Dexter Jacobs, a 58-year-old resident of South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara died following an accident Tuesday morning on the Railway Embankment near UG Access Road.
According to preliminary investigations, Jacobs was riding his electric bike westward at around 08:55 hrs when he struck a pothole, causing him to lose control. The impact threw Jacobs onto the road surface, where he sustained severe injuries.
Public-spirited citizens and a police officer immediately came to Jacobs’ aid. He was transported to the Accident and Emergency Unit at Georgetown Public Hospital in a private vehicle. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Dr. Dunwa pronounced him dead.
The body is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo (GECSCE) recently launched the EnergyEcho mobile application. This cutting-edge platform provides industry updates and exclusive insights from its Energy Perspectives podcast.
EnergyEcho, designed by GECSCE’s Exclusive Digital Partner, V75 Inc., delivers more than just the usual industry news; it offers fresh perspectives on international issues as well as Guyana’s development from multiple angles.
Launched in 2023 and ramped up in 2024, the Energy Perspectives podcast has quickly become a go-to platform for industry leaders to discuss Guyana’s socio-economic opportunities, particularly within the oil and gas sector. It also explores critical areas essential to ensuring Guyana’s reputation as a model for sustainability and diversification.
The podcast has featured some of the most distinguished voices in the industry. Guests in 2024 included Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali; former President of Colombia, Iván Duque; and Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat.
This platform has also hosted top executives such as Alistair Routledge, Head of ExxonMobil Guyana; Anand Gohil, Senior Manager of Commercial and External Relations at CNOOC; Martin Cheong, General Manager at SBM Offshore Guyana; and Sharlene Seegoolam, SLB’s Managing Director for Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean.
Additionally, industry experts such as Carlos Pascual, Senior Vice President for Global Energy and International Affairs at S&P Global Commodity Insights, and Mark Oberstoetter, Head of Upstream Americas Research at Wood Mackenzie, have shared their invaluable insights.
Notably, EnergyEcho is part of a broader suite of digital tools created by V75 Inc. to enhance the experience of energy industry stakeholders. With its focus on delivering quality content and expert insights, EnergyEcho is positioned to become a must-have resource for those invested in Guyana’s energy future.
Chairman of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Mr. Anthony Whyte, said, “The launch of EnergyEcho marks a significant milestone for the energy sector in Guyana and beyond. We are excited to offer this platform as a vital resource for professionals, stakeholders, and anyone interested in the future of energy, fostering greater connectivity and knowledge-sharing across the sector.”
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kiana Wilburg also noted the importance of EnergyEcho, stating, “As Guyana races forward in its development, embracing technological advancements is not just an option—it’s a necessity. With EnergyEcho, we offer reliable insights and analysis, empowering industry leaders and stakeholders with the knowledge needed to navigate our dynamic landscape. Overall, EnergyEcho embodies our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation while continuing to position Guyana as a leader in the energy world.”
Chairman of V75 Inc. Eldon Marks said, “The EnergyEcho app is seamlessly integrated with the conference website, client portal, and main conference mobile app, forming a cohesive part of the Guyana Energy Conferencing Software Suite. This integration allows users to access published stories and podcasts from anywhere within the ecosystem.”
For a conference of this caliber, Marks said the content delivered through the EnergyEcho app adds critical value for all stakeholders. He concluded, “Our robust publishing platform ensures a convenient and effective delivery system for the latest news in Guyana’s Oil and Gas Sector.”
Download the app in the iOS and Google Play Store!
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Education launched a revised Mathematics Intervention Programme aimed at enhancing Guyana’s national math performance at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level.
Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain, who once criticized the previous initiative, now believes the new programme will yield significant improvements.
Fifty individuals—including retired math teachers, those with math degrees, and university lecturers—will monitor classrooms to ensure effective teaching.
Mathematics, a critical subject for many, experienced a decrease in its pass rate, falling from 34% last year to 31% this year. In contrast, Additional Mathematics saw a significant increase, achieving a pass rate of 53%.
The schools selected for this programme were chosen based on their historically low math pass rates, such as Grade 4 at CSEC. The programme targets fourth and fifth form students.
The Ministry aims to achieve a 45 to 50 percent pass rate in math through this initiative. Students in the participating schools will receive essential resources, including past math papers, scientific calculators, geometry sets, and textbooks.
Key components of the programme include standardized diagnostic tests, national mock exams, fortnightly worksheets, and twice-weekly math lessons on the Guyana Learning Channel. Additionally, students will have access to a dedicated hotline, “736 MATH,” to report any issues with their math instruction.
For the first time in Guyana, Hussain announced that “teachers and schools are going to be held accountable for the [math] results.” He also recognized the need for more coaching and support for schools.
“We hope that these measures will help the students to ensure that they do well in CSEC. If students are present and they are taught, they will pass,” Hussain said.
The measures announced are designed to achieve short-term improvements in math performance. Long-term plans include offering math specialization for primary teachers starting in September this year. Additionally, teachers specializing in primary math, English, science, and social studies will be required to teach more content in their classrooms.
“Mathematics teachers, teach the students; if not, we are coming,” Hussain warned as he concluded his remarks.
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand also addressed the issue, highlighting that mathematics is a regional and international challenge. “The world has a problem with mathematics and English, and that has been written about and spoken about. Guyana has to deal with both and not necessarily while we wait on our Caribbean counterparts to put up initiatives.”
She noted that a previous intervention had raised schools’ math performance by at least 10 percent in recent years. Manickchand emphasized that if an entire class is struggling, it often points to a teacher-related issue.
“I don’t believe children can’t learn regardless of which school they are in or what grade they got at NGSA, so part of the problem is what we are teaching, how we are teaching, and who we are putting to teach,” Manickchand said.
She also shared her personal experience of how math can be a dreaded subject. “I hated mathematics because we had a teacher who didn’t teach mathematics,” Manickchand admitted, adding that some teachers might struggle with teaching certain topics effectively.
Manickchand highlighted that the monitors will also be assessed on their performance. “We are signing you up to use your expertise and your God-given talent, honed over the years, to go into classrooms and ensure that teachers are following the curriculum and not introducing new topics before CXC. They must complete the curriculum and teach effectively.”
Parents were encouraged to support their children’s engagement with the programme. “You have to do that, and if there is an absence of parental supervision, your child will suffer and be at a disadvantage,” Manickchand said.
In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Government of Guyana, led by Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, is joining the international community to highlight the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with a call to action: “Start the Conversation.”
Dr. Anthony emphasized that changing the narrative involves a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. “We must understand that suicide is preventable and that breaking the stigma is possible through openness, understanding, and support,” he said.
Recent statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) underscore the urgency of addressing this issue. In 2021, there were 100,933 suicide deaths in the Americas, with a significant 79.4% occurring among males in 2019. Notably, suicides among women have increased more sharply compared to their male counterparts between 2000 and 2019. The majority of suicides in the region are committed by middle-aged adults (ages 40–69), who represent 38% of cases, followed by older adults (70+ years) at 32.8%.
In response to these challenges, Guyana has made significant strides in suicide prevention. In November 2022, the Suicide Prevention Act was enacted, decriminalizing suicide and marking a major step towards enhancing mental health care. This legislation also established the National Suicide Prevention Commission, tasked with designing and implementing public health programs aimed at reducing suicide rates.
Building on this progress, the Ministry of Health launched the National Mental Health Action Plan & Suicide Prevention Plan 2024 – 2030 in April 2024. This plan adopts a human rights-based approach to mental health and suicide prevention, improving patient care and promoting safe practices. The Ministry is also collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to enhance the safe storage of pesticides and phase out hazardous chemicals, in an effort to reduce suicide risks associated with pesticide ingestion.
Further efforts include the Gatekeepers Training for Suicide Prevention Programme, completed in April–May 2024. This initiative, supported by the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC), trained community figures across all 10 regions of Guyana. These trained “Gatekeepers” now possess essential skills to intervene in suicidal situations and refer individuals to specialized mental health services as needed.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Ministry of Health will collaborate with the Mental Health Unit and the Ministry of Education to host suicide awareness activities in Regions 3 and 4. Additionally, a Suicide Prevention Awareness and Training session will be conducted in Region 6 for primary health care workers, school teachers, guidance counselors, and civil and religious leaders.
Dr. Anthony concluded, “Our approach to suicide prevention is holistic and inclusive, involving both government and society. With your support, we can create a healthier and more resilient Guyana.”
For more information, please contact the Ministry of Health at 592-226-7458 or via email at mohprhpu@gmail.com.
Martinique subsequently created a few opportunities, and just when it seemed Guyana would take an unblemished sheet into the half-time break, Brighton Labeau tapped one past keep Quillan Roberts in 45+2 minutes to make it 2-1.
Deon Moore had a glorious opportunity to extend Guyana’s lead in the 59th minute, luring the keeper out the box. But instead of firing at an empty goal, Moore made a pass to the incoming Stephen Duke McKenna, whose shot was kept out.
Martinique levelled the game in the 86th minute when a header from a corner kick landed in front of Rudy Varane in the box and he duly converted.
WATCH: Post-match comments by Isaiah Jones
The result means both teams had to settle for a point apiece after suffering 3-1 defeats in their first round match- Guyana to Suriname and Martinique to Guatemala.
Next up for Guyana is a clash against Guatemala, likely in October.
In a joint statement issued on Monday afternoon, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) said they have “exhausted all avenues to mediate with the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) and the disgruntled swimming fraternity to bring normalcy to the sport.”
As such, the two bodies announced that they no longer recognize the Dwayne Scott-led GASA “as a sports association in good standing and will no longer engage with the current executive of GASA.”
This stemmed from a number of alleged “indiscretions and shortcomings on the part of GASA”, the joint statement detailed.
See below joint statement from the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Olympic Association
In the last two (2) years, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) met with the president of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Mr. Dwayne Scott, and other executives both jointly and severally on numerous occasions.
The meetings were premised on matters related to innumerable complaints from swimmers, parents, coaches, and swim club executives.
The complaints include biased selection processes, exclusion from competitive swimming, nepotism in swimming, refusal to accept clubs as members of GASA which meet the requirements, unresponsiveness from the executive of GASA, heavy-handed and unfair treatment by GASA, unconstitutional actions and financial misconduct by the executive of GASA.
GASA President Dwayne Scott
In July 2023, a meeting was convened by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles S. Ramson MP, with members of the NSC, executives of the GOA, Mr. Delroy Tyrell, and executives of GASA to deal specifically with the complaint that GASA was ignoring, neglecting, and/or refusing to advance an application made by Delroy Tyrell.
Mr. Tyrell is a talented Guyanese-born swimmer who is currently attending college in the United States and previously represented Trinidad while residing there. Mr. Tyrell is inclined to change his nationality status to represent Guyana.
At the meeting, Mr. Scott sought to justify why Tyrell did not qualify for change of nationality which was refuted conclusively with careful examination of the constitution of World Aquatics.
Thereafter, Mr. Scott accepted that Tyrell’s application satisfied the criteria for a change of nationality, and committed to submit Mr. Tyrell’s documentation in two (2) weeks immediately following that meeting.
Mr. Scott subsequently went on record in the media stating that Mr. Tyrell’s documentation was submitted to World Aquatics. On Sunday, 1st September 2024, it was reported in the media that Jan Exner, who serves as the World Aquatics Legal Counsel, issued a response indicating that no documentation was submitted to World Aquatics on behalf of Mr. Tyrell by GASA.
Swimmer Delroy Tyrell
Minister Ramson convened a meeting on September 6, 2024, with members of the NSC and GOA for a response by the executive of GASA. At this meeting, it was confirmed that Mr. Scott and GASA had never submitted Mr. Tyrell’s documentation to World Aquatics.
Additionally, it was established that Mr. Scott and executives of GASA have maliciously and vindictively withheld Mr. Tyrell’s documentation from World Aquatics to exclude him from representing Guyana at International meets.
The NSC and the GOA remain firm in their stance that there is no room for bias, inequality, exclusion, and unethical practices in sport.
It must be noted that this is not the first instance where Mr. Scott and the executives of GASA sought to mislead the NSC and GOA and were not forthcoming with the truth. On another occasion, GASA sought to institute bans on two (2) swim clubs based on the actions of a few members for two (2) years.
This action was represented by GASA at another joint meeting. Mr Scott and executives of GASA claimed that the ban on the two clubs holistically was based on a recommendation from World Aquatics.
When asked to return in 48 hours with evidence of the recommendation, Mr. Scott and the executives of GASA stated that they did not have any such recommendation and were unconstitutionally implementing sanctions without a fair hearing.
The NSC and the GOA have exhausted all avenues to mediate with GASA and the disgruntled swimming fraternity to bring normalcy to the sport.
On every occasion, Mr. Scott acknowledged the above-mentioned indiscretions and shortcomings on the part of GASA while promising to rectify the lingering issues for GASA to function in the best interest of swimmers.
As a result of consistent inaction by GASA, the NSC, and the GOA are convinced that the current executives of GASA do not have the best interest of swimmers and swimming in Guyana as their primary objective.
Therefore, the NSC and the GOA no longer recognise GASA as a sports association in good standing and will no longer engage with the current executive of GASA. The NSC suspends swimming as a core sport along with its attendant support.
Further, the NSC and the GOA will forthwith formally engage with World Aquatics to highlight the maladministration and the unethical acts being perpetuated by the current executives of GASA to the detriment of the swimmers in Guyana.
Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson also spoke at the meeting, calling for a moment of silence to honour the victims.
He noted that some facilities are operating without proper licenses and warned that non-compliance could indeed lead to shutdowns.
“There is no excuse for basic standards not to be in place,” Ramson asserted.
Ramson offered support for training and highlighted the need for a shift in safety culture.
He also pointed out that regulatory oversight is enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Tourism Authority, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these regulations to avoid civil and criminal liabilities.
The meeting continued with exchanges and a strong call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize safety and implement the necessary measures to prevent future tragedies.
L-R Chairman of the GECSCE, Anthony Whyte_ CEO of the GECSCE, Kiana Wilburg and CEO of V75 Inc. Eldon Marks
The new health center at Swan, Linden- Soesdyke highway (Photo: DPI/ September 10, 2024)
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GASA President Dwayne Scott 100vw, 360px”><figcaption class=)
Swimmer Delroy Tyrell
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