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Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai on Monday highlighted that the government is spending $300 million to maintain roads in communities across Region Eight (Potaro- Siparuni).

Meanwhile, a programme will be rolled out soon focusing on the construction of new roads in the region.

“In terms of road maintenance, very shortly… in fact, by next week, the roads contracts, both for sub-district 1 and sub-, which totals about $300 million will be disbursed,” Sukhai said.

Minister Sukhai travelled to Region Eight with the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal. On Monday, afternoon they met with residents.

Residents who engaged the officials on Monday

In her remarks, Sukhai explained that the works follow concerns raised by residents during an interaction with Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo a month ago.

During that meeting, Sukhai said a series of issues related to the services provided to the residents were raised.

The services span water, land tenure security, health and infrastructure.

Sukhai added that Dr Jagdeo had promised that he would speak to the subject ministers to have the issues addressed.

Since then, Sukhai noted that Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag visited and held consultations with residents.

Coming out of that, she added that there are recommendations that are in progress to ensure that road infrastructure is expanded.

“And so very shortly I believe that programme will roll out. Some this year and some in the next year.

“I must say also that the list of contractors has been delivered to the Minister of Public Works and we are awaiting the awards for those roads that will commence construction before the end of the year,” Sukhai explained.

Sukhai assured the residents that development is ongoing in the region to improve the livelihood of citizens.

“So things are moving apace,” she said.

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See below full message from the Private Sector Commission (PSC): 

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) extends its deepest condolences to the Beharry family and the entire Beharry Group of Companies on the passing of Mr. Rabindranauth ‘Chico’ Beharry, a visionary entrepreneur, esteemed business leader, and cherished figure in the Guyanese business landscape. Mr. Beharry passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, and service to his community and country.

Mr. Beharry’s leadership within the Beharry Group has exemplified excellence, integrity, and resilience for decades. His guidance helped shape the Beharry Group into a diversified powerhouse within Guyana and across the Caribbean, spanning industries from banking and insurance to food manufacturing and automotive services. His unwavering commitment to quality, and his pioneering spirit in business, earned him admiration across the private sector.

Mr. Beharry’s contributions to the Private Sector Commission, where the Beharry Group has been a longstanding and valued member, have been pivotal in advancing Guyana’s economic landscape. His advocacy for local business development and community upliftment has inspired generations of entrepreneurs.

The PSC joins the nation in honoring ‘Chico’ Beharry’s legacy. His impact on the private sector will be felt for years to come, as will his influence on those who had the privilege of working with and learning from him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all at the Beharry Group during this difficult time.
May his soul rest in peace.

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In the days leading up to Diwali, the Festival of Lights, the Hindu Society of Berbice will distribute over 200 food hampers to families across Guyana.

According to a release from the Society, this distribution forms part of the “Diwali Sewa.” This is an initiative started by Pandit Rajin Balgobind and supported by local and international donors.

“Traditionally, the Society has focused its efforts in their hometown of Gay Park, New Amsterdam and neighboring villages. However, this year, they are expanding their reach to other locations outside of Berbice, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring that no family goes to bed hungry on Deepavali.

“In recognition of two decades of Diwali Sewa, the Hindu Society of Berbice will also be distributing new clothing to underprivileged girls at Matri Aanchal Ashram in Haridwar, India,” the release stated.

 

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The government has begun public consultation for the new ‘Protection from Harassment Bill 2024,’ as it takes proactive steps towards eradicating gender-based violence (GBV).

The engagement, facilitated by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, offers citizens an opportunity to engage with government officials and voice their views on the final draft legislation.

The proposed bill seeks to address harassment in various settings, particularly in both public and private workplaces, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups and preventing sexual harassment and stalking.

According to the draft, harassment covers any conduct that causes harm, induces fear, or otherwise disturbs the peace of individuals through actions including following surveillance, and unwanted communication.

It also includes direct and indirect forms of harassment while addressing instances where third parties, such as family or friends, might be affected.

In addition, the bill highlights sexual harassment in private and public domains and mandates that employers make every reasonable effort to prevent harassment in workplaces, schools, institutions, and similar environments.

Accordingly, it criminalises behaviours like stalking, threatening, and other harassing acts, penalising offenders with fines of up to $1 million and prison terms ranging from six months to one year.

Stalking, as listed, includes following a person, sending unsolicited communications, monitoring online activity, and loitering near a person’s home or workplace.

To uphold confidentiality, the bill mandates that all institutions create a secure register for recording complaints, and only authorised individuals can access this information.

Unauthorised disclosure of details related to complaints can lead to legal consequences.

Meanwhile, an independent tribunal (institution) comprising seven members will be established to handle harassment and sexual harassment cases, offering a balanced and fair approach to hearing complaints.

At least half of the tribunal members must be women to ensure gender sensitivity in decision-making.

These members include legal professionals, mediators, and experts in gender and labour affairs. Individuals with conflicts of interest must declare their connection and refrain from participating in related deliberations.

Once the tribunal is operational, community members, workers, and students can formally submit complaints for review.

Meanwhile, the public consultation phase has commenced in several regions, with the ministry actively encouraging citizens to participate. Public feedback will play a pivotal role in shaping the final version of the bill.

Legal representatives are on hand to clarify aspects of the bill, gather input, and incorporate feedback from the community.

The public exercise concludes on December 5 (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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Marian Academy and Santa Rosa Primary have secured their place in the Courts Optical Pee-Wee Under-11 Schools’ Football Championship final after thrilling semifinal victories.

Marian Academy defeated defending champions St. Pius Primary 2-1, with Cristiano La Rose scoring both goals.

St. John the Baptist also lost 2-1 to Santa Rosa, with Deon Henry and Ethan Richards scoring for the victors.

Both finalists have showcased impressive performances throughout the tournament, and the final promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd, at the Ministry of Education Ground.

The Courts Optical Pee-Wee tournament, sponsored by Stenna Drilling, Sterling Products Limited, and MVP Sports, has provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their talent and develop their skills.

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Gary Kirsten has resigned as the head coach of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I sides with immediate effect.

Kirsten, who was appointed by the PCB on a two-year contract in April 2024, lasted barely six months in the role, and has stepped down hardly a week before Pakistan’s ODI series begins in Australia.

*The PCB announced that Test coach Jason Gillespie will fill Kirsten’s role on the tour of Australia for the six white-ball games.

There had been a rift developing between Pakistan’s newly-appointed coaches, Kirsten and Gillespie, and the PCB since the board decided to strip them off selection powers, with that authority exclusively the preserve of a selection committee they would no longer be a part of.

Gillespie had made little effort to conceal his surprise at the events in the build-up to the third Test in Rawalpindi against England, saying he was now just a “match-day analyst”, and that “it wasn’t what I signed up for.”

Kirsten did not make a public statement, but was understood to be disappointed with the recent developments. ESPNcricinfo has learnt part of the delay in announcing a squad and new limited-overs captain was down to animated discussions within the board, with Kirsten keen to have his input taken into consideration.

Ultimately, though, when the new captain Mohammad Rizwan was announced at a press conference in Lahore, board chairman Mohsin Naqvi was flanked only by Aaqib Javed, a member of the new selection committee, and the new captain and vice-captain Salman Agha.

Kirsten was not even in the country at the time.

The coaches have felt sidelined by the rise in influence of the current selection committee. After Pakistan lost the first Test against England, a new selection panel – a third in three months – was announced.

Aaqib, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Hassan Cheema were on it, while the coaches and captain were taken off. Dar was considered the original architect of the idea behind preparing a recycled surface for the second Test in Multan – which Pakistan went on to win – while Aaqib became the public face of the overhaul.

It even led new white-ball captain Rizwan at one point to remark during the Test that Pakistan were now playing “Aaqib-ball”.

The departure of Kirsten, and the speed with which things have unravelled, is little short of stunning, even for Pakistan cricket. It means, for one, that Kirsten departs from his role without having coached Pakistan in a single ODI, the format where he achieved his greatest coaching success.

Pakistan spent the best part of three months in the hunt for what Naqvi called “the best in class” coaches for the team, with several high-profile candidates, including Shane Watson and Daren Sammy, sounded out.

Ultimately, they settled on Kirsten, who led India to a first ODI World Cup title in 28 years, for the white-ball format, with Naqvi saying it was a “remarkable opportunity for our players to glean insights from these seasoned professionals”.

Kirsten’s first major tournament was the T20 World Cup in the USA, an inauspicious beginning to his coaching stint. Defeats against USA and India led to Pakistan’s earliest elimination from a T20 World Cup, with the side knocked out in the first round after three games.

Babar Azam would quit as white-ball captain for the second time a few months later.

But it was believed then that Kirsten needed time to get his feet under the table and develop a side, particularly with a home ICC Champions Trophy in early 2025, the first ICC event Pakistan host in nearly three decades. (ESPNcricinfo) 

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The Guyana Harpy Eagles have made six changes to its roster of contracted players from the last season.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul was the automatic selection, as he had lost his international retainer and moved down to a regional contract.

Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd, who has spent numerous seasons with the West Indies Academy team, is now contracted by the home franchise.

More so, all-rounder Ronaldo Alimohamed, top-order batsmen Sachin Singh and Raymond Perez, and pacer Sylus Tyndall have also been awarded regional contracts.

Kevlon Anderson and Isai Thorne are the two mandated Under-25 players each franchise must contract.

Guyana Harpy Eagles Franchise Contracted players 2024-2025 season: Kevlon Anderson (U25*), Ronaldo Alimohamed, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Matthew Nandu, Ashmead Nedd, Raymond Perez, Veerasammy Permaul Kemol Savory, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Isai Thorne (U25*), Sylus Tyndall and Sachin Singh.

IN: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Ashmead Nedd, Raymond Perez, Sylus Tyndall, Sachin Singh, Ronaldo Alimohamed

Out: Rampertab Ramnauth, Mavendra Dindyal, Shamar Joseph, Ronsford Beaton, Antony Adams, Quentin Sampson

Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, and Shamar Joseph have international retainer contracts, while the West Indies Academy contracted Dindyal, who will be based in Antigua.

While Sherfane Rutheford, Keemo Paul, and Shimron Hetmyer do not hold an international or regional retainer, they can still represent both West Indies and Guyana on a play-for-pay basis.

More so, Shenetta Grimmond, Plaffiana Millington, and Mandy Mangru are among 14 women who have earned regional contracts for the first time.

Cherry-Ann Fraser, Ashmini Munisar, and Shemaine Campbelle have international retainers, while Shabika Gajnabi, Nyia Latchman, and Realeanna Grimmond are on the Women’s Academy contracted list.

From left: Shenetta Grimmond, Mandy Mangru and Plaffiana Millington

Contracted Regional Players List 2024/25:

14 Female Contracted Players:

• Barbados: Shanika Bruce, Alisa Scantlebury
• Guyana: Shenetta Grimmond, Plaffiana Millington, Mandy Mangru
• Jamaica: Celina Whyte
• Trinidad & Tobago: Shalini Samaroo, KD Jazz Mitchell, Reniece Boyce
• Leeward Islands: Melicia Clarke, Kimberley Anthony
• Windward Islands: Earnisha Fontaine, Abini St. Jean, Nerissa Crafton

90 Male Contracted Players (by territory):

BARBADOS: Kadeem Alleyne (U25*), Shaquille Cumberbatch, Dominic Drakes, Jonathan Drakes, Matthew Forde, Chaim Alexis Holder, Chemar Holder, Akeem Jordan, Jair McAllister, Zachary McCaskie, Shayne Moseley, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Smith, Jomel Warrican and Kevin Wickham (U25*).

GUYANA: Kevlon Anderson (U25*), Ronaldo Alimohamed, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Matthew Nandu, Ashmead Nedd, Raymond Perez, Veerasammy Permaul Kemol Savory, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Isai Thorne (U25*), Sylus Tyndall and Sachin Singh.

JAMAICA: Andre Bailey, Brad Barnes, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brown, Gordon Bryan, John Campbell, Jordan Johnson (U25*), Abhijai Mansingh, Kirk McKenzie (U25*), Odain Orland McCatty, Marquino Mindley, Romaine Morris, Jeavor Royal, Peat Salmon and Ojay Shields

LEEWARD ISLANDS: Jewel Andrew (U25*), Colin Archibald, Jaleel Clarke, Rahkeem Cornwall, Daniel Doram, Karima Gore, Justin Greaves, Jahmar Hamilton, Kofi James, Jeremiah Louis, Mikyle Louis, Cameron Pennyfeather, Javier Spencer, Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Navin Bidaisee (U25*), Yannic Cariah, Bryan Charles, Cephas Cooper (U25*), Shannon Gabriel, Jyd Goolie, Terrance Hinds, Amir Jangoo, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Kjorn Ottley, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Isaiah Rajah and Tion Webster.

WINDWARD ISLANDS: Sunil Ambris, Darel Cyrus, Kenneth Dember, Shadrack Descartes, Johnnel Eugene, Keon Gaston, Khamal Hamilton, Ryan John, Noelle Leo (U25*), Darius Martin, Kimani Melius, Stephan Pascal (U25*), Jeremy Solozano, Shamar Springer and Gilon Tyson.

 

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World Polio Day is observed around the world every year on October 24th and the Rotary Club of Georgetown on Sunday October 27th, 2024 held a World Polio Day walk around Georgetown. The event was among thousands of similar initiatives held by Rotary clubs around the world before, on and after World Polio Day.

The club is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting efforts to eradicate polio worldwide. Members, supporters, and the community gathered early in the morning to participate in the symbolic walk, demonstrating their commitment to fighting this preventable disease. This annual event emphasizes the Rotary Club’s dedication to improving global health and ending polio for good.

The club is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting efforts to eradicate polio

This year’s eight annual 5km walk began at 06:45 am at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street, headed South along Camp, East along Church Street, North along Irving Street, West along Lamaha Street and then back to Camp Street, ending at the point of origin.

“Today we joined our fellow Rotarians around the world in further efforts to eradicate polio. Rotary members in Guyana continue to take action against the backdrop of World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds, and support to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today,” Natasha Vieira, President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown said.

The walk was followed by a fundraising breakfast where an estimated 150 Rotarians, family members and friends gathered. Donations and funds collected at the event will directly support Rotary’s polio eradication initiatives.

The Rotary Club of Georgetown expressed gratitude to sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible. Events like this showcase the power of local action in contributing to a global mission. Through initiatives like the Polio Walk and Breakfast, the Rotary Club of Georgetown continues to educate, inspire, and lead in the fight against polio.

Rotary has contributed more than US$2 billion to ending polio since 1985, including over US $50,000.00 donated by the Rotary Club of Georgetown over the years. Together these resources have enabled Rotary to immunize over 3 billion children worldwide (Rotary Club of Georgetown press release)

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On October 27, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) held a major Youth Conference at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora, Region Three, drawing over 5,000 attendees.

Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the PPP and Vice President of Guyana, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the history, legacy, and future of the Party’s youth arm, the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).

Dr. Jagdeo recounted the critical role the PYO played in shaping the PPP’s political efforts, particularly during the Party’s opposition to the PNC dictatorship in the 1970s and 1980s.

Dr. Jagdeo addressing the crowd (Photo: PPP)

According to a press statement from the party, he noted that many of the Party’s current leaders, including himself and President Irfaan Ali, started their political careers in the PYO, which has long served as a leadership incubator for the PPP.

Jagdeo encouraged the young attendees to embrace the discipline and dedication that have sustained the PPP and PYO over the years. He emphasised the Party’s focus on fostering new generations of leaders and stressed the importance of youth engagement in shaping the country’s future.

In addition to highlighting the Party’s historical achievements, Jagdeo discussed the PPP/C administration’s plans for Region Three and the country as a whole. He urged the youth to take advantage of the opportunities for personal and professional development being created under the current government.

Following Jagdeo’s speech, participants engaged in an interactive Q&A session with the General Secretary.

A youth sharing one of his concerns with Dr Jagdeo during the interactive session (Photo: PPP)

The conference was part of the PPP’s countrywide efforts to connect with and recruit younger members into its youth arm, the PYO, strengthening the Party’s future through youth involvement.

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According to a statement from the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB), former national player Peter Persaud has reigned as the Chairman of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Senior Selection panel.

News Room Sport was informed the norm is that the chairman of each county board would form the national panel along with an appointed chairman of that panel by the GCB.

In basic terms, his resignation from DCB effectively means he is also no longer on the GCB panel.

The DCB informed that Surendra Hiralal has replaced Persaud. 

At present, Ramanresh Sarwan (Chairman), Norwayne Fredricks (Essequibo), Leslie Solomon (Berbice), and Surendra Hiralal (Demerara) form the national selection panel.

DCB did not disclose the reason(s) for Persaud’s sudden resignation.

SEE STATEMENT FROM THE DEMERARA CRICKET BOARD:

“The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) wishes to announce the appointment of Surendra Hiralal as chairman of the senior selection panel following the resignation of Peter Persaud.

The Board has accepted Peter’s resignation and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

Hiralal is well known in Demerara and Guyana’s cricket having played or been around cricket for decades. 

He is a former Club captain of Everest Cricket Club for 6 years and First Division Captain for 12 years at Everest Cricket Club .

He Won both the three days and limited overs competition for ECC.

The former U19 inter-county player (1989) also participated in senior inter-county trials for several years.

Hiralal served as President of Gandhi Youth Organization for two years, Vice president of Georgetown Cricket Association for six years, and selector representing East Bank on the Demerara Cricket Board.

In 2024, he was Manager of the Guyana team that won the Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL)/T10 tournament.” 

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