admin

$275M contract awarded to build secondary school in Phillipai  Aug 11, 2024 News Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and the contractor turning the sod for the new wing at the Tucville Secondary School. Kaieteur News – The students of Phillipai Village in the Upper Mazaruni of Region Seven will soon benefit from their own secondary school that will be built by Prored Resources at a cost of $275,230,000. According to information published by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), the $275 million contract was recently awarded to Prored Resources. The project is being executed through the Ministry of Education. Kaieteur News understands that when completed, the new secondary school building will allow for the closure of the primary top (a secondary department in a primary school) present in the village. Phillipai Secondary is one of several secondary schools the Ministry intends to build in the hinterland. It was reported that currently the DC Caesar Fox Secondary School in Waramadong is the only secondary school in the Upper Mazaruni District. In addition to Phillipai, a new secondary school will be built at Jawalla Village and when completed, the two schools will help to ease the overcrowding at the DC Caesar Fox Secondary School. 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. Meanwhile, the Education Ministry on Friday turned the sod to construct a new wing at the Tucville Secondary School in Georgetown.The construction of the new wing is aimed at enhancing the learning environment for students and staff. According to the ministry, the project valued at $74,910,780, is scheduled to be completed within six months by contractor Kaveri Procurement Logistics and Investments Inc. The new structure is said to include 16 modern classrooms. Minister Manickchand on Friday said “this expansion is a critical investment in our children’s education and our country’s future. The new classrooms and facilities will greatly enhance the learning environment, reflecting our commitment to providing every student with access to quality education.” Related Similar Articles

Cliff Anderson Sports Hall rehabilitation project nearing completion Aug 11, 2024 News, Sports Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Kaieteur News – With just two more set of works to be finished, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson on Friday said that the rehabilitation of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is expected to be completed by September month-end. The Minister made the announcement while responding to questions posed by Opposition Members of Parliament (MP) Nima Flu-Bess and Annette Ferguson during the sitting of the National Assembly. MP Flu-Bess had asked the minister to provide the total sum of money spent of the rehabilitation and whether money was catered for the project in this year’s budget. In response, the minister informed the House, that in 2022, they spent $47 million; in 2023, they spent $237 million; and to date, they spent $8 million, taking the total to $292 million. “In this year, we have $59 million that is budgeted for the Sports Hall,” he added. Following up on the project, MP Ferguson had asked the minister to provide the name of the contractor and duration of the project. The minister related that there were multiple contracts which included, “Rehabilitation of the main roof – Rishma and Sisters Enterprise, rehabilitation of the electrical installation – A Ogransein & Sons, rehabilitation of side walls – R. Persid (Construction), design and supervision which is – Engineering & Management, and the northern front of the building – ECS Construction, and then the HVAC – ECS Construction which was a contract we terminated in 2023 based on poor performance and we went out to tender.” An artist impression of what the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is expected to look like when fully completed. With there being multiple contracts, the minister further informed that they have completed already the plumbing and installation, the main roof, the side walls, the face of the northern front and extension, and the sealing of the units and vented walls. “So the only two outstanding projects which are expected to be completed by the 30th of September are the HVAC and the finishing on the inside,” he told the National Assembly. Speaking further on the project, the minster said that in a next phase, there would be the installation of bucket seats at the sporting facility. In the current rehabilitative works, the extension that was carried out, he mentioned that it now houses four dressing rooms. “The extension (is) to now house four dressing rooms to cater for the international standards, because you now have to have four dressing rooms as well as anti-doping room, physio rooms, all of that is now catered for in the extension. The bucket seats would come subsequent to these projects being completed,” he elaborated. Kaieteur News had reported that the ministry commenced a rehabilitation project in 2022 to have the sporting facility enhanced and modernized. During a visit to the Sports Hall back in November 2022, Minister Ramson told this publication that a contract worth $97M, which was awarded to ECS Construction & General Supplies, covers only the first phase of the rehabilitation project. That phase he noted entails the redesign of the front section of the building which would be reconstructed. The minister explained at the time that the works at the Sports Hall will be done in phases that will run concurrently. This publication had reported that in December 2022, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board had awarded an initial contract for the installation of the HVAC systems at the facility. That project was given to ECS Construction & General Supplies to the sum of $89,840,020. Aside from the $97 million contract, and the $89 million contract for the HVAC, the NPTAB had also awarded a contract in December 2022 for electrical installation. That project was awarded to A. Ogransein & Sons to the tune of $31,409,000. Following that, NPTAB awarded a $60,324,675 contract to S&K Construction Consultancy Service & General Supply for the completion of the northern face of building. In addition, according to a few opening of bids at the NPTAB, the main roof modification works was estimated to cost $12.5 million, sealing of vents and vented walls works were estimated to cost $14.9 million, and plumbing installation was estimated to cost $9 million. These estimates are according to the ministry’s engineer. Related Similar Articles

International Children’s Outreach Hosts Annual Summer Camp Aug 11, 2024 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine Children of Craig and its environs benefited from ICO‘s annual summer camp – Enriching lives through STEM and community building Waterfalls Magazine – This summer, International Children’s Outreach (ICO) held its highly anticipated annual summer camp, bringing together children from diverse backgrounds for learning, fun, and community building. The camp, known for its focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, also provided a wide variety of activities designed to nurture creativity, teamwork, and personal growth was held at ICO’s Craig, East Bank Demerara, location. There, children engaged in hands on STEM projects that ranged from robotics to environmental science experiments. These activities were not just educational but also designed to inspire a lifelong love of learning and innovation. Alongside the academic focus, the camp offered arts and crafts, sports, and team-building exercises, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all participants. One of the camp’s highlights was the daily distribution of gifts to the children, adding an extra layer of excitement and appreciation. Children building stem kits at ICO’s summer camp These tokens of encouragement, thoughtfully selected, were more than just presents—they symbolized the camp’s commitment to recognizing each child’s unique contributions and progress. Beyond the immediate benefits of the activities, the camp served as a vital safe haven for the children. In a world where many young people face challenges that can disrupt their growth and well-being, ICO summer camp offered a secure and nurturing environment where children could explore their interests, build friendships, and gain confidence in a supportive setting. The kids enjoy an indoor game during the summer camp Onica Charles, the founder of ICO, a proud Guyanese and native of the village where the camp is hosted, expressed her deep honour in being able to give back to the community that shaped her. “This camp is more than just an event—it’s a continuation of the values I learned growing up in Craig. It’s about giving our children the tools and the encouragement they need to build a brighter future, for themselves and for our entire community,” Charles said. The annual summer camp has become a cornerstone of the ICO’s outreach efforts, reinforcing the organization’s mission to empower young people through education and community support. As the camp wrapped up another successful year, the children left with new skills, cherished memories, and a sense of belonging, eager for the opportunities that lie ahead. For the community, the camp is more than just activities—it’s a testament to the power of coming together to support the next generation. As ICO looks to the future, there is no doubt that the camp will continue to be a beacon of hope, education, and unity for many years to come. Related Similar Articles

450 players receive cricket gear courtesy of President Aug 11, 2024 Sports President Ali called for more focus on young women in Cricket as plans to continue their development across Guyana will proceed. …“Cricket is not just turning up and holding a bat when you’re talented, you have to give more of yourself”- President Ali Kaieteur Sports – It was a monumental day for cricket in Guyana yesterday, as His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali made a historic presentation of cricket gear to hundreds of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Academy players, who were the first set of beneficiaries to officially be a part of what is expected to be a magical journey for the sport. Among the high-profile Cabinet members present alongside President Ali, was Prime minister Mark Philips, Finance Minister Ashni Singh, Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jr, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd, Minister of Housing Colin Croal, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Antony and Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn. Hundreds of young cricketers from the Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara sets of the GCB Academy, were recipients of bats, balls, pads, helmets and other accessories which made up the kit, presented individually to each boy and girl at the Arthur Chung Center, East Coast during Saturday’s groundbreaking ceremony. During his opening speech, Minister Ramson said the day was a monumental one for cricket, the government and Guyana as a whole. “Today is a historic day, there has never been a single day that this large investment is being made for young cricketers across the entire country,” said the Sports Minister. Ramson took the opportunity on the behalf of the Ministry of Sports, to laud President Ali for being a leader who loves cricket and is driven by a desire to see the sport soar to its highest heights; through a number of countrywide endeavors, projects and programs. The Sports Minister said Guyana is on a preparation course for the 2028 Olympics, where for the first time ever, Guyana will be aiming to be a part of the global event. Finance Minister Ashni Singh said he was privileged to join President Ali on such a historic occasion for Guyana’s continued growth as a nation. Singh dubbed the move as “A truly historic occasion”, while speaking on opportunities beyond sports such as access to universities, adding that now is the “Best time to be a sports person or a young professional.” Delivering his feature address, His Excellency opened up by saying “Today is not about cricket but holistic living. We believe that the plans we have can help create an ecosystem for cricket,” said the country’s leader. Citing the need to deliver firsthand the gear and equipment needed to help foster a strong developmental structure across Guyana, the project was solely undertaken by President Ali; who ensured that hundreds of current and upcoming Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Academy players are now more equipped for the journey ahead. With the GCB Academy spreading across areas as far as Moruca, President Ali called on the Board to place emphasis on other rural areas like Region 7 and Hinterland regions, in order to harvest the natural talent. “ I believe that the raw talent that exists in these regions can add to cricket”, while calling for the return of the ‘Ball in sock’ setup in every cricketer’s home, urging them to spend less time on devices and focus more on hitting the ball. President Ali alongside GCB president Bissoondyal Singh, Prime Minister Mark Phillips among fellow Ministers and the players pose with their cricket kits yesterday. “Cricket is not just turning up and holding a bat, when you’re talented and gifted you have to give more of yourself,” said Ali, who called on the players to not become too carried away by their talents or skills, but rather find a more humble, dedicated approach to mastering their skills as professionals. He added that barring natural Talents and gifts, players could easily keep their skills dormant should they not take the time to nourish or build on it. The President challenged the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall to prepare manuals on rules and laws of cricket, something that can help GCB in their mission to correctly grow the sport across the various facets. “Investment in sports is a huge part of the one Guyana movement. By next year we’ll be hosting international cricket in Region 6 at the Stadium”, adding that the government has already put in a request to host the complete Women’s CPL tournament at Anna Regina next year. Region 10’s cricket venue will be done by year end while the indoor facility at Providence is almost complete; with plans for a 20 acre cricket academy on the East Coast already in progress, all part of the President’s vision for cricket development. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Phillips  called yesterday’s presentation to the kids, “Strategy in action”, adding that expansion of cricket in Guyana, will inevitably help the West Indies team on their way to reclaiming their tag as best in the world again. (Clifton Ross) Related Similar Articles

And they’re off: 16th running of Guyana Cup set for today Aug 11, 2024 Sports 10 exciting races are on the cards at Rising Sun Turf Club for the 16th running of the Guyana Cup Kaieteur Sports – The entire country is buzzing for the 16th running of the Guyana Cup which takes centre stage today, (Sunday August 11) at Rising Sun Turf Club. This Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee-organized event will see the country’s top horses and newly imported horses from various countries, battle for over 40 million dollars in cash and prizes. Fans from abroad have already secured tickets to the most exciting horse race event of the year. Defending champion, Easy Time who drew outside gate 12 at last week’s drawing is the favorite to win again. The feature event which will have 12 horses provides strong competition and sets up a mouthwatering contest. Horses entered and respective gate positions for Guyana Cup feature event are: Stat, Bossalina, Loyal Company, Beckham James, John Bull, Olympic Kremlin, Nova Sol, Stolen Money, Stormy Victory, Oy Vey, RitornaVincetori and Easy Time. The first of 10 races will be the L-Non-Earners, which is expected to start at 11:50am.Race two will be the L Class event, which starts at 12:25h and is followed by the K Class at 13:00h. Race 4 is the J Class race at 1:35h, and Race 5 is the H Class event at 14:15h. Race six will be the F Class race, which is expected to be run off at 14:50h. The two-year-old race is set for 15:25h, followed by the Open Sprint at 16:00h. The penultimate race of the day will be the Derby at 16:35 hours, while the feature event will be the final race of the day, which is expected to commence at 17:30h. With this year’s Guyana Cup purse being the most significant in the Caribbean, horses from various countries will be out to battle for supremacy. Jockeys from abroad are also in the country, preparing like their local counterparts for Sunday’s race. Scattered showers past through the ancient county of Berbice during the past week, but the track remains firm to display high-quality horse racing. Rising Sun Turf Club will be transformed into an electrifying atmosphere for the entire family. Close to 100 horses confirmed entry for the grand-one day races. Kids will be treated to a fun park, and fans will be thrilled to have great vibes when the DJ competition takes centre stage after the race. Additionally, a roster of local artists are confirmed to add more entertainment to the atmosphere. Related Similar Articles

Crowd support is vital to Guyana’s victory Aug 11, 2024 Sports Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/Girls… Kaieteur Sports – Boxing pundits of yesteryear can fondly reminisce of those nostalgic moments as spectators of amateur boxing cards in the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). Those were the days when Guyana engaged in bilateral sports activities with the mighty Cubans and matched those powerhouses, pound for pound. Lennox Daniels Terrence Poole Of all the variables that pushed the local team to victory, crowd support has been the most definitive. The pundits may remember ‘Starry,’ the typical ‘die hard’ of the sport, prancing around the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) and waving the Golden Arrowhead (and the Republican flag) while engaged in victory chants. Such support was instrumental in upheaved team spirit and eventual victory. Who could forget the epic battle between local pugilist, Anthony Andrews and his Cuban counterpart, Joquain Campanioni? How many of our current boxing supporters could regurgitate the memories of past-time boxers, the likes of Darius Forde, Winston Richards, and the Houstner brothers, Dereck and Allan, among others, punching out victories over the mighty Cubans? Those were epic moments as those warriors flew the Golden Arrowhead with distinction, turning in performances that inspired the spectators and strengthened local boxers’ standing as legitimate forces. Boxing is a sport where the pugilists employ the strategies doled out by their coaches and in the end, the entire team wins. However, while the coach and his methodologies are oftentimes the deciding factor of the boxers’ triumphs, it is the support of the spectators that could make that difference and inspire the local boxers to epic victories. Next week, Friday 13thGuyanese amateur boxers will stepinto the limelight, against several of their Caricom counterparts, in defense of the prestigious Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/girls boxing title. The uninitiated may evaluate the history of the tournament and Guyanese boxers’ dominance and might want to shrug aside any possibility of a loss by this power team. However, as the popular Guyanese saying goes, “Pride comes before a fall.” Simply put, local punchers can ill afford to lightly regard the ambitions of their Caribbean counterparts as they, the latter group, have all indicated that they are focused and good and ready to cart off the spoils. The coaches are extremely important to the matrix and even as the pundits cheer the boxers to victory, they will be keenly observing the input of the coaches. Terrence Poole and Lennox Daniels are the coaches in charge of the local team’s preparation and both veterans are brimming with confidence that theircharges will shine brightly at this forum. “We have a great crop of boxers, all ready to throw down the gauntlet and win their respective bouts,” declared Mr. Poole. He said that all of his charges are well-prepared for the upcoming assignment while the coaches are ready to accept the retained ‘prestigious accolade.’ Quizzed on the eventuality of an upset, Poole declared, “While not being impossible, such an outcome is highly improbable.” He said that he is aware of the hard work of the other teams across the territory and their ambitions to lift the championship trophy. “Notwithstanding, the Guyanese boxers are focused and have been extremely disciplined during their training schedules,” he reaffirmed. The tournament will see 7 teams joining the host nation and defending champion, Guyana, all eager to procure the top accolade. Among them are Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, Bahamas, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Lucia. The march past and opening ceremony are scheduled to get underway next Friday, August 16 at the Games venue, National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. Related Similar Articles

How one woman’s battle with cervical cancer inspired her natural products business Aug 11, 2024 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine Natural mascara product By Christal Yong Waterfalls Magazine – In the world where most products are made with chemicals, one has to be wary of the harmful effects of the variety of mascaras, lip balms, conditioners, shampoos, and many others can have on their bodies.  This cautionary phrase is all too familiar to Princess Cosbert, a 38-year-old survivor of cervical cancer and owner of the business, Essence of Herbs. Natural lip balm Cosbert told The Waterfalls she was inspired to launch her business after she diagnosed with cervical cancer about eight years ago. “Thankfully” she survived her battle with the terminal illness and it is all thanks to her herbal products. Cosbert said she started her production of natural products in the year 2016, when she had cervical cancer that after some pharmaceutical medications did not assist her in her cancer battle. Natural deodorant She said she ventured and fell in love with creating natural products of her own.  Cosbert shared that she inherited the skill from her late father, a herbalist who introduced her to creating such products. “Pharmaceutical drugs did not work, herbs did. As the saying goes, the apple does not fall from the tree, my dad was a herbalist, he passed away and so I got that knowledge a little from him but mostly it is the Creator,” the entrepreneur said. Natural toning serum Taking a trip down memory lane, the woman recalled she started with seasonings and then she made teas, but she soon realized that it is not just what the human intakes inside of their bodies but also what is placed on the body. She related, “So I started to look for ways in which I can make certain products, less toxic.” During the course of completing multiple research, and making new products which were at times difficult to combine, Cosbert said that she learnt, “Most of them are made from chemical-harsh chemical and non-harsh chemicals. “I look for the one (product) that even if there is chemical, it is not harsh but I try my best to get natural products…to make sure that if it is not natural even if it’s chemical, it’s not harsh chemical,” Cosbert said. Entrepreneur and cancer survivor, Princess Cosbert at the International Building Exposition 2024 As a result, the entrepreneur became specialized in making a variety of products naturally such as lip balms, hair conditioner, shampoos, mascaras, toning serum, lip gloss and tea bags. She later took a step to introduce her products to the market and ventured to Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) with just $20,000. With belief that her products were excellent, Cosbert captured the opportunity for her products to be sold. She then started to introduce her products to other supermarkets which accepted. She later attended exposition which made her receive bigger tools and tips to complete her production of natural products. Cosbert faced some setbacks as a result of the Corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic— her business was halted. Despite that hindrance, she refused to give up and continue her business all over again with the confidence that she will be bigger and better this time around.   This year, she has a booth set up at Guyana’s International Building Exposition 2024. She optimistic about the visibility that platform will offer her business and is excited for the opportunities it will provide in the future. To learn more about Cosbert’s business, Essence of Herbs, One can contact her on telephone number 644-9491, or via email www.essenceofherbsgy.com. Additionally, Essence of Herbs is located at 2166 Farm Phase 2, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Related Similar Articles