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“Demand for diamonds declining” – Natural Resources Minister says world turning towards artificial jewellery Oct 14, 2024 News By: Davina Bagot Kaieteur News – The world is losing its interest in diamonds and is leaning more towards artificial jewellery. This is the summary of an explanation provided by the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, who was asked if the government of Guyana was concerned about the tumbling diamond declarations recorded over the past three years. Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat The government’s 2024 Mid-Year Report indicated that the sector declined by some 23.9% during the first six months of 2023. In a more detailed report, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) revealed that in the first half of 2022, some 49,016 metric tonnes (mt) of diamond were declared, followed by 38,608 mt during the same period in 2023 and 29,387 mt this year. Minister Bharrat at the sidelines of Parliament on Friday was asked whether government launched a similar investigation into the low diamond declarations, as it did for the gold sub-sector. He however explained, “If you are following what is happening on the World market, it’s not only Guyana, the diamond trade has suffered worldwide- like manganese- it has suffered worldwide. The world market price is very low and as an indication of that you will realize that not much of our miners now are into diamond mining.” Bharrat added, “…and mainly too because of the ‘lab diamonds’ that are being created by many other countries around the world. There are so many other forms- I don’t want to say minerals, but elements that are being used as jewellery to replace diamonds that it has created a kind of unfair competition, because at the end of the day it’s not real but generally on the world market there is a problem. It’s not only Guyana.” When asked if the decline was a major concern to government given the trend globally, the Minister said there was no abundance of diamond miners.  He also told this newspaper that there are no indications that smuggling of diamonds is ongoing. “We have no such report of it but it cannot be ruled out. We are looking at the situation but for a number of years now it has been on the decline so I don’t think it’s a major concern,” Bharrat noted. He said a lot of focus is on gold presently as this sector provides employment for a large number of Guyanese. Additionally, he pointed out that the demand for that commodity remains high on the global market. Like diamonds, gold too has suffered declines at the mid-year mark over the last three years. According to Central Bank’s 2024 Half-Year Report at June 2022 gold declarations were 236,728 ounces, followed by 209,756 ounces in 2023. This year, the declarations during the first six months of the year fell further to 188,160 ounces. Related Similar Articles

GO-Invest expands export promotion – Ramsaroop   Oct 14, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Guyana Office for Investment is playing a vital role in promoting the export of locally manufactured Guyanese products. The agency has recently expanded its services, notably establishing a “Technical Trade Department and Expanded Promotion Division” to help local producers increase their product visibility and access new export markets. A key part of this initiative is the sponsorship of the “Made in Guyana” certification to small businesses, aimed at raising the quality and international appeal of Guyanese products. In a press release the agency said this proactive strategy stems from insights gathered at local and international trade expositions, where the “Brand Guyana” imitative received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Dr. Ramsaroop, Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, stated that the expanded department will focus on market intelligence and research, aligning with the agency’s goal of becoming data-driven and research-oriented while the promotion arm markets our local products internationally. According to GO-Invest this initiative collaborates with the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, Bureau of Standards, GMSA, Caribbean Export and other organisations. Furthermore, the agency is working with the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) and the Caribbean Export team to enhance its data management analytics, and research capabilities. The Caribbean Export Agency is also collaborating with the Agency to support trade facilitation, investment packaging, and exporter development programmes. Over the past four years, the agency has successfully helped around 137 local companies enter export markets and connected 112 businesses with overseas buyers. A notable success was therecent export of Savannah Milk, produced by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), to Barbados during a milk shortage, which was well-received by consumers. This highlights the importance of regional economic cooperation. “We are proud to be part of this partnership, which demonstrates the value of regional collaboration to support each other’s economies,” Dr. Ramsaroop said, emphasising the strengthening of ties between Guyana and Barbados through export partnerships. The agency has also been working closely with logistics providers such as Suriname Airways and Tropical Shipping to secure affordable freight rates, helping local products remain competitive in regional and international markets. Companies like Comfort Sleep, SS NaturalFlavours, and Only Coconuts have successfully entered Caribbean markets through these efforts. In addition to export facilitation, the agency has supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with labeling, packaging guidance, export readiness training, and trade facilitation. Many of these businesses have participated in overseas exhibitions led by the Agency, such as Agro-Fest in Barbados, SIAL in Canada, the China International Import Expo, and LAC Flavours in Brazil and Panama, receiving positive reviews and even selling out their products.Domestically, the Agency has been active in regional investment conferences and trade expos, including the Rupununi, Essequibo, and Berbice Expos. At the Essequibo Expo, the agency sponsored five producers from Region Two to obtain the “Made in Guyana” certification, a notable achievement that enhances their global marketability. A similar initiative is planned for the Berbice Expo, where five more producers will receive certification support. The Agency work aligns with Guyana’s broader economic vision, supporting diverse sectorssuch as energy and manufacturing, all bolstered by a favorable investment climate and strong government policies. Guyana’s economic growth has been remarkable, with export earnings exceeding US$10 billion in the first half of 2024. This continues a trend of rising export revenues, which surged from US$4 billion in 2021 to US$13 billion in 2023. By the end of the year, the manufacturing sector, including agro-processing, is expected to grow by 14.5%, cementing Guyana’s position as a regional economic leader. The resilience of the country’s non-oil exports, particularly in agriculture—which accounted for 21% of non-oil exports in the first half of 2024, up from 19% in 2023—further underscores thisprogress. Manufacturing, driven by gains in “other manufacturing” and rice production, is estimated to have grown by 27.5% during this period. Dr. Ramsaroop noted that these figures highlight Guyana’s ability to maintain its traditional sectors while modernising our diversified economy, positioning the nation as a regionalpowerhouse. Related Similar Articles

Guyana zoo to be rebuilt to international standards – Pres. Ali Oct 14, 2024 News The Guyana Zoological Park has been a sorry state for years Kaieteur News – President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali last Thursday announced that the national zoo will be rebuilt to match international standards, as part of efforts to expand green spaces in the capital city. The president made the announcement during a special sitting of the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, explaining that these measures fall under the comprehensive Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS2030). As part of this strategy, the government is focusing heavily on environmental enhancement, natural beautification, and other projects that aim to enhance rural and urban life. “[This includes] the building out of parks, creation of centres of wellness, safe and open space for family, the elderly [and] children,” President Ali noted. He said the government is also launching a project that will see the enhancement of the Botanical Gardens. These endeavours will be led by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. Aside from this, the government is also forging a model for the restoration of Georgetown to the distinction as the ‘Garden City’, in partnership with the King’s Foundation. “We are now rebuilding a model that will retrace, recreate, and enhance the cultural heritage of our city, Georgetown, building out a new green work path, cycling lane, areas of heritage and culture, areas of history. These are all part of building a beautiful Guyana, a new Guyana, in which we must take pride, in which ownership, ownership right, must be an important part of what makes us Guyanese,” the head of state said. Providing further details on the zoo enhancement project, Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Bharrat Jagdeo explained that the government is contemplating a series of enhancements to create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for patrons. The government is still open to facilitating the establishment of a safari-type zoo model, which, Dr. Jagdeo explained would be a private sector undertaking.  “We believe that in Guyana, we can be a big market for the Caribbean who can come to Guyana for eco-tourism, because they may have the sun, sand, and sea kind of tourism, but they have never been down these huge rivers…so we believe that they will be blown away by a product that markets our hinterland,” he explained during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday. He admitted that the national zoo, however, has been languishing for some time. The GS outlined plans for an expansion of the zoo to include more interactive spaces. This expansion is likely to happen on the eastern end of the Botanical Gardens, in the vicinity of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. “We can take part of it, without spoiling the gardens. We are thinking about a zoo there, more animals in it, maybe a small tram car to move the kids around,” he said. This new area will also include a learning centre to provide hands-on experiences for children to explore the zoo’s flora and fauna in a classroom setting. Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that the aim is to make the entire area family-friendly, with aesthetic amenities such as green spaces and recreational areas, all without disturbing the habitat. “It’s a concept that we are looking at that will give our children more opportunities to be exposed to animals…that is what we are thinking about in a nutshell,” Jagdeo continued, “We will still do the prospectus for a safari-type zoo, but we want that done by the private sector mainly, because we think it would improve the attractions that we have here.” (DPI) Related Similar Articles

Guyana will host a successful 2024 CAC – GBBFF President Oct 14, 2024 Sports Kaieteur Sports –  President of the Guyana Body Building & Fitness Federation (GBBFF) Keavon Bess speaking recently expressed confidence that Guyana will successfully host the Central American & Caribbean (CAC) Championships slated to be staged this weekend, at the National Cultural Centre. GBBFF President, Keavon Bess Bess in an interview said, “all the pillars to make CAC a resounding success are in place and its now time to focus on ensuring that the pillars work efficiently and cohesively”. He opined that once they can maintain their focus on the task at hand, then CAC 2024 would be a national success. “The next few days will be used to fine tune, cross check, review and testing and we know that sleepless nights will become the norm, but it’s all for the success of the sport and for the display of Guyana’s ability to host different sports and events,” Bess pointed out. He revealed that athletes and delegations are scheduled to begin arriving from today and they will be present for weigh-in and measurements on Friday. The GBBFF Head also took the time to welcome two additional sponsors in Bounty Farms Ltd. and Andrews Supermarket and they join the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, the National Sports Commission, Guyana Olympic Association, Twins Manufacturing, Fitness Express, Camille’s Academy and Republic Bank (Guyana) among others. Related Similar Articles

$127M worth of heavy-duty machinery handed over to MMA, Reg. 6 officials Oct 14, 2024 News – young females from BIT skills training programme hired as operators Two of the mini excavators Kaieteur News – Farmers and residents from areas within the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA) Scheme, West Coast Berbice as well as those residing in Black Bush Polder, Talorgie and other surrounding communities on the Corentyne Coast will now benefit from further improvements to their drainage systems following the addition of approximately $127 million worth of heavy-duty machinery. The long boom excavator that was handed over Through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Agriculture Sector Development Unit’s (ASDU) Flood Risk Management Project (FRMP), seven excavators; six mini excavators, and one long boom excavator; were procured through funding from the World Bank and added to the MMA’s and Region Six’s fleet of machinery, the ministry said in a press release. Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha while offering remarks at the handing over exercise at the MMA’s Onverwagt office said the two additional excavators being added to MMA’s fleet will be used to carry out the desilting of internal drainage systems in the MMA scheme. “Today, we’ll be handing over two brand new mini excavators to the MMA to further assist with improving drainage in the scheme. These machines will be used to desilt internal and interlocking drains within the housing areas,” the minister explained according to the press release. Furthermore, Minister Mustapha disclosed that two young females who benefited from skills training offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) were hired by the MMA to operate the excavators. “Here we have two young women who benefited from the BIT training and are now operators. They were hired and will be the ones operating these machines. As a government, we believe in empowering young people. These young women took the opportunity and are now certified excavator operators. More young people should take up these opportunities. Get enrolled in these courses being offered by the Board of Industrial Training so that you too can be gainfully employed,” Minister Mustapha added. Venita Chatergoon, 27, who resides at Number Five Village, West Boast Berbice said she was previously employed as a security officer. She said when she heard about the BIT programme, she enrolled and was able to benefit from the much-needed skills training. Meanwhile, Divya Ragbir, 22 said she was elated to be gainfully employed after recently becoming a certified excavator operator and thanked the government for creating avenues for young people to receive critical skills training. As is the case with the Agriculture Innovative Entrepreneurial Programme (AIEP), the BITis a government initiative offering specialized courses to empower young people through skills training thus enabling them to be gainfully employed while also promoting entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, at Black Bush Polder, while handing over two mini excavators to the Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC), Minister Mustapha said that the new equipment will be permanently stationed in the polders to carry out drainage works in the residential areas. He also said that oftentimes machinery is sent to do work following commitments made by officials. Those works, he added, are sometimes incomplete, and the machines are sent to other areas to carry out other works. He also told those in attendance that each excavator would service two polders. During a meeting at Talorgie, Minister Mustapha while handing over two mini excavators and a long boom excavator said that the two mini excavators will be used to carry out critical drainage works in the residential areas. In contrast, the long boom excavator will be used to clear canals and carry out other drainage works in the cultivation areas. He also said that a work programme will be developed to guide the works and that critical works will be prioritized. Desilting and other drainage works are expected to commence in the coming week. Minister Mustapha also encouraged the regional officials to engage the Ministry of Labour so that more young female operators who benefited from skills training offered by BIT could be hired. Related Similar Articles

New batch of apprentices join the Republic Bank Oct 14, 2024 News New Batch of Apprentices with Senior Management of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited Kaieteur News – Twenty-six high school graduates commenced their seven-month Apprenticeship with Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited. The launch ceremony was held at Republic Bank’s Conference Room, 155-156 New Market Street, Georgetown on Monday, October 7, 2024, to welcome the fourteenth batch of Apprentices to the Bank’s Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme 2024/2025. The Twenty-six young men and women were selected from schools across the country and will be placed across the Bank’s network of branches. According to the bank, while there, they will experience classroom and on-the-job training in banking operations and have the opportunity to learn and understand the needs of the less fortunate via the community initiative styled ‘Care-A-Van’ aspect of the Apprenticeship Programme. A day of fun and relaxation will also be part of the Youth Link experience. Upon completion of the Programme, successful Apprentices will receive the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) from the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA) through the Council for Technical & Vocational Training (CTVET). With this qualification the Apprentices will be eligible for jobs within the Caricom Region. The Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme was introduced in Guyana in 2008 after being part of the Republic Bank Limited, Trinidad and Tobago Power to Make a Difference initiative for over twenty years. The programme was developed to bridge the gap between the end of the participants’ school life and the start of their career.  The programme is geared to guide the Apprentices through a process of personal and professional growth and will teach the youths valuable skills for professional and social development thus making them more marketable in their career pursuits. Related Similar Articles

PAHO warns dengue cases keep rising Oct 14, 2024 News – countries urged to strengthen response plans Kaieteur News – In an epidemiological alert last week the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) urged countries in the Americas to strengthen their dengue response plans as cases continue to rise across the region. With 2024 marking a record number of dengue cases and transmission season beginning in South America, PAHO emphasises the importance of surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely care to prevent severe cases and fatalities. In a press release PAHO underscored that the Region of the Americas has reported over 11.7 million dengue cases as of September 9, 2024 – more than double the number of cases reported in 2023. All four serotypes of the dengue virus are now circulating in the region, increasing the risk of severe illness. The Southern Cone subregion has experienced a significant surge in cases, with increases of over 250% compared to the same period in 2023. While the case fatality rate has remained relatively low in the subregion, the possibility of increased cases could lead to more severe outcomes and place a burden on health systems. PAHO is urging Member States to prioritize surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely care for dengue and other arboviruses. This includes taking timely measures to strengthen health systems, train healthcare workers, and provide clear guidance to patients and families. Key PAHO recommendations include: Strengthening surveillance and reporting of suspected and confirmed cases. Analyzing the distribution of cases to identify hotspots and intensify vector control efforts. Implementing effective vector control measures to reduce the density of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to prevent transmission. Educating the population on transmission and prevention measures and engaging communities in reducing the presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Training healthcare personnel on the clinical management of dengue, focusing on early diagnosis and recognition of warning signs. PAHO also recommends that health facilities prepare to manage a potentially larger number of dengue cases during peak transmission seasons, ensuring adequate patient flow and clinical care. The Organization offers a free virtual course on dengue management through its Virtual Public Health Campus and provides guidelines for clinical diagnosis and treatment. By taking these steps, countries can help mitigate the impact of dengue and reduce the number of severe cases and deaths. Related Similar Articles