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ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPER

Wednesday February 22, 2022

ISLAMOPHOBIA A POTENT THREAT TO MULTICULTURALISM- PRESIDENT ALI

GUYANA, SURINAME TO ESTABLISH LOCAL CONTENT PLATFORM -– MINISTER BHARRAT

UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA DELIVERS 13 NEW DENTAL SURGEONS FOR GUYANA

GYSM HOSTS SYMPOSIUM ON BURNHAM’S 99THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

GTT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS DONATES FREE INTERNET TO SCHOOL OF BRILLIANT BEGINNINGS

Wednesday February 22, 2022

Islamophobia a potent threat to multiculturalism- President Ali

–Urges religious leaders to “speak out” against all forms of injustice at Ontario event

Dr Irfaan Ali during his virtual address to the Family Summit hosted by the TARIC Islamic Centre of Ontario, Sunday evening, under the theme “Countering Islamophobia – Effective Strategies, Resources, and Best Practices”.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has said that Islamophobia has no place in civilised societies.

It is counterproductive to multiculturalism, in which all are recognised, valued, and respected.

The Head of State made this assertion during his virtual address to the Family Summit hosted by the TARIC Islamic Centre of Ontario, Sunday evening, under the theme “Countering Islamophobia – Effective Strategies, Resources, and Best Practices”.

“Islamophobia is a social disease.

It fosters hatred, prejudice, bias, and

discrimination against persons on the basis of their identification or perceived identification as Muslims. It is disruptive to social cohesion and social harmony. As such, Islamophobia also represents a potent threat to multiculturalism.”

Day one of the threeday event also had messages from Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau; Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, and Mayor of Toronto, John Tory.

RESPECT FOR ALL President Ali outlined three important principles in countering Islamophobia, including

the importance of laws that promote and protect religious freedom and protect religious communities from being denigrated; greater inter-religious dialogue, and the importance of embracing religious and cultural identity.

The President acknowledged that as multicultural societies, both Guyana and Canada recognise the need to engender respect for internal diversity, and both countries also face the challenges associated with multiculturalism, including ethnic prejudice and discrimination.

“We can help each

other by sharing our experiences and by identifying what has worked for each of us.

This Family Summit is an opportunity for us to do so.”

He pointed to the importance of the law as “the guardian of society” and of Guyana’s constitution, which outlaws discrimination on the basis of religion, religious belief, or culture.

“In Guyana, our Constitution protects freedom of conscience.

No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of conscience.

It proclaims that this

freedom includes freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his or her religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his or her religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance.”

Canadians, he added, also enjoy the right to religious freedom and freedom of conscience.

The President noted that Islamophobia is not going to disappear overnight.

However, ensuring that the larger family – society –

recognises and respects Muslims and their rights, will go a long way towards ending attacks, bias, prejudice, and discrimination against Muslims.

SPEAK OUT AGAINST BIAS President Ali urged the participants to be consistent in their narrative and to let their voices be heard against all forms of discrimination. He said the Islamic community must be willing to speak out consistently against injustice, biases, issues of democracy, and social injustice wherever it exists.

“We have to be consistent with our principles and values…

We can’t only speak on an issue when it is in our favour. We have to always be consistent in our narrative.

“We cannot be divorced from all these issues that make up our presence in society. And that message must be consistent. It cannot be opportunistic. We have that responsibility. And that responsibility is an important responsibility.

Wherever injustice pops up, our voice must be there speaking out against it.“ He added that as efforts continue to end Islamophobia, so too must be the drive to ensure the true values and teachings of Islam is what is understood by the world.

GYSM hosts symposium on Burnham’s 99the birth anniversary

Symposium info@guyanapostonline.com

The Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM) of the People’s National Congress Reform held a youth Symposium over the weekend under the theme, “Embracing our history, Resolute in Establishing a New Future” This Symposium was held on Sunday, February 20, on the occasion of

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the 99th birth anniversary of the Founder Leader of the PNCR, and Former President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, SC, OE. More than 120 young people were in physical and virtual attendance.

The Symposium is aimed at providing training and

also offers the opportunity for young people to interact and discuss the youth leadership question.

The Leader of the PNCR, Mr. Aubrey Norton, was joined by young members of the Central Executive Committee, Fiaaz Mursaline, Vinceroy Jordan, Christopher Jones, and Riaz Rupnarain.

Wednesday February22, 2022

Guyana, Suriname to establish local content platform -– Minister Bharrat

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo of Co-operative Republic of Guyana

In his presentation to the International Energy Conference and Expo last Wednesday, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, announced that Guyana and Suriname intend to establish a local content platform. This initiative, he pointed out, will create and support opportunities for both countries in areas of oil and gas, agriculture,

investment, and other critical sectors.

In addition, the minister pointed out, both countries are looking to establish a common gas strategy that will also facilitate development in infrastructure, industries, manufacturing, and natural resources.

“Cognisant of the vast potential of Guyana and Suriname’s oil and gas sectors, the two

countries have been strategising since 2021 on the development of this critical and lucrative sector.

This is also being done with a commitment from both President Ali and President Chandrikaparsad Santokhi to ensure that their countries’ oil and gas sectors are prudently managed.

The two countries will

be developing their local human capacities in some key areas with certification in the oil and gas sector such as welding,” the Natural Resources Minister articulated in his presentation.

He added that the two CARICOM member states have also been looking at developments in the gas markets. A joint gas development strategy will see growth for both frontiers, Minister Bharrat indicated, noting that in addition to the domestic demand of the two countries, there is also access to huge markets in northern Brazil and along with the Guiana Shield, and as such, Guyana and Suriname have the potential of becoming the food and energy capital of the region.

“Moreover,” the

Natural Resources Minister explained, “both Guyana and Suriname, along with Brazil, are exploring the options for the formation of an energy corridor, as well as mutual opportunities within the oil-and-gas sectors of all three countries.

“Guyana and Suriname have burgeoning petroleum sectors, while Brazil is one of the leading oil producers of the world.”

The operationalisation of this plan would require development of local knowledge and capacity in the area of logistics and other technical support services.

The minister noted that with Guyana being a critical gateway between South America and the Caribbean, the links created by this corridor would position the country as a critical

shipping hub. This integration requires careful planning and the development of the logistics industry.

Additionally, with Guyana seeking to become a regional economic hub, the growth agenda for the economy is centered on improving economic relations, energy and food security, telecommunications, agriculture, infrastructure integration, and the development of a deepwater harbour in Guyana.

Thus, Minister Bharrat highlighted since Guyana offers the shortest and quickest access to the Atlantic Ocean for significant parts of northern Brazil, a road connection linked to the deep-water port, could also serve the interest of both countries.

GTT Business Solutions donates free internet to School of Brilliant Beginnings

GTT Business Solutions recently donated free Biz Fibre internet service to the School of Brilliant Beginnings at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

With efforts to support the use of technology and online learning, GTT Business Solutions recently donated free Biz Fibre internet info@guyanapostonline.com

service to the School of Brilliant Beginnings at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

School of Brilliant Beginnings is a learning

institution that aims to use technology to bridge the home and school gap by showing children that technology is more than entertainment, it is also

educational.

Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, recently visited the school to

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witness the positive impact the contribution may have on students within the school.

“GTT is big on giving back to the community as we fulfill our promise of Strengthening the community. We are also big on the use of technology and learning through technology.

So, we are happy that we enforce the use of technology through this donation,” he said.

Director of the School, Readonna Howell, expressed gratitude to the Business Solutions team for its timely donation.

“School of Brilliant Beginnings is heading in the direction of teaching children at nursery and primary levels using technology as a teaching/learning tool.

The sponsored internet service provided by GTT will allow us to be one step closer to achieving

that goal,” Howell said.

She said that currently, every Thursday each student can use his/ her device to complete activities in various subject areas.

“This makes learning more interactive, fun and relatable for them.

The teachers are allowed to just be facilitators, while the children learn through trial and error, which we believe builds their confidence and independence.”

She explained that the school stands on individualism, small classes and readiness and caters to preschool, bursary and primary age students.

Wednesday February 22, 2022

AFC STANDS BY STATEMENT ON DEMERARA BRIDGE PROJECT patients and colleagues

13 Dental Surgeons Graduations

Guyana’s health care system has been boosted with the addition of 13 Dental Surgeons who recently graduated from the University of Guyana’s School of Medical Sciences with their Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery.

On February 6, 2022, the School of Medicine, Dentistry Department hosted a White Coat and Awards Ceremony at the Regency Suites Banquet Hall where the newlyminted Dental Surgeons were officially presented with their ceremonial White Coats.

The Annual White Coat and Awards Ceremony signifies a transition from the preclinical year to the clinical years of a dental surgeon.

University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor, XI, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, congratulated the graduates, their lecturers, family, and support network acknowledging that they were the best of the best, a small percentage chosen from a large pool of eligible applicants.

She said that this always worried her and that the University’s PACE Unit through support from the partnership between ExxonMobil, Hess, CNOOC, and Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) was able to secure funding for 10 dental chairs. These will soon be commissioned.

This will critically change the programme in several ways. It will allow the dental programme to triple its current small intake thereby increasing the number of dental surgeons in the country.

It will ensure broader regional impact of the programme through community-based internships in especially hard-to-reach areas.

Professor Mohamed noted that the programme established 15 years ago by Prof. Emanuel Cummings, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, and Dr. Ali, had already given the country close to 100 dental surgeons. This year’s graduating class is the largest in its history since the University

has been expanding the numbers within the context of its capacity over the last few years.

She lauded the students who received awards accomplishments and the Faculty now headed

by Dr. Cecil Boston and Dr. Carlos Varona for the advancement and enhancement of the Dentistry Department at UG. Vi c e - C h a n c e l l o r Mohamed further encouraged the graduates to aspire to be the best at what they do as opportunities and blessings follow diligent and excellent work.

University of Guyana’s Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic Engagement), Prof.

Emanuel Cummings who delivered the keynote address on behalf of Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, highlighted six key characteristics the Dental Surgeons must have in order to be an excellent health care professional.

According to Prof.

Cummings, it is expected that health care workers should practice, effective

communication skills, have emotional stability, empathy, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and respect for every human being.

Prof.

Cummings said, “It is important to communicate well with your patients, supervisors, and colleagues; and adding to that, as a doctor, you need to put yourself in the position of your patient and treat each patient in like manner as if he or she were a family or friend.”

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, who was the founding Dean of the Dental school, added: “As doctors, you need to ensure that you read and gain additional knowledge as there is much to learn since science is continuously evolving. More so, you need to be innovative and think outside the box but within the regulations of dentistry.”

Prof.

Cummings further encouraged the graduates to be an instrument of change. “Respect every human being in your environment, your peers, the security guards, the cleaners, and everyone because everyone has a role to play.”

Director of the School of Dentistry, Dr. Carlos Varona congratulated the graduates and extended best wishes to them as they embark on their careers.

“Now is the time to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired during the past four years so that you can become honourable professionals to gain the trust of each of your

and to give the best to our society.”

Principal Dental Surgeon Dr. Kester Sullivan noted: “Having achieved success at this level is only the beginning because as you begin to work you will have to exhibit, patience, tolerance, and most of all a lot of compassion.”

Dr. Sullivan added, “In the health care system we try to avoid all kinds of mistakes. Mistakes are not really allowed; you can have challenges; you have to put your best effort in whatever you do to make your profession successful.”

Dean of the College of Medical Sciences Dr. Cecil Boston encouraged dental surgeons to use compassion as this is the cornerstone of their profession.

President of the University of Guyana Dental School Association, Ms. Petra Langevine, also echoed similar sentiments. “I urge you to live your best life as graduation is not the end but only the beginning.”

The valedictorian of the dentistry class of 2021, Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo thanked her peers, lecturers, and friends for making her journey one that was filled with lots of successes and laughter.

“To the class of 2021, we are triumphant today.

We worked hard and smart and today is only possible because we worked as a team,” Dr. Ketwaroo told her fellow graduates.

The graduating class comprised Dr. David Adams, Dr. Chiquita

Police investigating report of rape of 16-year-old student Police in Regional Division Three is currently investigating a report of an alleged rape committed on a 16-yearold female student.

The alleged rape occurred on Sunday at about 20:00 hours at the

info@guyanapostonline.com

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victim’s home.

Enquiries disclosed that the suspect and the victim are known to each other via the social media platform, Facebook.

The suspect reportedly showed up at the victim’s home and as soon as she

Forrester, Dr. Christine King Smith, Dr. Ackeem Marques, Dr. Oral Mc Allister, Dr. Danesh Persaud, Dr. Keisha Brazh, Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo, Dr. Jewel La Fleur, Dr. Neranjan Manoo, Dr. Ghansham Samaroo, Dr. Sadeke Sandy, and Dr. Daryl Watson.

The Dr. Cheddi Jagan Award for the Best Graduating Student was presented to Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo.

The Dr. Giri Award for the second-best Graduating Student was awarded to Dr. Ghansham Samaroo.

Dr. Keisha Brazh, Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo, Dr. Ghansham Samaroo, and Dr. Sadeke Sandy were presented with an award for the Best Research Project.

Dr. Christine KingSmith was named the Best Overall Clinical Student while Dr. Ghansham Samaroo was named the Second Best Overall Clinical Student.

Outstanding performance in the rotation of adults, prosthodontics, and pediatrics was awarded to Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo, Dr. Christine King Smith, and Dr. Ghansham Samaroo respectively.

The University of Guyana Dental Students Association Medal of Service was awarded to Dr. David Adams, Dr. Ackeem Marques, Dr. Ghansham Samaroo, Dr. Chiquita Forrester, Dr. Tressyia Ketwaroo, Dr. Sadeke Sandy, and Dr. Daryl Watson.

opened the door he pushed her inside and forcefully committed the act. The teenage victim was home alone at the time.

Police are presently looking for the suspect as investigations continue.

Wedneday February 22, 2022

Guyana Fire Service holds muster parades

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, inspecting the Guyana Fire Service ranks

Members of the Guyana Fire Service were engaged in several muster parades across the country on Sunday.

The short exercise was aimed at inspecting ranks’ uniform, protective gear, and

firefighting equipment.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, told ranks that the exercise signals the transitioning of the Guyana Fire Service into a more professional service.

He said that ranks should be proficient and serve with excellence and confidence as is the mission of the GFS. Speaking on some of the critiques the Fire Service has received in recent times, the Minister

said ‘criticism is needed to identify shortfalls and promote improvement’.

With the continuous expansion of the oil industry, Minister Benn said he has engaged the relevant persons to facilitate firefighters

visiting the rig and vessels.

This is aimed at widening their knowledge with regard to firefighting in these environments and to prepare them for major developmental projects already in the pipeline such as the Gas to Shore Project and the Industrial Development at Wales.

He said that the necessary resources will be provided to aid the development of the Guyana Fire Service, as the goal remains; providing a better, safer, and healthier life for the next generation of Guyanese.

Chief Fire Officer (Ag), Gregory Wickham,

during brief remarks also noted that the exercise was timely and assured ranks that the administration would ensure they are properly kitted out with the appropriate protective gears and equipment as they engage in firefighting activities.

All senior officers and junior ranks attached to the Central, Alberttown, West Ruimveldt, Campbellville, Melanie, Mahaica, Leonora, La Grange, Diamond, and Timehri fire stations were present for the parade.

Separate parades were conducted in Anna Regina, Bartica, Linden, and Berbice.

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