November 4th, 2024

*the following articles were summarized using AI

Fact of the day

Did you know that the iconic M&Ms got their name from the two founders: Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie? Forrest Mars, son of the founder of the Mars candy company, partnered with Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey’s president, during World War II. At the time, Mars wanted to create a candy with a hard sugar shell to prevent melting, inspired by chocolate pellets he’d seen British soldiers eating. Partnering with Murrie wasn’t just a random choice—it was strategic. Murrie’s connection to Hershey meant Mars could secure a steady supply of chocolate, crucial due to wartime rationing. Murrie received a 20% stake in the company, and in 1941, M&Ms were born.

However, tensions grew between Mars and Murrie, and Mars eventually bought out Murrie’s share, making M&Ms fully owned by Mars Inc. The candies went on to become one of the most popular sweets in America, celebrated for their slogan “melts in your mouth, not in your hand.” While Murrie’s involvement faded, his initial role in securing the chocolate ensured M&Ms’ early success, even if he didn't share in the long-term rewards.

Jokes of the day

1. What has four wheels and flies? A garbage truck

2. What do you call a sad strawberry? A blueberry!

3. How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? Ten-tickles

4. What did one plate say to the other? Dinner’s on me!

Here are your highlights

1. Caribbean Airlines Launches Direct Guyana-Suriname Flights

2. Essequibo Balances Agriculture with Tourism for Economic Growth

3. Massive Increase in Shrimp Production in Region Six

4. Upper Corentyne Farmers Set to Expand on 30,000 Acres

5. Guyanese Cyclist Wins Bronze in Men’s Elite Race

6. Denise Jeffrey Conquers Women’s Race at 57

Travel & Tourism

Caribbean Airlines Launches Direct Guyana-Suriname Flights

Caribbean Airlines has introduced a new direct route connecting Ogle Airport in Guyana and Paramaribo, Suriname. The flights operate twice weekly, on Fridays and Sundays, using ATR 72-600 aircraft for convenient travel. The route’s inaugural ceremony took place on Sunday, where CAL’s Country Manager for Guyana and Suriname, Renatha Marshall, emphasized Guyana’s importance to the airline’s operations. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill noted that while a similar service exists with Trans Guyana, CAL’s larger aircraft provide enhanced options for passengers. Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond highlighted that such private investments reflect growing interest in Guyana’s tourism.

Agriculture

Essequibo Balances Agriculture with Tourism for Economic Growth

The Essequibo Coast in Region Two, known for its agricultural heritage, is expanding into tourism to boost local livelihoods. During the Tourism Awareness Month 2024 launch at Mainstay Lake, Regional Chairman and Tourism Association President Vilma Da Silva highlighted the region’s potential to combine farming with tourism. Emphasizing "A People-Centred Tourism Product," Da Silva noted that new investments are enhancing infrastructure, with local hotels often fully booked on weekends. Guyana Tourism Authority Director Kamrul Baksh praised the region’s cleanliness and hospitality, sharing that over 300 locals have signed up for hospitality training. Community events and workshops are set to develop tourism skills and promote the region’s unique culture and landscapes.

Massive Increase in Shrimp Production in Region Six

Guyana’s brackish water shrimp sector has seen substantial growth, with production now reaching about 98,000 kilograms per month, up from 9,000 before recent government interventions. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reported that phase one of the Region Six pond program is 75% complete, with phase two set to follow. Despite the increase in shrimp availability, prices have risen from GYD 25,000 to GYD 45,000 per bucket, a matter Mustapha intends to address to ensure consumer benefits. In 2023, shrimp production earned Guyana GYD 1.8 billion, marking a 49% increase from the previous year. The program will soon extend to Regions Five and Two, with added support for prawn cultivation and industry-specific feed.

Upper Corentyne Farmers Set to Expand on 30,000 Acres

Farmers in Upper Corentyne are preparing to utilize approximately 30,000 acres of land, including areas around Moleson Creek, for increased agricultural production. At a recent meeting, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced a committee to oversee this project, involving private cane farmers and local agricultural cooperatives. The government has allocated GYD 2 billion to improve infrastructure and land productivity in the region. Farmers plan to cultivate cane, corn, and hemp. The committee, chaired by the Ministry’s Director General, Madanlall Ramraj, includes representatives from major agricultural agencies. An additional committee will manage regional irrigation, chaired by Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain.

Sports

Guyanese Cyclist Wins Bronze in Men’s Elite Race

Guyanese Briton John claimed bronze in the Men’s Elite Road Race at the Caribbean Elite/Under-23 Cycling Championship held on Sunday. Competing along Heroes Highway in Guyana, John completed the 94-mile race, finishing behind Belize’s Cory Williams (gold) and Jesus Cespedes from the Dominican Republic (silver) in a close sprint. This podium finish makes John the fourth Guyanese to achieve this feat, the first since Tony Simon’s bronze in 2009. Reflecting on his achievement, John noted, “When I put on this uniform, I get goosebumps,” expressing pride in representing Guyana.

Denise Jeffrey Conquers Women’s Race at 57

At fifty-seven, Denise Jeffrey defied age and challenging conditions in the Women’s Elite Road Race of the Senior Caribbean Cycling Championship on Sunday. Despite falling behind early, the former national squash player completed the four-lap, forty-two-mile race under intense midday heat. Though she didn’t reach the podium, Jeffrey’s resilience won the admiration of spectators. “The pride that I feel is amazing,” she shared. Cheered on by her family, Jeffrey’s goal was simply to finish the race, a mission she achieved proudly, flying Guyana’s Golden Arrowhead on her debut in the competition.

Brava Guyana Open Draws Record Number of Golfers to Lusignan

The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) inaugurated the Brava Guyana Open on November 2, 2024, welcoming a record 97 golfers from countries including the United States, Canada, and Suriname. LGC President Anasha Ally celebrated the milestone, emphasizing the club’s commitment to inclusivity and progress in the sport. The event marks the third year of LGC’s partnership with Brava, which has elevated the club’s regional standing. Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. announced plans for facility upgrades and community integration, aiming to transform LGC into a full-fledged country club. Positive feedback highlighted the event’s strong organization and welcoming atmosphere.

That’s all the news that we have for you today. We want to remind you that The Guyana Brief is now on Spotify. Just look for The Guyana Brief and hit subscribe to hear your news in English every day at 6AM. Thanks again for tuning in. We’ll see you tomorrow.