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The Patentia Secondary School, West Bank Demerara has expanded with a new Industrial Technology block built for its students.

At the commissioning ceremony on Monday, it was highlighted that the students will soon enjoy additional facilities including a multipurpose sport facility. The new block was completed a year ago.

Lovern Carrell, Headteacher at the school, highlighted that the new building represents the Ministry of Education’s dedication to creating a better learning environment. With enhanced facilities and resources, students will now have the necessary tools to succeed both academically and personally.

“It is designed to offer all our students grades 7 – 11, the best possible education to make them the ideal citizens, as such this space creates more opportunities for them to explore, to learn and to grow,” the headteacher said.

The new block was commissioned by Education Minister Priya Manickchand (Photo: Ministry of Education/ September 30, 2024)

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, during her remarks, emphasised the importance of skilled labour in Guyana.

“In fact there are many academic papers now across the world talking about the value of skills training versus academic degrees and a lot of people are opting for skills training rather than degrees on paper because it is more lucrative and it allows them more flexibility to be productive for themselves and their families,” Manickchand explained.

She also mentioned plans for further expansions at the school, including a multipurpose sports facility.

“One of the things we want to do is to make sure no child is sitting in an open area with blackboards dividing,” Manickchand said as she further added plans to construct actual classrooms at the school.

The new block is accessible to all students at the school since industrial technology is a compulsory subject.

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The Creek and Waterways Taskforce recently carried out a thorough risk assessment of local creeks and waterways along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and environmental protection.

The purpose of these visits was to evaluate potential hazards and identify areas for improvement.

During the initiative, creek operators were provided with life rings to strengthen their emergency response capabilities.

Life rings were provided after the assessment was conducted

The data collected during this assessment will be used to develop targeted strategies for risk mitigation and inform future policy decisions.

The taskforce includes representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Guyana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Labour, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Earlier this month, two cousins – Anika La Rose and Joylyn Jack – tragically drowned during a birthday outing at Enchanter Creek on the Linden Highway.

UPDATE: Drowning claims lives of two young girls at Enchanter Creek

Reports revealed that the girls left their homes with family members to celebrate Anika’s 10th birthday at the creek.

While there, it is alleged that the two girls were playing in the water and were later discovered missing. An alarm was raised, and a search party was formed to locate the girls. Joylyn’s body was first recovered. Anika was found about half an hour later. They were both pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Center.

Following the tragedy, the operator of Enchanter Creek issued a heartfelt apology during an emergency meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Center. The operator explained that typically, two staff members oversee the facility, but on the day of the drowning, only one staff member was present as the other had briefly left. He admitted that monitoring all areas can be challenging, especially with a large crowd.

In response to the tragedy, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn announced that all water-based recreational facilities must implement trained lifeguards, clear signage, and designated children’s areas within a week.

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The Chief Justice today ruled against Parliamentarian Cathy Hughes who complained of being called a ‘lowlife’ by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. The Attorney General’s office this afternoon issued the statement below following the ruling.

1. Today, the Honourable Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George SC, dismissed the legal proceedings filed by Mrs. Catherine Hughes, the Applicant, on 12th December 2023, seeking, in the main, a number of declarations regarding the establishment of the Human Rights Commission, including that the State’s alleged failure to operationalise the Human Rights Commission breached her rights under Article 154A of the Constitution, and declarations that a certain statement made by the Vice President was in breach of her entitlement to equality before the law (Article 149D) and 149F of the Constitution (equality for women).

2. In her submissions to the Court, Mrs. Hughes argued, among other things, that the said statement made by Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, at a Press Conference held on the 23rd November 2023, at which he referred to Mrs. Hughes as a “low-life”, amounted to discrimination against her as a female African member of the National Assembly. Mrs. Hughes also argued that the non-establishment of the Human Rights Commission violated her constitutional rights under Article 154A of the Constitution and breached her legitimate expectation that the Commission would be established.

The Attorney General’s arguments:

3. The Attorney General Honourable Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC MP rejected Mrs. Hughes’ arguments, submitting that she failed to make out a case for discrimination under Articles 149, 149D and 149F of the Constitution, and that in any event, Article 154A of the Constitution which provides access to certain international treaties enshrined in the Constitution, could not be invoked. In support of this submission, the Honourable Attorney General relied on Article 154A(2) of the Constitution which expressly provides that:
“154A(2). The rights referred to in paragraph (1) do not include any fundamental right under the Constitution”

4. The Attorney General argued that once a right is protected under the fundamental rights regime (such as the rights Mrs. Hughes claims in discrimination under Articles 149, 149D and 149F), she is not entitled to seek additional refuge in Article 154A of the Constitution in relation to the same rights.

5. The Attorney General further argued that there is absolutely no evidence of discrimination in the Vice President’s utterance, as he was speaking only of Mrs. Hughes, and that where discrimination is alleged, on the prescribed ground of race or gender, an inference of discrimination cannot be drawn, unless there is a true comparator, that is, where the circumstances are equal and the only difference is that of race or gender. In this case, not only was there no comparator” – there was no “true comparator”. The comment was in reference to the Applicant and the Applicant alone.

THE RULING:

6. The Honourable Chief Justice (ag), in dismissing the case brought by Catherine Hughes, held that Mrs. Hughes had not sufficiently established a case of discrimination under the provisions of the Constitution, or at all, and that her claim of discrimination on the basis of sex and race, in this context, cannot succeed.

7. The Court further determined that the utterance by the Vice President, without more, could neither amount to a breach of any of Mrs. Hughes’ fundamental rights, nor could the non-establishment of the Human Rights Commission, by that fact itself, amount to a breach of the Constitution. Additionally, the Court found no evidence that the Vice President’s statement was an official statement of the Government, as Mrs. Hughes alleged.

8. The Court further stated that Mrs. Hughes provided no evidence explaining why she failed to approach the Women and Gender Equality Commission, which is an operational constitutional body whose functions, include, initiating investigations into alleged violations of women’s rights and monitoring compliance with international instruments.

9. The Court therefore held that Mrs. Hughes’ claim was wholly misconceived and without merit. The Court indicated that a full written judgment would later be made available.

10. The Attorney General and the Leader of the Opposition were named Respondents in the proceedings by Mrs. Hughes. The Chief Justice dismissed the part of the claim against the Leader of the Opposition and commented that it is “more than passing strange” that the Applicant would sue her Parliamentary opposition colleague, the Leader of the Opposition.

11. The State was represented by the Honourable Attorney General, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC MP, Shoshanna V. Lall – Deputy Solicitor General, Mrs. Saabira Ali-Hydarali, Ms. Laurel Dundas and Mr. Pierre Squires – State Counsel, while Mrs. Hughes was represented by Mr. Nigel Hughes and Ms. Kiswana Jefford.

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Alpha Poole, another of five suspects wanted for the abduction of Joshua David, surrendered to Police on Monday.

The News Room confirmed that Poole and Osafo Peters, another man who was wanted by Police, surrendered on Monday.

The other wanted men are: Aaron Alleyne called Cats, Wayne Barker and Dwayne Griffith.

Five men wanted for abduction of Joshua David

Earlier Monday, the Guyana Police Force’s Corporate Communications Department Head, Mark Ramotar told reporters that searches continue at Buxton, East Coast Demerara and “other places” for David.

The man was abducted while purchasing food on Main Street, Georgetown last week.

On Saturday and Sunday, police deployed drones and used sniffer dogs likely trained to find human remains in the backlands of Buxton.

The searches were carried out based on intelligence but after two days of intense probing, nothing of evidential value was unearthed.

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The leadership of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), including its President Wayne Forde and council members, have completed vital child safety training in line with the Federation’s recently adopted Child Safeguarding Policy.

The Child Safeguarding Policy, developed in line with FIFA standards and global safeguarding requirements sets a framework for ensuring that all children involved in football are protected by a rigorous system of checks, training, and reporting mechanisms.

Senior Child Protection Officer of the Child Protection Agency (CPA), Orin Francois (Photo: GFF)

The workshop that was executed by Senior Child Protection Officer of the Child Protection Agency (CPA), Orin Francois, provided extensive training on child safeguarding.

The council learned how to identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, and inappropriate behaviour, as well as the appropriate steps to create a child-friendly football environment.

The training also emphasised the importance of reporting any suspicions or incidents of child abuse to the designated Child Safeguarding Officer or relevant authorities.

Upon completion of the workshop, Forde and all council members signed the GFF’s Child Safeguarding Declaration, a formal acknowledgement of their responsibility to protect the welfare of children.

By signing this declaration, they committed to upholding the highest child safety standards and ensuring that football-related activities are conducted in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for young players.

The declaration also binds all personnel to the confidentiality of sensitive safeguarding matters, reinforcing that information related to potential child abuse or exploitation must only be shared with authorized personnel and in strict accordance with GFF policies.

Now that the leadership has completed the training, the Federation will ensure that all regional associations and football clubs adopt the newly implemented Child Safeguarding Policy and undergo similar training.

Through its technical department, the GFF will oversee the nationwide implementation, ensuring that every level of football, from grassroots to elite programmes, adheres to the safeguarding protocols.

Commenting on the training Forde said: “The safety of our young players is of utmost importance to the GFF. By adopting this child safeguarding policy and ensuring our staff and volunteers are thoroughly trained, we are taking concrete steps to create a safe and supportive environment for the future stars of Guyanese football.”

The newly implemented safeguarding policy is an integral part of the GFF’s broader mission to foster the holistic development of football in Guyana. Beyond the technical training that players receive, their mental, emotional, and physical well-being is considered paramount.

As such, the GFF’s approach aims to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, ensuring that children from all backgrounds can thrive and enjoy football without fear of harm.

This workshop is just the beginning of an ongoing process to educate and equip all stakeholders in Guyanese football, from grassroots programs to elite levels, with the necessary tools to maintain child safety. (GFF)

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The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) last Sunday hosted the inaugural ENet Golf Tournament, drawing a field of 35 golfers for a day of competitive play under pristine conditions.

The tournament served as an important precursor to the highly anticipated Guyana Open, just a month away.

Emerging victorious in the 0-14 Handicap was Mike Mangal, while Troy Cadogan emerged champion of the 15-28 Handicap.

Mike Mangal (right) won the 0-14 Handicap

LGC President Anasha Ally expressed her gratitude to participants and sponsors, acknowledging their commitment despite the tournament coinciding with the mega CPL clash between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders.

“I just wanted to say thank you so much for being here, especially on a day when there’s a big cricket match,” Ally said in her opening remarks.

She emphasised the importance of sponsorship in sustaining the club, stating, “Every sponsorship that we have at the club, every person who participates helps us to put good energy, put money, put finances into our club, and we greatly value that.”

Troy Cadogan (right) took top honours in the 15-28 Handicap

Looking ahead to the Guyana Open, Ally highlighted the importance of building momentum.

“We’re a month away from the Guyana Open, so I’ve reached out to the committee and the membership to see how many sponsors we can bring for the next few weeks leading up to the tournament. This will ensure we build momentum, have participation, and get in enough practice before the Guyana Open,” she said.

ENet’s Head of Business Devon London also addressed the gathering, expressing the company’s appreciation for being involved with the tournament.

“I just want to express our gratitude for being able to be part of this tournament and show that we are willing to support you guys in the future. We value this association and look forward to offering continued support.”

See below the official results:

Flight 0-14 Handicap:

Mike Mangal – Gross 77, HC 8, Net 69 (Winner)

Lakeram Ramsundar – Gross 82, HC 12, Net 70 (Runner-up)

Patrick Prashad – Gross 81, HC 11, Net 70 (3rd place)

Flight 15-28 Handicap:

Troy Codogan – HC 95, HC 27, Net 68 (Winner)

Clifford Reis – Gross 91, HC 20, Net 71 (Runner-up)

Bholaram Deo – Gross 90, HC 19, Net 71 (3rd place)

Special prizes:

Nearest to the Pin: Kassim Khan

Longest Drive: A. Persaud

In addition to the competitive golf, several side attractions added excitement to the day.

Three lucky participants won body massages, compliments of Cosmetics Beauty World.

There was also a thrilling chipping competition where Avinash Persaud emerged victorious, winning two tickets to the Amazon Warriors/Knight Riders match.

As the Lusignan Golf Club gears up for the prestigious Guyana Open, the ENet Golf Tournament has set a solid foundation for what promises to be an exciting month of golf at the club.

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One of five men wanted for the abduction of Joshua David has surrendered to the Police.

The News Room was reliably informed that Osafo Peters, known as Saddest, turned himself into Police Monday afternoon.

The other suspects are: Aaron Alleyne called Cats, Alpha Poole, Wayne Barker, and Dwayne Griffith.

Earlier Monday, the Guyana Police Force’s Corporate Communications Department Head, Mark Ramotar told reporters that searches continue at Buxton, East Coast Demerara and “other places” for David.

The man was abducted while purchasing food on Main Street, Georgetown last week.

On Saturday and Sunday, police deployed drones and used sniffer dogs likely trained to find human remains in the backlands of Buxton.

The searches were carried out based on intelligence but after two days of intense probing, nothing of evidential value was unearthed.

 

 

 

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[Virgin Islands News Online]  – Noting that he was pleased to announce visa-free access to Guyana nationals to the British Virgin Islands, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio D. Wheatley said this step strengthens the bond between the Virgin Islands and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism and investment.

“It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange. Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI and we are pleased to extend this reciprocal courtesy to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier Wheatley stated at a press conference this morning, Monday, September 30, 2024.

‘Guyana a key partner for collaboration & investment’- Premier

Further elaborating on the Cabinet decision, Premier Wheatley said Guyana is currently experiencing a historic economic transformation, posting a growth rate of 62.3 percent in 2022, the highest in the world. This growth, he said, is being driven primarily by its burgeoning oil and gas sector, alongside a diversified economy that includes strong expansions in agriculture, mining, and construction.

“For the BVI, this makes Guyana a key partner for collaboration and investment.

Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Dr Natalio Wheatley (right)

But the question is why Guyana at this time? As a CARICOM member and emerging global power, Guyana has become a model for sustainable growth and international diplomacy. Guyana’s election to the United Nations Security Council places it in a pivotal position to influence the global policies on peace and security, an accomplishment that elevates the Caribbean’s voice on the international stage.”

VI trade mission to Guyana was ‘timely & fruitful’

Dr Wheatley continued that Guyana has become a focal point for global investment, driven by its significant oil reserves and growing non-oil sectors.

He also said Guyana’s economic boom has not gone unnoticed by the international community, including the US, United Kingdom, Canada and Brazil, and that several countries have already launched trade missions to Guyana.

According to Dr Wheatley, the trade mission to Guyana led by Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) in August 2023, was “timely and fruitful”.

MoU for ‘deepening cooperation’ with Guyana in the works

“As promised, we have granted visa-free access and we are currently working on an MoU for deepening cooperation between Guyana and the BVI.”

Regarding when the visa-free travel will take effect, Premier Wheatley said he would need to discuss that with the Immigration Department and the Ministry for Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development.

“But the Cabinet decision was passed and the implementation should take place quickly,” the Premier and Minister responsible for Immigration stated.

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The 30^th and final regular fixture of this year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) saw reigning champions Guyana Amazon Warriors suffer a heavy 74-run defeat at the hands of Trinbago Knight Riders on home turf in Providence.

Despite this loss, the Amazon Warriors finish top of the table and will face the St. Lucia Kings in Qualifier One on October 2. The Knight Riders will face Barbados in the Eliminator match on October 1.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first the Knight Riders innings got off to a rocky start as Warriors captain Imran Tahir bowled Shaqkere Parris with a perfect googly that completely bamboozled the batter and scudded into the stumps.

Tahir wheeled away in celebration, but it was to be the last thing his side would have to celebrate for a while on what turned out to be a bruising night.

Nicholas Pooran made Warriors pay for the fielding lapses (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Nicholas Pooran played one of the finest innings in the history of the CPL by striking a majestic century for the Knight Riders, finishing with 101 off just 59 balls with nine fours and eight sixes to his name.

Jason Roy played the anchor role with 34 runs off 26 balls and watched on in awe as Pooran dispatched the Warriors stellar bowling line-up to all parts of the Providence stadium.

After Player-of-the-Match Pooran was eventually dismissed at the end of the 16th over- caught behind by Shai Hope off the bowling of Shamar Joseph- Knight Riders captain Kieron Pollard (19 off 13) and Keacy Carty (27 off 13) ensured the visitors made it past the 200 mark and set a challenging total of 211-5 for the Warriors to chase.

Imran Tahir (left) and Gudakesh Motie of Guyana Amazon Warriors take a breather during the Men’s 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Match 30 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders at Guyana National Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Providence, Guyana. (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Shai Hope both got starts but failed to go on and make a decisive big score as the Warriors chase failed to ignite in the face of scoreboard pressure and smart bowling.

Waqar Salamkeil’s left-arm wrist spin and Terrance Hinds’ medium-pace seamers proved the undoing of the home side, the middle overs seeing a bundle of wickets fall as each bowler picked up three wickets apiece.

When Moeen Ali fell with the Warriors score on 88-8 it looked as if the 2023 CPL champions were going to be handed an emphatic 100-plus run defeat, but some late order resistance from Gudakesh Motie (26*) and captain Tahir (20) saw them up to a final total of 137 all out.

Nevertheless, it was a chastening 74-run defeat for the Warriors after looking so dominant in their previous four matches and a huge confidence boost to the Knight Riders. (CPL)

 

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