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The top two sides in this year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) duked it out in Providence with the reigning champions Guyana Amazon Warriors winning by a sizeable 35-run margin against nearest rivals at the top of the table, St. Lucia Kings.

Warriors captain Imran Tahir won the toss and elected to bat on home turf in Guyana.

Shimron Hetmyer in full flow at Providence (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The daytime match wicket was thought to be a tricky one to score freely on, but the Warriors put on a confident display, breaching the 200 mark to finish on 207-7 from their 20 overs.

The Warriors top order all contributed with Shai Hope (56 off 31) and Player-of-the-Match Shimron Hetmyer (58 off 30) making the most telling contributions, assessing conditions and picking which bowlers to go after and when, both men compiled assured half-centuries whilst also not eating up too many deliveries.

Shai Hope is peaking at the right time for the Warriors (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Faf du Plessis batted through the entire innings and a various stages looked to be suffering from cramp as the Kings attempted to chase down the target.

Du Plessis’s innings was a true captain’s knock with seven fours and four sixes in over an hour and a half at the crease.

Sadly for du Plessis none of the rest of the Kings batting card could stick with him long enough to truly worry the 2023 CPL champions.

At 105-7 the Kings looked like they were going to suffer a heavy defeat but an obdurate innings from Alzarri Joseph (25* off 21 balls) allowed du Plessis to have some solidity at the other end and he set about hauling his side to a more respectable total and making sure that their net run rate was not too badly damaged.

Warriors captain Imran Tahir sprints off in celebration of a wicket (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Finishing on 172-7 and batting out all of their overs in the end, the 35-run loss marked an achievement of sorts for the Kings after it earlier looked like they would go down by a considerable amount more.

The Warriors reclaimed the top sport in the standings with the win, sitting on 14 points with a game in hand.

They’ll take on the Trinbago Knight Riders on Sunday from 19:00h in the final fixture of the full competition to determine the final standings and playoff showdowns still to come. (CPL)

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Daniel Rodrigues, a 31-year-old miner from Port Kaituma in the North West District, was charged on Thursday with possession of narcotics and assault. The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred the previous evening.

Rodrigues appeared via Zoom at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court from the Port Kaituma Police Station, where Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh presided. He pleaded guilty to both charges, leading to a fine of $20,000 for each offence or a month’s imprisonment per charge, amounting to a total of $40,000 or two months’ imprisonment if the fines are not paid.

Daniel Rodrigues

On September 25, at approximately 20:20, Rodrigues and 22-year-old Anita Henry were consuming alcohol at the Port Kaituma waterfront when Henry left to visit her sister. Rodrigues, reportedly annoyed by her departure, followed her and assaulted her by slapping her face multiple times.

Following the incident, Henry reported the assault to the Port Kaituma Police Station. Authorities arrested Rodrigues, who was found in possession of a haversack containing twenty-seven zip-lock bags of cannabis, totalling 23.4 grams.

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At the Twentieth Special Meeting of the Caribbean Community’s Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), CARICOM has reiterated its strong support for Albert Ramdin, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, as a candidate for Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the term 2025-2030.

Elections are set for March 2025.

CARICOM acknowledges the OAS as a crucial entity for fostering peace, security, democracy, and human rights across the Americas.

The organisation has been instrumental in promoting regional cooperation and addressing collective challenges.

Ramdin, who has previously served two terms as Assistant Secretary-General of the OAS, is praised for his extensive regional and international leadership experience, diplomatic skills, and dedication to the organisation’s mission.

CARICOM believes his commitment to the OAS Charter will enhance collaboration and dialogue among Member States, paving the way for a more united and prosperous Hemisphere.

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As the world celebrates World Tourism Day 2024, Karanambu Lodge in North Rupununi stands as a beacon of hope and growth for the region’s tourism sector.

With its lush wetlands and rich biodiversity, this unique destination is poised to offer even more to visitors, thanks to the innovative efforts of its Managing Director, Melanie Mc Turk.

Karanambu Lodge, which spans an impressive 117 square miles, has been a trailblazer in Guyana’s tourism scene since the 1980s.

“Karanambu is probably one of the oldest tourism locations in Guyana. Tourism naturally grew out of the fact that when you live in isolation you learn to be hospitable when people come to visit

Melanie McTurk

“…and you want to make sure that they are comfortable, and you want to share your world with the people who visit you,” Mc Turk shared with the News Room.

Originally named Karanambu Ranch, the McTurk family recognised the importance of preserving this stunning landscape, designating it a private protected zone in the 1990s.

With the lodge set to celebrate its centenary in 2027, the future looks brighter than ever for Rupununi’s tourism landscape.

“Towards the end of last year, there were a number of new tourism products launched in South Rupununi, so we are really looking forward to this growth of the Rupununi tourism sector as new products, new members, and new types of experiences are added to the Rupununi menu of experiences,” Mc Turk explained.

Karanambu Lodge: A Fusion of Comfort and Conservation

At the heart of this flourishing tourism scene lies Karanambu Lodge, a quintessential Guyanese destination where comfort meets nature. Established in 1927 as a cattle ranch, it has since evolved into a conservation centre and an inviting retreat for discerning guests.

Over the years, the lodge has welcomed notable visitors, including the likes of David Attenborough and Mick Jagger.

Set against a backdrop of savannah, marshy ponds, and the stunning Rupununi River, Karanambu offers guests unparalleled access to some of the Amazon’s most endangered species.

From giant river otters to black caimans and the elusive giant anteater, wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat. Nearby Simoni Pond is renowned as one of Guyana’s richest wildlife and fishing areas, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

The Lodge will turn 100 years old in 2027

Karanambu is also dedicated to the conservation of the Rupununi ecosystem, continuing the pioneering work of the late Diane McTurk, who was famed for her efforts in rehabilitating orphaned giant river otters.

With accommodation styled as traditional clay brick cabins, complete with ensuite bathrooms and hammock-slung verandahs, guests can immerse themselves in the authentic ambience of an Amerindian village.

As Karanambu Lodge looks forward to its centenary, it is clear that the future of Rupununi’s tourism sector is bright, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate both the region’s natural beauty and its vibrant cultural heritage. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquillity, Rupununi beckons with open arms.

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President Irfaan Ali has reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to preserving the nation’s rich biodiversity while advancing its development agenda.

Speaking during a “Fireside Chat” at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting 2024, President Ali highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030).

During the session, President Ali announced plans to double the area designated for biodiversity preservation over the next 18 months, with a long-term goal of achieving the global biodiversity target of protecting 30 per cent of natural habitats by 2030.

“We are on track to achieving the 2030 goals in terms of safeguarding biodiversity assets,” he asserted.

Emphasising Guyana’s significant environmental resources, the President noted that the country’s forests sequester an impressive 153 million tons of carbon annually, contributing to a total carbon storage of 19.5 gigatons.

He affirmed that even with extensive offshore oil and gas operations, Guyana would only utilise a maximum of 20 per cent of its sequestered carbon.

“If the world decides by 2050, we are only going to use 25 or 30 or 40 per cent of our energy from petroleum products, then you have to decide who will produce it. And if you’re going to ask that question from a morally correct perspective, it has to be who will produce it in the least polluting environment, and who would produce it with the least damage to the environment,” President Ali explained.

Highlighting Guyana’s successful track record in forest conservation, he pointed out the nation’s remarkably low deforestation rate, positioning it as a model for sustainable practices.

“You have a country that is keeping its forest, the lowest deforestation rate in the world, committed to keeping this for the planet, safeguarding our biodiversity, expanding the mechanism through which we can safeguard that,” he said.

Earlier in the week, President Ali announced the establishment of a Global Biodiversity Alliance, aimed at uniting biodiversity-rich nations to develop scalable models for environmental protection. An inaugural summit for this initiative is set to take place next year.

This alliance builds on the principles of the LCDS 2030, focusing on innovative financing solutions for biodiversity preservation. President Ali described the LCDS as not merely a climate initiative but also an economic strategy designed to enhance livelihoods, stimulate economic growth, and maximise climate and ecological services for both global and national benefits.

Since the launch of the LCDS 2030, Guyana has made significant strides in climate action, committing to the preservation of its forests and biodiversity corridors.

This commitment has led to innovative climate finance initiatives, including the monetisation of carbon credits. Notably, Guyana has secured a US$750 million contract for carbon credit sales, with funds earmarked for job creation, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development in numerous indigenous communities.

As President Ali continues to advocate for a balanced approach to development and conservation, Guyana stands at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change while fostering sustainable economic growth. [Extracted and modified from DPI]

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The Protected Areas Commission’s Guyana Zoological Park has launched an enhancement project aimed at improving its facilities and enriching the experiences of children, visitors, and wildlife enthusiasts.

This initiative underscores a strong commitment to wildlife conservation, with Schlumberger Guyana (SLB) as the first corporate partner to contribute to the cause.

The zoo, which also functions as a Wildlife Rescue Centre, is home to animals that have endured neglect and mistreatment.

A notable resident is the Jabiru stork, South America’s tallest flying bird, which has been at the zoo for over 26 years following a broken wing that rendered it unable to survive in the wild.

The Jabiru serves as a symbol of resilience and the dedicated veterinary care provided at the park, educating visitors on the importance of wildlife conservation.

In a collaborative effort, SLB has adopted a mixed-species enclosure for threatened and protected animals. Staff from SLB participated in painting murals in the enclosure, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare and corporate social responsibility.

During the project’s launch, PAC Chairman and Foreign Secretary Mr. Robert M. Persaud praised the involvement of the private sector, stating, “The objective is to enhance the experience and education because we are a model globally in terms of how we manage and protect our environment.”

This marks the beginning of a comprehensive rehabilitation of the zoo.

Ms. Dee George, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, welcomed this Public Private Partnership, noting, “This timely gesture will strengthen the experiences of local and overseas visitors.”

She expressed hope for further corporate support to advance the zoo’s transformation.

Mr. Jason Fraser, Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, shared that an assessment outlining specific works and estimated costs for corporate stakeholders is available, aiming to strengthen the zoo’s role within the National Protected Areas System.

Established in 1952, the Guyana Zoo is the smallest member of the National Protected Areas System, yet it plays an invaluable role in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education.

The zoo provides a sanctuary for animals rescued from illegal trade and injury, many of which serve as educational tools.

The newly adopted SLB exhibit features the Jabiru stork, red and yellow-footed tortoises, two-toed sloths, agoutis, and toucans, all receiving dedicated care.

This initiative further highlights the zoo’s commitment to creating natural habitats for its residents and raising environmental awareness among visitors.

The Protected Areas Commission encourages private sector engagement and invites corporate entities to discuss sponsorship opportunities to enhance the Zoological Park.

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A fire of unknown origin erupted in the Generator Room of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) at Plantation Diamond on Friday at approximately 16:30 hrs.

Initial investigations by the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service revealed that the fire started in the generator room, a 60×60 concrete building housing seven generators that powers the entire DDL compound.

Brian Deoraj, a 39-year-old engineer at the facility, reported that upon arriving at work, he noticed issues with two generators—one Cummings 3516 and one Caterpillar 3520—which were not operating optimally.

At around 16:20 hrs, a power outage prompted Deoraj and other staff members to check the generator room, where they discovered the Caterpillar generator engulfed in flames.

An alarm was promptly raised, and the Guyana Fire Service was alerted. Fire Tender 92, led by Sub-officer Lenander from the Eccles Fire Station, arrived swiftly with a team of 20 ranks to combat the blaze.

The fire caused extensive damage to all generators in the room and affected the building’s roof, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

In a statement from DDL, it was confirmed that the fire was first observed at approximately 16:40 hrs near one of the generating sets.

The DDL Fire Response Team acted quickly to control the situation until the Guyana Fire Service arrived, effectively containing the fire to the power station and preventing further damage to other facilities.

Firefighters continue to work diligently to extinguish the remaining flames, while authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

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