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Some 200 children living with disabilities now have the opportunity to learn an important skill – swimming.

The Edward Mohamed Swimming Pool opening at the Regional Special Education Needs and Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre located at the Cyril Potter College of Education, at Turkeyen on the East Coast of Demerara.

The pool which was commissioned on Saturday was made possible through a generous donation from Trinidadian businessman and philanthropist, Teddy Mohamed. Mohamed is the owner of Mohamed Bookstores Associates Ltd. in Trinidad.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, highlighted the importance of the initiative which she said is essential for the holistic development of differently-abled children.

The minister noted that even if the children do not become proficient swimmers, engaging in extracurricular activities can significantly boost their confidence and calm them.

Minister Manickchand announced that the government will be replicating the initiative in Regions Three, Five, and Ten.

She emphasised the need for trained personnel such as lifeguards, to ensure the safety of the children.

“We are currently looking at building a pool for the Allied arts, where they can train lifeguards and other necessary personnel, not only for the pools we plan to construct for the disabled community, but also for the hotels and other establishments that will require these resources,” the minister stated.

Over the past three years, the government has placed a strong focus on special education learners. Keon Cheong was appointed as the Assistant Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Special Education Needs, supported by a Special Education Officer.

An Associate Degree programme in Special Education was also developed at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), with 49 students currently enrolled.

Additionally, through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), 150 individuals graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education Needs.

Furthermore, 11 new spaces were created in classrooms across the country geared to children with special needs.

According to minister Manickchand, the disability centre was initially constructed 2016 as a Caribbean diagnostic and treatment facility with assistance from Cuban counterparts.  At that time, it was intended to serve as a centre where children from across the Caribbean could be diagnosed and treated.

However, the programme was not advanced by the previous government. As a result, the current PPP/C administration is now working to ensure the facility is equipped with the necessary resources, including speech therapists, psychologists, and physiotherapists.

Minister Manickchand reiterated the government’s commitment to putting Guyanese at the centre of the country’s development, especially those living with permanent disabilities.

“We are very sure as a government that with this new buildout of Guyana, people will be at the forefront of our priority list. And so, our children will enjoy priority status, our women, our Amerindian and hinterland residents, everybody is going to get attention,” she affirmed.

Teddy Mohamed explained what inspired him to donate the funds to build the pool. He said that his child was born with a damaged retina and the lack of physical facilities in Trinidad meant that he had to personally teach his son how to swim.

The Trinidadian businessman said the experience inspired him to assist children with disabilities in Guyana. [Extracted and modified from the Department of Public Information] 

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The Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) recently appointed and ratified the Women in Sport Commission, which will serve from September 2024 to September 2026.

This was done pursuant to a nomination process.

The newly appointed members of the Women in Sport Commission are:

Chair: Nicolette Fernandes

Vice-Chair: Denise Jeffrey

General Secretary: Dacia Cummings

Members: Sileena Arjune, Ashley Khalil and Ayanna Wickham-Watson

From left: Denise Jeffrey, Dacia Cummings, Sileena Arjune, Ashley Khalil and Ayanna Wickham-Watson

The GOA, in a press release, highlighted that in order to create a system which facilitates and enables the efficient functioning, support and communication of the work of this key Commission, the Executive Committee would be grateful for the nomination of one person from each Federation to serve, support and sit on the council of this important Commission.

Submission must be made on or before Friday October 11, 2024.

The appointed commission members in collaboration and under guidance and support of the Executive Committee of the GOA will guide, direct and support the work of this commission.

The Women in Sport Commission is a key body within the GOA, mandated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to promote and enhance girls’ and women’s access to sports across all levels.

The Commission will focus on increasing female participation as athletes, coaches, leaders and volunteers, while ensuring gender parity and empowerment throughout Guyana’s sporting landscape.

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The National Sports Commission (NSC), following an extensive and consultative process, has finalised a 140-member contingent that will participate in the 2025 edition of the Inter-Guiana Games (IGG), which is slated for Cayenne, French Guiana, from October 24-26.

The selection process for the annual event, which lasted for several weeks and was aided by the IGG Management Committee, was staged in collaboration with stakeholders.

The final roster, which will make the trek to the French department, comprises athletes, officials, and auxiliary personnel.

Presently, the list has been submitted to the French authorities for the acquisition of visas and any other relevant or requisite travel documents.

The IGG Management Committee contains Chef-de-Mission Dr. Karen Pilgrim and veteran sports administrator Gervy Harry, Vice-Chairperson of the NSC Cristy Campbell, Assistant Directors of Sport Melissa Dow-Richardson and Frankie Wilson among other individuals.

The entity meets twice a week to finalise the logistical arrangements for the team.

They will meet on an increased basis as the date for the team’s departure draws closer.

The seven disciplines that will be contested are: athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, chess, futsal, swimming, and table tennis.

Owing to the distance that must be travelled, Guyana is slated to arrive in the French territory on October 22, while their return date is pencilled for October 27.

Suriname is slated to arrive on October 23.

Meanwhile, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle said, “Given the cultural importance of the tournament, an extensive process was conducted and aided by the IGG Management Committee in conjunction with the local associations to select the best possible and available athletes and personnel for this prestigious regional championship.”

“This annual undertaking is a covenant amongst culturally and historically linked people and community and will continue to survive the test of time given our shared values and, more importantly, our ambition to forge closer and deeper bonds.”

He further said, “Guyana is expected to host the 2025 edition, and given its unquestionable importance, a world-class experience will certainly be realised owing to the ongoing development and refurbishment of faculties and venues by the Government of Guyana as it strives to usher in a sporting cultural revolution.”

“That is the vision of His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali, whose commitment to achieving this objective is evident by the annual increasing largesse, which is of historic proportions, that is afforded to the sector.”

Originally held in 1967, the IGG is traditionally an annual competition among the territories of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

The previous edition was staged in Suriname, with Guyana hosting the 2022 edition following a five-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Residents on the island of Wakenaam, Region Three have been grappling with water supply issues over the past few weeks. Works are, however, underway to ensure that they benefit from improved water quality and a greater supply of water.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal visited the island on Saturday and inspected works ongoing at the Noitgedacht well.

At this site, a $50 million well was commissioned two years ago by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. There is another well nearby that was used before.

The newer well encountered some issues and upon inspection, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) personnel determined cleaning and maintenance works were needed.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal inspecting the cleaning and maintenance works ongoing at the Noitgedacht well (Photo: Ministry of Housing & Water/ October 5, 2024)

To cushion the disruptions that would be caused by maintenance works, the old well is being cleaned first so that water can be supplied to the residents when the newer well is dealt with.

While these adjustments are being made, residents were advised that their water supply will continue but on a limited basis. Half of the residents will receive water for 24 hours and then this supply will be switched over to the other for the next 24 hours. This cycle will repeat until both wells are in order.

“There will be a week to a week and a half of further disruptions,” Minister Croal said, asking the residents to be patient as GWI fixes the issues.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT 

Outside of the supply issues, Minister Croal told residents that a contract will be inked in the coming week for a water treatment plant on the island.

With this plant, residents will benefit from treated water- a key goal of the government. The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government is aiming for Guyana’s entire coastline to benefit from treated water by 2025.

“We’ll sign the contract in the new week. It is a two years duration but we want them to bring this in by the end of next year

“They (residents of Wakenaam) will have their own treatment plant and the new well will serve that treatment plan.

“We’re working overtime now to ensure that things are done and as quickly as possible,” Croal said while engaging reporters during his visit to the Noitgedacht well.

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Guyana’s tourism industry is experiencing a meteoric rise, driven by strategic government initiatives and robust economic growth. The country is on track to welcome its one-millionth passenger by November 2024, a testament to its growing allure as a destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Ramesh Ghir, CEO of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, has announced that Guyana has welcomed over 801,000 passengers in the first nine months of 2024. This significant increase in tourism is a direct result of government initiatives to promote the country as a destination of choice for visitors.

Events like the CPL and Cricket Carnival have also contributed significantly to the surge in tourist arrivals. Ghir confirmed that the country’s passenger traffic has increased by 18% year-over-year, with an additional 125,000 passengers processed compared to the same period in 2023.

He noted that this growth is fueled by increased airline connectivity, with several new airlines adding routes to Guyana and offering more than 200,000 additional seats. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has been instrumental in driving the tourism sector’s development. His efforts to market Guyana to major airlines have resulted in negotiations for additional carriers to enter the market soon.

This significant milestone underscores Guyana’s emergence as a vibrant and attractive destination for travelers worldwide. The country’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and growing economic opportunities are attracting visitors from near and far. (CJIA press release)

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Following a seven-year hiatus from international competition owing to elevating himself academically, Demetri Chan made a welcome return to the international platform when he pressed his way to a gold medal at the Commonwealth Powerlifting and Bench Press Championship in Sun City, South Africa.

Contesting the Open 74kg class against Canadian Oliver Webster, Chan opened with a lift of 137.5 for his first attempt before lifting the bar to 142.5 which he also succeeded with.

His final attempt of 147.5 was not successful, but he had already done enough to walk away with the gold medal, leaving the silver for Webster whose best press was 120kg.

He indicated that he was very cognisant of the fact that he still has the Commonwealth Men’s Classic Powerlifting Championship where himself and Bjorn Williams (Open 105kg class), who will join the team in South Africa, will be competing on Tuesday.

Chan shared that even though he was away from the sport studying in Cuba, his hunger for the sport remained intact.

“Seven years away from competition is a long time but I kept the flame going and stayed hungry. I feel in the past year of being home I’ve made tremendous advancement with my performances, and with overseas exposure I will only continue to improve. The path forward for me is to keep improving, continuing to train hard, be disciplined and stay healthy as well as injury free.”

Three of the four lifters in South Africa. From right: Demetri Chan, Nadaina Taharally and Roger Rogers

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. congratulated Chan on his performance on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana whilst also wishing Team Guyana the best in South Africa.

Minister Ramson noted that the sport has been doing consistently well on the international platform having also won one gold and four bronze medals at the South American Championships in Argentina, a few weeks ago through 79-year-old Naranjan Singh and Sarah Sanmoogan.

Guyana Amateur Powerlifing Federation President, Franklin Wilson also extended compliments to Chan on behalf of the fraternity stating that he was always confident that Chan would medal for Guyana, again.

Bjorn Williams

Wilson expressed delight that he is back and is confident that bigger achievements are on the horizon for this talented lifter.

Chan will be coming up against five other athletes from Canada, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, England and Sri Lanka, while Williams, who will join his teammates in South Africa, will take on nine other athletes from the Isle of Man, Wales, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, England and Sri Lanka.

Additionally, Guyana will be represented at the World Masters Men’s and Women’s Classic Championship on Monday in Sun City South Africa by Roger Rogers and Nadina Taharally.

Both Rogers and Taharally, who competed at World Masters and medalled last year, will be going after more silverware.

Taharally will be challenging 10 other athletes in the Masters 2, 76kg class from USA, Great Britain, Hungry, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, while Rogers will compete in the Masters 2, 120kg class against seven other athletes from US Virgin Islands, Great Britain, South Africa, France and Lebanon.

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Press Release from the Guyana Football Federation

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) extends its heartfelt thanks to West Ham United Football Club for warmly accommodating Eon Deveira, one of Guyana’s most qualified goalkeeper coaches, during his recent visit to the club’s training camp in England.

Deveira spent two highly productive days at West Ham, gaining invaluable insights into both the Academy and first-team facilities.

His visit started with a courtesy call and warm welcome by the Head of Academy, Kenny Brown.

Deveira had the pleasure of viewing goalkeeping sessions in U-9, U-16, U-18 and U-21 areas hosted by various goalkeeper coaches, respectively Larry Raji, Chris Lewington, Dan Hill and Coach Billy Lepine.

Eon Deveira had an opportunity to meet and interact with top officials of the club

This allowed him to indulged in discussions with the coaches before the sessions and also gained valuable feedback after.

He also met separately with U-21 Head Coach Mark Robson and was given the opportunity to view their game analysis session. Furthermore, Deveira also met with a West Ham legend Steven Potts who has 399 league appearances and is now the U-23 head coach.

Reflecting on his experience, Deveira shared, “The experience was very inspiring and enlightening. It placed me in a different space mentally, and I am eager to transfer this knowledge into my training. This will be a tremendous benefit to the youths, the Federation’s programs, and Guyana as a whole.”

The GFF recognises the importance of such international exchanges in enhancing local football development and greatly appreciates West Ham United’s openness to fostering this relationship.

The Federation is eager to explore further collaboration as it continues to elevate the standard of football coaching in Guyana.

Once again, the GFF sincerely thanks West Ham United FC for the opportunity and looks forward to continued engagement.

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Press Release from CPL

The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals will be hosted in Guyana in 2025 and Barbados in 2026.

CPL has agreed to a one-year deal for the finals to be held in Guyana in 2025. For 2026 the finals will be held at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados for the very first time.

His Excellency Mohammed Irfan Ali, President of Guyana, said: “I want to take this opportunity to wish Guyana Amazon Warriors all success on behalf of all Guyanese as we try to make it two in a row. To all the other teams we wish you well as we play together in unity. I am also very delighted to announce that Guyana will be hosting CPL 2025 finals.”

The Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, said: “I am so happy to say that the CPL finals 2026 will be in Bridgetown at Kensington Oval. As you prepare for the long march to Bridgetown let’s hope my own team, Barbados Royals, can take it to the finals this year. If we don’t we will catch you next year, and for sure we are going to catch you in Bridgetown in 2026.”

Pete Russell, CPL’s CEO, said: “Guyana and Barbados have been amazing partners for CPL over the last 12 years and it is really exciting to be able to announce that they will be hosts for the finals in 2025 and 2026 respectively. We would like to thank the governments of both Guyana and Barbados who have agreed to play host to the conclusion of CPL.”

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo made it clear that Chinese businesses, like all other local and foreign ventures, must comply with Guyanese laws and regulations.

“We’ve made it clear to the regulatory bodies that you have to enforce the laws uniformly,” the Vice President said on Thursday during his weekly press conference.

Jagdeo was responding to concerns raised about Chinese ventures locally. Specific concerns, he said, have been raised about Chinese business owners bypassing local laws and regulations for the sale of different items and the construction of buildings.

He acknowledged these concerns and contended that he too would have protested foreigners bypassing these laws and regulations as a native of Guyana.

As such, he emphasised that the local regulatory bodies have been tasked with beefing up efforts to guarantee that all Chinese businesses comply with the laws and regulations for their operations.

He believes full compliance will help level the playing field for businesses operating locally.

Outside of this commitment, Jagdeo explained that restrictions on Chinese businesses would be difficult to institute.

“I spoke with about four persons and they recognise that you can’t stop foreigner once they get access into the country because we don’t have restrictions on foreigners or foreign companies estblishing businesses in Guyana.

“There’s no restriction on it and there is hard to put a restriction based on nationality,” Jagdeo said.

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