October 16th, 2024

Fact of the day: Did you know that a four-week-old human embryo already has miles of blood vessels, and by adulthood, the human body contains 60,000 miles of blood vessels, which is more than twice the circumference of the Earth? These vessels play a critical role in keeping blood flowing, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues, and maintaining the health of organs, including the heart.

Government and Policy

Government Warns Against Illegal Land Sales on Soesdyke-Linden Highway

The government has issued a warning to citizens regarding illegal land sales along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Citizens have complained about paying for plots of land but not receiving them. At a recent community meeting, Minister Kwame McCoy urged individuals to report anyone soliciting payments for land along the highway, emphasizing that only the Ministry of Housing and Water is authorized to manage land sales legally. 

The illegal sales are hindering government plans to develop new housing schemes and delaying the surveying process conducted by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission. Minister McCoy stressed the importance of stopping these transactions and encouraged citizens to follow legal channels to acquire land in Guyana.

Education and Development

Bygeval Secondary School Wins GNBS Public Speaking Competition

Bygeval Secondary School has emerged victorious in the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Public Speaking Competition, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in observance of World Standards Day 2024. The competition aimed to raise awareness about the importance of standards among school children, helping them incorporate standards into their choices throughout life. 

Participants from Rosignol Secondary, Fort Wellington Secondary, and Bygeval Secondary were given topics in advance and tasked with five-minute speeches. Bygeval Secondary’s Lashon Samuels stood out and was named the best performing student, receiving a laptop as her prize. Samuels discussed energy-efficient buildings and how standards improve efficiency, quality of life, and environmental impact. 

Bygeval Secondary took home a trophy and a $30,000 Gift Voucher, while Rosignol Secondary received $20,000 for second place, and Fort Wellington Secondary placed third. GNBS praised the initiative for enhancing students’ public speaking skills and promoting knowledge of standards. 

Tourism

Guyana Shines at Adventure Travel World Summit 2024 in Panama City

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) showcased the country’s adventure tourism potential at the 2024 Adventure Travel World Summit held in Panama City from October 7 to 10. With 800 global leaders and innovators in attendance, Guyana emphasized its commitment to sustainable tourism through presentations and discussions. 

Representatives from Guyana included Tony and Claire Thorne of Wilderness Explorers, and Anders Andersen of Wild Tales, who highlighted Guyana’s vast biodiversity, rainforests, and cultural heritage. North American representative Jane Behrend stated, “Guyana is at a pivotal moment in its tourism development,” as the country seeks to position itself as a premier sustainable travel destination. 

At the event, Guyana impressed attendees by serving El Dorado rum, further cementing its presence. The GTA focused on building partnerships and strategies that align with sustainable practices, ensuring local communities benefit from tourism growth while preserving the environment. 

Entertainment

Guyana’s Arian Dahlia Richmond Crowned Miss Global International 2024

Arian Dahlia Richmond of Guyana was crowned Miss Global International 2024 during the coronation at Hotel Indigo in the Cayman Islands. Competing against 18 contestants, Richmond stood out by winning several awards, including Best Interview, Best National Costume, and Best Evening Gown. 

Known for her advocacy for youth development, Richmond wowed the judges with her final answer about her preparation for the interview segment, which she described as a way to showcase her passion for societal change. Her grace and eloquence won the admiration of the audience. 

Guyana has seen consistent success in the Miss Global International Pageant, with previous winners and top contestants. Under the leadership of National Director Renee Chester, Guyana’s presence on the international stage continues to grow, with Richmond’s win marking another milestone for the country.

Local News

$91M for Road Upgrade in ‘Skull City

The community of Skull City, located at Patentia on the West Bank of Demerara, will undergo significant improvements with an investment of G$91 million to upgrade the mud dam into a concrete road. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, assured residents that the contractor would begin work within two days. Bardon Construction, awarded the contract in July, will upgrade 480 kilometers of road over six months. The project faced delays due to illegal electrical connections, but these issues are being addressed by Guyana Power and Light (GPL). Over 300 children will benefit from the safety improvements. Drainage concerns are also being tackled by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). Additionally, the deteriorating main access bridge will be assessed by ministry engineers.

Education

Texila American University Study Center Opens on Essequibo Coast

The Texila American University Study Center in Suddie, Essequibo Coast, was officially opened by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, providing enhanced access to higher education for Region Two students. The center, part of the government’s GOAL scholarship program, will support 2,703 students pursuing degrees at no cost, with 220 enrolled at Texila American University. The facility is equipped with modern learning resources to help students successfully complete their studies. Minister Manickchand emphasized the government’s commitment to providing educational opportunities to all, regardless of location, and the center is expected to play a key role in the development of the region.

Restorative Justice in Schools to Replace Corporal Punishment

School welfare officers and counsellors in Georgetown and East Coast Demerara began a two-day training session on using restorative justice to replace corporal punishment and outdated discipline methods. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Education, aims to promote understanding, accountability, and behavioral change, rather than punitive measures like corporal punishment. Senior Welfare Officer Cornella Leitch emphasized the importance of shifting away from the cane, bamboo, and ruler, while introducing new disciplinary techniques. The Restorative Justice Centre, established in 2023 in partnership with the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank, supports this transition under the Restorative Justice Act 2022. Permanent Secretary Adele Clarke highlighted the broader goals of reducing custodial sentences and pretrial detention for minor offenses, while promoting rehabilitation and reintegration through restorative practices.

Business and Hospitality

Carnegie School Reopens Hibiscus Training Restaurant

The Carnegie School of Home Economics in Georgetown reopened its Hibiscus Training Restaurant on September 19, after closing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The training facility, which offers students practical experience in culinary arts and hospitality, is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. According to Principal Dr. Sharmaine Marshall, students develop food preparation and presentation skills in the lab, equipping them for the professional kitchen environment. The restaurant focuses on incorporating local cuisine and ingredients, supporting local farmers and producers. Additionally, students learn essential restaurant management skills, such as inventory, customer service, and financial management. Dr. Marshall encourages the public to support the restaurant, noting that by dining there, customers are directly contributing to local skill development and culinary heritage preservation.

Sports

Region Two President’s Cup 5/5 Tapeball Set to Begin This Weekend

The first-ever Region Two President’s Cup 5/5 Tapeball Tournament will kick off on October 19, 2024. Hosted at the Affiance Number One Cricket Ground, the tournament will take place over two weekends and will feature 32 teams, including Reliance Hustlers, Provider Viper, and Pomeroon All Stars. 

At the launch event, notable figures like Prime Minister’s representative Arnold Adams and Region Two Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit praised the government’s commitment to sports and community development. The tournament, named after the President, who is an avid cricket fan, aims to foster unity and competitive spirit. 

Each Player-of-the-Match will receive a trophy, donated by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, and the overall winner will walk away with a G$500,000 cash prize and a custom-made trophy. The Most Valuable Player will also be rewarded with G$50,000. The tournament format encourages sports tourism and will feature teams from outside Region Two as well. Fixtures will be released on Wednesday.

West Indies Women Defeat England to Reach T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

The West Indies Women's team advanced to the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup after a thrilling victory over England in Dubai. Despite dropping five catches, the West Indies chased down England’s 142, thanks to key performances by opener Qiana Joseph, who scored 52 runs, and captain Hayley Matthews, who added another half-century. England’s fielding mistakes, including missed opportunities by Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, and Maia Bouchier, allowed West Indies to maintain control. Deandra Dottin’s quick 27 runs further strengthened the team’s position. England, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 57 not out, posted 141-7 but fell short as captain Heather Knight’s injury weakened their response in the field. This marks England's first exit at the group stage since 2010. West Indies will face New Zealand in the semi-finals.

Jai Hind Legends Dethrone Regal at Prime Minister’s Softball Cup

The Jai Hind Legends defeated the Regal Legends to claim the Over-50 title at the Prime Minister’s Softball T20 Cup. Regal's run for a fifth consecutive title was halted when Jai Hind chased down their total of 163 runs. Lloyd Rooplall's 67 and Vejay Seanarine’s all-round performance helped secure the win in 18 overs. 

In other categories, Ariel Masters won the Over-40 title with a score of 197, defeating Fisherman by 16 runs, while Speedboat claimed the Open title, posting a massive 226 runs and beating Ariel Knight Riders by 46 runs. Linden’s Supreme Stars won the female title, scoring 123 runs and bowling out #64 Knight Riders for 97. 

The winning teams received G$600,000, with Supreme Stars earning G$200,000. Player-of-the-Series went to Jenefa Kewley, while Melissa Daniels received Player-of-the-Match for her bowling performance. 

Sri Lanka's Spinners Dominate West Indies to Level ODI Series

Sri Lanka leveled the ODI series 1-1 after a convincing 73-run win against West Indies, powered by their spinners. Debutant Dunith Wellalage took 3-9, while Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Charith Asalanka each claimed two wickets. West Indies struggled against Sri Lanka’s turning wickets, collapsing to 39-6 before being bowled out. Pathum Nissanka led Sri Lanka’s batting with 54 runs, setting the stage for their bowlers to dominate. Despite a promising start to the series, West Indies’ batters were left searching for answers on how to tackle Sri Lanka’s spinners. They’ll need to revise their strategy for the final game of the series.

CONCACAF President to Visit Guyana for Football Development Initiatives

The President of CONCACAF and FIFA Vice-President, Victor Montagliani, will visit Guyana from October 17 to 19, 2024, as part of a broader initiative to promote football development in the Caribbean. His visit will include a groundbreaking ceremony for the Blue Water Shipping Stadium, which will enhance Guyana’s football infrastructure and boost local and regional football activities. Montagliani will meet with President Irfaan Ali and Sports Minister Charles Ramson to discuss football’s potential in national development, with a focus on youth engagement and community building. The visit will also feature the launch of Guyana’s first Nationwide Girls U-13 Secondary School Championship, aimed at increasing female participation in sports. Montagliani’s visit concludes with a reception dinner, providing a platform for discussing future collaborations between CONCACAF and local stakeholders.

Environment

EPA Investigates Seepage Incidents in Crane, West Coast Demerara

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is investigating reports of a mysterious substance seeping from the ground in Crane Village, West Coast Demerara, after receiving complaints on October 10, 2024. The EPA’s Emergency Response Unit, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), GUYSUCO, and the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), is working to identify the source and nature of the seepage. Residents in the affected area are advised to avoid impacted zones for safety. ExxonMobil Guyana has also been engaged in the investigation through its grievance mechanism. The EPA urges residents to remain calm while investigations continue.