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CXC launches new on-demand course for digital education practitioners Sep 05, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) has revamped its Professional Learning Institute (PLI) to provide capacity development and training for educators across the region. CXC® traditionally offers teacher orientation and training workshops to acquaint educators with its diverse qualifications, particularly the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate® (CSEC®) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination® (CAPE®) syllabuses. In a press release CXC said the training offered via the PLI is intended to be collaborative in nature where CXC® will work strategically with development partners, teacher training institutions and vocational and professional development entities. Amidst the suite of training and professional development offerings, are demand driven courses. On 3 September, CXC® launched a special course, Digital Education Practitioner (Level 1) which will be available via the CXC® Professional Learning Institute online platform, pli.cxc.org. This course was developed in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning with whom CXC® has a Memorandum of Understanding. “We are expanding confidently into new territory with the Digital Education Practitioner (Level 1) course, given our over 50 years of experience in assessment”, affirmed Dr. Eduardo Ali, the Pro- Registrar and Deputy CEO of CXC®. “With this credential, more of our Caribbean teachers can gain the competencies and confidence to deliver digital content to our students of today, in more engaging ways”, added Dr. Ali. The Digital Education Practitioner – Level 1 is an introductory asynchronous online course designed to equip educators and educational practitioners with essential digital skills and competencies necessary for effective teaching, learning and assessment in digital educational environments. The course further focuses on developing digital identities and mobilising digital resources to enhance educational practice and learning. This course will allow educators across the region to study at an affordable price, at their own pace, for the six to eight hours required to complete the course requirements. It is the first in a series of upcoming courses that the Council will deliver to aid educators in the development of their skills to enhance teaching and learning in both the physical and online space. This course is being made available to the regional Education and Training system through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth of Learning. Interested participants can register online at https://bit.ly/pli-digital-ed-1 Related Similar Articles

Days Like Dese sitcom returns to local TV Sep 05, 2024 News The cast from left-to right: Ron Robinson, Mark Kazim, Safira Abrahim-Williams, Shenadia Ferrier, Nathaya Whaul and Linden Whaul Kaieteur News – DAYS LIKE DESE – a local Guyanese sitcom returns to TV from Saturday for 13 half-hour episodes. GEMS Theatre Productions, said in a press release. GEMS Theatre in collaboration with NCN TV, will be presenting the popular TV sitcom ‘Days like Dese’, on NCN TV 11 from Saturday, September 7 at 17:00hrs with a repeat broadcast on Monday, September 9 at 09:30hrs for Season 4. Each Saturday for 13 weeks, there will be a new episode and repeated on Monday of Season 4. Seasons 1 to 3 were previously aired from 2018-2020. There was an absence of the sitcom over the COVID years. Thirty-nine (39) episodes of the sitcom previously aired are available on YouTube. Actors in Season 4 are Ron Robinson, Mark Kazim, Nathaya Whaul, Shenadia Ferrier, Linden Whaul, Safira Abrahim-Williams, Makaya Smith, Aletha Grant, Simone Dowding, Mark Luke-Edwards, Rajan Tiwari, Tieanna Jordan, Kirk Jardine, Melissa Morgan and Brandon Singh. In Season 4, we see the Rupaul family enjoy some of the recreational sights of Guyana and visit to our Ancient County. Grandpa Rue takes his adopted grandson on a tour of Georgetown to see the last sites of our garden city before it is overtaken by development.  David Rupaul is promoted and he and family moved to their own home and gets a new housekeeper. David meets up with his longtime police friend, Jack, who returns from the interior and wants to get back with his longtime girlfriend, Maybelle, who was David’s family housekeeper and who is now Grandpa Rue’s housekeeper. Jack and Maybelle lost touch with each other. David and Susan hire a new maid. Uncle Sunny gets a new ‘girlfriend’ and is seriously together into big time farming. Episode 4 examines family togetherness and good relationships between all members of a household.  The growing tension between Venezuela and Guyana and the Rupauls reaction to this situation and its effect on them and their patriotic commitment to their country are discussed throughout the sitcom. In dealing with the Venezuelan situation in the sitcom, the Rupauls aim to educate its audience and give them a clearer understanding of the situation. The sitcom is written by Kirk Jardine and Gem Madhoo and directed by Gem Madhoo-Nascimento. It has been made possible with assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, German’s Restaurant, Readymix Concrete Ltd, Sterling Products Ltd, EPA, GRA, GPL, IPED and Sankar’s Auto Works. Related Similar Articles

SBM and Food For The Poor to build new community center in Little Red Village Sep 05, 2024 News Officials at the launch of the project Kaieteur News – In a significant commitment to community development, SBM Offshore has joined forces with Food For the Poor (Guyana) to construct a new community center in Little Red Village on the Essequibo Coast. During a ceremony on August 29, SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Mr. Martin Cheong, officially pledged the company’s support for the project, reaffirming its dedication to making a positive impact on the local community. Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc. in a press release said it will act as the implementing agency for the project. The organization, known for its successful execution of community-based initiatives, will oversee the construction process and collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure the new center meets the needs of the residents. Mr. Kevin Lowe, Chairman of the Community Development Committee, expressed profound gratitude to both SBM Offshore Guyana and Food For The Poor (Guyana) during the ceremony. “This community center is more than just a building—it is a gift that will help build our lives and those of future generations,” Mr. Lowe is quoted in the press release as saying. He also urged community members to cherish and maintain the new facility. The new community center is envisioned to serve as a vital hub for various activities, including educational programs, vocational training, health and wellness workshops, and social gatherings. The center will provide a space where residents, especially youth, can come together to learn, share, and develop skills that will enhance their quality of life and promote unity within the village. Speaking at the event, Mr. Martin Cheong emphasized the importance of corporate social responsibility and SBM Offshore’s commitment to supporting local communities. “As an oil and gas company, our focus is not just on producing oil offshore. We are committed to supporting communities in Guyana, working with local organizations to effect change and positively impact communities. We are firm supporters of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which guide our social programs and projects in-country,” Mr. Cheong remarked. Andrea Benjamin, CEO of Food For The Poor (Guyana), highlighted the critical role of community infrastructure investment in fostering development, particularly in Lil’ Red Village. She provided a brief history of the village, established 15 years ago by Food For the Poor Inc. in partnership with the Region 2 Democratic Council and the Lil Red Foundation. This project aimed to provide vulnerable families with access to adequate housing, sanitation, and water, resulting in the construction of 100 homes for families from the Essequibo Coast and the Pomeroon River. Reflecting on the early days of the village, Ms. Benjamin noted the need for additional community infrastructure, including a community center, school, and store. “Given the blending of families, we knew the community center would play a vital role in enhancing social cohesion by bringing people together, addressing isolation, and strengthening community bonds,” she said. In her brief remarks Regional Chairwoman Region 2, Mrs. Vilma De Silva implored the women to take advantage of the opportunities being afforded to them via the center to ensure they build their capacities not just to be home maker but to also become independent and self-sufficient.  Regional Chairwoman to the women at the gathering to “take a page from my book it was because of going out to community training sessions and workshops it was able to start my own small business that has since grown to the extent where I am even exporting coconut water to Trinidad & Tobago”. She also left the community members with a charge of keeping the center clean and functional as it is an asset to the community not just for today but for future generations. The new 1,200-square-foot community center will be equipped with sanitary facilities, electrical wiring, and a water trestle, making it a cornerstone for the village. Construction is slated to begin between October and November 2024, with completion expected within six months. This partnership between SBM Offshore Guyana and Food For The Poor (Guyana) underscores the power of collaboration in driving sustainable community development and improving the lives of vulnerable populations. Related Similar Articles

Govt. committed to ensuring safe mining operations at Marudi – Min. Bharrat Sep 05, 2024 News Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, meeting with the Rupununi Miners Association in Marudi, Region 9 Kaieteur News – The government will continue working to ensure that mining at Marudi Mountain, Region Nine continues safely and sustainably. This is according to the Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat who was engaging the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA) at the mining site in the Rupununi District on Friday. During the meeting, miners shared their concerns, queries and comments, centred around creating an enabling environment for business operations. The minister’s visit was also prompted by concerns, regarding the impact of the operations at Marudi on nearby Amerindian communities. However, he emphasised the government’s commitment to responsible mining practices that benefit all stakeholders. Before 2020, the Marudi mining site experienced a period of closure due to environmental concerns and financial constraints.  Upon assuming office, the government facilitated the restart of small-scale mining in the area, providing necessary permits and approvals, and addressing issues related to illegal mining there. “There is no issue with mining in Marudi. The only issue we have in Marudi is that our miners need to work together, and to start cooperating with each other and to start supporting each other,” the minister asserted. He continued, “We always said that if mining is going to happen in Marudi, it must benefit everyone, including the indigenous people, including the villages in Deep South. We agreed that once we restart mining in Marudi, it will be done safely, especially, concerning the environment.” To this end, he urged the miners to take greater care to prevent waterway pollution and continue engaging with the local communities to better incorporate their feedback. Approximately 40 miners are currently involved in the operations at Marudi. In response to several other persons, the minister said that the government will examine the possibilities, keeping in mind the importance of ensuring that the activities are conducted safely. “What I can promise you is…if more women want to go and mine, then we will support it. The women who are here, if you want to form a little group, a little association, call yourself the Rupununi Women Miners Association… we may be able to assist you with land to mine but I can’t promise you that it will be Marudi,” the natural resources minister stated. Minister Bharrat emphasised the importance of mining to Guyana, noting that it is the second-highest contributor to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector employs approximately 30,000 Guyanese, and the natural resources minister explained that its lucrative nature prompted the government to restart these operations in Marudi. “Region nine needs some kind of economic activities, especially in the Deep South, but it must be done properly,” he said. He added that Region Nine is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and the mining operations at Marudi contribute significantly to the region’s economic activity, fuelling its growth. The minister also disclosed that elections for the next leadership cohort of the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA) will be held next month. Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, said that the government will also examine ways to improve gold recovery in the area. Several community leaders, including the Toshao of Aishalton Village, Timothy Williams, and Toshao Charles Simon from Awarewaunau, were also present at the meeting. Related Similar Articles

PAHO join forces to end stigma around dementia   Sep 05, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) launched the #TimeToActOnDementia campaign, a joint initiative to raise awareness about dementia and address the stigma that surrounds the condition in the region of the Americas. Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders affect an estimated 10.3 million people in the Americas and are among the leading causes of death in individuals aged 60 and older. Regrettably, persons living with these conditions are often subject to stigma and discrimination, and with the number of people living with dementia set to almost triple by 2050, now is the time to promote a better understanding of this condition. In a press release PAHO said this joint campaign aims to raise awareness by opening discussions about dementia on television, social media, newspapers and radio, and to address current perceptions and attitudes about this condition.    “We must recognize dementia as a public health priority and invest accordingly in risk reduction, the continuum of health and social care, and dementia-friendly initiatives that promote participation, safety, and inclusion for people with dementia and their carers,” PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said. A recent Lancet publication showed that up to 45% of all dementias could be delayed, slowed, or even prevented. “New treatments represent a beacon of hope, but we must also change perceptions about dementia”, ADI CEO, Paola Barbarino said. “This is equally true for healthcare practitioners, and the public. Many still wrongly believe that dementia is a normal part of aging, denying people access to a timely diagnosis, treatment, care, and support. By raising awareness and tackling stigma, we can unlock much more effective, combined treatment and care solutions for those most in need,” she added. To address the global burden of dementia, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-2025, which was formally adopted by all Member States in 2017 at the 70th World Health Assembly. The Plan outlines seven areas of action to reduce the burden of dementia, including increasing support for those caring for people with dementia, and addressing the risk factors related to dementia, including physical inactivity, obesity, and unhealthy diets, among others. The Time to Act on Dementia campaign begins on September 4 and will run throughout September and October, with Alzheimer’s Day being celebrated on September 21st. PAHO and ADI encourage governments, ministries of health, associations working on dementia, and civil society to participate in this campaign and share its messages. Dementia is not a part of normal aging, and there are ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Visit the campaign website and download the toolkit. Related Similar Articles

Ramsammy presents Letter of Credence to WTO Director General Sep 05, 2024 News Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy presenting his letter of Credence to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization Kaieteur News – Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Wednesday presented his letter of Credence to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Prior to the brief presentation of his letter of Credence, Ambassador Ramsammy conveyed Guyana’s gratitude to Dr. Ngozi and the secretariat staff for the technical capacity-building opportunities afforded to us as a small economy and the attendant challenges of human resources constraints, a press release said. He also shared that Guyana will be benefiting from training workshops on specific WTO issues scheduled for later this year, and early in 2025 in Georgetown. Ambassador Ramsammy highlighted Guyana’s regional and global leadership roles in Food and Nutrition Security, Climate and Environment Security and Energy Security. He also spoke of Guyana’s efforts to diversify its economy, and highlighted the careful efforts the country is undertaking to avoid the mistakes some countries have made in pursing an “oil” economy at the expense of a diversified economy. Dr. Ngozi lauded Guyana for the work the Government is doing in food and nutrition security, particularly helping in the reduction of CARICOM’s food import bill by 11 per cent to date, which forms part of the initiative to reduce CARICOM’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025 (25 by 25 initiative). Both sides reiterated the importance of digital trade and further development of the services sector, as digitally delivered service is the future of trade. Guyana has been a WTO member since 1 January 1995 and a member of GATT since 5 July 1966. Guyana remains supportive of the work of the WTO and the multilateral trading system, believing in an equitable and transparent system. Thus, we take our role as the CARICOM Ministerial Spokesperson on WTO matters very seriously. Ambassador Ramsammy was accompanied by Mr. Colin Luckie, First Secretary, Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the WTO. Related Similar Articles

GPHC vascular surgery team performs emergency repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm Sep 05, 2024 News The patient surrounded by doctors following the successful surgery Kaieteur News – The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) said on July 10, 2024, its Vascular Department successfully performed an emergency repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) – a historic achievement for the Vascular Surgery team and the hospital. This is only the third successful surgery of its kind in the history of Guyana, underscoring both the rarity and the expertise involved in such high-risk procedures, the GPHC said. An aneurysm is a localised enlargement or bulging of a blood vessel, most commonly an artery, due to a weakness in the vessel wall. When this occurs in the aorta – the largest artery in the body, responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body – it becomes particularly concerning. A ruptured AAA has a 65% mortality rate before the patient even reaches the hospital, and for those who survive the journey, the survival rate drops by 1% per minute. Even among those who make it to the operating room, only 50% typically survive. These daunting statistics highlight the extraordinary nature of the recent achievements at GPHC, where the Vascular Surgery team, under the leadership of Consultant Vascular Surgeon Dr. Carlos Martin, has successfully performed life-saving surgeries on three patients with ruptured AAAs over the past three years. This accomplishment is a testament not only to the team’s exceptional surgical skills but also to the hospital’s efficient emergency response system and the dedication of its clinical staff. Dr. Martin emphasized that before 2021, patients in Guyana suffering from ruptured aortic aneurysms were only offered palliative care, as this complex intervention was not available locally. A major investment in specialized supplies for these procedures was made by the hospital’s administration, enabling these life-saving surgeries to be performed. The most recent case involved a 56-year-old man who was transported from the interior region of Guyana to GPHC’s Accident & Emergency Department, where he was resuscitated and stabilized. The patient presented with a haemoglobin level of 7g/dl and had lost 5 litres of blood. During the emergency surgery, a large infra-renal aortic and common iliac artery aneurysm with free rupture was encountered. The surgery, which lasted 8 hours, was a success, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the surgical and clinical teams. Dr. Martin expressed his gratitude to the hospital’s administration and the clinical teams for their critical roles in the management of this patient, emphasizing that the success of such a challenging case required seamless teamwork. The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation remains committed to advancing healthcare in Guyana and providing life-saving medical interventions to all in need. This landmark achievement by the Vascular Surgery team is a reflection of GPHC’s ongoing efforts to elevate the standards of care in the region. Related Similar Articles