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An evening with world-renowned spiritual guide BK Sister Shivani Sep 15, 2024 Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Prepare to be inspired and transformed as Sister Shivani, when the world-renowned spiritual guide and practitioner of Raja yoga Meditation, comes to Guyana on Wednesday, September 18th for a truly special evening at the National Cultural Centre from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This event, centered on the power of love and forgiveness, is more than just a talk—it’s an invitation to transform your life. World-renowned spiritual guide and practitioner BK sister Shivani For over two decades, Sister Shivani has touched hearts across the globe, helping people rise above stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles. Her journey from being an Electronics Engineer to becoming a spiritual icon is nothing short of extraordinary. Through her widely popular TV show Awakening With Brahma Kumaris, which has aired over 2,000 episodes since 2007, she has reached millions across India, the USA, Canada, the UK, Africa, Australia, and beyond. People from all walks of life have found relief from mental stress, depression, and fractured relationships through her profound wisdom. Her accolades are a testament to her global influence. In 2019, she was honored with the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskaar, India’s highest civilian honor for women, for her role in transforming lives. She has also been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador by the World Psychiatric Association and was recognized as a Happiness Ambassador at the British Parliament. Most recently, in 2023, she received the Sustainable Goals Award from UNESCO for her tireless commitment to global well-being. Sister Shivani’s teachings resonate deeply due to their simplicity and profound truth. Her message is clear: love and forgiveness have the power to heal even the deepest wounds. In her upcoming event, she will guide us in understanding how these two forces can bring peace and harmony to both our inner world and our relationships. At a time when stress and negativity seem overwhelming, Sister Shivani offers a beacon of light and hope. The event is free of charge and open to children aged 12 years and above. Whether you’re seeking personal healing, wanting to strengthen relationships, or simply wishing to connect more deeply with yourself and others, this event promises to be transformative. Join us for an evening of reflection, insight, and empowerment. Let Sister Shivani guide you toward a life filled with love, forgiveness, and boundless inner peace. This is more than just an event—it’s a moment to begin anew. We look forward to seeing you on September 18th at the National Cultural Centre. For further inquiries or to reserve your spot, please call 628-9949, 623-0522, or 227-2538. You can also email us at [email protected]. Let your heart open to the limitless possibilities that love and forgiveness can bring! Related Similar Articles

Hubbard dominates the return of the P&P Insurance Brokers 35-lap Cycling Classic Sep 15, 2024 Sports Part of the action Sunday’s feature Senior Race in the P&P Insurance Brokers Classic Kaieteur Sports – After a six-year hiatus, the much-anticipated P&P Insurance Brokers 35-lap Cycling Classic roared back to life at the National Park’s iconic Inner Circuit yesterday. Under a brilliant sky and surrounded by eager bystanders, the race unfolded in dramatic fashion, with cyclists decked out in brightly coloured cycle gear, each representing their respective clubs and sponsors. With the excitement reaching the roof, the action was nothing short of palpable; featuring Senior, Junior, Under-50, and Over-50 categories, marked the triumphant return of this historic cycle race. Representing the KFC Evolution Cycle Club, Segun Hubbard claimed the ultimate glory, carting off the title in the Senior’s race with a powerful sprint that left his competitors chasing his shadow. The 36-mile challenge was intense from start to finish, but Hubbard’s flawless strategy and sheer determination set him apart from the pack. Briton John, who led much of the race and looked poised for victory, found himself outpaced by Hubbard’s late surge, finishing in second place. Right behind him was Jamual John, putting on a strong performance to secure third. The senior race was the crown jewel of the day’s events, with seasoned cyclists thrilling the crowd with blistering speed, tactical nous, and a flair for showmanship. The top performers took a photo op after the presentation ceremony with P&P Brokers Director, Vikash Panday In the other categories, Alexander Leung took control early and never looked back in the Junior’s event, pedaling his way to a commanding first-place finish. Hot on his heels, Daniel Jaing and Alex Newton settled for second and third, respectively, after a hard-fought contest. The Under-50 Veterans race was another spectacle, with Robin Persaud proving to be a force of nature as he claimed victory. His consistency and pace throughout the laps kept him ahead of the competition. Meanwhile, in the Over-50 Veterans category, Nigel London’s experienced legs carried him across the finish line in first place, with Ian Jackson and Ray Harliquin completing the podium. With the race returning after such a long break, it didn’t just meet expectations—it shattered them. Spectators were treated to a display of athleticism, sportsmanship, and heart-stopping moments as cyclists of all ages gave everything they had on the circuit. The P&P Insurance Brokers, whose generous sponsorship made the event possible, continues to stand as a pillar of support for cycling in Guyana. Related Similar Articles

Joshi scores against higher rated opponent at Chess Olympiad Sep 15, 2024 Sports Aditi Joshi Kaieteur Sports – Fourteen-year-old Aditi Joshi kept the Golden Arrowhead flying with a win over higher-rated opponent at the 45th Chess Olympiad now underway in Budapest, Hungary. In an impressive display of talent and tenacity, Joshi, representing Guyana in the Women’s Chess Olympiad, secured a remarkable victory in the second round against Women’s Chess Master (WCM) Yara Faqeeh of Palestine. The young Queen’s College student, playing for Guyana’s Women’s Team, showed composure beyond her years as she battled her seasoned opponent in an epic three-and-a-half-hour encounter. Playing with the black pieces, Joshi faced the Palestinian WCM’s Yara Faqeeh who opted for the popular Queen’s Pawn opening, the ‘London System’. Despite her opponent’s experience, Aditi navigated the opening flawlessly, maintaining an early advantage well into the middle game. Her strong opening play demonstrated a deep understanding of chess principles, and she looked poised to hold her own against the WCM. However, the experienced Faqeeh found a way to turn the tables, surprising Aditi on the 22nd move by exchanging one of her minor pieces (a bishop) for one of Aditi’s major pieces (a rook), gaining a significant material advantage. At that moment, it seemed as if the tide had shifted in favor of the Palestinian. Aditi, undeterred and determined, fought back with the resilience and strategic insight that has marked her as one of Guyana’s rising stars. In a pivotal moment, the powerful chess engine Stockfish 16, which analyzed the game, deemed Aditi’s 26th move as “brilliant.” In a stroke of tactical genius, Aditi equalized the position with a subtle bishop maneuver, setting up a long-range pin on her opponent’s knight, effectively neutralizing Faqeeh’s earlier material advantage. The game soon transitioned into a tense endgame—often regarded as the ultimate test of a player’s strategic depth and calculation. Aditi’s handling of the endgame was nothing short of masterful, showcasing her ability to execute long-range calculations under immense pressure. Maintaining her composure, Joshi steadily gained a decisive advantage, and her precision play eventually led to her promoting a pawn to a second queen. After a hard-fought struggle, WCM Yara Faqeeh was forced to resign, marking a significant victory for the Guyanese junior female and earning the first point for Guyana’s Women’s Team at the Olympiad. Her remarkable performance has set a strong tone for the remainder of the tournament. Aditi’s talent bides well for her to continue to make her mark on the global chess stage. As the youngest member of the Guyanese team, Aditi’s victory is not only a testament to her potential but also an inspiration for young chess players across the nation. Her triumph in Budapest is a proud moment for Guyana and a sign of great things to come in her chess career. (GCF Release) Related Similar Articles

Donald Trump Infringed ‘Electric Avenue’ By Using Song in Campaign Video, Judge Rules Sep 15, 2024 Features / Columnists, News Former President: Donald Trump Kaieteur News – Donald Trump faces a wave of complaints from musical artists, a judge ruled against him in a years-old case over his unauthorized use of Eddy Grant’s famed 1980s jam. British Guyanese Musician Eddie Grant Trump infringed copyrights by using Eddy Grant’s iconic “Electric Avenue” in a 2020 campaign video without permission, a federal judge ruled Friday (Sept. 13), rejecting Trump’s argument that he made legal fair use of the song. Grant sued Trump in 2020 after the then-president used his 1982 hit in a social media video attacking Joe Biden. Grant said he reacted with “dismay” when he began receiving inquiries asking if he had approved the Republican candidate’s use of his music. Trump’s lawyers had argued the video was shielded under copyright’s fair use doctrine, which allows for the “transformative” re-use of protected works in certain situations. But in Friday’s ruling, Judge John G. Koeltl sharply rejected that argument. “In this case, the video has a very low degree of transformativeness, if any at all,” the judge wrote. “The video is best described as a wholesale copying of music to accompany a political campaign ad.” Following the ruling, Grant’s attorney Brian D. Caplan said his client was “gratified” by the judge’s decision: “As a staunch believer of artist’s rights and the ability to control their creative output, Mr. Grant believes that the decision will help others in their fight against the unauthorized use of sound recordings and musical compositions. Politicians are not above the law and the court reaffirmed that.” A spokesperson and an attorney for the Trump campaign did not immediately return requests for comment. Trump has repeatedly faced blowback amid the 2024 election from artists who don’t want him to use their music. Beyoncé, Celine Dion, the Foo Fighters, ABBA and Sinead O’Connor‘s estate have all spoken out or threatened action, and the White Stripes and the estate of Isaac Hayes have both filed lawsuits against him and his campaign. Four years earlier, Grant filed a similar case over Trump’s “wrongful and willful” use of “Electric Avenue,” a funky, reggae-infused track about the 1981 Brixton riot, named for a road running through that London neighborhood. The song reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 in the summer of 1983 and ultimately spent 22 weeks on the chart. The video at issue, shared by Trump on Twitter, featured a red “Trump” train outrunning a handcar driven by Biden, as audio clips of Biden’s speeches played above Grant’s 1982 hit. Grant’s attorneys said the campaign had refused to remove the clip even after they were warned — meaning that Trump was acting as if he was “above the law.” Facing those allegations, Trump’s legal team argued that the video amounted to fair use, claiming the campaign had transformed Grant’s song into a vehicle to criticize Biden. In 2021, Judge Koeltl hinted that he would likely reject that argument on the grounds that it “misapprehends” how fair use works, but he said it was too early to decide the issue. On Friday, the judge made good on his warnings, largely adopting the same rationale as his 2021 decision. He noted that Trump’s video “did not edit the song’s lyrics, vocals, or instrumentals at all” and had “offered no justification for their extensive borrowing.” Trump’s attorneys had argued that the video had “transformed Grant’s original conception of ‘Electric Avenue’ as a protest against social conditions into a colorful attack on the character and personality traits of a rival political figure.” But the judge was entirely unswayed by that defense — saying that it would only count as fair use if Trump had used the song to attack Grant, not Biden. “The animation does not use ‘Electric Avenue’ as a vehicle to deliver its satirical message and it makes no effort to poke fun at the song or Grant,” Judge Koeltl wrote, quoting directly from his earlier decision. Friday’s ruling means that Trump and his campaign have been held legally liable for copyright infringement, but it leaves undecided the amount he must ultimately pay Grant in damages. That issue will be resolved in future proceedings. Related Similar Articles

AFFORDABLE, EFFECTIVE, AND COMPREHENSIVE – GNBS TRAININGS EMPOWER LOCAL INDUSTRIES Sep 15, 2024 Features / Columnists, GNBS, News GNBS IN FOCUS Kaieteur News – The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses by offering essential training programmes. With an emphasis on building capacity and ensuring businesses meet national, regional and international standards, the GNBS plays a vital role in improving the quality, efficiency and overall success of businesses across various sectors. For almost two decades, training has been one of GNBS’ core services where businesses and regulators throughout the country are educated on the benefits, requirements, documentation and the implementation of standards. In Guyana today, there is a growing demand by companies to conform to the requirements of various standards including ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems, ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems and ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management Systems, among others. As such, the GNBS provides training and guidance to these companies so that they can establish and maintain these management systems within their operations. Further, through the provision of these specialised training programmes, the GNBS provides information and guidance to companies of various sizes, from all sectors. In fact, training courses have been offered to companies in the construction, healthcare, manufacturing, consulting, tourism, agriculture, and services sectors to name a few.  These training courses are conducted year-round with class sizes generally ranging from 10 to 20 on average. Sessions are conducted in person, virtually, or in hybrid to ensure that individuals and organisations can conveniently capitalize on them. The GNBS prides itself on its cadre of experienced and qualified trainers. Each of whom holds certifications in internationally recognized standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO/IEC 17025. Our trainers can meticulously clarify the various concepts to help individuals understand the requirements of these standards, as well as how to implement them within their operations. Other trainings which are provided, include Food Prerequisite Programmes, Data Analysis, Process Mapping, Risk Management, and Risk-Based Thinking. With training, business personnel can improve their competency to establish, implement, and maintain key management system standards and requirements, especially if their operations are internationally certified. The useful tools provided to participants help them to better streamline their operations and enhance their ability to meet and exceed requirements of interested parties. Additionally, participants benefit from real-world insights and case studies, thanks to the GNBS’ collaboration with overseas training providers such as Delphi Consultants Ltd. Usually, GNBS training courses are short, lasting between one to four days, and despite their high value, these courses remain affordable, ensuring that a wider pool of individuals and businesses of all sizes participate. The Bureau also offers tailored packages, allowing organizations from startups to well-established enterprises to select the training best suited to their needs. Those who have taken part in these courses have expressed satisfaction with course content, classroom environments, and meals provided. So far for the year, the GNBS has conducted a total of 57 training courses and trained a whopping 700 persons. Currently, there is an ongoing collaboration with Delphi Consultants Ltd. to conduct four intensive courses for business personnel on ‘Understanding the Requirements of the ISO 45001:2018 Standard’, ‘Implementing and Documenting the ISO 45001:2018 Standard’, ‘IRCA Lead Auditor for ISO 45001’ and ‘Implementing and Documenting the ISO 9001:2015 Standard’. The GNBS will continue to provide standards education to businesses through its schedule of training programmes. This is crucial to ensure conformance, competitiveness, and resilience of our local businesses, and overall economic growth of our country. For more information, contact the GNBS on Tel: 219-0064-66 or visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org Related Similar Articles

Guyana’s Drayton secures draw against Jordanian IM Sep 15, 2024 Sports Anthony Drayton 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad… Kaieteur Sports – Guyana’s only FIDE Master (FM) Anthony Drayton, fondly known as ‘King Dray’, delivered a remarkable performance in the second round of the prestigious FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. Drayton, playing with the White pieces, was pitted against Jordanian International Master (IM) Sameer Loay, in what unfolded to be a classic showdown of grit, strategy, and determination. The game began with Drayton opting for a Queen’s Pawn opening. By the ninth move, and true to his style, FM Drayton wasted no time in going on the offensive, launching a bold attack on Loay’s queenside. His early penetration with a knight and bishop seemed to unsettle the International Master. However, Drayton, never one to rest on his laurels, swiftly switched his offensive strategy, targeting Loay’s kingside. In a bold sacrifice, he gave up a knight in a bid to unbalance his more experienced opponent and maintain the pressure. The International Master, however, displayed his skill and composure, successfully repelled Drayton’s onslaught. By the time the dust had settled, the Guyanese FIDE Master found himself down in material having lost two minor pieces during the early struggle, and seemingly cornered, with Loay gearing up for what appeared to be a decisive finish. Yet, in true Guyanese fashion—embodying the national spirit of “not a blade of grass”—Drayton refused to bow. His never-say-die attitude was on full display as he doggedly fought on, employing clever tactics to chip away at his disadvantage. Move by move, FM Drayton began turning the tide, clawing his way back into the game. By the 27th move, he had recaptured one of the two lost pieces and continued his relentless assault on Loay’s position. It was this relentless determination that cracked the IM’s resolve. By the 36th move, Drayton had managed to win his opponent’s queen for a rook, completely shifting the momentum of the game. Although Drayton now held the upper hand, both players, exhausted from the mental battle, ultimately agreed to a draw after several more exchanges. The draw, however, felt like a victory for Team Guyana, as FM Drayton secured the first valuable point for the national ‘Open’ team in this fiercely competitive tournament involving over 190 nations. His resilience and fighting spirit on the international stage serve as a lesson and inspiration for all young chess players in Guyana, showing that even against the odds, perseverance and strategic brilliance can yield remarkable results. As the FIDE Chess Olympiad continues in the stunning city of Budapest, FM Drayton’s heroic performance has set a positive tone for Team Guyana, and the entire nation will be following closely as their players continue to battle on the world stage. Related Similar Articles

Can the GFF be transparent about the MEYBA and Blue Water Shipping deals? Sep 15, 2024 Sports HEAR ME OUT! By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – In 2015, when Wayne Forde won the presidency of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), he ran on a platform of integrity, signalling a commitment to transparency and ethical leadership in football. Rawle Toney His slate was aptly named “Team Integrity,” a reflection of the principles he vowed to uphold as he worked to reshape football governance in Guyana. Fast forward three terms, and the GFF under Forde faces significant scrutiny over a series of decisions that challenge the very values of integrity and transparency he once championed. Two key incidents—the Blue Water Shipping agreement for a multi-purpose stadium at Durban Park and the five-year kit deal with European brand MEYBA—have raised concerns and sparked calls for greater accountability. The MEYBA Kit deal: A case for transparency The MEYBA deal, announced on August 16, 2024, will see the former producers of Barcelona FC’s uniforms providing kits for Guyana’s national football teams, including the Golden Jaguars and the Lady Jags. Despite the excitement surrounding this partnership, important questions remain unanswered. When does the agreement officially take effect? What are the financial terms, and how will the GFF and, by extension, football in Guyana, benefit? For comparison, take Jamaica’s kit deal with Adidas. The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) negotiated a lucrative agreement reportedly worth US$1.2 million annually in cash, plus US$2 million in apparel and a 20% royalty on sales of Jamaica-related merchandise. This level of transparency sets a strong example for how national football organizations should operate. The GFF, in contrast, has yet to disclose similar details about their MEYBA deal, leaving the public in the dark about its true value. The Blue Water Shipping agreement: A missed opportunity for openness Another major point of contention is the Blue Water Shipping agreement, signed just before the 2023 GFF elections, which Forde won against former President, Franklin Wilson. This agreement was meant to bring much-needed infrastructure to Guyana, but the lack of transparency surrounding the deal has raised red flags. Key details such as the investment amount, the duration of the partnership, and how Blue Water Shipping will see a return on investment remain undisclosed. Worse, the media’s role was reduced to merely reporting the announcement after it was made by the GFF, rather than being invited to witness the signing and ask critical questions. This has led to suspicions of vote manipulation and deepened the public’s mistrust. Why transparency and integrity matter In football, transparency is not just a buzzword—it is essential to safeguarding the sport’s integrity. Corruption scandals, like those that have plagued FIFA, demonstrate the importance of financial accountability. Without clear information on major deals, like those involving MEYBA and Blue Water Shipping, stakeholders in Guyanese football—including players, clubs, sponsors, and, most importantly, fans—are left to speculate. Fans, the lifeblood of football, deserve to know that the sport they love is free from corruption. When transparency is lacking, trust erodes, and this can severely impact engagement and support for the national team. Football in Guyana has enormous potential, but only if the GFF builds trust through honest and open governance. Now more than ever, it is crucial for the GFF to uphold the values of integrity and transparency they once vowed to protect. This is the only way to ensure the long-term growth and success of football in Guyana while rebuilding the trust of fans, players, and the broader football community. Related Similar Articles