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Coaches Hamid and Belgrave encourage youths to seek information on Netball after one week clinic concludes at MHS hard court Sep 04, 2024 Sports Kaieteur Sports – At the end of the five day training sessions for some 20 youths who attended the Netball Clinic at the Mackenzie High School hard court from last Monday through to Friday, coach Abdulla Hamid has encouraged the boys and girls to continue to seek information on the game. Netball was dormant in Linden for more than 30 years and when Guyana Netball Association president Ms. Aileen Bowman journeyed to meet with those interested in reintroducing the sport in Linden, veteran coach Hamid and former player Ms. Denise Belgrave were among those who volunteered. Hamid along with former player Ms. Denise Belgrave raised their hands to pilot this project which attracted some twenty boys and girls from schools across the mining town at the Mackenzie High school hard court this past week. Hamid charged the youths to google the sport and they will see: “With netball training for kids, you will see the same things we did here, that is how is it is being done around the world in terms of training. There is one format on how to pass, to shoot to move without having to dribble. The positions and everything. This was a one-week reintroduction of netball.” The mixture of boys and girls at the clinic were: Romona Hall. 8 years old of Regma Primary, Carlica Allen. 10 years of from One Mile Primary, Esinam McNeil Kissoon 13 years old of President’s College, Aden Adams, 9 years old of Watooka Day Primary, Amar Adams. 12 years old of Mackenzie High, Akwain Adams, 16 years old of Mackenzie High, Valencia Emerson. 12 years old from Mackenzie High, Tiara Quallis 11 years old from Mackenzie High, Velisha Gittens 14 years old from Mackenzie High, Vernon Gittens 13 years old form New Silver City Secondary, Rushanna Mitchell, 15 years old from Bishops High, Devonna Arthur, 12 years old of New Silver City Secondary. Cahlei Mercurius, 12 years old of Christianburg Wismar Secondary, Codell Nedd 8 years old of Mackenzie Primary, Teron Nedd, 8 years old of Mackenzie Primary, Tenisha David 12 years old of Mackenzie High, Tiffiann David 15 years old of Mackenzie High, Hazeka Hamid. 13 years of Mackenzie High, Faith Matthews 16 years of Wisburg Secondary and Omarion James 13 years old of Wisburg Secondary. The former Mackenzie High School stand-out player Ms. Denise Belgrave noted: “It was a pleasure. We trust that would have taken in every information that we put in all of you, our experiences, our knowledge. It’s good to see boys among us because I remember when I was at school we had a girls’ team and we had mix teams who played both netball and basketball. Thanks to all attendees and those parents who found the time to be at these sessions. We really appreciated your presence.” The Regional Democratic Councilor of Region 10 (Upper Demerara / Upper Berbice) Councilor Ms. Walton, who supported the efforts of the two coaches Hamid and Belgrave, told the participants, “This is a lovely sport, learn to understand the game, do more research of this sport and take it to your school and family and you will enjoy it more. Get more information and be focused. Make certain in your school you get a team of seven and continue to play the game.” These clinics are to restart in the latter part of September on Saturdays from 3.00pm to 5.00pm for all children between ages 6 to 17 years at the Mackenzie High School hardcourt. Related Similar Articles

Wiltshire, Hunte dominoes tourney set for September 15 at Pouderoyen Sep 04, 2024 Sports Mark Wiltshire with the prizes. Kaieteur Sports – Mark Wiltshire and David Hunte will be hosting a dominoes competition on September 15 at Hunte’s residence, Middle Street, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. The competition which is dubbed ‘Sunday in the Country’, will commence at 14:30hrs; entrance fee is $15,000 for male teams and $10,000 for female teams. $100,000 has been added to the prizes (in the pot) and the best female player in the first round will receive a hamper and $5000; the best female player in the tournament will receive $10,000. All GNDA rules will be in effect and teams can contact Wiltshire on 659 8672 or Hunte on 696 1851 for registration. Related Similar Articles

Numbers, what about people?   Sep 04, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers are maintaining its breakneck pace since oil was first discovered here.  Oil production has been the steroids that power the relentless march of GDP.  The mid-year report from the Bank of Guyana just confirmed this: GDP was a remarkable 49.7% mid-2024.  Despite a few key sectors recording declines, and a few advancing, the first half GDP for this year was still a rich ground 49.7%.  With a whopper of a number like that, the reasonable expectation is that the rising local GDP tide would lift all boats in the local environment.  That is, as GDP goes, so would Guyanese. A GDP increase of 10%, or high single digits, is considered healthy, one that should mean much for the population, with benefits flowing.  The number lifts citizens, as in the tangibles, they are in a better position to grasp.  More jobs and better paying ones stand as one outcome of an increasing GDP.  There have been those in some sectors, with construction and its supporting tentacles providing visible evidence.  But where are the rest of Guyanese in this era of great and greater GDP numbers?  What has been their lot, a good many in the population, amid the dizzying array of GDP numbers since the contributions of oil to the local economy?  In the middle of rich GDP numbers, there is the grimness of many Guyanese who are forced to live on a shoestring that strips them of their dignity and makes a mockery of that thrilling description: the richest people in the world, using those same GDP numbers.  When the ordinary people in Guyana cannot afford the basics of a healthy existence, most of all food essentials, then the power and beauty of 30 plus percent and almost 50 percent GDP in different intervals becomes nothing but a taunt and an insult. The PPPC Government and its leading policy men have a standard line.  There is great concern and watchful vigilance on that monster called inflation, i.e., rising prices.  Notwithstanding what could be rightly termed a galloping GDP reality, the government claims with a bland face that it has succeeded through skillful efforts at keeping inflation under control.  GDP is more than 20%, more than 30%, and more than 40%, but miracle of miracles, fears of the economy overheating are nowhere in sight, because the PPP/C Government has been wise in its policies and the numbers are there to prove so.  If the government is to be taken seriously, and as being honest with its statistics, that has been its insistent story.  However, according to those who are the best judges of where prices are (amidst these fabulous GDP numbers), rising prices have them in a stranglehold that grows tighter with each passing week.  While GDP is rising and rising in an endless spiral, and government policymakers are busy celebrating and congratulating themselves, the people are struggling to put food on the table and feed their children.  This is the unsparing irony of Guyana under a PPP/C Government that is quick to point out about how much it cares.  The GDP numbers are statistically rich, but there are growing numbers of Guyanese who are food and existence poor. Considering the GDP riches, the government should have been extending a helping hand more freely to the Guyanese not among its chosen.  The government prefers to be stingy and angry when called to account for the disparity. Sugar has been failing abysmally but has been the beneficiary of billions in ongoing subsidies, and yet its output is down by 60% in the first half of 2024.  Gold is down and so is bauxite, while rice is up, with fishing recording healthy gains.  There is this flush of numbers in one of the most talked about countries globally.  Yet there are thousands upon thousands of Guyanese who are asking themselves how is it that they are not among those sharing in the local richness.  The government reminds everyone about how much it has done.  It is better advised to focus on what it has not done, where it has not gone, and why so many Guyanese are where they are in this period of great national numbers. Related Similar Articles

The Arithmetic of Stubbornness Sep 04, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom Kaieteur News – Maths has proven a problem for some of our politicians. And it now seems that the disease has spread to our children with almost seven out of every ten students failing the subject. A simple mathematical truth remains stubbornly unaddressed: the equation that should have turned oil into wealth. Glenn Lall, with a bluntness that makes politicians squirm, has done the math. He’s not talking literally, but rather figuratively, about everyone staying home to sip champagne while the oil pumps work overtime. Instead, he speaks to a bitter reality: if Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had shown even a hint of financial prudence, Guyanese might not just dream of wealth but swim in it. Lall’s calculations are not flights of fancy. They are grounded in the cold, hard numbers of a nation that has struck black gold yet continues to live hand-to-mouth, perpetually indebted, with 40% of its national budget coming from borrowed funds. His formula for prosperity is no secret: ring-fence the oil projects, stop giving ExxonMobil a free pass, scrutinize their expenses with the rigor of a tax auditor on steroids, and for the love of this nation, raise the pitiful 2% royalty that reeks of desperation. If Jagdeo had reduced the tax concessions that haemorrhage our national income and secured a deal that benefits the people of Guyana, we might now be lenders, not borrowers. But here we are, a nation blessed with untold natural resources, behaving like paupers at a feast. Why? Because Bharrat Jagdeo, in his infinite wisdom, refuses to entertain the idea of renegotiation. To cling to a bad deal in the face of overwhelming evidence is not just stubborn; it’s a betrayal. Glenn Lall has pointed out that if Guyana managed its oil wealth wisely, the story of this nation would be different. Instead of borrowing, we could be lending; instead of scrimping, we could be thriving. Yet, Jagdeo continues to sidestep the issue. The offers from those willing to help renegotiate the contract are ignored, dismissed like so many pesky flies. One wonders what kind of arithmetic he is doing. Our leaders would do well to remember that oil is not the first resource to grace Guyana with the promise of wealth. Before the lure of black gold, our land yielded treasures of a different kind—gold, timber, diamonds, and bauxite. These riches, gleaming beneath our soil, were meant to uplift our nation, to build schools and hospitals, to pave roads and fill the coffers of a young republic. If these resources had been managed with foresight and integrity, perhaps we would not find ourselves so enamored with oil today. The wealth from bauxite, gold, timber and diamonds could have provided a solid economic foundation, ensuring that the fruits of our land benefited the many, not the few. Instead, we allowed foreign multinationals to plunder these resources, treating our country as a vast, open pit from which they could extract wealth with impunity. They came, they dug, and they left us with little to show for their extraction of our wealth. The scars in the earth remain, a stark reminder of what was taken and what was left behind. A small child recently fell into an abandoned mining pit recently and drowned. Our leaders, enamoured with short-term gains and dazzled by promises of investment, have repeatedly failed to secure deals that would ensure the prosperity of future generations. The story of our gold, diamonds, and bauxite is a cautionary tale, one that should guide our dealings with ExxonMobil and all who seek to tap into our natural wealth. If we do not learn from the past, if we continue to allow our resources to be exploited without fair compensation, then oil, too, will leave us with nothing but empty promises and empty stomachs. Glenn Lall’s call for renegotiation is not just reasonable; it’s a cry for justice. It’s a demand that the people of this nation, who have waited so long for their moment in the sun, should not be left out in the cold while the oil companies make off with the lion’s share. If Bharrat Jagdeo wants to do right by the people of Guyana, if he truly wishes to be remembered as a leader who brought prosperity to his nation, then he must abandon his stubborn brand of arithmetic. The arithmetic of stubbornness is a dangerous game, and in the end, it is the people of Guyana who will pay the price. Jagdeo must face the uncomfortable truth that the current deal with ExxonMobil is a bad one, and he must have the courage to do something about it. Until then, we are left to ponder a nation’s potential squandered, its wealth siphoned off while its people are fed empty promises. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

The Passing of Sir Shridath Sep 04, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, The news of the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal on August 30, is cause for some reflection. He was an excellent diplomat and led the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with distinction, even though much of the time was to defend and obscure the excess of the destruction that was caused by the PNC dictatorship. At the pinnacle of this career, he became the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. In this position, he did nothing to enhance democracy in Guyana, never a word of condemnation of the massive rigging of elections nor the terrible violation of Human Rights. Not a word of the assassination of Walter Rodney and others. However, he did play a leading and positive role in the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa. He stood out in that role.  It was this advocacy that contributed greatly to the isolation of the white racist regime in South Africa. Caribbean countries did not ever recognise the racist regime, and we took a leading part internationally in bringing about its isolation. The world progressive forces at that time led and supported by the Soviet Union, the Eastern European Socialist countries, especially the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and China managed to even have the South African region suspended from the United Nations. Sir Shridath was shoulder-to-shoulder with the anti-apartheid forces. Today the world is facing another similar but worse situation. Reference is being made here to the grave, inhumane situation confronting the Palestinian people in the Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem. The destruction in the Gaza is now being reflected on the West Bank, in Jenin where homes are being bulldozed and people are being shot randomly. Every anti-apartheid righter from South Africa regard what is taking place in Palestine as far worse than anything that ever happened in apartheid South Africa. What is taking place there is really apartheid on steroids. Thousands of innocent babies, children, young women and the aged are among the murdered by the Israeli regime. The Western supporters of Israel are calling this a war, but the Palestinians do not have an army, not a single tank, nor a single armoured vehicle. The Israeli regime, however, has one of the strongest armies in the world. Moreover, it has access to the most powerful country in the world. They can get on demand, all the bombs they need and any modern weapon in existence. The use of the term “was” is used to deliberately cover up what is really happening, a massacre, a genocide. Since October 7, 2023, the United States has sent five hundred transport planes (500) and one hundred and seven (107) ships full with bombs and other military hardware to Israel. Israel itself has acknowledge this it said that since October 7, it received more than 5,000 tons of armament and military equipment from the U.S alone. Many European Union countries have supplied considerable military hardware to the Fascist, Apartheid Israeli regime as well. Ironically Germany comes second only to the U.S in provision of weapons to kill innocent civilians. These amounts are apart from the almost four billion dollars per year of military equipment that the U.S gives to Israel. In remembering Sir Shridath Ramphal’s role during the difficult times in South Africa, the Caribbean leaders of today should take up the cause of the Palestinian people and break diplomatic relations with Israel. We must lobby other countries and regions to have Israel expelled from the United Nations. This issue is the worst humanitarian disaster since the last World War. Our Humanity is on trial in Palestine. Uttering words of condemnation is not enough. Caricom leaders must take a strong position and immediately sever relations with the Israeli Regime! They must now begin advocating for suspension of Israel from the United Nations as they did when South Africa was ruled by a racist regime! Save our humanity now. Regards, Donald Ramotar Former President Related Similar Articles

We should learn from the mistakes and experiences that took place Sep 04, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, Saturday’s afternoon programme at the Theatre Guild featured a lecture by Professor Marjoleine Kars, a review of her book- ‘Blood on the River,’ which in essence was an examination of the most significant revolution in Guyana. A rebellion by the enslaved Africans, led by Cuffy referred to as Governor Cuffy, against the Dutch enslavers. Those events, delightfully presented by the Professor, shaped the Guyana we know today. It is the sort of information and education that provides a necessary key to unlock the doors of misinformation, and prejudice, if as a people, we are to overcome ignorance and past missteps to allow us to march bravely into the sunlit, but complex and sometimes confusing world. In my final paragraph of this letter, I will identify a recurrent problem, some may say a curse which we must face bravely and boldly. Let me first thank Mr. Malcolm DeFreitas, Director of the Theatre Guild for appropriate protocol and other arrangements. Second, to thank IDPADA-G for overcoming the failure to secure the expected traditional grant yet putting together the event. Also, to compliment the Law Firm of Hughes, Field & Stoby for sponsoring the visit of Professor Kars. I hope that other professional groups, businesses and entities would come forward, so that we can help shine a light to pierce a darkness that is evident in the Republic. It was a useful thought-provoking evening embellished with songs, videos, soloist, Russell Lancaster accompanied by Marilyn Dewar, Prize/Giveaways along with the introduction of the Guest Speaker by Mr. Nigel Hughes. I was happy to observe the presence of former President of the Republic Donald Ramotar, Former Attorney General, Basil Williams and former Ministers of Government, Clement Rohee and Ronald Bulkan. Professor Kars explained that Cuffy took control of the territory, we now know as Berbice, but seemed to have no difficulty sharing power with his erstwhile masters, the Dutch. Due to disagreements with his main Lieutenant Atta, the Dutch were able to mobilise assistance externally and internally, and the revolution crumbled and failed. Consistent with the culture of his tribe, Cuffy chose the honourable way out by taking his life, the rest is history. At question time, Professor Kars, was asked why the Amerindian population supported the Dutch and not the African revolutionaries. She explained that the Europeans understood the need to cultivate and gain the support of the Amerindian community through the use of their wealth and other means, not available to Cuffy and his brave men. She explained the utility of divide and rule. A technique that some feel is on display to this day. In a country, where I believe there is no deep historical racism, this is a lesson we should learn and not repeat. Here I make a subtle distinction between racism and ethnic suspicion, distrust and the fear of domination of one group over another. This is important in the case of our country, where during slavery, the imperial master-class ensured the creation of a group, we unhappily referred to as the House Slave. Additionally, both the Dutch and British plantocracy paid our Amerindian brothers to hunt and catch slaves who ran away from the horrors and beatings of plantation life. Of interest, not all Amerindians were made to be headhunters by the Europeans. Some accommodated run-away slaves and as I travelled around this country, more than half a century ago, I witnessed evidence of this delightful mixture, we call bouviannas in every river I traversed. This divide and rule policy has been practised in South America, North America, Central America and elsewhere. The master class features change from time to time, but the practice of divide and rule remains deep stains on our society and sometimes, we fight among ourselves, blinded to the machinations of the philosophy of those in charge who learn quickly by using money and other incentives to divide and rule. For me, this was a lesson not to be ignored after the Professor replied to the question, of why did the Amerindians support the Dutch against the African Freedom Fighters. If this or any other Administration is truly interested in harmony, in love, peace, and oneness, we should learn from the mistakes and experiences that took place and encourage the reading and therefore interpretation of events that can made us glorious and not damned. In conclusion, I am reminded of some of the spiritual and intellectual values to which African ancient societies were tethered Cherish study, avoid the dance Do not be arrogant about your knowledge, but take advice from the ignorant as from the wise. Great is justice, lasting its effects Write diligently by day, recite at night I have caused no weeping; I have not killed I have given no order to kill; I have caused no one pain I have not taken milk from the mouths of babes; I have not retained water when it was time for it to flow These values were the philosophical underpinnings of ancient African societies, values that informed the systems of governance, science and economics. Sincerely, Hamilton Green Elder Related Similar Articles

Ameena Gafoor’s Legacy of Support for Arts will be long remembered Sep 04, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, I write to express words of condolence on the passing of and paying tribute to Ameena Gafoor, a truly extraordinary individual. She was a beacon of light for Guyanese and others, a woman of immense strength and integrity, self-confidence and self-esteem.  She blazed a trail for women in business, a pioneer in the business community and in articulating support for culture. She set a very high standard for other business men and women to follow in supporting the arts. From early on, she was a tireless advocate for the arts and humanities, contributing significant funds. It is a tribute to her that so many people feel such a deep sense of loss at her passing. Her passing is also a serious loss for funding for culture. It is hoped that her family will continue to fund the programmes and activities she supported most of her life. The diaspora, in many reflections, mourns and celebrates the extraordinary life of this remarkable woman who devoted her life to culture. Guyanese mourn a woman who has helped Guyanese and its diaspora to remember our cultural heritage as penned in the Art Journal that she founded. They celebrate a woman who epitomizes business integrity and decency in living, someone whose life reflects a heart of kindness and commitment to faith, family, friends, and ethnicity. Ameena, as she was fondly called, is deserving of accolades (as penned in the media) for her immense contributions to education and literature, published works that inspire and influence many Guyanese. From art to literature, she left an indelible mark. Ameena displayed a strong interest in artistic culture but was more supportive of modernistic approach to Indian culture. Not surprisingly, her passing garnered widespread media attention, reaching every corner of the diaspora (UK, North America, Caribbean) and touched the hearts of both young and old. Ameena’s interest in and funding of Indian culture or the arts and in documenting indentured history stood in stark contrast to other business people who behave miserly in donating to worthy cultural causes. Her contributions to Indian Guyanese literature and art are unparalleled in post-independence Guyana. She gave financial support from funds obtained from hard work in businesses that she and her husband founded. It was old money, earned honestly and not from corruption like that of several others. She is known to offer much financial support to promote culture and identity as in the Arts Journal (now defunct) and The Ameena Gafoor Institute of Indentureship Studies (pioneered by indomitable Dr. David Dabydeen) and its new journal of same subject. Her actions and financial support touched many lives and exemplified the qualities of a person who understand the importance of the art in the journey of a group of people and of recording their history. The media coverage and tributes paid to charming, outstanding Ameena are justified. May the legacy, hard work, kindness, lifestyle, and teachings of Ameena continue to inspire and guide Guyanese. And may her legacy of mentorship and leadership in business and culture continue to inspire Guyanese and their support for the arts long into the future. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram Related Similar Articles