November 20th, 2024

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

Fact of the Day

Most ginger cats are male, with approximately three males for every one female. This striking disparity is due to genetics. The gene responsible for the ginger coat color is located on the X chromosome. Male cats have one X and one Y chromosome, so they only need one copy of the ginger gene on their single X chromosome to express the color. Female cats, however, have two X chromosomes, meaning they must inherit the ginger gene from both parents to display the trait. If a female inherits only one ginger gene, she will often have a tortoiseshell coat, blending ginger with other colors. This genetic quirk not only explains the prevalence of ginger males but also highlights why female ginger cats are less common, requiring a specific combination of genetic factors to develop their iconic orange hue.

Highlights

1. Brazil Uncovers Plot to Assassinate Lula

2. Ukraine’s First Use of Atacms Targets Bryansk Region

3. Los Angeles Declares Immigration Sanctuary Status

4. Colombian Cargo Airline Expands to Guyana

5. GPHC Launches “Operation Brain Tumour”

6. Forest Carbon Toolkit Launched at COP29

World News

Brazil Uncovers Plot to Assassinate Lula

Brazilian authorities have uncovered a plot to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva before his 2023 inauguration. The plan, allegedly orchestrated by military officials with links to far-right factions, aimed to prevent Lula from assuming office after his election victory. Investigators revealed that the conspirators sought to destabilize the government and undermine Brazil's democracy. In response, security measures have been heightened to protect Lula and key government figures. This revelation underscores ongoing political tensions in Brazil, where Lula's return to power has polarized opinions. Authorities are continuing investigations to bring those involved to justice.

Ukraine’s First Use of Atacms Targets Bryansk Region

Ukraine has fired US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (Atacms) at Russian territory for the first time, with the Bryansk region targeted early Tuesday. Russia claims five missiles were intercepted, one causing a fire at a military facility. However, US officials suggest only two out of eight missiles were intercepted.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the US of escalating the conflict, suggesting American experts operated the missiles. Moscow updated its nuclear doctrine, stating that attacks from non-nuclear states supported by nuclear powers could prompt retaliation.

Ukraine confirmed an ammunition depot strike in Bryansk but did not specify the use of Atacms. The missiles, capable of hitting targets up to 300 km away, provide Kyiv the ability to strike deeper into Russia.

Western leaders, including the US and UK, criticized Russia’s "irresponsible rhetoric" while maintaining steadfast support for Ukraine.

Russia Advances as Ukraine Faces Setbacks

Russia has significantly accelerated territorial gains in Ukraine, reclaiming nearly 2,700 square kilometers in 2024 compared to 465 square kilometers in 2023, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Key advancements near Kupiansk and Kurakhove in the eastern Donbas threaten Ukraine’s logistical hubs, with concerns of a broader collapse of Ukraine's eastern front.

Ukraine’s offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, initially a morale boost, has faltered as Moscow deployed 50,000 troops, reclaiming lost territory. Experts criticize the incursion as a "strategic catastrophe," tying down Kyiv's elite units.

Amid uncertainty over US President-elect Trump’s promised swift resolution to the war, both sides vie for stronger negotiating positions. Ukraine recently fired US-supplied long-range missiles into Russia, signaling continued resistance. However, Russia’s sustained advances and strategic positioning present a significant challenge to Kyiv’s defense and future peace talks.

Los Angeles Declares Immigration Sanctuary Status

Los Angeles has officially declared itself an immigration sanctuary, passing a city ordinance to restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The new law prohibits city resources from being used for immigration enforcement and limits data sharing with federal agencies. It aims to strengthen a 2019 executive order and will take effect upon Mayor Karen Bass’s approval.

The Los Angeles Unified School District also reaffirmed its commitment as an immigration sanctuary for undocumented immigrants and LGBTQ students. Emergency resolutions were passed to provide staff training on handling immigration issues and to ensure students' safety. School Board President Jackie Goldberg vowed to resist anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ policies anticipated under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

Trump’s incoming "border czar," Tom Homan, dismissed sanctuary policies, warning they would not hinder large-scale deportation plans. “We’re going to do the job with you, or without you,” he said.

Government and Policy

Politics | President Ali and India’s PM to Discuss Bilateral Cooperation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a three-day visit to Guyana, focusing on military cooperation, climate change, and economic collaboration. President Irfaan Ali and PM Modi will explore partnerships in health, agro-processing, and renewable energy. Modi will co-chair the India-CARICOM Summit and address Guyana’s National Assembly. India and Guyana’s ties are strengthened through mutual investments and projects like solar energy systems and the MV MA Lisha. The visit aims to deepen historical and cultural connections between the two nations.

Community Development | Samville Resident Restarts Business with Electricity

After living without electricity for 15 years, Samville resident Nasir Barnwell is thrilled to restart his small business. With new access to power, thanks to President Irfaan Ali’s promise fulfilled by Guyana Power and Light Inc., Barnwell plans to reopen his shop selling fish, chicken, and beef. “I feel so happy. My children are excited too; they can now watch TV and do their schoolwork,” he shared. The electrification project, which connects about 500 residents for the first time, marks a significant milestone in the development of this once remote community.

CARICOM and India Strengthen Cooperation

In a historic summit, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet CARICOM leaders in Georgetown, Guyana, on November 20, marking the first stand-alone meeting in a CARICOM Member State. Discussions will focus on economic cooperation, agriculture, health, and renewable energy. The summit builds on past collaborations, including a $150 million credit line for climate initiatives. CARICOM officials emphasize the importance of deepening technical and advocacy ties with India.

Business and Development

Colombian Cargo Airline Expands to Guyana

Aerosucre S.A., a Colombian cargo airline, will begin operations in Guyana in early 2025, connecting Cheddi Jagan International Airport to key markets in Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico. Utilizing Boeing 737 freighters, Aerosucre will facilitate trade by transporting perishables, industrial goods, and e-commerce shipments. Partnering with Air Cargo Pack (Guyana) Limited, the airline aims to strengthen regional connectivity and open new trade opportunities for businesses. With over five decades of experience, Aerosucre’s entry promises to enhance logistics and streamline cargo solutions for local and international commerce.

GCCI Urges Tougher Traffic Law Enforcement

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has called on the Guyana Police Force to enforce stricter traffic laws amid rising road fatalities, which have reached 117 deaths this year. The GCCI advocates for revising penalties under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act to curb reckless driving. The Chamber also emphasizes the need for public education campaigns and greater responsibility among road users. With daily reports of fatal accidents, GCCI stresses the urgency of action to protect lives and reduce road-related tragedies.

Crime and Safety

Fatal Sheriff Street Accident Involving Trucks

A man has died in a fatal truck collision at Sheriff and Dennis Streets, Georgetown, on Tuesday morning. One truck struck the man and several vehicles before crashing into a building, while the other collided with a nearby structure. Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh confirmed the incident, noting that investigations are underway to determine the events leading to the tragedy.

Local News

Guyana Achieves Record Success in CSEC Exams

Guyana continues its academic excellence, with 259 candidates achieving eight or more Grade 1s in the 2024 CSEC exams. Seventy students earned twelve or more Grade 1s, a sharp increase from 2023’s fifty. The Ministry of Education credits free textbooks, expanded Learning Channel access, and the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for improved performance. Minister Priya Manickchand stated, “These results highlight our students’ dedication and the Ministry’s commitment to equitable, high-quality education.” This success underscores Guyana’s focus on fostering regional and global competitiveness.

Road Closures for India PM’s Visit

Road closures in Georgetown will occur from November 19-21 to facilitate Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit. Key closures include areas near Marriott Hotel, State House, and Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Temporary detours will be in place for motorists, who are advised to use alternative routes and follow instructions from uniformed ranks.

GPHC Launches “Operation Brain Tumour”

GPHC introduces "Operation Brain Tumour," aiming to clear its backlog of brain tumour surgeries by year-end. Using the advanced CUSA Clarity system, surgeries will commence November 24 under Chief Neurosurgeon Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi. Procedures will be conducted weekly, intensifying from December 2 to December 9.

Environment and Agriculture

Guyana Hosts Regional Fisheries Data Workshop

From November 11 to 21, Guyana is hosting a regional workshop on fisheries statistics and data analysis for professionals from Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and partners, the training focuses on advanced data collection and analysis methods, including the use of CALIPSEO, a digitalized system for improved fisheries data management. Yann Laurent of the FAO emphasized that accurate data will aid policy-making and sustainable fisheries management. Participants from Suriname and Trinidad highlighted how the workshop aligns with their countries' goals for improving data precision and decision-making.

Forest Carbon Toolkit Launched at COP29

The Commonwealth Secretariat unveiled its Forest Carbon Market Toolkit at COP29, offering guidance on accessing funding through voluntary carbon markets while supporting Indigenous Peoples and forest owners. The toolkit highlights the experiences of countries like Guyana, which has generated millions of carbon credits through sustainable forestry. Vanessa Benn of the Guyana Forestry Commission emphasized the importance of this initiative for enhancing global climate action and sustainable development. Between 2016 and 2020, Guyana generated 37.5 million carbon credits and continues to produce 7.5 million annually.

Guyana’s Iwokrama Forest Showcased at COP29

Guyana’s Iwokrama Forest took center stage at COP29 during an event co-hosted by Namibia, Seychelles, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. A film titled Take Only What You Need highlighted how Indigenous knowledge, paired with Western science, supports sustainable development. Michael Williams, Toshao of Annai Central, encapsulated its message: “Take what you need and leave the rest for future generations.”

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, lauded the Iwokrama model as a solution to climate and biodiversity crises, emphasizing justice and Indigenous empowerment. Guyana’s Sonia Latchman called the model a global example, showcasing the importance of Indigenous-led solutions.

Complementing the Forest Carbon Toolkit, the event reinforced Indigenous Peoples’ role in climate action, advocating for their inclusion in global negotiations.

Sports

Guyana Boxing Association Elects Leadership

Steve Ninvalle and his executive committee were re-elected unopposed at the Guyana Boxing Association’s congress. Ninvalle highlighted achievements, including establishing three new clubs and enhancing participation in local and international competitions. He emphasized the need for collective effort to sustain the sport’s growth and development, urging all stakeholders to unite for a shared vision.