NEWS
Emperor Valley Zoo: Kangaroo Jack died since May
Six months after Jack, a red kangaroo at the Emperor Valley Zoo, was last seen, the Zoological Society has revealed he died on May 3. The Zoological Society sent a statement on September 22 – the same day Newsday published an article raising questions about Jack’s whereabouts, noting the zoo’s unwillingness to share information. Newsday had been trying to get information about Jack’s welfare, visiting the zoo in April after images of the emaciated-looking kangaroo circulated on social media. Read more here
Tabaquite farmers beg for protection from criminals
Tabaquite farmers are calling for the reopening of the Brasso Police Station or the establishment of a new police post in Tabaquite. At a press conference yesterday, the farmers said they no longer feel safe in their homes or fields and are now demanding protection from authorities. A spokesman for the group, Kelly Badal, said more than 300 acres of land are cultivated by 100 farmers from the Tabaquite region. “We are the food basket of central and we supply many supermarkets and export to several parts of the Caribbean,” he said. Read more here
POLITICS
Ameen, Al-Rawi spar over local government $$
St Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen says approximately $43.6 million is being taken away from all 14 local government corporations and will be used for the PNM's benefit. In response, Rural Development and Local Government Minister Faris Al-Rawi says Ameen's claims reflect her misunderstanding of the facts, which will be spelt out in the 2024/2025 budget debate and subsequent budget deliberations by the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives. They made their respective comments on September 20. Read more here
Paray: Judicial officers need training
Mayaro MP Rushton Paray is calling for the establishment of a Judicial Oversight Committee to monitor the assignment of judges and ensure transparency. Speaking during a debate of the Civil Division Bill, 2024, Paray said, “Accountability is key to maintaining public trust in our legal system. An independent body will ensure fairness in the allocation of judicial resources.” Paray said a critical aspect of this reform is specialised training for judges and court staff. “Judges need to be equipped with the necessary skills to manage cases effectively within their respective divisions,” he said. “Without proper training, we risk undermining the very reforms we seek to implement.” Noting that the Bill allows for electronic hearings, which could revolutionise the court system, Paray warned that access to technology is a concern for many citizens and it was important to consider how to include everyone, especially those in rural areas or with limited resources. Read more here
BUSINESS
Atlantic restructuring takes effect in October
After more than five years of negotiations, the long-awaited restructured agreement for Atlantic LNG is set to take effect next week. The milestone will be celebrated this Friday at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the liquefaction facility. Read more here
REGIONAL
President Ali to deliver addresses at UN General Assembly
Leading a Guyanese delegation, President, Dr Irfaan Ali will be in New York, USA, this week for the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and will be engaged in a number of activities. An official statement from the Office of the President (OP) on Sunday said that President Ali will address the General Debate on September 25, and participate in several bilateral meetings with other Heads of State, such as His Excellency Santiago Pen̵a, President of Paraguay, and His Excellency Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine drone attack in Russia sparks fire
Thirteen people have been injured in Russia's Tver region after a large Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire there, according to the Russian health ministry. Unverified footage has emerged purportedly showing a massive blast in the town of Toropets. Video footage circulating on social media showed detonations and smoke covering a large stretch of sky. A partial evacuation of the region was ordered after the strike in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The regional governor later encouraged residents to return, saying that all infrastructure in the town was working normally again. Read more here
23rd September 2024