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Close to $1.5B allocated to rehabilitate community roads in Region Three – President Ali Jul 16, 2024 News President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali listens to concerns raised by residents during a walkabout exercise in Region Three on Sunday morning. Kaieteur News – President Dr. Mohamed Ali has announced the allocation of almost $1.5 billion to rehabilitate several community roads in Recht-door-Zee, Westminster, and Onderneeming in Region Three. The head of state spoke of the developments when he spearheaded a walkabout exercise in several communities in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara district on Sunday morning. “[Its] an investment of over a billion dollars in those three areas alone…Close to $1.5 billion. So, that is to tell you the amount of resources that have to be spent to do these roads,” the president stated. Approximately 25 roads will be rehabilitated. The works will be executed using asphaltic concrete by contractors within the same areas for expeditious completion. The president disclosed that this week the design for the entire network will be finalised, along with surveys to determine priority areas based on occupancy rates. In addressing the concerns of drainage and irrigation, the government has mobilised four excavators in Schoonord, La Parfaite Harmonie, and Lust-en-Rust, after several blockages in distribution lines were identified. Residents were also assured of receiving first-level treated water by December, as construction of the new water treatment plant at Lust-en-Rust is 65 percent complete. The project includes the running of transmission lines and drainage of two wells at Westminster and L’Oratiore to supply the plant. The transmission lines are 95 percent complete. When completed, the interconnection works and network upgrades will follow. Meanwhile, President Ali said steps will be taken to involve housing authorities and local government to enforce surcharges on individuals who have abandoned or neglected to clean their lands. He acknowledged that land repossession is a complex issue, with some cases tied up in court for years. However, despite this, efforts are being made to address the problem. “We are going to get housing [ministry] to come in with local government [ministry] to see how we can surcharge the people and get them to pay. In many cases, we [government] invest our own resources that should go to roads and infrastructure to clean the land,” the president explained.  During the walkabout, community grounds in Cornelia Ida and La Parfaite Harmony were also identified for rehabilitation and President Ali pledged immediate intervention. He was accompanied by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, along with several technical officers. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

Global childhood immunization levels stalled in 2023 leaving many without life-saving protection – new WHO data Jul 16, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Global childhood immunization coverage stalled in 2023, leaving 2.7 million additional children un- and under-vaccinated compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to data published on Monday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The latest WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC) – which provide the world’s largest and most comprehensive dataset on immunization trends for vaccinations against 14 diseases – underscore the need for ongoing catch-up, recovery and system-strengthening efforts. “The latest trends demonstrate that many countries continue to miss far too many children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Closing the immunization gap requires a global effort, with governments, partners, and local leaders investing in primary healthcare and community workers to ensure every child gets vaccinated, and that overall healthcare is strengthened.” According to the findings, the number of children who received three doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) in 2023 – a key marker for global immunization coverage – stalled at 84% (108 million). However, the number of children who did not receive a single dose of the vaccine increased from 13.9 million in 2022 to 14.5 million in 2023. More than half of unvaccinated children live in the 31 countries with fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings, where children are especially vulnerable to preventable diseases because of disruptions and lack of access to security, nutrition, and health services. Additionally, 6.5 million children did not complete their third dose of the DTP vaccine, which is necessary to achieve disease protection in infancy and early childhood. These trends, which show that global immunization coverage has remained largely unchanged since 2022 and – more alarmingly – has still not returned to 2019 levels, reflect ongoing challenges with disruptions in healthcare services, logistical challenges, vaccine hesitancy and inequities in access to services. The data further show that vaccination rates against the deadly measles disease stalled, leaving nearly 35 million children with no or only partial protection. In 2023, only 83% of children worldwide received their first dose of the measles vaccine through routine health services, while the number of children receiving their second dose modestly increased from the previous year, reaching 74% of children. These figures fall short of the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks, avert unnecessary disease and deaths, and achieve measles elimination goals. Over the last five years, measles outbreaks hit 103 countries – home to roughly three-quarters of the world’s infants. Low vaccine coverage (80% or less) was a major factor. In contrast, 91 countries with strong measles vaccine coverage did not experience outbreaks. “Measles outbreaks are the canary in the coalmine, exposing and exploiting gaps in immunization and hitting the most vulnerable first,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This is a solvable problem. Measles vaccine is cheap and can be delivered even in the most difficult places. WHO is committed to working with all our partners to support countries to close these gaps and protect the most at-risk children as quickly as possible.” The report shows that in 2023, the Americas region continued efforts to halt the ongoing decline in vaccination coverage, which started in 2010 and was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional office of WHO for the Americas, welcomed the region’s progress: “The Americas region shows positive results, undoubtedly due to the efforts of health professionals in countries, to the investments made, to political commitment, and to the responsible population that recognizes the importance of vaccination.” The PAHO Director highlighted that, today, the Americas is the only WHO Region to exceed the pre-pandemic vaccination levels from 2019, “indicating a considerable acceleration in recovery.” But he warned that some countries still lag behind. Continuous efforts are needed to “once again achieve the vaccination coverage that historically put us at the top of the global ranking.” The Americas managed to reduce the number of children younger than 1 year who never received a dose of vaccine to 1.1 million. Compared to 2022, first-dose coverage for DTP-containing vaccines rose from 90% to 91% in 2023, while third-dose coverage increased from 83% to 86%. Although encouraging, these results still leave 1 in 10 children younger than 1 year in the Americas without protection. The first dose of measles-containing vaccine achieved a coverage rate of 85%, compared to 83% in 2022, and the risk of outbreaks for vaccine-preventable diseases in many communities remains high. PAHO remains committed to strengthening National Immunization Programs, Dr. Barbosa said, reminding Member States that investment in immunization saves lives and is a win for society, “with savings in health costs, improved productivity, education, tourism, and other indicators of development.” The new data also highlight some brighter spots in immunization coverage. The share of adolescent girls globally who received at least 1 dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which provides protection against cervical cancer, increased from 20% in 2022 to 27% in 2023. This was largely driven by strong introductions in Gavi-supported countries, such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nigeria. The use of the single-dose HPV vaccine schedule also helped boost vaccine coverage. “The HPV vaccine is one of the most impactful vaccines in Gavi’s portfolio, and it is incredibly heartening that it is now reaching more girls than ever before,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “With vaccines now available to over 50% of eligible girls in African countries, we have much work to be done, but today we can see we have a clear pathway to eliminating this terrible disease.” However, HPV vaccine coverage is well below the 90% target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, reaching only 56% of adolescent girls in high-income countries and 23% in low- and middle-income countries. A recent poll of over 400,000 users of UNICEF’s digital platform for young people, U-Report, revealed that over 75% are unaware or unsure of what HPV is, underscoring the need for better vaccine accessibility and public awareness. When informed about the virus, its link to cancers, and the existence of a vaccine, 52% of respondents indicated they want to receive the HPV vaccine but are hindered by financial constraints (41%) and lack of availability (34%). While there’s been modest progress in some regions, including the African region and low-income countries, the latest estimates highlight the need to accelerate efforts to meet the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) targets of 90% coverage, and no more than 6.5 million ‘zero-dose’ children globally by 2030. The IA2030 Partnership Council calls for increased investment in innovation and ongoing collaboration. The council also recommends partners step up their support for country leadership to improve routine immunization as part of their integrated primary health care programmes, backed by robust political support, community leadership, and sustainable funding. Related Similar Articles

Over 80 persons from Victoria, other areas benefit from eye-testing, spectacles vouchers Jul 16, 2024 News Distribution of eye-screening and spectacle vouchers at Victoria Health Centre Kaieteur News – More than 80 persons from Victoria, Nootenzuil, Foulis and surrounding communities on the East Coast of Demerara benefitted from the government’s eye-testing and spectacles vouchers programme, on Saturday. Individuals under 18 years old, and those over 65, will receive a $2,000 voucher for an eye test. If they require a spectacle, they will receive a $15,000 voucher. The exercise was held at Victoria Health Centre, East Coast Demerara. Several beneficiaries welcomed the programme which provided the money needed to conduct their eye examinations. Beneficiary, Lloyd Fraser from Victoria, had the opportunity to test his eyes for the first time at the outreach. “I am very thankful because I have to put $10,000 more into this money for my glasses because my eyes are very bad,” Fraser expressed. Beneficiary, 9-year-old Aseanna Lawrence from Victoria will now be able to see better with her spectacles to do her school work, thanks to this initiative. “I am happy because my eyes have been hurting a lot. Most of the time when I am in school, my eyes hurt… I couldn’t see what I was doing. I would have to erase my work and do it all over again,” Lawrence explained. She happily added, “I feel very happy that I have my chance to get a pair of glasses so I could see.” Veronica Joseph from Foulis said that her daughter now has the opportunity to get new glasses because of this programme. “It’s a good thing because my daughter needs glasses and this $15,000 voucher is very helpful for all the school children and my daughter,” Joseph emphasised. Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony underlined that the government is continuously investing in the health sector to improve access to quality healthcare services for every person. So far, the government has distributed more than 50,000 vouchers in different regions. The government, he emphasised, will continue to bring direct healthcare services to the populace, regardless of geographic location. “We recognised that in some communities that it might be more difficult for people to take the voucher and travel to Georgetown to get the eye test. We have started a programme in collaboration with the people doing the testing, the private sector, where we are now coming out into the communities. We are distributing the vouchers to persons 18 years and under or 65 years and older,” Dr. Anthony explained. Last week, the pilot programme started in Cane Grove which saw more than 120 persons benefitting. Similar outreaches will be held throughout the country. The eye-testing and spectacles programme was officially launched in June. It will see thousands of vulnerable individuals benefitting. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

Siren and flashing lights! Jul 16, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Dem boys seh de flashing lights and blaring sirens tekkin over de road. Plenty persons waan be big shots, even if dem car can barely mek it out de driveway. Dem boys see some vehicles wid dem lights and sirens, and dem know is not ambulance or police or fire engine.  Is plain ole car. But dem owners tink dem got royal blood. So dem flick on de lights and everybody mus get out de way. Dem boys seh dat is de new style: Flashy lights for fancy people. De traffic police seh dem gon crack down on dis madness. Dem seh dem gon tek action. But dem boys remember dis is Guyana. Dem boys seh dem remember nuff promises. So dem boys wonder if dis time gon be different. Dem seh dem hope de police serious. But dem boys also know some rich businessmen got dem lights and sirens too. Dem rich folks tink dem is above de law. Dem seh de police does turn a blind eye when dem big shots pass. One time dem boys see a fancy car wid all dem flashing lights. De driver look like he jus come from de gym, flexing he muscles and honking like he own de road. Dem boys laugh and seh, “Look, a superhero in he own mind!” But dis ain’t no joke. Dis is dangerous. Dem flashing lights and sirens mek people panic. Dem boys seh dis can cause accident. Dem boys seh de police got a real test here. If dem serious, dem gon clamp down on everybody. Not just de small man. De rich man too. But dem boys seh, dem gon wait and see. Dem gon believe it when dem see it. Till then, dem boys seh, everybody better watch out. De flashing lights brigade still running wild. And de rest of we? We jus trying to survive on de road. Talk half. Leff half. Related Similar Articles

2024 Malteenoes Cricket Academy Camp opens with massive turnout  Jul 16, 2024 Sports Minister of Culture Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr. surrounded by Malteenoes Sports Club executives including Neil Barry Snr, Steven Jacobs, Coach Quasen Nedd and the attendees during Yesterday’s opening of the Annual Cricket Academy Camp. – Minister Ramson, former players engage with potential cricketers/attendees  Kaieteur Sports – Arguably the longest existing cricket camp in Guyana, the Malteenoes Sports Club’s (MSC) Annual Cricket Camp bowled off yesterday, Monday July 15 with a massive turnout on opening day. Among the esteemed panel, Minister of Culture Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr, former club president and long-serving member Edward Richmond, ex-Guyana player turned administrator and executive Mr. Neil Barry, Malteenoes Head Coach Quasen Nedd former Guyana all-rounder and second vice president of Malteenoes Steven Jacobs. Fresh off their historic U19 Women’s Regional T20 Blaze title win, head coach Clive Grimmond, along with champs Tilleya Madramootoo and Naomi Barkoye were also in attendance. West Indies and IPL, CPL Physiotherapist Neil Barry Jr, a lifelong member of Malteenoes and a regular at the annual camp, also made time to be a part of the encampment. Jacobs gave the youngsters some history of Malteenoes, adding that he was happy to see such a good turnout. He gave insight as to how former Guyana and West Indies players like Ramnaresh Sarwan, Narsingh Deonarine and others sat in the very seats occupied by the current group of potential players, further adding to the rich history of the Malteenoes Cricket Academy. The former Guyana skipper pointed out that under the stewardship of Richmond, the Academy bred a strong mentorship and good academic programs, with Barry Snr. being his mentor during his days as a youngster. Richmond lauded current Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) CEO Mr Claude Raphael who he was in charge of Malteenoes with back in the 80’s. He said after bowling off the camp in July of 93, it somehow kick-started a national effort, being the first academy in this hemisphere, including the USA, Central and South America. West Indies legends like Sir Clive Lloyd, Gordon Greenidge, the late Clyde Butts, Roger Harper and others were involved in the Malteenoes Academy over the years, according to Richmond who welcomed the kids to their first day as cricketers. Minister Ramson presents Mr Neil Barry Snr with a small token of appreciation on behalf of the Malteenoes Sports Club and cricket academy. Nedd lauded Minister Ramson for his dedication towards developing sports, while recognizing the efforts of Madramootoo, Barkoye and Coach Grimmond. He urged the young men and women to enjoy every moment of the academy, help each other to reach the highest level, network, make life friends and most importantly, make themselves future stars in or around the world of cricket. Mr. Barry gave some advice to the kids while reminding them of the importance in being a part of such a historic cricket learning program, with a number of career and life opportunities waiting to be taken advantage of. Minister Ramson then gave a detailed recollection of his time spent as a youngster playing cricket and his ups, downs and eventual success once he decided to remain disciplined, dedicated and committed to his craft. The Minister spoke on the history of some of current sponsors who have been a part of the camp’s development over the years, actually coming from the club. He hailed their contributions to sport, adding that it was important to elevate oneself both on and off the field, something a few of the sponsors have managed to do, thus putting them in a position which they can now give back to the sport; that has provided so richly for them. Related Similar Articles

Saints Hockey Club cart off with a lion’s share at the recently Summer Break Indoor C/ship Jul 16, 2024 Sports Saints Hockey Club (SHC) Legends crowned U16 Boys’ Indoor champions. – Makaylah Poole, Grant Fernandes among MVP’s Kaieteur Sports – The local hockey community came alive over the weekend as the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) concluded its Juniors Summer Break Hockey championships. Saints Hockey Club (SHC) dominated the events, claiming championship titles in both the Under-21 and Under-16 categories for Boys and Girls in the Indoor segment on Sunday. The three-day event was nested at the National Gymnasium captivated the near-capacity crowd with exhilarating U16 and U21 matchups. The finals were a perfect culmination of riveting Junior Hockey tournament. Girl’s U16 champions SHC Sensations share photo-op at the conclusion of the 2024 Summer Break Juniors Indoor Hockey tournament. The SHC Sensations reached the Girls’ U16 final after a 2-0 win against Trinidad’s VHC Sticklers. Their opponents, YMCA OFHC Stars, advanced with a win against HHC Junior Jets and a draw against GCC Her-ricanes. The final started with the Her-ricanes gaining early momentum, taking a 1-0 lead. The Sensations soon equalized, making it 1-1. The turning point came when the Sensations were awarded a penalty stroke, which they converted to take a 2-1 lead. The Sensations then dominated, scoring four more goals in quick succession to secure a decisive 6-1 victory and clinch the U16 Girls’ championship. The SHC Legends secured the Boys’ U16 championship title with a 2-0 victory over GCC Outlaws. The first period ended 0-0 despite several attempts from both sides. Chad DeAbreu from GCC Outlaws broke the deadlock with a well-executed penalty, but the Legends soon equalized with a thunderous penalty shot. The match ended 1-1, leading to a penalty shootout. The Legends emerged victorious, winning 2-0 in the sudden death shootout. Makaylah Poole of SHC Sensations receiving her MVP Award. Over in the U21 Girls’ final, GCC Spartans and Saints U21 Ladies battle it out for the top spot. Both teams played impressively, with the first period ending in a stalemate. Despite multiple penalty attempts, neither team could score, as the match ended in a nil-all draw. The Saints eventually won 2-0 in the penalty shootout after some poor shooting by GCC, securing the U21 Girls’ championship. The all-Saints U21 Boys’ final was a high-octane clash between SHC S’Team and SHC Clovelly. S’Team had reached the final with a commanding 4-2 victory over GCC Pitbulls, while Clovelly had secured their spot with a 2-1 win against YMCA OFHC Top Form. However, in the final, SHC S’Team edged out SHC Clovelly 1-0, thanks to a stellar goal-keeping performance by Darius Alleyne, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Goalkeeper of the Boys’ U21 championship. Part of the Boy’s U16 final between GCC Outlaws and SHC Legends. Lizzo Bobb of YMCA Old Fort received the MVP award in the Girls’ U16 championship. Mackala Poole of SHC Sensations won the MVP award in the Girls’ U21 championship, while Grant Fernandes of GCC was named the Boys’ U16 tournament MVP. Meanwhile, in third-place playoff matches, SHC Sigmas defeated YMCA OFHC Stunners 1-0 in the Boys’ U16 category. GCC Her-ricanes triumphed over VHC Sticklers 2-0 in the Girls’ U16 category. In the U21 division, YMCA OFHC Top Form dominated GCC Pitbulls with a 7-0 victory. The tournament, proudly sponsored by Value4U Incorporation, showcased the incredible talent and passion among young hockey players. Related Similar Articles

Republic Bank CPL squads confirmed for 2024 Jul 16, 2024 Sports Ronaldo Alimohamed and Raymon Reifer – Warriors draft Alimohamed, Reifer, Thorne heads to Royals Kaieteur Sports – The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) squads for the 2024 season have been confirmed following the completion of the player draft. Kyle Mayers was the first pick of the draft, joining the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. He will be joined at the Patriots by Mikyle Louis, Ryan John and Veerasammy Permaul. The Saint Lucia Kings welcome USA international Aaron Jones who qualifies to play at the CPL as a local player as he has a Barbados passport. The Kings have also selected Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Mikkel Govia and Akeem Auguste. The Barbados Royals have picked Kadeem Alleyne, Isai Thorne and Nathan Sealy to complete their squad while the Guyana Amazon Warriors have selected all-rounders Raymon Reifer and Ronaldo Alimohamed. Matthew Nandu also rejoins the Warriors having been selected in the draft. Kyle Mayers was the first pick of Monday’s 2024 CPL Player Draft. The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons picked five players at the draft with Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Jahmar Hamilton, Teddy Bishop and Kofi James joining the newest CPL team. The Trinbago Knight Riders selected Nathan Edward and Shaquere Parris in their emerging player spots. The 2024 season gets underway on the 29 August with the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons taking on the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. The tournament will also visit St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana. Isai Thorne (CWI) The full squads are as follows: Barbados Royals: Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, David Miller, Quinton De Kock, Maheesh Theekshana, Alick Athanaze, Naveen-ul-Haq, Obed McCoy, Kevin Wickham, Keshav Maharaj, Kadeem Alleyne, Rahkeem Cornwall, Isai Thorne, Nathan Sealy, Nyeem Young, Rivaldo Clarke, Ramon Simmonds Guyana Amazon Warriors: Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Saim Ayub, Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd, Azam Khan, Gudakesh Motie, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Kevin Sinclair, Raymon Reifer, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Shamar Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Nandu, Junior Sinclair Antigua & Barbuda Falcons: Imad Wasim, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Amir, Chris Green, Fakhar Zaman, Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Hayden Walsh, Jahmar Hamilton, Teddy Bishop, Kofi James, Shamar Springer, Kelvin Pitman, Jewel Andrew, Joshua James St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots: Kyle Mayers, Wanindu Hasaranga, Rilee Rossouw, Sherfane Rutherford, Evin Lewis, Sikandar Raza, Nuwan Thushara, Andre Fletcher, Tristan Stubbs, Dominic Drakes, Odean Smith, Mikyle Louis, Joshua Da Silva, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan John, Ashmead Nedd, Johann Layne Saint Lucia Kings: Heinrich Klaasen, Faf Du Plessis, Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Noor Ahmad, David Wiese, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Matthew Forde, Aaron Jones, Khary Pierre, Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Shadrack Descarte, Mikkel Govia, McKenny Clarke, Akeem Auguste Trinbago Knight Riders: Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Tim David, Akeal Hosein, Jason Roy, Dwayne Bravo, Josh Little, Waqar Salamkheil, Jayden Seales, Ali Khan, Mark Deyal, Keacy Carty, Terrence Hinds, Nathan Edward, Shaquere Parris Related Similar Articles