NEWS
WASA: Reservoirs still below average levels
After the recent shutdown of the Caroni water treatment plant for upgrades comes word that the country's reservoirs still remain at levels well below their long-term averages. This is also despite downpours which have caused flooding in various areas, such as those on August 12 in areas including Port of Spain, Morvant, Barataria and St Augustine. Replying to a query by Newsday, WASA supplied details of the various capacities of these reservoirs on August 13. Read more here
MoH bracing for more dengue as infections continue to climb
The Ministry of Health is bracing for more dengue cases as the number of confirmed infections continues to trend upward. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh noted that despite efforts by authorities to keep dengue at bay, the numbers are rising. Deyalsingh said while there were no new deaths between last week Friday and yesterday, people diagnosed with dengue fever increased from 712 to 813 during that period. “What I am seeing is a repeat of the COVID-19 experience where people just took too long to come in to be treated, to be diagnosed, and to be screened,” he added. Read more here
POLITICS
PNM begins screening by month's end
The People’s National Movement (PNM) is expected to start screening nominees from nine constituencies in late August to early September. Ahead of the screening, the PNM will be holding a special convention this Sunday on its internal report on constitutional reform. Executive units from the nine constituencies are finalising to present their nominees to the party by tomorrow’s 4 pm deadline. The PNM leadership had mandated the nine units in June and July to start searching for general election nominees in the nine UNC-held constituencies. Screening is expected to be done soon after tomorrow’s deadline, PNM officials said yesterday. Nominees to be screened are from five southern constituencies, two in the Central and two in the North. Read more here
BUSINESS
Deputy PS: 2024 Agri Expo expanding with innovation, sustainability
The Agri Expo is returning with an expanded “scope and scale”, according to acting deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Denny Dipchansingh. In an e-mailed response to Express Business, Dipchansingh said, “We have increased the number of exhibitors, expanded the range of displays, and introduced more interactive and educational elements. The emphasis this year is on sustainability and innovation, with a stronger focus on value-added products and the entire agricultural supply chain. Additionally, we’ve integrated more youth-oriented activities, competitions, and partnerships with development partners, making the expo not just a showcase but a platform for collaborative growth in the sector.” Read more here
REGIONAL
‘We are on the path to building one of the strongest, most resilient economies in the world’
Reflecting on the significant strides made towards the development and transformation of Guyana, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that his government had to navigate lost time and many challenges to be on a path to building a strong and resilient economy. The Head of State made those remarks during his address at the opening of the recently concluded International Building Expo. President Ali, while noting that it is important and necessary to reflect on some things in life, said that all of what has been achieved in the last four years was done as a result of the hard work of a lot of Guyanese. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
US says it aims to 'lower temperature' in Middle East
The US is aiming "to turn the temperature down" in the Middle East, the country's ambassador to the UN has said, as fears of an Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel loom. On Tuesday, Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the UN Security Council in New York the US wanted to "deter and defend against any future attack and avoid regional conflict". There are fears Iran could retaliate against Israel following July's assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran - something Israel has not said it was behind. US President Joe Biden suggested reaching a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could help deter Iran from launching an attack on Israel. Read more here
14th August 2024