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Health Ministers of the Americas to meet in Washington to set health priorities at the 61st PAHO Directing Council Sep 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – High-level health authorities of the Americas will meet from September 30 to October 4 in Washington, DC, to participate in the 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). During the sessions of this governing body, strategies, plans, and policies will be discussed and analysed, and priorities for technical cooperation and collaboration will be set for the coming years, PAHO said in a release. The opening ceremony will take place on Monday, September 30, at 9:00 a.m. (Washington, DC time). The event will be attended by Fernando Boyd Galindo, Minister of Health of Panama and outgoing President of the Directing Council; Loyce Pace, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the United States Department of Health and Human Services; and Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro; the Chief of the Social Protection and Hea lth Division at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Pablo Ibarrarán; and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), will participate, with doctor Adhanom Ghebreyesus joining via video message. After the ceremony, Dr. Barbosa will present his annual report as Director of the regional health organization. Main debates and expected decisions During the week, delegates will decide key strategies and policies. The topics to be addressed include strengthening tobacco control in the region, promoting epidemic intelligence to improve early warning of health emergencies, accelerating the transformation of health systems, and strengthening the health sector’s capacity to address threats posed by climate change to health. Other priority topics will include sepsis, health information systems, long-term care, as well as surgical, intensive care, and emergency care. A roadmap will also be presented for the development of the PAHO Strategic Plan 2026-2031, which will be approved in 2025. This plan will establish the strategic direction of the Organization, along with the collective priorities and results to be achieved during that period. Delegates will receive final reports on topics such as the 2018-2023 entomology and vector control action plan, the 2018-2023 action plan for the sustainability of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome elimination, and access to and rational use of strategic and high-cost medicines and other health technologies. Progress reports will also be presented on disparities in access to and use of health services by LGBT+ people, and the digital transformation of the health sector, among others. Events, awards, and special meetings The 61st Directing Council will begin with the 20th “Walk for Health”. This activity will take place on September 29 at 9:00 a.m., with a 3.62-kilometer (2.25-mile) walk through the Foggy Bottom neighbourhood and Washington D.C. to promote physical and mental health. Special events include briefing sessions on the PAHO Elimination Initiative, which will be held on Monday, September 30 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., and on the pandemic agreement from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. On Tuesday, October 1, issues related to telemedicine will be discussed from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., and the contributions of the Americas region to a sustainable WHO will be celebrated from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The session on Wednesday, October 2, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., will focus on the elimination of cervical cancer. The PAHO Award for Management and Leadership in Health Services 2024 will be presented on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 1. The 61st Directing Council is scheduled to close on the morning of Friday, October 4. Related Similar Articles

Wales gas project facing 3-month delay due to sub-contractors – Brassington Sep 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Winston Brassington, Head of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) Task Force, in a statement on Thursday disclosed that the construction of the Integrated Power Plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility is facing a three-month delay due to setbacks caused by ExxonMobil’ sub-contractors. Winston Brassington, Head of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) Task Force “It is important to note that the AMCHAM forum was held under Chatam House rules, and no media were invited or present. Despite this, certain information has flowed into the media,” Brassington said as he addressed a recent media report that the power plant is expected to generate power during the second half of 2025. He noted that what was not discussed at the event is the dispute before the Dispute Avoidance / Adjudication Board (DAAB) Tribunal. It was recently disclosed that the arbitration panel for US-million cost overruns claimed by United States-based Lindsayca and CH4 joint venture against the Government of Guyana (GoG) is set to visit next month. Back in April, the joint-venture made a claim against the Government for US-millions in cost overruns for construction delays for the Wales GTE project. In December 2022, CH4-Lindsayca was awarded a US$759M contract for the construction of two components of the GTE project, the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and the 300 megawatts (MW) power plant. Brassington in his statement noted that under the Government of Guyana (GoG) agreement with CH4-Lindsayca, the delivery of the “simple cycle/NGL facilities” was contractually scheduled for delivery on December 31, 2024. Addressing the delays, Brassington explained that the delays stemmed from the late completion of site work by Exxon’s sub-contractor GYSBI and the Material Offloading Facility (MOF) by sub-contractor GAICO. According to him, the Government has accepted a schedule extension of three months in favour of the contractor. “Flowing from the above, it is to be made clear that the GOG holds Lindsayca/CH4 contractually responsible to deliver the project in “simple cycle” by April 2025,” Brassington said. Moreover, the GTE project head stated that it is the Government’s intent to charge liquidated damages on any delay thereafter at a Liquidated Damages (LD) rate of US$377,000/day per the contract. This amounts to US$11.3 million per month. Related Similar Articles

Retired teacher, captain hospitalized after boat crash in Moruca River Sep 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Two persons have been hospitalized after a boat accident at Moruca, Region One on Wednesday. The boat that Helen Domingo and Earl Norton were traveling in. The injured persons are 60-year-old Helen Domingo and boat captain, Earl Norton. Reports are that the boat they were traveling in collided with another in the Moruca River. The accident occurred around midday on Wednesday while Domingo was on her way to collect her pension. Kaieteur News understands that Domingo and Norton were travelling from Kamwatta to Kumaka Landing in a small boat when the accident occurred. Reports are that a large speedboat heading from Charity collided with small boat, driving over it at a sharp turn along the Moruca River. Eyewitnesses said that Domingo and Norton are lucky to be alive as the boat’s propeller narrowly missed them. Notwithstanding, the duo was injured seriously. Domingo’s relatives said that she suffered injuries to the head, chest, back, hands and left hip. It is unclear what injuries Norton sustained but relatives said that both persons are said to be in a stable condition. Meanwhile, the captain of the speedboat that crashed into Domingo and Norton was taken into police custody to assist with investigations. Related Similar Articles

Mother in dire search for daughter who was discharged from GPHC months before her Sep 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A tragic accident six months ago has left 45-year-old Venessa Hector pleading for the return of her nine-year-old daughter, who was reportedly taken by the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) after being discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) earlier than her. Venessa Hector is in search of her 9-year-old daughter Hector, who turned to Kaieteur News for assistance, resides at Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The distraught woman is unaware of her daughter’s whereabouts and has experienced difficulties contacting and or getting information from several government organizations. “I went to Child Protection, Eve Leary, Legal Aid, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the Vigilance Police Station several times,” she expressed. The accident occurred on April 4, 2024, when Hector and her daughter were reportedly struck by a taxi driver while walking along the Bachelor’s Adventure Church Road. Both were admitted to the GPHC, where Hector sustained multiple injuries to her face, head, hand, and abdomen. Hector’s daughter was discharged on April 20, 2024, while she remained hospitalized until July 4, 2024. Hector explained, “The social worker told me that my son collected her first.  But they [CCPA] kept my daughter until I got discharged. Now that I’m out, I haven’t seen her since April 20. I don’t know where my daughter is, and I don’t know where my son is living. He hasn’t called me at all.” Despite her desperate search, Hector’s efforts have so far proven futile. “After the accident, the matter was not reported, nor did the taxi driver reach out to me. I miss my daughter; I want my daughter. I dress her just like me,” the crying mother said. Related Similar Articles

Miner’s body found two days after boat mishap Sep 27, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The body of 32-year-old miner Dionson Charlie, from Jawalla Village in the Upper Mazaruni, Region 7, was discovered on Wednesday floating near Bush Cow Backdam Landing. According to police reports, Charlie’s body was found face down in the water. Upon examination, several injuries were noted, including a 3cm laceration to the back of the head and swelling on the face, with blood visible from his nostrils. The body was also observed to be in the early stages of decomposition. Due to the absence of mortuary facilities in the area, the body was buried in a shallow grave. However, police have arranged for the Government Pathologist to conduct an exhumation, with a post-mortem examination scheduled for October 1, 2024. Kaieteur News reported on Thursday that Charlie was feared dead following the boat mishap. Police indicated that around 11:00 hrs on Monday, Charlie had left the ‘Bush Cow’ Backdam to travel to Kato Village for business. It is alleged that during his return journey, he collided with a floating object, causing him to fall overboard. A resident of Abbou Village, Learvia Henry, reported hearing a loud crashing sound from the river and raised the alarm. Neighbours responded and found a wooden boat floating unattended but were unable to locate Charlie. The small boat belonging to Charlie was found at ‘Bush Cow’ Landing, with traces of what appeared to be blood on the seats and sides. Inspector Hunte, along with other officers and local residents, formed a search party on Tuesday. Investigations are ongoing. Related Similar Articles

Preliminary list of 30 named by GBBF  Sep 27, 2024 Sports CAC Body Building C/ships Kaieteur Sports – In its effort to successfully defend home turf, the Guyana Body Building Federation (GBBF) has shortlisted 30 athletes to commence preparations for next month’s hosting of the Central America & Caribbean (CAC) Championships, at the National Cultural Centre. 2023 CAC Junior Bikini Wellness, Hannah Rampersaud According to a source close to the GBBF, the list is a preliminary one and the final composition of the team will be known following a meeting to be held shortly to ascertain the athletes’ readiness to represent the country at the highest level. “We will be engaging the athletes selected for a final screening process to ensure that we have them at their premium and those who do not satisfy what we know is required at an international stage then they will be axed from the team. After that we will have our final entry form to submit to the international body.” The source revealed that athletes will be coming from all across the length and breadth of Guyana representing the various gyms and following the conclusion of the meeting to be held shortly, the GBBF will be in a much better position to announce the final selection of the team that will vie for top honours, at this year’s c/ships to be staged from October 17-21. Emmerson Campbell Among those shortlisted are defending champions Emmerson Campbell, who won gold in the Physique category and Hannah Rampersaud, who claimed a similar accolade in the Wellness category. Both athletes are strong favourites to retain their respective titles, while Campbell, who has been consistently performing outstandingly over the past few years is the overwhelming favourite to grab the overall crown. Meanwhile, the source disclosed that the Government of Guyana through Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport Charles Ramson Jnr, and the Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has fully endorsed the staging of the C/ships and has been very supportive in every aspect of preparations related to the hosting of the event. “These two guys have had a hands on approach to ensure that this event is a success and I can say that they are fully on board, we’ve been meeting regularly to iron out all the details heading into October and to work out the cost factor relative to the Government’s support of which we are very appreciative of,” the source said. More details will be forthcoming as preparations for the hosting of the event continues.   Related Similar Articles

Preparation on track, as 51st CAC Bodybuilding and Fitness C/ship looms Sep 27, 2024 Sports Kaieteur Sports – Preparations are progressing smoothly for the 51st Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship, set to take place in Guyana this October. This update was confirmed in a press release by the President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Keavon Bess, who has been making focused efforts to ensure the event’s success. Minister of Sports, Charles Ramson Jr Returning to Guyana after a 20-year hiatus, the championship will feature over 250 athletes from 20 countries. Since its official launch in June 2024, GBBFF officials have held weekly meetings with Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr., and Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle. These discussions have primarily centered on securing financial and logistical support from the government and other relevant agencies. GBBFF President, Keavon Bess Additionally, GBBFF is in constant communication with CAC and International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) executives, assessing Guyana’s progress in preparation for the event and addressing any logistical concerns. Bess has also confirmed that meetings with participating countries are ongoing to finalize the number of athletes, as well as their arrival and departure dates. Scheduled for October 17-20, the championship will be hosted at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), a venue that has already received high praise from the CAC inspection team during their visits in December 2023 and June 2024. A production meeting with the NCC management and staff is also in the works to fine-tune event logistics. To ensure the smooth execution of the event, the GBBFF has sent formal requests to various state agencies, including the Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Police Force, and Ministry of Health, seeking their support. Several organisations have already pledged their support, including the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, Republic Bank Guyana, and Fitness Express. However, the GBBFF has issued a call for additional corporate sponsorship to help elevate this prestigious international event, last hosted in Guyana in 2004. The 51st CAC Championship is poised to be a landmark event in the region’s bodybuilding calendar, and Guyana is set to make the most of this opportunity on the international stage.     Related Similar Articles