Tag: region 9

Family of three die in Lethem accident

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Jagnarine Stephen, a 23-year-old motorcyclist, his 24-year-old wife, Kyrea Stephen, and their two-year-old daughter, Laurel Stephen, lost their lives in an accident at around 11:20 hrs on Sunday on the Pirara Trail Road, Central Lethem, Region Nine.

The family, from Yakarinta Village, North Rupununi, was travelling on a red and black motorcycle when they were struck by minibus BAC 8020, owned by Shawn Pedro of Tabatinga, Lethem, and driven at the time by Darwell Bernard, a 34-year-old resident of Katoka Village.

According to police enquiries, the minibus was proceeding north along the Pirara Trail at about 50 km/h when, while negotiating a turn, it collided with the motorcycle, which was heading in the opposite direction at a fast rate.

The impact threw the family from the motorcycle, causing them to fall onto the trail and sustain multiple injuries. An Emergency Medical Team from the Lethem Hospital was summoned and arrived shortly afterwards with an ambulance and the doctor on duty. The motorcyclist and his two-year-old daughter were pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife, who was unconscious, succumbed to her injuries while being transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital.

The bodies were taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital mortuary for storage, pending post-mortem examinations.

The minibus driver was arrested and placed in custody. Two breathalyser tests were conducted, both of which showed no trace of alcohol. Investigations are ongoing.

Caroline Atkinson of Aishalton Village turns 100

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Caroline Atkinson, a beloved matriarch of Aishalton Village in the South Rupununi, on Monday celebrated her 100th birthday — a remarkable milestone that reflects a life rooted in family, faith, and service to community.

Born in Aishalton to Salvador and Caridad Atkinson, Caroline is the eldest of five siblings, the South Rupununi District Council said.

She spent her early years in Wichabai before returning to her home village, where she raised her family and remains a cherished figure to this day.

Caroline was married to the late Henry Winter, the longest-serving toshao of Aishalton, who held the leadership role for 16 years. Together, they raised nine children: Eric, Elizebeth, Leona, Jeana, Patsy, Clara, Margaret, Benedict, and Kim. Her legacy now spans five generations, including 48 grandchildren, 109 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Well-known for her warmth and strength, Caroline is fondly remembered for preparing traditional meals like shebey, kari, and porridge for vaqueros during morning cattle roundups. She accompanied her husband on village leadership duties, including a proud moment meeting Queen Elizabeth in Georgetown — an encounter she recalls with joy.

Dubbed the “First Lady of Aishalton” in her time, Caroline treated every resident with kindness and dignity. Even at 100, she remains vibrant — hearing, seeing, and walking with strength, and recognising the voices of her loved ones.

A devout Christian, she attributes her longevity to her unwavering faith in God. Her daily coffee chats with family — at any hour — have become a treasured tradition passed down through the generations.

Reflecting on her milestone birthday and her large, close-knit family, Caroline shared a simple but powerful message: “It feels great. I’m happy and grateful to live to see this day — to watch my family come together, grow, and love each other even more.”

Her advice to younger generations is equally inspiring: “Believe in yourselves and live by belief.”

Caroline’s life continues to be a beacon of strength and grace for her community and family. The South Rupununi District Council joins her loved ones in celebrating this exceptional woman and the century of wisdom she represents. (South Rupununi District Council)

Annai residents no longer have to travel long distances for medical care

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Residents of Annai and surrounding villages in the North Rupununi, Region Nine, will no longer have to travel long hours to the Lethem Regional Hospital or the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to access health services, as the new, modern Annai District Hospital was commissioned on Friday.

For the very first time, surgical procedures will be conducted today at the hospital by a team of 11 medical professionals from GPHC over the next two days. Residents will also benefit from a wide range of medical services.

Trenton Robertson, a resident of Annai, recalled how difficult it was to travel to the Lethem Regional Hospital to receive medical care. He shared that residents usually had to pay $6,000 for transportation to Lethem.

“It was really hard for us. We had to travel far. We used to pay $6,000 for the round trip to Lethem Regional Hospital. But now that we have this, it has become easier. I’m glad to see the ambulance that was provided to us. This is very good—what our president is doing for Annai village,” Robertson told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Nurse-in-Charge at the Annai District Hospital, Camilla Johnnie, stated that transitioning the Annai Health Centre into a district hospital is a major step toward improving healthcare access for residents.

“When I came here in 2021, it was a health centre. It was difficult for us to go to Lethem. At that time, we didn’t have any transportation or ambulance,” she said.

Nurse Johnnie explained that the opening of the hospital has also eliminated the need for patients, especially those from riverine areas, to be referred to Lethem for medical services.

“Residents used to cry out that it was difficult for them, since they had no financial support or relatives in Lethem to stay with when they were discharged. I feel really happy for the people of this district that they no longer have to go far,” she added.

“This is a new step forward for the healthcare team at the Annai District Hospital. It gives us more space, equipment, and resources to provide quality nursing care to the patients we serve.”

Eleanor Joel, a resident of Annai Central, said the new facility will provide a comfortable space for residents from riverine villages such as Crashwater, Rewa, and Apoteri to receive medical care and treatment.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the community Benab in Rupertee, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony stated that the hospital’s opening clearly demonstrates the progress achieved in delivering efficient healthcare to remote communities.

“In the past, people used to leave Region Nine, cross the Takutu Bridge, and go to Brazil to get medical care. That was the trend for many years. Today, because of the quality of healthcare on our side of the border, we are seeing the traffic going the other way. That is why people are coming to us. It is a testament to the quality of healthcare professionals at the Lethem Regional Hospital,” he said.

Minister Anthony stated that nearly $36 million was invested in upgrading and modernizing the Annai District Hospital. An additional $76 million was spent on the hospital’s surgical theatre and relevant medical equipment. The government also invested $14 million to retrofit the laboratory facilities and another $14 million for a new storage bond.

Approximately $28 million was used to build staff quarters, and another $48 million will be spent to furnish them. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and an $18 million ambulance were also provided to the hospital to improve transportation access.

Additionally, a new X-ray machine costing about $60 million has been procured and will soon be installed at the facility.

Minister Anthony concluded by stating that close to $236 million has been spent on the Annai Hospital over the years. “We are making big investments in the region. We are making investments in the people. We want people to be healthy. If you have facilities like this, it is going to help people stay healthy. When they’re sick, they can now come here and get the services they need. People now have a place to receive treatment.”

In total, investments amounting to more than $450 million have been spent to advance healthcare in this sub-region over the last couple of years. (DPI)

Greater access to secondary education in Region Nine

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Students in Region Nine will now have greater access to secondary education through the commissioning of two new secondary schools in Yupukari and Katoka.

Schools are also being constructed in Karasabai, Tabatinga, Maruranau, Nappi, and Massara. These, along with the newly commissioned schools in Yupukari and Katoka, represent the addition of seven secondary schools within the last five years in a region that previously had only four.

This development will create 2,500 new secondary school places, giving students the opportunity to progress from Grade Nine to CXC, and eventually on to university—opportunities that were previously unavailable to children in these areas.

Yupukari Secondary School will serve approximately 200 students from Yupukari and neighbouring communities such as Fly Hill, Quatata, and Kaicumbay. Meanwhile, Katoka Secondary will cater to the children of Katoka and the nearby satellite community of Sa-mo-ni.
These schools will significantly reduce the need for students to travel long distances or reside in dormitories at St. Ignatius Secondary School in order to access secondary education.

Prior to the opening of the schools, President Irfaan Ali met with members of the community, where he emphasised the importance of ensuring that every child is given equal opportunities.
Students within the communities welcomed the new schools with open arms and heartfelt gratitude.

The commissioning of these facilities reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind. It is part of a broader strategy to eliminate educational inequities between the coastland and hinterland regions.