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Steelpan lovers and soca enthusiasts are set for an unforgettable experience as 592 Events & Entertainment, in collaboration with The Kunjaz Group, presents Pan, Brass & Soca.

This highly anticipated event will take place on Thursday, October 03 at Kingston Beach, promising an exhilarating blend of steelpan, brass, and soca music that captures the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean.

Supported by Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited and the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, Pan, Brass & Soca will showcase some of the finest musical talents from the region.

The Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra, Kunjaz Steel Ensemble, and Pan Groove are among those set to mesmerise audiences with their expertise in steelpan. Joining them are Trinidad & Tobago’s NGC La Brea Nightingales, renowned for their excellence in pan music.

In addition to local acts, the event features performances from Rodney Small of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Epic Tone from the USA, both of whom will infuse the evening with a unique mix of traditional and contemporary styles.

The acclaimed Temperature Band from Trinidad & Tobago will further energise the crowd with their dynamic brass sounds, enhancing the carnival atmosphere.

The lineup is further enriched by an exciting array of soca performances from Guyana’s celebrated artists, including reigning Soca Monarch Carlvin Burnett, Nekeita, Omaiah Hall, OKC, and Timothy Roberts.

These artists will be backed by The Heatwave Band, promising a night filled with vibrant rhythms and high-energy entertainment.

Hosting the event will be a talented duo: emerging local host Gabriella and popular Trinidadian entertainer Daniel Loveless, known for his lively stage presence.

Andrew Tyndall, the event’s organiser, expressed his vision: “We wanted to create an experience that not only showcases the incredible musical talents across the Caribbean but also reflects the unity and cultural pride that make our region so unique. This fusion of steelpan, brass, and soca on one stage promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone.”

Tickets for Pan, Brass & Soca are available at the National Cultural Centre, HJ Box Office, and via the Potsalt Events App. Additional sponsors include Hess, One Communications, Caribbean Airlines, Banks DIH, and SimExtra.

This event is poised to be a highlight of this year’s Carnival, celebrating the rich diversity of Caribbean music and its ability to unite people from all walks of life.

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See below the full statement issued by MACORP:

MACORP is excited to announce its role in powering the Guyana National Stadium for Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The playoffs and final games are being held this week. The CAT XQC M1600 Module cutting-edge power solution is fueling energy both on and off the field, ensuring uninterrupted electricity and powerful performance.

The XQC1600 Power Module is currently delivering prime power to the stadium, featuring a range of advanced capabilities:

• Sound-Attenuated Design: This containerized module operates with minimal noise, ensuring that the excitement of the CPL matches remains undisturbed.
• Dual Frequency Capability: The unit can switch between 50Hz and 60Hz, offering flexibility for various power environments.
• Grid Synchronization: The power module can synchronize with GPL’s local utility grid, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
• Impressive Power Capacity: Delivering a continuous output of 1.6MW at 480V with a 3-phase connection, the XQC1600 meets the stadium’s high energy demands.
• Ample Fuel Supply: Equipped with a 250-gallon fuel tank, the module ensures long-lasting performance throughout the tournament.
• Customizable Circuit Protection: Featuring a 3-pole, 4000A-frame (set to 3000A) electrically operated, insulated IEC circuit breaker, with an optional 4-pole breaker for added safety and flexibility.

With its powerful capabilities and adaptable features, the XQC1600 guarantees reliable power for the stadium, helping to maintain the electrifying atmosphere of the CPL – famously known as “the biggest party in sports.”

Sales and Marketing Manager, Jordi Pinol says “MACORP is dedicated to providing innovative power solutions and exceptional service to meet the needs of various industries across Guyana and we are delightful to work closely with the organizers to ensure seamless power solution for the exciting games this year.”

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An unfortunate floodlight failure at the National Stadium in Providence, Guyana, saw a reduced over match in the Eliminator game of the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

A two-hour delay whilst the light was fixed saw the Barbados Royals set a revised target of 60 runs in five overs.

The Royals made short work of the chase, David Miller almost single-handedly getting his side over the line with four balls to spare by hitting a brutal 17-ball fifty that included five sixes and three fours.

Trinbago Knight Riders won the toss and batted first, amassing 168-3 off 19.1 overs before the lights went out.

Kieron Pollard, captain of Trinbago Knight Riders and Rovman Powell, captain of Barbados Royals, talk to officials during the delay in play during the Men’s 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League eliminator match between Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Royals at Providence Stadium on October 01, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Nicholas Pooran scored a masterful 91 not out off 60 balls to anchor their efforts with captain Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell adding support at the end of the innings with 17 and 20 runs respectively.

Jason Roy assisted Pooran from the top of the order with 25 off 17 balls after the early dismissal of Sunil Narine, bowled by Theekshana off the third ball of the match.

Although not picking up many wickets, the Royals bowled well to limit the damage and keep the Knight Riders in check, a target of 163 would be chaseable if their own batting card fired.

After it looked like their 2024 campaign was going to be cruelly derailed by the floodlight failure, the Royals would have been mightily relieved to get back on the park and have the chance to keep their destiny in their own hands.

Nicholas Pooran was again in sublime form (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Their revised chase was a frenetic and exhilarating affair. Sunil Narine cleaned up Quinton de Kock with the third ball of the first over, a beautifully flighted delivery that clipped the bails and left the batter bamboozled.

The ball before had been clobbered for four runs by de Kock and David Miller hit the next delivery after the wicket for a towering six over midwicket. It was a sign of things to come.

Miller came into his own in the shortened chase, cutting Chris Jordan away for four over point before slog sweeping Narine for a huge 106 metre six off the next over. With two overs left the Royals needed 25 runs to progress.

Miller kept his cool, consecutive fours off overpitched deliveries from Jordan were followed by a full toss by the beleaguered bowler that was clubbed for six down the ground. The penultimate over cost the Knight Riders 17 runs.

With eight needed off the last over, Miller smashed back-to-back sixes off Terrance Hinds to finish the match in emphatic fashion, claiming the Player-of-the-Match award and booking the Barbados Royals a place in the second eliminator after a dramatic night in Guyana. (CPL)

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See below joint statement by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Guyana Power and Light Inc. 

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The Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana is in the process of completing the implementation of an e-litigation web portal for the Court of Appeal and High Court. A soft launch of the e-litigation portal for the Court of Appeal occurred on January 30, 2024, with the High Court’s soft launch scheduled for October 4, 2024.

The e-litigation system provides for the electronic filing and management of cases in and through the various registries of the Court of Appeal and High Court, including the Family Court and Land Court. This new system replaces the paper-based fifing system for all new matters filed on or after 15:00 hrs on October 4, 2024.

The software for the e-litigation system has been developed by Crimson Logic Inc. a well- established company headquartered in Singapore since 1988. Crimson Logic Inc. has partnered with judiciaries around the world, implementing various e-litigation systems, and has gathered vast knowledge in the legal domain. Their judicial flagship project has been the development of the world’s first paperless judicial platform for the Supreme Court of Singapore, with subsequent implementations in Mauritius, Namibia, Qatar and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, to name a few.

The e-litigation system is a web-based online application that will provide court customers and stakeholders with access to the portal anytime, anywhere and on any device including smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. The e-litigation portal will include the following features a dedicated portal for judicial officers, access for attorneys-at-law and litigants, electronic filing, electronic notifications, electronic case management, workflow management, creation of trial bundles and the generation of reports and analytics.

This new system demonstrates the Judiciary’s mandate to uphold the rule of law and provide access to the timely delivery of justice in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner”, furthering its commitment to transforming the judicial landscape of Guyana and improving access to justice for all.

[Supreme Court Press Release]

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The country’s booming agriculture sector, described by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha as the backbone of the economy, has been trumping major challenges like climate change, population growth and evolving dietary needs, and is on track to reducing the food import bill by 2025.

In fact, at the launch of Agriculture Month 2024 on Tuesday, Minister Mustapha said by 2025, the country would see a US$40 million reduction in importation, representing funds that can be used in other areas.

This is particularly noteworthy since Guyana is leading the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) plan to slash costly regional food imports by 25 per cent by 2025. Through this venture, countries agreed to grow more food, trade more among each other and import less from extra-regional sources.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials at the launch of Agriculture Month celebrations (Photo: MoA/ October 1, 2024)

In keeping with this year’s theme, “Transforming tomorrow – Championing food security through innovation and technology,” he advised those in the sector to use innovation and technology in a manner that would preserve the earth and not destroy it.

At the launch, at the Agriculture Ministry on Regent Street, Georgetown, he pointed out that new initiatives are coming on board in the sector, including how Guyana is poised to export soya to the Caribbean for the first time ever, and that six modern tunnel houses with breathers to produce hatching eggs will soon be procured.

The launch of Agriculture Month is seen as a celebration of all who make up the sector across the country and who labour tirelessly to advance it. It also highlights the crucial role that agriculture plays in the nation’s economy.

“From our coastal plain to the hinterland, our farmers have nurtured this nation, producing everything from rice to sugar to livestock to seafood and now we have added a number of new crops, new activities to that list,” Minister Mustapha expressed.

He urged that the focus must be on diversifying crops, enhancing productivity, and modernising agricultural practices.

“Innovation is key, precision agriculture, climate-smart farming techniques, and the expansion of agro-processing are just some of the ways we are working to ensure our farms produce more with fewer resources.”

Through innovation and technology, he said productivity can be increased, food waste can be reduced, and the overall quality of the agricultural output can be improved, making Guyana the regional food hub it is destined to be.

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The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, has called on countries and partner organizations to ensure equitable access to innovative solutions and advanced technologies to accelerate progress towards disease elimination in the Americas.

Speaking today at a briefing session of the Organization’s 61st Directing Council, the PAHO Director underscored that it is imperative to “take advantage of available innovations and technologies to alleviate the suffering of those affected” by communicable diseases. These include the use of AI to interpret x-rays in clinics without access to specialist physicians, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to stop HIV transmission, access to affordable treatment for hepatitis C, and innovative surveillance tools, among many others.

During the event “Implementing innovations and best practices for communicable disease elimination in the Americas,” participants shared their experiences of implementing innovative solutions and technologies to accelerate the elimination of diseases such as hepatitis C, HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and lymphatic filariasis.

Participants included several high-level officials. During their interventions, Dr. Althese de la Torre Rosas, Ministry of Health of Mexico, discussed her country’s experience in advancing towards the elimination of hepatitis C. Dr. Jaime Urrego, Vice Minister of Public Health of Colombia highlighted the importance of expanding access to PrEP in accelerating HIV elimination. Dr. Eric Pena, Vice Minister of Public Health of Peru discussed the role of portable x-ray and AI-led diagnosis in enabling better access to TB diagnosis and treatment in rural and hard-to-reach areas, and Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health of Guyana, shared his country’s experience of leveraging geostatistical methods for reaching the last mile of lymphatic filariasis elimination.

A panel was also held with experts from Global Fund, UNITAID, USAID, and the government of Canada, during which participants highlighted the importance of an equity approach, and of countries, civil society and organizations working together to leverage innovation and scale-up funding to ensure equitable access to cutting edge tools and health products.

Progress towards elimination

Since the launch of the PAHO Elimination Initiative in 2019, which aims to eliminate over 30 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030, “countries have made great strides, even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Barbosa said.

In the Americas, 19 countries have already eliminated malaria and 11 have eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. PAHO and the World Health Organization (WHO) also announced today that Brazil has achieved elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF). This achievement reflects over a decade of collaboration between national and local health care authorities, health workers, communities, and PAHO, including on the implementation of mass drug administration campaigns, surveillance efforts, morbidity management and vector control activities.

The Elimination Initiative is “an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of actions that take advantage of available innovations and technologies to alleviate the suffering of those affected,” Dr. Barbosa said. It is also an opportunity to lead a change in the way we address communicable diseases – an integrated response that puts people and populations at the center of policies.”

“I am convinced that the innovative solutions presented today will inspire countries and partners to adopt, scale and sustain them, moving steadily towards disease elimination.”

Health in the Americas

PAHO’s flagship report – Health in the Americas, Accelerating Disease Elimination, was also launched today to document progress towards the Elimination Initiative and highlight some of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The report shows that despite successes in eliminating various vaccine-preventable diseases, the Americas continues to face a complex landscape of communicable disease challenges, including climate change, vaccine hesitancy, healthcare inequalities, and novel infectious diseases. The report emphasizes the Initiative’s call to action that promotes collaborative innovation to transform health outcomes by implementing strategies that address endemic diseases and are based on the unique health challenges that countries face.

It concludes that The Elimination Initiative has underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to disease elimination, focusing on community engagement, social determinants of health, and tailored interventions. By addressing multiple diseases through a systems-based approach, these efforts promote equity and sustainability in health services. Lessons learned will enable PAHO and Member States to build resilient health systems that can respond to future challenges.

Participant quotes

Dr. Althese de la Torre Rosas, Ministry of Health of Mexico

When it comes to the elimination of hepatitis C, “we had to change our perspective, from one of purely public health, to one of elimination.”

“Integrating institutions and actions has also been key, as has establishing clear objectives and populations, and ensuring standardized information that follows people throughout the treatment cycle.”

Dr. Eric Pena, Vice Minister of Public Health of Peru

“Although many countries remain concerned about the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we invest in innovative technology that enables us to have a real health impact on pressing health issues.”

“There is a lot of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of AI interpretation of X-rays in diagnosing tuberculosis, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.”

Dr. Jaime Urrego, Vice Minister of Public Health of Colombia

“As well as providing universal access to PrEP via the country’s social security system, integrating services at the primary health level, active searching, involving communities and working with civil society, has been key to ensuring uptake.”

Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health of Guyana

“As well as Lymphatic Filariasis, Guyana is also looking to eliminate at least five other communicable diseases including Chagas, leishmaniasis and leprosy.”

“Utilizing geostatistical methods has enabled us to see how many people we have reached with the mass drug administration campaign, and where we need to target (PAHO press release)

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In an effort to encourage and continually promote literacy among the wider population in Guyana, the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of University of Guyana and Rotaract Club of Corriverton installed the first of many “Little Free Library” in the National Park at the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central’s Wellness Space.

The little free library

The project aligns with the Rotary Area of focus for Basic Education and Literacy and seeks to promote literacy and education in open spaces such as parks, recreational areas and other communal spaces. Notably, the project was also executed in September given that September is designated as Education month in Guyana and is also recognized as the month dedicated to Basic Education and Literacy in accordance with Rotary International.

Mobile Libraries encourages reading by fostering and cultivating the culture through the provision of a plethora of different genres of books. The newly installed library at the National Park caters for people of different ages, interests and educational level that might frequent the area and as such, encourages reading amongst both adults and children.

Users are encouraged to exercise care and discretion when utilizing the library- grab a book, read a book and return/replace a book.

The Mobile Library was made possible with the support of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central through Immediate Past President Peter Pompey and his team at BACIF. (Press release)

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(Reuters) – France’s TotalEnergies and U.S. APA Corp on Tuesday announced a positive investment decision for Suriname’s most promising oil and gas project, Block 58, which is expected to inaugurate the nation’s offshore output.

TotalEnergies expects to begin output at the US$10.5 billion project in the first half of 2028.

Reuters on Monday disclosed the agreement for the financial greenlight.

The small South American country wants to follow in the footsteps of neighboring Guyana, where a consortium led by Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), opens new tab has discovered more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas resources.

Suriname is working to secure comparatively larger revenues through a legal framework including higher royalties and taxes, and signing bonuses that plan to be reinvested in healthcare and local content.

The announcement was made at Suriname’s presidential cabinet in presence of President Chan Santokhi, TotalEnergies’ CEO Patrick Pouyanne, APA’s CEO John Christmann and the CEO of Suriname’s state energy company Staatsolie, Annand Jagesar.

“Our policy, and that will go for any government, is aiming to raise the standard of living for our population will be significantly higher,” Santokhi said.

FAST-TRACK
TotalEnergies and APA plan to develop the Sapakara and Krabdagu fields, renamed as “Gran Morgu”, with combined recoverable resources estimated above 700 million barrels.

“We are very proud of it,” Pouyanne said of the velocity of the development, which took only one year from the completion of well appraisal to the final investment decision (FID).

A Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility being built in Asia for the project, with a 200,000-barrel-per-day capacity, is expected to be one of the company’s largest, Pouyanne said. That contract, along with others including energy infrastructure builders SBM Offshore and Saipem represent a total of $7 billion, he added.

A total of 32 new wells will be drilled as part of a field development plan approved and signed by TotalEnergies and APA on Tuesday, the companies said.

TotalEnergies, the project’s operator, plans to recover about $1.4 billion spent in exploration in the area since 2019.

Staatsolie, which has been raising funds to participate with a 20%-stake in the project, secured a first $175 million payment and is now in talks with banks and planning a bond offer to complete a second payment, CEO Jagesar said.

Pouyanne said a deadline for Staatsolie to complete its investment commitment could be extended through December next year if necessary.

APA’s CEO Christmann underlined the geologic potential in the Atlantic Margin’s deep waters, which has resulted in large discoveries in Guyana, Suriname and Brazil.

“FID is a point of no return,” Jagesar said. “Suriname will never be the same.”

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The 3rd Annual Spanglish Bee Competition, organized by the Ministry of Education’s Migrant Education Support Unit (MESU) in partnership with the National Literacy Department, stands as a beacon of inclusivity and linguistic celebration in Guyana.

This year’s competition welcomed students from Regions 3, 4, 5, 7, and Georgetown (GT), all of whom showcased their exceptional language abilities in a competition that tests literacy skills in both Spanish and English—two languages that are increasingly intertwined in bilingual communities.

The Spanglish Bee is a unique event designed to challenge and reward students for their ability to seamlessly navigate between English and Spanish, reflecting the growing prominence of Spanglish, a dynamic blend of both languages. This competition not only serves as an academic challenge but also as a cultural celebration, recognizing and honoring the rich bilingual heritage of migrant communities. The competition tests participants across multiple categories—Vocabulary, Spelling, Grammar, and Reading and Writing Comprehension—pushing students to demonstrate mastery in both languages.

Participants of the Spanglish Bee competition (Photo: Ministry of Education/ September 30, 2024)

In the Vocabulary segment, competitors were asked to demonstrate their knowledge of keywords and phrases in both languages. They were quizzed on how English and Spanish vocabulary can merge to form hybrid terms common in bilingual contexts. This segment is designed to reinforce students’ language fluency while expanding their understanding of how language evolves in multilingual societies.

The Spelling category tested the participants’ ability to spell words from both English and Spanish. This required students to not only have a solid grasp of spelling rules in each language but also to adapt to the unique nuances that arise when these languages are combined into Spanglish. It was a challenge that emphasized precision, attention to detail, and deep linguistic understanding.

In the Grammar category, students were tested on their ability to apply the correct grammatical structures of both languages. Additionally, they had to showcase an understanding of how Spanglish often plays with grammatical norms to create new structures that are commonly used in everyday communication within bilingual communities. This aspect of the competition encouraged students to think critically about the mechanics of language while also appreciating the flexibility and creativity that Spanglish introduces.

Finally, the Reading and Writing Comprehension category challenged students to read and write passages that switched fluidly between Spanish and English. This required a high level of fluency in both languages, as well as the ability to interpret and produce complex text that seamlessly blended the two. The category tested not just their language skills, but their ability to think and express themselves bilingually—a skill that is invaluable in our increasingly interconnected and multilingual world.

The Spanglish Bee is more than just a test of language skills; it is a celebration of bilingualism and biculturalism. The competition fosters a sense of pride and belonging among migrant students, allowing them to express and celebrate their identities while improving their academic performance. It helps to instill self-confidence in these students, who may often feel marginalized due to language barriers. By providing a platform for them to shine, the Spanglish Literacy Bee reinforces the message that their bilingual abilities are a strength to be celebrated, not a hurdle to overcome.

This competition has quickly become a cornerstone of the Migrant Education Support Unit’s broader mission to promote inclusivity in education. The Spanglish Bee is a testament to the Ministry of Education’s commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their linguistic background, have equal opportunities to succeed in the classroom. For migrant students, who often face unique challenges in adapting to a new educational system, the competition provides an invaluable opportunity to develop and showcase their skills. It also helps to break down barriers, fostering an environment where all students feel welcome, respected, and capable of achieving academic success.

The event also plays a crucial role in the wider efforts of the Ministry of Education to foster a more inclusive educational system that reflects the diverse linguistic and cultural makeup of Guyana. By recognizing the linguistic practices of bilingual students and incorporating them into the formal educational environment, the Spanglish Bee helps to create a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all students, particularly those from migrant communities. The competition is a powerful tool for promoting equity and inclusivity, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.

This year, the competition was fiercely contested, with all participants showcasing a high level of skill and determination. Ultimately, Region 3 emerged as the overall winner, dominating in all four segments—Spelling, Vocabulary, Listening Comprehension, and Reading Comprehension. Their victory was a testament to their hard work, preparation, and dedication to mastering both languages. Region 4 secured second place, demonstrating their strong linguistic abilities, while Georgetown placed third, rounding out the top contenders in this year’s competition.

The Spanglish Bee Competition has rapidly become one of the most anticipated events on the academic calendar for migrant students. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow in scope and impact, helping to raise awareness about the importance of bilingualism in education. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, the ability to communicate fluently in multiple languages is becoming an essential skill. The competition not only enhances students’ literacy in both Spanish and English but also prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world.

Looking ahead, the Spanglish Bee aims to expand its reach, inspiring even more students to embrace their bilingual heritage and participate in this unique celebration of language and culture. With each passing year, the competition reinforces the Ministry of Education’s commitment to inclusivity, equality, and excellence in education. By continuing to celebrate bilingualism and promote literacy in both languages, the Spanglish Literacy Bee is helping to shape a more inclusive, dynamic, and culturally rich educational landscape for all students in Guyana. (Ministry of Education press release) 

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