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US$1.2M Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre commissioned Oct 10, 2024 News The Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre in Region Three which was rehabilitated for US$1.2 million from funding by Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). (Photo courtesy, Ministry of Education) Kaieteur News – Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and her team on Wednesday commissioned the newly rehabilitated US$1.2 million Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre which is located on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD). According to a release from the Education Ministry, the US$1,214,907.42 Centre, a project funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is set to benefit 400 students and is poised to significantly enhance technical and vocational training in the region. The commissioning of the centre also forms part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to provide students with practical skills aligned with the demands of a modern job market, the ministry stated. It was detailed by the ministry that the US$1.2 million cost includes expenses for infrastructure development, tools and equipment, as well as ICT equipment and furnishing of the Centre. Minister Manickchand in her remarks at the event yesterday said that “This centre plays a crucial role in the Government of Guyana’s vision to create educational opportunities that allow every child to have a bright future in the new Guyana we are building out.” To this end, the minister encouraged the students to take full advantage of the centre’s resources and urged them to pursue the skills and training offered to ensure their success in the evolving job market. “The Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre is one of several facilities being upgraded under the Guyana Skills Development and Employability Project (GSDEP), funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Through this project, Practical Instruction Centres (PICs) in Regions Three, Four, and Five, as well as Practical Instruction Departments (PIDs) in hinterland secondary schools, are being refurbished and expanded to support technical vocational education and training (TVET) across the country,” the ministry disclosed in its release. Delivering brief remarks yesterday, Deputy Chief Education Officer-Technical, Dr. Ritesh Tularam, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening TVET throughout the country, noting that the Government continues to foster partnerships with key funding agencies, such as the CDB, to ensure access to quality TVET for all citizens. It was shared by the ministry that through his office, the centre was equipped with 20 helmets, 20 safety vests, 20 pairs of gloves, and 20 pairs of goggles to the Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre. This publication understands that the Practical Instruction Centre offers training in various fields, including electrical work, woodworking, and food and nutrition, and it aims to provide students with the competencies needed to earn Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certifications. Additionally, these training will enable students to enter the job market confidently, establish their own economic enterprises, or pursue further post-secondary and tertiary education. Related Similar Articles

ERC says probing racist abuse of Ivor Thom Oct 10, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is currently investigating the incident where renowned Guyanese sculptor and Administrator at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, Mr. Ian Ivor Thom was racially abused by a member of the public. “Yes it is currently under investigation and that is as much as we can say because it is under investigation,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ERC, Gomin Camacho confirmed with this publication on Tuesday on the sidelines of an event. The ERC is a constitutional body established by Article 212 of the Constitution of the Guyana which promotes harmony and good relations among all peoples of Guyana and one of its functions is to promote the elimination of all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity. Kaieteur News had reported that Mr. Thom had tendered his resignation from the school earlier last month following an incident at the school’s parking lot where a member of the public used racial slurs towards him. Mr. Thom’s resignation from the school was highlighted in a letter addressed to this publication by students who expressed deep concern about the unfortunate incident that led to his departure. Mr. Thom told Kaieteur News that on the day in question, he was in the parking lot near his car when he observed a red SUV reversing in a parking space next to where he was that was reserved for staff and students of the Art School. Upon seeing this, Mr. Thom said he signalled to the driver to get his attention. The driver came out of the vehicle to speak with him. “The person came out of the vehicle and asked what the matter is. I said, that is a no parking, you can’t park there. It is a passageway and apart from that, this area is reserved for the Burrowes School of Art students and staff. He (driver) said but there is no school. I said but you are also blocking the passageway and even if it’s not school, only our students park there,” Mr. Thom explained. He related that after informing the driver he could not park there, the man insisted that he could park there. “He continued insisting that he can park there. I told him if I come to your place of work or place of residence, and I park where I am not supposed to park would you be abusive the way you are trying to abuse me. He (driver) said, “oh it’s stupid **[word withheld] people like you make this country where it is and that is why all kind of foreigners gotta come in because of stupid people like you,” Mr. Thom recalled. Shortly after that incident, he was asked to reach with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson at his office concerning what happened. There Mr. Thom said he told the minister what transpired in detail and even committed to getting the names and numbers of the witnesses. However, the minister did not seem inclined to investigate. It was after the entire ordeal Mr. Thom sent in his resignation.  After the news of his resignation circulated on social media, Mr. Thom was contacted by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo who asked him to withdraw his resignation and return to work. At a previous press conference, the VP disclosed that after learning what transpired he spoke with Minister Ramson expressing disappointment with how he handled the matter involving Thom. This publication learnt that Mr. Thom resumed his duties as Administrator on September 23. Related Similar Articles

$51M spent to refurbish science lab, staff room at St Stanislaus College Oct 10, 2024 News – Pres. Ali says STEM education critical to boosting Guyana’s economy President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Tuesday commissioned the Father Herbert Feenie labs and Richard Hartford staff room Kaieteur News – President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali emphasised the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in advancing Guyana’s economic and industrial growth. President Ali spoke at the launch and dedication ceremony for the refurbished Physics and Chemistry laboratories and staff room of the St Stanislaus College on Tuesday evening. He underscored the need for a new generation of graduates who are proficient in STEM education and who will be able to respond to the coming challenges and opportunities of Guyana’s evolving economy. An alumnus of St Stanislaus College, President Ali said the institution is an ideal place for students to begin mastering their STEM-focused skills.  “This endeavour is more than just bricks and mortar, more than just burners and lab equipment. It represents a commitment to the idea that education, especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is needed to boost our economy that is now on a transformative path of development,” the president said. The head of state challenged the school’s administration and teachers to ensure the institution remains relevant to national development and innovation, preparing students for a future aligned with Guyana’s economic trajectory. He emphasised the government’s goal of aligning their curriculum with the country’s objectives – climate security, AI integration, and renewable energy. President Ali also floated the idea of an innovation fund to ignite creativity and critical thinking, vital skills when it comes to making a valuable contribute to economic growth. “I would like to support an innovation fund for St Stanislaus College, and for us to create a new fund where we encourage innovation, and have the children of this institution coming up with innovative ideas. Ideas of entrepreneurship, product development, developing new scientific models through research and development,” he said. The new laboratories, which were named in honour of the late Father Herbert Feenie SJ, a former Physics and Chemistry Master, are equipped with the necessary facilities to stimulate the minds of the over 560 students attending the school. The staff room was named after former alumni, Richard Harford. The two projects were completed at a combined investment of approximately $51 million, funded in part by the government, and through donations from alumni and the families of the late Father Feenie and Richard Harford. “When I think back to my days as a student, I remember a time when the world was brimming with possibilities, when every classroom felt like a window into the unknown, Science was not just a subject to be studied. The refurbished labs you appoint today promise to rekindle that spirit in our current students. They will offer this space for exploration, trial and error and for discovery, and environmental curiosity to flourish,” the head of state declared. The government has been prioritising STEM education by investing in curriculum development, partnering with international organisations, and upgrading educational facilities. The recent opening of the New St George’s School of Sciences exemplifies this commitment to empowering students to pursue their scientific interests. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, announced plans for further upgrades to the school. They include renovations to the existing auditorium, additional classrooms, dining areas and amenities. The ceremony was attended by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller; members of the diplomatic corps; private sector representatives, St Stanislaus alumni and current students. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

Fire destroys home of Line Path vendor Oct 10, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A 58-year-old vendor is at his wits end after his Line Path, Corentyne, Berbice home was destroyed by fire Monday afternoon. The aftermath of the fire Navindra Ramnarine The fire, of unknown origin, reportedly broke out around 15:00hrs. The property was owned by Navindra Ramnarine. In an interview with Kaieteur News, he shared that he learned of the fire while sleeping at his mother’s home, when a neighbour came to inform him that his house was ablaze. Upon hearing the news, Ramnarine rushed home, only to find that the upper flat of his home had been largely destroyed. “The house is completely damaged; it was well furnished,” he related. Firefighters were promptly called to the scene to combat the flames and were able to minimise further damage. However, Ramnarine expressed disappointment, alleging, “When the fire service reach they had lil bit water.” The 58-year-old man suspects that the fire may have been deliberately set, as he had no electricity in the house. He said, “Somebody set the fire, because there is nobody there, except me when is night when I go home, mi nah cook. That is my feeling because there is no electricity there is no cooking so where the fire come from?”   Related Similar Articles

Regional food festival hailed a success – Ministry of Tourism Oct 10, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The third Regional Food Festival has been lauded as a success by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, vendors, entertainers and other participants. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond The event which was hosted from October 2 – 6, 2024 at the Main Street Avenue, Georgetown forms part of President Irfaan Ali’s vision to provide exposure and grow small businesses, the ministry said in a press release. During a closing meeting with participants of the event on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond noted that initiative aimed to expose small businesses to the thousands of visitors in Guyana for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Cricket Carnival. “This is one of the visions for the small businesses to benefit from our tourism product which we are working to diversify with sporting events and other activities,” the minister noted. With a promise of a bigger and better event in 2025 when the CPL final returns to Guyana, Minister Walrond encouraged the vendors and entertainers to work towards improving and increasing their products based on trends. She added that similar events in other Caribbean countries are also on the horizon. “You are a part of this product, this tourism product that we want to build and expand…every year it has changed in terms of the services we offer for example, cocktails this year is a big thing and that has expanded. It is for you and for us to respond to the customers’ needs and trends,” the Minister told the food vendors. A total of thirty-six vendors participated in this year’s Regional Food Festival.  Permanent Secretary Mrs. Sharon Roopchand- Edwards indicated that the number of visitors to the booth has continually increased over the years and this year also included several influencers. The vendors and entertainers have all expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana for hosting the initiative. One business owner said participating in the festival since 2022 has led to him expanding his brand. “My Team and I have been at the Regional Food Festival since 2022…and then we realised that our product is not only loved back home in Lethem but all across Guyana and internationally from the exposure we got from the Food Festival. From that we were able to be inspired to acquire a location in Georgetown and expand to the other branches that we currently have,” said Shammah Noel, Owner of APizzaLL.  Owner of Dixie Punch De Crème, Dixie Jordan commented; “for the past three years the event has been amazing. I have never been to one of the Food Festivals and have a complaint. The staff has been amazing.” Representative of Docs Catering, Omid Ali said; “within a few hours, our products were sold out. The Food Festival is a great product.” A lemonade business, Twisted Lemon co-owner noted that the event “has brought so much exposure for us. We were very grateful for this exposure, and we are extremely grateful. You will definitely be seeing us next year.” One other proprietor, Quincy Benjamin also lauded the media support which allowed the participants to market their products via local television stations.  One of the exciting attractions at the event was a raffle. On Thursday, the Ministry awarded the winners which included Joanne Jacobs who won a trip for two to Kaieteur Falls, Lesta Harry who won a Kayak tour for two in Linden, Michael Lall who won a paid trip on Essequibo River tour and two persons won free dinners sponsored by Sweet Elegance Restaurant & Bar. Others walked away with hampers and other gifts from Massy Guyana Inc., Ansa McAL and Sunshine Snacks.  In addition to the donors, sincere gratitude is extended to the main sponsors of the event; Hess Corporation, ZiJin AGM Inc., and One Communication. Related Similar Articles

Nations Inc. joins forces with US company to boost local labour market Oct 10, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Nations Incorporated has announced the creation of Core Nations- a majority owned Guyanese company in collaboration with US based Core Group Resources (CGR). This partnership will see graduates of Nations and others being employed in the oil and gas, maritime, construction and mining industries, a press release from Nations Inc. said. “At Nations we are excited to grow the Core Nations team to serve these industries and further develop the Guyanese labour market through training and staff development,” the release added. According to the release Core Group Resources is a leader in providing personnel in heavy industries by identifying, hiring, and growing the right talent. Core Nations, Inc., the release states is a company established under Guyanese law, fully compliant with the Local Content Act of 2021. “This expansion marks Core Group’s second international foray after entering Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year. Local operations in Guyana will focus on urgent labour demands as energy projects continue to thrive in the region and growth continues in oil and gas exploration, in addition to serving the maritime, construction and mining industries.” “Opening Core Nations is a significant milestone for us and underscores our dedication to providing high-quality personnel solutions in the Energy industry. We’re fostering long-term partnerships and look forward to being part of Guyana’s growth story for years to come,” said Matt Fuhrman, CEO of Core Group Resources. “The Caribbean marketplace is booming with a need for personnel in industries such as construction, maritime and especially with projects in oil & gas, so it’s the right time for us to amplify our efforts and put down roots to support Guyana, its businesses and by extension its vibrant communities.” Core Nations, the release further states will operate as a majority locally owned Local Content Certified entity, which ensures the prioritization of Guyanese nationals and companies to build toward positive economic impact. To further prioritise the potential economic impact on local communities and stakeholders and our commitment to Guyana, Core Nations key Guyanese board members are respected local leaders Liam O’Toole with Nations Incorporated and Rene Hamilton with AmGuy. Nations Incorporated has been in business in Guyana for over 28 years, is a leader in Education and Training and brings access to technical, skilled, HSE and managerial candidates for employment in the various sectors serviced by Core Nations. Dan O’Connor, Managing Director of Core Group International, will add Guyana to the list of operations he manages alongside Core Trinidad & Tobago and Core Group Technical Services, the release noted. O’Connor has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate operations management, bringing deep relationships and expertise to Core Group’s Caribbean ventures. As part of its global expansion strategy, Core Group brings its proprietary placement systems, software and processes to work closely with major E&P companies, independents, service contractors and locally owned businesses in the region to provide quality personnel in technical and non-technical, high-demand roles via direct hire, contract and staffing models. Related Similar Articles

Strong teams announced ahead of 2024 GCB Senior Men’s Super50 Inter-county tournament Oct 10, 2024 Sports – Exciting double-header set to bowl of Round 1 Kaieteur Sports – Ahead of the 2024 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Men’s Super50 Inter-county tournament, county’s on Tuesday announced their star-studded teams with Round 1 bowling off on October 13. With the CWI Regional Super50 Men’s tournament just around the corner, Guyana like other Caribbean teams will be getting their players prepped for their pursuit of a title which has eluded them for more than a decade. Stars, both upcoming and established the likes of Kevin Sinclair, Johnathan Foo, Golcharran Chulai, Veerasammy Permaul, Anthony Adams, Kemol Savory, Tevin Imlach, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and others will be looking to get themselves in shape with the ulterior goal being a championship win for the country. A number of young players will also be on show over the next few days as a strong Under-19 presence will be maintained among counties; as the next generation of Harpy Eagles continue their initiation to the senior levels. The tournament focuses on three exciting rounds being played between Berbice, Demerara, Essequibo and the GCB Select XI. Each round will serve as a double-header with two games being played per day, across venues like Bourda and Lusignan to name a few; with the fourth and final round being reserved for the final match. Essequibo – Anthony Adams (Captain), Kemol Savory (VC), Keanu Harry, Ronsford Beaton, Quinton Sampson, Ricardo Peters, Ricardo Adams, Kevon Boodie, Kanhaiya Ramkarran, Ronaldo Renee, Joshua Jones, Neiland Cadogan, Garfield Phillips, Thaddeus Lovell, Malcolm Hubbard Standbys – Dexter George, Jadon Campbell, Kevon Stephens Shahid Viera Berbice – Junior Sinclair, Rampertab Ramnauth, Tomani Caesar (WK), Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair (vc), Jonathon Foo, Rajiv Ivan, Zainul Ramsammy, Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Veerasammy Permaul (Captain), Nial Smith, Clinton Pestano and Sylus Tyndall. Standbys- Jonathan Rampersaud, Shamal Angel, Demetri Cameron, Kwesi Mickle, Gaurav Ramesh, Jamal LaFleur, Javed Karim, Rampersaud Ramnauth and Adrian Sukwah Demerara – Tevin Imlach, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shamar Yearwood, Akshaya Persaud, Raymon Perez, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Richie Looknauth, Steven Sankar, Chris Harry, Qumar Torrington, Ashmead Nedd, Sachin Singh, Chetram Balgobin, Devon Lord Standbys – Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Riyad Latiff, Neeran Bani, Chanderpaul Ramraj GCB Select XI – Rivaldo Phillips, Navindra Persaud, Carlos Larose, Bernard Bailey, Jeremiah Scott, Brandon Jaikaran, Floy Joseph, Johnathan Van Lange, Ushardeva Balgobin, Aryan Persaud, Johnathan Rampersaud (Captain), Shamar Angel, Golcharran Chulai Gaurav Ramesh, Kwesi Mickle, Javed Karim, Rajendra Ramballi Krsna Singh, Ronaldo Jeffery Related Similar Articles