Guyanese-Born, Windies Bowler Joins Peshawar Zalmi For Pakistan Super League

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Jan. 30, 2024: Guyana-born, West Indies’ rising fast bowler, Shamar Joseph, has been signed by Peshawar Zalmi for the upcoming Pakistan Super League, (PSL), scheduled for later this month.

This move comes just two days after Joseph’s standout performance in the second Test match in Brisbane on January 27th, which helped the Windies men to victory.

Shamar Joseph of West Indies reacts after he was gifted a shift by Pat Cummins of Australia during day four of the Second Test match in the series between Australia and West Indies at The Gabba on January 28, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

The 24-year-old, who recently made his debut in Adelaide, was initially brought in as a replacement for England fast bowler Gus Atkinson. Peshawar Zalmi had initially named Atkinson as a replacement for Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad. However, since Atkinson is currently on England’s tour of India, Joseph was chosen as the stand-in.

Peshawar Zalmi confirmed Joseph’s inclusion in their squad on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “Fans asked, we delivered. Welcome to the Zalmi family Shamar Joseph.”

Although Joseph was initially signed as a replacement, ESPNCricinfo reported that he is expected to stay with the team for the entire tournament, which runs from February 17 to March 24.

If this arrangement holds, it means that Joseph, who has limited experience with only seven first-class matches, will be available for only the last two rounds of the Cricket West Indies four-day championship, commencing on February 7.

Joseph will find familiar faces at Peshawar Zalmi, including West Indies’ white-ball head coach, Darren Sammy, who will serve as Zalmi’s head coach for the upcoming season. Additionally, Twenty20 captain Rovman Powell is expected to feature for the team.

Joseph made headlines with his performance during the West Indies’ two-Test tour of Australia. He secured a five-wicket haul on his debut in the Adelaide Test, despite the team losing by ten wickets. Joseph continued to impress by taking an astounding seven for 68 in the second Test, leading West Indies to an unexpected eight-run victory at the Gabba.

The under-strength West Indies had initially lost the opening game in Adelaide by 10 wickets but hit back strongly to win the second Test by eight runs in Brisbane, to force a 1-1 draw in the series.

The series result halted a worrisome run of nine consecutive series defeats, with the Brisbane victory marking West Indies’ first in Tests Down Under for 27 years.

Although Joseph has limited experience in T20 cricket, having played just two matches for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2023 Caribbean Premier League, his remarkable talent has earned him a spot in the Peshawar Zalmi squad for the PSL.

Joseph was born in Baracara, a small community in East Berbice-Corentyne, Guyana, about 225 km up the Canje River, and two days by boat from the port city of New Amsterdam. Joseph was named Man of the Match and Man of the Series for his shattering wicket-taking at the Gabba.

Cricket Windies

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, remarked “This victory is a testament to the indomitable spirit of West Indies cricket. It demonstrates our ability to rise above adversity and justly be among the world’s cricketing elite. “

President Shallow continued, “Captain Kraigg Brathwaite’s exemplary leadership has been instrumental in guiding our team through challenges and victories alike. His resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to the cause have inspired this young team and every member of our cricketing fraternity.”

Sir Curtly’s Advice

Meanwhile, renowned former fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose has advised Joseph, to concentrate on the longer format of the game to refine his skills.

Following Joseph’s impressive performance in the second Test against Australia in Brisbane, Sir Curtly emphasized the importance of establishing a strong foundation in red-ball cricket before venturing into shorter formats.

Speaking on the matter, Sir Curtly stated, “I believe that he loves cricket in general and it doesn’t matter whether it’s Test, ODI, or T20 cricket. I believe he is just passionate  about cricket.”

He continued, “But for me, I would love to see him continue playing red-ball cricket for a while so that he can develop his skills. Because we know sometimes as a young player as you gain success you are wanted in the T20 franchise cricket around the world.”

Get Ready For ICC Men’s T20 World Cup In Lauderhill, Florida

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News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Jan. 30, 2024: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to captivate cricket fans again in Broward county Florida.

The tournament will be hosted across three venues in the USA, including at the Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, and six in the Caribbean, promising a thrilling 29-day cricket extravaganza. Lauderhill will come alive with the first match on June 11th with Nepal facing Sri Lanka while the USA takes on Ireland on June 14th.  On June 15th, India will face Canada while Pakistan faces Ireland on June 16th.

FLASHBACK – The West Indies team lost their second T-20 match up at the Central Broward Stadium in Lauderhill, Fl.

With ten of the 20 participating teams kicking off their campaigns in the USA, cricket enthusiasts can expect 16 exciting clashes in Lauderhill, Dallas, and New York. One of the most highly anticipated matches of the tournament, India vs. Pakistan, is scheduled to take place at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Long Island on June 9th.

In the Caribbean, 41 matches will unfold across six different islands, leading up to the semi-finals in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. The grand finale will be held in Barbados on June 29, promising an exhilarating conclusion to the tournament.

The event features four groups, each comprising five teams. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight phase, followed by the knockout semi-finals and the ultimate title showdown.

Group A boasts co-hosts USA, arch-rivals India and Pakistan, Canada making their tournament debut, and European side Ireland.

Group B features the past two Men’s T20 World Cup winners, England and Australia, who will face off against Namibia, Scotland, and Oman.

Group C sees the West Indies joined by New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea.

Group D showcases South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Nepal.

The tournament kicks off on June 1 with the co-hosts USA taking on neighbours Canada in Dallas. Meanwhile, fellow hosts West Indies will challenge Papua New Guinea in Guyana on the tournament’s second day.

Cricket fans around the world can look forward to a thrilling competition, with teams battling for T20 cricket supremacy across the USA and the Caribbean.

For the full fixture list of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, refer to the provided schedule below:

Dates         Matches    Groups      Venues

June 1        USA vs Canada  Group A    Dallas

June 2        West Indies vs Papua New Guinea         Group C    Guyana

June 2        Namibia vs Oman        Group B    Barbados

June 3        Sri Lanka vs South Africa    Group D    New York

June 3        Afghanistan vs Uganda         Group C    Guyana

June 4        England vs Scotland   Group B    Barbados

June 4        Netherlands vs Nepal  Group D    Dallas

June 5        India vs Ireland  Group A    New York

June 5        Papua New Guinea vs Uganda      Group C    Guyana

June 5        Australia vs Oman       Group B    Barbados

June 6        USA vs Pakistan          Group A    Dallas

June 6        Namibia vs Scotland   Group B    Barbados

June 7        Canada vs Ireland        Group A    New York

June 7        New Zealand vs Afghanistan         Group C    Guyana

June 7        Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh      Group D    Dallas

June 8        Netherlands vs South Africa          Group D    New York

June 8        Australia vs England   Group B    Barbados

June 8        West Indies vs Uganda         Group C    Guyana

June 9        India vs Pakistan         Group A    New York

June 9        Oman vs Scotland       Group B    Antigua and Barbuda

June 10      South Africa vs Bangladesh Group D    New York

June 11      Pakistan vs Canada      Group A    New York

June 11      Sri Lanka vs Nepal      Group D    Lauderhill

June 11      Australia vs Namibia   Group B    Antigua and Barbuda

June 12      z        Group A    New York

June 12      West Indies vs New Zealand         Group C    Trinidad and Tobago

June 13      England vs Oman        Group B    Antigua and Barbuda

June 13      Bangladesh vs Netherlands  Group D    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

June 13      Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea        Group C    Trinidad and Tobago

June 14      USA vs Ireland   Group A    Lauderhill

June 14      South Africa vs Nepal Group D    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

June 14      New Zealand vs Uganda       Group C    Trinidad and Tobago

June 15      India vs Canada  Group A    Lauderhill

June 15      Namibia vs England    Group B    Antigua and Barbuda

June 15      Australia vs Scotland  Group B    Saint Lucia

June 16      Pakistan vs Ireland      Group A    Lauderhill

June 16      Bangladesh vs Nepal   Group D    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

June 16      Sri Lanka vs Netherlands     Group D    Saint Lucia

June 17      New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea       Group C    Trinidad and Tobago

June 17      West Indies vs Afghanistan  Group C    Saint Lucia

June 19      A2 vs D1   Group 2     Antigua and Barbuda

June 19      B1 vs C2   Group 2     Saint Lucia

June 20      C1 vs A1   Group 1     Barbados

June 20      B2 vs D2   Group 1     Antigua and Barbuda

June 21      B1 vs D1   Group 2     Saint Lucia

June 21      A2 vs C2   Group 2     Barbados

June 22      A1 vs D2   Group 1     Antigua and Barbuda

June 22      C1 vs B2   Group 1     Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

June 23      A2 vs B1   Group 2     Barbados

June 23      C2 vs D1   Group 2     Antigua and Barbuda

June 24      B2 vs A1   Group 1     Saint Lucia

June 24      C1 vs D1   Group 1     Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

June 26      TBD Semi-final 1        Guyana

June 27      TBD Semi-final 2        Trinidad and Tobago

June 29      TBD Final Barbados.

iOS 17.3 Brings In The Unity Wallpaper To Mark Black History Month

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 29, 2024: As per the latest reports, the iOS 17.3 update was rolled out on Monday this week. It’s quite impactful and astonishing at the same time since it’s already the third update rolled out with the release of the latest iPhone 15. But what’s in it? For starters, it has brought the ‘Unity Wallpaper’ to celebrate Black History Month.

Unity Wallpaper

With the latest update, users can get the Unity wallpaper that celebrates Black History Month. The artwork itself is super-amazing and brings a great touch to the aesthetics. The Pan African wallpaper represents the Black culture as well as presents a surreal display.

Source: https://ioshacker.com/wallpapers/download-apple-unity-wallpaper

Users can get this wallpaper for iPhones, iPad, and Mac and even for Apple watch. Another amazing thing is that it comes with the perfect resolution for all devices with its portrait orientation. You can easily get the new wallpaper from the Apple’s Unity section, and show your support.

What Else Did iPhone Users Get with 17.3?

In addition, users can also use the device to stream to the TV directly in selected hotels. Linked devices to the user’s Apple ID will get AppleCare and warranty information too. Plus, there has been an improvement in the crash detection feature present in iPhone 14 and 15.

Updated Security Features

Apple is renowned for its security features and we can all agree that it’s true. It’s one of the reasons why the fans of Blackberry switched to the iPhone when it got its security compromised. But thankfully, the 17.3 update brings some robust security features too.

It has added the ‘stolen device protection’ feature, offering an additional layer of security to the users. With this update, users can prevent thieves from accessing sensitive information. This will be done by the addition of Touch ID or Face ID requirements for such resources such as iCloud keychain, Apple Card, etc.

Moreover, the feature will also cause an hour delay as well as add an additional two biometric scans, making it difficult for any unauthorized person to operate the device. The update was highly focused on providing security to the users in case of theft.

Thieves would later acquire passwords and lock the users out of the Apple accounts while accessing financial accounts, emails, and other sensitive information. Most importantly, if any user finds out the passcode and steals the device, the added protective feature will keep them at bay from accessing sensitive information.

Collaborative Playlists

Apple Music players will now be able to collaborate with others using the playlist. From inviting friends to add more songs to the playlist to sending emojis on them, users can do much more than just listen to music.

If you’re into streaming music without any hassle, then get a smooth internet connection such as Comcast Internet to enjoy the experience with your pals uninterruptedly.

The good thing is that this update was initially introduced in the beta for the 17.2 update; however, it was officially rolled out in this one.

Kidnapped Nuns Released In Haiti

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: The Archbishop of Haiti, Max Leroy Mésidor, has announced the release of the nuns who were kidnapped last week, along with two others. The revelation came late Wednesday in a statement from the archbishop.

A man armed with a machete runs in a street of Solino, a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, January 18, 2024. (Photo by RICHARD PIERRIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Last Friday, Jan. 19th, armed gunmen hijacked a bus in Port-au-Prince, taking all of the passengers hostage, including six nuns from the order of the Sisters of Saint Anne.

“The archdiocese of Port-au-Prince thanks the Lord for the liberation of the six religious sisters and the others who were kidnapped on Jan. 19,” said Mesidor. “This traumatising event has, once more, tested our faith, but it remains unbreakable.”

This latest high-profile kidnapping prompted religious leaders to issue a scathing letter criticizing the government for its inaction in addressing Haiti’s surge in gang-related violence.

The statement did not disclose whether a ransom had been paid or provide details about those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Vatican’s official news outlet welcomed the announcement on Thursday, stating, “This marks a sigh of relief for the Haitian church.”

On Sunday, Pope Francis called for the release of hostages and expressed his prayers for an end to the violence in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state. The United Nations estimates that over 4,700 people have been killed in Haiti in the past year due to the ongoing violence.

Will Bob Marley’s Biopic Ignite The Box Office?

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: Paramount’s upcoming musical biopic, “Bob Marley: One Love,” is poised to inject life into the somewhat lackluster 2024 box office, which is currently trailing last year’s numbers by 9%.

(L-R) Brian Robbins, James Norton, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Mike Ireland, Robert Teitel, Reinaldo Marcus Green and Jeremy Kleiner attend the Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the Carib 5 Theatre on January 23, 2024 in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Starring Trinidadian roots and British-born actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, the film is expected to dominate the six-day holiday frame from February 14th to 19th, encompassing Valentine’s Day through President’s Day, with an anticipated box office haul ranging from $27 million to $33 million. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the movie portrays the life of the iconic reggae musician, Bob Marley, who passed away at the age of 36 due to cancer. Actress Lashana Lynch takes on the role of Marley’s wife, Rita, in the film.

(L-R) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Andrew Holness, Juliet Holness and Olivia Grange attend the Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the Carib 5 Theatre on January 23, 2024 in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Paramount recently held the first global screening of “Bob Marley: One Love,” in Kingston, Jamaica, the hometown of the legendary musician. The event was celebrated with the Marley family, the film’s stars, and local fans. Rita Marley received a standing ovation at the Carib 5 Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 23rd.

In a surprising turn of events, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made an unexpected appearance at the premiere held at the Carib Theatre in Kingston. During the event, Meghan and Harry engaged in conversations with fellow attendees on the red carpet, including Ziggy Marley, son of Bob Marley. The couple also took photos with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Brian Robbins, the president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, along with his wife Tracy James.

Sygnus Credit Investments Marks First Listing of 2024 On Jamaica Stock Exchange

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: Jamaican company, Sygnus Credit Investments, (SCI), has made a significant move by listing its preference share offer on the main market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, (JSE). This listing, which occurred on January 19th, marks the first of the year and is part of a larger strategic move by the company.

The preference share offer comprised three tranches and garnered considerable attention from investors. In fact, it was oversubscribed by an impressive 102% following a successful closing in December. This achievement highlights the strong demand for SCI’s offerings in the market.

Jason Morris, Chief Investment Officer and Executive Vice President, Sygnus, inserts strip as members of the Sygnus, JMMB and Jamaica Stock Exchange teams look on. (Front L to R) Dr Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director, JSE Group, Karl Townsend, Chief Country Officer (Jamaica), Capital Markets Unit, JMMB, Linval Freeman, Chairman, Sygnus Credit Investments. (Back L to R) Berisford Grey, CEO and President, Sygnus, Alana Lawrence, Manager Capital Markets Unit, JMMB, and Gregory Samuels, Lead Arranger, Head of Investment Banking and Senior Vice President, Sygnus Capital.

This transaction is noteworthy not only for SCI but also for the JSE. It represents the largest capital raise in SCI’s history and stands as the largest capital raise on the JSE in over a year. Additionally, in terms of USD capital raise, it is the most significant transaction on the JSE since SCI’s initial public offering.

Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director of the JSE Group, commended SCI for effectively utilizing the stock market to further its strategic plans. She noted that this listing represents a remarkable start to the year, surpassing the total capital raised in the main, junior, and US-denominated markets for 2023.

All three classes of SCI’s preference shares saw overwhelming interest from investors. The company successfully raised a total of J$8.0 billion equivalent. This substantial capital infusion reflects investor confidence in SCI’s growth prospects and its ability to deliver value.

Berisford Grey, CEO and President of Sygnus, expressed his gratitude to subscribers and emphasized the company’s pioneering role in the alternative investment space. He highlighted SCI’s commitment to driving economic growth across the region and creating wealth for investors.

SCI’s diverse investment approach encompasses various industries, including manufacturing, distribution, financial services, energy, and more. The company remains focused on expanding its private credit portfolio and participating in private credit transactions across the Caribbean, with a target of at least US$1 billion over the next three years.

Karl Townsend, JMMB’s Chief Country Officer (Jamaica), Capital Markets Unit, praised the overwhelming response to the offering. JMMB played a significant role in the success of the preference share offer, raising J$1.6 billion and US$40 million through JMMB Moneyline and its newly launched JMMB Moneyline IPO.

The successful listing of SCI’s preference shares underscores the company’s growth trajectory and the strong partnership between SCI and JMMB. It also highlights the growing investor interest in this asset class and the confidence in SCI’s strategic direction.

SCI’s listing on the JSE represents a significant milestone for the company and the exchange. It reflects SCI’s commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering value to its investors. The capital raised will enable SCI to pursue its ambitious growth initiatives in the Caribbean region.

Jamaica To Lead Group E In 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: In a highly anticipated draw held at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Concacaf has unveiled the groups for the second round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jamaica, currently ranked as the number one team in the Caribbean Football Union, will take center stage in Group E.

FLASHBACK: Damion Lowe (L) and Dexter Lembikisa (C) of Jamaica fight for the ball with Orbelin Pineda (R) of Mexico during the match between Mexico and Jamaica as part of the CONCACAF Nations League at Azteca on March 26, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images)

Jamaica will face formidable opponents in Group E, including Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Dominica, and the winner of the first-round clash between the British Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands, set to unfold in March 2024.

The Reggae Boyz, under the guidance of Brazilian coach René Simões, have set their sights on a return to the World Cup stage. Their last appearance was in 1998 when they achieved a commendable third-place finish in the first-round group, competing against the likes of Argentina and Croatia.

With a talent pool that includes players from the English Premier League, Major League Soccer, and the United Soccer League in the United States, the Jamaican team aims to end their World Cup qualification drought.

In other groupings, Trinidad & Tobago, the only other English-speaking CFU team to have participated in the World Cup, will feature in Group B alongside Costa Rica, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, and the Bahamas.

The qualification journey continues for teams in Group A, featuring Honduras, Antigua & Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and Cuba. Meanwhile, Group C will showcase CFU No. 2 Haiti, Aruba, Barbados, Curaçao, and St Lucia.

Guyana, which recently secured promotion to the top tier of the Concacaf Nations League, joins Group D, where they will compete against Panama, Belize, Montserrat, and Nicaragua. Group F brings together El Salvador, Puerto Rico, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and the victor of the first-round match-up between Turks & Caicos Islands and Anguilla.

It’s important to note that Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as joint hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have automatic qualification, exempting them from the Concacaf qualifiers. The remaining 30 teams within the confederation will fiercely contend in the second round of qualifiers.

The initial round of World Cup qualification for Concacaf teams is scheduled for March of this year, involving the four lowest-ranked teams: BVI, USVI, TCI, and Anguilla. In the second round, teams will engage in single round-robin matches, with six group winners and six group runners-up advancing to the 12-team third round of qualification.

The second round of qualifiers will take place over two match days in June of this year, followed by another two match days in June of the subsequent year, setting the stage for an intense battle for World Cup qualification in the region.

Caribbean Travel News And Deals This Week

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

The United States is urging nationals to re-consider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services. The State Department is strongly encouraging US nationals to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica. Additionally, they warn of travel to several areas of Jamaica due to crime there.

Canadian authorities are also warning nationals to exercise a high degree of caution of travelling to or in Jamaica or the Bahamas due to high rates of crime rates in both countries.

Frontier Airlines will add six new nonstop routes from the mainland United States to Puerto Rico this June. The new routes include new nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, Boston, Norfolk, Palm Beach and Fort Myers.

One of the hottest deals this week is for an all-inclusive trip from JFK to Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic for just USD557 per person from Feb. 11-14th. Check out the deal on Apple Vacations now.

Or if Curacao is more on your bucket list, check out the All inclusive deal at Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino. Fly from JFK between March 18-21 for USD 1,074 per person. Book on Apple Vacations.

And JetBlue Vacations is offering an all-inclusive stay from May 6-10th at the St. James’s Club Resort & Villa in Antigua, for fliers from JFK. Check out JetBlue vacations to book now for USD 1,214 per person.

Guyana Aims To Capitalize On Carbon Credits

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 22, 2024: Guyana is strategically focusing on increasing its revenue from carbon credits as it strives to mitigate its environmental impact, especially in light of its burgeoning offshore oil reserves, Latin Finance reports.

In late 2022, this South American nation inked a significant agreement with US-based oil and gas producer Hess Corporation. Finance Minister Ashni Singh indicated to Latin Finance that Guyana is poised to initiate new carbon credit deals when the market conditions are favorable. The agreement with Hess, a member of a consortium involved in oil exploration in Guyana, encompasses a value of $750 million in carbon credits spread over a 15-year period.

Guyanese Lindon Peter, a resident of Arau village, carries supplies back to his village, after walking two hours through the jungle to reach the community of Mango Landing to buy supplies on December 11, 2023. (Photo by ROBERTO CISNEROS/AFP via Getty Images)

This landmark deal accounts for approximately one-third of the total carbon credits that Guyana can offer, according to Singh. He expressed that they received multiple offers when finalizing the agreement with Hess, affirming that there is substantial interest from various parties. Singh, in an interview during the World Bank/IMF annual meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, emphasized the importance of timing to secure the best possible price, indicating that carbon credits represent the third source of income for the country, following domestic revenue mobilization and oil revenue. While Singh didn’t rule out the possibility of issuing a sovereign bond in the future, Guyana is eager to establish its reputation in the carbon credit market.

The Hess deal holds particular significance for Guyana as private companies, led by ExxonMobil, are scaling up oil production more than 100 miles off its coast. With over 25 discoveries in Guyana’s waters, the country is expected to produce approximately 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027.

Guyana’s first foray into carbon credits occurred in the early 2000s when it received around $250 million from Norway for its efforts in forest conservation. Notably, two-thirds of Guyana is covered by Amazon forests, and the government, under President Irfaan Ali, aims to leverage the country’s impressive track record in averting rampant deforestation, setting it apart from other members of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization. In a new category known as “high forest cover/low deforestation countries,” Guyana ranks first among 33 nations globally. The government is resolute in its stance that preserving standing forests is an efficient means of combating climate change and seeks compensation for its conservation efforts.

Furthermore, Guyana is taking proactive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its energy sector by transitioning to natural gas, hydroelectric plants, and solar power generation, while also ensuring that new transportation and agri-business infrastructure align with environmentally friendly practices. The ambitious plan includes adding 50,000 acres of new farmland equipped with irrigation and drainage systems designed to minimize environmental impact. Singh underscored that despite Guyana’s trajectory as a significant oil producer, its vast forests and minimal environmental footprint position it as a carbon-sink country. He emphasized that the story of sustainable forest management, in many ways, parallels the narrative of its oil industry and is equally crucial in addressing global environmental challenges.

The push comes as Guyana has been forced to defend its territory from Venezuela, which wants to annex its Essequibo region, home to most of the country’s forests and natural resources.

Caribbean Travel News And Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 18, 2024: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

The Canadian government is warning its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to or in Belize, the Bahamas and Jamaica due to the high level of crime there.

Anticipation is building as Blue Diamond Resorts’ Royalton CHIC Antigua is set to open in the spring with twelve luxury Overwater Suites.

Silver Airways is adding a pair of new nonstop routes to the islands of The Bahamas. Beginning in March, Silver will be relaunching service from West Palm Beach to two destinations in The Bahamas: Nassau and Marsh Harbour, Abaco. The Nassau service will be operating daily, while West Palm Beach-Marsh Harbour flights will be operating three times per week, with service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Winter blues got you down? Get ready for a January vacay in Punta Cana. Riu Republica, an Adult Only- All Inclusive in the DR offers a 3 night hotel plus air fare from Fort Lauderdale from Jan. 28-31 from just $591. Book now

Start planning a May vacation for Curacao with Jet Blue vacations now. Get a 4 flight + hotel package from New York City, NY (JFK) for 4 nights at the Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort. Check out this deal and dates now

And fly from Dallas to Jamaica this May 11-14 for a three night stay at the all-inclusive, Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica. Hotel plus flight is USD 1,071 per person. Book now at FunJet.