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Over 600 Berbicians received house lots at Plantation Block ‘A’ Bath, and Plantation ‘B’ Experiment, West Coast Berbice on Friday.

The allocation exercise was held at the Bath Community Centre Ground in Region Five, as part of the Ministry of Housing and Water’s ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal along with Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues spearheaded the exercise.

Ann Mars is among the beneficiaries excited to receive this kind of housing support from the government.

“I was so happy. I called my daughter right away to tell her. I’m happy to have a land of my own,” an elated Mars expressed.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues speaking at the ministry’s housing drive on Friday.

Another recipient, nurse Tricshana Charles said “As a young individual, acquiring a house lot feels very good. This is setting a legacy for my daughter. And from here, we can move to building our own home.”

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues with a house lot recipient (Photo: Ministry of Housing and Water/ Facebook/ October 25, 2024)

For 26-year-old Jerrial Alert, achieving a house lot is a significant accomplishment.

“I feel great since I have been waiting for five years now. I am a soldier and was on the borderline when I got the call. I had to fly out yesterday from Baramita. It feels so amazing that I will be an owner of a house lot,” the GDF rank stated.

Meanwhile, Minister Croal noted that the government is investing heavily in infrastructure to ensure allottees access essential amenities within the housing schemes.

The development costs for the Experiment Housing Scheme are nearing half a billion dollars, with an additional $820 million allocated for Burma, $2 billion for Shieldstown, and $612 million for Balthyock.

A total of $1.2 billion has been committed to new housing areas in Region Five, with first-phase infrastructure works already underway at Shieldstown. Persons allocated lands there will be able to sign their agreements by the end of November.

In the last four years, nearly 2,000 lots have been distributed in the region, with over 38,000 lots allocated nationwide to date, contributing to the government’s target of 50,000 house lots by 2025.

Minister Croal reported that the ministry is actively sourcing additional lands to meet regional housing demands.

Additionally, Minister Rodrigues highlighted the transformative impact of the government’s housing programme on families across Guyana, empowering them as homeowners while also boosting the regional economy.

“We are very proud of the work and accomplishments in the housing sector…This is a big day for all of you. You will leave here today as an asset owner. It will change your lives tremendously, Minister Rodrigues underscored.

More than $8 billion has been invested in developing housing areas in the region, including Burma, Experiment, Shieldstown, and Blairmont.

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Since its launch in 2020, SATWA has swiftly captured the attention of food lovers and home cooks alike, establishing itself as a versatile, nutritious, and user-friendly staple.

Now available at the Guyana Shop and set to grace local supermarkets soon, SATWA is the latest gem from B&R Products, proudly operating under the brand “Intrinsic Quality.”

This innovative grain mix features a harmonious blend of seven distinct ingredients, including barley, corn, rice, red beans, and black-eyed peas. These create a wholesome base that boasts flexibility and nutrition.

Priced at just $1,000, it offers an affordable yet premium choice for health-conscious consumers.

The true magic of SATWA lies in its simplicity and adaptability.

Meena Ramnarine from Auchlyne Village, Corentyne, Berbice, shared with the News Room that whipping up a nourishing meal is as easy as adding milk and sugar. Whether enjoyed as creamy porridge for breakfast or as a hearty addition to soups, SATWA seamlessly fits into a variety of dishes.

Beyond SATWA, B&R Products showcases a delightful range inspired by traditional flavours and homemade quality.

Their mango achar, pickles, and dried peppers perfectly complement SATWA, empowering consumers to craft flavour-packed meals right in their kitchens. Each product reflects a commitment to quality and natural ingredients.

As SATWA prepares to reach even more shelves, B&R Products is poised to set a new standard in convenience and nutrition. Ramnarine is enthusiastic and confident about the product’s success in the local market.

With its supermarket debut on the horizon, this grain blend is set to attract even more customers seeking quality, versatility, and affordability.

Ramnarine proudly displayed her products at the NAREI open day on Thursday at the Rose Hall Town Primary Tarmac, generating buzz and excitement about the flavours to come.

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Concacaf has conducted the official draw for the 2025 Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers.

The region’s FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifying competition will take place from February 7 to 16, 2025, across six venues, and 35 Concacaf Member Associations will participate.

Guyana will be based in Costa Rica and grouped alongside the hosts, Trinidad and Tobago, the British Virgin Islands, and Sint Maarten.

Their opening match will be against Trinidad and Tobago on February 7 followed by fixtures against Sint Maarten (February 11), Costa Rica (February 13) and British Virgin Islands (February 17).

All of these matches will be held at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.

The new Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers consist of a single round, in which the participating Member Associations are split into eight groups.

After round-robin play, where each team will play against each team in its group once, the eight group winners qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Qatar will stage its third global FIFA tournament after the FIFA Council awarded the Gulf state multi-year hosting rights to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The first Arab nation to stage a FIFA World Cup in 2022, Qatar will now see FIFA’s expanded 48-team flagship men’s youth tournament arrive on an annual basis between 2025 and 2029.

Morocco will host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup yearly over the same five-year period.

The eight groups are as follows:

Group A: Canada, Bermuda, Curacao, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos Islands

Group B: Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, British Virgin Islands, and Sint Maarten

Group C: Mexico, Nicaragua, Barbados, Belize, and Dominica

Group D: Honduras, Puerto Rico, Bonaire and Saint Martin

Group E: Haiti, Guatemala, Antigua & Barbados, and Saint Vicent and the Grenadines

Group F: United States, Cuba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and US Virgin Islands

Group G: Panama, Dominican Republic, Aruba, and Grenada

Group H: Jamaica, El Salvador, Cayman Islands, and Saint Lucia

Matches will be divided across six venues: Bermuda will host Group A, Costa Rica Group B and F, Mexico Group C, Honduras Group D, Guatemala Groups E and H, and Panama Group G.

Fixtures: https://stconcacafwp001.blob.core.windows.net/media/f1fbcxbp/2025_cu17q-match-schedule.pdf

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A new $95 million children’s playpark was commissioned at the National Park in Georgetown on Friday, adding to the array of attractions in the space.

The playpark was developed by the Office of the First Lady, through the National Beautification Project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works.

In her address at the opening ceremony, First Lady Mrs Arya Ali emphasised that the National Park is vital for public services, acting as a vibrant ecosystem that encourages public participation and enhances community well-being.

“Parks provide a sense of identity and belonging for our people. Parks are a filter point in communities where people of different ethnic groups, religious backgrounds, and even social classes converge,” she said.

The park is equipped with amenities such as swings, slides, game boards, sanitary facilities, free WiFi, concession shops, security, and the country’s first public splash park.

First Lady Ali urged parents to be attentive to their children while also ensuring the park is well-maintained.

Her Excellency emphasised that playparks play a crucial role in a child’s development.

The new play area was commissioned on Friday by First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali (Photo: DPI/ October 25, 2024)

“Apart from physical developmental skills acquired in playgrounds like this one, playparks contribute immensely to a child’s social and psychological development. These playground activities enable us children to learn problem-solving skills and teamwork which will benefit them into adulthood,” she said.

To ensure the long-lasting benefits of the park, a management committee has been established to oversee its operations and maintenance.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill  stated that the project’s objective was to transform the National Park into a vibrant, family-oriented environment where both children and adults can relax.

The initiative also aimed to create employment opportunities for the local community during its construction phase, as it was carried out by small and medium-scale contractors.

In the interim, this approach contributes to the local economy by awarding contracts to these businesses.

“The enhancements that we are introducing today represent a fresh and modern design tailored to the needs of our community through transformational, architectural, and landscaping advancements,” Minister Edghill posited.

Additionally, Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Chairman of the Protected Area Commission (PAC), Robert Persaud stated that the new park is one of many planned for development in urban areas across the country.

“This is one reminder of how serious our government is about preserving safe spaces for children and their families. While this playpark is meant for recreational activities it is also about promoting good health and wellbeing,” the foreign secretary said.

To date, the National Beautification Project has overseen the transformation of five playparks and public spaces in the country, aiming to promote social cohesion and strengthen bonds among Guyanese (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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New Zealand completed a historic first Test series victory in India with a 113-run win in the second Test that ended the hosts’ 12-year unbeaten streak.

The triumph in Pune gives the Black Caps an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and ends India’s remarkable run of 18 consecutive home series wins since Alastair Cook’s England clinched a famous 2-1 triumph in December 2012.

After New Zealand were bowled out for 255 on the third morning, India were set 359 to win and maintain their proud unbeaten home record.

Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s half-century gave them hope but that was soon extinguished by Mitchell Santner, who took 6-104 to finish with 13 wickets in the match.

India were eventually bowled out for 245 in the evening session.

“Every time you take wickets, you get a little more confident,” said Santner, who had never taken a Test five-for before this match.

“I felt that. Every time I got a wicket, it got a little better.”

The hosts had made a rapid start thanks to Jaiswal’s quickfire 77, but, having taken seven wickets in the first innings, Santner began to work his magic again.

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Jaiswal all fell to the left-arm spinner before Santner ran out Rishabh Pant and he proceeded to claim the key wicket of Virat Kohli as India collapsed to 147-5.

“It is a collective failure,” said India captain Rohit. “The team has failed to accept the challenge thrown at us.”

There was some resistance from Ravindra Jadeja but the all-rounder was the last man out for 42, leaving New Zealand to celebrate a comprehensive, famous victory. (BBC)

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England were spun to a feeble defeat before lunch on the third day of the final Test in Rawalpindi to give resurgent Pakistan a 2-1 series win.

The tourists were again dissected by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, spiralling to 112 all out, their lowest ever total in Pakistan.

From 24-3 overnight, Harry Brook and Joe Root began with confidence, only for Brook’s edge off Noman to start an England capitulation of seven wickets for 46 runs.

Ben Stokes’ brain fade to play no shot and be lbw to Noman, followed by Jamie Smith’s wild charge at Sajid were particularly ugly. Root’s departure for 33, edging Noman, ended England’s slim hopes.

The introduction of Noman and Sajid after Pakistan lost the first Test changed the complexion of the series and once more they shared all 10 wickets. Left-armer Noman ended with 6-42 and Sajid 4-69, the latter with 11 in the match.

It left Pakistan a target of just 36, a victory by nine wickets securing their first home series win in almost four years.

The turnaround vindicated a pivot in strategy to dry pitches, unleashing the brilliance of Noman and Sajid.

For England, there was no repeat of their series win here two years ago. Instead, a third Test loss in four matches and seventh overall in 2024 sealed only a second series defeat under Stokes’ captaincy.

There is a short turnaround to their next Test series, in New Zealand at the end of November, while an almost entirely different squad begins a white-ball series in the West Indies next week. (BBC)  

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The National Zoological Park and the Botanical Gardens are set to undergo massive transformation, and preliminary plans include emphasis on wildlife conservation, and a drive to educate the public on Guyana’s biodiversity.

These upgrades are aimed at crafting a more immersive and enjoyable experience for visitors.

This was revealed during a public consultation held on Friday at the Botanical Gardens, hosted by Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.  The three-hour-session brought Guyanese out in their numbers for scintillating discussions on the future of the beloved green space and the zoo.

Advisor to the Protected Areas Commission, Damian Fernandes, unveiled the initial plans for the transformative project.

These plans include a new vehicle entrance and green parking areas, designated spaces to showcase the uses of various flora and fauna, an education and orientation plaza incorporating indigenous features, and a wildlife conservation and education centre.

Fernandes explained that wildlife conservation would be a key feature of the zoo’s new design. He emphasised that the animals are not removed directly from the wild. Rather, the zoo provides a safe haven for creatures that could no longer survive in their natural habitats, including those previously kept as pets or mistreated.

Spaces would also be designated to educate visitors on the various animals that form part of Guyana’s rich biodiversity.

For the Botanical Gardens, the government is considering a model that tells the captivating story of Guyana’s landscape, from the lush rainforests to the expansive savannahs and wetlands, bringing a taste of the richness of Guyana’s geographical scenery to the gardens.

This immersive experience can be further inculcated with nature-inspired infrastructure like suspension bridges and canopy walkways, as well as an electrical tram system for greater mobility.

In brief remarks, Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said that the project forms part of the government’s expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030).

This expanded version now encompasses biodiversity protection, water management, the maritime economy, climate adaptation and the energy transition.

“Since then, we have been busily engaged in rolling out the plans in great detail for each of these sectors. This is the macro vision,” VP Jagdeo said.

He outlined the various strides that the government has made in this regard, pointing to the carbon credits agreement, the landmark Gas to Energy project and major investments in drainage and irrigation, to name a few.

Hence, VP Jagdeo said, the enhancement of the zoo and Botanical Gardens is not a standalone venture.

“We have to ensure that our children…can experience the beauty of our country here. That is why a lot of facilities in here would be focused on teaching and familiarisation and also a safe space for our children and families to come in and enjoy what we have as a country,” he explained.

Attendees expressed excitement and anticipation at the government’s vision, and took the opportunity to seek clarification and offer their own suggestions.

The discussion sparked a flurry of innovative ideas, including advanced surveillance, inclusive design for people with disabilities, dedicated aquatic life zones, interactive children’s experiences, and the potential use of artificial intelligence.

VP Jagdeo underscored that the plans presented are preliminary, and the government will take these suggestions into consideration, with the aim of incorporating them into the decision-making processes.

“We have not agreed on the final look of the project as yet,” he explained.

Given the significant number of suggestions, an online forum will be established to facilitate further input and discussion (Republished from the Department of Public Information)

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The Government of Guyana has supported over 35 Mandirs and youth groups countrywide towards their participation in the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s grand Diwali Motorcade on October 30^th.

The Diwali Motorcade, a major event on Guyana’s national and tourism calendar, is synonymous with the celebration of Diwali in Guyana.

The Motorcade attracts tens of thousands of Guyanese and visitors along the route and at the final venue annually.

The floats have gotten more creative and extravagant each year and reflect the excellence of Guyanese creativity and innovation.

The government is proud to support the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Guyana’s largest Hindu organistation, for this iconic event, spanning several decades that is much loved and anticipated by Guyanese and international tourists from all cultures.

The 2024 Diwali motorcades are being held countrywide as the Dharmic Sabha celebrates its 50^th anniversary.

The Sabha will also host Motorcades in all its Praants countrywide: Essequibo on October 25th at the Anna Regina Car Park; East Bank Demerara and West Coast Demerara on October 26th at the Diamond Market Tarmac and Oceanview Mandir Compound respectively; and four motorcades in Berbice on October 27th at the Bath Community Centre Ground, Rose Hall Ground, Port Mourant Community Centre Ground and Tagore Ground.

The final grand motorcade will be on Wednesday October 30th and will see the largest number of floats in the motorcade’s rich history coming from Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice.

The floats will assemble at the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbelville from 5:30pm and will leave at 6:30pm via its traditional route along Sandy Babb Street for Vlissengen Road and then along the Seawall to the LBI Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara.

The LBI Community Centre Ground will be the site for a spectacular cultural programme and presentation of prizes starting at 7pm.

Outstanding Indian singer Nachiket Lele of Indian Idol and Saregama fame will join Ben Parag as the headline acts for the event.

There will also be performances by outstanding Guyanese artistes Vishale Samlall, Bunty Singh, Suraj Singh, Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha Ranglall, Elizabeth Wong, Dharmic Nritya Sangh, Berbice Delights and Shakti Strings Band along with little Katelin Sultan of Trinidad and Tobago.

Millions of dollars in prizes and trophies will be presented to all participating floats.

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By Telesha Ramnarine

A total of 1,502 teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) on Friday and will be heading back to their respective villages and communities across the country.

The graduates included several pairs of mothers and daughters and at least one husband and wife.

It is the second largest batch of teachers to graduate in Guyana, with a ratio of 86 percent female to 14 percent male.

CPCE Graduates: Husband and wife from Haimacabra Primary, Nathan Benjamin and Viola Benjamin.

At the ceremony, held at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara, teachers from all walks of life were decked out, eager to collect their certificates, and especially happy to hear an announcement that they will all be hired as of October 1.

Leslie Thompson of Mabaruma, Region One, is heading back to the Hobediah Primary, located up in the Aruka River, and couldn’t be happier that he’s reached this point of graduation.

Of course, like many other teachers, reaching this point did not come without its challenges. For Leslie, access to the internet and having to travel each week were two of the biggest hurdles he had to cope with.

“One of the biggest challenges I had was internet connection. In those hinterland areas, connectivity is a major issue. Also, traveling out of the riverain areas to central Mabaruma to do classes on the weekends; that was a bit tiring,” he told the News Room.

For Parmeshwar Harrylall, of the Vreed-en-Hoop Centre in Region Three, making full use of the technology available helped him with his studies, along with effective teamwork. “Tertiary education is mostly dependent on teamwork; we work as groups, study as groups and that would help us to get through successfully.”

Education Minister Priya Manickchand pointed out how this trained batch of teachers will significantly help to bring down the ratio of trained teachers to pupils.

CPCE Graduates: Siblings Romaul and his sister Shania From Essequibo with their mother Samantha at Friday’s CPCE graduation.

As just one example, she disclosed that in 2023, there were 9,762 learners in Region One with 208 trained teachers, which meant a class size of about 50.

With 88 more trained teachers going to the region now, the class size is expected to be around 32 pupils to one trained teacher and can be reduced further by next year.

“The whole idea of training was not to say as a big headline, ‘We’re training many.’ It was to reduce the class sizes…and it was to make sure we have a higher quality in the classroom,” Manickchand said.

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One day after he was slapped with several charges related to financial crimes, Deputy Commissioner of Police (ag) Calvin Brutus has withdrawn an application he filed in the High Court.

The legal action, filed earlier this month, named several respondents, including the Attorney General, Ministry of Home Affairs, Police Service Commission, Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken, and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

On Friday, The Attorney General’s Chambers received correspondence – a notice of withdrawal and discontinuance – notifying that Brutus has withdrawn the proceedings against the respondents.

 

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