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Programme launched to aid professional development of youth Aug 14, 2024 News In photo a partnership Memorandum of Understanding is exchanged. From left to right: CEO and Executive Secretary of Board of Industrial Training, Richard Maughn; Minister of Labor, Hon. Joseph Hamilton; U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Adrienne Galanek; USAID Y-RIE Country Director, Tiffany Daniels; Ignite Project Coordinator and M.E.N. Founder, Richard Collymore; and Ignite Facilitator, Melina Harris. Kaieteur News – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Youth Resilience, Inclusion, and Empowerment (Y-RIE) programme, in collaboration with the Male Empowerment Network (M.E.N.) and the Ministry of Labour last month launched a programme called Ignite and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the initiative. This partnership will provide youth with professional development, job placement, skills training and well-being support, USAID said in a press release.  According to the USAID, the initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing the employability and resilience of youth and reinforces the United States and Guyana governments’ partnership on youth development and empowerment, a release stated. Through Ignite, youth aged 17-25 years from select communities, will gain entrepreneurial competencies, workplace readiness skills, psychosocial support, mentoring, and based on their preference, vocational training in areas such as welding, electrical installation, plumbing among many others. Ignite addresses the immediate need for greater youth participation in the workforce and provides holistic programming that supports enhanced economic pathways for young Guyanese. In her remarks at the launch, Deputy Chief of Mission Adrienne Galanek stated, “You are being offered specialised job training and coaching tailored to help you succeed. Commit fully, show up every day, and view each challenge as a steppingstone.” In his address, Minister Hamilton emphasized the importance of discipline and resilience among young people, to be able to fully benefit from the opportunities Ignite will provide. He also urged private sector partners to fully support this partnership. The Minister emphasised that Ignite, “aligns strategically with our national youth development policies and supports our vision of an inclusive and skilled workforce.” USAID’s Y-RIE Program was formally launched in Guyana in May 2023. In addition to Ignite, the Y-RIE program recently launched the Take Two Program with ChildLink, which offers structured mentorship for youth. Y-RIE also works with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to expand and improve social services for communities. The Y-RIE Youth Committee, which includes young people from its focus communities, works alongside its technical team to increase the relevance and impact of youth experiences and expertise. Related Similar Articles

Seaman in court for assaulting child mother, wounding her male friend Aug 14, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Granted bail: Seon Jackson Kaieteur News – A 38-year-old Seaman of Nelson Street Nismes West Bank Demerara on Tuesday appeared in court for allegedly assaulting his child mother and wounding her male friend. Seon Jackson, who is a father of six, appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where two charges were read to him. The first charge alleges that on June 22, 2024, at Lot 8 Water Street, Agricola East Bank Demerara Jackson unlawfully and maliciously wounded Leroy Reed. The second charge accuses Jackson of unlawfully assaulting his child mother, Aiodelle Hutson, on August 10, 2024, at the same location. Jackson pleaded not guilty to both charges. According to police statements presented in court, the incident on June 22 occurred when Reed was visiting Hutson’s apartment. Shortly after, Jackson came to the apartment and upon seeing Reed, he became annoyed. As a result, Jackson armed himself with beer bottles and struck Reed twice in the head and face, causing injuries to Reed’s eyes and left ear. On August 10, Jackson visited the same apartment and saw Hutson braiding a male friend’s hair. As a result he became annoyed and dealt her several slaps. A report was made to police and Jackson was arrested and charged for the present offences. During the court proceedings, the prosecution objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offences. Despite this, bail was granted in the amount of $75,000 for the unlawful wounding charge and $35,000 for the assault charge. Jackson is scheduled to return to court on September 11, 2024. Related Similar Articles

Man remanded for killing drinking buddy Aug 14, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – A 42-year-old miner of Isseneru Village Cuyuni Mazaruni Region 7, was on Tuesday remanded to prison for allegedly killing his drinking partner, Laurex Henry. Remanded: Euzil Augustine Police reported that the incident occurred on August 8, 2024 around 23:45hrs at Karmarang Airstrip Upper Mazaruni River. Euzil Augustine, father of two, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Ravindranauth Singh who dealt with the matter virtually. The indictable charge was read to Augustine where he was not required to make a plea. During court proceedings Augustine was remanded to prison and he is scheduled to return on September 18, 2024 at Kamarang Magistrate’s Court. According to police statement presented at court, Henry and Augustine were consuming alcohol on the Kamarang Landing. Around 23:45hrs, Henry was walking along the airstrip and braced against Augustine which angered him. As a result a scuffle ensued between them and Augustine pulled out a knife from his pants waist and dealt Henry two stabs to his abdomen causing injuries. Augustine proceeded to walk away but was followed by an eyewitness who called the police.  Subsequently, Augustine was arrested and admitted committing the act. He was later charged with the present offence. Earlier reports indicate that Henry had left a bar at Kamarang Landing with a friend, 31-year-old Delon Dedd Jr., who is also a miner. Shortly after , Henry saw the suspect and allegedly made racial remarks that offended Augustine, who was armed with a knife. In response, Augustine stabbed Henry once in the abdomen. Henry fell to the ground and was taken to the Kamarang District Hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention. Examination revealed a single stab wound on his lower left abdomen with protruding intestines. When questioned by the police, Augustine admitted to the stabbing, stating, “I did it because he come around me funny.” Related Similar Articles

Investment pact signed for $214M waste treatment facility at Coverden  Aug 14, 2024 News An inside view of the facility at Coverden Kaieteur News – The Guyana Office for Investment on Tuesday announced what it described as a groundbreaking $214 million investment in a state-of-the-art waste treatment facility at Coverden, East Bank Demerara. The project, led by Professional Waste Solutions Inc. (PWSI), marks a significant milestone by a local investor, GO-INVEST said in a press release. The investment agreement was signed by Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, and handed over by Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer and head of GO-INVEST. The new facility will not only create over 40 jobs but will also set a new standard in environmental stewardship in the region, the release stated. “This innovative facility will utilise cutting-edge non-incinerator technology to process exploration and production (E&P) waste generated by the oil and gas industry and other sectors, converting it into reusable oil. A byproduct of this process, known as ‘slag,’ will be recycled for use in block-making, supporting the booming local construction industry. PWSI’s commitment to green projectsaligns seamlessly with Guyana’s broader Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), emphasising the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly industrial solutions,” the press release noted. Another section of the waste treatment plant at Coverden Ramsaroop commented, “This investment is more than just a facility; it’s a testament to our dedication to sustainable development and our confidence in Guyana’s ability to lead in green technologies. Under the visionary leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, we are paving the way for Guyana to exceed global environmental standards, positioning our country as a leader in eco-friendly industrial solutions. His commitment to a diversified, low-carbon economy inspires us to push the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all Guyanese.” Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer and head of GO-INVEST hands over the signed investment agreement to Mahendra Jettoo, CEO of Professional Waste Solutions Inc. Under the leadership of CEO Mahendra Jettoo, a well-known investor in Guyana’s forestry industry, PWSI is set to become a leader in solid waste management. The company has already secured a preliminary agreement with Guyana Power and Light Inc. to manage hazardous waste from their Garden of Eden power plant, further demonstrating its capability and ambition. Importantly, PWSI is committed to supporting local businesses by sourcing goods, equipment, and services from local suppliers whenever possible, contributing to the growth of the national economy. “Our partnership with the government of Guyana demonstrate our commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable Guyana,” said Mahendra Jettoo, CEO of PWSI. “We are not just treating waste; we are transforming it into value, laying the groundwork for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Guyanese,” GO-INVEST said. Related Similar Articles

Woman found dead in trench identified Aug 14, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The decomposing body of a woman that was found last Saturday in a trench at the Eccles Dumpsite Road, East Bank Denerara (EBD) has been identified as that of Angela Andrea Sooknanan. Police said that Sooknanan is said to have been suffering from mental illness and last visited her doctor on Thursday August 8. The following day she visited her Mother Charlotte Sooknanan and asked for money to pay her passage to Diamond. She was never seen or heard from since then. Her remains were found on Saturday afternoon floating in a trench along the Eccles Dumpsite Road. Related Similar Articles

Norwegian company seeking Permit to provide bunker services for ExxonMobil Aug 14, 2024 News The Skandi Constructor operated by DOF Subsea Kaieteur News – The Skandi Constructor operated by DOF Subsea, a Norway-based company has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a permit to provide bunker fuel to vessels chartered by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL). This permit would allow the vessels utilised by EMGL to stay offshore for longer periods of time without using the time and fuel required to pursue other options for fuel transfers. The proposed bunkering activities are to take place in the Stabroek Block, which covers approximately 26,800 square kilometers and lies parallel to the Guyana coast. According to the Project Summary published by the EPA, the main areas of operation would be in and between Liza One, Liza Two, the Payara, Yellowtail, Whiptail, and the Uaru Fields, as well as any future planned fields. “Currently, vessels chartered by EMGL are receiving fuel from offshore supply vessels (OSV) that have bunkered fuel in Guyana, or the vessels themselves are bunkering fuel in Trinidad if there are no OSVs available to bunker fuel because most installation vessels operating offshore Guyana such as the Skandi Constructor and Havila Phoenix do not have a shallow enough draft to bunker fuel in Guyana,” the document explained. The Skandi Constructor is an Ulstein SX121 style vessel built in 2009. The fuel tanks can hold a total of 2210 cubic meters of marine fuel oil. The Skandi Constructor typical personnel on board (POB) while operating in Guyana is approximately 65 people. This POB will be the same during the bunkering operations. The operation would include the Skandi Constructor and another vessel chartered by EMGL. The company said bunkering will preferably be conducted during daylight hours; at wind speed less than 20 knots and significant wave height less than 2.0 metres. Kaieteur News understands that DOF’s contract began in late 2022 with EMGL and extends through November 2025 with the option of two, one- year extensions. Additionally, DOF has a five year Local Content Master Plan to coincide with the duration of the contract with EMGL in Guyana. This Local Content Strategy includes onshore management and support, offshore project resources, and offshore maritime resources. The company noted that, “During fuelling operations, there is always the risk of pollution.” During the operations, there could be a release of fuel into the environment; however DOF shared measures with the EPA to minimize this risk. These include inspection of the hose, prior to and after vessel operations and checking installation manifold couplings are tight and ready for operation. The developer said in its project summary, “It is important that an individual is appointed to visually and operationally check the hose remains functional during bunkering operations. If an oil sheen is detected on the surface of the water, bunkering operations must cease immediately. The incident must be reported to the installation control room and the cause investigated.” Related Similar Articles

Cemetery road Aug 14, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Dem boys seh dem gon open a repaved road through de burial ground. De big road. But de funny ting is how de project end up behind schedule. Yuh know why? Dem workers frighten dem dead people more than dem frighten bandit. Dem start digging up de place. Big machine rolling in. But dem workers start catching cold sweat. One by one, dem start getting sick. Stomach pain, headache, vomiting like dem eat stale food. Dem turn to de supervisor and seh, “Bossman, something nah right here.” But de bossman, he seh, “Man, is just a lil’ bad weather.” But dem boys know better. Dem know is de dead people. De sick list get longer than de road itself. Dem workers start telling stories. One seh he see a shadow following him. Another one seh he hear somebody calling he name when nobody was there. Even de big man in charge start hearing tings at night. Dem boys seh de dead don’t like de idea of people disturbing dem rest. And who can blame dem? Construction slow down. Real slow. Dem workers nah even want come back on de site. Dem seh better deal with a bandit in daylight than a ghost in de dark. De project managers start pulling dem hair out. Dem got deadlines, yuh know. Big man from town calling, asking why de road ain’t done yet. But how yuh gon explain that de dead holding up de work? Dem bring in a preacher. He bless de place. Sprinkle holy water like rain falling. But dem boys seh even de preacher looking nervous. He praying quick-quick and looking over he shoulder. Dem boys laugh when dem see that. Imagine, de man of God frighten too. But he do he best, and dem workers come back… slow, slow. But de problem ain’t stop. Tools missing, materials disappear. Dem boys seh it like de dead people playing tricks on dem. Is a real horror show down there. And all this time, de road sitting there, half-done, while people in de city waiting. Dem boys seh de dead people in de cemetery giving de workers more trouble than any politician in Guyana. One worker seh he not coming back until de whole place well blessed. He seh he rather walk through de bush than step foot back on that road. Dem other workers agree. Dem tell de bossman, “De dead ain’t want no road, and we ain’t want no trouble.” Now, de road finally done. Dem gon cut de ribbon soon. But dem boys seh, “Watch out!” Dem dead people still there. And just like de road, dem spirit nah going nowhere. Dem boys seh better yuh don’t drive too fast through de burial ground. Yuh never know who might want a lift. Talk half. Leff half Related Similar Articles