October 13th, 2024

Fact of the day: Did you know that sea level isn’t the same everywhere? The strength of the Earth’s spin is greatest at the equator. Here, the sea bulges outward, placing it farther from the center of the earth than at the poles.

Schengen Visas Available in Guyana Starting October 21

Guyanese residents can apply for Schengen visas to France starting October 21 at the Honorary Consulate of France in Georgetown. Applicants need to complete an online application and submit the necessary documents, streamlining the process for those traveling to France.

Free University Education a 'Monumental' Move - New Student Society President

Starting in January 2025, the University of Guyana will offer free education to all students, benefiting 11,000 individuals at a cost of GYD 8 billion. The student society president praised the move, which opens opportunities for financially struggling students.

Former Vendor Calls for Bourda Market Redevelopment

Nawaab Abdul, a former long-time vendor, calls for a complete rebuild of Bourda Market to address issues like drainage and security. He advocates for vendor involvement in the planning to create a more efficient shopping experience.

Puruni Fire Started at Gas Station, Fire Service Confirms

A fire that started at a gas station in Puruni Landing damaged several properties, but no casualties were reported. Local miners helped contain the blaze using mining equipment.

Guatemala Defeats Guyana's Golden Jaguars 3-1

Guatemala defeated Guyana’s Golden Jaguars 3-1 in the Concacaf Nations League. Despite Stephen Duke-McKenna's goal, Guyana failed to convert key opportunities, leading to another defeat in their campaign.

Caribbean Airlines to Start Flights Between Guyana and Suriname

Caribbean Airlines will begin new flights between Guyana and Suriname in November 2024, enhancing regional connectivity and promoting trade and tourism between the countries.

Guyana Establishes Biodiversity Centre with Harvard and Oxford

Guyana is partnering with Harvard and Oxford Universities to create an International Centre for Biodiversity. The initiative supports Guyana’s mission to protect ecosystems and explore nature-based solutions beyond carbon credits. President Dr. Irfaan Ali highlighted this project as part of a broader strategy, including the creation of a market for biodiversity credits. The new biodiversity centre will focus on sustainable urban development, water management, and conservation, expected to be completed by 2025. Guyana, with 85% of its landmass covered in pristine forests, is pushing for compensation to continue protecting biodiversity within these forests. The country’s leadership also plans to introduce biodiversity taxonomies and promote conservation as part of a global alliance for biodiversity.

Woman Arrested After Drug Raid in North West District

During a police raid in the North West District, authorities arrested 49-year-old Jarrette Singh after finding 41 grams of cannabis at her home. Singh, who admitted ownership of the drugs, claimed she used them for medicinal purposes. In addition to the cannabis, officers found drug paraphernalia, including plastic bags, scales, and suspected cocaine. Singh was taken into custody as investigations continue.

$392M Worth of Cannabis Destroyed in Upper Berbice River Operation

In a major narcotics eradication operation, Guyana police destroyed cannabis worth GYD 392 million in the Upper Berbice River. The operation uncovered a four-acre cannabis farm with 12,000 plants and approximately 950 pounds of dried cannabis. Police also found a makeshift camp with facilities. Although no arrests were made, the operation successfully disrupted a large-scale illegal drug operation.

WBO Denies Banning Olympic Champion Imane Khelif

The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) dismissed reports that Olympic champion Imane Khelif was banned for failing gender eligibility tests, calling them "obviously false." The WBO clarified that it had no jurisdiction over Khelif, an amateur boxer. Khelif, who won gold at the Paris Olympics, had previously been disqualified from the World Championships by the International Boxing Association for alleged gender eligibility issues. She has denied any wrongdoing and called her treatment unfair.

India Dominates Bangladesh with Near-Record T20I Score

In a crushing T20 International victory, India scored 297-6 against Bangladesh, the second-highest T20 score in history. Sanju Samson hit a 40-ball century, and Suryakumar Yadav added more power with his signature shots. Bangladesh struggled to respond, with their bowlers conceding 22 sixes and 25 fours. Though Towhid Hridoy’s half-century provided some resistance, India’s overwhelming performance resulted in Bangladesh’s heaviest T20 defeat by runs.

Sinclair and Smith Donate Cricket Gear to Canje Secondary

Guyana and West Indies cricketer Kevin Sinclair, along with fast bowler Nial Smith, returned to their alma mater, Canje Secondary School, to donate cricket gear. Sinclair shared that 16-year-old Jearmin Singh, a student at the school, reached out for help acquiring cricket sneakers. Sinclair, inspired by his own past struggles, partnered with Smith to provide additional gear, including bats, balls, gloves, and protective equipment. Sinclair emphasized the importance of pursuing both sports and academics and encouraged students to work hard to achieve their dreams. The ceremony concluded with Sinclair gifting a signed Test match shirt to a student.

Jagdeo Announces $200,000 Cash

Grant Distribution Completion in Five Months

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the $200,000 cash grant distribution process will be completed in five months. The government aims to ensure every household, including those without electricity meters, receives the grant. The verification process will utilize the Guyana Power and Light database, and renters will also be eligible by presenting rental agreements. Households in Amerindian communities will be verified through village councils. The grants, announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, will be distributed via cheques, bank transfers, or cash, with protocols in place to prevent fraud.

Couple Found Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide in Kitty

A couple was discovered dead at a residence on Station Street, Kitty, in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Early reports suggest that the man, believed to be in his 60s, stabbed the woman, who was in her 30s, before taking his own life. The police are investigating the incident, and further details are expected to emerge.

Drainage Pumps Project Involved Controversial Indian Representative

The drainage pump project flagged in the Auditor General’s report involved Ajay Jha, a controversial figure and representative of Apollo International, who signed a deal with the APNU+AFC government in 2018 for the procurement of engines. The project faced scrutiny when the wrong engines were delivered in 2020, leading to delays and payment disputes. Jha, previously linked to the blacklisted firm Fedders Lloyd, represented Apollo during the deal. The PPP/C government is now negotiating with Apollo to resolve the issue, threatening to deduct costs for new engines from the contract balance if the matter isn’t settled.

Sir Clive Lloyd Appointed Special Technocrat of Guyana Cricket Board

Cricket legend Sir Clive Lloyd has been appointed Special Technocrat to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). The former West Indies captain will offer his vast experience to support cricket development in Guyana. Lloyd’s extensive cricketing career includes playing 110 Test matches and leading the West Indies to victory in the inaugural 1975 Cricket World Cup. His appointment follows discussions with GCB President Bissoondyal Singh, who highlighted Lloyd’s value in guiding the board. This appointment further strengthens GCB’s leadership, which also includes former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan.