November 13th, 2024

*The following articles were summarized using AI. The following audio was generated using an AI speech-synthesis model.

Fact of the day

Did you know? Despite spending much of their time in water, hippos can’t actually swim! Their bones are so large and dense that they are barely buoyant, making it impossible for them to float like other animals. Instead, hippos navigate rivers and lakes by pushing off the riverbed in a unique slow-motion gallop, gracefully propelling themselves forward in the water. Amazingly, they can even sleep underwater! Hippos have a natural reflex that allows them to rise, take a breath, and sink back down without waking up, letting them rest safely submerged and fully adapted to their semi-aquatic life.

Joke of the day

A farmer is in a car accident with a lawyer and decides to sue. In court, the lawyer says, "Isn't it true, Mr. Farmer, that you said right after the accident that you were fine?"

The farmer replies, "Well, I was driving my cow, Bessie, and my horse, Missy, to town when—"

"Just answer yes or no, please!" interrupts the lawyer.

"But sir," the farmer insists, "after the crash, I heard Bessie moaning. So, I walked over and the state trooper came, took out his gun, and shot her to put her out of her misery. Then he turned to Missy, and she was in pain too, so he shot her. Then he asked me how I was feeling… so I said I was fine!"

Government & Politics

India’s PM Modi to Make Historic Visit to Guyana

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a historic state visit to Guyana from November 19 to 21, 2024, at the invitation of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. This visit highlights strong ties between India and Guyana; President Ali visited India in January 2023 as Chief Guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. PM Modi’s agenda includes bilateral talks, co-chairing the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, addressing Guyana’s National Assembly, and meeting the Indian community. He will also pay tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Georgetown and visit the Indian Arrival Monument, honoring early Indian laborers to the Caribbean.

Crime & Safety

Massive Fire Destroys New Amsterdam Supermarket

A devastating fire destroyed the renowned Bob & Sons Supermarket in New Amsterdam on Monday around 7:15 PM. The blaze quickly spread, partially damaging the nearby Penguin International Hotel and scorching the walls of Scotiabank. Firefighters from the region worked tirelessly to control the flames, which gutted the long-standing supermarket cherished by locals. Bob & Sons was a key grocery source for the community. The Penguin International Hotel also sustained fire damage, though the cause of the fire remains unknown.

Road Fatalities Decline After Deadly 2023

Following a high in road fatalities in 2023, 2024 has shown improvement. Fatalities dropped 30%, with 102 deaths by November 2, compared to 145 the previous year, as reported by Michelle Baptiste of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Male deaths fell 25%, and there was a 49% decrease in the 25-42 age group. Motorcycle and pedestrian fatalities also declined, with motorcyclists still leading in fatal incidents. Private cars were most involved in fatal accidents, primarily occurring on weekends. Baptiste stressed that a societal shift is needed to tackle risky behaviors, including drunk and aggressive driving.

Mother and Four Children Perish in Corentyne Fire; Father in Custody

Hemwatie Singh, 34, and her children—Kelvin (14), Brandon (10), Cindy (11), and Tomesh (2)—died in a fire early Tuesday at No. 64 Village, Corentyne. Only her 17-year-old son, Kevin, survived by escaping through the lower flat. The family became trapped upstairs, unable to escape due to intense flames. Authorities found their remains after extinguishing the fire. Singh’s husband, Rohan Ramjatan, was in police custody for a separate matter at the time of the incident.

Draft Report on Fatal Helicopter Crash Nears Completion

A draft report on the tragic crash of the Guyana Defence Force Bell 412 helicopter on December 6, 2023, is complete and under review. Appointed Investigator Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, stated that the report would be sent to stakeholders, including the National Transportation Safety Board and Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, for feedback within 60 days. Once comments are received, the final report will be released publicly. Minister Edghill acknowledged public patience and emphasized that the report will shed light on the incident.

19-Year-Old Excavator Operator Dies After Machine Sinks in Swamp

Ezekiel Benjamin, a 19-year-old excavator operator, died on Tuesday in Kara Kara, Mackenzie, Linden, after his machine sank into a swamp, trapping him inside. Employed by D. Sookram & Daughters General Contractor, Benjamin was working on drainage when the excavator became submerged. Despite efforts by BOSAI employees to break the glass and rescue him, he was pronounced dead at Mackenzie Hospital. A post-mortem examination will follow to determine the cause of death.

Infrastructure & Development

Sanctions Imposed on Contractors for Delays

At a State House meeting in Georgetown, President Dr. Irfaan Ali reprimanded contractors and government officials over delayed projects, warning of terminations, liquidated damages, and blacklisting for contracts overdue by four months or more. With an estimated $3 billion potentially collectable for late projects, the President highlighted the importance of meeting deadlines for national development. Liquidated damages will apply to errant contractors, and projects will be referred to the tender board for action. Dr. Ali stressed that delays negatively impact the entire nation, demanding accountability and timeliness from both contractors and government staff.

New Measures and Laws Target Road Safety in Guyana

To curb rising road deaths, the government has introduced new road safety measures. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn emphasized legislative changes, including seatbelt enforcement, anti-drunk driving laws, and enhanced police resources to improve road discipline. The initiatives, launched at Road Safety Month, aim to reduce road fatalities significantly by 2030. The theme, “Do the Right Thing,” encourages adherence to traffic laws. Benn highlighted that unsafe driving habits among adults often set poor examples for young people, contributing to the culture of road recklessness.

KLM to Begin Flights Between Guyana and Netherlands in June 2025

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced a new route connecting Georgetown, Guyana, to Amsterdam, Netherlands, starting June 4, 2025. Flights will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a stop in St. Maarten. The Airbus A330-200 will feature 18 World Business Class seats, 36 Economy Comfort, and 214 Economy Class seats. The non-stop return leg from Georgetown to Amsterdam will connect passengers to 21 UK destinations and 142 others globally. Dirk Buitelaar, KLM’s Regional Manager, expressed confidence that Georgetown will be a key destination in KLM’s network.

Dennis Street Vendors to Benefit from Organized Selling Area

The government plans to establish a market for vendors currently operating along Dennis Street in Sophia, Greater Georgetown. Ministers Deodat Indar and Kwame McCoy recently consulted with vendors to outline plans for an organized, accessible market. Minister Indar noted that this initiative aims to improve vending conditions and accommodate all current sellers. The new market will serve Sophia, Turkeyen, and nearby areas, allowing residents to earn in a structured setting. First preference will go to existing vendors, with additional stalls offered if available. Foundation work has commenced at Dennis Street and 'B' Field Sophia.

Three Local Fabricators Selected for Guyana’s Newest Oil Platform

Three Guyanese companies, InFab, Zeco Group of Services, and Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Inc., will produce components for the Jaguar floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO), marking a major local involvement in the sector. A steel strike ceremony held at Guyana Shorebase Inc. commemorated the start of fabrication for this sixth FPSO, which will operate at the Whiptail development. The Jaguar FPSO is expected to boost Guyana’s oil output to 1.3 million barrels daily. Minister Vickram Bharrat praised local firms for their compliance with international standards, a key aspect of the government’s local content law.

500 Young Professional House Lots to Be Allocated in Hauraruni

Approximately 500 house lots will be allocated to young professionals at Hauraruni along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) has cleared the 150-acre site, and tendering for access roads and infrastructure is underway. CEO Sherwyn Greaves highlighted the area's development alongside Silica City and Yarrowkabra. Road infrastructure, including a new highway, will improve access, encouraging movement inland. The government has allocated $900 million for this initial phase, with house construction expected to start shortly after the procurement process concludes in December.

Sports

PCB Requests Written Explanation for India’s Champions Trophy Refusal

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally requested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) obtain a written statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) explaining India’s refusal to participate in the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February in Pakistan. The BCCI cited government restrictions, but the PCB insists on documented reasons. The tournament, set to occur in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, faces uncertainty as a result. PCB officials have dismissed a "hybrid model," which was used for the Asia Cup, and emphasized that the entire tournament will remain in Pakistan. The PCB’s stance reflects frustration over India’s past decision to restrict Pakistani matches to neutral venues.

Hassan and Alves Sweep Races at ENet Clash of Champions

Azaad Hassan and Naresh Alves dominated the ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit, winning all their races in the Sports Tuner and Street Tuner categories, respectively. Hassan, driving a GuyOil-powered Toyota Sprinter, ended the day close to retaining his title, while Ryan Rahaman secured the championship. In Street Tuner, Alves finished strong, though Raymond Seebarran clinched the overall title due to prior season success. The event featured intense competition, with racers showcasing impressive performances throughout the day.

Golden Jaguars Squad Announced for Nations League Play-In Against Barbados

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced the Golden Jaguars squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League Play-In match against Barbados. This crucial match, set for November 15, 2024, at 7:00 PM in Barbados, will determine Guyana's qualification for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup preliminary round. Acting Head Coach Wayne Dover expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, emphasizing the skill and readiness of the squad. The GFF encourages fans to support the Golden Jaguars as they aim to secure their place in the regional competition.

Russell and Shamar Out, Springer and Alzarri Join West Indies Squad for T20s Against England

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has made two changes to its T20I squad for the final leg of the “Rivalry” series against England in St. Lucia. Andre Russell is out due to an ankle injury from the opening game, with Shamar Springer stepping in. Alzarri Joseph returns after a two-match suspension, replacing Shamar Joseph. Head Coach Daren Sammy aims for a comeback after West Indies lost the first two games of the five-match series. The remaining matches are scheduled for November 14, 16, and 17 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.