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23 schools to have delayed reopening Aug 31, 2024 News The list of schools that will not be reopened on Monday, September 2, 2024. Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Education on Friday announced that 23 schools in Regions: Three, Four, Five, Eight, Nine, and Ten will not re-open on Monday, September 2, 2024 in keeping with the beginning of the new academic year. In a memorandum, the ministry said that the delayed reopening is due to rehabilitative work. “It should be noted that rehabilitative work was historically undertaken in most schools during the August vacation with a completion rate of 98.1%. However, some contractors and other service providers, even with their best efforts were unable to complete the following schools and dormitory…” The schools in Region Three that will be reopened after September 2, 2024 are: La Grange Nursery and Tuschen Primary School which will be reopened on September 4. The Patentia, Uitvlugt and Parika Salem Secondary, Tuschen # 2 Nursery and Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary (Grades 7 -9) will all be reopened on September 9. In Region Four, the Diamond Special Needs and Yarrowkabra Primary will be reopened on September 4, while in Georgetown the Comenius Primary School, Happy Hearts Nursery, and Precious Jewels Nursery will be reopened on September 9 and the Headstart Nursery set to reopen on September 4. The Bushlot Secondary School in Region Five is set for reopening on September 9, while in Region Eight, the Campbelltown Primary will be reopened on September 16 and the Kamana Primary School on September 9. In Region Nine, the ministry said that St. Ignatius Nursery and Rupunau Nursery will both reopened on September 9, and in Region 10, Ameila’s Ward Student dormitory and St. Lust Primary will be reopened on September 23. Additionally, Coomacka Primary, West Watooka Nursery and Watooka Day Primary (Grade 3 block) will all be reopened on September 9. The government through the Ministries of Education and Local Government manage and operate 1,196 public school facilities at the Nursery, Primary and Secondary levels, and 24 dormitories. The new academic year 2024-2025, begins on September 2, 2024. Related Similar Articles

Reg. 5 RDC to spend $54M to repair nine health centres Aug 31, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Five will spend approximately $54 million to rehabilitate nine health centres in the region. This is according to information released in the Region’s invitation for bids. The Bush Lot Health Centre is earmarked for rehabilitation at an estimated cost of $3,800,000, works at the Rosignol Health Centre are estimated to cost $5,569,300, the Litchfield Health Centre $4,659,490, the Trafalgar Health Centre and its living quarters are estimated to cost $4,436,145, the Dundee Health Centre is pegged at $4,184,430, and the Biaboo Health Centre is estimated to cost $8,017,296. Additionally, the Britannia Health Centre will be rehabilitated at an estimated cost of $8,699,240; the Mora Point Health Centre will be rehabilitated at a cost of $10,666,656, and the No. 7 Health Centre will see rehabilitative works costing approximately $12,000,000. Meanwhile, the RDC is also seeking maintenance services for the drain, concrete slab and incinerator at the Biaboo Health Centre which is estimated to cost $2,867,722. It was reported in the media that President Irfaan Ali had noted the need to repair and upgrade all health facilities in the country, to ensure citizens receive the best healthcare services. At the recently concluded National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference opening ceremony President Ali disclosed that the Ministry of Health has completed an assessment of all health facilities. “The mapping exercise is completed and within 14 months they have to finish every single facility across the country,” the Head of State said noting that the same will be done for educational institutions. Related Similar Articles

Fire Service issues guidelines ahead of three-month heatwave Aug 31, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in its effort to protect lives and property from fires, while providing special services and humanitarian aid has outlined several guidelines, as it relates to the heatwave which is expected to occur in Guyana between September and November 2024. (Photo credit: Yourweather.co.uk) The Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday predicted above-normal temperatures across Guyana. This period, traditionally the warmest months of the year, particularly in September and October, is expected to experience even higher-than-average temperatures, raising concerns for public health, agriculture, and livestock. The Hydrometeorological Service warns that the increased likelihood of extreme heat and heatwave days could significantly impact vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Taking this into account, the Fire Service urges citizens to adhere to the following guidelines: “Refrain from open burning of debris, agricultural waste, or any activities that could spark a fire. If burning is necessary, ensure fires are closely monitored to prevent them from spreading.” Further, the GFS advised that persons monitor water sources, by keeping it accessible for fire control and ensure fire hydrants are not blocked. Additionally, if there is a fire, the GFS advises that a report is made promptly. “If you see a fire, report it immediately to the Guyana Fire Service. Early intervention is crucial to prevent the spread of fires,” the GFS said while noting the importance of community awareness. The GFS advised homes and businesses are equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and smoke alarms. In addition, the Fire Service said persons should also develop and practice evacuation plans for homes and businesses to ensure a quick and orderly response in case of a fire. “The public is advised to stay informed and to take the necessary precautions to protect lives, property, and the environment during this period of elevated temperatures. Citizens are encouraged to stay alert, practice fire safety measures, and report emergencies via emergency lines 912 and 226-2411-3,” GFS stated. Related Similar Articles

Govt. should focus energy on fixing Math problems rather than surveying schools with pit latrines – PNCR Aug 31, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) believes that the Ministry of Education should place its focus on policies that tackle the recent decline in pass rate for Mathematics at the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC) rather than surveying schools with pit latrines. PNCR Treasurer, Elson Low Chairman of the PNCR and Shadow Minister of Natural Resources, Shurwayne Holder on Friday during the party’s weekly press conference spoke of the three percent decline in mathematics passes which represents a drop from 34 percent in 2023 to 31 percent in 2024. “I was shocked to see or to learn that the Government via Priya Manickchand the Minister of Education is now focused on doing a study collecting data on schools that … still have a pit latrine after four years of oil money, you know rather than focus on the Mathematics and the English,” Holder said referencing a Stabroek News article on the subject. While citing that under the PNCR government the Mathematics pass rate was 48 percent, Holder further stressed, “…They (Government) should be focusing on why about two-thirds of the students who wrote CXC (Caribbean Examinations Council) don’t have more than five subjects, (from) grade one to three, they should worry, they should be very, very worried.” Furthermore, he pointed out that in light of the increased budget for the education sector, Mathematics pass rates continue to decline. “Something is definitely wrong and the budget has increased,” the PNCR Chairman said while the Government, “Prefer to focus on the top one percent, those getting …20-29 subjects at CXC.” Chairman of the PNCR, Shurwayne Holder Holder said, “It is very, very disheartening to see how they’re (Government) trying to sort of trick the population into believing that all is well in the education sector, much, much more need to be to be done.” Similar comments were voiced by Elson Low, the party’s Treasurer who noted the government’s recent initiative which mandates more time for the teaching of Mathematics in schools. He said, “The Government is operating as if they’re somehow shocked… Now the government is woken up to the fact that there’s a serious mathematics problem in this country. ” Low also raised concerns about the large amount of money being pumped into the education sector but the results are poor. “ … It is very difficult to spend much more money, far more money and have worse results and yet here we are with the community,” he said adding, “So now they (Government) are scrambling at the last minute to try to fix an issue that they should have been focused on from the very beginning.” Low reminded that though Guyana is blessed with a plethora of resources, many citizens performed poorly in Mathematics and English Language and this hinders their ability to benefit from the opportunities that exist. “Of course a large portion of the population dropped out of high school before they could even take those examinations,” he said noting that “One of the things we want to see in that training program is people go and take their Mathematics exam again so they can open up new opportunities for themselves.” The PNCR officials stated that building the foundation of human capital is vital in terms of advancing the country’s development. Related Similar Articles

Noise tek over! Aug 31, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Yuh cyah escape it, no matter where yuh go. Is like everybody in dis country decide dem have to be loud fuh be heard, even if dem deh right next to yuh. Yuh ever try go a wedding reception or a party? Fuh say “Hi” to de person next to yuh, yuh got to shout like yuh calling fuh a taxi in de middle of de night. And if yuh deh in a club? Forget it! Dem don’t even play music no more; dem does blast it like dem trying to communicate with aliens. De minibuses tek it to another level. De music does blare so loud, it like de bus turn into a moving concert. Yuh does step in feeling fresh, and by de time yuh reach yuh stop, yuh ear drums already mash up. Dem boys seh is only a matter of time before somebody start selling ear plugs at de bus parks. Is either dat or yuh learn sign language fuh when yuh come out. But de real problem is de Sunday jukebox battles. Sunday used to be a day of rest, but now is de day fuh see which neighbor can outplay de other. One man put on he jukebox loud, de next neighbor say, “I gon show yuh!” and turn up he own. Before yuh know it, de whole village in a musical war, and everybody else suffering in silence—or noise, in dis case. Even de dogs barking louder just fuh keep up. Dem boys seh is like de whole country going deaf and nobody notice. Or maybe dem already deaf and dat is why dem have to shout. Whatever de reason, one ting clear: peace and quiet dead and gone. Noise tek over, and it look like it ain’t going nowhere. De only solution? Maybe we all need to tek out a megaphone and join in, because if yuh can’t beat dem, yuh might as well make some noise too. Talk half. Leff half Related Similar Articles

Warriors stun Falcons by 3-wickets in intense showdown Aug 31, 2024 Sports Dwayne Pretorious hits the winning six for the Amazon Warriors in their opening match against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. (Getty Images) Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2024… Kaieteur Sports – Defending champs Guyana Amazon Warriors opened their account with 3-wicket win over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons during last night’s match under lights at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, Antigua. Shai Hope’s played a crucial innings of 41 for the Amazon Warriors. (Getty Images) Gudakesh Motie led the Amazon Warriors attack with 3 – 25. (Getty Images) Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman led with 40 (3×2, 2×6) while Kofi James (37) and all-rounder Imad Wasim’s 21-ball 40 down the order, helped Antigua to 168-6 after 20 overs. Warriors left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was the standout performer, capturing 3-25 with a wicket going to South African fast-bowler Dwaine Pretorius. The champs lost some footing during the chase but recovered remarkably, ending on 171-7 with Shai Hope (41), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (20), Romario Shepherd (32) and Pretorius (20*) all playing a role in the victory. Seamer Shamar Springer (2-42), along with left-arm spinners Wasim (2-28) and Chris Green (2-32) tried but failed despite good returns. The Amazon Warriors will now turn their attention to the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who they take on in their second match on Wedesday, September 4, at Warner Park. Related Similar Articles

Guyana’s New Doubles court to surge further development in Squash Aug 31, 2024 Sports The new doubles court being occupied during the recently staged CASA Senior Championships. Kaieteur Sports – In a significant development for sports in Guyana, the Government, in collaboration with the Guyana Olympic Association and the Guyana Squash Association (GSA), has inaugurated the country’s first-ever Doubles Squash Court at the National Racquet Centre (NRC) on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. The new facility was unveiled just in time to host the recently concluded Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Senior Championship, one of the region’s premier squash events. This state-of-the-art court makes Guyana only the second territory in the Caribbean to offer a full-sized Doubles Squash court, marking a notable advancement for the nation’s sporting infrastructure. The introduction of the new court is expected to greatly benefit local squash players by providing enhanced training opportunities, more game-time practice, and improved preparation for both local and international competitions. Additionally, it is anticipated that this development will encourage more squash events to be held in Guyana. GSA President, David Fernandes Guyana’s performance in Doubles Squash has been impressive, with recent achievements including a historic fourth consecutive CASA Senior Championship title. The addition of the new court is seen as a crucial step in fostering further success and growth in the sport. David Fernandes, President of the GSA, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility, stating, “This is indeed an important step for us as well as the Caribbean because now athletes have two locations in which they can come to compete on a full-sized Doubles court.” He highlighted that despite the lack of a dedicated Doubles court in the past, Guyana has still achieved notable success in international competitions, including medals in Women’s events, Junior Commonwealth Games, and CAC Games. Fernandes remains optimistic that the new court, funded by the Government, will serve as a foundation for the continued development of squash in the Caribbean, enhancing opportunities for athletes and elevating the sport’s profile in the region. Related Similar Articles