October 10th, 2024

Interesting fact of the day: Did you know that the earth’s rotation is increasing in speed? On average, the length of a day increases by about 1.8 seconds every 100 years. That means that 600 million years ago a day lasted just 21 hours.

$6.9 Billion Worth of Contracts Inked for Road Works in Berbice

On Tuesday, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo oversaw the signing of 389 contracts, worth GYD 6.9 billion, aimed at upgrading roads in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). A new rating system has been introduced, allowing small contractors to secure work without traditional bidding. Jagdeo emphasized the need for quality work, warning contractors against poor performance and bribery, adding that future opportunities will depend on their work’s quality. Another GYD 7 billion worth of contracts will soon be available for larger contractors through a competitive tendering process.

New UG Student President Commits to Leading with Empathy and Authenticity

Tirishatha Semple has been sworn in as President of the University of Guyana Students’ Society (UGSS) for the 2024/2025 academic year. Semple, only the third woman in UGSS history to hold the post, emphasized her commitment to empathy, authenticity, and leading with purpose. She plans to implement initiatives such as a universal prayer room, better food options, and a UG Steel Orchestra. Vice Chancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin encouraged the new student leaders to serve with dedication, balancing their responsibilities with their academics.

Jamaica Stock Exchange Chair Warns Guyana Against Economic Missteps

At the Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference in Georgetown, Steven Whittingham, Chair of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, urged Guyana to avoid the economic pitfalls that once plagued Jamaica. As Guyana experiences unprecedented growth due to oil revenues, Whittingham stressed that sustainable wealth comes not from natural resources alone but from the growth of successful companies. He recounted Jamaica’s bauxite fund failure as a cautionary tale and advised Guyana to be prudent with its oil wealth to ensure long-term stability.

Minister Defends Appointment of New Police Commissioner

Attorney General Anil Nandlall defended President Irfaan Ali’s appointment of Clifton Hicken as the substantive Commissioner of Police, dismissing opposition claims of constitutional breaches. Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton had challenged the appointment, alleging a lack of meaningful consultation. Nandlall clarified that written consultation is all that is required by law, refuting Norton’s claims and asserting that the President’s actions were legally sound. Hicken has served as acting Commissioner since March 2022.

St. Stanislaus College Unveils Upgraded Science Labs

St. Stanislaus College has opened newly upgraded physics and chemistry labs, honoring former teacher Father Herbert Feeny and alumnus Richard Harford. The GYD 51 million project is a major step towards enhancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education at the school. President Dr. Irfaan Ali, a St. Stanislaus alum, attended the ceremony and emphasized the need for institutions to balance academic and practical education to contribute meaningfully to national development. He also announced a GYD 500,000 annual donation for a new debating award.

KFC Goodwill Schools’ Football Tournament Expands

The KFC Goodwill International Schools’ Football Tournament, set for December 15-22, will include eight teams—four local and four international—competing for a US $5,000 prize and a hand-sculpted wooden trophy. This year’s competition will feature defending champions Clarendon College (Jamaica) and St. Benedict’s College (Trinidad & Tobago). Local teams include D.C. Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary from Region Seven, alongside the winner of an upcoming playoff between two Region Nine schools. Organizers aim to foster healthy competition and expose young athletes to international play.

Fire Devastates Puruni Landing, Leaves Two Missing

A massive fire broke out at Puruni Landing, Region Seven, on Tuesday, destroying several buildings and vehicles. The fire, which started at the Red Belly Hotel, spread rapidly to nearby structures, including a gas station. Two individuals, a man and a woman, are currently missing and feared trapped. Efforts to contain the fire were unsuccessful, despite attempts to pump water from the Mazaruni River. Local authorities, including Fire Chief Gregory Wickham, are investigating the cause of the blaze, which left extensive damage.

ExxonMobil Announces Progress on Gas Pipeline Project

ExxonMobil Guyana announced that a gas pipeline, part of the highly anticipated Gas-to-Energy project, is now ready to bring natural gas onshore. The pipeline, which connects offshore oil fields to the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSO units, is expected to power a 300 MW plant at Wales, slated for completion by 2025. The project is expected to reduce energy costs and emissions in Guyana. ExxonMobil reported no significant production losses during the two-week shutdown needed to complete the pipeline connections.

One Guyana Cycling Race Aims to Promote National Unity

The One Guyana Three-Stage Cycling Race, taking place October 12-13, will feature cyclists from across the country competing over 280 kilometers. Organized by the Guyana Cycling Federation and supported by President Irfaan Ali, the race aims to foster unity and showcase the country’s natural beauty. Substantial cash prizes will be awarded, including GYD 500,000 for the elite category. The race will include routes through Regions Six, Three, and Four, with spectators encouraged to cheer on the participants.

Innovation Fund and Hockey Field Planned for St. Stanislaus College

President Irfaan Ali announced an innovation fund and a world-class hockey field for St. Stanislaus College during the unveiling of the school’s renovated science labs. The fund will support students in developing innovative products, with the school retaining a proprietary stake in successful ventures. Ali urged the private sector to contribute to the fund and emphasized the importance of education linked to national development. The hockey field, expected to cost GYD 100 million, will be developed as part of the school’s broader focus on fostering both academic and sporting excellence.

Two Buildings Destroyed in Puruni Fire, Two Missing

A massive fire erupted in Puruni Landing, Region Seven, on Tuesday, destroying at least 15 buildings and several vehicles. The fire began at the Miners Choice establishment during a fuel transfer and quickly spread to nearby properties, including a gas station, restaurant, and hotel. Authorities fear that two individuals may have perished in the fire, although their identities have not yet been confirmed. This fire comes just one year after a similar blaze destroyed a Chinese supermarket and nearby structures in the same area.

Flooding in Sahara Desert Fills Dry Lake After 50 Years

Unprecedented rainfall in Morocco has led to the refilling of Lake Iriqui, a lake that had been dry for 50 years. The storm, which brought a year’s worth of rain in just two days, hit southeastern Morocco particularly hard, affecting crop production and claiming 20 lives across Morocco and Algeria. While the rains have provided much-needed water for the arid region, experts caution that it is too soon to tell whether the rains will end Morocco’s prolonged drought.

Dangerous Hurricane Milton Nears Florida

Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm, is approaching Florida’s west coast, bringing winds of 130 mph and storm surges as high as 15 feet. The hurricane is expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay, threatening areas that were hit just two weeks ago by Hurricane Helene. Millions have been ordered to evacuate, and President Joe Biden has urged residents to take the storm seriously. FEMA is fully mobilized, with water, meals, and emergency personnel already deployed in anticipation of the storm’s impact.

Ratan Tata, Former Tata Group Chairman, Dies at Age 86

Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Group, passed away at the age of 86. Tata was known for transforming the Indian conglomerate into a global player, overseeing key acquisitions such as Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus Steel. During his leadership, he launched projects like the Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car, though it struggled commercially. His quiet demeanor and philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact on Indian industry and society. Tata was awarded India’s Padma Vibhushan in 2008 for his exceptional service in trade and industry.

FUMACON 2024 Set to Return

FUMA CON, a national event for anime and pop culture fans, will return for its second edition on November 23, 2024, at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. Organized by Seishonen Guyana and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, this year’s event promises workshops, competitions, and interactive activities like the K-Pop Dance Challenge and cosplay competitions. The best cosplayer will have the chance to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Cosplay Championship. The event aims to provide a safe and fun environment for youth to express themselves and showcase their talents.