🔴Ignite News Hour - June 11, 2026

[00:00:13]Good evening and welcome to Ignite News on 6 at 6. It's Thursday, June 11th, 226. I'm Rihanna. Thanks for joining us.

[00:00:21]Here are the headlines. Brazil says it ready to support Ghana's dairy industry with genetics, technology, and expertise. President Ali tells Gyn that the development bank will provide guidance, training, and support alongside financing. Anti-bullying clubs, expanded counseling, and tougher measures for repeat offenders are among proposals being considered by the education ministry. And after investing $5 million and overcoming major flood losses, a Burby's farm is now harvesting the rewards of his dragon fruit venture.

[00:00:52]Guyana, Brazil, and the Interamerican Institute for Cooperation and Agriculture, EKA, are exploring new partnerships aimed at expanding local dairy production. Talks advanced during a meeting at the World Trade Center Georgetown, which brought together Brazilian Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Clir Suarez, EKA Director General, Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, and WTC George Executive Director Wesley Curtain. A key focus was private sector investment, including Near Distillers Limited's planned dairy project. the Brazilian agriculture and livestock sector ready to improve our partnership with the the private sector uh in Guana especially using the uh wood trade center ability and capacity to enhance and to power uh the agriculture here in Guana. According to Vice Minister Sorz, his country is prepared to support Guyana through technical cooperation, livestock genetics, and pasture development. He noted that Brazil has dairy and beef cattle breeds that perform well in tropical conditions similar to Guyana's. Today we discussed with the the World Trade Center uh board how we can uh put uh all the Brazilian team together special from the Brazilia R&D company that we call Embraa uh in in in contact with the people from the Woodford Center and the Woodford Center we select some farmers some private sector to to connect with our team to improve the partnership. Meanwhile, EA's Dr. Ibrahim indicated that the institute is in discussions with stakeholders in the dairy sector to develop a sustainable production model supported by science, technology, and innovation.

[00:02:40]He said EKA can assist through knowledge sharing and technical cooperation, adding that the organization's experience across 34 countries can assist in increasing milk productivity while promoting value added dairy processing.

[00:02:55]The Private Sector Commission and the Interamerican Development Bank through IDB Invest are moving to strengthen support for businesses in Ghana after agreeing to map the country's private sector landscape and identify areas where financing and technical assistance are most needed. The agreement emerged from discussions between the two sides on Tuesday which focus on expanding opportunities for local enterprises and improving access to capital. Among the areas explored were financing solutions for medium and large-scale investments, depth and equity financing and support programs for startups and small and medium-siz businesses. The discussions also examine opportunities in emerging sectors including recycling, value added production, artificial intelligence, and technology adoption. According to the PSC board organization to discuss ways to strengthen business competitiveness and encourage sustainable growth across the private sector, the commission said IDB Invest has committed to providing innovative financial solutions, advisory services, and technical support aimed at helping businesses scale operations and access new opportunities.

[00:04:01]The proposed Ghana Development Bank will operate as more than a lending institution with a government unveiling a nationwide support system aimed at helping entrepreneurs build successful and sustainable businesses. President Dr. Muhammad Eran Ali says the bank whose governing legislation is currently before parliament will provide interest free and collateral free loans while offering mentorship, technical guidance and business development support. The Ghana Development Bank is about creating strategies at the individual and small business level that allows GY to win, prosper, and succeed.

[00:04:41]>> A key feature of the model is a network of facilitators, credit officers, and mentors will work directly with business owners to develop ideas, improve financial literacy, and connect them with training opportunities.

[00:04:52]Entrepreneurs operating in similar sectors will also be grouped together to share experiences and access specialized support.

[00:04:59]>> We're building an ecosystem that would almost guarantee success. An ecosystem that is there to hold your hands to support you to guide you.

[00:05:12]>> The president says the goal is to help businesses move beyond the startup phase and create lasting economic opportunities for families and communities. Government officials say the model was developed after studying international development banks and adopting successful elements to Ghana's needs.

[00:05:27]>> It is not leaving someone alone when they when the the loan application is processed. It is a continuum continuity through the journey of your business development and business life.

[00:05:41]>> Once operational, the bank is expected to support thousands of gy seeking to transform business ideas into sustainable enterprises. Investment opportunities between Guana and BISE took center stage yesterday as the BISE high commission hosted a forum aimed at strengthening trade and business partnerships. The event titled BISE linking markets and opportunities brought together government officials, investors and business leaders at the World Trade Center Georgetown. BISE High Commissioner Gil Miller Garnet said the form was designed to showcase investment prospects and strong commercial links between bise and the wider Caribbean. It is to look beyond bise in terms of the market but in terms of what bleise is offering. We are offering a space where we have export processing zones designated processing areas. Um we have commercial free zones. So it is where you can look at bise as a hub and hub of opportunity where you can do value addition and then you can move into the regional market there. Presentations highlighted BISE's position as a gateway between the Caribbean, Central America, and North America, as well as opportunities in agriculture, agroprocessing, logistics, tourism, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

[00:06:51]Vice President of trade of the Caribbean Sugar Refinery, CSR, Oliver Higher outlined plans to develop a regional sugar value chain with BISE serving as refining hub and distribution networks across Caraccom. We talk about BISE, we talk about Guyana, we talk about Caraccom as a whole. And what CSR is doing is it's connecting that as a regional market, which is a really important message for Caraccom. So, so what is um CSR? So CSR is the sugar refinery of of the Caribbean. Like we said, for many years, sugar was processed uh was was grown in in the Caribbean region and then it was exported abroad and that's where the value ad happens. And what we're doing is we're keeping it within Caraccom. The event also featured updates on the planned expansion of the port of Bise, a project expected to improve cargo handling, strengthen regional connectivity, and support future economic growth.

[00:07:41]When return, the education ministry prepares to turn more than a thousand anti-bullying recommendations into policy. Bus contractors attach the gas entry project protest for payment, and parents welcome the government's day and night child care centers.

[00:07:56]Your business is built on hard work, vision, and the drive to succeed. At GBTI, we understand what it takes to grow. That's why we offer Grow, a small business service designed to help your business expand, adapt, and reach its full potential. From new opportunities to new milestones, we're here to support you every step of the way. Grow from GBTI. Progress starts here.

[00:08:31]Welcome back. We begin with new proposals aimed at tackling bullying and violence in schools. Anti-bullying clubs expanded counseling services and stronger consequences for repeat offenders are among more than 1,000 recommendations now under review by the Ministry of Education. The proposals emerge from nationwide consultations involving students, parents, teachers, and community stakeholders and are expected to help shape a new anti-bullying and antiviolence policy.

[00:08:58]Education Minister Sony Perog says recommendations will now be reviewed by a multi- agency task force before being developed into a national framework.

[00:09:07]After this, we are going to take recommendations and suggestions that we've had throughout the period that we've been holding these consultations.

[00:09:16]And then we will sit down with our multi- agency uh and multi-ministry task force and then work as a government as the government is the highest policy makers and work towards creating policies that will work for the benefit of our children in their environmental school setting. Among the recommendations are peer advocacy programs, stronger parental involvement, community-led initiatives, and improved mental health support for students.

[00:09:49]Participants also called for greater emphasis on discipline, sportsmanship, and positive behavior in schools. The proposals come amid growing concerns about bullying, cyber bullying, harassment, and student violence.

[00:10:00]>> Bullying is not simply beating someone on the roadway. It is not just happening with someone hitting someone in a school. It is sometimes excluding persons from certain things. It is sometimes the things that we say to another person. It is an act of violence.

[00:10:29]It is abuse psychologically that can be life or throughout your life damaging to that individual.

[00:10:42]>> Perog said bullying extends beyond physical violence and can include exclusion, intimidation and psychological abuse that can have lasting effects on children. To strengthen support systems, the ministry plans to introduce enhanced psychology based training for guidance counselors from September and improve reporting mechanisms across schools. We are going to be reviewing all of the recommendations and suggestions that have been sent to us and we will formulate those into policies that may become standard operating that we're looking to become standard operating procedures in the school system especially where teachers HMS guidance and counselors and others who are responsible for different departments can utilize utilize those to ensure that our children remain safe in a school environment.

[00:11:36]>> Officials say the review process will begin immediately with the goal of creating a standardized national response to bullying and violence in schools.

[00:11:45]Bus contractors transporting workers to and from the gas to entry project at Wales say they have gone more than two months without receiving payment from energy company Linska. During a protest yesterday, the drivers said the delays have created significant financial hardship and are calling for the outstanding wages to be paid immediately. After repeated attempts to get answers from the company, the contractor sought assistance from opposition leader Azun Muhammad who met with the affected operators.

[00:12:11]>> Approximately 2 months and change, he didn't receive no salary. Nobody. It was 50 something buses they have been here and nobody can collect salary. The the boss always telling us next week, next week, every time next week come, he's not paying us. Our vehicle damage up. We have to find money for gas. I am a family man and married man with nine children. My wife thinking that I giving other women my own salary.

[00:12:37]>> The driver said the work is labor intensive, requiring them to transport employees during the early morning and afternoon hours each day. They maintain that they deserve to be treated with respect and freely compensated for their services and are calling on the county to settle the outstanding payments owed to them.

[00:12:53]>> I haven't received any money as I getting a little incident while coming because the condition of the road is very bad indeed. Right. Very very bad. I was coming here so all that day and I get a little blout from the turn. Some since then the supervising did and uh Mr. down. He did come at the hospital and vis get paid for this month for for the month of March as yet. Ignite News made repeated efforts to contact Lince Seca for comment. However, those attempts were unsuccessful up the time of broadcast. For many parents, finding reliable child care can be a major challenge. But those used in the government's day and night childare and early development centers said the service is helping them balance work, family responsibilities, and personal development while ensuring their children are cared for in a safe environment. The center is operated by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security provide aroundthe-clock child care support for families who require flexible care arrangements.

[00:13:55]Parents who spoke the service has given them peace of mind.

[00:13:58]>> I am a university student. I'm doing my bachelor's degree. Um, for one, last Saturday I had an exam which run until 8:00 and they were very much understanding. Um, I did reached out asking for a little extra assistance and looking after so I could get to write exam and they were very much understanding. I feel very great. I feel safe bringing him here. I feel good knowing that I'm bringing him every day surrounded to some lovely amazing woman that here. I like to I get time to work.

[00:14:30]I get time to do whatever I have to do.

[00:14:32]Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vinder Prasad says the facilities cater to infants, toddlers, and older children while also promoting early childhood development and stronger family support systems. We can offer services to parents who are at work.

[00:14:49]It's a free service by the human services ministry. It's open to all parents in the community and surrounding communities. And we also offer afterare services. The ministry says each center can accommodate approximately 50 children and is designed to support parents who work non-traditional hours or require additional child care assistance. The government's newest day and night child care and early development center is expected to open soon in Maca on the east bank of Deara adding to facilities already operating in Diamond and Ana Katrina. Just over a year after investing approximately $5 million in 1,000 dragon fruit plants, Eastbank Burby's farmer Devon Gilled is beginning to see the rewards of his investment. Known locally as the bee man and the grapes man, Gilead says dragon fruit was never part of his original plans.

[00:15:40]>> When I start up with the grapes, I see myself like they say rose with grapes right through. Dragon fruit was no way in the picture. It was grapes and apple and vanilla. for planting right that was my dream but due to the disaster now I got dream move again so I start with the dragon fruit decision proved to be a strategic one as today the farmer is looking beyond simply selling fresh fruit and is focused on creating value added products among the ventures already in the pipeline are dragon fruit wine and dragon fruit jelly products he believes will further increase the crop's profitability while introducing consumers to new locallymade delicacies Gle said samples of the dragon fruit wine have already received positive reviews.

[00:16:25]>> Dragon fruit is a high value food, right? They have a lot of high value and also have a lot of health properties within it. They go for diabetes, bone disease that you get a lot of health benefit be it and that also the fruits you get a long shelf life have a long shelf life on it too. And why we like dragon fruit you can have a lot of byproduct from it.

[00:16:49]You can make jam. You can make jelly.

[00:16:52]You can get juice. You can put in your smoothies. They can get wine. And a lot of people taste the dragon fruit wine.

[00:16:58]And it was so very it was so good. So I had my honey. We got nice little samples of the dragon fruit wine.

[00:17:08]This went very nice. Wonderful taste.

[00:17:11]Who's ever tasted dragon fruit wine taste again.

[00:17:16]Couple months ago, we having this on the market.

[00:17:19]>> Earlier this year, severe flooding destroyed over half an acre of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bell peppers, and other crops on Gilead's farm. Instead of giving up, Gilly turned to the loss into opportunity.

[00:17:31]>> So I ended up taking all the broccoli, cauliflower, bell pepper, cabbage, and make compost with it because everything was so so up. When Nari assists me with the compost bin.

[00:17:41]>> With support from Nari, he also adopted innovative techniques to protect flowers and fruits from heavy rainfall, improving pollination and reducing crop damage.

[00:17:51]>> Dragon fruit need nice rich organic soil. So you put the compost around the root here. So we do it and especially in the dry season that we see the grass and we cover um cover the compost. Now compost is whole moisture. The grass is over my surgery on the drug and we water it and you leave it for a couple of weeks. Well, >> perhaps most impressive is the innovative approach Gilead and his wife developed to overcome challenges posed by Ghana's unpredictable weather.

[00:18:23]Recognizing that heavy rainfall was damaging flowers and affecting pollination, the couple began covering dragon fruit blossoms with plastic bags during flouring periods.

[00:18:33]>> Flowers open up bloom. So the reason why you what to do now is take the plastic bag and put it over the flower for protecting the flower from the water rain water now to wash away the pollen from the flower. But if you uncover the flower the kind of size of fruit you will have see the very smaller dragon fruit. They got the fruit in well pollinated you get soft smaller size of fruit.

[00:18:57]>> The couple later adopted the technique to protect developing fruits from splitting during periods of heavy rainfall. For Gilly the greatest reward is not just the harvest itself but what it represents.

[00:19:08]>> So with trials and tribulation we try ourself and we get through accident with it. I feel very happy to know that you see your work of your labor.

[00:19:20]You see you go through a lot. You went through a lot of a lot of stress a lot of hard work but you can see the fruit of your labor. As he looks ahead, Gilead envisions expanding production and developing value added products that could create new opportunities with Ghana's agricultural sector. He now sells dragon fruit cutings to other farmers and has begun wholesaling fruit, creating additional income streams while helping expand Ghana's growing dragon fruit industry.

[00:19:50]When we come back, new sports facilities are on the way across Guyana. The ICC moves closer to confirming dates for the 2027 Cricket World Cup and Manchester City make another record-breaking bid for midfielder Elliot Anderson.

[00:20:15]High mileage and performance >> guy Super 95 gasoline gives you more reasons to drive and is available at 56 service stations nationwide for affordable price, high performance, and high mileage. Choose GL's Super 95 gasoline.

[00:20:35]>> You're watching Night News on 6 at 6.

[00:20:37]Thanks for staying with us. We begin with major investments in sports infrastructure as new multi-purpose facilities move closer to construction across Ghana. Several communities across the country are set to benefit from new multi-purpose sports facilities following the ward of construction contracts for a number of projects.

[00:20:55]Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports Charles Ramson Jr. says the facilities form part of government's ongoing efforts to improve sporting infrastructure and create more opportunities for athletes nationwide.

[00:21:07]The contract is already awarded for the completion of the of the multi-purpose hall in in Barta. In fact, it's already been awarded for uh Madia and um and Letham. So the only one and and work is already ongoing in Lenora. Uh so the only one that is outstanding right now is is Mabaruma. Ramson said the projects will serve communities across multiple regions and provide modern spaces for training, competition, and new development. While he declined to provide specific completion dates, the minister said contractors will be closely monitored to ensure projects are delivered in a timely manner.

[00:21:47]>> I'm not making any announcements or prognostications about whether they will complete these projects within the project time. Right.

[00:22:02]What I will say, however, is that from the moment they start to drift from their work program, I have no hesitation now in termination.

[00:22:13]None whatsoever. Because we cannot be strung along anymore for pro with projects with contractors.

[00:22:24]Construction is already underway on a sports hall in Lenora with additional projects expected to begin in the coming months. Ransom believes the facilities will help transform the sporting landscape and support the development of athletes throughout the country. The 2027 ICC men's 1-day international world cup is provisionally set to run from October 4th to November 21st across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

[00:22:48]According to ESPN quick info, the dates were agreed upon during the ICC board meeting in a metabat with final approval expected at the organization's annual meeting in July. South Africa is expected to host most of the tournament's 54 matches while Zimbabwe will stage between eight and 10 games and Namibia will host three. The tournament will mark the return of the ODI World Cup to Africa for the first time since 2003. It will also expand to 14 teams up from the 10 team format used in the previous two editions. Teams will compete in two groups of seven before advancing to the super six stage. The World Cup will also launch ICC's 2027, the 2031 future tours program.

[00:23:28]Manchester City have had a second bid rejected for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. According to BBC Sports, City's latest offer was worth 120 million pounds, including add-ons, and would have made Anderson the most expensive English player in history. Forest, however, remain unwilling to sell the 23-year-old England international. Reports suggest CT remain determined to secure Anderson's signature while Manchester United have effectively withdrawn from the race and are unwilling to enter a bidding war. Anderson joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 and has since become one of the club's standout performers, making 92 appearances and scoring six goals. City are looking to strengthen their midfield following Bernardo Silva's departure and have identified Anderson as a priority target. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tanali is also reportedly being monitored as the club assesses alternative options.

[00:24:24]Still ahead, Barbados employers struggle to attract and retain workers. A major US Canada bridge opening is delayed amid trade tensions and the European Union and Brazil launch a new digital partnership.

[00:25:06]Let Prems Electrical help you turn that dream home or project into a reality. We have the ability to be the one supplier for all your residential and commercial electrical requirements. Our great prices ensures ongoing customer satisfaction. From brightening up your space to setting the mood, you're sure to find what you need in our amazing lighting range. Prem's Electrical, Guyana's electrical giants. 177 Alexander Street, Lacy Town, Telephone 2277765.

[00:25:37]>> Welcome back. We begin in Barbados, where employees are finding it increasingly difficult to attract and keep workers in a changing job market.

[00:25:44]According to the Human Resource Management Association of Barbados, businesses are contending with skill shortages, intense competition for talent, and employees who leave shortly after being hired. The association's president, Tisha Peters, says employers must focus not only on filling vacancies, but also on improving training, on boarding, and long-term retention strategies. Peters also highlighted importance of internships in developing future workers, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, finance, administration, technology, and customer service. However, demand for internship opportunities continues to exceed supply. She is encouraging young people to view internships as a pathway to experience, professional networks, and workplace skills. Peter's also called for strong collaboration between employers and educational institutions to better prepare young people for the realities of the workplace. In international news, United States and Canada have delayed the opening of the new $4.7 billion US Gertie how international bridge link Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. A ribbon cutting ceremony had been planned for Friday, but officials from both countries say more time is needed to resolve outstanding issues before the crossing can open. The delay follows comments by President Donald Trump earlier this year that he might not allow the bridge to open, citing disputes with Canada over dairy tariffs, the removal of some US alcoholic beverages from Canadian store shelves, and Canada's trade discussions with China. The project has also drawn political scrutiny. Matthew Moran, owner of the competing Ambassador Bridge, met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik earlier this year and previously donated $1 million US to a Trump aligned political action committee. Democratic lawmakers have alleged cell to influence the process to protect his business interests. The new bridge is expected to ease congestion at visa's commercial crossing on US Canada border and cut travel times for free traffic.

[00:27:37]Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the new bridge would benefit Canadians, Americans, business, tourists and residents for decades. Construction of the bridge which began in 2018 was financed by Canada because the US refused to pay for it. The cost will be covered by tolls over 30 years. Finally, this evening, European Union and Brazil have launched a new digital partnership in the strengthening cooperation in technology, cyber security, and connectivity. The agreement was announced at the web summit in Rio de Janeiro by European Commission executive vice president Hen Bkunen. Officials say the partnerships will focus on data sharing, digital infrastructure, cyber security, and the protection of children online. The initiative is also expected to create new opportunities for businesses in both regions and build on border trade cooperation between the European Union and South America. Brazil becomes the fifth country to establish a digital cooperation partnership with the EU, joining Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. European officials say the agreement forms part of a wider effort to diversify technology partnerships and reduce dependence on major foreign technology providers.

[00:28:47]Rakunan noted that Amazon, Google, and Microsoft currently account for roughly 70% of Europe's cloud services market, underscoring the need for greater digital resilience and corporation.

[00:28:59]And that's all for this edition of Ignite News on 66. For more stories, visitnews.com or follow us on social media. Thanks for watching. I'm Rihanna.

[00:29:08]See you tomorrow for more Ignite news.