Tag: support

Massy supports national road safety efforts

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Massy Group IRP has repainted five pedestrian crossings in high-traffic areas across Guyana as part of a road safety initiative, the company said on Sunday.

The crossings, located in Montrose, Plaisance/Sparendaam, West Ruimveldt and Queenstown, Essequibo, were repainted under the theme “Making Community Spaces Safer – Pedestrian Repainting One Step at a Time.”

More than 80 employees from Massy’s Montrose, Essequibo, Bermudez and Massy Stores branches, along with interns from its ACCESS Internship Programme, took part in the activity.

Police officers provided traffic management and on-site support during the repainting. In return, Massy donated traffic cones, reflective vests and wands to the West Ruimveldt, Plaisance/Sparendaam and Cove and John police stations on August 13, and to the Anna Regina Police Station on August 11.

“At Massy, we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. Through initiatives like these and by working hand-in-hand with our local authorities, we are proud to play a role in creating safer environments for everyone,” said David Dharamraj, Chief Financial Officer – Massy Distribution Guyana Inc.

Ambassador Theriot: US will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Guyana

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The United States continues to fully support Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is urging investors not to be deterred by Venezuela’s sabre-rattling, US Ambassador Nicole Theriot said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Theriot made clear that the US remains Guyana’s strongest economic partner and will not waver in its support.

“Maduro’s rhetoric is inflammatory and unacceptable,” she said, referring to recent actions and statements by the Venezuelan government regarding the Essequibo region. “But at the end of the day, it is just bluster aimed at shoring up domestic support. It should not affect Guyana’s investment climate or readiness to do business.”

The Ambassador said this is the message she and her team consistently deliver to American firms exploring business opportunities in Guyana. “That is exactly what I and Daniel and our entire team tell every US investor that comes to Guyana or that is interested in doing business here,” she affirmed.

“No amount of bluster or sabre-rattling changes the fact that the United States will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Guyana in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ambassador Theriot emphasised.

The Ambassador also condemned Venezuela’s decision to proceed with what she described as “so-called elections” in the Essequibo, despite provisional measures by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “We are extremely unhappy that they made that ill-advised decision to go ahead and move forward,” she said, noting that a “very strongly worded tweet” from the U.S. State Department would soon make the US position unmistakably clear.

She described recent attacks by Venezuelan criminal group Sindicato on Guyanese Defence Force patrols in the Cuyuni area as “acts of aggression”, and said, “The United States stands ready to support the GDF in its effort to eradicate this activity along Guyana’s frontier and to ensure the safety and security of Guyana’s people.”

Theriot also praised the PSC for its role in national development and the growing U.S.-Guyana economic relationship, calling the partnership “rooted in shared democratic values, mutual respect and a common vision for a secure, prosperous and democratic Guyana.”

She pointed out that the US remains Guyana’s largest trade and investment partner, with thousands of American firms engaged locally across sectors ranging from energy and agriculture to education and security.

“The PSC plays such a pivotal role in strengthening the economic ties between the United States and Guyana,” she said, adding that the private sector body helps to “promote a transparent predictable regulatory environment that welcomes US and international investment.”

The envoy also highlighted the importance of stable governance for economic growth, referencing past tensions surrounding elections. “We learned valuable lessons that we will apply this year to help ensure elections are free and fair and the people of Guyana can trust the electoral process,” she said.

Big relief for parents: Distribution of ‘Because We Care’ grant commences today

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Students in Regions Seven and Nine are set to benefit from the rollout of the $55,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant distribution, which commenced today.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand, in a statement today, reassured that students in other regions of Guyana will receive their grants within the next month.

Every school-aged child will receive a $55,000 cash grant and a $5,000 uniform voucher.

“But the entire country will be served within about one month to five weeks, and I’m looking forward to all of you—parents and families—receiving this so that you can better prepare your children for school in September. We have seen increased retention and attendance. We believe this initiative has been a great relief to parents, and we are very happy to bring this to you. So, see you in Regions Seven and Nine this week. Remember to take along your ID cards, passports, or driver’s licence, or have someone in the village or school identify you if you do not have an ID card,” she noted.

Minister Manickchand, speaking with the media recently, reminded that the eligibility criterion is that the child must be on the school’s register, which must be verified by the region’s education department and the Central Ministry.

In cases where a parent or guardian is unavailable to collect the grant, an authorisation letter may be presented.

She assured that the process will be extremely smooth and encouraged parents and guardians to pay attention to announcements made by the ministry to stay updated with distribution schedules.

Minister Manickchand also indicated that there are more available collection locations for the distribution this year and assured that strict security measures will be in place to ensure safety.

She added that the ministry has the full cooperation of the police, as well as private security services, which will help ensure the process is conducted safely across all 10 administrative regions.

The minister reiterated that the ministry will ensure that every eligible child receives the grant before the start of the new school term.

ERC calls on all to support fight for reparations

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Shaikh Moeenul Hack, has issued a call for everyone to be involved in advancing the cause of people of African descent.

He made the appeal while delivering remarks at the United Nations Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, which is being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 14 to 17 April.

“With a population comprising more than 30 per cent of people of African descent, Guyana continues to call for justice through reparations — justice as accountability for centuries of slavery, exploitation, and the negative legacy of colonialism. Reparations are also about recognition of the pain, the displacement, and the generational trauma inflicted by slavery. It is also about healing and reconciliation, which form the foundation for lasting peace. Our Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ten Point Plan for Reparatory Justice outlines tangible steps forward. Among others, it calls for investment in public systems to address the long-term effects of structural underdevelopment and urges education reform and cultural renewal,” the ERC Chairman said.

In a statement issued earlier today, the ERC noted that it has consistently addressed complaints from all races and ethnicities in a fair and transparent manner, including those from African Guyanese.

The commission stated its strong belief that, to holistically address injustices such as reparations, the African community needs the support of all, regardless of ethnicity, to advocate for justice for the crimes of slavery imposed on the ancestors of African descent.

The commission also highlighted its ongoing efforts to prioritise African culture and issues, citing its participation in Emancipation observances, provision of training on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the development of a Glossary of Terms to eliminate the use of derogatory language towards African Guyanese and all other ethnic groups, among other initiatives.

Additionally, the commission reiterated that the call for reparations is not about charity, but about justice.

The forum is being hosted under the theme: “Africa and People of African Descent: United for Reparatory Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

US medical team to provide ‘invaluable service’ during two-week visit 

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The US Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) will be in Guyana for two weeks providing key medical services to locals.

During its time in Guyana, the team will deliver high-quality medical, surgical, ophthalmological, and dental care at some of the country’s main hospitals.

The team will do work at the Port Mourant Hospital, the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, the West Demerara Regional Hospital, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and the Cheddi Jagan Dental School.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, noted that the ministry’s goal was to expand the mission beyond the capital city, successfully incorporating hospitals in Regions Three and Six as part of the scheduled sites for the team’s operations.

Minister Anthony further highlighted that the collaboration has significantly strengthened healthcare capacity, particularly in areas such as vascular surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, and general surgery.

He emphasised that the initiative provides local healthcare professionals with opportunities to learn new techniques and enhance their skills.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Adrienne Galanek, stated that “this regional initiative will utilise and provide over $1 million in medical supplies alone and offer invaluable medical services.”