Yearly Archives: 2024

GTA showcases destination at Caribbean Media Marketplace in New York Jun 24, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) recently participated in the Media Marketplace during Caribbean Week in New York, demonstrating its commitment to promoting Guyana as a premier travel destination. Representing Guyana at the event was Christina Koontz from CornerSun Destination Marketing, one of Destination Guyana’s North American Marketing Representatives.  The Media Marketplace, a highlight of the week-long celebration of Caribbean tourism, took place on June 17, 2024, at the InterContinental New York Times Square. The Media Marketplace event serves as a vital platform for networking with leading voices, experts, and stakeholders from across the Caribbean tourism industry. This year’s event brought together media professionals, travel writers, influencers, and tourism officials, providing an opportunity to showcase Guyana’s unique offerings. In a press release, the GTA said that Ms. Koontz highlighted the significance of participating in such a prestigious forum. She expressed that “The Media Marketplace provided an exceptional platform for us to share Guyana’s rich culture, vibrant heritage, and unparalleled natural beauty with influential media and travel professionals. We are excited about the prospects this exposure brings for our destination.” Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, emphasised the importance of these engagements in promoting Guyana on the international stage. “Our participation in the Media Marketplace at Caribbean Week in New York is a testament to our ongoing efforts to position Guyana as a top travel destination. By engaging with key media outlets and industry professionals, we are ensuring that Guyana’s tourism potential is recognised and appreciated globally,” Baksh stated. The event featured prominent media publications, including Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Essence Magazine. As a Gold level exhibitor, the GTA had the opportunity to conduct multiple meetings with these influential outlets, fostering valuable connections and enhancing Guyana’s visibility in the competitive tourism landscape. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), organiser of Caribbean Week in New York and its signature Media Marketplace event, is dedicated to positioning the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination. The CTO’s mission aligns with the GTA’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism and showcase Guyana’s unique attractions to a global audience. The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is the official tourism agency responsible for promoting Guyana as a premier travel destination. With a focus on sustainable tourism development, the GTA works to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and unique attractions to travellers worldwide. Related Similar Articles

TIGI stresses bipartisan cooperation to tackle corruption Jun 24, 2024 News – says recent sanctions on Mohameds, Mae Thomas tip of the iceberg In the wake of the recent US Treasury Department sanctions on the Mohamed family and government official, Mae Thomas, Mike Singh, the President of the Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated has called on the government, opposition and other political actors to put their own egos and agendas aside and collaborate to rid the nation of the widespread corruption that plagues it. Kaieteur News – Allegedly, the Mohameds under declared their gold exports in order to avoid paying about USD $50M in taxes to Guyana, and, according to the US Department of the Treasury press release, “to conceal their illegal activity and operate with impunity, Azruddin and Mohamed’s Enterprise have engaged in extensive bribery schemes involving government officials in Guyana.” These recent developments have inspired questions and concerns about corruption in the government and its agencies, the relationship and level of trust between the United States’ and Guyana’s governments, and many others. Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, recently said in a press release that the US agents that had informed him and his ministry of a gold smuggling racket in 2015, very early in the coalition government’s term, had only then been authorized to share the information “because in the past, there were serious concerns about confidences being kept and sensitive investigations being compromised by government of Guyana officials.” In a response to Trotman, the Ministry of Natural Resources criticized the APNU/AFC coalition government’s handling of the gold smuggling issue and questioned his claims that it launched its own anti-smuggling operation after being briefed by US law enforcement agents. “If, indeed, these former senior government officials were made aware of the severity of the issue, then they should be held accountable,” the ministry said in its statement.  Responding to Trotman’s accusation that the current administration shut down the abovementioned operation days after taking office, the ministry said, “For the public record, no such operations/investigation were discovered at the Office of the President in August 2020 and logically there was no “shut down” of any such operation within five days of the Government taking office three and a half years ago, or at all.” Asked to weigh in on the sanction against t6he Mohameds, the TIGI President said: “what has happened with the Mohameds maybe is the tip of the iceberg, and it’s not them alone, there are many bad actors. So it’s just that they [the Mohameds] are exposed, they’re being made the sacrificial lamb for one reason or the other, but it’s not them alone, it’s a whole society of rottenness, and to fix that problem, they [the political class] have to find the political will to do the right thing, not some of the time, but all of the time. Guyana is not the exclusive domain of the PNC or the PPP or the AFC, it’s for all Guyanese, and unless we can, as I have said before, leave the past behind, join ranks and work together… I’ll echo the sentiments of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “We must all learn to live and work together, or suffer together and perish as fools.” Change in political culture Singh underscored the necessity of a change in Guyana’s political culture if the nation is to rid itself of the corruption that has plagued it for some decades. There must be drastic improvement in terms of accountability, the rule of law, transparency and good governance. “These are the basic parameters for disciplined approach to fiscal responsibility, national development, and development must be inclusive to all,” he said. It is worth noting that the US Treasury Department’s press release said “to conceal their illegal activity and operate with impunity, Azruddin and Mohamed’s Enterprise have engaged in extensive bribery schemes involving government officials in Guyana.”  The report proceeded to say that Thomas is “one such official,” which implies that the corruption runs deeper than just the former Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs (during the investigation period) and Labour ministries. Mae is also a former member of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Central Committee. Due to this, many Guyanese fear that more sanctions could be on the way. On this Singh said, “I will tell you; all things are possible. I don’t have any finite proof if they [the United States government] are going to implement sanctions against any other members of the regime but all things are possible, you have to follow the smoking gun, you have to connect the dots, and I think they’re able to connect the dots. I don’t think people act in isolation; they could act in isolation but I don’t know what political powers she [Mae Thomas] had; I don’t know what administrative powers she had to act… we have to stay tuned. I think that this is just the tip of the iceberg, in my humble opinion and there could be many more [sanctions] to come but who, when, where, why, what, I don’t know. I’m scanning the headlines like the average Guyanese.” There is widespread concern about the effects that the sanctions could have on Guyana’s economic interests, considering that the Mohameds are prominent figures in the Guyanese business arena, and that the nation’s development hinges somewhat on foreign investment. “It’s not a positive development for the country or its investment framework, you know if someone wants to invest and they do their due diligence in Guyana, they’ll say ‘what the hell is happening in here’,” said Singh. Nevertheless, Guyanese should certainly keep their eyes and ears focused on this matter, as it will undoubtedly have major ripple effects both in Guyana and internationally. Related Similar Articles

NDIA to rehabilitate 63 sluices nationwide– Min. Mustapha Jun 24, 2024 News Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha inspecting a drainage pump Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Agriculture through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will soon commence major rehabilitation work on sixty-three (63) sluices across Guyana’s coast. This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar during a community meeting at Korthberaadt Village on the East Bank of Berbice, the ministry said in a press release. Minister Mustapha told residents that approximately US$40M will be expended to rehabilitate the structures in keeping with the government’s flood risk management efforts. “We have a programme with the World Bank that will see sixty-three sluices across the country being rehabilitated. That project will commence shortly. The project sum is about US$40 million and the procurement process is expected to commence in July. There are a number of sluices in Black Bush Polder that will be rehabilitated as part of that project, one being the Pepper Sluice at Cumberland. That is a major drainage area. Sluices in New Amsterdam, Corentyne, and across the Coast will also undergo rehabilitation work. We will also be acquiring dredges to clear outfalls,” he explained. While responding to issues about drainage Minister Mustapha told residents that the government was working to ensure that citizens receive maximum benefit from the resources being made available.  He also said that rehabilitation works on the Korthberaadt crown dam are ongoing. “We will continue to make the interventions and make the resources available. For 40 years no work was done on the crown dam. We are now doing that. As soon as we get a break in the weather again well continue those works,” he added. Meanwhile, during a site visit to the pump station at Adventure on the Corentyne Coast, Minister Mustapha disclosed that the pump station will be commissioned in the coming weeks. He said that approximately $448M was expended to construct the pump station which is outfitted with two large pumps with the capacity to drain 300 cu sec per minute. The minister also met with farmers and residents from #52- #74 Villages. During that meeting, he said that works have commenced on the internal drainage channels for the Hope-like canal on the Corentyne Coast. “We are doing a massive drainage system across the country. Works have commenced with the high-level Hope-like canal in the # 51 – # 52 Village area. The embankment from #66 to Canje has started and very shortly the second phase of the project from Lancaster will be awarded so that the entire project can move forward,” Minister Mustapha said. He also told the farmers that clearing and maintenance work would be done on several canals in the region. He noted that most of those canals were cleared but no maintenance was done and that the NDIA is in the process of developing a maintenance programme to ensure those canals are properly maintained.  Minister Mustapha also met with farmers from Lesbeholden and disclosed that the seed paddy facility is expected to become operable in the coming months. He said that once the facility is operable, it will have the capacity to produce 6,000 bags of seed paddy per crop. Related Similar Articles

Rotary Club of Georgetown appoints new board of directors Jun 24, 2024 News The New Board of Directors Kaieteur News – The Rotary Club of Garden City has announced the appointment of its new board for the 2024-2025 year. The officers were officially commissioned at the club’s Handing Over Ceremony held on Sunday at Olympic House. The ceremony witnessed the transition of leadership as the outgoing board, led by President Alvina Rambarran, handed over the responsibilities to the incoming board. The event was attended by esteemed Rotarians, and guests who gathered to celebrate the club’s achievements and to welcome the new leadership team. The newly appointed board members for the 2024-2025 year are as follows: President: Melissa De Santos President Elect: Risa De Santos Vice President: Pearson Burch-Smith Secretary: Erwin Chapman Treasurer: Onieca Dennis Directors: Club Administration: Ronald Burch-Smith Rotary Foundation: Ariane Mangar Public Image: Natasha Backer Service Projects: Cindy Maloney Membership: Schemel Patrick Youth Development: Mischka White Executive Secretary: Lisa Foster Environmental Officer: Ladonna Kissoon Club Learning Facilitator: Arron Fraser Sergeant at arms: Roger Harper In her acceptance speech, incoming President, Melissa De Santos expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and emphasised the club’s ongoing dedication to service above self, a press release from the club stated. “I am honoured to lead this dynamic and passionate group of Rotarians. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact in our community and beyond, upholding the values and mission of Rotary.” Outgoing President Alvina reflected on the accomplishments of the past year and extended best wishes to the new board. “It has been a privilege to serve as President, it was truly a rewarding year, filled with lots of learning. I am confident that the new board will lead with vision and determination, building on our successes and tackling new challenges with enthusiasm.” She acknowledged her directors and members who contributed to making her year a very successful one. The club was able to achieve all of the Rotary International and District 7030 goals; the latter enabled the Club to receive the District 7030 Titanium Award for its excellent work. Assistant Governor, Elizabeth Cox, also spoke at the event thanking the outgoing President and congratulating the incoming President and her Board of Directors. The Rotary Club of Garden City – Georgetown is in its 4th year of existence, with numerous projects under its belt focused on safeguarding the environment, education, and mental health. Under the leadership of the new board, the club aims to expand its outreach and implement innovative programs that address current community needs. The Handing Over Ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to Rotary’s core principles of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. The Rotary Club of Garden City – Georgetown looks forward to another year of meaningful contributions and impactful initiatives. Related Similar Articles

$56M Canefield Health Centre commissioned Jun 24, 2024 News The $56 million health centre commissioned at Canefield, Canje, Region Six. (Photo courtesy, RDC, Region 6) Kaieteur News – Ensuring the residents of Canefield in Canje, Region Six have access to quality healthcare services, the Ministry of Health on Saturday commissioned a new $56 million health centre in the area. Officially opening the building was Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony who was joined by Director General at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo; Region Six Chairman, David Armogan; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Narindra Persaud; and Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Vishalya Sharma. Kaieteur News understands that the health centre is equipped with medical supplies and equipment and is staffed with adequate human resources to provide primary healthcare services to residents. On Saturday, the Ministry reported that Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony at the commissioning ceremony said the opening of the Health Centre is part of the government’s initiative to transform the health system into a world-class healthcare system in Guyana. Dr. Anthony elaborated that the Ministry has since identified there are 115 different interventions at a health centre level, hence the Ministry continues to expand its efforts to train staff to provide this level of care. “One of the things we have been able to do over the past two years is determine what level of intervention a health centre must have. We have decided that we must provide at least 115 interventions at a health centre level, and therefore these staff must be trained to provide these interventions,” he stated. Additionally, the minister took the opportunity to inform the community of the newly launched eye testing and spectacles programme and the cervical cancer screening programme and informed them to visit the health centre to uplift their vouchers and take advantage of this opportunity to be screened early. Meanwhile, in her brief remarks, RHO, Dr. Vishalya Sharma, reminded those gathered that quality healthcare services are essential to tackling illnesses and diseases. “We can only tackle our disease trend, our disease prevalence, by strengthening our primary healthcare aspect,” she said. In a Department of Public Information (DPI) article, the minister at an event on Tuesday said that the ministry has embarked on building several health centres across the country, and this aims to decentralise and expand the range of public healthcare services provided to citizens. “As we build out these facilities, the idea is to have the hospitals but around them, we want to have health centres and health posts. And we want the health posts to be able to deliver a certain level of services,” the minister was quoted in the article. This year, to continue enhancing healthcare services and infrastructures, the ministry was allocated $110 billion from the national budget to do so. Related Similar Articles

South Africa advance to semis after nail-biting win – Shamsi named Man-of-the-match Jun 24, 2024 Sports 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup… Kaieteur Sports – It was a thrilling encounter that ended in South Africa toppling West Indies by 3 wickets in their tense battle for a spot in the semis following the battle at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua. Rovman Powell and Roston Chase celebrate a wicket (Associated Press) Roston Chase and Kyle Mayers forged a strong partnership for West Indies (AFP/Getty Images) Batting first, Windies had hiccups on their way to 135-8 in 20 overs. All-rounder Roston Chase kept their innings together with a classy 52 off 42 (3×4 2×6). Left-handed opener Kyle Mayers playing his first game, scored 35 with two sixes and three fours. Andre Russell (15) and Alzarri Joseph (11) tried to sign off the innings on a good note. Leg-spinner Taibraz Shamsi spun webs around the West Indies players, returning figures of  3-27; while 4 others returned a wicket each. The Proteas in reply made 124-7 in 16.1 overs after the revised score. Tristan Stubb’s hit four fours in his 29 while Heinrich Klassen (22) and captain Aiden Makaram (18) and opener Quinton DeKock (12). Bowling for the Caribbean side proved valuable in the end for pacers Russell (2-19) and Alzarri Joseph (2-25) supporting the off-spinner Chase who bagged 3-12. Rain, coupled with solid bowling failed to keep West Indies in the game, as Marco Jansen proved the hero with his 21 not out and six to seal the game, got his team home in the last over. South Africa got their innings going by removing the dangerous duo of Shai Hope (0) and Nicholas Pooran (1). But Mayers and Chase took the score from 5-2 to 70-2 at the halfway mark, as both batsmen found the occasional boundary during their resurgent half-century stand. When the pair was dismissed, just Russell and a few timely strikes from the tail, helped propel the West Indies to a decent total. Related Similar Articles

Black Bush Polder pump station now operable -Agri Minister Jun 24, 2024 News Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha during the outreach on Saturday. Kaieteur News – The pump station located at Adventure, Black Bush Polder is now operable, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed on Saturday while speaking to the media and residents of the area. “From now on, if there is any heavy rainfall and excessive water in Black Bush Polder, the pump will become operable to drain the area. So, like I said, this pump is completed, we will commission it shortly,” the Agriculture Minister said. Another pump station will be commissioned soon in Region Three at Vergenoegen, which is one of the 12 pump stations the government committed to build countrywide. Mustapha explained that there were other projects of the same nature between 70% to 80% completion and he is hoping that they will be completed shortly to be commissioned. “Now there are a number of contractors who are delinquent. The President at his press conference spoke about it, we have already started liquidated damages on those contracts and I am hoping that those contractors will complete shortly so we can commission those pump stations,” the minister added. This publication previously reported that heavy rain had severely damaged crops at Black Bush Polder and other nearby communities, particularly Lesbeholden. Apart from the rainfall, a lack of effective drainage mechanisms had amplified what should have been a typical, seasonal spell of inclement weather, residents had said. Related Similar Articles