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Diamond to get $108M Early Childhood Development Centre Oct 23, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDC), Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) programme which is being implemented through the Ministry of Finance on Monday signed a $108 million contract for the construction of the Diamond Early Childhood Development Centre. Project Manager, BNTF, Karen Roopchand alongside the contractor and technical staff signing the contract for the Diamond Early Childhood Development Centre. According to a statement from the BNTF, the Guyana Government signed the $108,825,081 contract with Builders Hardware, General Supplies and Construction to build the facility. BNFT shared that according to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, countries are working towards the targets that by 2030, all girls and boys would have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education. It was noted that both the Ministries of Education and Human Services and Social Security are working towards meeting these targets through the implementation of robust programmes and also through partnerships with other agencies including BNTF. “Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a priority for the Government of Guyana and has been a key area in BNTF’s development agenda in Guyana. In fact, under the BNTF programme in Guyana, eight (8) Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs) have been constructed across Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 7 and 10 as well as an Early Childhood Centre of Excellence at the University of Guyana,” the release said. As for the facility for the East Bank of Demerara, BNTF noted that it will have classrooms tailored for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school agers with an estimated intake of 47 students. The facility will also make provision for staff and visitors and the design caters for persons with disabilities. The compound will feature sufficient space for recreational activities.  This publication understands that works on the facility are expected to begin on October 28, 2024. The Basic Needs Trust Fund is a cyclical grant funded programme by the Caribbean Development Bank that aims to reduce the incidence of poverty by targeting the cause of inequitable access to quality educational facilities for children in the early stages of their life. Guyana has benefitted from numerous projects under this programme. Related Similar Articles

CDB’s Green Climate Fund Project financing capacity increased to US$250M Oct 23, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has secured a significant upgrade to its accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), enabling the Bank to develop and deliver individual climate programmes and projects valued at as much as USD250 million (mn) up from the previous limit of USD50 mn. The substantial increase will enable CDB to implement larger, more impactful climate response initiatives in partnership with the GCF, the bank said in a press release. The GCF approved the upgrade on October 21, 2024, during its 40th Board Meeting in Songdo, Incheon, Republic of Korea. The new threshold will enable CDB to boost concessional climate finance for the Caribbean, accelerating climate action in the region. The expanded financing capacity also allows CDB to help its client countries develop larger climate change adaptation and mitigation projects, particularly in capital-intensive sectors. Additionally, CDB is now better positioned to support regional programmes, broadening its reach and achieving economies of scale. “This is a pivotal achievement for the Bank and the wider Caribbean region. Enhancing access to and scaling up climate finance is critical for our client countries as they face increasingly urgent climate challenges,” CDB’s Acting Director of Projects, Mr. L. O’Reilly Lewis, explained. “With this upgraded accreditation, CDB is now better equipped to drive the large-scale, impactful projects that will make a meaningful difference in the region’s climate resilience and sustainable development efforts.” Valerie Isaac, CDB’s Division Chief, Environmental Sustainability said, “This approval reflects a vote of confidence in CDB’s ability to deliver the types of large-scale, transformational initiatives that can bolster climate change response for the region given our extreme vulnerability. We are grateful to the GCF Secretariat, Accreditation Panel, and Board for the upgraded accreditation scope, and we look forward to working with our client countries and GCF counterparts to accelerate climate action for the Caribbean.” Related Similar Articles

 Two arrested after armed robbery of Better Hope businessman Oct 23, 2024 News …police in search of third suspect Kaieteur News – Two of three suspects have been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a 56-year-old Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) businessman on Saturday. The robbery took place at the businessman’s Ocean View Hotel. The firearms that was found on the bandits Dexter Simon Winston Harris The arrested suspects have been identified as 35-year-old Winston Harris of Lot 351 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and 38-year-old Dexter Simon of Lot 54 Russel Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. The third suspect was identified as Kevin (only name provided). The businessman and his family live in a house attached to the eastern side of the hotel. Police reported that the alleged armed robbery occurred at about 20:20h, while the victim was conducting business at the bar of his hotel. Three unmasked suspects all armed with handguns pounced on the businessman and walked him “from the bar towards his dwelling house while holding him at gunpoint and started demanding money and jewellery.” The bandits ransacked the businessman’s home in search of money and jewellery. Due to the non-cooperation of the victim, one of the bandits became angry and shot him to his abdomen. “After that, they successfully escaped on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash and jewellery,” police said in the report. Meanwhile, Police said that after receiving a report about the armed robbery ventured to Industry, ECD at about 21:00h where two of the suspects were apprehended. A search was conducted on Simon, where ranks found a black haversack containing a .32 revolver with no serial number, along with five matching live rounds, and with two Samsung cellphones and a toy gun. Further, Kevin was pursued by police in the vicinity of Ogle Old Road, ECD. During the chase, he dropped a .38 black revolver bearing serial number H256989 and made good his escape. Two live rounds and two spent shells were also found. Police reported, “None of the stolen loot (cash and jewellery) was found.” Nevertheless, the businessman was rushed to a private city hospital, where he was admitted as a patient. His condition is stable. Investigations are ongoing.   Related Similar Articles

Fire of unknown origin guts Goed Fortuin, WBD house Oct 23, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Fire of unknown origin destroyed a two-storey house at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Monday night, leaving two homeless. A screenshot of a video recording showing the inferno at the Good Fortune house. The aftermath of the fire The fire started at the wooden and concrete structure located at Lot 38 Old Road, Goed Fortuin, WBD at about 18:30h.  The upper and lower flats of the house were occupied by tenants. One of the tenants, 49-year-old Eric Dasrath, told Kaieteur News that he was the lone occupant at the time of the fire. The man, who is differently abled, said that after taking a shower, he heard “ruffling” noises in the upper flat of the building. “Upon investigation, I was greeted with flames because I went outside to see what was happening and well at that point, I just had to go get clothes and come out of the house,” Dasrath said. The man said that a neighbour contacted the La Grange Fire Service. Firefighters arrived at approximately 18:45hrs and were able to extinguish the fire after sometime. However, the house and all its contents were destroyed. Dasrath, a father of two, estimated his losses to be more than $3 million.  Among the destroyed items were two television sets, two microwaves, furniture, three gas bottles, a stock of cosmetic appliances, two refrigerators and other household appliances. Additionally, Dasrath told Kaieteur News that he sells food items as part of his small business but now that they were all destroyed by fire, he would be unable to earn money until he gets back on his feet. “Apart from [being] traumatized… It hasn’t kicked in as yet mainly because I didn’t have anybody living there with me, but you know every time you turn to do something you always remember, oh you had this and this is gone… It’s just memories of going back to what you had,” the man told Kaieteur News. Related Similar Articles

Faster processing expected at CJIA with eGate system by November—Ghir Oct 23, 2024 News E-gates have been installed at CJIA to streamline processing for incoming and outgoing passengers Kaieteur News – Passengers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) can soon expect significantly shorter processing times as the new automated border control system, eGates, will become operational by November. According to CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir, eGates will help manage the 18% increase in flights and streamline the processing of over 100,000 evening passengers annually. “We anticipate this process will be 25 to 30 per cent faster than the current system, allowing us to process more passengers,” Ghir stated in a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI). E-gates have been installed at CJIA to streamline processing for incoming and outgoing passengers. The eGates will allow up to six passengers to be processed simultaneously under the supervision of a single officer. Travellers opting for self-check-in will have their passports and identities verified using biometric data, such as photographs. Once verified, passengers will pass through a physical gate and proceed to customs. One major advantage of the system is its ability to use existing data, speeding up departure processing for passengers returning within a short period. “If you’re departing within a month, all the information is already in the system, making the exit process much faster,” Ghir explained. For added security, the eGates are integrated with the Global Resilient Critical Communication (GRCC) database, which works with INTERPOL to screen flagged individuals. If a passenger’s identity fails to be verified, the gate will remain closed, and the system will alert immigration officers. In addition to the eGates, an online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form will be introduced to further reduce processing times. Travellers can complete the form before arrival, and kiosks with staff support will be available for those unfamiliar with the process. These upgrades are part of the government’s initiative to create a paperless organisation and enhance CJIA’s position as a regional and international travel hub. Other improvements include enhanced CCTV systems, self-check-in kiosks, and the construction of a new inline baggage system, all aimed at boosting efficiency and supporting Guyana’s economic growth. Related Similar Articles

Free intellectual thought Oct 23, 2024 Features / Columnists, News, The GHK Lall Column Kaieteur News – The Hon. Vice President and former president, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo said it.  Therefore, Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, and former president, Hon. Sam Hinds is entitled to it.  “He has contributed enough to this country to allow him to have a free intellectual thought, wherever he believes in…but they are hounding Sam Hinds.”  The Vice President said so, not me.  “Poor Sam Hinds”, was also what the former president sneakily squeezed into his righteous indignation, with the objective of sending disagreeable Guyanese on a guilt trip.  Former presidents do have their own club, except for David Granger who is left to putter about and muddle along in isolation.  Now it’s time to get down to business. For starters, whenever Excellency Sam Hinds, former president, former Prime Minister, and current plenipotentiary meets the criterion of “poor Sam Hinds”, then Dr. Jagdeo, I am the richest man in Guyana, maybe even America.  As a little aside, that bit about “free intellectual thought” is there another kind?  Such as free visceral thought/thinking or of the physical variety?I could use the help. Second, it is thrilling that a leader of the calibre of Bart Jagdeo could be so impassioned and so invested in, and so in love with, the right of “free intellectual thought” for “poor Sam Hinds.”  But how is it that his generosity does not extend to other Guyanese who exercise their right to freedom of thought and freedom of public expression, so long as such isn’t offensive or defamatory?  While running interference for “poor Sam Hinds”, Mistah Bart Jagdeo may wish to elaborate for the edification of the Guyanese people why his own close comrades (very close) in the PPP Government and party executive have smeared and slandered other people in Guyana for utilising that same liberty.  The liberty to speak out against the wrongs that have occurred under his poor oil stewardship, his even poorer policymaking.  If Hon. Bart Jagdeo wishes some names, all he must do is ask.  To date, Excellency Hinds has been taken to task, even pilloried, but he has not been defamed or reviled.  Should Ambassador Hinds differ, I would welcome a representation from the man himself.  As another quick aside, Guyanese should note that I have Americanized “Bharat” to ‘Bart”, which is the practice of our partners, who have little patience with non-Anglo-Saxon names.  For whatever it may matter, the lore of Texas is also laced with characters who lose favour and end up being identified as Black Bart, as a sign of regard and distaste for their special prowess. Third, this issue of “free…thought” bears some additional scrutiny.  Why is that the PPP Government (previous and present) is so bent out of shape when citizens, few as they are, say that they disagrees Or that President Ali lacks the proper attire, in that it is invisiblers or that Dr. Jagdeo is a leader in name only, a man that is a shell, who is proud to be a huckster for foreign investors to the detriment of his own Brown, Black, and Bronze brothers (sisters too)?  The record is there.  Say a word that is intended to lift Guyanese and the PPP Government’s senior people (Drs. Ali and Jagdeo) swiftly remind of a rhetorical Freddy Krueger and that other grim reaper, a stalking Hannibal Lector.  Of course, the leaders limit themselves to words.  Ready and willing assistants get the message, do the heavy lifting, work overtime to prove themselves and please their masters.  In summary, there is something in the DNA of the PPP, whether as party or government, be they leaders or the cabal of losers that brownnose them, that is so insecure that there is zero tolerance for the “free…thought”, which Bart Jagdeo rhapsodizes so majestically.  Where free thought is concerned, the PPP Government simply does not have the stomach or makeup for it.  So, their people lash out, derogate and demonize.  I repeat that they are people in the bosom and comradely consideration, probably the chambers as well, of PPP leaders.  Once again, Mr. (Poor) Sam Hinds is respectfully invited to name those who were so incensed by his abject prostrations before his Causcasian neighbour in DC and the Guyana Hood, that they assaulted or attempted to assassinate him syntactically.  If Sam Hinds has been so excoriated that he is now “poor” then I am penniless. Finally, I move to close out this self-serving and somewhat sordid story from Bart Jagdeo and his operatic flourish about “poor Sam Hinds”, and “free intellectual thought” and “hounding” of the man in Washington.  It is not my duty to speak on behalf of anyone else, as I have no such cause, envision no such calling.  But I can speak for myself.  No PPP man speaks on his own, not even one as proven as Sam Hinds.  He tested the waters with Guyanese should be thankful and so forth, and when a live labaria landed on his lap, the ever politically conscious (and too clever by half) Jagdeo distances from the poor man’s representations and twists things into his “free…thought” advocacy.  His advocacy is PPP and Guyana comedy.  Separately, more than once and in more than one publication, I made the point that the AFC leader has a conflict, and he knows what he should do -the right thing only.  Unchanged and unchanging is that position.  Excellency Sam Hinds is entitled to speak.  He must always speak for Guyana, only Guyanese, which is the sole standard laid before him. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)       Related Similar Articles

Bandits snatch $200K from Chinese businesswoman Oct 23, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A 21-year-old Chinese businesswoman was allegedly robbed of some $200,000 on Monday at Chao Hui Supermarket located in Providence, East Bank Demerara. The victim only identified as Ali of Lot 3302 Providence, East Bank Demerara. Police reported that Ali was present at the Supermarket when two masked men approached her on a motorcycle and subsequently held the Sheriff Security guard at gunpoint. The bandits then allegedly took the security guard over to the cashier area where the businesswoman was standing and demanded the cash.  The victim handed over the money and the suspects made good their escape. Police are said to be currently reviewing CCTV cameras. No arrest was made as investigation continues. Related Similar Articles