admin

‘KK’s Sweet Treatz’ love at first bite Jul 07, 2024 Features / Columnists, News, Young entrepreneurs Young Entrepreneur, Kaylan Maleah Duncan “I think young entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in society today, they have the ability to bring fresh new innovative ideas forward.  When looking at the word youth, I think of rejuvenation and regeneration and that is exactly what young entrepreneurs are supposed to mirror in today’s society.” By Allyiah Allicock Kaieteur News – “From a tender age, I portrayed leadership skills and always wanted to be that individual that stood out in the crowd. Hence, I would think out of the box and act likewise.” Those are the words of a young woman, Kaylan Maleah Duncan, who one year ago today took the bold step of turning her passion for baking into a budding enterprise. Today, The Waterfalls take a sneak peek into Duncan’s thriving baking business called ‘KK’s Sweet Treatz’. Duncan, is the eldest of her four siblings. With a blossoming business in tow, the ambitious 18-year-old who plans to one day become a corporate lawyer just completed two years of the CAPE programme at the St. Rose’s High School. In a recent interview with this magazine, Duncan said her passion for baking was inspired by her mother and grandmother who did small-scale catering. “Over the years, I had developed a love for making desserts which was sparked by my mother and grandmother… With much thought, some practice sessions and the taste reviews from family members, I confidently turned my passion into reality,” she said confidently. Duncan added that she also started the business as a way of earning an income for herself to support her academic pursuits. As the name of the business suggests, KK’s Sweet Treatz offers freshly baked homemade goodies and desserts. Duncan shared that first her business started off with its bestselling treats which are cinnamon rolls but as of recent, she introduced cheesecake to the list. Selling these delicious treats for a year now, the young entrepreneur said that her support base has mainly been her parents, however, friends and other relatives have also encouraged and supported her business from since the beginning. Duncan also acknowledged that along her business journey, there have been some challenges. According to her, because she was still attending classes when she first started, she struggled with time management.  “I attended the St. Rose’s High School sixth form and during that time, I was still taking in orders so I had to come up with a plan so that I don’t neglect my studies …I wanted to achieve the wonders of both worlds so I had to make some sacrifices and so I would wake up as early as 2am to start baking and during that time, I would use the quiet hours of the morning to do some additional reading and so by 7am, I would be finished baking and preparing for school. In this way, I still got to do what I love and attend school on time,” Duncan recalled. While getting that challenge under control, the young woman said now she is focused on building her brand and taking things to the next level. “I plan to one day have a physical location and sell various baked goods and desserts, and hopefully, I can use my skills to finance my studies since I have yet another passion to fulfill which is to become a corporate lawyer,” she said. She added that with plans to expand her business, she would like to provide employment and training for young women who also would like to advance their passion for baking. The tasty treats ‘KK’s Sweet Treatz’ has to offer. With that being said, our featured entrepreneur is of the view that small business owners are important in our society since they contribute towards the country’s development. “I think young entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in society today, they have the ability to bring fresh new innovative ideas forward.  When looking at the word youth, I think of rejuvenation and regeneration and that is exactly what young entrepreneurs are supposed to mirror in today’s society,” Duncan said. In her opinion, she related that young people are looking for role models who are trendsetters for things that aren’t always positive and uplifting. However, she noted that by using one’s given talents to be a positive light, the nation on a whole can produce all rounded youths who can gainfully occupy themselves and give back positively to their society, she expressed. When asked what she thinks can help small businesses in our society grow, Duncan disclosed that more local support is needed. “These newspaper articles are a good start to boosting small businesses but I think more can be done by Guyanese people to support their own for example instead of purchasing from those different fast-food franchises, try something from a small local business, we have a plethora of social media platforms instead of using those platforms for negativity ‘big up’ a small business by reposting or sharing some content, you can promote and support a small business without spending a dollar by doing those simple things,” she noted. In supporting KK’s Sweet Treatz, you can contact telephone number (592) 617-5684 to place your orders or check them out on Instagram @treatskksweet or Facebook @Sweet Treats. Related Similar Articles

Quarterfinalists book their tickets Jul 07, 2024 Sports Caption: Action in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West/East Bank Demerara Championship Guinness Greatest of the Streets – West/East Bank Kaieteur Sports – Defending champion Ballerz Empire, Showstoppers, West Side Ballers and Jetty Ballers advanced to the quarterfinals when the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West/East Bank Demerara Championship commenced on Friday night at the Pouderoyen tarmac. Ballerz Empire downed Sunshine Ballers 2-1 to send a strong message to the remaining participants. Solomon Austin and Adrian Alexander scored in the sixth and 22nd minute each. For the loser, Neron Barrow netted in the 25th minute. On the other hand, three time former champion Showstoppers dispatched Goal Getters 3-0. Marvin Josiah scored in the seventh minute and then netted a GG in the 30th minute. Likewise, Jetty Ballers downed No Mercy 2-0. Jermin Junior recorded the fastest goal of the event in the opening 30 seconds. He would then seal his brace in the 16th minute. Also, Westside Ballers edged Boom Bang 1-0. Darrell Abrams scored in the fifth minute. Meanwhile, Cayenne Massive was disqualified for fielding an ineligible player during their victory against ESPN after the latter lodged an official protest. An investigation was launched by the tournament coordinator and at the conclusion, it was revealed that the player competed in the Georgetown zone which is an infraction of the rules, resulting in the disqualification of the team and a three year ban for the player. The event resumes on Friday with the quarterfinal segment. Complete Results Guinness Goal-(GG)-2 goals Game-1 Up like-7-0 vs. Pouderoyen Brothers-5 Dwayne Peters-1st and GG-28th Luiroy Nieuelder-8th Seon Stephen-13th Up Like-7 scorer Sebastian Edwards-17th Game-2 Bagotstown Warriors-1 vs. Epic Touch Family-6 Epic Touch scorers Devin Gaskin-1st, 23rd and 24th Donte MacAulay-6th Shaquille DosSantos-7th Trevon Cornell-17th Bagotstown scorer Junior Bobb-GG-28th Game-3 Westside Ballers-1 vs. Boom Bang-0 Darrell Abrams-5th Game-4 Team Family-0 vs. Street Ballers-0 Team Family won 3-2 on sudden penalty kicks Game-5 Jetty Ballers-2 vs. No Mercy-0 Jermin Junior-30th second and 16th minute Game-6 ESPN-0 vs. Cayenne Massive-5 Cayenne Massive disqualified for fielding ineligible player Game-7 Showstoppers-3 vs. Goal Getters-0 Marvin Josiah-7th and GG-30th Game-8 Ballerz Empire-2 vs. Sunshine Ballers-1 Ballerz scorer Solomon Austin-6th Adrian Alexander-22nd Sunshine scorer Neron Barrow-25th Related Similar Articles

Powerhouse teams return season of Kares One Guyana T10 Jul 07, 2024 Sports Who will feel the joy of success or the pain of defeat this year? Kaieteur Sports – The Kares One Guyana T10 Blast is back for a second season, with several top tapeball teams confirmed to return to the action starting August 3rd. The tournament will continue on August 4 with the Round-of-16 matches, followed by the quarter-finals on August 11 and the grand finals and Cricket for Charity match on August 25 at the National Stadium, Providence. Defending champions Eccles All-Stars will be looking to repeat their title run, facing stiff competition from familiar names like Village Rams, Mahdia (Movements Family), Tarmac Titans, and Team Corruption and The Guards. Tournament organiser John Ramsingh expressed his excitement about the returning teams, highlighting last year’s high level of play and anticipating even fiercer competition. He’s particularly pleased with the involvement of private companies like Premier Insurance and Montra Jaguars, who have formed their own “franchises.” “Our vision is to create a platform for both private and public sectors to invest in local cricket, benefitting players and bringing exciting entertainment to fans,” Ramsingh said. “While we haven’t reached our ideal player reward structure yet, we’re on the right track. This tournament can potentially become a major regional event, with international aspirations down the line. Fans will have to wait longer to see the full list of participating stars, as squad submissions close on July 28th. The prize pool has gotten even more enticing, with the winner taking home G$1.5 million, followed by G$500,000 for the runner-up and G$250,000 for each losing semifinalist. Individual accolades will also be awarded for Player of the Final, Most Wickets, Most Runs, and Most Valuable Player. Star Rentals has committed to the first-place prize, while the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport will support the tournament for the next two years. The Ministry of Housing and Water and Demerara Mutual have also signed on. Confirmed teams: Airport XI, Avinash All-Stars, Bartica Bulls, Brooklyn Youth Strikers, Cotton Tree Die Hard, Diamond Gunners, Eastsyde, EC Express, Eccles All-Stars, Flacons XI, GPL Inc., Green Scorpions Cricket Club, Lil Rams, Mahaica Super Strikers, Mahdia (Movements Family), Ministry of Housing and Water – One Guyana, Montra Jaguars, Moruca Super Giants, MS-13 All-Stars, PREMIER Insurance, Renegades Cricket Club, Soesdyke XI, Street Ballerz, Stripling Warriors, Tarmac Titans, Team Corruption, TG Titans, The United Crew, The Guards, Titans All-Stars, Upsetters and Village Rams. Related Similar Articles

Backpack International Inc. embarks on 9th mission trip to Guyana Jul 07, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Backpack International Inc. has announced its ninth mission to Guyana. The trip which is scheduled from July 4th-15th will give an eleven member team, of which nine are volunteers from the United States and the other two from Guyana an opportunity to once again travel to Lethem, where they will be distributing essential school supplies in addition to hosting educational and recreational activities for local children. In a media release the Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) said that, “Earlier this month, Backpack International shipped a 20-foot container filled with backpacks loaded with new shoes, school supplies, hygiene products, and reading books for over 200 children in Lethem and St. Ignatius Village, Guyana. This shipment also includes medical scrubs for the dedicated staff at Lethem Hospital. The mission aims to provide much-needed support and resources to the local communities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to start the school year with confidence and dignity.” Other activities during the mission will include a Summer Sports Camp that will be offering soccer, flag football, volleyball, and dodge ball, alongside a Vacation Bible School, arts and crafts sessions, sports events, and meals. There are no fees attached for the 200 children registered and events will be conducted in collaboration with Pastor Jennie Forde of Lethem Assembly of God and Ricardo and Regina Robertson of St. Ignatius Village, Region #9. Oslyn Rodriguez, Founder and President of Backpack International Inc., emphasized the importance of this mission, noting “I remember how excited I used to get going back-to-school shopping for new clothes, shoes, and school supplies. Some of our students don’t have that opportunity. I believe every child deserves the chance to enter the new school term with confidence. By providing these to students, it’s a small step in encouraging them in their educational journey.” Backpack International Inc. is a non-profit organization which was founded in 2016 by Oslyn Rodriguez, and is dedicated to equipping students in need for academic success. The organization provides backpacks filled with essentials such as school supplies, hygiene products, shoes, clothing, books, and more. To learn more about Backpack International and its mission, visit backpackinternational.org.

Chuck E. Cheese is headed to Guyana Jul 07, 2024 News Chuck E. Cheese will open in Eccles at a date to be announced Kaieteur News – J’s Group of companies landed a major franchise deal, becoming the official franchise holder of Chuck E. Cheese in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. The new franchise location, set to open a Chuck E Cheese location in Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) – aims to become the go-to destination for family celebrations, birthday parties, and everyday fun. This exciting development brings the beloved family entertainment center, and restaurant chain to a new market, offering an unparalleled experience of fun, food, and games to the people of Guyana. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of J’s Group of Companies Jermaine Sripal is honored that he and his company will bring something new to the Guyanese market. “I am incredibly honored to bring Chuck E. Cheese to Guyana,” said Jermaine Sripal. “Our goal is to provide a safe, fun-filled environment where families can create lasting memories. We believe that the introduction of Chuck E. Cheese will enhance the recreational landscape of Guyana, offering a much-needed venue for family entertainment.” Sripal is a renowned businessman in Guyana. He is more known for operating J’s Supermarket in New Amsterdam. Recently, he also expanded his wings, becoming a new horse owner, when he snapped up Guyana’s champion horse, Spankhurst. Chuck E. Cheese is renowned worldwide for its unique combination of entertainment, and dining, features a wide range of arcade games, amusement rides, and live shows Alongside a menu that includes pizza, sandwiches, and other kid-friendly favourites. The new Chuck E. Cheese location in Guyana will feature state-of-the-art games and attractions, ensuring a vibrant and engaging experience for children of all ages. In addition to the entertainment offerings, the venue will maintain the highest standards of safety and cleanliness, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors. Related Similar Articles

Guyana faithfully respects CARICOM free trade protocols and buys Trinidad goods and services while Trinidad uses non-tariff barriers to reject Guyana’s products Jul 07, 2024 Consumer Concerns, Features / Columnists, News CONSUMER CONCERNS PAT  DIAL Kaieteur News – Guyana buys five times the value of Trinidad products as Trinidad buys from Guyana and part of the reason for this lopsided trade balance in favour of Trinidad is because Trinidad uses non-tariff trade barriers to reject Guyanese products.  Examples of this unfair treatment of Guyanese exports are the rejection of pineapple shipments because the crowns were not removed;  rejection of pepper exports because they had their stems;  requirement of fumigation of agricultural products with methyl bromide in contravention of the Montreal Protocol;  application of hypocholorous acid on eddoes;  and even the banning of poultry meat though no trade in this product had taken place and Trinidad has so far been  allowed to escape these and similar infringements without any correction or penalty. Trinidad’s most recent rejection of Guyanese products was in March/April last when four 20ft shipping containers containing a quantity of Demerara Distillers (DDL) packaged milk and bottled flavoured water were rejected.  Two of the containers containing the packaged milk were denied entry and returned to Guyana while the water was restricted from sale pending “an unconventionally exhaustive examination”.    Mr. Komal Samaroo, Chairman of DDL pointed out that all requirements were satisfied by his Company and that the products were even approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration and had been exported to other CARICOM states without encountering any problem as the one presented by Trinidad. Unlike in the past, this recent rejection of the DDL products has resulted in widespread national outrage. And some of the reasons for this is that DDL is one of Guyana’s flagship companies;  its products are known to be of a uniformly high quality as for instance it is universally accepted that its  rums are the best in the world;   consumers regard its  boxed milk as being of the highest quality and that the Trinidadian rejection of it is, accordingly, unfair and dishonest; every would be Guyanese exporter to Trinidad now realises that he/she will eventually encounter the same discrimination;   and Chairman Samaroo’s integrity,  honesty of purpose and commitment to the wellbeing of Guyanese and Caribbean people are known and trusted in the business community and by the  public and all these facts are attested by the support DDL’s case has received nationally across the board: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in its release said “The refusal of entry to the dairy products wholly produced in Guyana by CARICOM member state is an affront to the spirit of a Caribbean integration agenda and must not be accepted.   It is appreciated that regional products must satisfy the necessary sanitary and phyto sanitary rules, the technical regulations as well as any product specific rules of origin required to qualify the products for regional preferential treatment.  Available information, however, indicates that the dairy products from Guyana destined into Trinidad and Tobago were in full compliance with these requirements”. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), one of the Caribbean’s oldest trade organizations, in its release said “These non-tariff barriers (NBTs) particularly targeting the Agricultural Sector, undermine CARICOM ‘s goal of reducing the regional food import bill by 25% by 2025.  The GCCI views these barriers as attempts to thwart the efforts of H.E. Dr. Irfaan Ali, who has been leading CARICOM’s initiative to remove such obstacles.  Despite repeated instructions from the Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED) to eliminate these NTBs, Trinidad and Tobago continue to flout the principles and directives of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.  Many goods rejected by T&T have been accepted by other CARICOM nations which adhere more closely to the spirit of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).  In the light of these ongoing issues, the GCCI urges the Government of Guyana to consider strictly applying the Principle of Reciprocity in trade with T&T until these NBTs are removed and T&T demonstrates good faith in its trade practices”.` The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) called for the immediate intervention of the Government of Guyana and the CARICOM leadership to address the DDL issue with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.  It emphasized that such trade barriers which Trinidad has erected undermine the collective efforts of CARICOM Heads of Government to achieve regional food security and reduce the regional food import bill. The Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) expressed its support for DDL and denounced the situation as a clear violation of the spirit of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to which both Trinidad and Guyana are signatories. At the Private Sector Commission (PSC)’s Annual General Meeting held at the Marriott Hotel, Chairman Komal Singh pledged his Commission’s support to Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) in their impasse with the Trinidad authorities.  Chairman Singh remarked that for years Guyanese companies have been bitterly complaining about the trade restrictions encountered with the Twin-island Republic which at the same time is allowed to freely and easily export its products to Guyana. . . “Our Commission will continue to review and work with other countries to have these non-tariff barriers removed as quickly as possible.” Finally, we report on the position of the governing Peoples Progressive Party as adumbrated by its General Secretary Vice President Dr. Bharat Jagdeo: . . .”We will insist upon full reciprocity in matters of trade . . . the way our goods and exports are treated across the Region – but in this particular case in Trinidad and Tobago – the same way their goods entering the Guyanese market will be treated.  There will be full reciprocity on all the issues because if they can insist upon a phytosanitary test that we don’t implement on their goods but that they want to conduct on our goods before they enter their market, then we will have to deal in the same manner as they are doing”. In the discussions DDL had with the Trinidadian authorities on 19th April, DDL was advised that their milk was not approved for entry into Trinidad by its Ministry of Agriculture as Guyana is not an approved country for importation of animal and animal products.  Likewise, Trinidad and Tobago is similarly not an approved country for importation into Guyana of animal and animal products and the Government of Guyana must take immediate reciprocal action in rejecting entry of all animal and animal products from Trinidad and Tobago. Except this is done, there would be no movement in this matter on the part of Trinidad.  Two months have already passed since the matter came on the table and Trinidad’s approach is to delay it ad infinitum; Guyana would have to force the pace for a resolution and be prepared to refer to the CCJ in case there is no positive solution. Related Similar Articles

GNBS ENCOURAGES USERS TO SUBMIT THEIR MEASURING INSTRUMENTS FOR VERIFICATION Jul 07, 2024 Features / Columnists, GNBS, News GNBS IN FOCUS Kaieteur News – Verification (stamping) of measuring instruments is a crucial function of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) since this service was relinquished by the Licenses and Revenue Department in 1997. Accurate measurements are essential for fair trade, consumer protection, and compliance with conformance to international best practices. It also ensures traceability and reliability of measuring instruments. As the GNBS prepares to conduct verification for the second half for 2024, vendors, shop keepers and other users are encouraged to submit their instruments for this routine check. Starting in mid-July, Inspectors will be available at the GNBS Offices countrywide and at publicised locations including markets to check all weighing and measuring instruments for accuracy. It is necessary to conduct this exercise twice a year (every six months) to maintain accuracy primarily because many of these instruments are of a mechanical nature and their parts may become worn from frequent use; and in other case mishandling. Additionally, there have been instances where measuring instruments submitted for verification had missing parts and major defects which can result in inaccurate measurements. Verification helps to identify and rectify these. Significantly, verification ensures retailers do not incur losses because of defective and inaccurate weighing and measuring instruments and consumers are protected from short weight and measure during transactions. Scales, masses, measures, storage tanks, flow meters, measuring rules, electricity meters, petrol pumps, speed guns and breathalysers and other commercial measuring instruments are required to be verified by the GNBS. In the realm of trade, establishing accurate measurements is supported in the law. By virtue of the 1981 Weights & Measures Act, the GNBS is mandated to verify all measuring instruments used in trade. Additionally, the Standards Act of 1984 and its Amendment of 1997 also empowers the GNBS to carry out this crucial function. Year round, the GNBS Legal Metrology Services Department manages all verification and monitoring activities. This team comprises of trained and appointed Inspectors operating from the Bureau’s Main and Sub-Offices. Measurement services are also provided by Weights and Measures Officers within some Administrative Regions. During the first half of this year, the GNBS successfully verified a total of 19,804 measuring instruments at various shops, markets, supermarkets, at factories in the rice and sugar industries, fisheries, manufacturing companies, hospitals, health centres, airlines, shipping companies, post offices, petrol stations, bulk terminals and on fuel vessels. Measuring instruments verified included 5,821 masses, 3,940scales and 3,105 electricity meters for the Guyana Power and Light Corporation. Importantly, the GNBS does not validate unapproved dial scales used for commerce by retailers, merchants, and other users. These are domestic measuring instruments, and they were not designed for business use. The GNBS advises consumers to avoid buying from users of these unapproved instruments. Trade-approved instruments include red equal arm scales, platform scales and electronic/digital scales. A blue and yellow approval seal is affixed by GNBS Inspectors to instruments after verification. Consumers should look for this seal of approval. Finally, users are reminded that at the time of submission, instruments must be fully metric, clean, and well-painted. Look out for the mobile stamping schedules which will be publicised in local newspapers, on the radio, television and the GNBS Facebook page. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or WhatsApp: 692-4627 Related Similar Articles