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Cummings calls for greater efforts to prevent suicide   Sep 10, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Shadow Health Minister of the Opposition, Dr. Karen Cummings has called for a multi-sectoral approach to address suicide in a message to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Dr. Karen Cummings Below is the full statement by Dr. Cummings. Today September 10 is designated World Suicide Prevention Day. It is being observed under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. Though simple, it is profound as it sends out the call to stop stigma and discrimination, and to make the public more aware that though suicide is complicated and tragic, it is preventable.  Suicide and self-harm are a significant public health concern, and stringent efforts must be made by policy makers and stakeholders to shift this topical issue from the culture of silence to one of conversation. Yes, let’s talk. There must be the fostering of a culture of support for the victims and the at-risk group. Two decades ago, Guyana‘s age standardized rate was estimated at 40.9 per 100, 000, the highest in the Americas, and the second highest in the world. Already, for this year 2024, Guyana has recorded 40 deaths by suicide. The strategy to address this scourge must continue to be dependent on the cross -cutting values and principles of universal coverage, human rights, evidence-based practice, life-course approach, and a multi-sectoral approach. While some efforts are being made to decriminalize suicide behavior, all hands are needed on deck including the pesticide control board, the suicide prevention commission and taskforce, policy makers, and civil society to address this plague. Today on World Suicide Prevention Day, let us strive together to reduce the suicide mortality by one-third by 2030 in keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, Target 3.4. Let us continue to raise awareness that suicide is preventable, and to improve education through the medium of edutainment, and other programmes. Let us prioritize access to care and render assistance to those in need. Everyone should feel valued and understood. Let us change the way that suicide is seen. Let us all say yes to life.  It is Everybody’s business. Every life matters. Related Similar Articles

GHB selects strong Women’s team for PAHF Challenge in Bermuda Sep 10, 2024 Sports In photo: Back row L to R – Coach Philip Fernandes, Princessa Wilkie, Sarah Klautky, Abosaide Cadogan, Tekeisha Deleon, Carolyn Deane, Trisha Woodroffe, Makeda Harding, Kirsten Gomes. Front Row (L-R) Kezia Chinian, Makaylah Poole, goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, Gabriella Xavier, Clayza Bobb Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana women’s hockey team has selected its final squad for the 2024 Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Challenge, set to take place in Hamilton, Bermuda, from September 20-28. This tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2025 PAHF Cup in Uruguay and is Guyana’s sole route to the World Cup. As the lowest-ranked team in the competition, Guyana faces a daunting task in their bid to claim the top spot. The six competing teams are led by Mexico, ranked 37th in the world, followed by Peru at 41st, Brazil at 54th, Jamaica at 67th, Bermuda at 68th, and Guyana at 70th. Guyana’s last appearance in the PAHF Challenge was in 2011, where they finished as runners-up to Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Only five players from that squad remain: goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, Gabriella Xavier, Trisha Woodroffe, Samantha Fernandes, and Chantelle Fernandes. National coach Philip Fernandes believes the team is a well-balanced mix of youth and experience. He noted, “We’ve lost some key players from our last national team, like sweeper Ulrica Sutherland and midfielder Marzana Fiedtkou, but the younger players are highly skilled and have gained more maturity since our last appearance. I expect our team to be very competitive, and hopefully, we can pull off some surprises. Our goal is to finish on top, despite the odds.” Guyana will open the tournament against fast-improving Peru on Saturday, September 21, followed by a match against pre-tournament favorites Mexico on Sunday, September 22. After a rest day on the 23rd, the team will face Brazil and Paraguay on Tuesday, September 24, and Wednesday, September 25, respectively. Their final pool match will be against hosts Bermuda on Friday, September 27. Once the pool stage is complete, teams will be seeded for placement matches, including the 5th & 6th place match, the bronze medal match, and the final, all scheduled for Saturday, September 28. The full team includes goalkeeper Alysa Xavier; defenders Kezia Chinian, Kirsten Gomes, Makeda Harding, Tekeisha Deleon, and Trisha Woodroffe; midfielders Clayza Bobb, Gabriella Xavier, Madison Fernandes, and Sarah Klautky; and strikers Abosaide Cadogan, Carolyn Deane, Chantelle Fernandes, Makaylah Poole, Princessa Wilkie, and Samantha Fernandes.   Related Similar Articles

Golden Jaguars disappoint in 2-2 draw with 10-man Martinique Sep 10, 2024 Sports By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – The Golden Jaguars delivered one of their poorest performances, drawing 2–2 in a disappointing match against Martinique yesterday at the Pierre-Aliker Municipal Stadium. Isaiah Jones (#16) celebrates his opening goal with defender Kadell Daniel. Guyana’s Stephen Duke-McKenna battles Martinique’s Damien Dussaut during their 2 – 2 draw at the Pierre-Aliker Municipal Stadium. Guyana travelled to Fort-de-France for their second CONCACAF Nations League game after suffering a 1–3 defeat to Suriname at home in League A. Coach Jamaal Shabazz’s men had a promising start, with Middlesbrough talisman, Isaiah Jones, scoring twice in quick succession in the 14th and 24th minutes to give Guyana a 2–0 lead. Martinique was reduced to 10 men in the 18th minute after former Getafe defender Florent Poulolo received a straight red card for a handball. Despite the numerical advantage, Guyana’s clumsy attack and lack of cohesive play made it difficult to break down Martinique’s defence. Just before halftime, Lausanne-Sport forward Brighton Labeau capitalized on a lapse in the Golden Jaguars’ defence, pulling one back for Martinique and shifting the momentum. From that point on, Martinique looked revitalized, and it became hard to tell they were playing with a man down. Deon Moore had a golden opportunity to extend Guyana’s lead, but his hesitation allowed France Ligue 2 goalkeeper Yannis Clementia to make an easy save from a weak attempt. In the second half, Shabazz made several substitutions, including Osaze de Rosario for Moore, Kelsey Benjamin for Stephen Duke-McKenna, and Curtez Kellman for Daniel Wilson. These changes seemed aimed at securing all three points, but instead, 20-year-old Rudy Varane equalized for Martinique with an 86th-minute goal, making it 2–2. The match ended with both teams sharing points, and they will return to action on October 11. Guyana will host unbeaten Guatemala, while Martinique will travel to face Guadeloupe. On October 15, Martinique will host Guadeloupe, and Guyana will head to Paramaribo for a rematch against Suriname. Related Similar Articles

Mid-Year report reflects economic growth but makes no difference to the lives of Guyanese-PNCR Sep 10, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has noted that while the Mid-Year Report released by the Ministry of Finance paints a glowing picture of Guyana’s economy, citizens are still reeling in poverty. In a statement, PNCR said that while the Mid-Year report indicated that Guyana’s real economy grew by an estimated 49.7% in the first half of this year; it failed to show how the average Guyanese saw increase in their income. As such, the PNCR reiterated that “if the country grows our people must benefit.” The party noted that “The Mid-Year report makes no difference to the lives of Guyanese. Mid-way through the life of the third oil budget, life in ordinary Guyanese households has not in any way become more prosperous or comfortable. On the contrary, it has become more stressful and burdensome.” It continued: “The recent teacher strike and negotiations are an example of this paradoxical situation. The government must surely have known these were the growth numbers for the first half of the year, yet they stuck to a salary increase number so anemic, teachers have been left bitterly disappointed.” According to the opposition party, the Ministry of Finance in its report speaks of the economic and fiscal risks the economy faces. The party said “Its list of five such risks, however, completely ignores several major risks: that is, the tens of billions of dollars lost to corruption, poor planning, and mismanagement. The more the government spends, the more this loss escalates.” Further, the PNCR said there is no evidence, for instance, that the government is responding to the recommendations of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for “a strong and effective public financial management system, and a robust public investment management (PIM) framework.” PNCR explained “The reported 12-month (June 2023 to June 2024) inflation rate of 4% is a number with no meaning. It is the butt of jokes. Apart from being a Georgetown-based index, it severely undervalues food inflation. Many citizens share the view that prices of essential food items have increased around 20% since mid-last year.” According to the opposition party, this crisis has caused many Guyanese families to reduce the number of meals they eat as well as what they eat. Nevertheless, the PNCR said that VP Jagdeo is on record as denying the existence of high inflation and soaring cost-of-living. With that kind of attitude, do we want another term of the PPP? “The report has been ‘deafeningly silent’ on the progress on reducing Guyana’s food import bill.  The party noted that Guyana’s Government has commitment to effort to reducing food imports CARICOM-wide by 25% by 2025.” The party said that “Guyana’s role in this endeavour is two-fold: (a) reducing its own food imports, and (b) increasing food exports to the CARICOM even as 2025 looms large.” Further, the party stressed that report makes no mention of the need for any supplementary budgets.  It reasoned that “this most likely reflects the fact that the government’s planning process, such as it is, is haphazard and spur-of-the-moment.” Related Similar Articles

Region Six REO pays courtesy visit to BCB Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Cricket Academy  Sep 10, 2024 Sports Region Six REO Narindra Persaud poses with players and coaches at the BCB Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Cricket Academy. Kaieteur Sports – The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) ongoing Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh cricket academy continued activities with a large number of young cricketers heavily involved. Some of the Academy Players called up by the BCB having a conversation with one of the coaches. Sessions continued at Port Mourant Ground this past weekend, with a special visit from Region 6 REO Narindra Persaud. REO Persaud paid the courtesy visit to the Academy as he saw first-hand the work done by the players and coaches, which revolved around the fundamentals of the sport. Cricketers ran a number of simulations including individual and team game scenarios. Coaches were able to assess the level of cricket competence possessed by the players; who demonstrated diligence, form and understanding. Meanwhile, over 40 U17 players were called up by the BCB for U17 Academy. Players 17 year-old from East Bank, New Amsterdam, Canje and Lower Corentyne were all present last weekend as part of the introduction. Related Similar Articles

Guyanese MMA team shine at Pan American Games Monterrey, Mexico Sep 10, 2024 Sports – Fighters cop 2 Silver, 1 Bronze  Kaieteur News – Guyana’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) team showed remarkable grit and determination at the Pan-American Games on Saturday night in Monterrey, Mexico. Guyana’s MMA fighters returned home with silverware after a solid outing at the Pan American Games in Mexico. In an intense night of action featuring 33 bouts, Guyana secured two silver medals and one bronze medal, a testament to the resilience of the athletes and the growing strength of MMA in our nation. Ezekiel Persaud battled fiercely in his quest for gold, but ultimately succumbed to a ground submission in the second round to Mexico’s Johnathon Abad earning a silver medal in the process. Persaud’s performance, marked by technical precision and sheer will, was a highlight of the night. His relentless spirit embodied the famous words of Bruce Lee, “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” John Campayne also fought valiantly, capturing Silver after a hard-fought battle against Jamaican Tyrece Thompson, which ended in a TKO. Campayne’s courage, even in defeat, was reminiscent of the words of Muhammad Ali “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” Finally, Lyndon Fung clinched the Bronze medal, showcasing his tactical prowess and unwavering spirit. His resilience speaks volumes about the character of this team, reinforcing that setbacks are mere stepping stones to greater triumphs. Reflecting on the achievements of the night, Gavin Singh, President of the Guyana MMA Federation, expressed immense pride in the team’s efforts. “It was not an easy journey to get here. The hard work, the sweat, and the endless hours of preparation paid off”. Our athletes showed the heart of warriors,” Singh said. Echoing the famous words from Rocky IV, Singh added, “Going in one more round when you don’t think you can, that’s what makes all the difference in your life.” Singh further acknowledged the contributions of the incredible support team, without whom these victories would not have been possible. Special recognition was given to Charles Greaves, Dennis Bassier, Troy Phillips, and Neville Persaud, whose dedication behind the scenes ensured that the athletes were well-prepared for this monumental event. The athletes have brought honor to Guyana, and the future of MMA in the country looks brighter than ever. “The only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves,” Singh continued. “And this team has shown there are no limits to what we can achieve.” The federation now looks ahead to future competitions, inspired by the knowledge that, as Bruce Lee once said, “The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” Guyana’s journey in the world of MMA is only just beginning, and if this event is any indication, the road ahead is paved with potential and promise. Related Similar Articles

Guyanese Sheridan Dyal is UWI’s 2024 top matriculant Sep 10, 2024 News Left, UWI, Campus Registrar Dr Donovan Stanberry, Top Matriculant, Sheridan Dyal, UWI principal, Professor Denzil William at the 2024 Matriculation ceremony. (Photo: Oriane Meikle) Kaieteur News – The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, held its annual matriculation ceremony on Thursday, September 5, with special attention given to Sheridan Dyal, a standout student from Guyana, who achieved an impressive 40 CXC/CAPE subjects. Under the grand University tent, where the day’s celebrations took place, Dyal was honoured as the top matriculant of her cohort. Top Matriculant, Sheridan Dyal signing the matriculation registry 2024. (Photo: Oraine Meikle) The ceremony, hosted by UWI Campus Registrar Dr. Donovan Stanberry, celebrated the matriculants, with Dr. Stanberry praising Dyal for her outstanding achievements. He encouraged all students to view her as an inspiration. A recent graduate of Queen’s College in Guyana, Dyal entered the ceremony with remarkable credentials. Her academic journey has been extraordinary, showcasing her dedication and commitment to excellence. With 19 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) passes—18 grade ones and 1 grade two—Sheridan had already established her academic prowess. Her performance in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) exams further demonstrated her abilities, with 21 subjects completed: 10 grade ones and 11 grade twos. Dyal was also recognized as CXC’s most outstanding student in the sciences in 2022 and one of Guyana’s top CAPE performers. As the top matriculant, Dyal had the honour of signing the Matriculation Book on behalf of her fellow new students. This moment symbolized her leadership and the high standards of the incoming class. Now embarking on a new chapter at UWI, the 19-year-old is set to pursue Dentistry in the Faculty of Medicine. Her decision to enter this challenging and rewarding field reflects her passion for improving the health and well-being of others—an aspiration that has been evident throughout her academic career. In an interview with Our Today, UWI’s online news, Dyal expressed her gratitude and excitement for the start of classes. She admitted that while she didn’t always know she wanted to pursue dentistry, her passion for the field grew over time. In addition to her academic success, Dyal also has an entrepreneurial side, having started two businesses, including her jewellry and accessories brand, Teen Hustle, which helped support her education and independence. Although Sheridan’s mother, Sherry-Ann, couldn’t attend in person, she sent her love via YouTube live, celebrating her daughter’s achievements from afar. Sheridan Dyal’s academic accomplishments and her new journey as a Dentistry student at UWI, Mona, were the highlights of the matriculation ceremony. Her story of excellence and perseverance is an inspiration to her peers and reinforces UWI’s reputation for nurturing exceptional talent. Related Similar Articles