November 5th, 2024

*The following articles were summarized using AI

Fact of the day

Did you know? Pineapples take around two years to fully grow and develop into the delicious, juicy fruits we know and love. From planting to harvest, the process is slow and requires patience. Each pineapple plant produces only one fruit at a time, meaning that after the initial 24-month wait, a second cycle must begin for another pineapple to grow.

In tropical climates, where pineapples thrive, these plants need warm temperatures, plenty of sunlight, and well-drained soil to develop. The fruit itself grows from a central stem, which eventually forms a single flowering stalk. This stalk produces dozens of small flowers that merge to create the pineapple’s characteristic spiky, golden surface.

This lengthy growth process is why pineapples can be more expensive compared to faster-growing fruits. So, next time you enjoy a pineapple, you’ll know it took years of careful nurturing to get that fruit from field to table!

Jokes of the day

1. Why shouldn’t you fundraise for marathons? They just take the money and run.

2. RIP, boiling water. You will be mist.

3. Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.

4. Why did the cookie go to the hospital? Because he felt crumby.

Highlights

1. Corporate Governance and Certification Urged by PSC for Local Growth

2. Exploring a New Human Rights Academy for Guyana

3. Climate Change Amplifies Water Security Concerns in the Caribbean

4. Government Plans Expansion of Ogle Airport to Support Guyana as Regional Hub

5. 2025 Energy Conference to Unite Key Sectors in Guyana’s Future

6. Victim Withdraws Claim of Stolen $14M Raw Gold in Marudi Robbery

7. $27.4M Worth of Cannabis Destroyed in Kimbia Eradication Operation

8. Kwakwani Man Hospitalized After Being Stabbed Ten Times

9. Bartica Businessman and Wife Arrested for Drug Possession

Government and Politics

Corporate Governance and Certification Urged by PSC for Local Growth

At a recent Private Sector Commission (PSC) summit, Chairman Komal Singh highlighted the need for Guyanese businesses to adopt strong corporate governance and attain certifications, especially in the oil and gas sector. Singh emphasized that having ISO certifications, audited financial statements, and environmental standards are essential for accessing finance and business growth. He noted that many companies struggle with financing due to a lack of these foundational standards, which also limit opportunities within oil and gas. The PSC summit gathered local business leaders to discuss advancing local content in a globally competitive environment.

Exploring a New Human Rights Academy for Guyana

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, led by Minister Gail Teixeira, is considering establishing a Human Rights Academy following high interest in human rights education. Minister Teixeira highlighted this initiative on Saturday at the graduation of 162 participants from the government’s International Human Rights Law certificate course, which covered human rights principles, international conventions, and Guyanese law. The course, conducted both in-person and online to accommodate diverse communities, saw local and international experts address topics like freedom of expression and food security. Minister Teixeira noted that individuals from the Caribbean and the diaspora expressed interest in similar training, emphasizing the potential for a Human Rights Academy offering in-depth human rights courses.

Business and Development

Climate Change Amplifies Water Security Concerns in the Caribbean

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal emphasized the growing threat to water security in the Caribbean due to climate change during the Japan-CARICOM Friendship event in Georgetown. Croal highlighted how rising sea levels, intensified storms, and prolonged droughts are exacerbating water access issues, essential for agriculture, health, tourism, and economic development. In response, CARICOM is prioritizing water resilience with Japan’s support, especially in technology for water resource management and disaster resilience. Croal noted that Japan’s longstanding partnership with Guyana, spanning over 50 years, has helped the country achieve significant water management milestones.

Government Plans Expansion of Ogle Airport to Support Guyana as Regional Hub

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill announced that Eugene F. Correia International Airport in Ogle will undergo expansion to support Guyana’s role as a regional transportation hub. Speaking at Caribbean Airlines’ inaugural flight between Suriname and Guyana, Edghill emphasized the need to expand key infrastructure, including bridges, ports, and airports. Plans for Ogle Airport include additional seating, more duty-free options, an executive lounge, and a longer runway to accommodate larger aircraft. Edghill noted that enhancing cargo transport, especially fresh produce, could be a viable opportunity with the airport expansion.

2025 Energy Conference to Unite Key Sectors in Guyana’s Future

The upcoming Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, set for February 18-21, 2025, aims to create an inclusive dialogue across sectors beyond oil and gas. CEO Kiana Wilburg expects over 7,000 attendees and 180 companies, emphasizing that industries like education, healthcare, AI, and agriculture will also benefit. Small businesses will gain brand exposure through speed networking, and youth involvement is highlighted with an essay competition offering a $10,000 scholarship. The conference will address critical topics such as the Yellowtail development, which may increase oil production to over 800,000 barrels daily, coinciding with the 2025 elections.

Cricket Zone USA Warns of Fake E4 Products in Guyana

Ravi Etwaroo, owner of Cricket Zone USA and creator of the E4 cricket gear brand, has issued a warning to Guyanese cricketers about counterfeit E4 products being sold in unauthorized locations. Etwaroo stressed that only the Giftland Mall and Cricnation592 in Berbice are approved resellers for E4 products in Guyana, urging buyers to verify their sources to avoid fake gear. Cricket Zone USA provides weekly shipments to Guyana, ensuring access to quality and ICC-approved equipment. The E4 brand, now accredited for all cricket formats by the International Cricket Council, is the first Guyanese brand with global recognition, aiming to expand to Australia, England, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Crime

Victim Withdraws Claim of Stolen $14M Raw Gold in Marudi Robbery

In a surprising update, a victim of the Marudi abduction and robbery in Deep South Rupununi has retracted an earlier claim that $14 million in raw gold was stolen. Instead, he reported that only $892,000 in cash was taken, along with a forced transfer of $1.2 million to a Brazilian account. The masked suspects, believed to be Brazilian nationals, reportedly took other valuables, including two Glock pistols and jewelry, before releasing the victims across an illegal border crossing. Joint Services are actively investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made.

$27.4M Worth of Cannabis Destroyed in Kimbia Eradication Operation

Police in Regional Division 10 eradicated two large cannabis farms in Kimbia, Upper Berbice River, on Monday, finding over 16,000 plants and approximately 15,000 seedlings. The first four-acre farm contained 6,600 kilograms of plants and 54.431 kilograms of dried cannabis. The second six-acre farm had 10,000 kilograms of plants. Both farms and nurseries were set ablaze, with samples taken to Mackenzie Police Station.

Kwakwani Man Hospitalized After Being Stabbed Ten Times

Lancelot Captain, a 28-year-old from Kwakwani Park, Region 10, was stabbed ten times by Orlando Towler during an argument over alcohol consumption. Captain was hospitalized in serious but stable condition after being transferred from Kwakwani Hospital to Linden Hospital. Towler, the suspect, was arrested and is cooperating with ongoing investigations.

Bartica Businessman and Wife Arrested for Drug Possession

Collin Obermuller, a Bartica miner, and his wife were detained Monday after police found cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamines buried in their backyard. The drugs, stored in a five-gallon bucket, included 362 grams of cannabis, 25 grams of cocaine, and 24 grams of amphetamines. The couple, now in custody, is assisting the investigation at the Bartica Police Station.

Poultry Vendor Remanded After Fatally Wounding Robber at Market

Seeindra Marimutoo, a poultry vendor from Portuguese Quarters, Corentyne, was remanded on Monday after being charged with the murder of 18-year-old Parmand Pertab. Pertab reportedly attempted a robbery at Port Mourant market on October 26, wielding a cutlass and injuring the vendor's assistant. Marimutoo and other market patrons intervened, disarming Pertab and recovering the stolen jewelry. Pertab later succumbed to his injuries. Marimutoo's defense attorney argues self-defense and plans to petition for charge review. Marimutoo is scheduled to reappear in court on November 29, 2024.

Pit Bull Attack Claims Life of Man in Lethem

Gordon Forde, a man in Lethem, Central Rupununi, was fatally mauled by two pit bull dogs on Saturday. The dogs' owner, a 32-year-old businesswoman, had reportedly secured them in her fenced yard before traveling to Brazil. Upon her return, she found Forde’s lifeless body on her property with visible dog bite marks and bloodstains. Police have detained the businesswoman for questioning, and Forde's body is awaiting a post-mortem examination at the Lethem Regional Hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

Sports

Pride Claims Thrilling Victory, Leaves Harpy Eagles Winless

In a tense Super50 Cup match, Barbados Pride clinched their third consecutive win, narrowly defeating the Guyana Harpy Eagles by one wicket at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad. Demetrius Richards led Barbados to victory with an unbeaten 65 from 121 balls, helping his team chase down a target of 204-9 after bowling out the Harpy Eagles for 203. This win propelled Barbados Pride to the top of the standings with twenty-two points, edging past Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. Despite a strong start by Tevin Imlach and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, the Harpy Eagles faltered due to ineffective batting, finishing fourth in the standings. Key contributors for Barbados included Javed Leacock, who claimed three wickets, and Dominic Drakes with two. The Eagles face Leeward Islands Hurricanes next.

Guyana Youth Football Teams Prepare for International Competitions

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is intensively training its U17 and U20 youth football teams for upcoming international tournaments. This November, the U17 Boys and Girls will compete against Suriname in friendly matches, gaining international experience before the CONCACAF qualifiers in early 2025, aiming for the FIFA U17 World Cup. The U20 Women’s team is also set for CONCACAF competitions. The GFF's training regimen focuses on technical, tactical, and physical preparation, while also expanding the player pool by scouting talent nationwide, including hinterland regions. This inclusive approach is part of GFF’s commitment to strengthening Guyana's football future.

Kevin Sinclair Withdraws from Super50 Tournament

All-rounder Kevin Sinclair will no longer participate in the Regional Super50 Tournament in Trinidad. The Guyana Cricket Board announced Junior Sinclair will replace him for the Guyana Harpy Eagles. Although no specific reason was provided, the GCB cited an “internal report” as the cause. Kevin has recorded modest performances in the tournament, scoring 14 runs and taking three wickets in three matches. The Harpy Eagles are yet to secure a win in this season’s competition, and Junior will join the squad in time for Tuesday's match against Leeward Islands Hurricanes.