CARIBBEAN Airlines Limited has announced that it will brand three of its aircraft with Guyana’s 50th Independence Logo in an aim to help advertise our country’s upcoming activities. So Guyana gets a massive advertising opportunity as well as reduced fares for some VIP members for some events. That’s all fine and dandy, people believe, and the news was greatly welcomed, yet many were seen asking about reduced fares for the common man. Many opted to categorise the move as “half-hearted” and more beneficial for CAL than Guyana itself, since with or without the logo, CAL remains one of the main airlines travelling to and from Guyana and will therefore see a massive profit from the expected influx of Guyanese during the period.

Nevertheless, while diplomatically saying no to questions of reduced fares following the announcement of the grand partnership, representatives of the airline have sagely advised travellers to book tickets early. Thanks, CAL, we kind of figured that part out already.

Food for thought
A glimmer of hope flickered in the minds of the locals upon the prior announcement that their beloved Pizza Hut was returning to Guyana. Now it seems like all is perfect in the land of fast food with word that the Beharry Group has acquired the KFC franchise and will also be bringing back the beloved chicken eatery. I know for a fact that persons were less than pleased when the right to both franchises had been stripped from their original owner due to health regulations. What was worse was that the replacement was nothing short of disappointing and substandard — not calling names. Needless to say, the fast food enthusiasts have been given some relief; and admittedly, I believe it was highly warranted.

Going International
For some reason — apart from Lisa Punch’s stellar performance a few weeks back — the only attention Guyana receives that goes viral comes from news that lean toward the negative side. That said, it was most unfortunate to see an article under the crime section of the UK magazine Evening Standard, detailing the chilling and unfortunate events of the “…teenage film maker killed in Guyana”. Granted, the article -– which has more than 1,000 shares — highlights the tributes sent out in honour of the young man, but it hurts to see that this is the attention that we bring on ourselves, especially when the gruesome details are laid bare for the world to see. What impression does the outside world gain from such news?

I’m not one for hiding the facts, so the article itself is nothing to cringe at, but the fact that it happened at all…. Depressing!