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A mother and four children perished in a massive fire that destroyed two houses in the No. 64 Village, Corentyne Berbice on Monday night.

The News Room understands that the family was trapped inside the wooden structure as it went up in flames.

Investigators have found the bodies among the debris. Additional details, including the names of those who died, will be provided once they are available.

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The year 2023 was one of the most grievous years for road fatalities, but statistics show that there has been some improvement in 2024.

Even so, authorities are urging motorists to desist from the usual ‘culprits’ that claim lives: speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving while being distracted.

According to Research Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs Michelle Baptiste, comparative statistics for the period January 1 to November 2, 2023 versus 2024 show that the total lives lost declined by 30 per cent – down to 102 in 2024 from 145 in 2023.

At the launch of Road Safety Month 2024, at Leonora Track and Field, West Coast Demerara, she shared additional comparative statistics for the period January 1 to November 2, 2023 versus 2024.

Male fatalities decreased by 25 per cent (down to 91 in 2024 from 122 in 2023); there was a 49 per cent decrease in lives lost for the 25-42 age category (down to 45 in 2024 from 55 in 2023).

Research Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Michelle Baptiste

According to her, the leading road users killed in fatal accidents were motorcyclists for both years, which was followed by pedestrians.

“There was a 15 per cent (down to 41 in 2024 from 48 in 2023) decrease in lives lost for motorcyclists and 30 per cent (down to 26 in 2024 from 37 in 2023) decrease in lives lost for pedestrians.

Private cars were the highest category of vehicles involved in fatal accidents for both periods. However, this category declined by 18 per cent (down to 45 in 2024 from 55 in 2023).

The majority of fatal accidents were recorded on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for 2024, and the peak period is 18:01 hours though midnight.

“Why are we failing? One reason has to do with the current culture of our society. Persons drinking under the influence of alcohol and drugs and think it is ok to do so,” Baptiste said.

Added to the problem is that “most motorcyclists” do not wear their helmets, and persons ride and drive aggressively.

The post After deadly 2023, road fatalities on the decline appeared first on News Room Guyana.

A fire erupted Monday in New Amsterdam, destroying the renowned Bob & Sons Supermarket.

The blaze started at approximately 19:15 hrs and rapidly spread, partially engulfing the nearby Penguin International Hotel and scorching the walls of Scotiabank.

Firefighters from across the region worked tirelessly to contain the flames and prevent further damage.

Bob & Sons Supermarket, a longstanding establishment in New Amsterdam, had served generations of residents and was well known for its wide range of products and community presence. Located in the heart of New Amsterdam, the supermarket was a staple for families and businesses alike. For years, it has been a key source of groceries and essentials, making its loss not only a business setback but a personal one for many locals.

The Penguin International Hotel, a popular spot for both local patrons and visitors, also endured significant fire damage.

As firefighters continue to battle the blaze the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

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Vishok Persaud is the 2024 Group Four (2WD) Champion after he sealed his faith with an impressive performance at the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions, held at the South Dakota Circuit on Sunday.

November has proven to be one to remember for Persaud, who delivered consistent performances throughout the event and year.

Despite a challenging race incident that marred his initial attempt to sweep all Group Four (2WD) events, Persaud ended the day with the title of overall champion of 2024.

Persaud along with members of Team ENet and supporters (PHOTO: News Room/Shaconeil Burnette)

Persaud’s team played a crucial role in his success, demonstrating their reliability and efficiency. After the incident in the first race, they worked swiftly to ensure that his spare car was in race prep for the subsequent races.

He went on to win two of the three races with a best lap time of 1:17.848s.

Notably, during qualifying on Saturday, he set an unofficial record with a lap time of 1:16.084s, surpassing his previous standing lap record of 1:16.691s. Official Lap Records can only be set during a race.

Vishok Persaud’s KTM X-Bow has proven to be the car to be beat in Group Four (2WD) (PHOTO: News Room/Shaconeil Burnette)

Quinlan Lall, who qualified P2 with 1:17.157s with his Mazda RX-7, had raised expectations for a fierce battle with Persaud. Lall managed to win the first race.

The 2024 Group Four season was split into 2WD and 4WD categories.

Earlier races in the year saw thrilling performances between Mark Vieira and Persaud, and the latter held the edge heading into November.

Vishok Persaud and his wife, Tanya (left) and daughter, Kayla (PHOTO: News Room/Shaconeil Burnette)

Persaud had 133 points, leading Vieira by 11 points; however, Vieira did not compete at the November meet due to an injury.

Roger Yuen and the championship trophy (PHOTO: News Room/Shaconeil Burnette)

Roger Yuen runs Persaud’s team, and he credits him with keeping the KTM X-Bow cars reliable and competitive.

The team also had support from California-based John Mueller of Muellerized.

John (left) and Chris from Muellerized offered support to Persaud (PHOTO: News Room/Shaconeil Burnette)

Overall, the 2024 ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions was a thrilling showcase of talent and determination, with several drivers leaving their mark and adding to their legacies in the motorsport arena.

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Enforcing the points system, which was introduced years ago to demerit drivers found culpable of breaching traffic laws, may be one of the solutions to curb the current spate of accidents on the roadways, especially those involving big trucks.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said this on Monday while speaking to the News Room on the sidelines of the launch of Road Safety Month 2024, at Leonora Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara. The observances for the month are being held under the theme, “Do the right thing.”

“The solution resides in better presence and enforcement.

“And also, in relation to putting in the points system for persons who drive badly, get in accidents – that they are demerited on a points system which was introduced some years ago, but never activated,” Benn said.

He added, “The more they get demerited, they’ll reach a point where their license will be taken away.”

According to him, such a move would also have an impact on their insurance.

“The insurance will either have to charge them higher rates or don’t give them insurance at all.”

A significant factor in accidents involving trucks and motorcycles, Minister Benn expressed, is that the number of these vehicles has more than doubled.

“One would see that construction of roads and private buildings, a lot of sand and stone and other aggregates are required for this effort. So the number of trucks has increased and the frequency of their use on the roads has increased,” he noted.

He disclosed that the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force, along with his ministry, has been discussing who can apply for a truck license. Some persons barely reach the age of being allowed to be a truck driver, but the question of their awareness, their training, and the way they operate their vehicle is increasingly a cause for concern.

A lot, too, has to do with the owners of businesses in terms of ensuring better maintenance of the trucks.

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The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit recently conducted a sensitization awareness session with 25 police officers from the Brickdam Police Station. This initiative, themed “Bridging the Gap,” aimed to enhance the understanding and response of law enforcement officers to cases of domestic abuse.

By collaborating with law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security continues to strengthen its commitment to combating domestic violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Guyanese citizens.

The session covered a range of critical topics, including:

•         Core Concepts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV): A comprehensive overview of the different forms of GBV and its impact on individuals and communities.

•         Client-Centered Approach: The importance of adopting a compassionate and empathetic approach when interacting with survivors of domestic abuse.

•         Protection Orders Under the Family Violence Act: Guidance on the eligibility criteria for protection orders and the specific provisions available to safeguard victims.

•         MHSSS Services: An introduction to the wide range of services offered by the Ministry, including counseling, shelter, 194 and legal pro-bono.

•         FAMILY VIOLENCE BILL: The officers were also trained in the new Family Violence Bill which will aid in the correct use of the law.

Following the sensitization session, MHSSS and Brickdam Police Station officers joined forces to conduct a community walk-about in Leopold Street. This outreach effort served to raise awareness about the Ministry’s services and foster stronger police-community relations.

By collaborating with law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security continues to strengthen its commitment to combating domestic violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Guyanese citizens. [Ministry of Human Services and Social Security press release] 

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The new year will bring a new tournament to the Mining Town of Linden with local organisers teaming up with the Kevin Sinclair Foundation to stage a male and female softball cricket tournament.

The one-day event will see four male teams and four female teams competing for over one million dollars in cash and prizes in a 10-over-a-side format.

The male teams will be Speightland, Hill Foot Vipers, Kiruni Defenders and South Stars, while on the female side, Supreme Stars, 4R, Wiruni Conquerors and Young Warriors will head into battle.

Guyana and West Indies all- founder Kevin Sinclair, under whose charitable foundation the tournament will be sponsored, expressed his excitement at being able to do something to benefit the town.

“So, this is our fourth project. Really excited to go and spread the love in Linden. Like I said, the foundation is basically to touch people lives and bring joy and happiness throughout Guyana. So, that’s the aim and I will continue to spread my arms as far as I can,” Sinclair shared in a press release.

Sinclair added, “Like I always mention, the slogan is aspire to make a difference and this project is going to be a good one for the people in Linden. It was a long time planning to do something away from Georgetown.”

Aside from position prizes, individual accolades for the best bowler, highest run-scorer and best fielder are also up for grabs.

The official dates are yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Sinclair is already mulling his foundation’s next stop, which he hopes to be in Essequibo.

“My next goal is to go to Essequibo and do something there for the people in that county as a part of the foundation,” the cricketer added.

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