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10 persons suffer fiery deaths in eight months Aug 04, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Ten persons including two children have died as a result of fires occurring across the country so far this year.  The figure appears to be a stark decline in contrast to the previous year, where the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) recorded the most deaths by inferno –29 children and nine adults lost their lives for that period. Here is a recap of the lives that perished as a result of fires since January. Tokant Deokharan It was reported, that on January 2, 2024, forty-three-year-old Tokant Deokharan, who was a teacher, lost his life after he was involved in the massive blaze at Manager’s Quarters, Port Mourant  Corentyne, Berbice. Upon firefighter’s arrival at the scene, ranks observed two buildings fully engulfed in flames and smoke. The Fire Service said the fire originated in a one-storey wooden and concrete house owned by Deokharan’s sister who resides in the United States. Deokharan, who lived at the house, perished in the blaze while the building was destroyed. Richard Lozada On January 5, 2024 forty-seven-year-old Richard Lozada, a Venezuelan national perished in a fire at Plantain Walk, Vreed-en-hoop, West Bank Demerara (W.B.D). The GFS responded to the emergency call at 3:31 a.m., dispatching firefighters from the La Grange Fire Station. Upon arrival, they encountered a two-story house ablaze, with the first floor fully consumed by flames. Efforts were immediately focused on containing the fire to the first floor and mitigating potential threats to neighboring structures. Despite their rapid intervention, the first floor of the building was destroyed, resulting in Lozada’s death. Alexander Josephine On March 12, 2024, ninety-three-year-old Alexander Josephine was killed in a wildfire which ripped through his farm at Parakies Village, North West District (NWD). The GFS said that the fire began ravaging his farm around 12:30 hrs. Josephine, according to reports, left his residence around 09:00hrs that day to attend to his farm. Family reportedly recalled receiving a call around 13:00 hours that he had sustained burns from a fire at his farm and had died. They immediately informed ranks at the Acquero Police Station. When the lawmen and emergency responders arrived at the location they found Josephine lying motionless on his back with burns covering his body. His remains were taken to the Kumaka District Hospital, where it was further examined before being placed in the hospital’s mortuary. Moses Elias A fire which was maliciously set on March 22, 2024 destroyed a Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home and claimed the life of 85-year-old Moses Elias, a former Headmaster of the Bladen Hall Multilateral School. According to the GFS, fire fighters received a distress call around 04:00hrs, about a fire at West Half Plot OBAZ, Beterverwagting, ECD. The report related that water carrier #16 and Water Tender #105, carrying 1703 litres of water along with their crews, was immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon fire fighters’ arrival, they encountered a wooden and concrete two-storey building engulfed in flames and immediately commenced fire fighting operations. Elias, the lone occupant of the house died in the fire. Zang A Chinese national identified as Zang, lost his life on March 25, 2024 after a fire destroyed a restaurant located at the intersection Dageraad Avenue and Greenheart Street, MacKenzie, Linden, Region Ten. Four persons are also homeless. Reports are that the fire erupted around 01:41 hrs and firefighters arrived eight minutes later. “Despite their efforts, tragically, one occupant, identified as Zang, perished in the fire,” the fire service said. The building which housed the restaurant was completely destroyed by the fire. Carl Persaud On July 1, 2024 Carl Persaud, died after he was trapped in an inferno which destroyed several buildings along the Bush Lot Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB). Reports have indicated that a fire of unknown origin started sometime around 17:45hrs at Persaud’s two storey residences and quickly ravished through the building completely destroying it. The man was reportedly trapped in the upper flat of the building which also housed the Nalico & Nafico Insurance Office on the bottom flat.   Investigations revealed that Persaud who lived alone on the upper flat of the building was reportedly an alcoholic. At about 18:00 hrs., persons nearby, reportedly saw the victim pushing his hand through his bedroom window calling for help but at the same time, the fire had begun to spread quickly on the upper flat and persons could not have rendered assistance. After the fire was extinguished, a walk through was done and the burnt body of Persaud was discovered. The scene was photographed; the body was removed and is presently at Bailey’s Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy. Junior Anderson Junior Anderson, a four-year-old who resided at A C-Field Sophia, Georgetown was killed on July 5, 2024 after an inferno gutted the one flat concrete home he was in. Neighbours recalled hearing screams as one of the children of the family ran out into the street screaming for help. After realizing 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 in the house. Unfortunately, the fire was raging and public spirited residents were unable to enter the building. Not even the fire fighters were able to save the lad. The Fire Service in a statement said that it received a call that the house was on fire at 15:59 h. The fire tenders and fire fighters arrived on the scene at 16:06h. The GFS said that upon arrival the fire fighters were informed that one child was unaccounted for. After extinguishing the fire, the charred remains of little Junior Anderson were discovered. According to preliminary investigations, the Fire Service reportedly learnt that the fire was caused by children playing with matches. “The naked flames ignited a mattress, which then set nearby combustible materials on fire, leading to the spread of the flames throughout the building” the fire service said. The parents of the children were reportedly not at home when the fire erupted. Investigators were told that the children were left in the care of a teenager. “According to the teen, she left the children playing and went to lie down, subsequently falling asleep,” the Fire Service reported. The teen reportedly said that she was awakened by one of the children who told her the house was on fire. The panicked teen ran out of the house. Leroy Archer 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. An inconsolable Manickchand collapsed and was rushed to a medical facility. Similarly, upon arrival at the scene, Leon Archer fainted and was whisked away by an ambulance. While the cause of the fire is unknown, a neighbour recalled Manickchand saying that she left a fan on in the bedroom in which the baby was sleeping. Albert Hopkinson On July 24, 2024, Albert Hopkinson better known as ‘Uncle Major’ a 94-year-old man was killed in a fire that destroyed his home at Third Avenue Sixth Street, Bartica Region Seven. The fire of unknown origin destroyed the two-storey wooden and concrete home of the Hopkinsons. Photos and videos showed that the entire top flat of the building was engulfed in flames. The GFS confirmed that the top floor of the building was destroyed; however, there was no damage to the ground floor.  The GFS in a statement said that it received a call alerting to a fire at 13:20hrs. Firefighters arrived on the scene at 13:25hrs and the first jet went into action at 13:26hrs. The response team included Water Tender #98 and a Water Bowser, carrying a total of 9274.259 liters of water to extinguish the fire. Additionally, two jets operating from tank supplies, and subsequently, a water relay system from LP#A03 were also used. Lendon Cornelius 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

Country’s procurement system flawed, needs to be reformed – Mahipaul Aug 04, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul is of the view that Guyana’s current procurement system is highly flawed and needs to be reformed. Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul Mahipaul, an Executive Member of the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) raised his concerns in a statement to the press, where he highlighted a need for amendments to Guyana’s procurement system are to ensure fairness and competitive bidding. The Opposition MP noted that when bid evaluations do not adhere strictly to the established criteria, it undermines the fairness of the process and results in contracts being awarded to less qualified bidders and in some cases unqualified bidders. He opined that this lends to the activities of favoritism and corruption in the current system. “The current system, governed by the Procurement Act of 2003, has demonstrated significant flaws, particularly in the roles of the Evaluation Committee and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). The NPTAB is composed solely by government appointees, creating potential conflicts of interest and undermining impartiality,” he said. Mahipaul is of the view that the Evaluation Committee must adhere strictly to bid evaluation criteria and select the Lowest Evaluated/Responsive Bidder based on submitted documentation. “The Government often justifies current inefficiencies by referring to past practices. While understanding historical context is important, it should not excuse ongoing problems simply because what is happening now is worse than what happened in the past,” he stated. To ensure transparency, the MP related that immediate and proactive solutions are needed. To this end, he suggested that at least three of the seven members of the NPTAB should be nominated by the Parliamentary Opposition and be individuals who have proven integrity and expertise in business, law, finance, audit, and administration. “This change would promote impartiality and enhance public confidence in the procurement process,” the MP stated. To further ensure a smooth flow of the procurement process, Mahipaul disclosed that proper training and adherence to clear guidelines are essential to ensure accuracy and fairness in the evaluation process. Further, he stated that immediate amendments to the Procurement Act are necessary to address these issues and align with best practices, noting this will provide a solid foundation for a more transparent and effective procurement system. “I therefore call on the Government to move beyond justification and take decisive action to reform our procurement system. By implementing these recommended changes, we can ensure that contracts are awarded fairly and executed by competent contractors, benefiting all Guyanese people,” the MP expressed. Mahipaul has previously highlighted procurement breaches in the award of the $865 million contract by NPTAB to contractor TEPUI. It was reported in the media that the contract awarded to the company affiliated with Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as “Guyanese Critic, was the subject of an investigation by Public Procurement Commission (PPC) after complaints were raised that the contractor failed to meet the technical requirements for the project. Related Similar Articles

Man caught stealing wires from Conversation Tree road project Aug 04, 2024 News The wires the suspect was reportedly caught stealing. Kaieteur News – A man was during the wee hours of Saturday caught stealing wires installed by S. Jagmohan construction reportedly for street lights along the Conversation Tree Road. The captured suspect He was nabbed and was taken into custody at the Prashad Nagar Police Station. Workers said that this is not the first time that wires from their road project have been stolen. The company recently had to spend extra cash to replace a set that was recently stolen. Investigations are ongoing.    Related Similar Articles

GWI signs $250M in contracts to setup 14 new small water treatment plants Aug 04, 2024 News Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (center) flanked by the contract awardees and officials of the Guyana Water Inc. at the agency’s Vlissengen Road Complex. Kaieteur News – Set to benefit over 63, 000 residents in Regions Four, Five and Six, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) on Friday signed approximately $250 million in contracts to construct 14 small water treatment plants in those areas. In a release on Saturday, the agency said the projects form part of an overall $1.3 billion being invested to deliver treated water access for residents in small coastal communities. A total of 10 contractors would be executing the works and the projects will be for areas such as Agricola, La Bonne Intention, and Lusignan in Region Four; Perseverance, Farm, Calcutta, Weldaad, Strath Campbell and Ithaca well stations in Region Five; and in Edinburg, Chesney, Mibicuri, Johanna, No. 69 Village and Crabwood Creek in Region Six. According to GWI, 12 of the water filters units for these plants are currently being manufactured overseas and a local contractor is fabricating three of the plants in Guyana. Speaking at the signing-ceremony, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal noted that these facilities would complement the seven large water treatment plants being built by GWI under Guyana’s Coastal Water Treatment Programme to improve water quality. Kaieteur News understands that this massive programme has an investment of about $40 billion by the Government to achieve 90% treated water coverage by 2025. It was noted that six of the large plants are expected to be completed by year end, and that the seventh plant along with all the smaller ones are expected to be finished by the end of the first quarter of 2025. To this end, the Minister on Friday urged the contractors to deliver on time considering the needs of GWI’s customers. In his brief remarks, GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh noted of the challenging task of GWI to immediately address all the complaints about water quality and level of service. He noted however that the ongoing works across the country are intended to bring significant improvements. “Already we have piloted a small water treatment plant at Sparendaam, which has been performing excellent because there has been praises from the communities at Sparendaam, Plaisance, South Better Hope and Goedverwagting in the performance of this plant and the treated water being received,” he said. Related Similar Articles

GECOM should provide updates on improved electoral system – AFC Aug 04, 2024 News – says biometrics should be adopted Kaieteur News – The Alliance for Change is calling on the Chairperson of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) retired Justice  Claudette Singh to provide a comprehensive update on the measure that they are implementing to improve the electoral system from its current state. AFC Member of Parliament, Beverly Alert made this appeal during the party’s weekly press conference at its headquarters on Friday. Member of Parliament Beverly Alert. “The Alliance for Change (AFC) calls on the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to provide a comprehensive update on the measures being implemented to improve our electoral system,” Alert said. She noted that following the 2020 elections, the discrepancies in the list contributed in no small part to the resulting stand-off. “There is no longer any public confidence in the integrity of the electoral list and unless every effort is made to find a solution, there will be continuing distrust in any electoral outcome,” the AFC MP added. During  the media briefing, Alert claimed that at the recent national elections, there were verified instances where votes were cast in the names of deceased persons, immigration records proving non-resident voters and other irregularities, hence there is an “urgent need for a more robust and transparent system.” She went on to say that the commission has had sufficient time to review and audit the conduct of the 2020 elections. Alert said that it is also of great importance that the Commission now communicated to the Guyanese public the steps and measures they will be undertaking to fix the flawed areas identified as the continuous issues highlighted by that elections cannot solely be addressed by claims, objections, or continuous registration exercises. “As of March, this year, the voters' list contains over 700,000 names, a figure that is incongruous with the population size. While we acknowledge the court’s ruling on the removal of names from the list, the Chairperson must outline how the Commission plans to handle the bloated list and its implications for the next elections. It is crucial for the Chairperson to provide recommendations on achieving a more accurate and acceptable list of electors. Can the Chairperson assure the nation that the current system will inspire public confidence in the 2025 elections?” she questioned. According to Alert, the AFC, civil society and other political parties have made a number of recommendations “regarding the adoption of biometrics and electronic voting to enhance electoral integrity. She noted that the Chairperson’s views on these recommendations are essential. The MP posited that “A transparent dialogue on the adoption of new technologies is necessary to rebuild trust in the electoral process. GECOM must not remain silent or rely on occasional press releases. The nation deserves a clear and detailed plan of action. We urge the Chairperson to address these concerns openly and to implement measures that will ensure a fair, transparent, and credible electoral process in the upcoming 2025 elections.” She continued “Updating the voters list is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Key considerations and steps based on global best practices include biometric registration, continuous voter education, regular audits and clean-up, and a robust legal framework. Biometric registration, through nationwide biometric data collection and integration into the electoral database, reduces the risk of duplicate registrations and impersonation. Continuous voter education, via media campaigns and community outreach programmes, educates the public on the importance of updating their information and understanding the electoral process.” The AFC believes that regular audits and clean-up involve cross-checking the voters, list with national databases, such as birth and death registries and immigration records, on a biannual or annual basis to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the party official noted that reviewing and amending electoral laws to allow for regular purging of obsolete entries and addressing legal barriers to maintaining an accurate list are vital. She said public engagement through regular disclosures, consultations, and feedback mechanisms ensure transparency and accountability. Furthermore, “Technological integration, including electronic voting systems and robust cyber security measures, can further enhance the accuracy and integrity of the voting process. By addressing these areas, GECOM can work towards restoring public confidence and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process in Guyana.” Related Similar Articles

Teen, 18 dies in fire at Imbamadai Aug 04, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A disabled boy, 18, was on Friday night killed in a fire at Imbamadai Village, Cuyuni Mazaruni, Region Seven. Screengrab of the fire on Friday night 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. It is unclear if he was alone in the house at the time of the fire.  Details surrounding the blaze are sketchy at the moment. Investigations are ongoing. Related Similar Articles

Over 60 companies already onboard for Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo 2025 Aug 04, 2024 News Regional and Industry Leaders at the opening Of The International Energy Conference And Expo Guyana last year Kaieteur News – A total of 63 companies have already signed up for the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo (GECSEC), set for February 18th to 21st, 2025 at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. This flagship event, which enjoys the full support of the Guyana government, promises to be an unparalleled gathering of regional Heads of State, world-renowned industry experts and revered international innovators. Among the sponsors already on board are TechnipFMC, Noble, Stena Drilling, Expro Guyana Inc., BK Group of Companies, and MECP Sales & Services. A diverse range of exhibitors has also confirmed participation for the world-class event. These companies include: Service Guyana, HVAC Inc., Process Management Limited, Keen360, and N&S Algoo Licensed Customs Brokerage Services Inc. They will be joined by Oil Zone Manufacturing & Services Inc., Kalglas International Inc., Free Rock Trading Company Limited, and GO NDE Inc. Slated to participate also is the Guyana National Bureau of Standards which serves as one of the key oversight bodies for measurements on Guyana’s FPSOs while also operating as a guardian of high standards for quality of products and services. Other industry giants set to participate include Boxhill Company Enterprise, Quality Coatings Inc., RLTCA, QSI International School of Guyana, Zamcorp, Impact Fluid Solutions, Analytical Technologies Inc, Europe Caribbean Line, Asequith Guyana Inc., V75 (the Exclusive Digital Provider for the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo) and the Hardware Depot. LSK Surveying Services Guyana Inc., Varaya Guyana Inc., Milwaukee Tool, Farfan and Mendes, Raj Jewellery Guyana, and ODITC INC have already secured their place at this marquee event for industry leaders in the western hemisphere. The Guyana Energy Conference Secretariat is also pleased to announce the participation of critical industry players such as Radian H.A. Limited, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Greenway Distribution Inc., and Sheriff Security. Their involvement promises to enrich the dynamic pool of collaborators at next year’s event. We are also excited to welcome MODEC Guyana Inc., Guyoil, Sterling Products Limited, the Guyana Forestry Commission, Cevon’s Waste Management, Sol Guyana Inc., and Unicomers Guyana Inc. These prestigious organisations will no doubt set the stage for important discussions in the energy and supply chain sectors. The foregoing line up will also be joined by Oil States, Western Scientific Company Limited, and Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited which are expected to showcase their cutting-edge solutions. Arrowten Inc, OSC Marine Group, and Scaffolding Manufacturers Guyana Limited are keen on displaying their engineering innovations as well. Gulf Valve Piping & Controls Inc. and the Council for TVET will be on site next year to highlight their contributions to industry standards and training. Kestrel Guyana Inc., Umami Incorporated, and the Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce will be present and are set to participate and emphasize the importance of collaboration. Companies like Sany Guyana, Rigpro Staffing & Training, Saybolt, Western Logistics Guyana Inc, Century Tamara Logistics Services, and Guysons KB Industries Inc are already in preparation mode to showcase their logistics and industrial solutions. Phoenix Oilfield Services and Engineering Inc., Sand Supply Guyana Inc., and the Guyana Energy Agency round out the impressive list of growing exhibitors. They too are set to highlight their expertise and contributions at this world-class event. ABOUT THE GECSCE Since its 2022 debut, the GECSCE has established itself as a meaningful platform for connecting industry professionals, government officials, investors, and experts in the energy and related sectors. Participants have benefited from invaluable engagements with policymakers and regulatory authorities, leading to a deeper understanding of the legal framework, as well as, key development plans. For exhibitors and participating business professionals, this platform has allowed for products, services, and solutions to be showcased to a targeted audience with opportunities to connect with potential partners for joint ventures, strategic alliances, and project collaborations. For further details regarding the conference and securing your booth at the 2025 event, please reach out to Fareeza Haniff, Media and Operations Director at [email protected] or Kiana Wilburg, Chief Executive Officer at [email protected]. Related Similar Articles