November 11th, 2024

*The following articles were summarized using AI. The following audio was generated using a speech-synthesis software.

Fact of the day

When you look up at the stars with the naked eye, you're actually peering into the past—sometimes thousands of years back. This is because the light we see from stars has traveled across vast distances to reach us. Since light travels at about 299,792 kilometers per second (or about 186,282 miles per second), it takes time for light to move from one place to another, even within our galaxy. This delay is called "light travel time."

For example, a star 4,000 light-years away means the light we see left that star 4,000 years ago, around the time of the ancient Egyptian civilization. The Great Pyramid of Giza, for instance, was completed around 2560 BCE, which is within that 4,000-year window. This phenomenon occurs because light, while incredibly fast, is not instantaneous, and stars are often located thousands of light-years from Earth.

Without a telescope, our eyes can only detect stars that lie within about 4,000 light-years, the brightest of which are mostly stars in our Milky Way galaxy. When using a telescope, however, we can observe galaxies and stars that are millions or even billions of light-years away, allowing us to see cosmic events that occurred long before Earth even existed.

In a way, stargazing without a telescope gives us a "snapshot" of the universe as it was during some of humanity's earliest civilizations, like ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Jokes of the day

• I know they say that money talks, but all mine says is “Goodbye.”

• My wife and I laugh about how competitive we are. But I laugh more.

• Why did the car get a flat tire? Because there was a fork in the road.

Highlights

1. AG to Enforce Legal Costs Owed by Brutus and Wife

2. Bar Association’s Revival from Silence to Advocacy

3. Justice Ononaiwu Highlights Guyana’s Role in Caribbean Community Law

4. Pedestrian Dies in Early Morning Collision at Cornelia Ida

5. President Ali Honors Fallen Heroes on Remembrance Day

6. Mazaruni River Boat Collision Claims Life of Kangaruma Man

7. Tarlogie Model Farm Launched to Boost Sustainable Agriculture in Guyana

8. Salt’s Century Leads England to Victory Over West Indies in T20 Series Opener

9. Persaud Sets Record Pace for ENet Caribbean Clash Showdown

10. Jos Buttler’s 83 Powers England to Series Lead Over West Indies

    
    
    
    

Government and Law

AG to Enforce Legal Costs Owed by Brutus and Wife

Calvin Brutus and his wife, Adonika Aulder, recently withdrew another legal action in the High Court against the Special Organised Crime Unit, Commissioner of Police, and Attorney General. The action, filed on August 19, 2024, sought orders to unfreeze their bank accounts. Previously, Justice Gino Persaud dismissed another of their cases, ordering them to pay GYD 250,000 each to the respondents. The six-week deadline for these payments has passed, and if unpaid, the Attorney General’s Chambers intends to recover these costs through legal means.

Bar Association’s Revival from Silence to Advocacy

At the recent Bar Dinner in Georgetown, Bar Association President Kamal Ramkarran reflected on the organization’s transformation since 2017, emphasizing its evolution from a silent body to an active advocate for justice. Once passive, the Association now engages closely with the judiciary and government, addressing legal issues through public interest litigation and policy review. Notably, the Bar opposed an unlawful Georgetown City Council decision and publicly protested the unjust detention of a lawyer. Ramkarran underscored the importance of inclusivity, support for young lawyers, and the rising prominence of women in the field. His message emphasized unity, dialogue, and collective progress.’

Justice Ononaiwu Highlights Guyana’s Role in Caribbean Community Law

During the 44th Annual Bar Dinner in Georgetown, CCJ Judge Chantal Ononaiwu emphasized Guyana’s pivotal role in the Caribbean legal landscape. As the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters, Guyana is integral to advancing the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). Justice Ononaiwu noted that while the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas holds significant legal weight, few lawyers in the region are adequately versed in its provisions. She advocated for CARICOM law to become a standard part of Caribbean legal education, suggesting mandatory courses and accessible training for attorneys. Justice Ononaiwu urged legal professionals to integrate community law into practice, strengthening regional unity and prosperity.

Pedestrian Dies in Early Morning Collision at Cornelia Ida

A tragic accident in Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, claimed the life of forty-seven-year-old Sherwin Decunaj early Sunday morning. Around twelve-ten a.m., Decunaj, from Den Amstel, ran across the road into the path of a vehicle driven by Raschad Adal. Emergency responders transported him to Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A breathalyzer test showed Adal had no alcohol in his system, but his vehicle was impounded for inspection. The investigation continues with Adal assisting the police.

President Ali Honors Fallen Heroes on Remembrance Day

President Irfaan Ali led a solemn Remembrance Day ceremony at Georgetown’s Cenotaph to honor those who sacrificed their lives for peace and justice. Addressing a crowd that included diplomats and national leaders, Ali highlighted the importance of reflecting on their contributions and called for continued dedication to peace. Wreaths were laid by President Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, and Chief of Defense Staff Omar Khan. A moment of silence and hymns closed the event, emphasizing the lasting importance of unity and respect.

Crime and Security

Mazaruni River Boat Collision Claims Life of Kangaruma Man

In a tragic collision on the Mazaruni River, thirty-four-year-old Davenand Williams from Kangaruma Village lost his life. The incident occurred near Fish Pond, involving a jet boat captained by Odil Cozier and a wooden boat with Williams and James McKenzie onboard. Despite Cozier’s attempt to avoid the wooden boat, a collision ensued, capsizing Williams' vessel. Williams suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at Issano Landing, while McKenzie sustained injuries and is in stable condition. An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to this incident.

Agriculture and Development

Tarlogie Model Farm Launched to Boost Sustainable Agriculture in Guyana

The Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, inaugurated a new Model Farm in Tarlogie, East Berbice Corentyne, costing GYD 14 million. Funded by the Sustainable Agriculture Development Project and the Inter-American Development Bank, this farm aims to promote sustainable practices and draw young people into modern agriculture. Mustapha emphasized the importance of local food production, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis. The farm supports CARICOM’s goal to cut the food import bill by 25 percent by 2025 and includes facilities for research in climate-smart practices. The farm’s features include shade houses, swine pens, and vermicomposting huts.

Sports

Salt’s Century Leads England to Victory Over West Indies in T20 Series Opener

Phil Salt’s explosive unbeaten century propelled England to an eight-wicket win against West Indies in the opening T20 match in Barbados. Salt scored 103 off 54 balls, securing England’s pursuit of 183 runs with 19 balls remaining. Despite Captain Jos Buttler’s early dismissal, Jacob Bethell’s 58* supported Salt’s efforts, setting the record for the highest T20 chase at Kensington Oval. West Indies managed a respectable 183-9, thanks to Gukadesh Motie’s 33-run boost. Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid led England’s bowling attack with four and three wickets, respectively. The next match is scheduled at the same venue.

Persaud Sets Record Pace for ENet Caribbean Clash Showdown

Championship leader Vishok Persaud claimed the top spot in Group 4 (2WD) at the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions, achieving an unofficial lap record of 1:16.084s in qualifying. American competitor Quinlan Lall closely followed, setting up a thrilling race. Other standouts included Denzel Hopkinson in Group 4 (4WD) and British rider Dan Linfoot, who set a new track record of 1:15.534s in the Superstock A Class. Guyana’s Sharima Khan made a return to racing after a five-year hiatus. The first official race kicks off Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Jos Buttler’s 83 Powers England to Series Lead Over West Indies

England captain Jos Buttler scored a powerful eighty-three from forty-five balls, securing a seven-wicket win against West Indies in the second T20. After Phil Salt’s early dismissal, Buttler’s partnership with Will Jacks led to a quick chase of West Indies’ one hundred fifty-eight total. England now leads two-nil in the five-match series. Despite early struggles, Rovman Powell and other lower-order players helped West Indies to a competitive score. England’s bowlers, including Saqib Mahmood, dominated, with Dan Mousley achieving his maiden international wicket. The series now moves to St. Lucia.