Berbice Times

Monday, December 9, 2013

GUYANA

Berbice

Creativity

at GuySuCo’s Port Mourant Training Centre See page 4

Issue No. 002

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Banking on Berbicians!

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ith more than 250 customers and a loan portfolio of roughly $1.8 billion, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) sees Berbice as an attractive investment destination and its recent move to open a new branch in Port Mourant is a strategic one to create further avenues for small and medium sized businesses to take advantage of its services.

Before Saturday, the bank’s only branch in Berbice was in Corriverton, but with a growing customer base and the rapid expansion of economic activities in the county, officials see it opening up branches in New Amsterdam and possibly on the West Coast of Berbice in the near future.

Speaking to Berbice Times in an exclusive interview, GBTI Head of Credit, Shaleeza Shaw said: “In Region Six, we’ve lent over 250 customers and our portfolio is roughly about $1.8 billion. We’ve done lending a lot in the agriculture sector: rice and sugar, particularly sugar cane private famers supporting the Skeldon Sugar Factory.”

Shaw said sugar was the biggest subsector of the agricultural loans portfolio for that branch. “We’ve also done a lot of commercial lending–trading and distribution. We’ve supported a lot of hardware, gas stations, other small businesses; and when we launched our Women of Worth product in Region Six, a lot of women benefited – over 200 women in their various businesses,” Shaw explained. In the area of residential mortgage loans, she said this has picked up over the last three years. And with the govern-

– GBTI loans worth $1.8B

ment rolling out some new housing schemes, it is expected that this portfolio will increase.

Asked to compare the bank’s loan portfolio in Berbice with the rest of the country, Shaw said on a scale of highest to lowest, it gets a medium score.

“Of course, the Georgetown branch would contribute to the majority of our portfolio.

That branch (Corriverton), if I ran it in terms of the segment, it will be fifth, so that’s a good sign. It would have been better if we had branches up there that could have supported the volume of businesses in the region.”

Always had desire

Asked why the bank decided to open up a new branch in Port Mourant, GBTI’s head of administration, Sean Noel, said the institution has always had a desire to support its Corriverton branch and businesses along the Corentyne coast.

“Our branch in Corriverton was established in 1997 and outside of that location, the next GBTI branch on that side of the country is in Georgetown and it has been a goal of us since about 2000 to look at supporting that area, recognising other banking services in Rose Hall, then after Rose Hall, there is an absence of banking service all the way to the city. So, our goal really is to map that entire stretch and so Port Mourant is the first in that stretch. We have already covered the wing to the east which is Parika, Anna Regina, Vreed-en-Hoop and when you come across, we went to Diamond,” Noel said. turn to Page 4

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Private cars acting as taxis giving police headache in Berbice

Page 4

Page 5 Who killed the Smythfield girls?

Page 6 Rise in street dwellers worries Berbicians

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MonDAY, December 9, 2013

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Christmas in Rose Hall Town: Tagore Memorial Secondary School receives steel pans

&now Then M

ost Guyanese of my generation tend to look back on our youth, our schools, and our towns and villages with a sense of nostalgia. I try to avoid being nostalgic, but there are things worth thinking about. Then and now.

Back then, we dared not pass an elder without a respectful greeting; now our children use every manner of profanity in loud voices, no matter who is around. Back then, we would rarely go home and tell our parents that we were spanked in school; now, our children almost expect their parents to go into the school Professor Daizal Samad and raise hell, even to the point strain would break free: “Hey! of assaulting teachers.

Mr Fingal! How yuh do? Long Back then, most teachers time no see?” “Ah, Teacher commanded respect. Now, they Singh boy. True, true. We gon try to demand it, but do not get mek up. How yuh mammy and it. Back then, the police uniform daddy?” “They somewhere in inspired awe; now, we show the crowd!” them disrespect and scorn.

And from shop windows Back then, kiskadees and blue came the sweet sounds of sackees were in abundance; Christmas music. Not loud, now, the birds have fled. just enough to be heard, just Back then, Christmas Eve in enough to offer welcome. Songs Rose Hall Town was like nothing like “Silver Bells”, “O Come I have seen anywhere else, the All Ye Faithful”, “Silent Night”, closest being a few small towns “Deck the Halls with Boughs of in the Middle East during Eid Holly” (never mind we did not celebrations. know what “boughs” meant; Back then, Christmas in Rose never mind we never saw nor Hall was magical. On December felt snow).

1, the shops lining the ribbon of Singers like Nat King Cole, road would begin preparations.

Brook Benton, and Bing Crosby.

Shaving cream was used to The carols were simply part of adorn glass-window fronts with us being gentle and kind. We Christmas imagery: bells, trees, were not part of the music; the Santa, sleds. We could feel the music was part of us; we made energy starting to build like a it so by our hearts beating as joyful laughter from the belly. one people.

On Christmas Eve afternoon, Sometimes children would after the place cooled from the go missing in the crowd. day’s sun, the people turned Missing but never lost. For out. They came from far and out would come a voice: near, from as far as Skeldon, “Ram! Don’ worry, man. Yuh to gather in Rose Hall. There daughter deh wid we!” And was no room for vehicles, even Ram and his wife would go bicycles. It was jam-packed. about unworried. No one People walked shoulder to quarrelled; year-round shoulder – all shapes and sizes enmities were shelved. and colours and religions and Truly, peace on Earth, ages. And there was a clamour goodwill to all men and of voices, like an orchestra. women.

Thousands of instruments, Young girls, dressed to one sound! An individual

the hilt, would look shyly at boys. Boys in the finest clothes flirted, but were careful not to let the parents notice. Old folk would have a new spring in their steps, and toddlers found balance.

Now, there are still lots of foot traffic in Rose Hall on Christmas Eve. The road is still blocked off at either end of the town. Still noise, but not the noise of yore! No Christmas carols. Now, there are mountainous speakers with noise that crack the sky.

A noise so terrible as to rattle windows, and shatter peace.

And peace contorts into DJs’ screams and shouts. Gross insults and obscenities.

Then, there was the litter of Christmas paper in Rose Hall. Now, men drink beer and prove their manhood by breaking beer bottles on roads. Women prove their potency by wriggling to the sounds of “Ben’ Ovah, Ben’ Ovah!”

Back then, children saw examples of gentle neighbourliness, and they became better. Now, our children hear and see the collapse of dignity.

They think this is t h e way to be.

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ulture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony last week donated a set of steel pans to the Tagore Memorial Secondary School, located on the Corentyne Coast.

The new pans will help facilitate the school’s expanded music programme and was the fulfilment of a promise by the minister. The school has a small steel band, which was privy to coaching sessions during the last school break by steel pan instructor Andrew Tyndall.

Minister Anthony noted that his ministry was very

pleased that it was able to keep its promise. The minister also committed to giving support to the school by sending someone from the music school to work with students. He expressed hope that the school would fully utilise the steel pans and even get involved in the steel pan competition since this would help to boost the students’ selfconfidence.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Region Six Chairman David Armogan pointed out that the donation was another initiative undertaken by government

in the promotion of music in Guyana. “As you know, music is a part of our culture, especially steel band music… it was a dying culture a few years ago, but is something that is coming back in Guyana,” he said.

The regional chairman noted that other schools in the Upper Corentyne can also use the instruments.

It is anticipated that the school’s band will continue to grow and in the future, it will be able to compete in the steel pan competition.

Students, teachers, and parents expressed gratitude for the donation.

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MonDAY, December 9, 2013

Banking on Berbicians!

-GBTI loan portfolio worth $1.8B

Creativity!

Community – A reflection

by Narine Dat Sookram

continued from Page 1

He disclosed that the public has been asking about a possible branch on the East Coast Demerara and said that has been a big issue. While the bank recognised the need for the services to be made available in these areas, the opening of a branch depends on the availability of suitable locations and whether or not the bank will be able to immediately build or rent a building.

Noel said going forward, while many people recognise where GBTI is heading, “our response is sometimes slowed by the fact that we always have a desire to build, because we want to present something to a community that lasts… you know, people feel like we are a part of that community”. “We recognise that building takes time, contractors have different issues and we believe that establishing temporary premises allows us … to offer our services immediately. Some locations enjoy a short-term tenancy, while some enjoy a long-term, and Port Mourant may very well enjoy a longterm tenancy.”

Given that the new branch is a rented building, Noel said there is not much in terms of construction cost, “just outfitting and this would usually cost us about $40 million and we have our other infrastructure. We have a fully staffed branch with persons from the community.”

Growing up in Number 64 Village, Berbice, Guyana

More ATMs

Berbicians have complained about the lack of Automated Teller Machines, with GBTI not having any in New Amsterdam – a major hub in Berbice. Asked to address this complaint, Noel said, “It’s something that has been requested of us for some time, the challenge with updating a sole ATM is mainly servicing and security. You have to find the right location, then you have to get staff to balance it, replenish it and most banks have what we call off-site ATMs. Carrying an ATM service beyond your facility, where you’re going to offer it? For example, Regent Street, Regent Street has a branch which supports the off-site facilities at Mandela Avenue, if you were to run an off-site ATM in New Amsterdam, the logistics of getting there, getting the cash up, these are things you want to do quite often and if something happens, you want to have a rapid response.”

“So all of those challenges are intertwined, because we don’t want to put an ATM out and customers go and say “what’s happening, this thing is always down”. You want to offer a service and you want the service to be reliable and the only way you can do that is to be in close proximity but even outside of that, New Amsterdam is one of the locations on our long-term radar. We just have to pick locations based on greatest need, greatest demand, opportunities available both in terms of location and the businesses that demand our services.”

Future plans for Berbice

On where does the bank sees Region Six in its future expansion, Noel said: “We are a local institution: we’re owned

by Guyanese. We have a role as a Guyanese institution to make our services to all Guyanese. Region Six because of its uniqueness as an agricultural region, traditionally, we have embraced agriculture not only rice historically, but sugar and cash crops. Region Six has diverse industries besides agriculture which we support very well. We believe that our coming in a greater way would allow those industries to develop. We see not only people going back into Region Six, but we see opportunities for development and human services.”

In noting areas of potential growth, Noel said: “In Corriverton, there are a few but when you come out of Corriverton all the way down, you could hardly find a major hotel or even a minor one.”

In conclusion, Shaw said: “We see things happening in Region Six and we are getting our presence there through the Port Mourant branch. One of the good things about Region Six is that it has potential for gas and oil. If that is successful, we want our presence there, so we can take part in the development. Region Six is strategic as in it leads to a gateway to cross-border trading and that is something we have benefited from in Lethem. In the scope of our planning for our locations, we take all of this into consideration.”

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reative! Apprentices at the GuySuCo Port Mourant Training Centre constructed this beautifully lit 21foot Christmas tree using 728 400ml plastic bottles and 1000 lights, under the supervision of staff at the centre.

The tree reflects the skills, excellence, and innovativeness of the youngsters

First of all, I would like to say that the quality of life in my village, close to the Number 63 Beach means a lot of things and brings back a lot of memories. For example, it involves almost everything that influences a village from government regulations, types of schools, ratio of rental property to home ownership, household incomes, cultural diversity, park services, youth programmes, leadership and resident accountability, etc. Which to me means that if you do not have the recipe, then that can be a challenging cake to bake.

However, because there is not a recipe that fits every village and now that I am looking back, I see it as an opportunity to have ongoing meetings and conversations that may help to expose the most pressing issues, concerns, or trends and any long-term solutions from neighbours getting to know one another.

But I also find that developing lines of communication and trust with government, civic organisations and surrounding villages are all essential parts of continuous growth within my village at the time.

And to me, this comes

from creating a common sense of purpose about why I choose to live there in the first place and why it is important that I continue to stay connected to old friends and neighbours back home. I guess I can say that it’s about believing in who I am and what I do matters which is what a good village is all about.

I find that because of my many years of engagement in my village from since I was a teenager, I am at the point where I can see that creating those gathering places is the first step in moving those types of conversations from small groups in our “bottom house” to engaging the greater community such as my annual Caribbean Dreams concert that I do here in Canada, where other small groups gather together under one roof for one common goal, which is to break the barrier between our differences through the sharing of our ideas and cultures with the people in the neighbourhood.

I find that I have developed trust and friendships in my village and I have been working on projects together to engage our youth to make our community better and because these are all qualities that fit with my values, I am very attached to my village and it is the reason why I feel a sense of home anytime I visit Guyana and I take great pride to represent my village, setting examples for other villagers to follow.

Private cars acting as taxis

giving police headache in Berbice

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rivers using their private vehicles as taxis have become a nuisance to the traffic department in Berbice, the division’s acting traffic chief Brian McKenzie has said.

The traffic officer is encouraging commuters to desist from using the services of private cars for public transportation.

McKenzie cited the fact that such acts enable the owners of these private cars to break the law.

Hire car drivers in Berbice have, for some time, been complaining about the unreasonable behaviour of private car owners who come out to work their cars after they would have finished their respective jobs for the day. McKenzie noted that cars being used for hire should always be registered in the H series.

The issue does not only affect hire car drivers in Berbice but across Guyana.

The department is working

to ensure traffic protocols are followed. Asked what specific measures are being implemented to correct the situation, McKenzie responded: “We’ve set up the sting operation, where someone will be paid to sit in the car and report the matter to the department.” Those caught red-handed will be placed before the court where a fine will be instituted, he explained.

McKenzie cautioned passengers that should there be an accident in a private car acting as a taxi, they will be at a disadvantage, as private vehicles are insured under a different insurance policy than hire cars.

Increase in traffic accidents Meanwhile, the increase in traffic accidents in Berbice this year is cause for concern and, according to McKenzie, the department is conducting some rigorous exercises, in the hope of curbing

the situation.

A comparison of JanuaryNovember 2012 and the corresponding period this year shows that the number of fatal accidents increased from nine to 15, with five of the fatalities being children. Serious accidents in which persons were admitted to the hospital this year stand at 62, two more than the same period last year. Minor accidents have seen a decrease with 90 occurring for this year. Last year, the figure stood at 116.

McKenzie disclosed that police are on the lookout for speeding, the improper use of seatbelts, and driving under the influence, which is becoming quite prevalent.

He noted that several persons are currently before the courts facing charges for these crimes. Only last Monday, seven Berbicians were charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and fined a

total of $52,500.

Driving under the influence of alcohol has long been a major concern of the traffic department, with divisional commander Assistant Police Commissioner Brian Joseph listing it as a major cause of accidents in Berbice.

The seven drivers appeared before Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus. According to the police prosecutor, Sergeant Philip Sheriff, the drivers, all male, were found with more than 35 micrograms of alcohol (the legal limit) in their breath.

Six of the drivers were arrested along the Lewis Manor section of the East Berbice Public Road last Sunday, while the other was arrested last Saturday in East Canje. (Alexis Rodney)

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Youth group formed Who killed the to help tackle HIV, Smythfield girls? violence

By Nafeeza Yahya

Nekecia “Nikki” Rouse

Youths in Unison members blending their voices in song during the launching of their organisation

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A section of the youths at the launching of the group

group of young people have united to create change in their respective communities, promising to fight against gender-based violence and discrimination.

Youths in Unison is an arm of the Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre in Berbice. The youths are peer educators and provide awareness sessions on gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS and other social issues that affect the region.

Speaking at the ceremony to launch the group last week, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony lauded the Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre for initiating the project.

Anthony is confident that this initiative will be a success as youths are the future of the country.

“We have to take a different attitude with young people and I strongly believe that as young people, you can make tremendous differences in the communities from which you are from… we have seen when young people decide to do something there is nothing stopping them… and there are a lot of things that adults may shy away from young people have the energy to be able to do it…they can overcome prejudices that were there before and in the end, you will be able to make changes,” Minister Anthony said.

The minister encouraged the youths to work

hard and to participate in other programmes offered by the ministry. These include the President’s Youth Award – Republic of Guyana (PYARG); National Drama Festival; Volunteer Youth Platform; and youth camps.

United States embassy Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunte, in his address to the gathering, noted that when it comes to HIV/AIDS, Guyana has set the ambitious goal of “Getting to Zero: Zero New Infections, Zero AIDS-Related Deaths, and Zero Stigma and Discrimination.” “Reaching this objective will require the sustained commitment and participation of all of us here today, and many more stakeholders who want to make a positive difference in the lives of our Guyanese friends,” he said.

Hunte explained that 10 years ago Guyana and the United States of America embarked on a new relationship through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). He related that at the time Guyana appeared to be on the precipice of an HIV/AIDS crisis with a growing infection rate and enabling conditions for the rapid spread of the disease similar to those found in other countries.

“It is a testament to the collective efforts of government, donor partners, and civil society that the picture in Guyana has improved dramatically, and Guyanese institutions are now poised to take on ever greater re-

sponsibility for continuing to combat the disease,” Hunte stated.

He added that people must also remember that there is shared responsibility in the fight for an AIDSfree generation and this is where Youths in Unison can make a difference.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan commended the organisation for its numerous efforts in reaching out to the children, youths and elderly in Berbice.

He expressed satisfaction that the group will be targeting issues that negatively affect the lives of residents and stressed on the important role youths play in their communities.

Programme facilitator Rebekah Timram noted that the behaviour of adults in society is imitated by youths and this in turn has an impact on how youths behave in their adult life. In this regard, Youths in Unison members realise that they do not have to be restrained and they have a responsibility to make positive choices for a better life. She also encouraged youths to speak out about their challenges and emphasised the importance of them educating themselves.

Members of the group who were trained as counsellors through the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID) were presented with certificates by Charge d’ Affaires Hunte and Minister Anthony.

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he heart-wrenching events of February 15, 2009 will forever be etched in the memories of family members of Nekecia Rouse and Alexis George who were savagely murdered. Even now, no one, including the police, can provide an answer to this haunting question.

Relatives remember Alexis, called “Keisha”, as “the sweetest person we knew, not the party type, not an outgoing person”.

Alexis’s older sister, Shanty, said, “Alexis was at the wrong place, at the wrong time.” The night before, Alexis, along with her and Nekecia’s daughter, was at a bingo game. As the evening hours lengthened, Alexis decided to spend the night at her friend’s home, where the game was held.

A teary eyed Shanty said Alexis’s fiancé called her and asked her what she was doing with the children out so late. It was then that she decided to go home. Shanty said if her sister had stayed at her friend’s house that fateful night, she probably would have been alive today.

Nekecia, called “Nikki”, had been out the night before.

Sometime around 04:30h on February 15, she went home and was talking to a friend on her cellphone.

According to the friend,

Alexis “Keisha” George

Nekecia hinted that someone was at the door. She told the friend that she was going to return the call. It is speculated that that someone must have been someone known to Nekecia, for she would not have opened the door otherwise, at that hour. That was the last time Nekecia’s friend would hear from her.

About 90 minutes later, around 06:00h, a child made the gruesome discovery: Alexis George dead, in a crouched position behind a tree. Three chop wounds were seen on the hand of the 18-year-old mother of one. .

There was also a wound to her neck. Persons who gathered at the scene had no idea that 25-year-old Nekecia was lying in a pool of blood in the house the women shared with Nekecia’s mother. She also had a wound to her neck and lacerations about her body. A bloodstained kitchen knife was found on

the veranda. The women’s two daughters were found unharmed. From all indications, they were attacked in the house, but Alexis somehow managed to get outside.

Tyrone Talbot, a former U.S. Army officer out on early retirement, who was involved with Nekecia, was taken into police custody and questioned about the double murder. He maintained his innocence, but relatives of the murdered women were positive that he had committed the crime because he was charged in 2004, for the murder of his wife in Germany. Forensic tests performed on bloodstained articles by the police proved that Talbot was not connected to the crime.

Another suspect Jermaine Davis was also let go since there was no evidence putting him at the scene of the crime. So, the question remains: who killed the Smythfield girls?

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By Alexis Rodney

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MonDAY, December 9, 2013

esidents of New Amsterdam have expressed concern about the growing number of vagrants occupying the streets of the township and have urged authorities to round them up and place them in centres where they can be rehabilitated.

Locals are fearful that some of the vagrants may have violent tendencies, and believe that the homeless shelter on the West Coast of Berbice is not be-

ing properly utilised.

Weighing in on the issue, New Amsterdam Town Clerk Sharon Alexander told Berbice Times that the town council is doing its best to alleviate the situation. Alexander said the council follows the law which requires that these individuals be taken into police custody. “What really is supposed to happen: you arrest them, and you take them to the station. They will evaluate them where the judge will pronounce whether they are insane or whatever the case might be

after the evaluation by the doctor.”

If the evaluation shows any mental challenges, then that person is taken to the psychiatric hospital. The town clerk said this works well for those vagrants who are mentally challenged.

She noted that not every vagrant seen on the street is mentally challenged. “Some are either homeless or drug abusers.”

Homeless shelter

According to Alexander, if by chance a homeless person finds himself at the psy-

chiatric hospital, he is turned away because he is not sick. She said many persons have been deserted by their families and “in such The homeless shelter in Berbice cases, it is the responsibility West Coast Berbice. The of the government to take building cost some $402.8 care of these people.” million. Homeless persons Government, with the from across the country help of Venezuela, has con- will be housed at the facilstructed a shelter for home- ity and trained in life skills, less persons from across to be reintegrated into sothe country at Onverwagt, ciety. The facility will also

replicate and improve the programme, which was implemented at the Night Shelter in La Penitence, Georgetown, which offers displaced persons accommodation, meals, and clothing.

The Onverwagt shelter was constructed on approximately 7.30 acres of land and will comprise several buildings: separate male and female dormitories; medical quarters to house a resident doctor and nurse; a mess hall and kitchen; a training /conference hall; and a recreational centre.

The new shelter will provide counselling services to enable persons to be reintegrated into their families and society or to live there, depending on their preference. They will also be provided with transportation, skills training, medical assistance and treatment, toiletries, clothing, and meals at the expense of the government. The shelter can accommodate 200 males and 100 females.

Rates and taxes

But the presence of vagrants on the streets is not the only issue affecting the council, Alexander is still urging residents to make haste and pay up their rates and taxes. She pointed out that although the collection of rates and taxes has increased over the years, “residents still need to do the responsible thing and pay up their rates, as early as possible so that they could receive better services”.

She noted that the amount being charged is very meagre and if paying that becomes a problem, residents are free to approach the council and work out a payment plan. “What we would normally tell people like those who have big outstanding sums with the council “come in and work out a contract with us. We’ll make some sort of agreement”. The council has even made it easier for residents by sending out its debt collection team, since it is often difficult for taxpayers, especially businesses, to visit the office, Alexander said.

Meanwhile, the town clerk disclosed that the new year will see stricter measures being taken against the owners of lands that are left unoccupied. She is encouraging residents to clean their lots so that they would not be subjected to additional fines. New Amsterdam has a population of some 125,000 residents. It stretches from the Canje and Berbice rivers to Caracas, West Canje and New Doe Park, Glasgow.

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MonDAY, December 9, 2013

Anamayah Memorial Hospital:

Committed to providing quality health care for all people with heart conditions.

In expanding its services, the hospital recently made available dialysis service and a Computerised Tomography (CT) scan was added to its line of medical services.

Dr Anamayah said Berbicians will no longer have to travel all the way to Georgetown. And the hospital will significantly reduce much needed time and expense for patients.

When asked about plans for the future, Dr Anamayah explained that he intends to further boost the laboratory and radiology department.

The Anamayah Memorial Hospital

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ince its establishment in 2011, the Anamayah Memorial Hospital has cemented its name among the premier health institutions in Guyana by utilising the latest in cutting-edge medical equipment, backed by a highly-qualified and experienced team of doctors and medical staff.

This 40-room modern hospital sits on 2500 square feet of land in the village of Belvedere on the Corentyne Coast.

The hospital has seen and treated thousands of patients with persons coming from as far as Nickerie, Suriname; Essequibo; Georgetown; and West Coast Berbice to utilise its services.

During its first year of operation, the hospital conducted over 170 surgeries including Lower Segment Caesarian Section (LSCS), hysterectomy, lumpectomy, haemorroids and laparotomy, among others.

In the first year of op-

eration, 48 healthy babies were delivered, including twins in 2012. The hospital recorded 61 live births while in 2013, 56 babies were delivered thus far, and to date, the institution enjoys an unblemished record of no stillbirth.

Anamayah Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ryan Anamayah related that the hospital was founded in honour of his late father, Attorney Joseph Anamayah.

The CEO explained that the idea was conceived some 20 years prior to the opening and at that time they were looking at opening a diagnostic centre, but were advised to do something bigger and better for the people of Berbice. And as the saying goes, the rest is now history.

The hospital commenced work with just 12 staff members and after two years, that number has grown to over 30, with both local and international medical person-

nel working around the clock to care for patients.

Most recognised doctors The hospital boasts some of the most recognised names in medicine, such as Dr Surendra Persaud, Dr Bob Ramnauth, Dr Ezekiel Raana, Dr Ramkarran Ramsackal, Dr Hyder Khan and Dr Mahasechandra Persaud, who is also the longestserving member of staff.

Services such as infertility management, cervical screening/pap smear, colonoscopy, diabetic foot care clinic, management of sexually transmitted infections, x-rays, ultrasound, ECG, 24/7 pharmacy, blood grouping, renal function test, general medicine which include hypertension and diabetes, are just a few of those offered at the hospital.

The hospital also partners with the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) to hold monthly clinics for

Improved services He noted that a blood gas analyser was added while in the surgical department, laproscopic surgeries will be done. In addition, the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is fully functional and is equipped with two ventilators.

The hospital shares a positive working relationship with the Health Ministry and the New Amsterdam Hospital. The Anamayah Memorial Hospital was built to the tune of $400 million, and according to its CEO, due to the overwhelming response from the public, the project is expected to reap the initial investment in a five-year period. He said while that is not his main concern, the hospital is self-sustaining.

During an interview with several persons, they told Berbice Times that they choose the services of the hospital because of its quality and convenient location.

In addition, a few patients mentioned that they do not mind paying for the services as they receive prompt medical attention. They praised the hospital’s administrators for keeping it clean.

Dr Anamayah’s message to Berbicians is, “Don’t go to Georgetown, stop here and see what we have to offer, our doors are always open and doctors are on duty 24/7”.

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Berbice Bridge Company holds first Christmas tree light-up

The Church of Ascension Choir was the main entertainment at the event

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undreds of Berbicians turned out to be a part of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc’s first-ever Christmas tree light-up at the company’s office located at D’Edwards Village, West Bank Berbice.

This event, which was well attended by members of the private and public sectors, was an initiative by officials of the bridge company to give back to the public. It also served as a celebration of the bridge’s fifth anniversary, which will be observed on December 23.

According to the company’s chief executive officer, Omadat Samaroo, this will not be the first Christmas tree light-up since the company is hoping to make it an annual event. He thanked members of the public for coming out to the light-up.

The CEO disclosed that as part of its activities for the Christmas season, the Berbice Bridge Company Inc will embark on several outreaches to assist the less fortunate and those in need.

Samaroo said they will be providing food hampers for the senior citizens in the area, the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital and the Dharm Shala in East Canje Berbice.

Meanwhile, Region Five Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth, in his remarks, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the government of Guyana and also congratulated the company for spearheading such an initiative.

Also speaking at the event were the Public Relations Officer of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association, Imran Saccoor; Region Six Chairman David Armogan; and several others. Guests at the event were entertained by the choir from the Church of Ascension.

The crowd was also asked questions about the Berbice Bridge Company, with each winner being awarded with gifts after which the Christmas tree was lit

by Retired Justice Cecil Kennard.

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MonDAY, December 9, 2013

Sports briefs Basketball Mackeson finals on this Sunday

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he Mackeson Basketball tournament is finally expected to come to an end where the Berbice champion team will be crowned.

The tournament, which started in August, was put on hold just before the final was slated to be played. On Sunday, all questions are expected to be answered when Canje Knights take on Smythfield Rockers in the final of the competition.

At the time the final was initially slated to be played in September, the Rockers were favourites, having played unbeaten in the competition while the Knights had been counting on their improved performances as the tournament got older.

However, the long delay has now created more uncertainty as to which is the better team.

The match will be held at the New Amsterdam Basketball Court in Vrymans Erven. At stake will be $80,000 for the winners and $20,000 for the losers, who will officially be placed as runner ups in the competition.

Entertainment

Boxing No medical personnel at ringside for fights

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he recent Fight Night boxing card held in New Amsterdam was hailed a success by some boxing fans, including New Amsterdam’s Mayor Claude Henry. However, in a sport where the opponents batter each other physically, there was no doctor at the ringside.

During the ‘seven bout’ card, no doctor was on hand.

When promoter Jeff Roberts was asked by the Berbice Times why this happened, he said a nurse was expected, but did not show up. One parent said that it was very dangerous to have her son fighting and no arrangements were in place for a medical professional at ringside. Though patrons entered the arena without paying a dime, the event raises questions about how much attention is being paid to safety in the ring. Berbice Times was told that there will be another similar boxing card very soon in Berbice. Hopefully, a doctor is at the ringside this time!

Karaoke tonight in New Amsterdam

Champion horse “Score’s Even” will be in action this weekend

Horse racing Score’s Even to take on Elle’s Vision this weekend

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he long-awaited clash between Guyana’s number one horse “Score’s Even” and “Elle’s Vision” will be over before we publish again.

The animals will run against each other in the A Class race on Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

The two top horses in Guyana were scheduled to meet earlier this year; however, owner Dennis Deoroop did not allow “Score’s Even” to compete.

Meanwhile, apart from the anticipated showdown between the two horses, eyes should also be kept on seasoned campaigners “Got To Go”, “Grande de Roja”, “Donut Prince”, “City Tune”, “CP Got Even”, “Swing Easy”, “Prince Charming”, “Who is on the Case”, “Force Entry”, “The Message”, “Country Armagh”, “Red and Lovely”, “Zelick”, and “Rena Del Café”. They are all expected to compete over the six furlongs distance for the $1.2 million up for grabs. Eight races are carded on the day’s programme with prizes monies totalling close to $8 million, which includes cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs.

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f you like singing in the bathroom, try karaoke where there is music to complement your voice and the lyrics to guide you. New Amsterdam is the place for a karaoke night.

It will get heated tonight at Claudette’s Hang Out Bar at Main and Lad Lane. Situated at Bristol’s Mall, Claudette’s Monday Night Karaoke is as basic as it could get. It is the ideal place for first time singers.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, the karaoke action moves across the street to Onowa’s Guinness Bar, where there is a bit more competition, which provides good practice for a big weekend of singing.

Then on Wednesday, there is karaoke action at Intersection Bar at the corner of Winkle Road. This is the best atmosphere to try to get the notes right and prepare oneself to impress friends when the opportunity affords itself.

Also on Wednesday, Indian karaoke fans can also check out the Indian karaoke at Apollo’s Lounge at Bristol Mall. This event sponsored by Banks DIH, affords persons the opportunity to dance and offers a variety of Indian music. JD Spongy selects the type of song one will like to sing. There, it is easy to become a star, since as you sing patrons dance. On Thursday, it is more karaoke action, this time at Castle in Chappell Street. This is where the teenagers meet and there is lots of the latest music available on karaoke.

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Latest songs

ry some of the latest songs. Jackie’s at Main and Alexander streets caters for everyone on Friday nights with Indian and English karaoke.

The big karaoke night is Saturday at Harmony at Republic Road and Theatre Ally where all the professionals are. It is a good place to go to listen to a fourhour concert for free.

Karaoke does not stop there in New Amsterdam because Coach at Matthew Allen Road takes care of Sunday night in a different way. There is the real oldies karaoke and dancing. In New Amsterdam, there is a karaoke every night of the week.

Banks Berbice Branch Manager, Reginald Matthews and others in Apollo’s Lounge Indian Karaoke

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Berbicians going GT style

everage giant Banks DIH has given Berbicians a chance to sample Guyana’s newest beer. GT Beer was officially launched on Saturday night.

Several persons turned out at the company’s Peter D’Aguiar Street tarmac to participate in the fete.

According to one official from the company, the beer, while it has the appearance of another beer, is totally different.

The official says that Guyanese have shown a liking for lager beers and so the company decided to make one and also offer it in a disposable bottle. The beer will be one of the cheapest on the market and should be retailed at any outlet for not more than $200 per bottle. The response to the beer seems to be good.

Some have expressed a liking for it. It is now available on the market.