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Oct 08, 2024 Sports Region 3 Edition of CNOOC Petroleum, GTTA, MoE and MCYS Nationwide Schools Table Tennis Championships contested Kaieteur Sports – Over 100 hundred student table tennis players from the region three schools graced the halls of West Minister secondary school auditorium to compete for honours when the Region 3 Edition of CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited Guyana Table Tennis Association and Ministry of Education Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Nationwide National Schools Table Tennis Championships got underway on Friday. Over forty girls, who competed in the various categories, were of significant note and truly offer great prospects for the development of the sport in the region. Competing in 13 years and under boys and girls team events, 15 years and under boys and girls team events and 19 years and under team events saw Uitvlugt secondary, Zeeburg secondary, West Demerara Secondary and West Minister Secondary dominating the team edition of the championships. Players who benefitted from Coaches Muniram Persaud and Joseph Lovell whose services were providing structured coaching to students made available through the Ministry priority programme and who have been working with several schools in the region, demonstrated great skill, tenacity in representing their schools. West Minster Secondary auditorium provided a great host venue for this key competition. National coach Linden Johnson, Alister Munroe, Candacy McKenzie and Beverly Johnson provided great coordination to the championships on hand.  Also lending support were the teachers who came to supervise and support the students. Mr. Akbar Chinedu Regional Education Officer Dept. of Education 3 provided great support to making the championships a success. The Championships is a ground breaking initiative sponsored by CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. Results of the Team Championships:   Girls 13 Years and under Uitvlugt “B” defeated Zeeburg “A” in the finals to take championships honors Boys 13 Years and Under Uitvlugt “B” defeated Uitvlugt “C” in the finals to take championships honors Girls 15 Years and under Zeeburg “A” defeated Uitvlugt “B” in the finals to take championships honors Boys 15 Years and Under West Demerara defeated Uitvlugt “B” in the finals to take championships honors Girls 19 Years and under Uitvlugt “A” defeated Zeeburg “A” in the finals to take championships honors Boys 13 Years and Under West Minster Sec defeated Uitvlugt “A” in the finals to take championships honors The next edition of the championships is slated for Region 7  on the 3rd and 4th of October 2024 at the Bartica Community Centre. Related Similar Articles

A storm in a teacup Oct 08, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News – The recent controversy swirling around the access to the National Gallery at Castellini House has given rise to a fervor that feels disproportionate to its cause—a veritable tempest in a teapot, if you will. And yet, beyond the accusations, the petitions, and the impassioned op-eds, lies a question that has yet to be adequately addressed: What is truly at stake for the future of the visual arts in Guyana? The immediate squabble centers on the role of political officials in the administrative affairs of the gallery. Critics have rightly pointed out that Ministers of government should not be meddling in the mundane duties of an institution like the National Gallery. Governance, they argue, ought to be preoccupied with policy, not the quotidian concerns of scheduling exhibitions. Indeed, in an ideal world, one could leave these matters to a dedicated management committee, independent of political influence, ensuring that Castellini House remains an apolitical refuge for artists and their patrons. Yet, there is a counterpoint to be made. Why erect such a committee when the state already boasts a fully-staffed Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport? Is it not the purview of such a Ministry to oversee cultural institutions like the National Gallery? And, crucially, is the establishment of a management committee merely a duplication of bureaucratic effort? This is not to say that the oversight of a gallery should be a political endeavor. Far from it. But it seems curious that the very existence of a management committee has become a matter of principle, rather than a practical question of who is best equipped to manage the institution. One might ask whether we are squabbling over a question of administrative tidiness, while failing to address the broader and far more important issue: the future of the visual arts in Guyana. The true canvas of concern, if one is willing to look past the sensationalism, is the fate of the visual arts in a nation struggling to define its cultural identity in the 21st century. Castellini House, as the custodian of the National Gallery, is but one brushstroke in the broader tableau. The focus should not be merely on who manages its operations, but on the type of institution it ought to be, and how it can serve the visual arts across the country. Let us not forget what is encompassed by the term “visual arts.” At its heart lies the Fine Arts—those classical disciplines that have shaped our understanding of aesthetic excellence for centuries. Painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking form the bedrock of any serious artistic tradition, drawing the gaze of the beholder into a world where form, color, and composition become vehicles for emotional and intellectual exploration. These are not the products of quick consumption but works that demand time, contemplation, and an appreciation for craftsmanship. The Fine Arts occupy a venerable place in the hierarchy of human expression, but they require nurturing—through education, exhibitions, and public support—to sustain their relevance in a society increasingly driven by the pace of the digital age. Yet, alongside the classical, there is the realm of the Applied Arts, which marry function with aesthetic innovation. Ceramics, furniture design, jewelry making, and textiles are no less deserving of a place in our cultural pantheon simply because they carry with them a utilitarian purpose. It is through the applied arts that creativity finds its way into our daily lives, shaping our environments and, in doing so, shaping us. It is through a beautiful vase, a well-crafted chair, or a piece of jewelry that art extends its reach beyond the walls of a gallery and into the homes and hands of the people. The visual arts cannot be confined to the high-minded galleries and salons; they are equally at home in the marketplaces and homes of ordinary Guyanese. Nor can we neglect the Contemporary Arts, those vanguard forms that seek to push the boundaries of how art is perceived and experienced. Video art, installation art, and digital or multimedia works have opened up new possibilities for artistic expression, demanding that we expand our definitions and our expectations of what art can be. It is here, perhaps more than anywhere else, that the future of art lies, as artists use technology not just as a tool, but as a language through which to communicate ideas that are both timeless and cutting-edge. These art forms invite viewers into immersive environments where they can engage with ideas in ways that a painting or sculpture cannot achieve alone. The gallery of tomorrow must be as open to the possibilities of virtual reality as it is to the venerable tradition of oil on canvas. And then, there is Photography and Film, that unique intersection where documentation meets artistic vision. These mediums have a special role to play in a country like Guyana, whose landscapes and stories are as rich as they are varied. Through the lens of a camera or the frame of a film, the beauty, struggle, and complexity of Guyanese life can be captured and shared, not just within our borders but with the world. These visual forms, though often taken for granted in the era of the smartphone, remain crucial to preserving the narrative of a nation. A gallery that seeks to embody the spirit of Guyanese art cannot ignore the potential of these mediums to tell our stories with clarity and power. So, as the public debates who should have the keys to Castellini House, we might do well to remember that it is the fate of these varied forms of visual expression that matters most. The administrative wrangling is but a side note to the symphony; the true challenge lies in envisioning a future where all these forms of art—fine, applied, contemporary, photographic—are given the space and support they need to flourish. A gallery is not just a building, nor is it merely the sum of its exhibitions; it is a place where the spirit of a culture is curated, where ideas take shape, and where the past meets the present to inspire the future. The Castellini House controversy, then, is a distraction from the real work that lies ahead. What matters is not which bureaucrat or politicain holds sway, but whether the institution can serve as a platform for artists of every stripe to display their talents and engage with their audiences. What matters is whether we can create an environment in which the visual arts are seen not as a luxury but as a vital part of our national life. This is the conversation we should be having, rather than spilling ink over who has access to what door. If there is any hope for the future of the visual arts in Guyana, it lies in moving beyond these petty disputes. Let us instead focus on building a cultural infrastructure that recognizes the value of the visual arts in all their forms, and let Castellini House become the home of that commitment rather than a battlefield for competing interests. For in the end, it is not the committee meetings that will shape our artistic legacy, but the works that hang on the walls, and the ideas that inspire those who come to see them. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.) Related Similar Articles

Integrating technology, culturally relevant curricula necessary to transform Caribbean education Oct 08, 2024 News – Regional symposium hears Kaieteur News – Integrating technology into teaching, making curricula culturally relevant, emphasising critical communication skills, assessing students for learning rather than certification, and encouragingteacher adaptability are the bold strategies needed to revolutionise Caribbean education, according to Professor Joel Warrican, Director of the Caribbean Educational Research Centre. In his address during the keynote session Indigenising and Decolonising Education for National and Regional Transformation, delivered during the Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education on Wednesday, 3 October 2024, Professor Warrican argued that the colonial legacy of “divide and conquer,” hierarchical school structures, Eurocentric curricula, and an overreliance on rote learning have created a stratified society in the Caribbean that has also stifled entrepreneurial mindset across the region. “If we didn’t have a problem, we wouldn’t be doing education as we do it today. We have children leaving school just wanting a job because our education system did not encourage entrepreneurial thinking,” The University of the West Indies based educator remarked according to a CDB press release. To achieve meaningful transformation in Caribbean education, Professor Warrican, who holds a Ph.D. in Education, Language, and Literacy, called for courageous leadership and creativity. He emphasised that mistrust of locally generated solutions remains a major barrier to progress, urging the region to move away from elitism and classism, and adopt a unified, research-driven approach to policymaking for sustainable change. “The worst thing to me is to see the insularity that exists in the Caribbean; that we all want to operate on our own; we all want to tick our own boxes, to say we have done this rather than coming together and working together. There is no reason why any single Caribbean country – and we are all talking the same language about transformation – there is no reason why we shouldn’t be tackling education transformation as a group as region, not as a country,” he stressed. Professor Warrican also encouraged stakeholders to embrace homegrown innovation that meets international standards and reduce dependence on donor- funded models. He called for a long-term financial commitment to ensure sustainable transformation within the region’s education system. The three-day Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education, hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission, and The University of the West Indies, marks the beginning of a month-long series of events aimed at advancing the education transformation agenda in the region. Related Similar Articles

A call for better road management and traffic solutions Oct 08, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, The Government often touts its extensive and expensive infrastructure projects as one of its key achievements. Yet, despite billions of dollars being spent each year, the quality of road management remains deplorable and dangerous, contributing significantly to the high level of accidents and deaths on our roads. Every month, about a thousand new vehicles are added to our roads, a large number of them converging daily on the capital city. This influx compounded by poorly maintained infrastructure is causing unbearable traffic jams costing countless man-hours, waste fuel, and further harm the environment. Many of the commercial vehicles, too large for the narrow, deteriorating roads, contribute to the worsening road and traffic situation. The absence of proper planning and management to accommodate this growing traffic volume is glaring. Just after 6 PM this past Sunday (a non-working, non-school day), I experienced firsthand the unacceptable state of road conditions between Waterloo Street in Georgetown, where I work, and Ogle on the lower East Coast Demerara, where I live. Along Carifesta Avenue, only a couple of streetlights were functioning, leaving much of the road in darkness. On the East Coast Highway, the medians are poorly marked, forcing drivers to navigate treacherous conditions, compounded by oncoming vehicles blinding them with high beams. I even had to turn on my hazard lights due to the poor visibility and dangers on the road! The situation on the Railway Embankment Road from Turkeyen to Ogle is even worse. Potholes and unevenness are common, large unlit vehicles are parked  on both sides, encroaching on the roads, while the traffic lights at the junction of Embankment Road and Ogle Airstrip Road have been non-functional for several days. To make matters worse, the Airstrip Road itself is in a terrible state of disrepair. Meanwhile, our political leaders, who are quick to celebrate multi-billion-dollar road projects, are chauffeured around, some with sirens, and seem uncaring of the everyday frustrations faced by the average road user. They remain detached from the reality of those who navigate these poorly managed roads daily. Despite all the funds spent, it is clear that the core issues — maintenance, proper planning, and traffic management — are being neglected, by all state agencies involved. New roads alone, without proper management, will not solve the growing crisis. The Office of the President, where much of the planning resides, along with the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Housing, and the police, must bear responsibility for the consequences of their poor planning, coordination, and execution. The State, through its incompetence, failures, and inattention, is directly responsible for the hazards that road users face daily. I urge the relevant authorities to not only focus on building new roads but to ensure the effective management, maintenance, and long-term planning of our existing infrastructure. Immediate action is critical to prevent further loss of life, productivity, and resources. It is time the authorities address these issues so that the citizens of this country no longer have to suffer in silence. Finally, I take this opportunity to appeal to my fellow citizens, who daily endure similar challenges in other parts of the country, to speak out and let our politicians hear their voices. If we fail to act, we will have no one but ourselves to blame when this crisis turns into a permanent nightmare. This letter is being sent to the Office of the President, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Housing, and the police to ensure that those in positions of responsibility are directly informed of the concerns raised, and more importantly, will act on them. Sincerely, Christopher Ram Related Similar Articles

Second bridge across Rupununi River needed Oct 08, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, Over the years the state has constructed two bridges across the Rupununi River in Southern Region Nine. Thanks to those in authority who did such a significant job at that time. One bridge is located at Karaudarnau Village, which gives easy access to the community even during the rainy season when the water level is high. The other is the big one that is built across the same river located in the vicinity of the Katoonarib/ Sawariwau area that connects the main road to the villages in the south especially Aishalton and beyond. We know that bridges can be costly to build, but citizens’ convenience and easy access in and out of a place with less hassle especially when there is an emergency, is paramount to making residents, and commuters’ lives easy. With the above being said, can the relevant authorities build another bridge across the Rupununi River to give residents of Sand Creek easy access? During the season it is difficult for vehicles to cross except for crossing people by boat, which is dangerous. Sand Creek, sitting in the valley; is a vibrant and growing community and I believe it’s time for the relevant authorities to build a bridge across the Rupununi River so that commuters can access the village without the hassle of getting into a boat to transport goods, etc.  In conclusion, at present, the dry season is on until April next year. This is the ideal time to start building the bridge which can be a significant gift from a generous government for the residents of Sand Creek and others who travel there for tourism etc. Yours Sincerely, Medino Abraham MSc Related Similar Articles

Putting the cart before the horse on the curriculum at Annandale Secondary School Oct 08, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, Ideally, one would like for students to have a rounded educational experience for example, exposure to areas such as music, foreign languages and art apart from the traditional subjects in our public schools. However, the resources (teachers) may not be available to achieve what is desired at the unit level and one simply has to be practical and work with what is at hand in individual schools. It is well known that certain areas do not attract a large enrolment therefore, for these ‘special subjects’ demand for the specialist teachers is always greater than supply. However, while exposure to these subjects is desired one is still able to receive a solid educational experience without them and there are options that the child and parents can explore. For instance, if one wants to learn French one can simply join an online course, learn from YouTube or enrol in a physical class. Furthermore, moulding a child by providing exposure to different subjects is not solely dependent on the school system. While religious places do play their part in this area by teaching children how to play musical instruments associated with that religion and how to enhance their singing abilities by being a part of a choir or singing ‘bhajans’, parents should provide experiences and exposure to activities and courses that would broaden the minds of their children. And many young people do take on the responsibility of enrolling themselves in activities and courses that they find relaxing, interesting or what would teach them valuable skills and knowledge to further achieve their personal and professional goals. It’s simply not possible to cover ‘everything’ in the school especially if the required resources are not available therefore, I find it mindboggling that a situation that requires only ‘commonsense’ to resolve quickly and easily is a sore point. On the timetable at Annandale Secondary School, periods were allocated for special subjects, which do not have teachers. The teachers haven’t reported for duty as yet and they’re not a part of the staff. Also, this situation is a replay of what happened during a previous academic year. The ‘special teachers’ are either contract or part time workers who are just paid for the hours they teach. One would expect that these teachers would only be timetabled when they report to the HM of school for duty but the illogical has occurred. In fact, regular subjects such as HFLE and Reading were either removed or periods reduced to accommodate these ‘teachers’ and although we’re into the 6th week of the term they’re yet to appear! This situation negatively affects the students and teachers of the school. The students now have scheduled ‘free periods’ where they are unsupervised and left to their own devices. While they may enjoy this who should be held responsible if anything goes wrong with them during these periods for instance, if a fight breaks out or they engage in other unacceptable behaviour? Also, when unsupervised children tend to become noisy and loiter on the corridors thereby affecting the children and teachers in nearby classes. Also, should level supervisors and heads of departments be held responsible for the consequences of decisions they never played a part in making? Although I voiced my concerns with the relevant teachers and gave my recommendation on the matter, I am yet to see any positive changes and this undesirable situation remains; I am affected. I was told by a teacher on the Senior Leadership Team that the administrative staff is waiting on a directive from the VIP(s) at the Ministry of Education to remove the subjects (without teachers) from the time table. Whether this is true or not, I think basic common sense without the need for instructions from ‘those above’ can be employed to resolve this matter. Let other subjects be given the ‘free periods’ until the special teachers arrive. Yours faithfully, Narissa Deokarran Related Similar Articles