—says hospital  gave no reason for terminating her contract

Former Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) paediatric surgeon Dr Marisa Seepersaud has spoken publicly about what she described as horrible treatment, saying she had been “slandered, devalued and discredited” despite choosing to return to Guyana to develop surgical services for children.

After that Facebook post prompted questions about why she had been fired, Seepersaud responded in a second post yesterday, saying her contract had been terminated without an explanation or a hearing.

“I was asked to stay and serve in this operating room, and several others in various parts of the world. I said no… because those rooms were not in GUYANA,” she wrote in the initial post.

“Had I known how horribly I would have been treated at home..slandered, devalued and discredited, I would have still made the same choice to return.”

Seepersaud said her commitment to Guyanese children remained, notwithstanding her experience.

“Lesser minds and overinflated egos DO NOT trump the needs of Guyanese children,” she wrote.

She cited her role in pioneering and building paediatric surgery, paediatric cardiac surgery, critical care, day surgery, minimally invasive surgery for children and child abuse systems, alongside teaching and mentoring healthcare workers.

“Guyanese children deserve timely, appropriate and competent surgical care,” she said, adding: “There is much more to come!”

In yesterday’s follow-up, Seepersaud said the earlier post had generated considerable interest and numerous messages and calls asking why she had been dismissed from GPHC.

“I actually don’t have an answer for that. I have not been given a reason. I was in the middle of my contract. There was no hearing. I have not received severance,” she wrote. She said she had received payment for 65 days of leave accumulated over the years.

Her account follows controversy over the termination of her contract and that of Dr Yala Gomez. 

Describing the circumstances in which she received the termination letter, she said she had returned home during the afternoon to prepare to be the inaugural guest speaker for a Caribbean surgical association.

Her presentation concerned strategies for improving surgical training and drew on her work with an international think tank and as an ambassador and content reviewer for SURGhub, which she described as the United Nations’ repository of global surgical training materials.

“With less than an hour to go before my talk, I was summoned by HR (Human Resources) and given a letter of termination. No explanation or reason. It was a shock to say the least,” she wrote.

Seepersaud said she had to put aside her emotions and rush home to address the international audience. During the introduction, she listened to her accomplishments being recounted while struggling to contain her feelings.

She said the presentation was well received, with questions and comments extending the scheduled one-hour session beyond 90 minutes. Mentors spoke of their pride in her and former trainees expressed gratitude for her contribution to their development.

“It felt good. Then I remembered that after my on-call ended at 8am tomorrow, I would have no job to go to. It was surreal…the juxtaposition was wild,” she wrote.

She said she then attempted to inform her surgical colleagues through their WhatsApp group, thanking them and asking that they support her team, but discovered she had already been removed. She instead sent messages to individual heads of department before informing her family.

Source: Kiskadee Watch

Dear Editor,

According to the United States Holocaust Museum, “The legal term “genocide” refers to certain acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Genocide is an international crime, according to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948). The acts that constitute genocide fall into five categories:

• Killing members of the group
• Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group
• Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction, in whole or in part
• Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group
• Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group  

Although the term “genocide” is often used, its commission is rare when compared to other serious crimes that are not defined by an intent to destroy a targeted group, such as crimes against humanity and war crimes.”

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is a part of the United Nations and has not issued a final ruling in the case brought by South Africa on the accusation of Genocide occurring in Gaza. As a candidate seeking to lead the United Nations, it is important that the position of this judicial arm of the UN be taken into consideration. Because of the definitive position taken by our nation’s candidate before the issuing of a final ruling, bias against Israel and its allies such as the U.S. can be implied. This has unfortunately led to the rejection of our candidate and the view she presented on behalf of our President. 

Being the leader of the UN requires strong diplomatic relationships and strong unbiased leadership. Balancing perspectives in very complex issues is important and allows for the prevention of conflicts and the resolution of ongoing conflicts. It is also important that personal religious beliefs do not compromise the required neutrality and impartiality that must exist in the leader of the UN before a final judgment is rendered by the ICJ. This is a must have for leading such a large and complex organization. The current structure of the United Nations caters for this complexity, and it is important that the organization within the UN with responsibility for determining which position the leader of the UN must support based on the facts presented in this case be allowed to make such a determination. Any indication of a predetermined position will be rejected by key members holding an opposing view and will be seen as premature. Unfortunately, the opportunity to remove this perception of bias was not capitalized on and our nation’s opportunity to lead a united world towards global peace has been significantly diminished. Going forward we must strengthen our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s diplomatic capabilities if as a nation we continue to strive for a stronger presence in the global leadership structure. 

Sincerely,

Mr. Jamil Changlee

Chairman

The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

Source: Kiskadee Watch

—importer’s request to return shipment remains unresolved

Surinamese authorities have begun unloading a seized shipment of 384.8 tonnes of Guyanese rice under police guard, while the importer seeks permission to return the cargo to Guyana.

Starnieuws reported on Saturday that 60 of the shipment’s 282 large bags were removed from the MV Falk on Friday and transferred to storage facilities belonging to Food and Agriculture Industries in Nickerie. Unloading at the Nieuw-Nickerie port is scheduled to resume today. 

The development follows a letter from businessman Bhagwatpersad Ramadhin asking Customs to withdraw his import document and permit the vessel to return to Guyana. The letter, received on October 9, cited mounting costs and the absence of permission from Suriname’s agriculture ministry.

Ramadhin stated in the letter that a judge had authorised the vessel’s departure at an October 8 hearing. However, Starnieuws reported that the proceedings ended after he withdrew his case, without a substantive ruling or permission for the vessel to leave with the cargo.

The State’s lawyer, Deepak Jairam, had opposed the vessel’s departure, citing alleged breaches of import requirements. 

Ramadhin had challenged the authorities’ intervention in court but subsequently withdrew the proceedings as costs continued to accumulate. An October 8 report carried by Suriname Nieuwssaid his lawyer estimated vessel costs at approximately US$35,000 and explained that uncertainty over the time needed to complete the agriculture ministry’s investigation had influenced the decision.

The lawyer also said the broken rice was intended for the poultry sector.

The dispute arose after the shipment arrived from Guyana for the B. Ramadhin Rice Factory in Nickerie. Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim told Starnieuws that the importer had failed to obtain the required advance approval from his ministry.

According to Noersalim, part of the rice had already been cleared by Customs and removed from the port before the missing approval was identified. That portion was subsequently ordered returned.

The shipment carried a phytosanitary certificate issued by Guyana’s National Plant Protection Organisation on September 29. Noersalim said, however, that certification from the exporting country did not replace the prior authorisation required by Suriname. 

The latest report indicates that the cargo remains under the control of the Surinamese authorities, with the importer’s request for its return unresolved.

Source: Kiskadee Watch

Twenty-nine companies have registered to travel to Guyana for a Canadian trade mission scheduled for October 19–21, according to the Canada–Guyana Chamber of Commerce.

The three-day programme will bring Canadian businesses together with Guyanese buyers, prospective partners and regulators, with a business forum followed by meetings arranged around delegates’ commercial interests, the chamber’s website states. 

The mission will open on October 19 with a forum at the Atlantic Suites Hotel in Georgetown. The published programme lists Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues to deliver the opening address, while Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar is scheduled to participate in a session on infrastructure.

Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer Peter Ramsaroop is listed to address investment opportunities and entry into the local market. The organisers note that speaker participation and some timings remain subject to final confirmation. 

KPMG representatives Simon Townend and Jack MacKenzie are scheduled to present a report on infrastructure, while the business panel lists ActionINVEST Caribbean’s Vishnu Doerga, Scotiabank’s Nafeeza Gaffoor and Shyam Nokta. 

On October 20, delegates are expected to participate in prearranged, 30-minute business meetings with Guyanese companies, industry partners and potential clients. The chamber says these meetings will be based on the participants’ identified business objectives.

The final day’s schedule remains under preparation, with the organisers encouraging meetings at businesses’ premises and visits to facilities.

The mission is targeting businesses in energy, mining, construction, infrastructure, financial and professional services, logistics, agriculture, food processing, technology and workforce development. Guyanese participants can attend the opening forum separately from the full mission, with tickets listed at $25,000 per person, including lunch.

Source: Kiskadee Watch

Guyana’s installed renewable energy capacity is projected to reach 77.14 megawatts (MW) by 2031, almost double the 38.72 MW reported for this year, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said on Thursday.

Addressing a ministerial dialogue during the 11th Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization Energy Week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Phillips said the projection was based on projects committed through 2031.

The figure mentioned by Phillips is small relative to the single US$2b, 300 MW gas-to-energy plant that the government hopes to inaugurate by the end of the year 

According to a release from his office, renewable energy projects and programmes implemented or committed between 2020 and 2026 represent investments of $37.717 billion. Installed renewable energy capacity increased from 5.35 MW in 2019 to 38.72 MW in 2026, a rise of approximately 623 per cent.

The initiatives outlined include 13 utility-scale solar photovoltaic farms, 57 solar mini-grids, three hydropower plants, 37,730 solar home energy systems and 239 rooftop solar systems on public and community buildings.

Phillips said natural gas would also play an important role in replacing the more carbon-intensive imported fuels used for electricity generation, improving energy security and supporting lower electricity costs. Renewable energy development and battery storage would continue to expand alongside this.

He urged regional governments to plan beyond their immediate generation requirements, warning that economic growth, industrialisation, urbanisation and digitalisation would significantly increase electricity demand.

“The energy system of the next decade must be more diversified, more resilient, more efficient, more digital and increasingly low carbon. This requires us to plan not only for today’s needs, but for the economy and society we expect to have 20 or 50 years from now,” he said.

The PM’s caution to the conference is ironic as Guyana is struggling to currently meet its peak demand.

Phillips outlined Guyana’s approach under the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which envisages a diversified energy supply incorporating natural gas, hydropower, solar, wind and other technologies.

He argued that the country’s expanding oil and gas industry and its commitment to low-carbon development could be pursued together.

“Guyana is an emerging oil and gas producer and, simultaneously, a country with approximately 85 per cent forest cover and a longstanding commitment to low-carbon development. We do not regard these realities as contradictory. Rather, our responsibility is to manage our natural resources strategically and sustainably, and to use them to accelerate national development and the transformation of our energy system,” he said. 

The Prime Minister also highlighted the potential of grid modernisation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence to improve demand forecasting, energy planning and predictive maintenance.

However, he cautioned that the increasing use of artificial intelligence and data centres would itself drive up electricity demand, requiring greater investment in cybersecurity, data governance and technical expertise.

Phillips said the energy transition must deliver practical benefits to communities, including reliable and affordable electricity, employment and opportunities for local businesses.

“We must ensure that hinterland, riverine and Indigenous communities, vulnerable households, workers and businesses are not left behind. This requires expanding access to reliable and affordable energy, creating opportunities for local employment and enterprise, investing in skills and technical capacity, and ensuring meaningful community participation in energy development,” he stated.

Source: Kiskadee Watch

Gabrielle Felix and Anjaneysa Godette each finished with four titles, while Mishka Beharry collected three, as Guyana’s young female players delivered strong performances at the National Junior Badminton Tournament.

The competition ended on Saturday, October 10, at the National Gymnasium, completing three days of action involving 79 players and 22 events across five age groups.

Felix defeated Cathalina Wong 21-6, 21-10 to win the Under-17 girls’ singles. She also claimed the division’s doubles titles with Harshini Muralidharan and Ruel Rambiriche, before joining Beharry for a commanding 21-1, 21-3 victory over Eyota Adams and Brianna Morgan in the Under-19 girls’ doubles final.

Godette beat Vaishnavi Natarajan 21-9, 21-10 in the Under-13 singles final, then shared the girls’ doubles crown with her. Her partnership with Joel Rambiriche produced mixed doubles titles at both Under-13 and Under-15 levels.

Beharry completed her own treble by defeating Muralidharan 21-5, 21-7 in the Under-19 singles final and winning the mixed doubles alongside Christopher Jordan.

Ruel Rambiriche and Caleb Tan matched Felix and Godette with four titles apiece. Rambiriche won the Under-17 and Under-19 boys’ singles, Under-19 boys’ doubles and Under-17 mixed doubles. Tan secured the boys’ singles and doubles crowns in both the Under-13 and Under-15 divisions.

Wong claimed the Under-15 girls’ singles and doubles, while Lucy Leo achieved the same double at Under-11 level. Nathan Henry and Eon Williams won the Under-17 boys’ doubles final 21-18, 21-15 against Egan and Ethan Bulkan.

The National Sports Commission sponsored the GBA-organised tournament. The association thanked everyone involved and pledged to continue strengthening grassroots badminton and creating opportunities for young players.

Category winners

•⁠  ⁠Under-11: Girls’ singles — Lucy Leo; girls’ doubles — Alseena Riorti and Lucy Leo.

-Under-13: Boys’ singles — Caleb Tan; girls’ singles — Anjaneysa Godette; boys’ doubles — Joel Rambiriche and Caleb Tan; girls’ doubles — Anjaneysa Godette and Vaishnavi Natarajan; mixed doubles — Joel Rambiriche and Anjaneysa Godette.

•⁠  ⁠Under-15: Boys’ singles — Caleb Tan; girls’ singles — Cathalina Wong; boys’ doubles — Ethan Bulkan and Caleb Tan; girls’ doubles — Neeharika Shetty and Cathalina Wong; mixed doubles — Joel Rambiriche and Anjaneysa Godette.

•⁠  ⁠Under-17: Boys’ singles — Ruel Rambiriche; girls’ singles — Gabrielle Felix; boys’ doubles — Nathan Henry and Eon Williams; girls’ doubles — Gabrielle Felix and Harshini Muralidharan; mixed doubles — Ruel Rambiriche and Gabrielle Felix.

•⁠  ⁠Under-19: Boys’ singles — Ruel Rambiriche; girls’ singles — Mishka Beharry; boys’ doubles — Christopher Jordan and Ruel Rambiriche; girls’ doubles — Mishka Beharry and Gabrielle Felix; mixed doubles — Christopher Jordan and Mishka Beharry.

Source: Kiskadee Watch

A 28-year-old man died after sustaining a neck injury during an altercation at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, on Saturday night, police said.

Police identified him as Romel Toney, of Kairuni, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and said they are investigating the incident as a murder.

According to preliminary information released by police, Toney was involved in an altercation with another man at about 9 pm on October 10, during which he sustained the injury. He subsequently died.

Police said investigations into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

Source: Kiskadee Watch

—tributes begin today at Congress Place

The funeral of former PNCR leader and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin will be held on Thursday at St Andrew’s Kirk, Georgetown, followed by cremation at Ruimzigt, West Coast Demerara.

According to a published schedule of activities, commemorations for Corbin, who died on October 4 at the age of 78, will begin today at Congress Place, Sophia.

A cultural programme, entitled “Salute to the Comrade,” is scheduled for 5 pm and will mark the opening of books of condolence. An evening of reflections and a wake will follow at 7 pm.

A further wake will be held on Wednesday, October 14, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Railway Embankment Road, Liliendaal, from 6.30 pm. The programme describes this as an evening of celebration, reflections and tributes by family, friends and colleagues.

Thursday’s farewell activities will begin at Congress Place from 8 am to 9 am, followed by Parliament Buildings, Brickdam, from 9.30 am to 10.30 am.

Tributes and the funeral service at St Andrew’s Kirk, Avenue of the Republic, are scheduled for 10.45 am to 1 pm. Cremation will take place at 2 pm at the Kaashi Dhaam Crematorium, Ruimzigt Foreshore.

The committal and interment of his remains will be held in Linden on Saturday, October 17. Departure from Georgetown is scheduled for 8 am, with arrival at 36 Stewart Path, Christianburg, at 10 am. A walk to St Matthew’s Presbyterian Church will begin at 11 am.

A service of commendation and committal will be held at the church from 11.30 am to 12.15 pm. This will be followed at 12.30 pm by the committal of ashes in the Demerara River, between the mouths of the Muraru and Katabulli creeks. Interment of remains at the family gravesite in the Christianburg Scots Church Cemetery is scheduled for 1.30 pm.

Corbin assumed leadership of the PNCR following the death of Desmond Hoyte and was elected leader at a special congress on February 1, 2003. He was succeeded by David Granger in July 2012. 

Source: Kiskadee Watch