’s economy.

“With this upgrade, we are expecting an economic explosion in the region,” he said. “While we aimed to complete this project within a year, the numerous challenges delayed us. But today, we have something to be truly proud of.”

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, echoed similar sentiments, describing the aerodrome as a testament to resilience and vision.

“This is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a reflection of Brigadier Beaton’s values, dedication, and foresight. As we dedicate this aerodrome in his honour, we remember that his legacy will leave an indelible mark on Guyana’s history and future.”

The completion of the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome marks not just the end of a challenging construction process, but the beginning of a new chapter for the region.

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The second sprint camp, organised by A Record Chance Inc., will occur on Saturday, November 30, at Thirst Park.

It promises to be an exceptional opportunity for Guyana’s top junior athletes to enhance their performance in the sport.

This initiative is designed to refine athletic skills and provide a comprehensive understanding of how to maximise individual talents both on and off the field.

With over 120 athletes already signed up, the camp will bring together a diverse young talent eager to learn and grow.

Approximately 30 experienced coaches will also be participating, contributing to a robust coaches’ programme that aims to elevate the region’s training standard.

This collaboration between athletes and coaches is expected to foster a rich learning environment, where participants can exchange knowledge and experiences.

Carlwyn Collins, the Marketing Manager of A Record Chance Inc., emphasized the importance of this camp in boosting athletes’ value. He noted that scouts have been reaching out to assess local talent, indicating a growing interest in Guyana’s athletes from abroad.

This camp serves as a platform to showcase local talent and prepare athletes for future opportunities in competitive sports.

National Indoor record holder Arinze Chance, the founder of A Record Chance Inc., highlighted that while the organization’s primary focus is on track and field, plans are underway to expand its reach to other athletic disciplines by 2026.

He underscored that the camp is not solely centered on technical training; it encompasses a holistic approach to athletic development, considering mental, emotional, and physical aspects.

A fascinating aspect of the camp is the involvement of Karim Abdel-Wahab, a world-renowned NCAA coach.

He will provide virtual coaching tips to participants and lead the coaches’ course, sharing invaluable insights and strategies that can help athletes elevate their game.

In addition to the athletic training, the sprint camp aims to engage the broader community by being open to the public.

Various novelty events will raise awareness about the sport and promote a culture of athletics in Guyana.

This initiative seeks to develop individual athletes and inspire a new generation of sports enthusiasts.

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So far this year, a total of 182 domestic violence-related reports have been received via the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s toll-free 914 hotline.

The calls form part of the more than 6,000 received through the hotline in 2024.

“The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has offered the region and the Spotlight Initiative a comprehensive model, starting from a reporting mechanism with the 914 24-hour toll-free hotline.

“In this year alone, over 6,000 calls were made to this hotline. 182 of them were related to domestic violence, 292 to child abuse cases. It tells you what is happening very clearly in our country,” said Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, recently.

Dr Persaud made the disclosure while addressing the issue of gender-based violence. To eradicate the issue, she called on the public to utilise the available avenues to report such cases, so that action can be taken and the necessary assistance can be provided.

“We must be proactive in this fight to eliminate gender-based violence.”

“Whenever there is a case of gender-based violence, we must report it, even if it has nothing to do with us. Don’t turn a blind eye,” Dr Persaud encouraged.

The 914 hotline was launched in December 2020 in response to the significant decline in the reporting of violence and child abuse. It is just one of the many avenues available to address the issue of gender-based violence.

 

Another option is the iMatter app. Police officers have also been specially trained under the Cop Squad initiative on how to handle domestic violence cases, particularly when taking reports and dealing with victims.

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