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The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has raised concerns regarding the potential hazards posed by heavy machinery interacting with the company’s electrical network.

This issue recently came to light following disruptions to the power supply affecting citizens in Demerara and Berbice due to incidents involving the transmission line along Dumpsite Road, Eccles, East Bank Demerara where there is ongoing work to upgrade the road network.

During a site visit on Wednesday, Nigel Chetram, one of GPL’s Network Operations Managers, highlighted the critical nature of operating in a safe distance from the transmission lines.

He warned too that contact between heavy machinery and the transmission line could not only disrupt power supply but also pose serious risks to operators and nearby individuals.

“You want to make sure they are operating in a safe way, and ensure the integrity of our line is maintained so that we do not cause undue outages on the network,” he emphasised.

The L2 line, which runs from the Golden Grove Substation to Sophia, is crucial for transferring bulk electricity.

Chetram explained that any impact could lead to an instantaneous power shutdown.

“And because of that you find the other stations are not able to compensate or to hold the system together because of the amount of power that has been reduced so quickly,” he said.

To address these risks, GPL has established a dedicated transmission line unit that regularly monitors high-risk areas, ensuring contractors adhere to safety protocols.

Nigel Chetram, one of GPL’s Network Operations Managers

“When people see GPL is here, they tend to take a little more precaution when they are working,” Chetram noted, although he added that the unit is facing its own human resource constraints.

In partnership with the Ministry of Labour, GPL conducts safety sessions aimed at educating contractors about the importance of notifying the company before undertaking work near its network lines.

During a recent exercise at the Coldingen Bridge on the East Coast Demerara, GPL staff were on-site to oversee safe operations during repair works following the bridge’s collapse.

“We had teams there guiding the men who were working to ensure they work safely and our network is not compromised nor any contractor safety is compromised,” Chetram said.

In a recent notice, GPL reiterated its call for operators to maintain a minimum distance of 20 feet from its network and to ensure that activities are supervised by GPL personnel.

As the country undergoes rapid development, including extensive infrastructure projects and an influx of foreign investment, GPL faces mounting challenges to meet the growing power demand.

In response, the utility company is working to upgrade its transmission and distribution lines, as well as its generation capacity, to keep up with the increasing electricity requirements.

As the situation evolves, GPL urges all stakeholders to prioritise safety and communittion to prevent disruptions and ensure the integrity of the power supply throughout the nation.

The post Power disruptions prompt GPL to warn against heavy machinery near electrical lines appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The highly anticipated Guyana Carnival 2024 is just around the corner, with the NOMADS Carnival Band returning home in promise of an unmatched celebration that will light up the streets of Georgetown on September 28 and 29.

Following a triumphant debut at the Brooklyn Labour Day Parade on earlier in September, where thousands of Guyanese in the diaspora came out to support, NOMADS is eager to bring the same energy and vibrancy back to its roots.

Marlon Jacobs and a reveller at the recent Labour Day festivities in New York

Under the visionary leadership of entertainment prodigy Marlon Jacobs, NOMADS made history as Guyana’s first band entry in the iconic Brooklyn celebration, representing the Freedom Entertainment brand.

The band’s participation in Brooklyn garnered overwhelming support not only from the Guyanese community abroad but also from a delegation sent by the Government of Guyana.

Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to promoting social cohesion and national pride, all while celebrating Guyana’s ingenuity on the international stage.

Building on this success, NOMADS is set to kick off an unforgettable carnival experience with the ‘Ultimate Cooler Fete’ at the Marriott Beach, featuring Jamaican dancehall sensation Kraff alongside local powerhouses like Calvin Burnett, Ckush, Lola Doll, and Charmaine Blackman, with more acts to be announced.

On September 29, carnival revellers can expect a vibrant cultural showcase as NOMADS takes to the streets with dynamic, all-inclusive packages. Attendees will enjoy dazzling body wear, exhilarating music, and an atmosphere designed to unite Guyanese from all walks of life, celebrating the richness of their heritage and culture. Those keen to join the festivities are encouraged to register now to be part of this historic event.

Marlon Jacobs continues to push the boundaries of entertainment tourism in Guyana. A young pioneer in the industry, Jacobs has overcome challenges, and his passion has established him as one of the nation’s most influential figures.

With a social media following exceeding 150,000, he has inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams, fostering a wave of change in both the entertainment and entrepreneurial sectors. His recent success at the Brooklyn parade marks another milestone in his innovative journey, rallying communities around a shared love for Guyanese culture.

As Jacobs prepares to bring NOMADS to the streets for the carnival parade, his mission is clear: to create unforgettable experiences and promote unity. “Carnival is more than just a celebration; it’s a chance to embrace our identity as resilient, diverse, and proud Guyanese.

Bringing NOMADS home is my way of giving back to the culture that has shaped me and inviting everyone to come together under the brand GUYANA,” Jacobs expressed.

The upcoming events, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pressy’s, and Magic City, mark a significant moment not only for the NOMADS Carnival Band but also in the broader narrative of Guyanese pride and unity.

As the September 29 festivities draw near, NOMADS is poised to deliver an extraordinary carnival experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking moment – sign up now, join the movement, and get ready to revel in a carnival experience that will be etched in Guyana’s history.

For more information on registration, contact Marlon Jacobs at (592) 624-4628. Let’s make history together and continue celebrating Guyanese excellence, culture, and oneness with NOMADS.

The post Nomads band set to electrify Guyana Carnival 2024 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Construction of the first phase of 300 young professional houses at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara is currently in various stages of completion.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal said already, some of these houses are completed and even occupied, while other are near completion.

“There are at different phases because contractors started at various periods.

“We did have some initial hiccups when we started. In fact we have had some issues with two contractors but we have addressed those and it’s moving quite quickly now,” Croal said on Tuesday during a visit to the new housing scheme.

The LBI new housing scheme consists of close to 2,000 lots.

“On one side, we are already near completion in terms of infrastructure work. We have about 345 houses…On this side, we are catering for another 200 plus. So one is expected when we are finished to have about 700 young professional houses in the LBI area,” Croal explained.

All of the houses being built there are young professional homes. The structures are designed differently, both flat and elevated.

“The LBI community is going to be a massive investment that is happening before your eyes,” Croal said.

To ensure there is access to the housing scheme, Croal noted that already about $6 billion has been expended on the first phase of infrastructure works for roads.

As part of its effort to ensure every citizen has access to home ownership, the government is currently building houses in communities including LBI, Providence, Prospect, Great Diamond, Cummings Lodge, Hampshire/Williamsburg, Ordnance/Fortlands and Amelia’s Ward.

The post First 300 young professional houses taking shape at LBI appeared first on News Room Guyana.

As Cricket Carnival 2024 approaches, Social Events Guyana is poised to make a significant impact by infusing cultural significance and grandeur into the celebrations.

Renowned for curating premium events throughout the year, the entertainment company, powered by LeZo, has proudly joined the Cricket Carnival calendar with two exciting events: Day Break and Soca Supper, both set to enchant carnival enthusiasts.

The highly anticipated Day Break breakfast party kicks off at Scotty’s Smoke House at 23: 00hrs on September 28, catering to all those who know how to keep the festive spirit alive into the early hours.

Following closely, the Soca Supper will take place at the same venue on September 30, offering a lively wind-down after a weekend of action-packed carnival festivities. Both events promise to unite revelers in a celebration of music, culture, and community.

The highlight of Social Events’ contribution to Cricket Carnival will undoubtedly be their vibrant participation in the road parade with the Mas Mani ALL-INCLUSIVE Carnival Band. This spectacular showcase will feature a double-decker truck, a dynamic lineup of DJs including The Hypeman Patrick, and performances by the 2024 Soca Monarch, Carlvin Burnett, along with Barbados Road March King, JusJay, and other attractions. The Mas Mani Carnival Band is anticipated to be one of the most outstanding spectacles of the parade.

Designed by esteemed Guyanese designer Randy Madray, the band’s striking black and gold costumes celebrate the richness of Guyana’s heritage. The chosen colours symbolise the nation’s wealth—both in natural resources and cultural vibrancy—while showcasing local talent and craftsmanship. Revelers will don these works of art, embodying the cultural heartbeat of Guyana as they take to the streets.

Enzo Matthews, Co-Founder of Social Events, expressed the ethos behind the initiative: “Lionel Luther and I started Social Events to encourage people to disconnect to reconnect. Life isn’t just about work; you leave money behind when you go. We want people to take a break, have some fun, and return to work refreshed. Carnival is the perfect time for that; it’s about celebrating life, our culture, and the moments that bring us together.”

Matthews explained that the name Mas Mani carries significant meaning, combining two powerful celebrations: Caribbean Carnival and Guyana’s own Mashramani. “‘Mas’ draws from the grand tradition of Caribbean masquerade, where music, dance, and colourful costumes represent freedom and expression. ‘Mani’ is inspired by Mashramani, celebrating Guyana’s republic status and the joy following hard work. Together, Mas Mani embodies unity, pride, and the blending of Caribbean and Guyanese cultural traditions.”

As Cricket Carnival continues to flourish, Matthews emphasised the importance of partnerships that ensure the festival remains an authentic celebration of heritage, bringing together people from all walks of life. “The inclusion of Social Events Guyana in Cricket Carnival underscores the vital role stakeholders play in national celebrations that showcase the best of Guyanese culture.”

For more information on Social Events Guyana’s participation in Cricket Carnival 2024 and to register for the Mas Mani Carnival Band, visit their official social media pages or contact +592-629-8145.

The post Social Events Guyana presents Mas Mani band at Cricket Carnival appeared first on News Room Guyana.

By Kurt Campbell

In a pivotal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali of Guyana declared the launch of a Global Biodiversity Alliance, aiming to create a scalable model for protecting the world’s biodiverse-rich areas.

This initiative builds on Guyana’s globally recognised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and highlights the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

During his address, President Ali underscored the urgent need for nations to integrate biodiversity into the global agenda.

“If we all agree on critical issues like climate, food, and energy security, what is stopping us from acting?” he stated, emphasising the moral obligation to protect the planet from escalating threats such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

The President showcased Guyana’s natural wealth, revealing that the country, covering 83,000 square miles, boasts the second-highest percentage of forest cover on Earth—86%—and has one of the lowest deforestation rates globally.

Guyana sequesters over 153 million tonnes of carbon annually, making it a vital player in global biodiversity.

Dr. Ali praised the indigenous Amerindian communities, recognising their role as stewards of the land, and told the world that that 15% of revenues from carbon sales are being allocated directly to these communities.

Dr. Ali announced plans for the inaugural Global Biodiversity Summit in 2025, where participants will focus on establishing a market for biodiversity credits, scaling conservation efforts, and promoting nature-positive actions.

He reiterated Guyana’s commitment to doubling its protected areas by December 2025 and achieving the global biodiversity target of 30% by 2030, stating, “These are real solutions that Guyana is putting forward to address the global problem of biodiversity loss.”

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The President also addressed pressing global issues, highlighting that, according to the UN Food Security and Nutrition report, 28.9% of the global population—approximately 2.3 billion people—are moderately or severely food insecure.

He attributed these challenges to conflicts, climate change, and economic shocks.

“To effectively address food insecurity, we must take concerted action to tackle its root causes,” he asserted, advocating for enhanced food production and trade while prioritising the involvement of women and youth in Guyana’s agricultural policies.

In a broader context, President Ali condemned the ongoing conflicts affecting global stability, including the situation in Ukraine, Gaza and the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, urging the international community to respond with solidarity and support.

The President’s remarks culminated in a strong call for collective responsibility among nations.

“Let us act together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and the preservation of human dignity for generations to come,” he implored, reinforcing Guyana’s role as a leader in biodiversity and environmental protection on the global stage.

The post Pres. Ali announces launch of Global Biodiversity Alliance at UN General Assembly appeared first on News Room Guyana.

In a significant ruling, the High Court has acquitted Lisa Halley, 28, of manslaughter charges stemming from the death of her husband, Dailson Halley.

The verdict was delivered by Justice Peter Hugh, who determined that there was insufficient evidence to support a conviction.

The case, which has drawn attention due to its implications for domestic violence victims, centred on the tragic events of July 29 2017, when Dailson was fatally stabbed at their Queens Street, Kitty residence.

Prosecuting attorney Mikel Puran faced off against Halley’s defence lawyer, Damien DaSilva, who argued convincingly for the case to be dismissed.

DaSilva contended that the prosecution’s evidence, when considered in its strongest light, was not adequate for a jury to convict.

He asserted that the court should dismiss the case without requiring the defence to present its case, highlighting the prosecution’s failure to definitively prove that Halley had unlawfully caused her husband’s death.

Crucially, the defence argued that there was a reasonable possibility that Halley had acted in self-defence, given the history of abuse in their relationship.

Witness testimony played a vital role in the trial, but the prosecution’s case largely hinged on the statements of a sole eyewitness and Halley’s caution statement made to police following the incident.

In his judgement, Justice Hugh concurred with the defence’s arguments and directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty.

Reports indicate that the Halley couple had a tumultuous relationship marked by Dailson’s alleged physical and psychological abuse. Friends and family of Lisa Halley had come forward, detailing a pattern of domestic violence that included Dailson forcing her into prostitution and taking her earnings.

On the fateful day in July 2017, an argument escalated into violence. It was reported that Dailson armed himself with a knife and threatened to kill Lisa.

In a desperate bid for survival, Halley managed to wrest the knife from her husband and fatally stabbed him.

Despite efforts to save him, Dailson succumbed to his injuries shortly after being taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

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