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One soldier jailed, other gets bail for ganja trafficking Sep 05, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News GDF ranks Edward Mc Calmont (right) sentenced three years in jail and John Johnson (left) granted $350,000 bail Kaieteur News – The two Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks who were nabbed in July with 316 lbs of ganja, made their third court appearance yesterday where one was jailed and the other was granted bail. GDF ranks Edward Mc Calmont, a 40-year-old from Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and John Johnson, a 24-year-old from Timehri Docks, EBD appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. During the court proceedings Mc Calmont changed his plea from not guilty to guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison. He was represented by attorney Felicia Williams. McCalmont admitted to possessing and trafficking the drugs. He also expressed ignorance about the legal status of marijuana, stating, “No, I didn’t know marijuana was illegal” McCalmont told the court. Meanwhile, Johnson’s lawyer Bernard Da Silva made an application for bail citing that his client was neither the driver nor owner of the vehicle containing the drugs. As such bail was granted to Johnson in the sum of  $350,000 with conditions requiring him to report to the East La Penitence Police Station. The matter has been adjourned to September 25, 2024, for further report and disclosure. Mc Calmont and Johnson were nabbed on July 27,2024 with 316 lbs of ganja during an intelligence-led Police operation. At around 21:20 hrs, acting on information received, officers from the Special Branch and other units intercepted a Route 42 motor bus (#BTT 27) on Mandela Avenue. McCalmont was driving, and Johnson was in the front passenger seat, both men were in uniform. A search of the vehicle revealed 49 large parcels wrapped in transparent plastic on the bus seats, containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. The drugs were lodged and calculated. The soldiers were told of the offence and were charged. Related Similar Articles

Kwakwani resident killed in Unamico Trail accident Sep 05, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, resulting in the death of a Kwakwani resident, Dave Causway, along the Unamico Trail in the Upper Berbice River area. Dead, Dave Causway The incident, which took place around 10:00 a.m., involved a motor car with registration number PAB 1457 driven by Causway. According to initial investigations, the vehicle was traveling north on the western side of the trail at a reportedly high speed while descending a hill. As Causway attempted to negotiate a right turn, he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn multiple times. The car eventually came to a stop, pinning Causway underneath. Passersby quickly came to his aid and transported him to the Kwakwani District Hospital. However, despite their efforts, Causway was pronounced dead upon arrival by the attending doctor. Causway’s body has been taken to the Senior Pensioner Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.  Police visited the scene, and an investigation into the fatal accident is ongoing. Related Similar Articles

GTA throws weight behind inaugural Caribbean Content Creators summit Sep 05, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced its sponsorship and endorsement of the inaugural Caribbean Content Creators and Influencers Summit, produced by Anna Media & Entertainment Network. This event will take place from October 3-5, 2024, at the Ramada Princess Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana, the GTA said in a press release. The summit aims to bring together leading content creators, influencers, industry professionals, and policymakers from across the Caribbean to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and promote the region’s digital economy. By aligning with this event, the GTA seeks to leverage the power of social media and digital content to increase tourism to Guyana. The Caribbean Content Creators and Influencers Summit will feature renowned keynote speakers, including influencers and content creators who will share their insights and experiences. These speakers include Stacey DosSantos Rahaman, Co-founder of Visit Guyana; Daniel Loveless, Executive Producer of What Yuh Know; and Tenille Clarke, Managing Director and publicist of Chambers Media Solutions in Trinidad and Tobago, among many others. The summit will also feature interactive sessions, cultural showcases, and an influencer incubator, providing attendees with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and professional development. By attracting visitors from across the Caribbean and beyond, the summit will directly contribute to increased tourism revenue for Guyana. This influx of tourists will stimulate local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services, leading to economic growth in various sectors. Moreover, the summit’s focus on content creation and influencer marketing will help enhance Guyana’s brand exposure on a regional and international scale, positioning the country as a desirable tourist destination. Additionally, the event’s emphasis on talent development will foster the growth of local content creators and influencers. This will strengthen Guyana’s digital economy and create new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. By nurturing homegrown talent, Guyana can develop its unique digital content ecosystem, enhancing its appeal as a vibrant and dynamic destination. To purchase tickets online, visit www.eventbrite.com, and search for Caribbean Content Creators & Influencer Summit. For more information about the Caribbean Content Creators and Influencers Summit, please contact [email protected], or call +592-664-8171. Related Similar Articles

CXC launches new on-demand course for digital education practitioners Sep 05, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) has revamped its Professional Learning Institute (PLI) to provide capacity development and training for educators across the region. CXC® traditionally offers teacher orientation and training workshops to acquaint educators with its diverse qualifications, particularly the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate® (CSEC®) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination® (CAPE®) syllabuses. In a press release CXC said the training offered via the PLI is intended to be collaborative in nature where CXC® will work strategically with development partners, teacher training institutions and vocational and professional development entities. Amidst the suite of training and professional development offerings, are demand driven courses. On 3 September, CXC® launched a special course, Digital Education Practitioner (Level 1) which will be available via the CXC® Professional Learning Institute online platform, pli.cxc.org. This course was developed in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning with whom CXC® has a Memorandum of Understanding. “We are expanding confidently into new territory with the Digital Education Practitioner (Level 1) course, given our over 50 years of experience in assessment”, affirmed Dr. Eduardo Ali, the Pro- Registrar and Deputy CEO of CXC®. “With this credential, more of our Caribbean teachers can gain the competencies and confidence to deliver digital content to our students of today, in more engaging ways”, added Dr. Ali. The Digital Education Practitioner – Level 1 is an introductory asynchronous online course designed to equip educators and educational practitioners with essential digital skills and competencies necessary for effective teaching, learning and assessment in digital educational environments. The course further focuses on developing digital identities and mobilising digital resources to enhance educational practice and learning. This course will allow educators across the region to study at an affordable price, at their own pace, for the six to eight hours required to complete the course requirements. It is the first in a series of upcoming courses that the Council will deliver to aid educators in the development of their skills to enhance teaching and learning in both the physical and online space. This course is being made available to the regional Education and Training system through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth of Learning. Interested participants can register online at https://bit.ly/pli-digital-ed-1 Related Similar Articles

Days Like Dese sitcom returns to local TV Sep 05, 2024 News The cast from left-to right: Ron Robinson, Mark Kazim, Safira Abrahim-Williams, Shenadia Ferrier, Nathaya Whaul and Linden Whaul Kaieteur News – DAYS LIKE DESE – a local Guyanese sitcom returns to TV from Saturday for 13 half-hour episodes. GEMS Theatre Productions, said in a press release. GEMS Theatre in collaboration with NCN TV, will be presenting the popular TV sitcom ‘Days like Dese’, on NCN TV 11 from Saturday, September 7 at 17:00hrs with a repeat broadcast on Monday, September 9 at 09:30hrs for Season 4. Each Saturday for 13 weeks, there will be a new episode and repeated on Monday of Season 4. Seasons 1 to 3 were previously aired from 2018-2020. There was an absence of the sitcom over the COVID years. Thirty-nine (39) episodes of the sitcom previously aired are available on YouTube. Actors in Season 4 are Ron Robinson, Mark Kazim, Nathaya Whaul, Shenadia Ferrier, Linden Whaul, Safira Abrahim-Williams, Makaya Smith, Aletha Grant, Simone Dowding, Mark Luke-Edwards, Rajan Tiwari, Tieanna Jordan, Kirk Jardine, Melissa Morgan and Brandon Singh. In Season 4, we see the Rupaul family enjoy some of the recreational sights of Guyana and visit to our Ancient County. Grandpa Rue takes his adopted grandson on a tour of Georgetown to see the last sites of our garden city before it is overtaken by development.  David Rupaul is promoted and he and family moved to their own home and gets a new housekeeper. David meets up with his longtime police friend, Jack, who returns from the interior and wants to get back with his longtime girlfriend, Maybelle, who was David’s family housekeeper and who is now Grandpa Rue’s housekeeper. Jack and Maybelle lost touch with each other. David and Susan hire a new maid. Uncle Sunny gets a new ‘girlfriend’ and is seriously together into big time farming. Episode 4 examines family togetherness and good relationships between all members of a household.  The growing tension between Venezuela and Guyana and the Rupauls reaction to this situation and its effect on them and their patriotic commitment to their country are discussed throughout the sitcom. In dealing with the Venezuelan situation in the sitcom, the Rupauls aim to educate its audience and give them a clearer understanding of the situation. The sitcom is written by Kirk Jardine and Gem Madhoo and directed by Gem Madhoo-Nascimento. It has been made possible with assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, German’s Restaurant, Readymix Concrete Ltd, Sterling Products Ltd, EPA, GRA, GPL, IPED and Sankar’s Auto Works. Related Similar Articles

SBM and Food For The Poor to build new community center in Little Red Village Sep 05, 2024 News Officials at the launch of the project Kaieteur News – In a significant commitment to community development, SBM Offshore has joined forces with Food For the Poor (Guyana) to construct a new community center in Little Red Village on the Essequibo Coast. During a ceremony on August 29, SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Mr. Martin Cheong, officially pledged the company’s support for the project, reaffirming its dedication to making a positive impact on the local community. Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc. in a press release said it will act as the implementing agency for the project. The organization, known for its successful execution of community-based initiatives, will oversee the construction process and collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure the new center meets the needs of the residents. Mr. Kevin Lowe, Chairman of the Community Development Committee, expressed profound gratitude to both SBM Offshore Guyana and Food For The Poor (Guyana) during the ceremony. “This community center is more than just a building—it is a gift that will help build our lives and those of future generations,” Mr. Lowe is quoted in the press release as saying. He also urged community members to cherish and maintain the new facility. The new community center is envisioned to serve as a vital hub for various activities, including educational programs, vocational training, health and wellness workshops, and social gatherings. The center will provide a space where residents, especially youth, can come together to learn, share, and develop skills that will enhance their quality of life and promote unity within the village. Speaking at the event, Mr. Martin Cheong emphasized the importance of corporate social responsibility and SBM Offshore’s commitment to supporting local communities. “As an oil and gas company, our focus is not just on producing oil offshore. We are committed to supporting communities in Guyana, working with local organizations to effect change and positively impact communities. We are firm supporters of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which guide our social programs and projects in-country,” Mr. Cheong remarked. Andrea Benjamin, CEO of Food For The Poor (Guyana), highlighted the critical role of community infrastructure investment in fostering development, particularly in Lil’ Red Village. She provided a brief history of the village, established 15 years ago by Food For the Poor Inc. in partnership with the Region 2 Democratic Council and the Lil Red Foundation. This project aimed to provide vulnerable families with access to adequate housing, sanitation, and water, resulting in the construction of 100 homes for families from the Essequibo Coast and the Pomeroon River. Reflecting on the early days of the village, Ms. Benjamin noted the need for additional community infrastructure, including a community center, school, and store. “Given the blending of families, we knew the community center would play a vital role in enhancing social cohesion by bringing people together, addressing isolation, and strengthening community bonds,” she said. In her brief remarks Regional Chairwoman Region 2, Mrs. Vilma De Silva implored the women to take advantage of the opportunities being afforded to them via the center to ensure they build their capacities not just to be home maker but to also become independent and self-sufficient.  Regional Chairwoman to the women at the gathering to “take a page from my book it was because of going out to community training sessions and workshops it was able to start my own small business that has since grown to the extent where I am even exporting coconut water to Trinidad & Tobago”. She also left the community members with a charge of keeping the center clean and functional as it is an asset to the community not just for today but for future generations. The new 1,200-square-foot community center will be equipped with sanitary facilities, electrical wiring, and a water trestle, making it a cornerstone for the village. Construction is slated to begin between October and November 2024, with completion expected within six months. This partnership between SBM Offshore Guyana and Food For The Poor (Guyana) underscores the power of collaboration in driving sustainable community development and improving the lives of vulnerable populations. Related Similar Articles

Govt. committed to ensuring safe mining operations at Marudi – Min. Bharrat Sep 05, 2024 News Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, meeting with the Rupununi Miners Association in Marudi, Region 9 Kaieteur News – The government will continue working to ensure that mining at Marudi Mountain, Region Nine continues safely and sustainably. This is according to the Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat who was engaging the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA) at the mining site in the Rupununi District on Friday. During the meeting, miners shared their concerns, queries and comments, centred around creating an enabling environment for business operations. The minister’s visit was also prompted by concerns, regarding the impact of the operations at Marudi on nearby Amerindian communities. However, he emphasised the government’s commitment to responsible mining practices that benefit all stakeholders. Before 2020, the Marudi mining site experienced a period of closure due to environmental concerns and financial constraints.  Upon assuming office, the government facilitated the restart of small-scale mining in the area, providing necessary permits and approvals, and addressing issues related to illegal mining there. “There is no issue with mining in Marudi. The only issue we have in Marudi is that our miners need to work together, and to start cooperating with each other and to start supporting each other,” the minister asserted. He continued, “We always said that if mining is going to happen in Marudi, it must benefit everyone, including the indigenous people, including the villages in Deep South. We agreed that once we restart mining in Marudi, it will be done safely, especially, concerning the environment.” To this end, he urged the miners to take greater care to prevent waterway pollution and continue engaging with the local communities to better incorporate their feedback. Approximately 40 miners are currently involved in the operations at Marudi. In response to several other persons, the minister said that the government will examine the possibilities, keeping in mind the importance of ensuring that the activities are conducted safely. “What I can promise you is…if more women want to go and mine, then we will support it. The women who are here, if you want to form a little group, a little association, call yourself the Rupununi Women Miners Association… we may be able to assist you with land to mine but I can’t promise you that it will be Marudi,” the natural resources minister stated. Minister Bharrat emphasised the importance of mining to Guyana, noting that it is the second-highest contributor to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector employs approximately 30,000 Guyanese, and the natural resources minister explained that its lucrative nature prompted the government to restart these operations in Marudi. “Region nine needs some kind of economic activities, especially in the Deep South, but it must be done properly,” he said. He added that Region Nine is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and the mining operations at Marudi contribute significantly to the region’s economic activity, fuelling its growth. The minister also disclosed that elections for the next leadership cohort of the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA) will be held next month. Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, said that the government will also examine ways to improve gold recovery in the area. Several community leaders, including the Toshao of Aishalton Village, Timothy Williams, and Toshao Charles Simon from Awarewaunau, were also present at the meeting. Related Similar Articles