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124 dead, 82 injured in fires in last 7 years – GFS Aug 13, 2024 News Fire investigators and other officials inspecting the school dormitory where a fire killed 20 school girls in Mahdia last year Kaieteur News – One hundred and twenty-four people died while 82 received injuries as a result of fires in the past seven years, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn told the National Assembly. Minister Benn was asked by Member of Parliament (MP) David Patterson to provide the statistics of the Guyana Fire Service annual disaggregated statistics for fires, including those claiming lives for the period 2017 – September 2023 in every region and district.The statistics was divided into various sections to show deaths, injuries, and causes of the fires over the requested period. The report also gave a breakdown of the number of buildings and vehicles destroyed.In Region One, the Mabaruma Fire Station recorded one death and no injury as a result of fires. They had a total of 15 fire calls for the 2017 – September 2023 period. The fires left 18 persons homeless. Region Two where the Anna Regina Fire Station is located, saw four deaths and four persons injured. With a total of 651 fire calls, the fires left 84 people homeless. The Leonora and La Grange Fire Stations in Region Three recorded 1744 fire calls. Six persons were injured and eight died. Also as a result of the fires 369 persons were left homeless. Region Four saw 44 persons injured and 54 dying. With a total of 6110 fire calls, 1690 persons were left without a home. Region Five which houses the Onverwagt Fire Station recorded 503 fire calls. Two persons were injured and 10 dies. A total of 96 ended up homeless. Going over to Region Six with the New Amsterdam, Rose Hall and Corriverton Fire Stations recording 1959 fire calls, 16 people died, two were injured and 319 ended up homeless. The Bartica Fire Station in Region Seven recorded 146 fire calls, with zero injuries, four deaths and seven homeless. Mahdia Fire Station in Region Eight had no deaths or injuries until the Mahdia Dorms Fire which left 22 injured and 20 dead. The Lethem Fire Station in Region Nine recorded 129 fire calls, though there were no deaths or injuries, seven persons ended up homeless. Finally, Linden Fire Station in Region Ten recorded 751 fire calls with seven deaths and two injuries. As a result of fires, 206 persons ended up homeless. So far for the year 2024, eight persons including two children have died from fires. This figure is a drastic decline for the same period last year where 29 children and nine adults perished in fires. Junior Anderson, a four-year-old who resided at A C-Field Sophia, Georgetown was killed on July 5, 2024 after fire gutted the one flat concrete home, which he was in. Neighbours recalled hearing screams as one of the children of the family ran out into the street screaming for help. After realising that the home was on fire, the Guyana Fire Service was called even as neighbours formed a bucket brigade aimed at saving the house and the four-year-old child who was trapped inside. Unfortunately, the fire was raging and public-spirited residents were unable to enter the building. Not even the firefighters were able to save the lad.On July 11, 2024, Leroy Archer, a three-month-old baby died in a fire at Enmore, ECD that destroyed a two-storey wooden and concrete house. The house was occupied by four persons including the baby. Leroy and his two-year-old sibling, Lorenzo were home with his mother, Chandroutie Manickchand when the fire started. The children’s father, Leon Archer was at work.Manickchand reportedly told investigators that she was showering in the lower flat of the house while the baby was asleep in the upper flat. The distraught mother reported that someone alerted her of the fire and she ran to the bedroom to remove the baby but the room was already engulfed in flames. This forced her to exit the house leaving the infant. The most recent death occurred on Friday 2 August, 2024, when a disabled boy, 18, was killed in a fire at Imbamadai Village, Cuyuni Mazaruni, Region Seven. The dead teen was identified as Lendon Cornelius. A fire reportedly erupted around 09:00hrs and destroyed the house where he lived. A video surfaced on Facebook of a small wooden house engulfed in flames. Persons were heard crying in the background. Related Similar Articles

New $74M teaching block for Diamond Secondary Aug 13, 2024 News Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand alongside the representative of the contracting firm and other officials turning the sod for the new block. Kaieteur News – Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Monday turned the sod to commence construction of a teaching block at the Diamond Secondary School, East Bank of Demerara (EBD). According to information provided by the ministry, the new exterior teaching block will be built by Simcon Engineering Inc. to the tune of $74,056,950. The ministry noted that the contractor has been mobilised with an initial payment of $18,514,237 to ensure the timely completion of the project within the projected duration of seven months. Once completed, the block is set to benefit 750 students from the catchment areas of Diamond and the Soesdyke Linden Highway. “This development is part of the Ministry of Education’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational facilities and provide better learning environments for students across the country,” the ministry stated. Kaieteur News reported that during last week, the minister also turned the sod for two teaching block projects. The construction plan for the new teaching block at Diamond Secondary School. (Photo courtesy, MoE) It was reported that a brand new wing will be constructed at Tucville Secondary School for $74,910,780 and this project will be executed by Kaiveri Procurement Logistics and Investments Inc. Kaieteur News understands that the same contractor will build a new teaching block at Campbellville Secondary School to the tune of $143,921,712. It was also reported that this year, the Ministry of Education was allocated some $74.4B, a portion of which will be used for the construction, rehabilitation, extension and maintenance of educational facilities. This newspaper reported that the Ministry has embarked on an aggressive programme to ensure that the nation’s children have access to secondary education. Related Similar Articles

Mohamed Rahim wins MACORP all-inclusive trip to Brazil CAT Factory Aug 13, 2024 News Minister Susan Rodrigues joins MACORP’s President & General Manager German Consuegra and other team members in congratulating the winner Mohamed Rahim of Mohamed Rahim & Sons Kaieteur News – MACORP, on Monday, announced that Mohamed Rahim of Mohamed Rahim & Sons won the first prize in its Building Expo Promotion. The promotion, which ran from July 1 to August 11, 2024, offered customers who purchased a CAT machine or generator a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the CAT factory in Brazil. Mohamed Rahim & Sons was randomly selected from over 50 customers who qualified for the promotion, MACORP said in a press release. The prize includes round-trip airfare, accommodations, and a guided tour of the CAT factory in Brazil. “It was fantastic, I am very happy about this win I have been looking forward to this for a very long time. Since growing up, I have always loved Caterpillar machines and always dreamed of going to see where and how these machines are manufactured,” he was quoted in the MACORP release as saying. He underscored the affordability of Caterpillar equipment saying “It’s amazing to see so many Caterpillar machines in this country today because long ago, people couldn’t afford them. The economy is doing so well and MACORP is making it affordable for persons to own new machines. “Even the farmers and miners can afford Caterpillar machines today,” he said, emphasizing, “CAT is a brand that is for a generation. Other machines you use them for a certain time, then have to get rid of them.” For CAT, there are always parts and support available, he said. Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues joined in congratulating Mr. Rahim. “I thank MACORP for their phenomenal support for the building expo. I think that you guys may have had your best year yet. This is the first year I recall you having a promotion, and this is part of your Corporate Social Responsibility. We are happy about that and proud to support MACORP,” she remarked. The promotion was a huge success, generating significant interest and enthusiasm for MACORP’s products.  Other winners in the draw included EC Vieira, Guy America Construction Ashley Gonsalves, and Roopan Ramotar who won consolation prizes of various Caterpillar machine models and a CAT cooler. President and General Manager of MACORP German Consuegra and the MACORP Team congratulated Mr. Rahim and expressed their gratitude to the customers for trusting and believing in MACORP.  The promotion drawing took place last evening at the International Building Expo at MACORP’s booth in the Equipment Zone which was transformed into a party atmosphere with DJ Akelo and patrons winning other fantastic tokens from MACORP. Related Similar Articles

Pres. Ali unveils master plan for single mothers housing programme  Aug 13, 2024 News President Irfaan Ali and other Cabinet colleagues during the unveiling of the master plan for the single mothers prgramme Kaieteur News – Days after announcing that his government will soon launch a programme to provide homes for single mothers President Irfaan Ali on Monday unveiled the master plan for his initiative. The plan is dubbed homestead programme and will see the government providing homes for 500 single mothers at location on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The project, which aims to empower single mothers, will commence shortly, a brief release on the President’s official Facebook page said. It includes the construction of 500 houses on some 100 acres of land at Yarrowkabra. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, other members of the Cabinet; technical officials and officials from the banking sector were also at the meeting. The plan was first mentioned when President Ali addressed the opening of the just concluded Building Expo at the Guyana National Stadium. There he underscored that the programme is not just about providing housing but also creating an economic model to empower single mothers, some of the most vulnerable in society. “The Homestead Programme will integrate various government ministries, including Agriculture, Housing, Lands and Survey, the Office of the Prime Minister, and Human Services,” President Ali had said. Each home will feature a small farmstead, including a shade house, permanent crops, and solar energy systems to reduce energy costs and generate income. “We will give you an opportunity to earn but including an economic activity in the plot of land that will repay your loan…” President Ali explained. He added: “We [will] give you a chance to graduate out of poverty into a middle-income family and who are we giving those chances to, the most vulnerable in our society, single mothers, we are going to empower them to be the best they can be.” The head-of-state disclosed that the planning for this initiative has already begun, with the design layout expected to be completed within two weeks. Construction on the 500 homesteads will commence shortly after, making a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to support single mothers and promote economic growth. In addition to this new programme, President Irfaan Ali has pioneered the building of homes for women through his Men on Mission (MoM) initiative. Back in 2022, he said the organization which is funded by taxpayers will help with the construction of approximately 150 homes across the country for vulnerable persons who own their own land.  “…under the Men on Mission umbrella, we are going to launch a massive programme. We are hoping that through the Men on Mission Initiative alone next year, we can build at least 150 homes across the country”, Ali had said back in 2022. He said then also that banks have already been engaged and are willing to finance the projects, once persons own their own lands. Related Similar Articles

Over $400M in projects to be undertaken in North Pakaraimas villages Aug 13, 2024 News Minister of Amerindian Affairs engaging Toshaos from the North Pakaraimas Kaieteur News – The government is investing more than $400 million in various projects across villages in the North Pakaraimas sub-district, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) as part of efforts to improve the livelihoods of the first people. These funds, provided by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, under its capital expenditure, will support initiatives in art and craft, tourism, money-making ventures, women’s empowerment, and agriculture. During the Regional Toshaos Meeting in Paramakatoi on Saturday, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai shared this exciting news with village leaders. For instance, Paramakatoi, Monkey Mountain, and Kurukaburu will receive $45 million to establish mechanic shops, creating job opportunities for young people and generating additional revenues. Other villages in the North Pakaraimas will also receive various sums of funding to build guest houses, support women sewing groups, set up farine factories and embark on livestock rearing activities. Minister Sukhai emphasised the importance of the village leaders’ role in ensuring that these investments are utilised effectively and reach the people who will benefit. She highlighted the responsibility of Village Councils in effectively managing the carbon credit revenues, Presidential Grants, and overseeing the completion of approved projects. “The whole development of Amerindian, are in the hands of the Village Councils…the government provides support, whether it is assets or financial [resources], she underscored. As preparations for the National Toshaos Conference (NTC) continue, leaders were encouraged to engage with their communities to identify matters that the government can address. Minister Sukhai also stressed the significance of transparency and accountability in fulfilling their mandates. “If we follow the law, people will have much more confidence in their leaders,” she advised. The meeting was attended by officials including Regional Chairman Headley Pio, Project Coordinator Besham Ramsaywack and the region’s Management Development Officer Antonio George. Minister Sukhai has been actively participating in regional meetings, upon the invitation of Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) to prepare leaders for the upcoming NTC, where around 252 Amerindian leaders will convene to engage in strategic discussions with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet ministers. This demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to advancing Amerindian development and addressing the pressing issues. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

Soldiers accused of transporting ganja on bail Aug 13, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Bail granted: Colvis Sam (right) and Adisa Higgins (left) Kaieteur News – Two Guyana Defence Force (GDF) sergeants who were previously remanded for trafficking 154 pounds of marijuana in a service vehicle have been granted bail. On Monday, 42-year-old Staff Sergeant Adisa Higgins from Linden and 31-year-old Sergeant Colvis Sam from Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court. Attorney-at-law Bernard Da Silva represented Higgins, while Attorney -at-law Patrice Henry represented Sam. Both lawyers successfully secured bail for their clients at the sum of $300,000 each. Conditions of their bail include surrendering their passports and reporting monthly to the Diamond Police Station. The accused made their initial court appearance on July 22 before Magistrate Sunil Scarce, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. At that time, the prosecutor objected to bail due to the severity and prevalence of the offence. The case was adjourned to August 12, 2024. Sam and Higgins were busted on July 18, with 154 lbs. of marijuana in a service vehicle along the Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) during a joint intelligence-led police operation conducted by ranks from Special Branch and Regional Division 4 ‘B’. Related Similar Articles

Kitchen garden and house now turn homestead Aug 13, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Dem boys does wonder who does come up with dese ideas for the government. The latest brainwave is to take 100 acres of land and divide it into 500 plots. This means we talking about an average of a 200 feet by 40 feet plot. Deh had a time when house lots in the country used to be dat size and most people in de countryside used to plant kitchen garden and have dem own livestock. Food then was never short or expensive because everybody used to plant dem kitchen garden, plant dem fruit trees and rear dem livestock. We grow up on fresh milk, fresh meat, fresh vegetables and plenty fruits. And dat was because we used to have a large backyard fuh plant and rear we animals. Well, de government now calling dese plots of one-fifth of an acre, a homestead.  Lang ago, a homestead used to be a plot of land of about 130 acres. But times look like dem changing and we government seh dat a house and a kitchen garden of about 8,000 square feet is now a homestead. Deh gat some people in Guyana so rich, dem house alone can qualify fuh a homestead. Dem boys hear how de government plan to give out dese ‘homesteads’ to 500 single mothers. And de homesteads can be on the Soesdyke Linden Highway and dem single mothers will be encouraged to plant breadfruit trees and grow other crops. Dem boys waiting fuh see who gan tek up de offer and which breadfruit tree will grow in dat soil. Dem boys wish dem single mothers lots of luck with deh planting in de sand and with de cost of transportation to come to de market to buy what cannot be grown on their homesteads. Talk half. Leff half. Related Similar Articles