October 14th, 2024

Fact of the day: While it may seem like a vegetable, did you know that the avocado is considered a fruit? Often consumed with salt and spice, avocados are biologically considered fruits as they have seeds and develop from the ovary of a flowering plant. You’d be more surprised to know that avocados are considered “single-seeded” berries in the same family as sassafras, the bay laurel, and various species of the cinnamon tree. Still, as avocados are considered berries, they have but a single seed, which is why some classify them as drupes, which are fleshy fruits that contain a single seed, like cherries, peaches or olives! So the next time you need a fun fact at the breakfast table, keep this one in your back pocket.

Family Seeks Closure 25 Years After Disappearance of Girls

It has been twenty-five years since thirteen-year-old Deniese Hariman went missing, but her family continues their search for answers. On October 6, 2024, family and friends gathered for a candlelight vigil in Queens, New York, marking the disappearance of Deniese and her close friend Chauvian Sankar. The two girls vanished within months of each other, with their disappearances linked to Rudolph Balgobin, who is currently serving twenty-five years in a Florida prison for another murder. Deniese’s mother, Seeta Beran, revealed that Balgobin sent her letters asking for $200 in exchange for information about her daughter’s fate. Deniese’s sister, Natasha, expressed the family's strong belief that Balgobin is involved, but they are waiting for him to confess the truth. The disappearance of the girls has profoundly affected the family, with the pain of not knowing still lingering after so many years.

UNICEF Launches Mental Health Campaign in Guyana

On October 10, 2024, UNICEF Guyana, alongside First Lady Arya Ali and the Ministry of Health, launched the “Hear Me Out” mental health anti-stigma campaign. The initiative seeks to encourage open conversations about mental health, particularly among young people, and to emphasize the importance of seeking help. Speaking at the launch, First Lady Ali highlighted the need for stress management and the importance of supporting the mental well-being of family and friends. UNICEF Representative Nicolas Pron emphasized the equal importance of mental and physical health, urging young people not to be ashamed to ask for help. The campaign will include various activities such as school programs, media broadcasts, and social media initiatives, all aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health in a country where suicide rates are alarmingly high.

$127M Worth of Machinery Handed Over to Improve Drainage Systems in Berbice

Farmers and residents in the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA) scheme in Berbice will see improvements in their drainage systems with the addition of $127 million worth of heavy-duty machinery. Seven excavators were procured through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Flood Risk Management Project, funded by the World Bank. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha handed over two excavators to MMA and Black Bush Polder, announcing that they would desilt drainage systems and improve water management. Additionally, two young women trained by the Board of Industrial Training were hired to operate the excavators, a testament to the government’s focus on empowering young people.

Serviceman Dies in Workplace Accident at Top Mix Cement

Patrick Picket, a serviceman at Top Mix Cement, tragically died in a workplace accident on October 12, 2024. Picket was injured by the rear wheels of a fourteen-tonne cement truck while servicing the vehicle at the company's site in Great Diamond. Despite immediate attempts by colleagues to assist him, Picket was pronounced dead at the hospital. The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Department is investigating the incident, with Minister Joseph Hamilton extending condolences to Picket’s family and emphasizing the need for strict adherence to safety standards in the workplace.

Jealousy Behind Stabbing of Venezuelan Woman in Georgetown

A domestic dispute ended in tragedy when Yuni Zamora Castro, a twenty-five-year-old Venezuelan national, was fatally stabbed by her sixty-year-old partner, El Tio, in Georgetown on October 12, 2024. Witnesses reported that the incident followed escalating jealousy from El Tio, which culminated in the fatal attack after Castro expressed a desire to end the relationship. The man later took his own life. The couple had lived together in a house with other Venezuelan nationals, and authorities are continuing their investigation.

A Century of Legal Legacy: Sydney Amaliya Fraser Joins the Bar

Sydney Amaliya Fraser recently took her oath as an attorney, marking a significant moment for her family, which has been involved in the legal profession for 100 years. In an interview, Sydney shared her determination to carve out her own legacy within the Fraser family’s long-standing tradition in law. Graduating with first-class honours in international human rights, Sydney has a passion for advocating for vulnerable communities. Despite moments of doubt, particularly during the COVID pandemic, she persevered and is now committed to making a positive impact through her work as an attorney. Sydney is driven by her strong faith and the belief that the law can be a tool for social change.

PPP Youth Conference Draws Over 3,000 Young People in Region Six

More than 3,000 young people gathered at Tain Campus in Region Six for a Youth Conference organized by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on October 13, 2024. General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo delivered the keynote address, highlighting the Party’s history and the importance of discipline and commitment to its objectives. The event is part of the PPP’s nationwide effort to recruit the next generation of members to its youth arm, the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO). The conference included an interactive session with Dr. Jagdeo and break-out discussions among participants, addressing key issues such as regional development and personal advancement opportunities.

Essequibo's Historic Win Over Berbice Led by Ricardo and Antony Adams

Ricardo and Antony Adams led Essequibo to a historic win over Berbice in their first Guyana Cricket Board Inter-County match held at Pomona Cricket Ground. Ricardo Adams took five wickets and scored a rapid fifty to steer Essequibo to their target of 204. Berbice struggled against the disciplined bowling attack, with Test player Kevin Sinclair top-scoring with 39 runs. Antony Adams remained unbeaten, guiding Essequibo to victory and marking a memorable win for the team in this historic encounter.

King and Lewis Lead West Indies to Victory Over Sri Lanka

In the first T20I against Sri Lanka, Brandon King and Evin Lewis gave the West Indies a strong start, scoring 107 runs off 55 balls in the opening partnership. Despite some slowdown in the middle overs, the West Indies secured a comfortable chase, reaching the target of 180 runs. Sherfane Rutherford sealed the victory with a boundary in the final over. Earlier, Sri Lanka struggled against West Indies’ bowling attack, losing early wickets before Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka put up a fight with half-centuries. Ultimately, West Indies’ disciplined performance handed them the win.

Australia Beats India to Secure T20 World Cup Semi-Final Spot

Australia defeated India by nine runs to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup. India, needing 152 to win, fell short despite a fighting fifty from captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Australia’s Grace Harris top-scored with 40 runs, helping her team post 151-8. Annabel Sutherland's crucial final over sealed the victory for Australia, while India faces a nervous wait to see if they qualify for the final four.

Chanderpaul’s Century Propels Demerara to Victory Over Select XI

Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s unbeaten century led Demerara to a commanding 105-run victory over the GCB Select XI in the Inter-County 50-over tournament. Chanderpaul scored 102 off 135 balls, forming a crucial partnership with Akshaya Persaud, who made 80 off 53 balls. Demerara’s total of 258-9 proved too much for the Select XI, which was bowled out for 153 runs. Devon Lord led the bowling attack with 3-21, while Richie Looknauth took 2-19, helping Demerara secure their opening win.