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UN General Assembly President on two-day visit to Guyana Aug 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The President of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), His Excellency Mr. Dennis Francis, is in on a two-day visit upon the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. President of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), His Excellency Mr. Dennis Francis This is according to a press release issued by the UN. It was stated that during his visit to Georgetown, the PGA is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister, Brig. (Rtd.) Mark Phillips, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir and Members of Parliament. Additionally, the PGA will engage with the UN Resident Coordinator and Representatives of UN Agencies resident in Guyana, and also meet with the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The PGA will address a session on “Misinformation/Disinformation for Youth in the Digital Era” organized by the UN/UNICEF. He will also undertake a site visit to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). The PGA will also have an encounter with Women’s Groups and NGO at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana. An Open Forum with representatives from academia, the private sector, and civil society groups is also on the agenda, where the PGA is expected to deliver remarks. Furthermore, the PGA will attend and address the audience at a cocktail reception and networking event organized by the hosts in his honour with participants including members of the Cabinet, other government officials, and the diplomatic corps. Other additional engagements in the PGA’s visit program include participation in a Radio/TV Program with the Guyana Council of Organizations of People with Disabilities. Throughout his engagements, the PGA will acknowledge Guyana’s role in strengthening multilateralism, including as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, as well as its support for the work of the UN General Assembly. He will highlight the upcoming Summit of the Future in September as a pivotal moment for reinforcing the international multilateral system. He will also emphasize the significance of other upcoming events during the UNGA79 High-Level Week, such as the High-Level Meeting on sea-level rise, as crucial for supporting Small Island Developing States and low-lying coastal regions affected by climate change. The PGA’s delegation includes his Chef de Cabinet, a Special Adviser, a Senior Advisor, and a Communications Adviser. Travel costs for the visit are jointly covered by the OPGA’s Trust Fund and the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Related Similar Articles

GECOM says it has safeguards in place to prevent multiple voting, other forms of skullduggery at elections Aug 08, 2024 News Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) Kaieteur News – As Guyana prepares for its national elections in 2025, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Wednesday addressed concerns about electoral integrity by outlining the safeguards in place to prevent multiple voting and other forms of fraud. This response came in light of recent criticisms from the Alliance For Change (AFC) regarding the electoral system. In a press release, GECOM responded to the AFC’s dissatisfaction with the current system, which included calls for the introduction of biometric and electronic voting to enhance electoral integrity. The AFC also urged GECOM to remove outdated names from the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB), from which all voters’ lists are derived. GECOM reiterated that it operates within the confines of existing statutory provisions governing National Registration, Local Government Elections, and General and Regional Elections. “We cannot and will not act outside of the extant statutory provisions,” GECOM stated. The Commission highlighted that it cannot implement changes beyond what current laws permit. GECOM also emphasised that there are in existing multiple safeguards aimed to protect the integrity of the country’s electoral system. ”The safeguards include, but are not limited to, (i) the presence of political party agents at each polling station, (ii) accurate identification of the voter, (iii) the use of indelible ink, (iv) the presence of security personnel from the Guyana Police Force, (v) the conduct of an intensive voter education campaign, (vi) adequate training of Election Day staff for efficient conduct of the polls, (vii) counting of ballots at the place of poll in the presence of authorized representatives of the contesting parties, and (viii) the presence of local and international observers throughout the voting and counting processes.” GECOM announced in the statement. Additionally, in response to concerns about voter impersonation, GECOM’s Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud, has recently proposed installing cameras in polling stations. This measure aims to record activities without compromising voter privacy. Regarding the AFC’s proposal for biometric verification, GECOM noted that current laws do not permit the use of biometric technology. Chairman Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh has previously stated that implementing such systems would require legislative changes. GECOM is therefore unable to adopt biometric methods until the necessary legal amendments are made. However, GECOM has explored the feasibility of introducing digital fingerprint capture and biometric identification. It was said in the statement, “The Chairman facilitated discussions on a Motion that was moved by one Member of the Commission proposing the introduction of digital fingerprint capture during registration, and the introduction of biometric fingerprint identification of voters at polling stations.”  As a result, a feasibility study was conducted and has since been completed. Copies of the study have been circulated to Commission members for review and further deliberation. Furthermore, addressing AFC’s concerns about the accuracy of the voters’ list, GECOM referred to a ruling by Acting Chief Justice Roxanne George. The ruling restricts GECOM from updating the NRRDB beyond the existing legal provisions, requiring adherence to legal procedures for any list updates. Despite these constraints, GECOM said it continues to update the National Register based on reports of deceased individuals from the General Register Office. The release stated that the Commission also conducts regular Claims and Objections Exercises to maintain the accuracy of the voters’ list. Additionally, the Chief Election Officer has requested periodic updates from the Chief Medical Officer and the Commissioner of Police regarding deceased persons to further ensure the register remains current and accurate. Related Similar Articles

Vendor robbed at gunpoint near Bourda Market Aug 08, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Ramdatt Gobin, 44-year-old vendor, was robbed at gunpoint of his cell phone and a large sum of cash in the early hours of Wednesday morning, in the vicinity of Bourda Market. At about 02:45 hrs, Gobin went to purchase food on North Road and was standing on the street when he was approached by two men. One of the two men was in possession of a firearm, which he pointed at Gobin and proceeded to take his belongings: the cell phone and GYD $220,000 in cash. The two men then made good their escape. A police investigation is currently underway; CCTV footage is being examined. Related Similar Articles

We gat some politicians who would mek de mafia look like angels Aug 08, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Ka-Ma-La tink she know bad guys. She seh she tek on all kinda scamps, rogues, and villains in she time. “Predators who abuse women, fraudsters who rip off consumers, cheaters who break rules for their own gain,” she boast. Well, Ka-Ma-La, welcome to Guyana. You ain’t see nothing yet. Dem boys want Ka-Ma-La fuh understand, in Guyana, we gat a few politicians who mek de villains Ka-Ma-La see look like Boy Scouts. We got politicians who turn bribes into an art form, who tek public funds and disappear like Houdini. Some of dem, if yuh put dem next to Ka-Ma-La’s worst criminals, dem criminals would look like saints. We gat politicians who are sweet men. Dem does promise yuh one ting when dem want yuh vote but when dem get in is another story. We gat a few who does sign away we people’s future. And gat de nerve to defend it. Then we gat de kind who mek friends and family rich while de rest ah we scratch we head. Dem mek it look like nepotism is a national sport. If yuh ain’t related, yuh might as well forget it. Dem fellas use public office like it’s a family business, and everybody else jus’ a spectator. And don’t get we started on de ones who know how to dodge questions like a boxer dodge punches. Ka-Ma-La never see nothing like dem. We gat a few politicans who would make de mafia look like angels Ka-Ma-La, yuh ever deal with a politician who mek grand speeches ’bout integrity and then get catch with he hand in de cookie jar? In Guyana, we gat a few of dem. Dem boys seh, de more dey get ketch, de more dey talk ’bout honesty and service to de people. So Ka-Ma-La, we know you tink you see it all. But trust we, Guyana’s politicians could mek de worst brigands you ever prosecute look like choir boys. Come spend a lil time here, Ka-Ma-La. You gon’ leave with a whole new respect for what it means to be a real villain. Dem boys seh, welcome to de jungle. Talk half. Leff half Related Similar Articles

Rain allows only 15 overs on opening day Aug 08, 2024 Sports Jason Holder’s first ball castled Aiden Markram. (AFP/Getty Images) After opting to bat, South Africa were 45 for 1 when the heavens opened up  ESPNcricinfo – Trinidad’s temperamental weather claimed the bulk of the opening day between South Africa and West Indies where only 15 overs of play was possible yesterday. Play was called off five minutes into the scheduled tea time and will resume half an hour early on the second day after 75 overs were lost on the first. With an extra batter in their XI, South Africa opted to bat first after winning the toss and hoped to bed in on a surface their captain Temba Bavuma said he “did not see a blade of grass on”. A bare, lifeless surface demanded good discipline from West Indies and the experienced Kemar Roach did not disappoint. Given three slips and a gully, his first ball angled into Aiden Markram and beat him on the back foot, which was exactly where Roach wanted him. In Roach’s next over, Markram stayed back and tried to cover-punch but, with no bounce on offer, looked fortunate to get the ball over gully for South Africa’s first boundary. Roach continued to deliver a testing opening spell, after which he had figures of 5-3-6-0. A heavy downpour in Port of Spain interrupted the game an hour in. (AFP/Getty Images) At the other end, Tony de Zorzi looked more comfortable playing the ball off the front foot against Jayden Seales and timed well enough down the ground to get a three. Seales’ pace was in the mid-130kph range and he offered little threat in the first three overs, which saw Kraigg Braithwaite turn to Gudakesh Motie in the eighth over. And de Zorzi could not have asked for anything better. His eyes lit up when Motie flighted his fourth ball, and he went down on one knee to swipe it over midwicket. He repeated the shot two balls later and Motie was only kept on for another over, and de Zorzi hit him for four in that one, before Braithwaite went to Jason Holder. Now remember Markram had been camping back in the crease against Roach? That’s where he was for Holder’s first delivery, which seamed in through the bat-pad gap and took out off stump to dismiss him for 9. Markram’s last three first-innings scores in Test cricket have been in single figures, which could be something he will want to address as the season moves on. Keacy Carty receives his Test cap from Jason Holder. (AFP/Getty Images) His dismissal brought South Africa’s new No. 3 Tristan Stubbs to the middle. He was off the mark when he tucked Holder to square leg and faced four more balls before the rain began, at 11.10am local time. An early lunch was taken 40 minutes later as showers came and went intermittently. Two hours later, images of covers decorated with puddles and ominously grey skies were beamed around the world but the clean-up began. A 2pm inspection could not take place as the rain returned just as the umpires were about to begin their rounds and 45 minutes later the day was deemed unsalvageable. The outcome will be particularly disappointing for South Africa, who have not played Test cricket with a first-choice side since January, and have a lean red-ball schedule. After this Test, they have only seven matches left in this World Test Championship cycle and all their series in the 2023-2025 period have been limited to two Tests. Scores: South Africa 45 for 1 (De Zorzi 32*, Holder 1-2) vs West Indies. Related Similar Articles

Guyana Karate Federation holds successful 2024 National Junior Karate Championship Aug 08, 2024 Sports The successful students display their awards following the presentation. Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Karate Federation held its 2024 National Junior Karate Championship at the National Gymnasium on Sunday 04th August, 2024. Seventy-six (76) karatek as participated from seven of its nine affiliates, ages ranging from 6 years to 17 years male and female. The NSC medal presented to the winners. The competition which commenced at 9.00 hours with the weigh-in for the kumite categories, attracted a large number of spectators. The competitors demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and camaraderie and competed fiercely as they were urged on by their parents and supporters. The event started with the 6-8 yrs boys and girls kata, in the kata ring. They then moved over to the kumite ring, after, for the fighting. Events kept flowing from 9-11 years, 12-14 years and 15-17 years. At the conclusion of the tournament, Guyana Karate Federation President, Shihan Amir Khouri 8th Dan, thanked the Director of Sports and the National Sports Commission for assisting in sponsoring this tournament and the contribution of the medals for our successful participants. Special thanks were conveyed to the referees, judges, officials, parents, volunteers and supporters who contributed to making this event the success it was. The official results for the championships are as follows: Male 6-8 Years – Kata                         Male 6-8years – Kumite 1st       Elijah Jodhan                           1st Emery Pestano 2nd      Shane Mohamed                      2nd Wayne Browne 3rd      Wayne Browne                        3rd Younce Allen Vihaan Sadhu                         Vihaan Sadhu Female 6-8 Years – Kata                  Female -6-8 – Kumite 1st          Rachna Janki                                    1st Arifa Singh 2nd      Christabel Persaud                  2nd Alina Persaud 3rd       Maya Balram                          3rd Maya Balram Aleeza Azimullah                        Aleeza Azimullah Male 9-11 Years – Kata                    Male 9-11 Years Kumite-40 Kg 1st       Josiah Clinken                         1st John Mohamed 2nd      Abdul Brotherson                   2nd Abdiel Stewart 3rd       Xavier Harry                           3rd Matthew Kendall  Wyatt Fraser Adiel Stewart                                                              Male 9-11 Years Kumite 40+Kg 1st Lakechand Persaud 2nd Kyron Huntley Female 9-11 Years– Kata                 Female 9-11 Years – Kumite 1st       Marissia Appanah                  1st Neilisha Wolfe 2nd      Anusha Singh                         2nd Sariah Harry 3rd       Angel Hyman                          3rd Safiya Ali Sariah Harry                                 Angel Hyman Male 12-14 Years – Kata                  Male 12-14 Years – Kumite -45 Kg 1st       Kishan Ragubeer                     1st Andrew Haynes 2nd      Omar Shariff                           2nd Aayan Sammy 3rd       Jamal Bento Shawn Ranjit                                                              Male 12-14 Years – Kumite 45+Kg 1st Kishan Ragubeer 2nd Samuel George 3rd Jamal Bento Abdool Hamid Female 12-14 Years- Kata               Female 12-14 Years – Kumite 1st       Mariah Francis                                    1st Tattieanna Appiah 2nd      Azaria Ramdatt                                  2nd Sarah Ali 3rd       Sarah Ali                                             3rd Sarah Reevers Suemin Richards Female 15-17 Years – Kata                          Female 15-17 Years – Kumite                                  1st       Chelsea Benjamin                               1st Chelsea Benjamin 2nd      Julia Badal                                          2nd Annamary Holder 3rd       Esther Reevers                                    3rd Esther Reeves Annamary Holder                                      Julia Badal Male 15-17 Years Kata                                 Male 15-17 Years Kumite – 55kg 1st Dmitri Cheong                                           1st Jeremy Hargobin 2nd Jeremy Hargobin                                       2nd Adi Persaud 3rd David Hackett Adi Persaud                                                                          Male 15-17 Years Kumite 55+Kg 1st Dmitri Cheong 2nd Ty David Related Similar Articles

Jamaica’s Roje Stona rewrites history books with gold medal, Olympic Record in discus at Paris Games Aug 08, 2024 Sports Roje Stona basks in the glory of his historic Olympic feat. (Marlon Reid) SportsMax – Roje Stona etched his name in the annals of Jamaican sports history as he secured the nation’s first gold medal of the Paris Olympic Games and, in the process, became the first from the island—male or female—to win an Olympic gold medal in the throws. In a breathtaking performance, Stona, on his debut at the global multi-sport showpiece, not only clinched the top podium spot but also set a new Olympic record of 70.00m, which marked a monumental achievement for himself and his country, at the Stade de France on Wednesday. Competing in a world-class field, Stona, who was one of three Jamaicans in the final, stood tall with his impressive fourth-round throw to upset the applecart. He won ahead of World Record holder Mykolas Alekna (69.97m) of Lithuania and Australia’s Matthew Denny (69.31m). The other Jamaicans, Ralford Mullings (65.61m) and Travis Smikle (64.97m), were ninth and 10th, respectively. Stona, 25, coached by America’s three-time Olympic shot put champion Ryan Crouser, was praised by Smikle for his achievement, which is a testament to his relentless work ethic and the rigorous training regimen, which included stints with NFL teams Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. “I am so happy for him; it’s a big thing to see. Stona is a great thrower, and he showed it today. This is the beautiful thing about track and field; there are a lot of upsets, and Stona is having his moment. I had a bad day and Ralford Mullings had a bad day as well, so Stona’s performance is a great achievement for him and for Jamaica as well,” Smikle said. Jamaica, renowned for its prowess in sprinting, now has a new hero in field events. In fact, four of the country’s five medals at the Paris Games so far have come in the field, as Kishane Thompson’s 100m silver is the lone medal from the track. Stona’s historic victory in the discus throw, as well as Rajindra Campbell’s shot put bronze, Shanieka Ricketts’ triple jump silver, and Wayne Pinnock’s long jump silver, heralds a new era of success and diversification in Jamaica’s athletic achievements and promises an exciting future for the island’s athletes in all disciplines. Related Similar Articles