admin

An upside-down country Sep 29, 2024 News, The GHK Lall Column Hard Truths by GHK Lall… Kaieteur News – The first Hard Truth is that Guyana is an upside-down country.  Here is a society that qualifies for recognition as an Alice in Wonderland society.  What should be this way is another; and what should be nowhere in sight is very much present.  An attempt is made to sift through the sawdust and paddy dust, and there surfaces all that is topsy-turvy in the merry-go-round world that is lovely, sunny Oil Guyana.  Is this a place of substance?  Or is it one largely a product of the imagination, or some result of troubled and lingering anticipation?  It is the choice Guyanese must make, as they take stock again of where they are and where they want to go or think that they should go.  Where to start?  The perfect place just materialized, and it is not a mirage. The recommendation is that Guyanese pay close attention to their fellow Guyanese.  The large foreign contingent, especially the more newly arrived, are kindly asked to pause for a short moment from their greed-fueled profiteering and study the natives.  In Guyanese parlance, citizens are gently pressing their hand on their foreheads, repeat the same under their chins, across their necks.  There is the hint of a temperature; with many signs of things warming up.  That could only mean one thing: it is elections season, and the temperature is beginning to build.  It is a different kind of feverishness, one that drives into a frenzy and the usual long stretches of the hallucinatory.  The last time it was spreadsheets.  This time it could be UVOs.  No!  Not artificial insemination, but the artificial insertion of Unidentified Venezuelan Objects into the domestic elections’ atmosphere. A turbulent time is promised for one and all.  Nicolás Maduro does have his uses.  The reverse nature of things in Guyana is never starker, when elections are in the air, in the head and, well, as an inseparable toilet companion too.  For every number two, there could be two dozen Venezuelans.  Numbers, numbers, numbers, and they are more sophisticated than those crude old spreadsheet ones.  The contradiction, and it is a nationally glaring one, distils to one place.  The bulk of Guyanese are a picture of apathy and timidity about what the grand promise of their gigantic patrimony represents, but are inspired to frenzy by elections, which affords them the opportunity to select the lesser evil.  Is that democracy or what?  Is that prosperity or not?  Whatever it is, there is the mob-like energy generated by elections now slowly building from its current lukewarm temperature to white-hot intensity.  Political perversity (from all sides) with the national patrimony and Guyanese kicking each other out of the elections line to give one or the other hegemony over the promised prosperity that only goes to the favoured few.  Go figure, somebody. The intelligentsia (or what masquerades as it) overflows with numbers and references to names that burnish their standing.  These people do know something.  It is part of the numbness and, must be said, the dumbness of their thinking.  Except that it is not so dumb.  If it is not for the ego, it is for the money.  On the rare occasions in this devious Guyanese environment that it is for neither, then it is that deep-seated, pervasive bigotry that has blown this country apart.  The intelligentsia can quote and emote at will, but are all about personal prosperity, and nothing about what is best for a country that has lost its footing.  Those who railed against slavery (and indentureship) are now for bosom fellowship with the new enslavers, the new pillagers.  What happened to their minds?  Sold for a pile of dough?  The truth must be told.  In this backward, facedown country, the only corruption that counts are that of elections.  Guyanese would do well to learn from the Sri Lankans: democracy doesn’t end when elections are over.  No sirree, Barry. The president and his princes (no slurs about panjandrums and perverts today) shine brightly about accountability.  Unlike Sir Galahad of Knights of the Round Table fame, Ali and his band of partners (please don’t cause any trouble by asking for a number) did find the Holy Grail on the accountability score that is claimed so, ah, rapturously.  The Holy Grail re the best accountability is the one that is a mystery, and about which the clearest answers are wrapped in deep secrecy.  In the world of the Master of Accountability, Excellency Ali, transparency is like a GPL transmission line: antiquated and failing to deliver on what is promised.  It was God himself, who said, “Let there be light.”  The PPP Government said that light would be a blight on its action.  In the rigmarole estate of Guyana, the people live in total darkness, which is celebrated.  This is about government secrets, not GPL darkness.  Where are the Turks, young or old, when Guyanese need them? The government’s remedy when Guyanese are hungry is to feed them statistics.  This pretty index, that shapely index, is showered so much on the starving in Guyana that they develop a complex: they are hungry no more.  No wonder supermarket profits are down.  There should be no misunderstanding now regarding why Guyana is the best example of a country that is upside-down.  Only four areas were highlighted, there are four dozens more. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)  Related Similar Articles

Jaramillo’s brilliance propels Nations to 5 – 1 victory over GIA Sep 29, 2024 Sports Courts Optical Pee Wee U11 Football Tournament 2024… Part of the action between Belladrum and Redeemer Primary Schools Kaieteur Sports – In a thrilling second round of the 11th Annual Courts Optical Pee Wee Under-11 School’s Football Championship, several schools secured significant victories on Saturday at the Ministry of Education Ground. The tournament, organised by Petra Organisation, saw standout performances, including Raphael Fredericks from Tapakuma Primary, who delivered a hat-trick in a commanding 5-0 victory over Anns Grove Primary. Reneica Williams and Jordan Benjamin added to the scoreboard, making it a memorable day for Tapakuma, with Anns Grove unable to respond. St John the Baptist continued their strong form, adding a second win to their record with a 4-1 triumph over St Gabriel’s Primary. Kriston Chandler shone with a brace, bringing his tally to five for the tournament, while Alex Person and Joel DeAndrede netted a goal each to secure the victory. In another decisive match, Belladrum Primary outclassed Redeemer Primary in a 5-0 win. Nemaul Wilson led the charge with two goals, and teammates Javell Fraser, Runako Trotman, and Kenroy Gordon each added one to complete the rout. Nations demonstrated their dominance with a 5-1 win over Georgetown International Academy (GIA), thanks to a spectacular five-goal performance by Juan Jaramillo, sealing the match and lifting his side to an impressive victory. Den Amstel Primary’s Kester Jacobs continued his strong showing in the tournament, scoring a hat-trick to secure a comfortable 5-0 win against Golden Grove Primary. Andrew Robin added two goals to further cement their victory. Meanwhile, Marian Academy’s Joshua Johnson recorded his first hat-trick of the tournament in a 5-0 win over Colaaco Primary. His teammate, Christiano Larose, also scored twice to contribute to the commanding result. In other results; Santa Rosa Primary kept a clean sheet against North Georgetown Primary by winning 3-0. Batavia Primary drew with West Ruimveldt 1-1, Enterprise Primary also featured in a goalless draw against Rosignol Primary. Smith Memorial edged out F.E. Pollard Primary 1-0. St Pius Primary, with goals from Roy Cossou (1), Jovaine Wright (2), and Aleem Young (1), defeated Winfer Garden Primary 4-1. Genesis Primary narrowly defeated Timehri Primary 1-0. St Mary’s Primary triumphed over Tucville Primary 2-1, with both goals from Deqaucy Paul, and Stella Marris Primary also secured a 3-1 victory over Pataro Primary Clyde Jacobs was unstoppable with his three goals as they made strong statement to wrap up round #2. The tournament, supported by Unicomer Guyana Inc. through the Courts Optical brand, also receives backing from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, MVP Sports, Sterling Products Limited, and Stena Drilling, as it heads into the highly anticipated third round.    Related Similar Articles

PROTECTING THE YOUNGEST CONSUMERS – GNBS REVISES BABY SKIN CARE PRODUCT STANDARD Sep 29, 2024 News GNBS IN FOCUS Kaieteur News – Your baby’s skin is highly sensitive and delicate, requiring special care and protection from irritants, allergens, and harmful substances. Understanding this, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has introduced the first revision of GYS 179:1-2024 – Baby Skin Care Products – Part 1: General Requirements, a standard specifically designed to ensure the safety and quality of baby skin care products. The revised standard sets general requirements for products like soaps, shampoos, lotions, and wipes intended for newborns, infants, and young children. The GYS 179:1-2024 standard is critical to ensure that baby skin care products in Guyana meet the necessary safety and quality criteria. A baby’s skin is more permeable than adult skin, making it more vulnerable to external chemicals. This updated standard provides clear guidelines to manufacturers, ensuring that products are safe, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful substances, such as parabens and sulphates. For consumers, it guarantees that the products they trust for their babies are rigorously tested and compliant with international safety benchmarks. The GNBS, through its Technical Committee on Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals, beganthe review of the standard in 2023, and the intent was to revise the standard to align it with the latest research and industry practices. The revisions, based on the Jamaican Standard, JS 250 Part 1:2000, includes updates to the scope, definitions, and key clauses related to raw materials, finished products, and preservation. In 2024, the National Standards Council officially approved the revised standard as GYS 179:1-2024. The updated standard now includes several important changes aimed at enhancing product safetyand these updates reflect modern advancements in dermatology and manufacturing practices, ensuring that baby skin care products meet the highest safety standards. For manufacturers, the revised standard provides a clear framework to ensure their products comply with internationally accepted safety and quality requirements. It encourages the use of safe, non-toxic ingredients and promotes good manufacturing practices, making it easier for companies to deliver high-quality products that meet consumer expectations. For consumers, especially parents and caregivers, the GYS 179:1-2024 standard offers reassurance that the baby skin care products they purchase are designed to protect and nourish delicate baby skin. Products adhering to this standard are free from harmful chemicals, gentle on sensitive skin, and safe for everyday use. By revising and updating this standard, the GNBS continues its mission of safeguarding public health and safety. The GYS 179:1-2024 standard is part of the Bureau’s mission to provide guidelines that protect consumers while promoting excellence in local industries. The GNBS is responsible for adopting and developing national standards across various sectors, with over 600 standards available to date. These standards help to guide industries and protect consumers, ensuring that products meet established safety, environmental, and performance requirements. For further details on how to access this and other standards, contact GNBS at (592) 219-0064-66 or via WhatsApp at 692-4627. You can also visit our Standards Portal: gnbsguy.com   Related Similar Articles

Rampant Warriors maul Kings by 35 runs …Hetmyer, Hope & spinners inspire 4th consecutive win Sep 29, 2024 Sports Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League… Kaieteur Sports – It was a clinical 35-run trouncing at the hands of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who made light work of the number one ranked St. Lucia Kings thanks to fifties from Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope, coupled with 6 wickets from their spinners, yesterday, at Providence in the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League. Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope led the Warriors batting for yet another game, with scorching half-centuries (Getty Images) Spin wizard Gudakesh Motie had another exceptional day at home (Getty Images) Cramps and all, Kings’ captain, Faf du Plessis, finished unbeaten on 92. (Getty Images) The champs surged to the top of the points table ahead of tonight’s grand battle against Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR). Hetmyer and Hope replayed their innings from the previous game, adding 85 runs for the 3rd wicket which inevitably propelled the Warriors to 207-7 after 20 overs expired. Fast-bowlers Alzarri Joseph (2-39) and David Wiese (3-43) alongside leading wicket-taker in spinner Noor Ahmad (2-26), kept the Kings bowling together. After finding form recently, Hope continued his batting uprise by hitting five sixes and a pair of fours, racing to 56 off 31 balls to complete his second successive half-century. The Guyanese left-hander and match MVP Hetmyer, the Warriors leading scorer, maintained his immaculate form by smashing 9 fours and a six on his way to 58 from just 30 deliveries. Amazon Warriors openers Azam Khan (26) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (26) set the tone for Guyana as they matched each other shot for shot before losing their way to the likes of Wiese and Ahamd. All-rounder Romario Shepherd kept his moniker as finisher alive, romping to 24 off 16 with three fours, helping his team over the 200-run mark. The Warriors star-studded bowling attack then feasted on the Kings batsmen, minus Captain Faf du Plessis, who carried his bat deep into the innings with a classy, unbeaten 59-ball 92* (7×4 5 x 6), easily missing out on a ton. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (2-27), Imran Tahir (2-17), Mooen Ali (2-20) and Junior Sinclair (1-31) were magical as usual, ensuring that apart from du Plessis, only Johnson Charles (12), Ackeem Auguste (12) and Wiese (14) made it to double figures. Joseph returned to partner a cramp-ridden du Plessis after a dramatic collapse, scoring 25 not out with a four and two maximums; ending as the last men standing following a spellbinding show by the Warriors spinners. (C. Ross)  Related Similar Articles

GoG commits US$300,000 to Golden Jags for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Sep 29, 2024 Sports Kaieteur Sports – In what can be viewed as an unprecedented gesture to incentivise the performance of the team, Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle has confirmed that President Dr. Irfaan Ali has committed to paying the Golden Jaguars US$5,000 (five thousand) for each victory in their CONCACAF Nations League and World Cup campaign and a mammoth US$300,000 (three hundred thousand) for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. President of Guyana, Hon. Dr. Irfaan Ali This intended act, which was announced in the presence of Ninvalle, was conveyed by President Ali to the team following the conclusion of the Guyana and Suriname Nations League fixture at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, on September 5th. Unfortunately, Guyana failed to win any of their matches in League A of the CONCACAF Nations League. The Golden Jaguars lost the opening contest to their Dutch-speaking neighbours 1-3. They then drew 2-2 away to Martinique in their second fixture four days later. This is the second act of intended benevolence during this month from the President towards the national programme as the government of Guyana provided approximately $4,000,000 towards the acquisition of airfare for the Martinique fixture. Director of Sports Ninvalle said, “Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the development of sports and his commitment in establishing a culture of excellence is unquestionable. This is not a notional claim but is evident by the largest allocation in the sum of $4.6 billion towards sector. This historic allocation, which is a realisation of annual growth, is rooted in the recognised and established value of a structured and world-class sports ecosystem.” According to the Director of Sport, “From the establishment of new facilities and the restoration of existing edifices, President Ali’s vision is a concerted move to actualise development through investment in the requisite pillars for advancement, that is, infrastructure and human capital, and underscores his resolve and dedication to establish a vibrant sporting landscape, one that not only acts as a social unifier but a means to enhance and strengthen our ever-burgeoning world standing.” Ninvalle further stated, “While wearing and representing the national colours is an honour second to none in the athletic world, President Ali’s monumental pronouncement serves as an additional motivation for the team in their quest to attain greatness,” while adding that the president’s gesture was well received by the players. Guyana will get another opportunity to benefit from the President’s decree as they are slated to face off against Guatemala on local soil on October 11th before concluding their campaign four days later in the return fixture against Suriname. The Golden Jaguars are also scheduled to resume their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 2025 away to Nicaragua and home to Montserrat. To date, Guyana sports a record of one win [3-1, Belize] and a defeat [0-2, Panama] in their campaign. (NSC Press Release) Related Similar Articles

Man who slashed ex-girlfriend’s car tyres on $30k bail Sep 29, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A 26-year-old man was placed on $30,000 bail on Friday, after he was charged with two counts of damage to property when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The defendant, Kenrico Myres of Lot QQ Bent Street, Kitty, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. It is alleged that Myres damaged three car tyres valued $42,000 belonging to Sophia Simmons. The accused also damaged a gate bolt and bracket valued $20,000 and owned by Jason Benn on August 2, 2024 on D’Urban Street, Georgetown. According to police statements presented in court, Myres and Simmons had been in a relationship for four years. On the day of the incident, Simmons visited her friend Benn where she parked her car securely on Benn’s bridge before entering his residence. Around 18:20hrs, Simmons heard a loud sound coming from Benn’s gate and upon looking outside, observed Myres slashing her car tyres. Myres reportedly fled the scene after slashing the woman’s tyres. The incident was reported to the police and Myres was arrested and subsequently charged. During the proceedings, the prosecutor requested that Myres be placed on a bond to keep the peace. Myres is scheduled to return to court on October 4, 2024. Related Similar Articles

Mr. Thom and Racial concerns must be addressed by the ERC Sep 29, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, Reference is made to the racial confrontation that an unnamed person imposed on Mr. Ivor Thom, the Administrator of the Burrowes School of Art (SN: 9-22-2024). I contend that this matter cannot be concluded without the oversight responsibility of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), because racial conflict is Guyana’s number one problem. The solution advanced by Mr. Jagdeo, Vice President, that Mr. Thom return to work and speaking with the Minister does not address the underlying racial issue. In other words, this suggestion only treats the symptoms and not the racism in Guyana. In fact, the unnamed person has not been held accountable for his action; and did he ever apologize to Mr. Ivor Thom? Consequently, the ERC must convene a meeting and summon the unnamed person and Mr. Thom to properly conclude this matter. Get the job done ERC, let the public know how you resolved this troubling matter, and enhance your reputation. Sincerely,Dr. C. Kenrick HunteProfessor and Former Ambassador Related Similar Articles