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Mockesha Standford, a  27-year-old hairdresser from Wismar, Linden is the victim of an armed robbery that occurred at about 21:20 hrs on Saturday at her salon on Coca Road.

According to Standford, the suspect is a male, about 5’4″ tall, dark in complexion with short dreadlocks, dressed with a black mask covering part of his face, and armed with a handgun.

Standford was allegedly robbed of $130,000 cash belonging to her and one five-pennyweight gold ring valued at $60,000, which is the property of Annilie Pelew.

Police investigations so far disclosed that Stanford owns Kesha Slay Zone salon, which is located in Wismar.

At the date and time mentioned above, Standford, along with Shameza Hollingsworth, a worker at the salon, and two (2) customers, Annilie Pelew and Shamiah Inniss, were in the salon at the time.

Further inquiries disclosed that Standford was at her salon doing hair when the suspect came into the salon with what appeared to be a gun in his hand.

The robber took away the cash from Standford and one gold ring from Annilie Pelew, and while heading out of the salon, he turned around and fired a shot at her, causing her to receive injuries to the lower part of her right leg. The gunman then made good his escape.

Standford was later escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex, where she was treated for her injury. Her condition is stable.

Police visited and processed the scene and recovered one suspected 9MM spent shell. Several persons were questioned, and useful information was provided to the Police. Investigations continue.

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The Guyana Cancer Society (GCS) hosted its annual fundraiser on Saturday evening at Project Dawn, Liliendaal, drawing attention to the urgent need for cancer detection and treatment, particularly for colon cancer.

Attended by several prominent health figures, including Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, the event highlighted the organization’s growing efforts in providing essential medical services and raised funds to support future initiatives.

The fundraiser, aimed at bolstering cancer awareness and early detection programs, also served as an expression of gratitude to the key partners who have supported the GCS’s efforts over the past two years, notably the Balwant Singh Hospital.

One of the key areas of focus during the event was the expansion of the GCS’s mammogram program.

Since its inception in 2022, the organization has made significant strides in helping women access critical breast cancer screenings.

The Guyana Cancer Society (GCS) hosted its annual fundraiser on Saturday evening at Project Dawn, Liliendaal, drawing attention to the urgent need for cancer detection and treatment, particularly for colon cancer.

Dr. Ejaz Hatim, Medical Coordinator of the GCS, noted that the organization initially offered 100 free mammograms in collaboration with Balwant Singh Hospital, but within hours, those spots were filled.

Since then, the GCS has provided over 600 mammograms, and the partnership with the hospital is continuing to grow.

“This year, we are offering another 100 free mammograms,” Dr. Hatim told the gathering on Saturday night, revealing that 40 women had already benefited from this service.

Slots remain available for women from across the country, and the partnership with the hospital continues to expand, giving more women access to life-saving screenings.

But the efforts of the GCS go beyond breast cancer. The organization is also screening men for prostate cancer and both men and women for HPV. In addition to outreach programs, a major initiative for the year is the promotion of colon cancer screening—a crucial service that has been largely unavailable in Guyana until recently.

Colon cancer has been a growing concern, with early detection being key to saving lives. However, access to colonoscopies has been limited, particularly for those unable to afford the procedure.

The Guyana Cancer Society is addressing this gap by offering 10 free colon cancer screenings this year.

“Each screening costs $50,000, and the Society is covering the total cost of $500, 000 for 10 people this year.

While the Balwant Singh Hospital does not yet offer CT colonoscopies, the GCS is working tirelessly to make this crucial screening available to more Guyanese.

The Guyana Cancer Society (GCS) hosted its annual fundraiser on Saturday evening at Project Dawn, Liliendaal, drawing attention to the urgent need for cancer detection and treatment, particularly for colon cancer.

The society is focused on changing the public perception that cancer is a death sentence, a sentiment echoed by Sharir Chan, Chief Operations Officer of Guyana Medical Relief and Founder of the Guyana Cancer Society and other attendees.

Since its launch in 2022, the GCS has achieved several milestones, including offering more than 600 free mammograms, 300 Pap smears, and 60 HPV tests.

Notably, seven women were referred for further treatment following positive mammogram results, and biopsies were performed in four cases, saving four lives. In addition, 20 positive Pap smear results were followed up, with ten percent of HPV tests returning positive.

The GCS also acknowledged the support it has received from the Ministry of Health, especially for providing necessary medical kits for screening programs. This partnership has been pivotal in advancing the society’s outreach initiatives, including its ongoing prostate cancer screening efforts, with a target of 100 men screened this year.

Despite the progress made, the call for increased support was a central theme of the evening.

The organization is committed to continuing its work in providing affordable and accessible cancer screenings to all Guyanese, but it cannot do so alone. Increased collaboration with both government and private partners is critical to expanding services and making cancer detection a priority in the country.

“We want to change the perception that cancer is a death sentence,” Chan emphasized. “With early detection and the right support, people can lead healthy, full lives. We are making strides, but there’s still so much more to be done.”

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By Sharda Bacchus

Shardabacchus@newsroom.gy

Guyana’s newest boutique hotel – Aiden by Best Western – has officially opened for business, creating over seventy jobs for locals in various roles and promising to deliver “unmatched” customer service to its guests.

Offering a 180-degree view of the city, the nine-storey modern and luxurious structure, at the corner of Robb and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown, is the 10th property to join the Best Western Hotel & Resorts franchise and the first in South America.

Designed to reflect Guyana’s rich flora, fauna, and culture, the hotel’s suites are named after the country’s rivers. The hotel features 138 smart rooms, a restaurant, a rooftop bar and lounge, a coffee shop, a gym, a sauna, and many other amenities.

On Saturday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with the developers—the Alphonso family from Essequibo—took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the hotel.

On Saturday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with the developers—the Alphonso family from Essequibo—took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the hotel.

In his address, President Ali emphasized that the opening of Aiden by Best Western is more than just the launch of a hotel; it is a significant boost to the country’s tourism sector.

He challenged the developers to market Guyana as a tourism destination as part of their services.

“Investing in a facility like this cannot be without an understanding as to where the country is going and what we are trying to build. We are trying to build a world-class economy,” Dr Ali said.

According to President Ali, Guyana’s resilience and sustainability must be built with a global perspective in mind.

“We have to work on creating the ecosystem that will allow us to have this number of people passing through the economy to create the type of demand for the services that we are investing in across the country,” he said.

Dr Ali said the goal is to develop an economy by 2030 that will see 3 million visitors annually, all utilising the country’s services.

To achieve this, he stressed the importance of focusing on world-class infrastructure, as well as investing in training, development, and technical support services.

“Because I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are heading in the right direction and we know the destination will be for a strong, sustainable, resilient, vibrant Guyana,” Dr Ali said.

Aiden by Best Western was developed by Arimu Investments Inc., a local Guyanese company.

Lorenzo Alphonso, Director of Arimu Investments Inc., explained that despite facing procurement and logistical challenges, as well as unexpected changes to the design, the hotel was completed using local resources and skills.

“I can say that we should not doubt our Guyanese skill set… 100 percent supervised by Guyanese, scrutinised by Guyanese, and approved by Guyanese,” Alphonso said.

“From the first removal of soil to the completion date, the project involved using local resources.”

He added that the hotel provides employment for over 72 locals, as well as a few expatriates who have worked at world-renowned hotels, further ensuring that the customer service will be unmatched.

“The development was nothing short of interesting, intense, nerve-wracking, but most importantly, fulfilling,” he noted.

Guyana’s first boutique hotel – Aiden by Best Western – has officially opened for business, creating over seventy jobs for locals in various roles and promising to deliver “unmatched” customer service to its guests.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Waldron, described the opening of the hotel as a testament to what can be achieved through government and private sector collaboration.

“We are confident that the investments being made today will pay dividends for generations to come. This represents our country’s continued growth and recognition as a key destination in the region,” Waldron said.

Such expansions, she noted, not only meet current demand but also lay the foundation for long-term growth in the sector.

“Having an internationally branded hotel like Aiden reinforces our position as a country on the move, sending a global signal that Guyana is well positioned to accommodate visitors with their specific brand preferences,” Waldron said.

The post Over 70 locals hired as Aiden by Best Western officially opens, promising ‘unmatched’ customer service appeared first on News Room Guyana.

By Kurt Campbell 

kurt@newsroom.gy 

In a significant development for public health, Subject Minister Dr. Frank Anthony announced on Saturday that mammogram services will soon be available in regions across Guyana and outside of Georgetown for the first time.

Aimed at expanding access to early cancer detection, mammogram machines will be deployed in New Amsterdam (Region 6), Linden (Region 10), Lethem (Region 9), and Suddie (Region 2) in the coming weeks.

The announcement was made during the Guyana Cancer Society’s annual fundraiser dinner held at Project Dawn, Liliendaal, where Dr. Anthony addressed attendees about the government’s ongoing efforts to improve cancer screening and prevention services.

He thanked organizations like the Guyana Cancer Society for their support, highlighting the importance of collaboration in tackling the growing cancer burden.

The announcement was made during the Guyana Cancer Society’s annual fundraiser dinner held at Project Dawn, Liliendaal, where Dr. Anthony addressed attendees about the government’s ongoing efforts to improve cancer screening and prevention services.

For years, mammograms were available only at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), with many patients also required to travel to private health facilities in the capital.

However, recognizing the need for broader access, the government has secured four new mammogram machines—donated to Guyana and currently en route to the country.

Once they arrive, they will be stationed in the four regions to ensure that more people can access mammograms closer to where they live.

“This expansion will allow more people across the country to get the vital screening they need without the long travel times or delays,” Dr. Anthony said, stressing that timely detection could save lives.

The minister also highlighted advancements in biopsy testing at GPHC, where a new pathology lab has drastically reduced the waiting time for results.

“Previously, it could take up to three months to get biopsy results, but now, with the new lab, people can receive results in just three days,” he noted.

Beyond breast cancer, Dr. Anthony outlined the government’s expanded focus on other cancers, such as cervical and colon cancer. He spoke of ongoing efforts to establish comprehensive screening programs and the importance of prevention.

The equipment that will be used for the cervical cancer screening. (Photo: Ministry of Health/ April 12, 2024)

Cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in Guyana after breast cancer, is preventable through vaccination.

However, Dr. Anthony acknowledged that misinformation had been a barrier to uptake. The HPV vaccine, which prevents the human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer, had long been available to girls and boys between the ages of 9 to 15.

“We need people to take the vaccine, but there is resistance due to misinformation,” he said.

To address this, the government is expanding the vaccine program to include individuals up to 45 years old. Alongside the vaccination push, the government is offering vouchers for screening at private healthcare facilities to further encourage early detection.

In addition to cervical and breast cancer, Dr. Anthony highlighted the need for colon and rectal cancer screening. Rectal cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer in Guyana, and the government is in the process of rolling out screening tests.

Colon cancer (Photo taken from Mayo Clinic)

To help with this, the government is working with Northwell, a healthcare provider, to introduce screening using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, which could also help with early detection of prostate cancer—a significant challenge in the country.

“We are making progress in terms of screening and treatment for all of these cancers—some we can prevent, others we can cure,” Dr. Anthony said.

He added that the government is also now treating patients who test positive for hepatitis C, which can prevent liver cancer in the long term.

Before the medication was too costly and while people were being diagnosed locally, they were not treated.

Dr. Anthony concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and investment in public health to tackle cancer in all its forms.

“While we make these services available, we also need the public to take advantage of them,” he said.

 

“We are committed to improving healthcare services, but we also need people to participate in their own health by getting vaccinated and screened.”

With these initiatives, the government aims to make significant strides in cancer prevention and treatment, improving the health outcomes for countless Guyanese.

 

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As part of its ongoing community road improvement initiative, the government has awarded contracts worth approximately $2.7 billion for the rehabilitation of 191 roads in Region Five.

Speaking at the contract signing event at Fort Wellington NDC, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill highlighted the government’s commitment to accelerating national development.

He noted that the extensive infrastructural upgrades would span 33 villages within the region.

“This scale of work has never been done in your region before, and it’s being executed now under the PPP/C Administration,” Minister Edghill stated on Friday.

The government recently upgraded 135 community roads and has 78 more roads currently out for public tender in Region Five. This forms part of a broader national agenda aimed at enhancing infrastructure to improve the quality of life for citizens.

Minister Edghill also acknowledged the increasing participation of women in the construction sector, which has traditionally been male-dominated.

“We are not just talking about women’s empowerment by sending you to a conference or giving you a sewing machine. We have opened the gates for women to enter the contractor class and compete alongside the men,” he remarked.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, who also spoke at the event, emphasised the government’s dedication to ensuring inclusivity in development efforts.

The agriculture minister noted that 35 per cent of the workforce in agricultural projects must be women and youths, in line with the government’s commitment to empowering these groups.

“All our projects within the Ministry of Agriculture involve women and youths, ensuring that resources and opportunities are available to every section of our population,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also added that the construction of farm-to-market roads is crucial to boosting productivity in the agricultural sector, enabling farmers to efficiently transport their goods.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar urged contractors to maintain high standards in their work, stressing the importance of delivering quality infrastructure that benefits citizens.

The next contract signing for similar road development works will be conducted in Region Ten, in line with the government’s policy of equitable infrastructure development across the country.

[Extracted and modified from the Department of PublicInformation] 

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Another meek batting display by Essequibo and another team effort with ball and bat by Demerara ensured the Senior Inter-County 50-Over remained in the firm grip of Demerara after the final on Saturday at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda.

It meant Essequibo’s wait for a Senior Inter-County 50-Over title continues, as their 164 all out in 46.5 overs was effectively where the final was lost.

It was a mirror performance to match on Thursday where, once again, strike rotation was their Achilles’ heel.

With bowling being Demerara’s glaring and in-form strength, they opted to insert Essequibo, which had immediate success. Both openers—Kevon Boodie and Keemo Paul—were dismissed for one.

Kanhaiya Ramkarran and Kemol Savory, again, stabilised the innings, but they lacked much-needed fluency.

Ramkarran made 49 (4x4s) from 128 balls, while Savory made 21 (1×4; 1×6) from 31 balls, and the duo added 40 in 73 balls.

Kanhaiya Ramkarran

Keanu Harry (26) and Quentin Sampson (19) added some late impetus for Essequibo, as Ronaldo Alimohamed picked up three wickets at the back end to further stymie any progress.

Alimohamed ended with 4-47, while the miserly Ashmead Nedd had 2-25, and Devon Lord took his tally to 11 wickets in the tournament with 1-19.

Demerara eased its chase with seasoned players Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Matthew Nandu adding 56 for the first wicket.

Chanderpaul had to retire hurt on 33 due to a hit on the elbow.

Matthew Nandu walks back to the pavilion after making 57

Nandu took the attack to the bowlers and reached 57 (4x4s; 1×6) from 80 balls before he was dismissed, while skipper Tevin Imlach ensured there was no drama at the end, making an unbeaten 56 (3x4s) from 73 balls.

The Guyana Cricket Board is set to announce the Guyana Harpy Eagles 14-man squad very soon.

The squad commences preparation on Monday before departure to Trinidad and Tobago for the Regional Super50 over the weekend.

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricheroes.com/scorecard/13122750/gcb-senior-male-super-50-intercounty-2024-/essequibo-vs-demerara/scorecard?type=m

Individual Awards

• Most Valuable Player: Tagenarine Chanderpaul (Inn: 4; Runs: 239; Avg: 239.00; SR: 81.85)
• Most Runs: Tagenarine Chanderpaul (Inn: 4; Runs: 239; Avg: 239.00; SR: 81.85)
• Most Wickets: Devon Lord ( Inn: 4; W: 11; Eco: 3.39; Avg: 10.73)
• Player-of-the-Final: Ronaldo Alimohamed (4-47 from 10 overs)

PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/newsroomgy/posts/pfbid021HiYwkB4NzAKATwepbvo7bfMHtUPPUjGx61cncK1BXn8mj96hzKYhT14jGJBgZSYl

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See below full statement from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development:

The Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development (MLGRD) notes with grave concern reports of the illegal sale and leasing of plots of state land by operatives within the Mocha/Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and Opposition elements within the area. These illegal actions are in clear violation of the Laws governing state-owned lands in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The Ministry further advises that on the 9th of September, 2024, a Cease Order was issued to ALL NDCs and RDCs explicitly prohibiting “the rental, sale, alienation, encumbrance, or lease of State/Government land, or any land where the Government has a controlling interest”, without the authorization of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development as stipulated in the Local Government Act Cap. 28:02 of the Laws of Guyana.

Sections 48 and 106 of the Local Government Act speak to the power to let lands by local authorities. However, both sections are subjected to the permission of the Minister of Local Government & Regional Development. Furthermore, Section 103 of the said Act provides that NDCs “may, with the consent of the Minister, for the purpose and subject to this Act, purchase, accept as a gift, take on lease, sell, exchange, or mortgage any lands, whether situate within or without its district; and a local authority may also purchase any dam or watercourse which interferes with the proper drainage of, or the supply of water to, its district.” Section 47 of the Local Government Act does NOT grant to local authorities the power to lease or sell any state land.

The Ministry of Local Government wishes to categorically state that at no point in time has permission been given, whether expressly or impliedly, by the Minister of Local Government & Regional Development to the Mocha/Arcadia NDC or any other person to sell or lease stateowned land within the boundaries of the Mocha/Arcadia settlement.

The Ministry wishes to remind the public, and all NDCs and RDCs, that the unauthorized sale or lease of state land is ILLEGAL, and any such transactions will be deemed NULL, VOID, AND OF NO EFFECT.

Those found engaging in or attempting to purchase lands through these illegal means are warned that they will be subject to legal consequences.

Furthermore, the Ministry urges the Mocha/Arcadia NDC, and all NDCs and RDCs, to immediately cease and desist from any attempts to sell or lease state lands.

The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the proper and lawful management of public lands in accordance with national regulations and urges members of the public to remain vigilant, and to report any suspicious activities involving the sale of state lands via the contact information listed below:

Telephone: (592) 225-8619, (592) 223-0781, or (592) 652-3554 Email: ps@mlgrd.gov.gy or ministersecretariat@mlgrd.gov.gy

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Press Release from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday October 31^st.

As the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha begins its 50^th Anniversary mega Diwali celebrations countrywide, the Sabha is expressing sincere appreciation to corporate Guyana for their generous support; support that has been forthcoming year after year.

Today (October 19^th), the Sabha will host Deep Jale at the Kitty Seawall Roundabout at 18:00h where there will be beautiful light up, cultural programme and bazaar for food and Diwali shopping.

On stage will be several of Guyana’s top singers, including Kishan Sugrim, Suraj Singh, Elizabeth Wong, Sookrane Boodhoo, Arijit Singh and Rekha Ranglall backed by the Shakti Strings Band and dance performances by Dharmic Nritya Sangh, Golden Om Dharmic and the Cummings Lodge Hindu Society.

Admission is free. The Bazaar will continue daily along Vlissengen Road until Diwali.

On Wednesday October 30th, the Sabha will hold its much anticipated spectacular Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Diwali Motorcade. This year will see the largest number of floats in the motorcade’s history coming from Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice.

The floats will assemble at the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbelville from 17:30h and will leave at 18:30h via its traditional route along Sandy Babb Street for Vlissengen Road and then along the Seawall to the LBI Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara.

The LBI Community Centre Ground will be the site for a fabulous cultural programme and presentation of prizes starting at 19:00h. Outstanding Indian singer Nachiket Lele of Indian Idol and Saregama fame will join Ben Parag as the headline acts for the event.

There will also be performances by Bunty Singh, Suraj Singh Dharmic Nritya Sangh, Berbice Delights, Shakti Strings Band and others.

Admission to the LBI Community Centre Ground is free and no alcohol will be allowed making it an excellent event for families. Millions of dollars in prizes and trophies will be presented to participating floats.

The Sabha will also host Motorcades in all its Praants: Essequibo on October 25^th, East Bank Demerara and West Coast Demerara on October 26^th and four motorcades in Berbice on October 27^th.

The Diwali Motorcade has become a highlight of Guyana’s cultural calendar, drawing tens of thousands along the route of the motorcade and at the final venue.

The floats have gotten more creative and extravagant each year and are truly a reflection of excellent Guyanese creativity and the team spirt of mandirs, youth groups and communities.

The Sabha is pleased to welcome as its sponsors for the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara motorcade ENET, Toolsie Persaud Ltd, Prem’s Electrical, Demerara Bank Ltd, ExxonMobil Guyana, International Imports and Supplies, King’s Hotel and Residences, Cyril’s Transportation Services, EC Vieira Investments, Kalpataru, ICEE, Regal Stationary and Computer Centre, El Dorado Trading, GSK Excavation Services Inc., Jags Aviation Inc., Pacific Rim Constructions, Ansa McAL Distribution Inc., Platinum Sales and Services, Readymix Concrete Ltd, NTN Radio and Television, Devindra Kissoon London House Chamber, Mohan’s Store, Ganesh Parts and General Store, Nabi Construction, Gaico Construction, Hand-in-Hand, Impressions Guyana, Windsor Estates, Pegasus Hotel, Guyana Cricket Board, L. Seepersaud Maraj and Sons, Bel Air Rubis Service Station, UMDA Palka Ghee, Massy Guyana Group of Companies, P&P Insurance Brokers Inc., IPED, GBTI, TSD Lal and Co, Andrew Arts, Lens, Kanhai’s Electrical Agency, 4R Bearing, Survival Supermarket, Barcellos Narine and Co., Pooran Brothers and Apex Insurance Brokers.

Dharmic Sabha also thanks the many other businesses who are supporting our mandirs and youth groups in building their floats and our Praant Motorcades.

The Sabha is proud to have sustained and grown this uniquely Guyanese tradition for five decades.

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Despite facing challenges such as food and climate insecurity, as well as trade constraints, the Caribbean Community remains strong and resilient, continuing to progress through robust policies.

Acknowledging that these are not achievements to be overlooked, President Dr Irfaan Ali emphasised that challenges often lead to greater focus than successes.

Through policy, particularly those directed at vulnerable groups, the region continues on a significant developmental trajectory, underpinned by solutions that are globally oriented.

“In a world where we are addressing the perfect storm, if you thought the pandemic was brutal, there is the perfect storm that we are addressing now: climate insecurity, food insecurity, and energy insecurity.

“The highest transport and logistics costs in the history of the report, the highest import inflation in food prices… There is an individual role that leads to collective results,” President Ali said.

President Dr Irfaan Ali (Photo: President Dr Irfaan Ali FB/ October 19, 2024)

Dr Ali was the guest speaker at the Barbados Labour Party’s 85th Conference and Awards ceremony, held in Christ Church, Barbados, on Friday night.

Reflecting on the challenges the region has faced, President Ali highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, several countries encountered further setbacks, including the devastating hurricane Beryl, which caused millions of dollars in losses.

In response, he noted that leaders implemented a range of measures aimed at rebuilding stronger and more resilient communities.

Dr Ali was the guest speaker at the Barbados Labour Party’s 85th Conference and Awards ceremony, held in Christ Church, Barbados, on Friday night. (Photo: President Dr Irfaan Ali FB/ October 19, 2024)

“A bold mandate stimulates creativity and innovation. We must become accustomed to doing things differently, and at a different pace, if we are to be successful in this region,” President Ali remarked.

Looking towards the future, Dr Ali stressed the need for a winning formula, with the integration of technology being key to achieving this.

“The future is a digital future. For too long, as a region, we have taken an individual approach to development. If by policy we haven’t done what we were supposed to do by now, trust me, the digital world will force us to do it digitally,” he concluded.

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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took his first Formula 1 victory for nearly four months with a controlled drive in the sprint race at the United States Grand Prix.

Verstappen’s win extends his championship lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris to 54 points.

Norris was running second going into the final lap, but a lock-up at the first corner allowed Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to slip by in Austin.

The Briton then had to fend off the second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, which he managed to do to the flag, helped by a mistake by Leclerc into Turn 15.

Verstappen’s victory was his first in F1 since the sprint event at the Austrian Grand Prix in June, and could be a decisive development in the title race on a weekend where Red Bull have introduced a major upgrade to their car.

Dutchman Verstappen converted his pole position into a lead at the first corner and was able to keep Norris at bay for the full 19 laps.

“It was not too bad,” Verstappen said. “It feels a bit like old times. The whole race, Ferrari was always very quick, but for us we were finally racing again. We had good pace.”

Norris jumped up from fourth on the grid to second on the first lap with a superb first four corners, sweeping past Mercedes’ George Russell into the fast Esses after passing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at Turn One.

Sainz and Leclerc staged a race-long battle in the Ferraris in a sprint that was engrossing throughout.

The Ferraris staged a frantic scrap over the first five laps in which they seemed to spend almost as much time side by side as in line astern.

Sainz time and again attempted moves only to be rebuffed, often as he ran into corners too deep.

Once ahead on lap five, with a dive down the inside at Turn 15, the Spaniard attacked Russell as the Mercedes driver started struggling with front tyre wear, and moved ahead at Turn 15 on lap nine, Leclerc following him through at the same place next time around.

Leclerc came back at Sainz in the closing laps as the Spaniard himself tried to attack Norris for second.

And Norris’ error into Turn One, locking his inside front wheel, allowed Sainz to slip by and reduced the pressure from Leclerc, who had been lining up for a move on his team-mate.

Norris said: “It was a good race. I am pretty happy with how things ended up.

“It was a tough one, I thought I could maybe hang on to second but Carlos did a good job.

“My front tyres were completely finished and there was not a lot I could do. Whether I’d stayed straight or defended, I am pretty sure I would have lost the place.

“I did the most I could, I don’t think we had the pace on Max and the Ferraris so I am happy to finish third.”

Russell faded to fifth place, but managed to hold off team-mate Lewis Hamilton on the final lap.

Haas drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg took the final points in seventh and eighth places. (BBC)

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