October 26th, 2024

*the following articles are summarized by AI

Fact of the day:

The Guiana Shield, a massive geological formation on the northern coast of South America, is among the oldest and most ecologically rich regions on Earth. Spanning approximately 1.7 billion years in age, the Shield is characterized by vast lowland rainforests, submontane woodlands, and remarkable flat-topped mountains known as tepuis, which are iconic sandstone formations towering above dense forests.

Covering 270 million hectares, the Shield includes French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Venezuela, and parts of Colombia and Brazil, enveloping an area about the size of Texas and California combined. This expanse represents 40% of the entire Amazon biome, and its ecosystems host thousands of endemic species, including jaguars, giant river otters, and unique bird species, contributing to the Amazon's overall biodiversity.

The Shield's tepuis, particularly in Venezuela, are ancient sandstone plateaus rising sharply to altitudes of up to 3,000 meters, creating isolated ecosystems atop their cliffs. These tepuis are so ecologically unique that they harbor species found nowhere else on Earth, with some even inspiring Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel The Lost World, where prehistoric creatures and ancient flora survive.

Jokes of the day:

1. Why don’t we see elephants hiding in trees? Because they’re really good at it.

2. How do you find Will Smith in the snow? Look for the "Fresh Prints."

3. Can a kangaroo jump higher than a house? Of course. A house doesn’t jump at all!

This is Politics

Guyana Commemorates United Nations Founding with Call for Peace and Multilateralism

Marking the 79th anniversary of the United Nations, Prime Minister Mark Phillips highlighted Guyana’s commitment to UN principles, stressing the organization’s role in preventing conflict and fostering international cooperation. In a ceremony at Parc Rayne, Phillips underscored Guyana’s focus on peace, sustainable development, human rights, and international law, while celebrating the UN’s historic role in decolonization and independence efforts. He commended the UN’s convening power and recent Pact for the Future, encouraging global cooperation. UN Resident Coordinator Jean Njeri Kamau emphasized continued UN-Guyana collaboration, mentioning $17 million in development programs and upcoming biodiversity and climate summits. Guyana, now a non-permanent UN Security Council member, will prioritize climate action, food security, peace, and protection for vulnerable groups. Phillips called for resolutions to conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond, urging commitment to human rights. He praised UN staff for their contributions to global peace and stability.

PPP Allocates Double APNU’s Five-Year Water Budget in 2024

General Secretary of the ruling PPP and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo highlighted that spending on Guyana’s water sector in 2024 alone has reached $21 billion, double the total of $10.8 billion allocated during the former APNU/AFC Coalition’s five-year term (2015-2020). This year’s increased investments aim to enhance access to treated and quality water nationwide, with 14 new water plants under construction, benefiting 181,000 additional people.

Jagdeo addressed suggestions that higher spending is due to oil revenues, clarifying that only 30% of the 2024 National Budget is oil-funded. He attributed the increased funding to the PPP’s effective economic management, focusing on water infrastructure improvements, particularly for the coast and hinterland. Currently, capital expenditure for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has surged, with $14 billion directed toward coastal water projects and iron removal plants installed in several villages to ensure better water quality across the country.

Jagdeo Condemns Criticism of Afro-Guyanese Entrepreneurs in Bamia School Project

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo dismissed recent criticisms of the Afro-Guyanese contractors building the Bamia Primary School, attributing the backlash to attempts to undermine Black-owned businesses. Jagdeo highlighted how companies like St8tment Investment Inc. are breaking barriers despite challenges, such as labor shortages and rising costs. Awarded the contract in 2021, St8tment Investment, composed of Black entrepreneurs, expects to complete the school by late 2024. Jagdeo praised the company’s resilience and criticized opposition claims of racial bias in contract allocation.

Crime and Security

Two Brazilian Nationals Arrested in Lethem for Firearm Possession

On Thursday, Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) officers arrested two Brazilian nationals in Lethem, Region Nine, for firearm possession. Officers acted on intelligence and intercepted a white vehicle outside Takatu Hotel. The occupants, Paulo Cezar Buckley Da Silva, thirty-six, and Lorissa Soares Garcia Rodrigues, twenty-three, both from Boa Vista, Brazil, were found with a .38 revolver and a suspected rifle in the vehicle. The suspects, unable to produce firearm licenses, were taken to Lethem Police Station for further investigation. Paulo allegedly admitted bringing the firearms from Brazil to sell in Lethem. The seized weapons and vehicle are secured as investigations proceed.

Wanted Bulletins Issued for Two Suspects in Ex-Cop’s Disappearance

Five months after former policeman and gold miner Delon Alexander went missing, police have issued wanted bulletins for 28-year-old Kevral Hatton ("Smokey") and 42-year-old Mark Cromwell ("Demon" or "Diamond"), both residents of Vigilance, East Coast Demerara. Alexander was last seen in Buxton on May 7, where police now suspect he was abducted.

Brutus Withdraws High Court Motion Against Authorities

Following multiple financial crime charges, Deputy Commissioner of Police (ag) Calvin Brutus has withdrawn a constitutional motion he filed in the High Court earlier this month. The motion named several respondents, including the Attorney General, Ministry of Home Affairs, Police Service Commission, Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken, and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). On Friday, the Attorney General’s Chambers received Brutus’s notice of withdrawal, ending his legal proceedings against these parties.

Business and Economy

Xen Aviation Acquires First Britten-Norman Islander for Regional Connectivity

Xen Aviation, a new domestic airline in Georgetown, Guyana, has purchased its first Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander, the first of its kind to operate in the country. The aircraft, a turboprop variant, offers 30% more interior space and a Maximum Take-Off Weight of up to 4,048 kg, powered by twin Rolls-Royce engines. The Islander is known for its adaptability to short, unprepared airstrips, crucial for connecting remote regions. With a range of 1,863 km, the aircraft is configured to seat 10 passengers. Britten-Norman’s Chief Executive, William Hynett, highlighted this aircraft’s capacity and performance for commuter services in Guyana, while Xen’s Ronaldo Alphonso expressed enthusiasm for improving safety, comfort, and affordability in local aviation.

Local Content Laws Urge Higher Standards, Not Excuses for Poor Service

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat reminded businesses not to misuse local content laws as a pretext for poor service. Speaking at a Private Sector Commission event, he urged businesses to use these laws to compete globally with high-quality products. Emphasizing better standards, PSC Chairman Komal Singh encouraged certification and corporate governance as keys to financial growth, advocating for practices that demonstrate Guyana’s capability on a global scale.

Health and Education

Brayon Hosey: First in His Family to Graduate University

Brayon Hosey, from Santa Rosa, an Indigenous village in Moruca, Region One, has become the first in his family to graduate from the University of Guyana. Brayon overcame significant obstacles, including limited access to resources, financial hardships, and relocation challenges, to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management.

Supported by his mother, a single parent raising nine children, Brayon’s journey was marked by resilience and community assistance. He acknowledges his mother’s steadfast support and guidance from UG’s Admissions Office as pivotal to his achievement. A visit from Valerie Garrido-Lowe played a key role in securing accommodation in Georgetown through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

As Brayon prepares for graduation, his story serves as an inspiration, especially for Indigenous students. His experience reflects the power of determination and community support in making education dreams a reality.

1,500 Newly Trained Teachers Graduate from Cyril Potter College of Education

On Friday, 1,502 teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) in Guyana, marking the second largest batch to complete teacher training. Among the graduates were several mother-daughter pairs and at least one husband-wife duo, with an overall class composition of 86% women and 14% men. The teachers will return to communities nationwide, starting positions as of October 1.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand highlighted that this trained cohort will notably reduce student-teacher ratios, especially in regions like Region One, where 88 new teachers will lower the average class size from 50 to around 32 students. This initiative aims to enhance classroom quality and create manageable class sizes, fostering better educational outcomes across the country.

This is Sports

BetCageSports National T20 League Offers Key Opportunities for Local Talent

The BetCageSports National T20 League, organized by the Guyana Cricket Board, starts on October 26, marking an essential platform for local cricket talent. Backed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the league aims to enhance Guyana’s cricket structure and entertain fans. Six franchises, with 15 players each, were selected meticulously by team captains and the Selection panel. The top team will secure over GYD $1 million, adding motivation.

With US $100,000 in sponsorship from BetCageSports, this initiative showcases corporate sports support. The league also introduces match fees, allowing players to earn while playing. Minister Charles Ramson Jr. urged players to pursue national representation, eyeing competitions like the Cricket West Indies T20 and the 2028 Olympics. Opening matches at La Bonne Intention include the Essequibo Jaguars vs. Demerara Hawks at 2:00 PM and Demerara Pit Bulls vs. Berbice Caimans at 7:00 PM.

Santner, Latham Propel New Zealand Towards First Series Win in India

New Zealand stands on the brink of a historic series victory over India, leading by 301 runs at the close of day two in the second Test. With an initial win in Bengaluru, another in Pune would secure the series 2-0, ending India’s 12-year unbeaten home series run of 18 consecutive wins. After posting 259 on day one, New Zealand bowled India out for 156, thanks to Mitchell Santner’s seven-wicket haul. In their second innings, captain Tom Latham’s 86 pushed New Zealand to 198-5, with a 103-run lead. India’s Washington Sundar, who also took seven wickets in the first innings, claimed 4-56 in the second innings. New Zealand needs 10 wickets to clinch the series.

ExxonMobil Futsal Championship Begins Tonight in Linden

The ExxonMobil Futsal Championship, hosted by New Era Entertainment, kicks off tonight at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden. Featuring 20 teams in a round-robin format, the tournament offers substantial rewards, with the champion team earning GYD $1 million. The second, third, and fourth-place teams will receive GYD $500,000, GYD $200,000, and GYD $100,000, respectively. An MVP will also be awarded a motorcycle from Cevon’s Waste Management. Matches will occur throughout October and November, with the final scheduled for November 23.

Tennis Coach Kalyca Fraser Engages in International Training

The Guyana Tennis Association, with support from the Guyana Olympic Association, has sent Coach Kalyca Fraser to the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program at the University of Delaware. This program focuses on athlete development, coaching education, and sports science. Fraser will apply her skills to advance tennis coaching in Guyana, strengthening local programs for young players and contributing to Guyana’s sports future.