NEWS
21 new covid19 cases reported
While the number of covid19 cases reported on Thursday is almost half of those of the previous day, the overall number of cases is still rising. Twenty-one new cases werereported from samples taken between March 22 and 24, compared to 38 on Wednesday. Of these, one is a recently repatriated person. The Health Ministry’s update on Thursday said there are now 207 active cases 207. There have been no new deaths, so the death toll remains at 141. Read more here
Griffith bans marches, vigils ahead of holidays
For just about two weeks, Ministry of Health officials have been warning citizens that COVID-19 cases are increasing again and on Wednesday, the country confirmed its largest number of cases for the year. With this in mind, Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith is urging both the Christian and the Shouter Baptist communities to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines this coming Holy Week. In light of the rising COVID cases, Griffith yesterday said he will no longer be entertaining any requests by citizens seeking to hold vigils and marches. Read more here
POLITICS
Duke to WASA workers: We will protect your nice paying jobs
President of the National Trade Union Centre Watson Duke assured workers of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) that the trade unions will protect them from retrenchment. Duke was speaking at a press conference held by several trade union leaders on Thursday, including NATUC, the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), National Union and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and NGOs (FITUN) “We will protect your nice paying jobs,” said Duke, “but more than that, we will give you an increase.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Guardian Media reports $7m profit for 2020
It's good news for Guardian Media Ltd, as its financial reports indicates about $7 million in profits, as compared to a loss of $7.1 million in 2019. Chairman Peter Clarke in his statement thanked management and staff for their commitment to the local media powerhouse. “(There is) special appreciation to our employees for their courageous and non-stop efforts in serving our communities in these unprecedented times,” Clarke said. Read more here
ANSA McAL’s cash position increased by $1 billion in 2020
The ANSA McAL Group of companies increased its cash position by more than $1 billion last year. According to ANSA McAL’s audited financial results, its cash and cash equivalents at the end of 31 December 2020 was $2.8 billion. The cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year was $1.8 billion. “Although our profits are less than they were the year before, our cash reserves have grown significantly and this augers well for future growth and possible acquisitions,” Group chairman A. Norman Sabga said at the ANSA McAL Stockbrokers’ meeting which was held via Microsoft Teams yesterday. Read more here
REGIONAL
US$6M Sleepin Hotel for Brickdam
After demolishing its Lot 24 Brickdam facility more than two years ago, the Sleepin Group will be utilising the space to construct a modern US$6 million (G$1.3 billion) hotel, to cater for the anticipated increase in arrivals to Guyana and the accompanying economic growth. Guyana, with its new-found oil wealth, is on the cusp of economic transformation, and has already received the title of “investment capital” of the region and possibly the world. This has so far served as encouragement for some of the key players in the hotel industry like the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among others. But, the attention from big international players has not discouraged locals in any way, as is evident in the case of the Sleepin Group, which is planning to create a facility like no other. Read more here
Former child killer bemoans lack of guidance for youth heading down similar path
At 11 years old, he held his father as the elder choked on injuries from a gunman’s bullet. At 13, he and friends made their first two ‘duppies’, and by 17, that body count had tripled. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Global shipping was in chaos even before the Suez blockage. Shortages and higher prices loom
One of the world's most vital trade arteries has been blocked by a quarter-mile-long container ship, creating a traffic jam that has ensnared over 200 vessels and could take weeks to clear. But even before the Ever Given ran aground in the Suez Canal earlier this week, global supply chains were being stretched to the limits, making it much more expensive to move goods around the world and causing shortages of everything from exercise bikes to cheese at a time of unprecedented demand. Read more here
Uighurs: China bans UK MPs after abuse sanctions
China has imposed sanctions on nine UK citizens - including five MPs - for spreading what it called "lies and disinformation" about the country. The group are among the most vocal critics of China in the UK. It comes in retaliation for measures taken by the UK government on Monday over human rights abuses against the Uighur Muslim minority group. Boris Johnson said those sanctioned were "shining a light" on "gross human rights violations". "Freedom to speak out in opposition to abuse is fundamental and I stand firmly with them," the prime minister said in a tweet. The foreign secretary said if Beijing wanted to "credibly rebut" the claims it should allow UN access to Xinjiang. Read more here
26th March 2021