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The second edition of the Vice President’s T20 Softball Cup returns on November 7 and will conclude on November 10 at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary.

Regal Stationery & Computer Centre has been locked in as the event’s title sponsor this year, and it will pay over $3M in prizes.

Launched on Monday at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) on Woolford Avenue, Vice-President Dr Bharat Jagdeo noted that the tournament is an “enormous contribution to our country, to our community, and to our people.”

The Vice-President further elaborated that while many will be familiar with the successful “harder programmes” of the government in the areas of infrastructure, education, and health, enormous resources are also being invested in transforming the physical landscape of the country to make it more amenable to the development of sports, leisure, and entertainment.

To this end, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the nationwide ground enhancement project and the building of international stadiums in various parts of the country.

The comprehensive approach to developing sport and leisure is not limited to facilities but also includes granting gear to communities and meaningful efforts to promote sport in the school curriculum.

“The growth of sport and culture are crucial to national well-being and the growth of the Guyanese society,” the Vice-President affirmed.

More so, the President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc., Ian John, related that softball is the grassroots of cricket and that it is important to keep such traditions alive to channel talents into more structured cricket.

Additionally, John Ramsingh, representing the title sponsor, revealed that in October 2025, the weekend after the conclusion of the Caribbean Premier League, there would be a grand Unification Softball Cup.

The Unification Cup is a fusion of the Vice President’s, Prime Minister’s, and President’s softball tournaments.

It offers a bigger purse as first prize and a car as the Most Valuable Player prize.

For this Vice-President’s Cup, the winning teams in the male category cop $500,000 in each category – Legends (Over-50), Masters (Over-40) and Open – while the runner-up pockets $200,000.

Each MVP will receive a motorbike.

The women will battle for $300,000 for first place and $100,000 for runner-up, and the MVP will own an electric bike.

With matches at grounds throughout the city, the women’s segment will commence on November 7, while the men’s start the day after.

Regal Stationery & Computer Centre has formed a women’s team and will compete in four categories.

In 2023, they won all three titles.

The finals start from 09:30h on November 10.

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The Kevin Sinclair Foundation has successfully completed a food hamper distribution drive in Sophia, Georgetown.

The initiative provided essential food items to numerous households in the area.

Foundation founder, West Indies all-rounder Kevin Sinclair, expressed his satisfaction with the programme and highlighted the importance of giving back to the community.

“It’s important to pay it forward and inspire a new generation,” he said.

The foundation received support from several local businesses, including Big B’s Restaurant, Cricket Zone USA, Genuine Auto Sales, Trophy Stall, Markie Construction Inc., VNet Communications, and Optimum Health Supplies.

This latest initiative follows the foundation’s recent distribution of over 300 school bags and supplies to children in Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam.

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The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has launched the CONCACAF ‘C’ Licensing Coach Training program, a vital step for coaches aspiring to manage teams in regional competitions.

The launch took place on Monday at the National Training Centre in Providence.

The C License is becoming a crucial requirement for Elite League clubs in Guyana, as it allows them to compete in tournaments like the Caribbean Shield.

GFF President Wayne Forde commended the participating coaches for their commitment to the programme.

“This signifies your dedication towards developing both junior and senior players,” he said.

The C License offers an internationally recognised standard, equipping coaches with the skills to conduct practical training sessions for diverse players and age groups.

It also focuses on youth development through the GFF’s Academy Training Centre network.

This programme marks the first time the GFF has required a registration fee, which Forde noted as a positive sign of commitment from the coaches.

He emphasised the importance of acquiring this license for clubs aiming for regional or international competition.

“The C License is now mandatory for clubs aspiring to compete beyond Guyana’s borders,” Forde explained.

“Elite League winners must comply with CONCACAF’s criteria to represent Guyana in tournaments like the Caribbean Shield. Non-compliance would render them ineligible.”

Over the next few days, experienced CONCACAF and GFF trainers will conduct the programme, incorporating both practical and classroom sessions.

The GFF has prioritised raising coaching standards since 2015, with the introduction of D Licenses resulting in over 120 certified coaches.

The launch of the C License program represents a step forward for local coaches and ensures compliance for Guyana’s Elite League clubs seeking international competition.

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See below the full release from the Ministry of Public Works:

The Ministry of Public Works hereby informs members of the public that the Demerara  Harbour Bridge will be closed for critical maintenance work for a duration of 4 hours: 

Commencing: 23:59 hrs (11:59 pm) on Tuesday 29th October 2024  Ending: 04:00 hrs (4:00 am) on Wednesday 30th October, 2024 

This scheduled exercise is necessary to ensure that the Demerara Harbour Bridge  continues to serve the function, of facilitating the seamless commute of customers  between Regions 3 and 4. As we are all aware, the wear and tear that this critical piece of  infrastructure has experienced over the years, and the fact that it has outlived its initial  intended lifespan of 10 years, means that such exercises have become more frequent. This  4-hour time period was selected to ensure that there is as little disruption to the transit schedule as possible. 

This brings into sharp focus, the necessity of the New Demerara River Bridge which is  currently underway and is scheduled to be completed in March 2025. The bridge’s design  will eliminate the need for retraction and will facilitate regular maintenance without major traffic disruptions.  

The Ministry of Public Works apologises for any inconvenience that may be caused by this upcoming scheduled retraction and maintenance exercise, and reaffirms its commitment to modernising and transforming Guyana.

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Shaheed Abdool Jahoor, his wife Rookmanie Nowrang, and their two young children are now homeless after a massive blaze destroyed the house they lived in and their belongings.

The fire swept through the family’s rental house in Adelphi, East Canje Berbice early Monday morning.

Jahoor’s day began like any other. He ended his night shift at Albion Estate and went home.

Soon enough, he was greet with an unpleasant sight. Smoke filled the sky and Jahoor said he brushed it off, thinking it was just a neighborr burning rubbish

The aftermath of the blaze

Later, he realised what was really unfolding.

What Jahoor saw left him speechless. Everything he had poured his hard work into was being consumed by a major fire blaze.

He lamented how he toiled to purchase each piece of furniture, every small appliance and every other belonging. And just like that, it was all gone.

The fire started at about 06:30 hrs. Jahoor’s wife and children had stayed the night at her mother’s home, a usual routine whenever Jahoor worked late.

They rushed back to find their home beyond saving, their memories and possessions reduced to smoldering remnants. Jahoor called the fire service, but the flames had already claimed everything.

Reflecting on his family’s tragic loss, a tearful Jahoor shared the details of their modest life.

The house they rented for the past five years didn’t have electricity, so they relied on a generator as needed. Despite these challenges, Jahoor took pride in what he could provide.

He described with a mixture of grief and disbelief what they had lost, “All meh bank card, $80,000 all burn up… like me na want food or so, it hurting me inside because if you check, is a new life me got to build back…”

Now, Jahoor’s thoughts are centered on his children and their future.

Despite his pain, his foremost concern is for his kids to ensure they can continue school, to create some semblance of normalcy amid the chaos. He is reaching out, hoping that with help, his family might find a way to rebuild.

Jahoor said anyone willing to help the family in their time of need can contact him at 604-2933.

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The prolonged dry season has badly- affected residents of Mahdia and Campbelltown, Region Eight (Potaro – Siparuni).

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal led a team to the region on Monday and sought to find solutions to remedy the situation. The main solution, Croal told reporters, is that additional wells will be drilled.

“Traditionally, for Mahdia, their source of water has been the Salbora Creek and now with the changing weather pattern- the prolonged dry season- it’s sometimes posing challenges because that’s a natural flow.

A site in Salbora (Photo: News Room/ October 28, 2024)

“… as a result we have been seeking to drill additional wells in Mahdia and Campbelltown,” Croal said.

Because of the region’s geography, newly-drilled wells do not always provide sufficient water. Croal, nevertheless, said the authorities are focused on doing what they can to guarantee residents have a 24-hour supply of water.

Water concerns were among the issues raised by residents last month during an interaction with Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo a month ago.

Since then, various subject ministers have been engaging the residents to address all matters.

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Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai on Monday highlighted that the government is spending $300 million to maintain roads in communities across Region Eight (Potaro- Siparuni).

Meanwhile, a programme will be rolled out soon focusing on the construction of new roads in the region.

“In terms of road maintenance, very shortly… in fact, by next week, the roads contracts, both for sub-district 1 and sub-, which totals about $300 million will be disbursed,” Sukhai said.

Minister Sukhai travelled to Region Eight with the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal. On Monday, afternoon they met with residents.

Residents who engaged the officials on Monday

In her remarks, Sukhai explained that the works follow concerns raised by residents during an interaction with Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo a month ago.

During that meeting, Sukhai said a series of issues related to the services provided to the residents were raised.

The services span water, land tenure security, health and infrastructure.

Sukhai added that Dr Jagdeo had promised that he would speak to the subject ministers to have the issues addressed.

Since then, Sukhai noted that Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag visited and held consultations with residents.

Coming out of that, she added that there are recommendations that are in progress to ensure that road infrastructure is expanded.

“And so very shortly I believe that programme will roll out. Some this year and some in the next year.

“I must say also that the list of contractors has been delivered to the Minister of Public Works and we are awaiting the awards for those roads that will commence construction before the end of the year,” Sukhai explained.

Sukhai assured the residents that development is ongoing in the region to improve the livelihood of citizens.

“So things are moving apace,” she said.

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See below full message from the Private Sector Commission (PSC): 

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) extends its deepest condolences to the Beharry family and the entire Beharry Group of Companies on the passing of Mr. Rabindranauth ‘Chico’ Beharry, a visionary entrepreneur, esteemed business leader, and cherished figure in the Guyanese business landscape. Mr. Beharry passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, and service to his community and country.

Mr. Beharry’s leadership within the Beharry Group has exemplified excellence, integrity, and resilience for decades. His guidance helped shape the Beharry Group into a diversified powerhouse within Guyana and across the Caribbean, spanning industries from banking and insurance to food manufacturing and automotive services. His unwavering commitment to quality, and his pioneering spirit in business, earned him admiration across the private sector.

Mr. Beharry’s contributions to the Private Sector Commission, where the Beharry Group has been a longstanding and valued member, have been pivotal in advancing Guyana’s economic landscape. His advocacy for local business development and community upliftment has inspired generations of entrepreneurs.

The PSC joins the nation in honoring ‘Chico’ Beharry’s legacy. His impact on the private sector will be felt for years to come, as will his influence on those who had the privilege of working with and learning from him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all at the Beharry Group during this difficult time.
May his soul rest in peace.

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In the days leading up to Diwali, the Festival of Lights, the Hindu Society of Berbice will distribute over 200 food hampers to families across Guyana.

According to a release from the Society, this distribution forms part of the “Diwali Sewa.” This is an initiative started by Pandit Rajin Balgobind and supported by local and international donors.

“Traditionally, the Society has focused its efforts in their hometown of Gay Park, New Amsterdam and neighboring villages. However, this year, they are expanding their reach to other locations outside of Berbice, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring that no family goes to bed hungry on Deepavali.

“In recognition of two decades of Diwali Sewa, the Hindu Society of Berbice will also be distributing new clothing to underprivileged girls at Matri Aanchal Ashram in Haridwar, India,” the release stated.

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The government has begun public consultation for the new ‘Protection from Harassment Bill 2024,’ as it takes proactive steps towards eradicating gender-based violence (GBV).

The engagement, facilitated by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, offers citizens an opportunity to engage with government officials and voice their views on the final draft legislation.

Public consultation underway for new harassment bill

The proposed bill seeks to address harassment in various settings, particularly in both public and private workplaces, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups and preventing sexual harassment and stalking.

According to the draft, harassment covers any conduct that causes harm, induces fear, or otherwise disturbs the peace of individuals through actions including following surveillance, and unwanted communication.

It also includes direct and indirect forms of harassment while addressing instances where third parties, such as family or friends, might be affected.

In addition, the bill highlights sexual harassment in private and public domains and mandates that employers make every reasonable effort to prevent harassment in workplaces, schools, institutions, and similar environments.

Accordingly, it criminalises behaviours like stalking, threatening, and other harassing acts, penalising offenders with fines of up to $1 million and prison terms ranging from six months to one year.

Stalking, as listed, includes following a person, sending unsolicited communications, monitoring online activity, and loitering near a person’s home or workplace.

To uphold confidentiality, the bill mandates that all institutions create a secure register for recording complaints, and only authorised individuals can access this information.

Unauthorised disclosure of details related to complaints can lead to legal consequences.

Meanwhile, an independent tribunal (institution) comprising seven members will be established to handle harassment and sexual harassment cases, offering a balanced and fair approach to hearing complaints.

At least half of the tribunal members must be women to ensure gender sensitivity in decision-making.

These members include legal professionals, mediators, and experts in gender and labour affairs. Individuals with conflicts of interest must declare their connection and refrain from participating in related deliberations.

Once the tribunal is operational, community members, workers, and students can formally submit complaints for review.

Meanwhile, the public consultation phase has commenced in several regions, with the ministry actively encouraging citizens to participate. Public feedback will play a pivotal role in shaping the final version of the bill.

Legal representatives are on hand to clarify aspects of the bill, gather input, and incorporate feedback from the community.

The public exercise concludes on December 5 (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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