Keeping you updated on current events...
Wednesday Sept. 29, 2021
ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPER
PM COMMISSIONS GPL’S G$1.713B UPGRADED SUBSTATION IN BERBICE
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SECOND DOSE OF SPUTNIK Pg3 ARRIVES
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ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE MOURNS THE PASSING OF IMRAN KHAN
Wednesday Sept. 29, 2021
PM COMMISSIONS GPL’S G$1.713B UPGRADED SUBSTATION IN BERBICE
400 megawatts of newly installed capacity for residential and commercial – industrial users. “Among the transformative infrastructural works in the pipeline include the completion of the Amelia Falls Hydro project, moving towards clean, reliable, affordable power supply; investments in solar and wind systems for off-grid areas and developing microgrids for large hinterland villages;
the expansion of the Hinterland Electrification Programme and urgent action to improve the national grid with regard to both transmission and distribution”. The Non-Resident Ambassador of Japan to Guyana, Tatsuo Hirayama, said that his country has developed a high level of energy efficiency and renewable energy technology and is willing to continue to share its expertise with Guyana. “As a development
partner to Guyana, our government is immensely pleased about the cooperation with Guyana in its energy building efforts. I would like to emphasize that this completed project is a symbol of our cooperation and friendship… our choice of investment in this project was the right one, and is of great value to both our countries”. GPL’s Divisional Director of Projects, Ryan Ross, said that the upgrades to the Canefield
facility is the first major development the substation has undergone since its establishment in the mid-1970s. He said, too, that it is the first time that GPL has installed reactive power compensators in its transmission network. Reactive power compensation is a load and voltage support mechanism that contributes to energy conservation. The upgrades also include a new master control building, installation of modern equipment, the extension of the facility, and distribution upgrades within the interconnected system. The project which commenced in February 2019, was scheduled to be completed by June 2020, however, there were several delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The work was undertaken through a collaboration of the Mitsubishi Corporation and Takaoka Engineering. Also present during the commissioning ceremony was the CEO of GPL, Bharat Dindyal; Regional Chairman of Region Six, David Armogan, and Minister with the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar.
amount has arrived in the country Minister Anthony notes that those vaccines will be served on a firstcome, first-served basis. “We know that there is a number of people who have been waiting, and so what we will be doing is a first-come, first-serve basis. So you
come out and you get your vaccines,” Minister Anthony said. Dr. Anthony is encouraging persons to get vaccinated. People continue to be affected by the diseases and the only way out is vaccination, according to the Minister. “What we are doing is encouraging anyone who requires their second dose, to come out from tomorrow at the various sites across the country, so that they can get their second dose sputnik.” Some 200,000
persons are reportedly unvaccinated but there were over 80,000 persons waiting on their second dose. The second dose was long in coming due to, according to the Government, the demand for vaccines around the world The government has been under criticism the manner in the way the vaccination programme is rolled out. Those criticisms fall under the manner in which the vaccines were acquired through the
middle man Guyana used to purchase the Sputnik vaccine. The delivery fell short leaving thousands not fully being vaccinated. The government is now dealing directly with the producer of the vaccine. The Government is now faced with a diplomatic issue in which those who would have used the Sputnik V vaccine, that is not World Health Organization(WHO) certified, cannot enter certain jurisdiction, one in particular, the United States of America.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips commissioned the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL), upgraded substation at Canefield, Canje in East Berbice – Corentyne (Region Six), on Monday. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips commissioned the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL), upgraded substation at Canefield, Canje in East Berbice – Corentyne (Region Six), on Monday. The facility now produces ten megavars of reactive power. Approximately $1.4B was granted to the government by the government of Japan for the project, but an additional US$1.5M was spent by GPL to fully
automate the substation by implementing its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA). The Prime Minister, who delivered the feature address during the ceremony, said that the upgrade will improve the reliability, stability, and efficiency of GPL’s power system. It is one of many steps towards the overall advancement of the country’s power supply. “Our aim is to provide an additional
SECOND DOSE OF SPUTNIK ARRIVES
With over 80,000 Guyana still awaiting their second dose COVID-19 Sputnik- V vaccines a ‘quantity of the second dose arrived just last night. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony is insisting that the vaccines will be administered on a “first come, first serve basis”.
Over the months, thousands of Guyanese have been awaiting their second dose of the vaccines in order to count themselves fully vaccinated. That wait has left some in frustration. Now that according to several sources only a small
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Wednesday Sept. 29, 2021
ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE MOURNS THE PASSING OF IMRAN KHAN
Alliance For Change Imran Khan.
It is with deep sadness and tremendous pain that the Alliance For Change regrets the passing of one of its finest members Imran Khan. Imran was a committed member of
the AFC and later the APNU+AFC coalition who epitomized some exceptional qualities – youth, commitment, enthusiasm, and resistance. Guyana was
everything to Imran Khan. Prior to 2015, he emigrated from Antigua to “contribute to the struggle” as he would often say. He joined the Alliance For Change and brought his exceptional
knowledge of the media and public relations environment to the dayto-day operations of our small Party allowing us to “bat above our league”. His unmatched
creativity, knowledge of the digital media environment, and excellent writing skills were seen in two election campaigns and while he managed the Department of Public Information which he rebranded and reorganized in 2015 as its’ Director of Public Information. Most importantly, Imran loved the simple things in life, gaffing with ordinary citizens wherever he encountered them and was a true friend to many. His passing is a tragic loss of monumental proportions to his AFC family. The Alliance For Changes expresses sincere condolences to his family and friends.
MAN, 62, PLACED ON BOND FOR ABUSING MOTHER A 62-year-old man who is in the habit of verbally abusing his 90-year-old, Mother was placed on an 18-month bond to desist from hitting her. Failing this he will face eight weeks’ jail time. The assailant, Dindial Balram, No. 67 Village, Corentyne, Berbice appeared before Magistrate Alex George
Ex-WICB PRO Imran Khan dies of covid19
FORMER West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) corporate communications officer Imran Khan has died of covid19. Khan contracted the virus earlier this month info@guyanapostonline.com
and died on Tuesday in his native Guyana. Khan was hired by the regional board in 2010 after serving regional cricket with distinction in various capacities. Media members on
Tuesday recalled the professional but always friendly manner in which he facilitated them. He later left West Indies cricket to get into politics in Guyana where he served as Director
of Information in the coalition government which was defeated in last year’s general election. At the time of his passing, he was head of communications for the Opposition in Guyana.
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On his Facebook page on Saturday, Khan wrote, “By the grace and strength of God I am still fighting this, but it is getting lonely. I need more help and support. Please help me fight more. I can’t do this alone. Thank you.” A day later he wrote, “Thank you for all your love, prayers, messages of encouragement and support. I am overwhelmed beyond explanation and I am in excellent spirits. Difficult to respond individually to everyone, but in time I will. Please be assured that I am fighting and there is no giving up. One love!” (From Trinidad Newsday)
in the Springlands Magistrate’s Court and admitted the offense. Balram admitted that he hurled abusive language towards his Mother on Sunday, September 12, 2021. AS such, was later placed on a bond to keep the peace for 18 months and to refrain from any form of abuse towards his mother.
Wednesday Sept. 29, 2021
C.N. Sharma infected Message of Condolences from Cde Volda Lawrence, Chairperson of the People’s National with COVID Congress Reform, on the passing of Mr. Imran Khan
I extend sincere condolences on behalf of the People’s National Congress Reform on the death of Mr. Imran Khan. Mr. Khan worked diligently in public service as Director of the Department of
Public Information and subsequently Head of Communications in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. He leaves an enduring imprint on the lives of all those who had the opportunity to interact
with him. I extend personal sympathies to the bereaved family members, friends, and loved ones of Mr, Khan. I also extend my support to his wife, Mrs. Tamara Khan through this
difficult time. It is my hope that they are comforted by the outpouring of love and sympathy which surrounds them. Volda Lawrence Party Chairperson Leader (ag)
Veteran broadcaster and leader of the Justice for All Party, Chandra Narine Sharma, is currently hospitalized at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Mr. Sharma is said to be in a stable condition
battling the deadly COVID-19 disease. He was rushed to the hospital last evening after he developed breathing problems. He has since been stabilized. Sharma is fully vaccinated. Sharma who is now 73 has suffered several health issues in his life but has fought well.
18 Police Officers Graduated From The COPSQUAD Initiative That Targets Domestic Violence and how to write case reports.
Eighteen members of the Guyana Police Force on Saturday received their certificates and a badge for completing the COPSQUAD2000 initiative. The training program was launched last month by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. Through COP SQUAD, at least one
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officer at every police station across the country will receive specialized training on how to address issues of domestic violence. The Guyana Police force is expected to train at least 2,000 officers by the end of this year. The graduation exercise took place at the Police Officers’ Training Centre in Kingston and
saw in attendance Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie. While the COP SQUAD provides adequate training for participants, Minister Benn expects police officers to better communicate with victims of abuse, whilst eliminating the stigma surrounding domestic
violence reports. Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie stated that this training will properly equip officers with the skills to ensure that domestic violence reports are handled accordingly. For the period September 2020September 2021, 17 persons have been killed as a result of domestic
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violence. Meanwhile, domestic violence reports have sharply increased by 12% for the period January- August 2021, as compared to 2020. Nevertheless, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is playing an integral role in providing technical assistance and
training, which seeks to ensure that once a domestic violence matter is brought to a police station, it will be handled in a manner that accords with international best practices. The training deals with interrogation, assessment of safety, how to counsel and respond to people who lodge complaints,
SHUNNING PROFESSIONALISM FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY
Adam’s
note book
Guyana is probably the country with an abundance of talented people. The reality is that the man in the street does not see these talented people. In fact, older people are now wondering whether it would not be long before mediocrity becomes the new norm. The government must have determined that there was more than enough talent to keep the wheels of the country turning because it quickly removed some of the talented people who were in the system. It then set about replacing them with people it feels comfortable with. Of course, some of these new employees are the beneficiaries of elections promises. I listened to the former head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Vincent Adams, talking about his removal from office. Undoubtedly, he has been the most qualified head of the EPA. He resurrected a dead agency at a time when Guyana is preparing to become an oil-producing nation. He spoke of the EPA is a revolving door
for staff members who simply wanted a stepping stone. The result is that precious little got done. In fact, the EPA was largely ignored by all and sundry. It was merely required to rubber-stamp certain government pronouncements. Vincent Adams changed that to the point where the EPA began to make an impact on national life. It challenged Exxon Mobil to do the right thing by paying for its indiscretions in the industry. It flared gas to the extent that the environment was threatened. The Vincent Adams-led EPA made the company pay. It even threatened to take the company to court for some other indiscretion. That has changed. I am left to wonder whether Dr. Adams’s removal was due to pressure on the government. Of course, the government claimed that Dr. Vincent Adams was a political appointee. It did not stop to consider that Dr. Adams had responded to an advertisement for the job, that he was interviewed by a panel,
and that he was the most qualified applicant. There is a new Director of the Environmental Protection Agency but the EPA is once more a toothless poodle. In fact, it has lapsed into obscurity and the government seems content. At least it does not have to pacify Exxon Mobil. It is the same in numerous other areas. In the field of communication, English has all but disappeared. There is no relationship between subject and verb, no question of tense, and of course, pronunciation is no more a sign of knowledge. There are new heads in radio, television, newspaper, and public information, all chosen by the government. The COVID-19 situation is horrible. I am not sure whether it is due to the absence of a national plan or simply a case of Guyanese bad luck. Not so long ago I complained that people were no longer dying by the twos but by the fours. I should have shut my mouth. People are dying in droves. More than 100 people will die this month. The irony is that the government is linking the deaths to the vaccination. You die if you are unvaccinated. But people also die if they are vaccinated. That is when the government talks about underlying conditions. The records will show that about 60 percent of the population is either diabetic, hypertensive, or both. Most of us have underlying conditions. So vaccination or not we are likely to die if infected. At least the Minister of Health said as much when two fully vaccinated people died from COVID-related illness.
Yet, there is the drive for everyone to be vaccinated. I am vaccinated. There is talk about herd immunity. There will be no herd immunity because the variants are different from the original virus. But we can only hope that there will be some protection against COVID. The authorities are saying that wearing a mask, washing hands, and social distancing is not enough. There is another issue that I find worrying. There was the COVID relief distribution. Some people got and many did not. Both President Irfaan Ali and the Opposition Leader called for an audit. The AuditorGeneral has come back to say that COVID has impacted his ability to audit the distribution. So as long as there is COVID-19 there can be no successful audit. Many dishonest people would be able to escape. However, this should not be the end of the audit. My belief is that even if the auditors take two years, they must complete this audit. A lot of money was voted for the relief. It is now the same thing with the flood relief. A lot of money has been set aside. Some people are complaining that they have been badly assessed. If indeed COVID is a limiting factor, how could anyone be successfully assessed? But the Agriculture Minister says that he would correct the situation. Would he go into the fields to visit every affected farmer despite COVID? He may wish to take the Auditor General with him.
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Tuesday Sept. 28, 2021
Guyana to release CSEC, CAPE and NGSA results by Oct. 15.
The Ministry of Education announced on Saturday, that the Caribbean Examination Council has chosen Guyana as the host country to ‘release’ this year’s CAPE and CSEC results on October 14, 2021. In addition, NGSA is expected to be released on October 15; with raw exam scores coming from Barbados. The Caribbean Examination Council’s (CXC) Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) were written during June -July this year. The examinations were written at a later date this year due to the effects, consequences, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Caribbean and the world. The Ministry of Education announced on Saturday, that the Caribbean Examination Council has chosen Guyana as the host country to ‘release’ this year’s CAPE and CSEC results on October 14, 2021. These results will be available to candidates on the CXC’s online portal from October 15, 2021. The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) was equally affected by the pandemic and was written on August 4-5 of this year. Since 2016, CXC was contracted by the Government of Guyana to develop, administer and mark this examination/assessment annually. This year to further
advance the transparency and integrity of the examination/assessment, CXC’s responsibilities were extended and increased to include verification of raw scores. Additionally, to conduct and manage all reviews or appeals after the results are published and further to present the data and analysis of each year’s assessment. The Ministry of Education has been informed by CXC that the raw scores will be ready and sent from Barbados to Guyana by Tuesday, September 28, 2021, after which the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) will standardize the scores and offer placements according to the scores, and print results’ slips. In addition, from this year: 1. NGSA candidates will NOT be penalized with their raw scores because they were older than 12 years 6 months at the end of March of the year, the examination was written. 2. The standardized scores per subject will be rounded up to the nearest whole number and the TOTAL score will be given as a decimal number thereby offering candidates more fairness. The Education Ministry also encourages this year’s NGSA, CSEC and CAPE candidates to return all textbooks and resource materials to their respective schools. Failure to do so may result in being unable to access results
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