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A youth development initiative funded by Scotiabank Guyana and facilitated by Habitat for Humanity saw 100 persons graduating on Sunday last at the Queens College Auditorium. Among those graduating were 24 women.

The Construction Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Training which began in February received applications from more than two hundred persons from across the country including young contractors, carpenters, business professionals and homeowners.

National Director for HHTT Jennifer Massiah expressed appreciation to Scotiabank Guyana for funding the course, and shared that was designed to meet international humanitarian standards and guidelines which included building codes, building practices, project management and health and safety. Lecturers were drawn from Trinidad and Tobago. She also encouraged local companies to support similar initiatives.

Dason Anthony, a first-time homeowner said he was dissatisfied with the quality of work delivered by some contractors. The training, he said, gave him a better understanding, and construction knowledge.

According to Anthony more people, including contractors, should participate in such courses as it can save homeowners money, and upskill contractors.

Shazeem Baljit a young contractor said he found the course ‘helpful, particularly the lectures and practical on roofing and plastering.’ He said despite ‘knowing some of the theory, the course taught him the right way of doing the work.’

The Construction Technology Training (CTT) was administered by Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago (HHTT). It introduced participants to theoretical and practical aspects of construction including understanding structural and architectural drawings, health and safety, and concrete technology.

Justin Thompson, Senior Manager in Scotiabank’s Country Management Office told the attendees that the initiative was funded through Scotia Rise programme at a cost of GY$3.875,000. He said his bank is happy to invest in the development of the young people of Guyana and that it’s committed to the promotion of economic resilience and increased access to opportunities to create a more inclusive world.

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The two main opposition parties that make up the parliamentary opposition recently held congresses where members were elected to lead the party into the 2025 national elections.

Though the changes were merely rotational, both the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) elected only Afro-Guyanese to the top posts, and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo Thursday raised concerns over the developments.

Responding to a question at his press conference, Jagdeo said the “all black leadership” occupying the five top posts in the PNC and similarly the top three posts in the AFC are nothing short of racist cabals.

He said the appeal is clearly to one race and he is not sure if persons of mixed or any other race may feel comfortable in the party. He said ordinary Afro-Guyanese who support these parties can also expect to be shelved.

“Which Guyanese would want to go into that party… you wouldn’t get help if you were an ordinary Guyanese

“Mixed people and those of other races don’t have a place there. It’s ridiculous… racist cabals now control and it is not a good thing for people with where the country is going,” Jagdeo said while reminding that ordinary Guyanese were forgotten when the PNC and the AFC were in government as a coalition.

“They have given up all the pretense that they have… to work across the board and work for Guyana.

“Look at what happened when they were in government for people in Linden,” Jagdeo said as he sought to remind of the neglect meted out to persons in the very strongholds of the party.

The Vice President said those who have misgivings about the recent developments are right because the parties no longer stand out at multi-ethnic.

“I doubt whether even Afro-Guyanese can find a comfortable place in the party… they have demonstrated that even ordinary Afro-Guyanese cannot get any help from them.”

In the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton was returned as Leader, Shurwayne Holder as Chairperson, and Elizabeth Williams-Niles and Vinceroy Jordan as Vice-Chairperson. Elson Low was elected as the new Treasurer.

In the AFC, Nigel  Hughes elected the new Leader while the Chairman of the Party is now David Patterson with Michael Carrington is the new Vice Chair and Raphael Trotman is the General Secretary.

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See below the full statement issued:

Marlon Jacobs, an entertainment visionary hailing from Guyana, has unveiled his latest project: NOMADS, a vibrant and eclectic carnival band set to make its inaugural debut at the 2024 Labor Day Parade in Brooklyn, New York. This launch marks a groundbreaking moment for Guyanese culture and carnival enthusiasts worldwide.

NOMADS truly embodies the spirit of carnival, showcasing the ultimate collaborative effort to create an unforgettable experience. According to NOMADS, regardless of your origin, this band will evoke a sense of nostalgia akin to parading with a band from your hometown. The diverse group of individuals is a testament to the idea that carnival celebrations can take place anywhere, uniting people from all walks of life to share and experience the spirit of carnival.

Marlon Jacobs

“NOMADS is about more than just a parade; it’s about bringing people together, celebrating our diverse backgrounds, and creating a shared revelry experience that resonates deeply with our masqueraders,” said Marlon Jacobs. “I invite everyone to join us and be part of this incredible journey, and showcase vibes, the Guyanese way!”

The NOMADS band invites carnival enthusiasts to sign up and be part of this historic debut!

Participants can expect an extraordinary array of costumes, music, and camaraderie that will make the 2024 Labor Day Parade an unforgettable experience.

For more information and to register for the Nomads carnival band, please visit the website www.freedomfamilyent.com or contact Marlon Jacobs on (646) 266-0399.

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Two ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were arrested by Police at about 03:45 hrs Thursday morning. The arrests came after their vehicle was intercepted and searched, and they were found to have 22 bulky bags containing 154 lbs of marijuana.

The two GDF ranks were nabbed during a joint intelligence-led Police operation conducted by ranks from Special Branch and Regional Division 4’B’.

The two ranks were in a motor vehicle (DFB 1786) belonging to the Guyana Defence Force. The vehicle was driven at the time by a 31-year-old GDF Sergeant from Turkeyen. The other occupant of the vehicle was a 42-year-old GDF Staff Sergeant from Linden. Both men are stationed at GDF’s Camp Ayanganna Headquarters.

Police stopped the vehicle along the Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara, in the vicinity of the Prairie Hotel, and a search was conducted during which 22 bulky bags were found.

The two GDF ranks were told of the offence of trafficking in narcotics and cautioned. They were both arrested and escorted to the Regional Police Division 4’B’ Headquarters,  where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 154 lbs.

The two GDF ranks were placed in custody as investigations continue.

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