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A performance audit has found that there have been marked improvements in managing bed capacity at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Maternity Unit.

However, a shortage of healthcare staff remains a major concern.

The audit, conducted by the Office of the Auditor General, examined the period from January 2019 to June 2020, revealing both progress and some ongoing staff challenges in maternal healthcare services.

Over the years 2016 to 2020, GPHC recorded approximately 6,000 births annually, representing over 40% of the national total of 15,000.

Despite the high patient volume, the hospital’s Maternity Unit faced overcrowding, which raised concerns from Parliament, the media, and the general public.

The audit found that the average bed occupancy rate improved significantly during the audited period, falling to 76% from a previous high of 121%, which indicated overcrowding.

This suggests that the hospital has made strides in managing patient flow and meeting fluctuating demand for services.

However, the audit also uncovered that the GPHC continues to grapple with a shortage of healthcare personnel, particularly nurses and midwives.

The current Maternity Unit at GPHC

Staffing during the audit period was only 63% of the required staffing levels.

The lack of continuous training and the absence of a comprehensive manual of administrative procedures were also flagged as significant concerns. These factors not only compromise patient care but also place the safety of both patients and staff at risk.

In addition, the audit revealed that management had failed to conduct a needs assessment to determine the required personnel and equipment, which may have resulted in patients not receiving adequate treatment.

The absence of standard operating procedures further compounds these challenges.

The Auditor General’s Office has made ten recommendations to address these issues, including improving staff levels, implementing regular training, and establishing clear administrative guidelines.

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A total of 66 teams will from this weekend head into battle in the inaugural Republic Bank/One Guyana ‘B’ Division Volleyball tournament at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Featuring male and female teams, the tournament, hailed as the first of its kind in local volleyball, will conclude on November 10 with the top prize being G$300,000 cash, accompanied by trophies and medals.

Several individual prizes will also be at stake for both male and female categories.

The tournament was officially launched on Thursday morning with Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr., President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation Levi Nedd and Managing Director of Republic Bank Guyana Stephen Grell underscoring its importance.

Watch video below for comments 

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The Guyana Women in Chess Community (GWICC), under the umbrella of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), has organised the inaugural Queenside Rapid Tournament. The event will take place on Saturday, October 12.

This event, reserved for women and girls, will encourage beginners and unrated female players to compete in hopes of expanding the pool of women and girls playing competitive chess.

There will be nine rounds of games with durations of 15 minutes + 5 seconds increments per round. Pinnacle Business Services Inc. and Jade’s Wok are the event’s sponsors.

The venue for the Queenside Rapid Tournament will be the David Rose Special School, with the first round kicking off at 09:00h. The top five female participants with the most points will receive trophies, and the top three players will win prizes totaling G$50,000.

The GCF is also looking for the best talents to emerge among the beginners, with a special trophy for the winner of that category. Prizes for the best girl, best woman and youngest player will also be awarded.

The Women in Chess Community has been eagerly anticipating this tournament. Over the past two years, the GWICC has hosted its annual Queenside Chess Camp, a programme designed to inspire more girls and women to embrace the game of chess and strengthen their community.

These camps attract women and girls of all ages and skill levels, fostering friendships and camaraderie among participants. Thanks to the GWICC, female participation in chess has surged, with 25% of national competitors now being girls.

This heartening trend challenges the traditionally male-dominated sport in Guyana. The GCF has strong female representation on its national teams, and they have represented Guyana both regionally and internationally with exceptional results.

The Guyana Chess Federation wishes to thank the administrators of the David Rose Special School for graciously providing the venue for the tournament. The GCF and the GWICC are grateful to their generous sponsors Jade’s Wok and Pinnacle Business Services, who have been long-time sponsors of the game.

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Earlier this week, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo spearheaded the distribution of small business grants to 6,000 Berbicians, providing financial support aimed at expanding existing businesses and helping new entrepreneurs get started.

The grants are part of an annual initiative by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government, designed to empower small businesses and foster economic growth.

The program is open to all Guyanese, regardless of race, region, gender, or political affiliation, ensuring broad inclusivity.

“The goal of these grants is to stimulate growth, create jobs, and support the entrepreneurial spirit of Guyanese citizens,” Dr. Jagdeo said during the event.

“This is part of the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen the economy and support small business owners throughout the country,@ he added.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Accompanying Dr. Jagdeo at the distribution event were several prominent government officials, including Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh, and other key figures from Region Six.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan, Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain, and Regional Executive Officer Narindra Persaud were also present to oversee the event and assist in the distribution process.

The small business grants program has been well-received by Berbician entrepreneurs, many of whom are now looking forward to expanding their operations and contributing further to the local economy.

“We are committed to ensuring that all Guyanese have access to the resources they need to succeed,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

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A meeting held on Tuesday at the Classic International Hotel Conference Hall saw Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha engage in discussions with farmers on the government’s ambitious plan to transform 40,000 acres of land in Upper Corentyne into productive farmland.

Vice President Jagdeo announced that these lands, including privately held areas near Moleson Creek in Upper Corentyne, will benefit from a $2 billion investment in infrastructure to boost agricultural output.

“So right now, we have about $2 billion in the budget that I put aside. I made sure I put in there around budget time to fulfill the commitments we had,” he said.

While addressing the gathering of farmers, representatives, and stakeholders, Jagdeo outlined a strategy to utilise 25,000 acres of GuySuCo land at Skeldon for projects such as shrimp farming, hemp cultivation, and sugarcane.

He highlighted that former workers would be given opportunities for ownership in these ventures.

“…at Skeldon, we are thinking about getting involved in an ownership-type structure, so we put in the infrastructure there and then keep the remaining land, maybe around 20,000 acres, for the possible growth of cane again…” he added.

Additionally, the government is considering new sugarcane varieties that could potentially double current yields. The administration is also exploring the cultivation of onions using a high-yield hybrid variety.

“…Prolifically in Guyana, you know, in the past, it would grow at least… growing huge, very harvested, they are good quality and it’s not an experiment anymore, it’s done. It’s just to commercialise it and find the appropriate soil to grow it on so we could easily replace the onion import into this country by importing this seed from Brazil. It’s a hybrid seed…”

The Vice President further elaborated on plans to establish a tissue culture lab that would produce four million plants annually, along with a large-scale nursery. Additionally, training programmes for locals in seedling production are in the pipeline.

Infrastructure development is key, with efforts to improve remote access and provide support for farmers.

Jagdeo also announced that fishermen would benefit from a new facility at the Number 66 Wharf, encouraging its immediate use. He noted that the government is focusing on agricultural diversification to meet local demands, as well as modernising farming with mechanisation, drones, and soil testing labs.

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A newly refurbished Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre, designed to enhance technical and vocational training, was officially commissioned on Wednesday by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.

Located on the West Coast of Demerara, the state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the development of Guyana’s workforce and the country’s technical education infrastructure.

The total cost of the rehabilitation was US$1.2M which covers improvements to the infrastructure, procurement of tools and equipment, as well as the provision of ICT equipment and furnishings.

The upgraded centre will accommodate up to 400 students, providing them with the practical skills necessary to meet the demands of an evolving job market.

Minister Manickchand, speaking at the commissioning event, stressed that the opening of the Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre marks a significant milestone in the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to produce highly skilled students who are prepared for the modern job market.

“This centre plays a crucial role in the Government of Guyana’s vision to create educational opportunities that ensure every child can have a bright future in the new Guyana we are building,” she said.

The Minister encouraged students to make full use of the resources available at the centre, urging them to embrace the skills and training on offer.

The rehabilitation of the Fellowship Centre is part of the larger Guyana Skills Development and Employability Project (GSDEP), which is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

This initiative involves the refurbishment and expansion of Practical Instruction Centres (PICs) across Regions Three, Four, and Five, as well as Practical Instruction Departments (PIDs) in hinterland secondary schools.

The goal is to strengthen technical vocational education and training (TVET) throughout the country.

The centre will offer training in areas such as electrical work, woodworking, and food and nutrition. Graduates will be able to earn Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ), enabling them to either enter the workforce with confidence, start their own businesses, or pursue further education.

In addition to the commissioning, the Office of the Deputy Chief Education Officer with Responsibility for Technical Education made a generous donation to the centre, including 20 helmets, 20 safety vests, 20 pairs of gloves, and 20 pairs of goggles.

Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer-Technical, also highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to advancing TVET across Guyana.

He noted that partnerships with key funding agencies such as the CDB are essential to ensuring that all citizens have access to quality technical education.

 

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During a ceremony at Base Camp Ayanganna on Wednesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali joined ranks of the Guyana Defence Force to celebrate the achievements of the newly minted officers where he announced plans for major investments in the military infrastructure.

During the commissioning parade for the Standard Officer’s Course Number 55, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces revealed plans for a state-of-the-art headquarters for the GDF, a move he described as “a strategic investment” to strengthen national security.

This new facility, he explained, will provide the force with a modern, functional workplace, symbolising the government’s commitment to both the GDF and the broader national development agenda.

President Ali’s announcement is part of a broader initiative aimed at modernising and equipping Guyana’s military to meet evolving threats.

“This headquarters will not only be a place for work, but a place that signifies the strength, capability, and commitment of our armed forces,” the President said while addressing the assembled officers and guests.

Brigadier Omar Khan, the Chief of Defence Staff, has been tasked with spearheading the procurement process for the building’s design, which is expected to enhance the operational capacity and morale of the GDF.

The headquarters will offer a more spacious, high-tech environment, crucial for boosting the efficiency of operations and communications across the military.

The President also highlighted the significant investments the government has made in the defence sector in recent years.

“We have witnessed a remarkable transformation in our military,” President Ali stated, pointing to the increased professionalism and capabilities of the GDF.

He also noted that the country is now better equipped to defend its borders, and that this new facility will further empower the force to take on its multifaceted role in national development.

He cited recent efforts in humanitarian aid, particularly the GDF’s contribution following Hurricane Beryl’s devastation in Grenada, as an example of the force’s expanding responsibilities.

“Our military’s role is not limited to defence; they are increasingly integral to regional peace-building and disaster relief,” President Ali affirmed.

The President also praised the dedication of the officers who had completed their training and noted that the legacy of the GDF was one of courage, professionalism, and service to the nation. He encouraged the new officers to uphold these values as they began their careers, and to lead by example, particularly in an era of complex global challenges.

Addressing the new officers directly, President Ali said, “You inherit the legacy of those who have come before you. Your journey is just beginning, and you will be tested. But you will rise to the challenge.”

He emphasised the importance of integrity and leadership, qualities he described as the bedrock of military service.

In his speech, the President also stressed the importance of building a military that is not only strong but also inclusive.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that every rank within the GDF has the opportunity to contribute to Guyana’s success, with a focus on diversity and equal opportunity.

The new headquarters will reflect this ethos, providing a space that embodies the values of unity, respect, and collaboration that are central to the GDF’s future.

“We recognise the challenges that lie ahead,” President Ali remarked. “We must manage our resources responsibly and ensure that our military remains capable of defending our nation while contributing to the sustainable development of Guyana.”

 

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In what is being termed a game-changer for the local fuel industry, Sol Guyana Inc. has officially launched its first rebranded service station on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

The unveiling marks the introduction of Mobil fuels, including the cutting-edge Mobil Synergy Extra and Mobil Synergy Supreme+ technologies.

This new offering promises improved fuel performance, better mileage, and advanced engine protection for drivers across the country.

The event, held on Wednesday, was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrated the partnership between Sol and ExxonMobil, a collaboration that brings innovative fuel solutions to Guyana.

A second Mobil-branded station was also unveiled on Vlissengen Road, with nine other stations across the country set to follow suit in the coming weeks.

Earl Carribon, General Manager of Sol Guyana, expressed his excitement about the new venture, highlighting the significance of the partnership with ExxonMobil.

“This is not just a change in branding,” Carribon said, “but a bold step towards providing Guyanese drivers with superior fuel technology that enhances both engine performance and fuel efficiency.”

Carribon also noted that this collaboration would benefit not just consumers but also retailers and other stakeholders within the country, reinforcing Sol’s commitment to delivering high-quality energy solutions.

With ExxonMobil’s global reputation for advanced fuel technology, the new Mobil-branded stations will offer fuel that helps clean and maintain engine components, improving both performance and fuel economy.

The new Mobil fuels introduced in Guyana, Mobil Synergy Extra and Mobil Synergy Supreme+, are designed to optimise engine cleanliness and protect against wear, helping drivers achieve better mileage and enhanced engine longevity.

“This is truly a game-changer,” Carribon added. “Guyanese drivers will now have access to advanced fuels that provide both better mileage and improved engine protection, ensuring a smoother and more efficient driving experience.”

Mark Goede, Vice President of the Sol Group, also spoke at the event, underscoring the transformative nature of this fuel technology for the country.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Goede. “This partnership with ExxonMobil is a key part of Sol’s strategy to provide innovative fuel solutions and deliver an exceptional customer experience.”

He added that these modern service stations are not just about fuel but also about enhancing safety standards and setting a new benchmark for service stations in Guyana.

“These stations also prioritise safety with improved lighting and modern infrastructure, creating a superior environment for our customers.”

The launch event also featured remarks from Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, who expressed his pride in seeing such a significant investment in the country’s infrastructure.

“This is more than just an oil and gas investment; it’s about creating jobs and improving the quality of life for all Guyanese,” Bharrat said.

“The future is indeed bright, and with investments like this, Guyana is poised for unprecedented growth and development.”

He also highlighted the importance of partnerships between the government and the private sector in driving forward the nation’s economic prosperity.

“This facility represents not just a state-of-the-art fuel station, but also a symbol of Guyana’s progress and its growing stature on the global investment map.”

In the coming months, expect to see even more Mobil stations across Guyana, each offering the same advanced fuel technology that promises to power the next generation of drivers.

 

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Bjorn Williams recorded the best performance of his career to date when he closed off his campaign in the 105kg Open class at the Commonwealth Men’s Classic Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa.

With a huge pull of 307.5kg, the best in his career to date, Williams ended with the silver medal, just reward for his hard work and discipline.

While not medalling in either the Squat or Bench Press, competing against nine other athletes, Williams was still able to record his best Squat (245.0kg) and his best Bench was 162.5kg.

These lifts allowed him to also record his best total (715.0kg), to mark a memorable sojourn, shining bright in Sun City.

Williams’ previous best Squat was 235.0kg, which he achieved in Uruguay in 2019, whilst his best Deadlift was 305.0kg, accomplished in New Zealand two years ago.

Williams commented on his stellar achievement: “Today’s performance was my best of all times. Perfect way to transition into the realm of a Master lifter. All praise and thanks be to God and all those that believed in my abilities.”

Bjorn Williams (right) and compatriot Demetri Chan

Williams’ teammate, Demetri Chan, who won the 74kg Bench Press competition gold medal on Friday last, was primed to add to that medal in the Commonwealth Men’s Classic Powerlifting Championships on Tuesday.

However, he was hard done by some questionable referring calls during his second and third Bench Press attempts when the command took too long to be given.

Chan’s bar was also misloaded twice for his Deadlifts; these challenges added up to throw the athlete off course.

Nonetheless, Chan is resolved to continue his comeback to this level of competition and will come even stronger in the future.

Federation President Franklin Wilson offered congratulations to Williams for a fantastic overall performance and his silver medal.

“Your dedication and determination to ensure that you competed have paid the kind of dividends that would only make you better in your career. You like the other lifters, have made yourself and Guyana proud and for this, we are grateful, congratulations to you all.”

The GAPLF is expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Sport, National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, Fitness Express, and E Master Corporation for supporting the team to South Africa, whilst Williams is expressing thanks to Team Stoby Shakes, JR Engineering and LWC Investments for their support.

Williams’ silver medal increased Guyana’s tally to five, having already won three gold and two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Championships.

In the World Masters where Nadina Taharally and Roger Rogers competed apart from the Commonwealth, the competitions running simultaneously, Guyana captured one silver and four bronze medals.

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