November 12th, 2024

*The following articles were summarzied by AI. The audio transcripts were generated using an audio language synethesizer.

Fact of the day

The distinctive “new car smell” is created by a combination of over 200 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from materials like plastics, adhesives, and fabrics used in car interiors. This complex mix of chemicals includes hydrocarbons like benzene and toluene, which can be toxic in high concentrations and have been linked to health issues such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation. Benzene, for example, is a known carcinogen, while toluene exposure can affect the nervous system. Although these VOCs are released in small amounts and typically dissipate over time, extended exposure in enclosed spaces, especially in warmer conditions, can heighten the concentration of these compounds, posing a risk to vehicle occupants.

Joke/Inspiration of the Day

An American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The fisherman replied that it only took a little while. The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish. The fisherman said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, señor."

The American scoffed. "I am a Wharton MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then L.A., and eventually New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But señor, how long will this all take?"

To which the American replied, "Fifteen or twenty years."

"But what then, señor?"

The American laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions."

"Millions? Then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your friends."

Highlights

1. Armed Robbery of Chinese Businessman in Lethem

2. Police Officers Trained in Domestic Violence Sensitization

3. Minister Benn Calls for Enforcement of Driver ‘Points System’

4. Phillipe Walker Named UG’s Top Law Graduate

5. 10 Children Receive Scoliosis Surgeries at GPHC

6. Matthew Vieira Retains Superstock Title

7. Vishok Persaud Claims 2024 Group Four Championship

8. Buttler Leads England to T20 Victory Over West Indies

9. Seejatan Claims Seventh Group Two Championship Title

10. Anthony Evelyn Shines in Rookie Class

11. PCB Seeks Government Guidance on Champions Trophy Hosting Amid India’s Refusal to Travel

12. Hampshire Hawks Announce Squad for Global Super League in Guyana

13. Kevin Sinclair Foundation to Host Softball Tournament in Linden

Infrastructure & Development

$25 Million Koker Project Planned for Baracara

The government is set to invest $25 million in constructing a koker in Baracara, Region Six, to regulate canal water levels during varying weather conditions. Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha announced the project, which will begin within a week, during a meeting with residents. In addition, six shade houses will be built under the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme to create jobs for local youth. The community will also see improved access to farmland as contracts have been awarded to clear 350 acres. Agricultural supplies, including plantain suckers and red bean seeds, were distributed, with plans for further resources, such as a breeding bull, ginger, and turmeric, to be provided soon.

New Enhancements Planned for Leonora Market

President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced significant upgrades for Leonora Market, aiming to improve the vending environment and ease congestion. Improvements include a new 16-foot access road with concrete drains, a bridge, and enhanced security features like a perimeter fence, police outpost, and surveillance cameras. An overnight facility with showers and hammock spaces will be built for vendors working longer shifts. President Ali emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting vendors’ transition into the new market, pledging to address needs such as new tables and water sources. Similar upgrades are planned for Parika and Hydronie markets.

Crime & Safety

Armed Robbery of Chinese Businessman in Lethem

Three armed men robbed Chinese businessman Wei Gao at his Lethem store, taking cellphones valued at $1.6 million and $500,000 in cash. The men, speaking in Portuguese, entered Gao’s store and threatened him with a submachine gun and handguns before fleeing towards the Brazil border. Police pursued them, and a shootout ensued, though the suspects escaped into Brazil. Later, a Joint Services team captured the men, who are now in Brazilian custody as investigations continue.

Police Officers Trained in Domestic Violence Sensitization

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security recently conducted a sensitization session with 25 police officers from Brickdam Police Station, focused on improving responses to domestic violence cases. Under the theme “Bridging the Gap,” the training covered topics such as gender-based violence, client-centered approaches, protection orders, and services offered by the Ministry, including counseling and shelter support. Officers were also trained on the new Family Violence Bill. Following the session, the officers joined Ministry representatives for a community outreach on Leopold Street to raise awareness and foster stronger police-community relations.

Minister Benn Calls for Enforcement of Driver ‘Points System’

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn advocated for the activation of the demerit-based points system to address traffic violations during Road Safety Month 2024, launched at the Leonora Track and Field Facility. Minister Benn noted that enforcing this system, dormant since its introduction, could curb road accidents, particularly those involving trucks. He explained that repeated infractions could lead to drivers losing their licenses and facing higher insurance rates. Benn also highlighted the rising number of trucks on the road, driven by increased construction, and the need for stricter licensing and training requirements for truck drivers to improve safety.

Education & Health

Phillipe Walker Named UG’s Top Law Graduate

Phillipe Walker, 27, received the Pro-Chancellor’s Medal as the top law graduate at the University of Guyana’s 2023/2024 Bachelor of Laws Programme. Walker balanced his studies with teaching and excelled in mooting, leading the student-run Moot Court and winning the Aubrey Bishop Mooting Competition. Passionate about serving Guyana, Walker aspires to lead his country and credits his success to the support of family, mentors, and UG faculty. He urges prospective law students to commit fully to the field, which he describes as demanding but essential to justice and society.

10 Children Receive Scoliosis Surgeries at GPHC

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) successfully completed its second medical mission with World Pediatrics, providing life-changing scoliosis surgeries to ten young patients, aged 13 to 19. The mission, held from November 4 to November 8, involved a team of ten specialized medical professionals from top U.S. institutions, working alongside GPHC’s local staff. Led by surgeons Dr. Matthew Cage and Daniel Cherian, the collaboration reflects GPHC’s dedication to expanding specialized care in pediatric spine surgery. Dr. Hyder Khan, GPHC Orthopedic Consultant, expressed gratitude for World Pediatrics’ support, highlighting the importance of this partnership in transforming patient lives and building local medical capacity through training and knowledge-sharing.

Sports

Matthew Vieira Retains Superstock Title

Matthew Vieira successfully defended his Superstock title at the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions, despite finishing second in both races. Entering the event with a 21-point lead over Kevin Persaud, Vieira’s focus on accumulating points ensured he retained the championship. British rider Daniel Linfoot dominated the Superstock A class, showcasing fierce competition. Vieira expressed pride in racing alongside top competitors and looks forward to competing for the title again in 2025.

Vishok Persaud Claims 2024 Group Four Championship

Vishok Persaud secured the 2024 Group Four (2WD) Championship title after a stellar performance at the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions at South Dakota Circuit. Despite an incident in the first race, Persaud's team quickly prepared his spare car, allowing him to win two out of three races. He recorded a best lap time of 1:17.848s and set an unofficial record during qualifying with a 1:16.084s lap. Persaud’s KTM X-Bow, maintained by his team and supported by Muellerized from California, proved unbeatable. Entering the final event with 133 points, Persaud's consistent performances throughout the year secured his championship win.

Buttler Leads England to T20 Victory Over West Indies

Jos Buttler’s explosive 83 from 45 balls helped England secure a seven-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second T20 match. After Phil Salt’s quick dismissal, Buttler hit eight fours and six sixes, forming a 129-run partnership with Will Jacks. England chased down the West Indies’ 158-8 with 31 balls to spare, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Earlier, West Indies relied on lower-order contributions to reach a competitive total, with Rovman Powell scoring 43. The series now moves to St. Lucia for the remaining three games.

Seejatan Claims Seventh Group Two Championship Title

Shan Seejatan secured his seventh Group Two Championship title at the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions at South Dakota Circuit. Known as “Mr. Consistent,” Seejatan won two out of three races, solidifying his 13-point lead. Despite a strong challenge from Rameez Mohamed in one race, Seejatan’s performance, backed by his team led by Brian TenPow, remained dominant. With Chet Singh unable to pose a significant threat, Seejatan emerged as champion. He looks forward to continuing his success in 2025 as competition intensifies.

Anthony Evelyn Shines in Rookie Class

Anthony Evelyn made a powerful impact at the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions, winning both rookie races. Starting from pole, Evelyn overcame early challenges to retake the lead, recording a best lap time of 1:26.784s. His skillful performance, supported by his father Keith Evelyn and team, has set high expectations as he prepares to move to the Starlet Cup in 2025. Evelyn aims to improve his race launch and balance power with efficiency, making him one to watch in the coming season.

PCB Seeks Government Guidance on Champions Trophy Hosting Amid India’s Refusal to Travel

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought guidance from the Pakistan government regarding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after India’s Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) informed the ICC that India will not send its team to Pakistan. The BCCI cited a directive from the Indian government, and the PCB, led by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has ruled out a hybrid model, pushing to host all matches in Pakistan. The PCB awaits a government directive on whether to maintain this stance, creating a potential impasse for the ICC. The tournament, set for February 19 to March 9 across three Pakistani cities, has sparked diplomatic tensions that could impact future events. The PCB has requested written clarification from the BCCI on the travel ban grounds, while stadium preparations continue in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.

Hampshire Hawks Announce Squad for Global Super League in Guyana

Hampshire Hawks have named their squad for the inaugural ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, scheduled from November 26 to December 7 at the National Stadium, Providence. The team will be led by Hampshire’s leading wicket-taker Chris Wood, with key players like James Vince and John Turner unavailable due to other commitments. New faces include fast bowler Sonny Baker and returning batter Ali Orr. Other confirmed players are Toby Albert, Liam Dawson, James Fuller, Benny Howell, Fletcha Middleton, Felix Organ, Tom Prest, Joe Weatherley, and Brad Wheal. Two additional players will be named before the tournament begins.

Kevin Sinclair Foundation to Host Softball Tournament in Linden

The Kevin Sinclair Foundation will host a one-day male and female softball cricket tournament in Linden, with four teams competing in each category. Set for early 2025, the event offers over one million dollars in cash and prizes in a 10-over format. Teams like Speightland, Hill Foot Vipers, and Supreme Stars will vie for top honors, while individual awards will recognize the best bowler, top scorer, and best fielder. Kevin Sinclair expressed excitement about supporting the community, marking this as his foundation’s fourth project. Plans are underway for future initiatives in Essequibo.