Berbice Times

Multimillion-dollar pump station commissioned at Rose Hall

A$40 million state-of-the-art pump station was on Sunday commissioned at Rose Hall, Region Six, as the region puts mechanisms in place to prevent flooding during the upcoming rainy season.

The facility replaces the 19th century pump station in the town which has been inoperable for decades.

Speaking at the commissioning, President Donald Ramotar said while rain plays a vital role in the agricultural sector, measures need to be put in place to

avert inundation during the rains. On this note, he stressed the importance of making the defunct pump station operational.

“We need the rain, rain is essential and important for us… we need it, but at the same time we need to have the capacity to drain off the excess water that we constantly have,” he said.

The pump, he noted, will allow for an expansion of cultivation, both in the front lands and backlands.

On a different note, the President urged residents to conserve on water and not to tamper with the irrigation system by cutting and destroy dams. This, he said is illegal, and unwise, given the predicted El Nino season.

“Drainage and irrigation infrastructures are being placed countrywide, more particularly because our coastland is below sea level and these types of infrastructures are vital for our country’s well-being, production and productivity.”

To PAgE 4

With the aim of enhancing an effective and efficient decentralisation of health in Guyana which ultimately requires a well-trained, motivated and managed workforce, the Government, continues to do its utmost to ensure the country’s human resources are well taken care of, regarding the delivery of quality health services.

In line with this, a team of medical personnel from the Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, USA, in collaboration with the Health Ministry of Guyana, held a Continuing Medical Education (CME) training programme at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

This entailed three days of intense training, information and tutoring to health workers across the region so that emergency care will be delivered at a higher standard

in the health sector.

The aim of the CME is to gradually improve the health system in the country; since it is not a first world nation and the team assured that they are doing their best to improve the quality of health care in Guyana.

Dr Jean Paul Rodhi, Medical Director of the Adult Emergency Department Vanderbilt Medical Centre, Tennessee who coordinated the initiative from the variable sides with the Georgetown Public Hospital and the University of Guyana, for emergency medicine and residency education, said that the genesis of the relationship with Guyana was as a result of his growing up in the country from eight to 18 years old.

“Later in my medical career we began collaboration with the Georgetown Public Hospital on cardiac life support training in 2003 and that relationship revealed a need

for graduate medical education in the specialty of emergency medicine which was new in Guyana,” Rodhi noted, while explaining that due to this initiative, residency training commenced in the country.

Asked how he measured the improvements and where he might have perceived the levels Guyana reached in terms of medicine, Rodhi said that an investment in graduate medical education is a long term investment; therefore emergency medical training; because it is a demanding specialty which requires three years of intense training to generate one graduate.

”We just graduated our first graduate from the programme this past year in Dr Zulfikar Bux, so we are only now beginning to see the improvement in the system that goes with this long term investment,” he stated. The exceptional thing about this, he said, is that once the pipeline is full… im-

provements will be notable very quickly.

He disclosed that Guyana now has 14 other trainees to complement Dr Bux, who is Guyana’s first emergency specialist to work in hospitals across the country.

That will begin to change emergency care in ways that only a trained emergency specialist can, inclusive of Electro Medical System (EMS), Ambulance system, paediatric emergency medicine, collaboration with emergency nursing, etc.

“Over the next five years we will be able to see this long term investment taking in Guyana,” he said, he opined that Guyana can train its own medical specialists and they would not need those from overseas.

Dr Rodhi stated that he thinks the health sector in Guyana is poised to see really dramatic improvements and advances in the future.

Afire believed to be ar-

son gutted the former Police Impact Base located at Hogstye Village, Corentyne last week.

The fire started around 22:00h and quickly engulfed the two-storey wooden and concrete structure. The building was unoccupied and was in a dilapidated state at the time.

According to an eyewitness, he was awakened by a loud noise and when he got up, he saw a ball of flame at the next door building. “Blair” (only name given) said he quickly raised

an alarm fearing that the flames would ignite the fuel tanks at the nearby Gas Station.

The Fire Service was called and responded promptly; however, upon arrival, the fire tender was without water.

Another tender from GuySuCo arrived and assisted in effectively controlling the fire, preventing it from spreading to the nearby Gas Station while the fire truck was getting water from the nearby canal, thus preventing a major catastrophe.

The former police station has been non-functional for some years now, and the building has deteriorated over the years.

According to residents the building was becoming a safe haven for “junkies” who would use the building as a smoking area.

Some are speculating that someone got high and left a smoking utensil lit, causing the fire while others are of the view that someone deliberately set the structure alight. Investigations are ongoing.

The transformation of East BerbiceCorentyne’s economic landscape has been linked to the construction of the multibillion-dollar Berbice River Bridge.

Region Six People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Faizal Jafarally made this pronouncement on Thursday as a motion was put to the National Assembly for the reduction of tolls at the Berbice River Bridge. After hours of heated debate, the Opposition passed the motion for the reduction of the tolls without the support of the Government.

Since its commissioning in December 2008, Ally argued that there have been greater movements of people and goods, while services have been expanded to meet the needs of the growing population.

“We have seen an expansion in businesses in Region Six and the creation of jobs,” Ally told the Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman in the presence of his colleagues on both sides of the House.

Positive changes

In his quest to make his case, the Region Six official said, prior to the commissioning of the bridge, A Ally and Sons, a popular commercial entity in the region, had only one store with 21 employees, but today it has three establishments with 125 employees. Similarly, J Supermarket had only one store with 19 workers, but it has since expanded to two locations with a workforce of 101 employees. “Arjune Poultry Supply had one outlet with 16 employees; today, they have three locations with 117 employees,” he added.

These are just a few of the many examples, he posited, boasting of the positive changes made in the commercial sector.

“Because of the Berbice River Bridge, the farmers at Mara, the farmers at Black Bush Polder, the farmers at Crabwood Creek, are given better prices, for their fruits and vegetables,” he contended.

Alliance For Change (AFC) MP, Dr Veersammy Ramayya has argued that the high cost of crossing the bridge has prevented persons from attending work and school, and has since created a great economic burden on the people of Berbice.

But the PPP/C MP rubbished this claim, pointing out that Banks DIH New Amsterdam has an employment base of 75 employees, with only one employee living on the opposite side of the bridge.

He said too that none of the 36 employees attached to the New Building Society in New Amsterdam is required to cross the bridge to attend work, while only five of the 230 Olendorf employees are required to cross the bridge to get home. Ally said of the Department of Education from Burlam to Edinburgh comprising 532 teachers, “not a single one of them cross the bridge”.

The Region Six official sided with his colleagues on the Government side of the House in withholding his support for the reduction of charges at the bridge. The Government has argued that the Berbice Bridge Company Inc is a private entity and any move to demand a reduction would infringe on that right. While the tolls are undoubtedly high when compared to other fares, the Government has said that tremendous investments have been made in the education, health and agriculture sectors.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has emerged as one of the most effective human resource strategies. Over the years, Guyana has adopted this strategy and has introduced it into the training institutions countrywide.

With a growing economy and increased industrialisation, the demand for highly skilled workers is necessary. One such institution that is producing talented youngsters in various skills is the Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre (UCITC). According to Principal Azad Sugrim, the institution, over the years, has produced highly skilled and motivated Engineers, Agricultural Mechanics, Computer Programmers and many more who have taken up places in top industries in Berbice and around the country.

He boasted of the students, who were able to build the furniture for the labs, equipment for the various teaching rooms, transform the landscape of the compound and set up the networking of the entire institution. Sugrim, explained that in light of more industries being opened in and around Guyana, TVET allows an individual to further their skills in the field of their choice.

Since its establishment in 2006, the UCITC has equipped over 800 young adults with the requisite skill set to enter in to the field of work and stamp their authority thereby maintaining a full time job. With eight qualified and highly experienced lecturers, the institution has played a critical role in preparing and instilling vocational training in the areas of Fitting and Machinery, Electrical Installation, Auto Electrical, Welding and Fabrication, Agriculture Mechanic, Masonry, Joinery, Carpentry and Information Technology so that young adults can get into the work

arena and be able to earn a decent salary at the end of the month.

With a catchment area of Moleson Creek to Rose Hall Town, the institute caters for the needs for both male and females students who are between the ages of 15 years six months and 18 years and have completed the Secondary School Competency Programme in order to gain entry. The programmes are designed to last one year full-time during which students receive both theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of their choice.

Upon completion of their programme, students will receive a certificate, providing they passed the examinations indicating that they

just recently the Centre earned second place in a volleyball competition played against Port Mourant Training Centre. In addition, the Principal related, the students are currently in the process of constructing a basketball court. A table tennis unit was also built.

Upcoming plans for the institution, include the introduction of a Home Management Programmethis programme will be opened to single parents and staff from the Tourism and Hospitality sector in and around the community

In addition, Principal Sugrim explained that they will seek to implement the competency based programme where each child will be given their own time

are semi-skilled in that discipline. If they continue into level two and successfully complete the programme, they will be considered a skilled person in the field of choice allowing them the opportunity to earn better pay.

The school currently has 130 students who are supervised by eight lecturers. During the holidays, trainees would be assigned to an organisation within close proximity to get firsthand work experience in their field that will better prepare them for the future and get a better understanding of the course materials.

When not working on their skills, students occupy their time participating in Volleyball Competitions,

and space to work instead of general classroom lectures. This, he said, is going to be a critical aspect in making the young adults grasp the course materials more completely. “If someone can go at a faster rate or lower rate we won’t stifle them, instead they will be able to move ahead or work at their own speed”.

The UCITC is also equipped with a fully functional Computer Laboratory and a Library with over 2500 books. Students of the centre are currently in the process of designing and making a beautiful set of furniture for the upcoming GuyExpo.

Truth Simply the

There was a letter in the press by a young man I quite admire: Mr Leon Suseran. He wrote about the blackouts that continue to plague Berbice. He made calls that went unanswered, but eventually got on to some person who was good enough to provide some kind of explanation.

Professor Daizal Samad

About two years ago, after 12-hour blackouts every day for a week, I called GPL. Politely, I gave the figures to the person who answered the phone. His impatient response was: “Hear man! Thanks for the statistics! But yuh don’t know dat Berbicians sleeping?” He hung up.

I have dedicated maybe three columns to the strange “workings” of GPL. Nothing makes a bit of difference. But I was quite impressed that some fellow offered some kind of explanation. GPL should seek him out for immediate promotion. It does not matter that no explanation can be offered for the numerous blackouts we Berbicians in Regions five and six have had to endure and continue to endure. The ONLY explanation is sheer thoughtlessness and incompetence.

I am tempted to tell Mr Suseran that he should not waste his time! Yet, all Berbicians that read the letter would nod in agreement with Leon. But what can we do? The GPL fellow I spoke to was right – Berbicians sleeping. But tiny as it is, the fact that Leon got a response means there is hope. Not hope in GPL, of course; but hope in the fact that the corporation has at least one employee that actually cares enough to provide an explanation: a pin prick of light in GPL’s deep, deep darkness.

Leon asked, rhetorically, when will the blackouts end? The answer is simple: blackouts will only end when the incompetence ends and when they learn that customer satisfaction is the foundation on which all businesses are built. Given the current (strange word to use here, I know) situation and chaps in charge, the blackouts will never end.

We actually read of some GPL big fellow complain that we ordinary folks lock our gates and that keeps his crews from checking meters! We the people are just inconsiderate! We should leave our gates open so that criminals at large may enter our yards and homes! Let us leave our doors open while we are at it too.

Meanwhile, I know of children who react in very worrying ways at each and every blackout. We have written before of the psychological damage or potential damage of these blackouts on our population. Of course, this stuff does not deserve discussion and research and action in Guyana! Not here!

But I have heard from parents who describe the reactions of the children to blackouts. Many of them freeze on the spot! They scream for parents! Their arms flay wildly in hysteria. It takes time to calm them down.

And then the next blackout comes – over and over and over and over. The hysteria gets worse, and this wears out even the most loving and dedicated parents. I dislike exaggeration except for jokes or teasing! None of this is exaggeration. Can someone please show us that they care even a little bit? Please.

As Guyana joined the rest of the world in observance of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) embarked on a programme to reduce HIV in the High Risk Community.

That community of lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) has recorded an increase in HIV infection as against a decrease in incidence of HIV in the general population over a number of years in countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.

To address this and as part of International Day Against Homophobia, the UNDP has implemented the project called ‘Unban Health and Justice Initiative’. As part of the project, a two workshop was held in New Amsterdam for persons who provide services to the LGBTI. The workshop which ended on Saturday targeted persons from civil society groups including the Municipality, teachers, nurses the Police and officials from the probation welfare department. United Brick Layers of New Amsterdam and Linden Care Foundation of the mining town of Linden were also represented.

UNDP Programme Analyst for Governance and Poverty Trevor Llewellyn Benn who facilitated the

workshop said a recent survey carried out by the UNDP revealed some of the issues affecting that group which may be the main contributing factor for the increase in instances of HIV.

This, he said, is as a result of persons of that community not having the kind of treatment that they deserve as human beings when they approach the various service agencies. “Such as health services and the Police service. In the case of the medical services, we are told that they are being taunted, jeered and discriminated when they go for services.”

As a result of this, many in that community are afraid to go for services and are not treated. “If you are not being treated properly and you continue to do the same things it means that the problem will get bigger.”

Benn noted that many of them are also afraid to go to Police stations because of discrimination. One gay who attended the workshop recounted that he was made to remove all of his clothes and dance for the officer on the counter of the enquiries office.

This type of action Benn added results in reluctance of persons in that community to seek assistance from the Police. “Of course on the other side, the Police and the nurses have complained that persons from that group are very aggres-

sive towards them.”

The workshop sought to bring together members of the two groups to try to understand the fears of each other and collectively work towards removing those fears with the hope that it will improve the relations between the two groups on a professional level.

“Hopefully in the long run this will help to bring down the incidents because they will be able to get proper treatment and their issues attended to,” the UNDP Programme Analyst explained.

The activity in New Amsterdam which was held at the New Amsterdam Town Hall attempted to train trainers in order that there can be a core of persons who can work in communities throughout the towns of New Amsterdam and Linden; the two towns that the programme targets.

According to Benn, the Unban Health and Justice Initiative programme will continue over the next few months with the main focus on Police and nurses. “So that they have specialised training to understand their roll a little better and hopefully over the long run we will have greater understanding and appreciation for the human rights of these individuals regardless of their life styles, regardless of their sexuality. We hope that in the long

Multimillion-dollar pump...

Also addressing the gathering, Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said during the period 1975-1985, many very important structures for drainage and irrigation were decommissioned for reasons that vary, and it was the onerous responsibility of the Government in the last two decades to put these back into operation.

“We will continue to invest in building our country through large and small infrastructural projects as every day we work to improve the lives of the citizens of our country… and this pump was designed and built specifically from scratch by a contractor and it is a huge investment by the Government of Guyana and other communities across the country will benefit from this initiative,” Dr Ramsammy stated.

He pointed out that Government will continue to make investments that will improve the lives of citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.

The Minister pointed out that oth-

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er pump stations are currently being built and some refurbished along the Corentyne Coast.

“As we speak, other stations on the Corentyne Coast are being put in place. We are enhancing the pump capacity in those places, at Bengal, at Number 66, Number 19 and other areas, we are putting in pumps, Gangaram.”

With these much-needed infrastructure in place, the Minister called on residents to play their role in alleviating the effects of flooding and poor drainage and irrigation.

Addressing the issue of garbage build-up in trenches and drains, the Minister called on residents to be more responsible.

“People have a responsibility, we also contribute to the problem. The amount of garbage in communities and drains, somebody puts it there so you need to ask yourselves who put it there... we will continue to work with you in communities, there are machine that are doing their work but it is all

run people will see them for what they are as human beings and give them the kind of treatment that they deserve,” Benn added.

Saturday marked the ninth annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) which is held in over 120 countries and impacting millions of lives. IDAHOT, as it is commonly referred to, is the largest LGBTI solidarity action in the world. Since IDAHOT 2013, an unprecedented amount of anti-LGBT fervour has taken place globally. From “don’t say gay” bills in Russia, to steeper criminal penalties in Uganda and Nigeria, to the reversal of advancements in India and Australia and so called “religious prosecution” defences in several states throughout the US, many affronts to gender and sexual minorities have taken place in just the last year.

Murders of transgender and homeless youth in Jamaica, further attempts at reparative therapies found in parts of Latin America, and anti-gay and racist insults thrown at football players in Eastern Europe are just some of the more visible attacks on these communities. Currently, 40 per cent of the world’s population still lives in one of the 81 countries where homosexuality is criminalised, including 10 that carry the death penalty.

our responsibility.”

The commissioning of the pump was also welcomed by the Region Six Chairman who called on residents to be appreciative of the developmental project, from which the region is benefitting.

The resuscitation of the pump station began in February 2013 and, was done by General Engineering and Supplies Services. Work done on the existing structure include the rebuilding of the pump house and installation of a new pump, which has a huge discharge capacity. Meanwhile, Rose Hall residents welcomed the initiative, saying it was a timely and much needed gesture by the Government.

Also present were the commissioning were National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chief Executive Officer Lionel Wordsworth, Region Six Chairman David Armogan and other top regional and Rice Producer Association officials.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation yesterday held its 25th Graduation ceremony where 85 persosn graduated in various disciplines such as Sewing, Food and Nutrition, Floral Arrangement, Cake Decoration and Cosmetology. The 10-week duration programme commenced on February 17 and concluded on April 25.

GuySuCo first launched the programme in 2009, and thus far 467 persons have benefited.

The graduates stated that they will utilise the skills learnt in meaningful ways and all they have learnt will benefit their family and the community. They also expressed gratitude to the Sugar Corporation for giving them the opportunity to empower themselves.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, while delivering the feature address, commended GuySuCo for taking the bold step of giving back to the community.

He said that it is remarkable that this is the 25th graduation: it shows that GuySuCo is in it for the long term.The Minister told that gathering that the Corporation has been involved in social development for a long time.

“In 1948, there was a riot at Enmore, where five persons were killed, many of you know them as the Enmore Martyrs. When these five persons were killed, it forced Bookers Corporation to form a Commission of Inquiry and out of that Inquiry, it was decided that the Estate need to provide more avenues for social growth and development. So, one of the things that the Sugar Estate did was to set up Community Development Centres so that more social activities can be done,” Minister Anthony said.

The graduation ceremony was dominated by women and as such, the Minister, challenged them to continue thriving for better and at the

It is crucial to learn to pick up on the energy around you. In other words, besides knowing who you are, it is also important to know how you feel when negative people are around you. Most people probably already know how to do this, but learning how to make it a conscious act and not just an unconscious reaction is important.

For example, think about how it makes you feel when you walk into a store where everyone is so friendly to a point where they do so much to engage you in casual conversation. On the other hand, think of another situation where you walk into another store where the mood is the opposite, very sour for example, that the assistants could hardly mumble the word hello to you and appear to engage in other activities than to engage with you.

It is important to know what your needs and desires really are. Many people do not do it, but it is important to take time to interpret what is important to you and to know what your likes and dislikes are and develop some sort of an idea of where you would like to see yourself in the future.

Not too many people like to write things down, but writing down the things you want to do on paper is key. But that’s only one thing, so pasting it on a spot where you can constantly remind yourself and stay focused is another thing to consider. Without any doubt this will be very helpful when times get tough and you feel the gripping desire to fall back into older negative habits. It’s like a motivator itself.

what others have to say, but don’t be swayed by what doesn’t fit with your needs and desires, or by what stops you from being true to yourself.

Stick to your own beliefs and be comfortable with yourself. The way people view you should be of no importance to you and the paths you follow in life. It is not uncommon to hear such comments as “My parents wanted me to become a doctor, so I did”, or “My partner wanted to go to live overseas, that is why I did”.

The message is, do not allow other people or their preferences to serve as your excuse for a lack of an internal moral compass and set of beliefs. Your confidence in your own beliefs will get you to where you want to be in life. Another thing to consider is to associate yourself with likeminded people.

same time implored the men to step up and be involved also.

He also told the women to be more involved, noting that though their responsibility is to their homes, much more can be done outside of the home to empower themselves.

“I think by giving you the kinds of skill, it will allow you to not be better just at home, but to also, if you want, to start a business or a job then its empowering you and that’s a very important thing.”

He further encouraged the women to form sports or social groups so as to come together and form social change.

Manager of Rose Hall Estate, Tribhowan Shiwprasad, in his address, said that GuySuCo is committed to social development so as to better improve the lives of its workers and the community at large.

“We can only realise the true potential of the estate if we nurture our community and society, what goes on in the community is a reflection of what goes on in the Estate. The production of the Estate depends on the attitude of the workers; for example, if they are happy they work better… so now the women can produce delicious meals and encourage the men to come out to work regularly.”

In addition to the skills training, GuySuCo Rose Hall Estate is also involved in promotion of sports and Karate. The Estate with the assistance from UGBC is currently making a library at the Community Centre where persons can access all reading materials and students sitting exams can utilize the services.

Shiwprasad stated that they already have some books but are open to donations. To this Minister Anthony pledged to donate 38 books from the Guyana Classic Collection to the library.

The important thing, however, is to know what you want in life and at the same time, remain open to hearing

Most of you will agree that no one is an island and we as humans are social creatures. You will attract people with a similar mindset when you focus on sustaining an optimistic mindset and refuse to dwell on the negativity. Do not be afraid to mingle with happy people, because it will help you to develop a healthy lifestyle.

New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court Man gets four years for ganja possession

George Kwame Green was on Thursday sentenced to four years in prison by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court for the possession of narcotics.

George Green of Islington Housing Scheme, Berbice was arrested on May 12 at the Islington Public Road by a party of Police ranks executing their routine patrol in the area at about 17:00h.

Ranks noticed the defendant acting in a suspicious manner. He was approached and searched. Police discovered a quantity of cannabis in the black bag Green had in his possession. The narcotic was weighed and amounted to 170g. When questioned, he admitted that the illegal substance belonged to him. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

Man on bail for giving Police false information

Meanwhile, RhyondaLee Archer, 51, of 20-21 Golden Fleece, West Coast Berbice, was on Friday placed on $20,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court for giving false information. It is alleged that on May 15 at about 16:00h, he made a report at the Weldaad Police Station stating that two unmasked and unidentified men, with two small

hand guns, held him up at gun point and robbed him of $700,000.

As a result, the Police visited the alleged scene at Golden Fleece, where they contacted and interviewed several residents, but received no useful information.

A search was subsequently carried out on Motor Car PFF 8227 belonging to Archer and the cash that the defendant claimed he was robbed of was found under

the driver’s seat.

He then changed his story and claimed that he setup the entire scenario as a result of him owing money to different people. He was arrested and placed into custody and charged.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence on Friday at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court and the case was transferred to the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court for May 22.

Residents of Moraikobai have for the past few months been without any source of electricity while Regional Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth says that there is nothing his regional administration can do at present to assist the people.

According to Bisnauth, Moraikobai is the only Amerindian village in the region which has for the longest while been without power due to a cut to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry’s budget.

He noted that this has left the administration helpless and even though he wishes to assist residents of the affected community, there is nothing that he can do at present since the non-approval of funds to the Ministry’s capital budget has severely affected critical developmental projects in not just the village but in some 187 Amerindian communities around the country.

It was only recently that Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai told media operatives that she was disheartened by the outcome of the recent budget and the stance taken by the Opposition as the disapproval will result in devastating impacts on not only Amerindians, but the country as a whole.

She noted that Moraikobai is one of the communities which will be most affected from those cuts to the Ministry’s budget.

In 2005, the village received its own generator which had supplied electrici-

ty on a scheduled basis to residents of the area through funding from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry. However, earlier this year, the power generator went down, throwing the community of over 1400 residents into discomfort.

Bisnauth said that since then, he has been seeking support for the funds to get power back to that community, but to no avail.

Bisnauth lamented that the nonsensical attitude of some members of the National Assembly, who were placed there to serve the citizens of the country, has now left many residents suffering instead.

It is on this note that Bisnauth is issuing a call on the combined Opposition to reconsider their decision and work with the ruling administration, so that a solution can be found to ease the electricity woes of the villagers.

Moraikobai, which is said to be approximately 123.6 square miles in area, had previously been described as one of the most developed Amerindian villages, with access to basic services such as health care, electricity, water and education. It is said to be more than 100 years old and is inhabited by mostly Arawaks.

Their main sources of livelihood are producing lumber, farming, hunting and handicraft.

Several roads in Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice have been upgraded under the Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP) and handed over to residents.

A total of 16 roads – with a combined length of 7km – have been upgraded to DBST along with the reshaping and regarding of 13km of roadside drains. Additionally four culverts have been constructed.

At the handing over of the streets to residents who will be responsible for taking care of them, Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali urged residents to ensure that the new roads are not abused. “As such, we will not allow roads to be used as race tracks, don’t dump garbage on the road shoulders and don’t allow trucks to drive on the road shoulders.”

To assist with this, speed bumps have been placed on the newly reconstructed roads.

CRIP is a US$18.7 million project, which, when completed, will see the construction of numerous community roads, amounting to 100 kilometres, some of which are funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the remainder by the Government. The project is being implemented by the Housing and Water and Local Government Ministries.

Project Coordinator Karen Roopchand explained that the Ministry has added CRIP to its agenda, to ensure that infrastructure in existing areas are on par with the new development. The goal of this project is to improve the livelihoods of people living in Regions Three, Four, and Six in selected communities by improving access to housing, education, health and other social infrastructure.

Sustainability is a key consideration under the CRIP; as such, one of its major components is the improvement of the

Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) which are the institutions responsible for maintaining the infrastructure. In that community, $3 million was spent to rehabilitate the Bath/Woodley Park NDC building.

Reflecting on the development in that community over the past 20 years, Minister Ali noted that there were red brick roads and not many houses in the community. “Today we have new housing schemes and DBST roads,” he reminded residents, while adding that they have a responsibility to understand and appreciate development.

More than 13,000 residents will directly benefit from the programme.

Meanwhile, a further $80 million will be spent on phase two and three of the programme, which will see further development in the community.

“It will improve the condition of selected tertiary roads in those regions with the aim of improving the institutional capacity of agencies responsible for maintenance of the roads and to maintain the integrity of the road after rehabilitation,” the Minister told residents.

Under the programme, cemeteries will be cleaned and their physical conditions improved. Minister Ali explained that the community will be responsible for providing the tools while Government will be responsible for paying the labourers.

The Bath Settlement project was part of a US$18.775 million which will see development in several NDC communities. Those targeted areas are Best Klien/Pouderoyen, Stewartville/Cornelia Ida, Tuschen/ Uitvlugt, Unity/Vereeniging, Haslington/ Grove, Enmore/Hope, Mon Repos/La Reconaissance, Industry/Plaisance, Grove/ Diamond, Rosignol/Zeelust, Bath/Woodley Park and Port Mourant/John.

Under the theme, “Transforming the Classroom for the Twentieth Century”, the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) held its annual career fair and open day last week at the lawns of the institution.

In delivering brief remarks, Region Six Regional Chairman David Armogan, who is also the Chairman of the institution’s Board of Directors said that NATI is the foremost institution in the region, in that it deals with technical and vocational education.

“ Therefore, it is incumbent upon this institution to ensure that they advertise whatever they are doing so that people become aware of the opportunities of training available there,” he said, pointing out that NATI is expected to provide technically trained people that are expected to fulfil the needs and desires of industries that are established within our locality.

To fulfil this mandate, Armogan posited that one has to be able to adapt to changing times as, in Guyana today, we operate in a very dynamic and changing environment, therefore any training institution that is bent on progress will have the need to change and embrace the reality of the current changes.

“NATI, as a dynamic institution, has been making strides and significant progress in the technical and vocational area... They are looking at opportunities available for training and to teach our youths to fill the needs of industry,” he stated.

Armogan went on to say that “In Guyana, we find that technical and vocational education is being boosted in an enormous way and this is as a direct result of the Government of Guyana fully understanding that this training is vital for us to grow and

core subject areas... vital for the development and plays an integral part of any training, system and organisation.” Choosing a career is not an easy task, he said, but stressed the importance of youths in chooseing a career at an early age because if you don’t have a goal you would not be going in any direction. Youths, he said, need to be schooled and to choose a proper career. One that is available in society and relevant to their country; one that generates enough income that will be able to sustain them for the rest of their lives and more importantly one that they like.

This year’s theme – “Transforming the Classroom for the Twentieth Century” – reflects the facility’s strong support for youth development through higher learning, and in line with this, Deputy Regional Executive Officer (REO) Imran Ally, in delivering the feature address, noted that today’s students need educators to re-envision the role of technology in the classroom.

He cited that developing a progressive technology-infused classroom environment is not about money; it’s about one’s mindset. To successfully implement such a programme, an educational institution must be led by a proactive leader who makes the needs of the 21st century learner a priority; deliberately empower teachers to innovatively craft digital learning experiences that promote discovery and creation; and establish a shared vision and unique plan for their students and teachers.

The one-day event showcased career opportunities available in the region for graduates from NATI and elsewhere and was lauded as a much needed initiative and a major success by parents and other members of the region.

The Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) has donated three trophies to the Fort Wellington Hospital to aid in the institution’s celebrations of Nurses Week this year.

The trophies were handed over on May 9, to the hospital in time for the celebration, which occurred on May 12 where nurses were honoured for outstanding performances and for working diligently beyond the call of duty.

The BBCI said it had received a letter dated April 8, from the Regional Health Officer, in care of the Fort Wellington Hospital requesting a donation toward the event. After verifying the information submitted and further communications between BBCI and the Regional Health Officer, the company decided to come on board “mainly due to the fact that nurses are a vital resource for health and as such, should be honoured for their continued commitment and dedication.”

The BBCI said it not only plays the role of collecting tolls and facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transiting the Berbice River, but discharges its corporate responsibilities and more importantly, plays an integral part in the development of education, sport, supports national events and makes donations to charitable and non-charitable organisations in close proximity of the bridge or in Regions Five and Six. The company had also sponsored events in other counties and as far as the hinterland.

As Guyanese and the Caribbean at large anxiously await the announcement of the team which will represent the West Indies in the upcoming series against New Zealand, Berbicians have cast their eyes on their five current test players with the hope that they will be given the opportunity to rise to the occasion and bring the winning trophy home.

They have all had their time of glory on the local scene but what matters the most now to them is the advancement of their career to even greater heights; an accomplishment which can become possible if they are chosen for the New Zealand tour.

The five Berbicians with current test status are leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, all rounder Narsingh Deonarine, middle-order batsman Assad Fudadin, left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul and opening batsman Sewnarine Chattergoon.

Many will argue that leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo should be awarded a spot on the team given the fact that he had taken nine wickets for 78 runs and six wickets for 71 runs against Trinidad and Tobago last month. In the said match, Bishoo also managed to score an impressive 52 runs.

He is a leg-spinner who has risen through the ranks since his debut in the 2008 season. Making his cut at the first-class level, he immediately began courting success, snaring four five-wicket hauls, and 10 in one series, in his first couple of seasons.

His attacking style of bowling created a major impact in the 2010 Caribbean T20 when he finished with 10 wickets in four

Already a part of the national table tennis team, Berbice’s top female junior table tennis player says she is working hard to become an internationally recognised tennis player.

Though Angeli Persaud of Corriverton started playing the game in September 2012, she has already become a force to be reckoned with. One can only wonder what great successes she can achieve if she continues on the path she is currently treading.

In November of last year, Persaud placed third at the Senior Female Berbice Open of the Souvenir Ramdyal Championships and was voted as the Most Improved Player.

After only six weeks of holding a tennis racket, the talented young lady participated in the 2012 Berbice Championships.

Luckily for her, there were only two players in her category and as faith would have it, after six weeks of playing, she became the female junior champion in Berbice.

The 16-year-old who attends Skeldon Linepath Secondary School related to Berbice Times that she had initially played cricket but made the switch out of curiosity. “I saw some friends just play-

games at the mean average of 8.20, conceding just 5.12 runs an over. However, since that impressive season, Bishoo has failed to live up to the expectations which were placed on him.

Thus far, he has played 11 test matches, with 40 wickets to his name at an average of 39.55 runs with his best figures being five for 90. Bishoo’s last test match was in 2012.

His performances this year playing for Guyana are as follows; one for 41 against Ireland, two for 42 against the Windward Islands, one for 37 and two for 82 against Jamaica, three for 96 against Barbados and match winning figures of nine for 78 and six for 71 against Trinidad.

Narsingh Deonarine was drafted into the West Indies Test side in March 2005.

A compact batsman and useful off-spinner, he has played 18 test matches scoring 725 runs at an average of 25.89 with a highest of 82, while he has also picked up 24 wickets. His last test was in December 2013.

Though many had and still have their hopes pinned on him, he has failed to impress in his recent matches representing the country. His scores in the last 10 matches were 58, 38, 0, 0, 0, 38, 0, 0 and 19, while his scores while playing for the West Indies this year were 3, 29 and 6.

A left-hand middle-order batsman, Assad Fudadin is a player whose talent was identified early. He was picked for the West Indies Under-15s in 2000 after which he spent a few years with the Guyana Under-19 before going on to represent the West Indies at the Under-19 World Cup in 2004. There

ing and I went and picked up the racket and asked if I can play. The coach asked me if I wanted to play, well I am the sporty type… I mean I like sports so I said yes, so he told me to come the next day…” Persaud related. She noted that little did she realise that her curiosity and actions of that day would have soon become her passion.

he made three half-centuries which assisted his side to gain entry into the finals.

Fudadin soon established himself in the Guyana senior side, becoming their leading runs maker in the domestic first-class tournament in 2009-10. His hard work and commitment earned him a spot on the West Indies A side which toured England in 2010 and a developmental contract from the board.

He was called up to West Indies squad for the Test series against Australia in March 2012 and toured England in May of that year, being picked for his debut in the third Test at Edgbaston. Since then, he has played three test matches making 122 runs at an average of 30.50. Fudadin’s last test was against New Zealand in 2012.His scores for his last 13 games representing Guyana were 51, 21, 4, 21, 23, 0, 12, 82, 22, 71, 8, 13 and 11.

A young, versatile player, Veerasammy Permaul is a left-arm spinner who began his career in cricket in 2002 as a hobby and 10 years later made his Test debut for West Indies in Bangladesh.

Permaul made his first-class debut for Guyana in the 2006-07 Carib Beer Series during which he picked up four wickets against the Windward Islands. However, he received his breakthrough two years later with a haul of 32 wickets at 23.93 in firstclass cricket, while he finished the 2011-12 season with his best return yet of 37 wickets at an average of 22.05.

This accomplishment earned him a call as second spinner, alongside Sunil Narine,

While Persaud is part of the national team, she is still to make it to the final four where she will be given the chance to represent her country in actuality; a feat she is trying to accomplish as soon as possible. “I want to represent Guyana and become not just a

for the West Indies’ tour of Bangladesh, where he made his debut in the 1st Test at Dhaka, taking four wickets to lead the West Indies to victory.

His last test was in December 2013 in which he grabbed two for 132 and made 20 with the bat.

Permaul proved his prowess with the ball at the local level this year, taking 29 wickets at an average of 20.64 per wicket with his best being seven for 49 against the Windward Islands. Many are of the view that he will be one of the players making their way to New Zealand come June.

Meanwhile, Sewnarine Chattergoon is a left-hand opening batsman who was called into the West Indies side after showing consistent form for West Indies A in the home series against England A in 2005-06. He scored 107 in the second four-day match and 81 in the first one-day match before he was sidelined by injury.

Chattergoon was added to the West Indies Test squad for their series against Sri Lanka in March 2008 and played his last test in December of that year.

After a series of poor performances this year, he was dropped from the local squad.

The questions now being asked by residents in the Ancient County are whether any one of them will be selected for the series which starts on June 8 against New Zealand and if any of them will be given the chance to represent their home side against Bangladesh in September when they tour the West Indies.

local player but an international player’, she says.

To realise her dreams, the young player says she has been working round the clock, putting in the hard work and dedication necessary so that her dreams do not remain just dreams, but that one day soon they can become reality.

In the gym, she has been described as a force by senior male club mates; all of whom have represented Berbice, including her coach and current Berbice champion Gigram Safraz.

The Skeldon Linepath

Secondary student told this publication that she will be sitting eight

subjects at this year’s CSEC and will also strive to perform at her best since she recognises the importance of a sound education.

Currently, Persaud has her eyes set on winning the Berbice Female Open this year; a feat which will see her having to defeat former national female Champions Desire Lancaster and Petal Brunette, both of whom she lost to last year.

The optimistic young woman is confident that she has the ability to accomplish the task by utilising her strong serve and backing it up with her defensive rallying.

Meanwhile, Gigram Safraz, Persaud’s coach, disclosed to Berbice Times that the young lady is determined, persistent and trains hard and he expects that she will soon be one of the top juniors in the country.

He is not only optimistic but also confident that the 16-year-old will take home the senior female Berbice title this year.

“Last year, she was not all that good but she put up a fight, but now as part of the national team, she will be exposed to training and also the opportunity to compete with the other national female junior players whenever there are trials”, Safraz reasoned.