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In what can be viewed as an unprecedented gesture to incentivise the performance of the team, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has confirmed that President Dr. Irfaan Ali has committed to paying the Golden Jaguars US$5,000 for each victory in their CONCACAF Nations League and World Cup campaign and a mammoth US$300,000 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

This intended act, which was announced in the presence of Ninvalle, was conveyed by President Ali to the team following the conclusion of the Guyana and Suriname Nations League fixture at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, on September 5.

Unfortunately, Guyana failed to win any of their matches in League A of the CONCACAF Nations League. The Golden Jaguars lost the opening contest to their Dutch-speaking neighbours 1-3. They then drew 2-2 away to Martinique in their second fixture four days later.

This is the second act of intended benevolence during this month from the President towards the national programme as the government of Guyana provided approximately G$4,000,000 towards the acquisition of airfare for the Martinique fixture.

Golden Jaguars players lined up before the clash against Suriname on September 5

Director of Sport Ninvalle said, “Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the development of sports and his commitment in establishing a culture of excellence is unquestionable. This is not a notional claim but is evident by the largest allocation in the sum of $4.6 billion towards sector. This historic allocation, which is a realisation of annual growth, is rooted in the recognised and established value of a structured and world-class sports ecosystem.”

According to the Director of Sport, “From the establishment of new facilities and the restoration of existing edifices, President Ali’s vision is a concerted move to actualise development through investment in the requisite pillars for advancement, that is, infrastructure and human capital, and underscores his resolve and dedication to establish a vibrant sporting landscape, one that not only acts as a social unifier but a means to enhance and strengthen our ever-burgeoning world standing.”

Ninvalle further stated, “While wearing and representing the national colours is an honour second to none in the athletic world, President Ali’s monumental pronouncement serves as an additional motivation for the team in their quest to attain greatness.”

He added that the president’s gesture was well received by the players.

Guyana will get another opportunity to benefit from the President’s decree as they are slated to face off against Guatemala on local soil on October 11 before concluding their campaign four days later in the return fixture against Suriname.

The Golden Jaguars are also scheduled to resume their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 2025 away to Nicaragua and home to Montserrat. To date, Guyana sports a record of one win (3-1 vs Belize) and a defeat (0-2 vs Panama) in their campaign.

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General Marine is on board for this year’s Prime Minister’s Softball Cup, which is slated for October 11-13.

At the business location on Camp Street in Georgetown, Chief Operating Officer of General Marine Anthony Rahaman Khan expressed delight to be associated with the mega softball event.

The three-day extravaganza is hosted by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

There will be three men’s categories- Legends (Over-50), Masters (Over-40) and Open (All-Stars)- along with the ladies.

Over G$3M is at stakes with the men’s champion team in each category carting off G$600, 000 while the women’s winner will pocket G$200,000. More attractive prizes are also up for grabs. The men will be T20 format while the girls competing in 15 overs.

At the simple presentation ceremony, President of the League Ian John was elated with the contribution and promised that the eighth edition is anticipating to be thrilling from ball-one.

He thanked Rahaman Khan during his remarks, noting that General Marine has been supporting softball cricket for years and the Managing Director is no stranger to softball cricket.

Meanwhile, all four finals will be played at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, in Georgetown as well.

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One forklift, nine transformers, twenty-three drums of castor oil, and seven Caterpillar generators were among the items destroyed in a fire at the Demerara Distillers Limited Power Plant on Friday.

See below update provided by the Guyana Fire Service:

The Fire Service received an urgent alert at 16:43 hrs, triggering a rapid response that dispatched six firefighting units to the scene.

The first unit arrived just seven minutes later, at 16:50 hrs, with a total of 10,220 litres of water deployed to contain the blaze. Under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, a dedicated team of six officers and twenty-two firefighters worked diligently to control the fire, successfully limiting it to a single building.

The fire originated in the generator enclosure and spread to a nearby chemical bond, damaging portions of the wooden ceiling and metal guttering. Thankfully, the prompt response ensured that the chemical bond and fuel storage areas were safeguarded, minimising the risk of further damage.

Firefighters utilised a mix of foam, dry chemicals, and water to extinguish the flames, employing five jets from various units. Fire Prevention officials are now investigating the cause of the incident to prevent future occurrences.

The Fire Service has commended all personnel involved for their professionalism and commitment, noting that their efforts undoubtedly averted what could have been a catastrophic event for the company.

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By Telesha Ramnarine

David Lee Cheong stands out as one of the few professional diamond setters in Guyana. His passion for the craft was ignited at the tender age of seven, and now, at 40, he is determined to establish a classroom to share his expertise with others.

Having spent over 30 years immersed in the world of jewellery—often practically living in a workshop as a child—David took a bold step to forge his own path about a year ago, launching Dreamers Creations.

His mission is to create unique, timeless pieces that will endure beyond his lifetime. Following the completion of meaningful short courses in Dubai recently, he is poised to embark on advanced studies in Russia next year.

Growing up with his uncle, a jeweller, David would take in every detail he could. The guy working with his uncle would allow him to link chains and show him how to master other aspects of the work.

“The reason I named it Dreamers Creations is because I would look at every little detail when he’s making stuff and memorise it in my bed, and I would go in my bed and think about what I learned. I put it together in my head… I basically learned jewellery in my dreams,” David reflected in an interview with News Room on Friday.

When he was about 13 years old, he’d work whenever school was out. “My uncle had a situation where he sent home all of the staff, and he had no one to do the work,” he recalled. By this time, he had already learned how to do most things, so he had an opportunity to create jewellery for the first time.

“I usually create pieces that nobody else would have. I work on one-of-a-kind things. I specialise in diamond setting, and I set for other jewellers, but I want to create timeless pieces, unique pieces that will be here long after I am here,” he expressed.

David had always entertained the thought of studying in the field, but when he looked at the cost of doing so, he figured he’d never be able to. However, he eventually saw an amazing deal in Dubai and went for it. “I wanted to improve my diamond setting and my engraving. I was able to do two courses in two weeks,” he shared.

To his delight, his instructor was someone he had been following on YouTube, someone he described as one of the best in the field.

Asked what makes him stand out from any other jeweller, he said: “I honestly believe I am one of the most passionate jewellers when it comes to my work and creating amazing pieces, the uniqueness; I come up with the craziest ideas, and I am also the first person to make gold shades for my wife.”

When he came back from his training in Dubai, several people reached out to David to inquire if he would be teaching at some point. Having already been inspired at this point to pass down his skills, David is ready to pursue a classroom to help especially young people who are interested in learning the trade.

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Work is advancing on the Kumu and Moco-Moco power plants in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), with both projects set to become operational by the end of 2024, providing clean, reliable energy to the region.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips during a recent visit to the region, inspected the progress of the two major hydropower projects that are set to transform the region’s energy landscape.

According to a release issued on Saturday, the PM was provided with detailed briefings from the construction and engineering teams on the ground.

The Kumu Hydropower Plant, with a capacity of 1.5 megawatts (MW), is approximately 78 per cent complete, while the Moco-Moco Hydropower Plant, which is being upgraded to a capacity of 0.7 MW, is 95 per cent complete.

The plants are being constructed under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract valued at around US$12.85 million. The contract was awarded to Sri Lankan firm Vidullanka PLC.

“The Kumu Hydropower Plant will supply power to the Kumu community and the Lethem power system, contributing to regional development and improving energy access. It is expected to produce about 9,700 MWh annually and reduce power costs to the community,” the release stated.

Meanwhile, the Moco-Moco Hydropower Plant will generate approximately 4,565 MWh annually. The plant, built in 1999, was temporarily shut down after a landslide damaged its infrastructure.  Rehabilitation works are now nearly complete, with the final grid connection anticipated by October 2024.

PM Phillips reaffirmed the government’s commitment to renewable energy investments to ensure long-term sustainability and energy security. He said that the Kumu and Moco-Moco projects will play a vital role in meeting the country’s renewable energy targets.

These projects advance the promise outlined in the PPP/C’s 2020 manifesto to implement an energy-mix that includes hydropower, solar and wind.

Similar projects include the 0.65 MW solar farm in Mahdia, which is expected to be completed this year, and three other solar farms, namely a 10 MW solar farm in Berbice, 8 MW solar farm in Essequibo, and a 0.6 MW solar farm at Leguan.

PM Phillips was accompanied by Regional Chair, Bryan Allicock; Chief Executive Officer, of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma; Chair of the GEA Board of Directors, Jerome Khan; and Chair of the Lethem Power Company Board, Rodger King during his visit. [DPI]

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In a significant stride towards tackling global hunger, Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali unveiled his latest book, Achieving Global Food Security: The Caribbean Experience and Beyond, at the prestigious Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford.

This launch, held on Saturday, aims to shed light on a pressing issue affecting millions worldwide.

The book comprehensively examines the root causes and challenges surrounding food security, both globally and specifically within the Caribbean context.

With the region grappling with soaring food and fertiliser prices, alongside labour displacement, Dr Ali’s work presents an innovative pathway to achieving freedom from hunger.

He advocates for harnessing the Caribbean’s unique comparative advantages and its potential for agricultural investment.

Published in partnership with World Scientific Publishing, this volume not only serves as a critical resource for scholars and professionals in the fields of food security, international development, and Caribbean studies but also aims to engage a broader audience.

A chapter dedicated to ongoing and future initiatives in Guyana invites locals to connect with the issues at hand.

At the book launch, renowned professor and UNESCO chair Amitav Acharya commended Dr Ali’s work, describing it as “a significantly necessary and timely contribution to one of the most pressing global issues.”

His endorsement highlights the book’s relevance and importance in today’s context.

For those interested in exploring this vital topic further, Achieving Global Food Security is available for purchase directly from the World Scientific Publishing website or on Amazon.

Dr Ali’s insightful contributions promise to inspire readers and encourage action towards sustainable solutions for food security in the Caribbean and beyond. [Extracted and modified from the Department of Public Information] 

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Using drones, police searched the Buxton, East Coast Demerara backlands for Joshua David, who was allegedly abducted on Thursday from Main Street in Georgetown.

The search took place on Saturday between 15:00 and 19:00 hrs and included ranks on feet but yielded no evidence of value.

David, known as ‘Bricks,’ was reportedly taken outside the New Thriving Chinese Restaurant while with a friend.

According to reports in other sections of the media, CCTV footage showed the abductors arriving on two motorcycles and in a car, forcibly taking David and fleeing north along Main Street before last being spotted along the East Coast of Demerara.

In connection with the case, the Guyana Police Force has issued wanted bulletins for five suspects: Aaron Alleyne (alias Cats), Alpha Poole, Wayne Barker, Dwayne Griffith, and Osafo Peters (alias Saddest).

Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding these individuals, as the search for David continues.

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Pedal cyclist Standford Benjamin, 63, of Number 28 Village, West Coast Berbice lost his life in an accident on Saturday.

The fatal collision occurred at 14:00 hrs on the Number 28 Public Road.

The accident involved motor car PZZ 7256, owned and driven by Malcolm Nurse, a 65-year-old resident of New Amsterdam, Berbice.

According to a police release, Benjamin was proceeding west along the southern side of the road, while the car was proceeding in the same direction behind him.

Nurse alleged that as he was in the process of passing Benjamin when he suddenly swerved into the path of his vehicle, which caused the front of the car to collide with the pedal cycle.

As a result of the collision, Benjamin received injuries and fell onto the roadway.

He was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor and later died while receiving medical treatment.

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By Kurt Campbell 

Kurt@newsroom.gy

On Tuesday last, a freak storm swept through Linden, Region 10, unleashing heavy rains that led to flooding and destruction.

The most devastating impact was the damage to numerous homes, which prompted a swift and coordinated response from local government agencies, community leaders, and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

The following day, Jermaine Figueira, the opposition Member of Parliament and Region 10 representative, reported on the immediate actions taken to assess and address the damage.

He stated, “our team is committed to ensuring that the necessary assistance is rendered to those in need during this challenging time.”

This commitment was evident as Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, alongside Figueira and local stakeholders, visited several affected areas to evaluate the extent of the damage and offer support.

During their initial outreach, they focused on 13 of the worst-hit homes in Mackenzie and Wismar, assuring residents that additional assessments would follow for those not initially visited.

Minister Edghill subsequently collaborated with the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, to engage the CDC and the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) in devising a comprehensive cleanup strategy.

The plan included the critical task of clearing drainage systems to prevent further flooding, with the first cleanup efforts scheduled to commence in Central Mackenzie and Retrieve.

To assist in the recovery, the government pledged to supply zinc sheets through local hardware stores and offered the expertise of contractors for repairing and rebuilding damaged structures. This was done.

Figueira, however, highlighted the need for financial assistance to residents who had suffered losses beyond structural damage, particularly concerning furniture and appliances.

“It is crucial that we advocate for tangible financial assistance for those who were most severely affected,” He affirmed, emphasising the importance of addressing both immediate and long-term needs.

The CDC played a pivotal role in this recovery effort. Colonel Fraser and his team revisited affected homes to distribute cleaning supplies and food hampers, conducting further assessments to ensure comprehensive support.

Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Mark Thomas later reported on the progress of repairs, noting that most residents were appreciative of the swift response from the government.

Homeowners in Retrieve and Blueberry Hill expressed gratitude, underscoring the effective collaboration among local leaders and governmental bodies.

The community response was not just about providing immediate relief; it also focused on prevention and resilience.

Figueira urged residents to actively participate in the cleanup process, reminding them of the importance of proper waste disposal to prevent clogged drains.

“Responsible actions now will help prevent future disasters and protect our homes and neighborhoods,” he stated.

The collective efforts of local leadership, government agencies, and the community not only addressed the urgent needs following the storm but also reinforced the value of unity and cooperation.

The aftermath of the storm has become a testament to how the township, long divided along political lines, can come together in the face of adversity.

On Saturday, with support from the government, Figueira was able to lead a residents in flood mitigation works by cleaning the clogged drains in identified communities.

He believes his efforts and those of residents are “beyond the rhetoric”.

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