Dear Editor, I see that the Guyanese government is holding good to its word of delivering 90,000 computers to Guyanese households around the country. I know that, over the years, our Education Ministry has made Herculean efforts at improving the standard of education at various learning institutions, and has even put the brakes on illiteracy among some sections of the population. We are living in a time of advanced global technology, and we cannot afford to be left behind in this world trend. PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar, who was…
Read MoreYear: 2011
Democracy does exist in Guyana
Dear Editor, Ever so often, the question as to whether Democracy, and what type, exists in Guyana does arise in letters and in the general print and electronic commentaries. Suffice it to say that there are varied views, depending upon which quarter a view emanates from. There have been descriptions ranging from “nonexistent” to “limited” and “fragile”, all attempting to describe the existence of the democratic ideology as such a process particularly relates to Guyana. Mike Persaud, in his “Guyana is a fragile democracy says Dr. Misir”, gleefully posits that…
Read MoreGetting serious about climate change
Global warming, whether man-made or as a natural phenomenon, is a fact of life for our times. We cannot ignore it and continue with business as usual. The current weather patterns have caused much uncertainty with regard to traditional dry and wet seasons for farmers and other persons who depend on the seasonal conditions. While it is necessary to remind that we need to play a part in reducing the present trend in global warming, there is an even greater need to advise that we adapt to this trend, since…
Read MoreHuge potential in Guyana’s agri sector
Ensuring food security for the Caricom region is certainly one of the main challenges we face, considering the fact that the region’s food import bill is approximately US$4 billion annually, and this does not look as if it will change anytime soon. Not so long ago, Trinidad and Tobago’s Food Production Minister, Vasant Bharath, had referred to this issue, stating: “We are importing most of what we can grow ourselves… We have to organise our individual farming sector and encourage young persons to embrace new technologies to see farming and…
Read MoreDemerara Bank opens Gy$460M Diamond branch
Last Monday, Demerara Bank Limited opened a Gy$460 million branch at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, taking the number of its offices countrywide to four. However, that number will soon be changed to five, as work is underway to have another location commissioned on the East Coast Demerara in the near future. The Demerara Bank edifice is located in the new commercial area along the Diamond Public Road, which already accommodates branches of Republic Bank and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI). The new Demerara Bank building sports…
Read MoreDavid Granger is PNCR presidential candidate
By Janelle Persaud Retired Brigadier General David Granger has been elected the presidential candidate for the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) party, after a tight contest at a Special Delegates Congress at that party’s headquarters at Sophia. He defeated former finance minister in the PNC government, Carl Greenidge, by 15 votes when he secured 279 votes in a contest that took approximately four hours and was decided after exactly two counts. When this final announcement was made, rapturous celebration erupted among ecstatic supporters sporting green jerseys labelled “Granger… a…
Read MoreGovt slashes excise tax on diesel as oil prices soar
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh announced on Thursday, February24th, that government recently took steps to reduce the excise tax on diesel from 20 to 15 per cent as the world price for oil increased, and diesel prices also increased. In making the announcement, Minister Singh indicated that this decision was taken at a time when external conditions, including developments in the Middle East, had driven the price for crude oil to over US$100 per barrel, compared with less than US$80 per barrel just four months ago. Minister Singh stated that…
Read MoreGuyana to sign U. S. security initiative
Guyana is expected to sign the Letter of Agreement to participate in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) with the United States, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon announced on Thursday at his weekly post-cabinet media briefing. The agreement is likely to aid with issues of counter-terrorism, illicit trafficking, social injustice, money laundering, and other financial crimes. “The agreement will see the promotion of public safety, social justice and illicit trafficking. The two main components are financing the variables of terrorism, money laundering and other financial crimes,” Luncheon explained. The cabinet…
Read MoreNew GDF officers urged to play role in future development
President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday urged 51 newly-commissioned officers to be aware of the role they can play in Guyana’s future. He stated that, as members of the disciplined forces, they have a significant contribution to make. The ensigns were a part of the Standard Officers’ Course # 43 and the Reserve Officers Course # 15, which commenced last year. During his feature address, the president congratulated the ensigns and explained that, over the years, Guyana has made several strides as regards development, which therefore leaves much to be protected.…
Read MoreFirst National Dress Competition staged
Simpli Royal hosted its first National Dress Competition at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday, February 12th. Some of Guyana’s youngest designers showcased their fine work. Copping first prize of Gy$150,000 was Queen’s College CAPE student Randy Madray with his excellent design. The main objective of this activity was to have designers create a national dress that can be recognized; and moreso, one that Guyanese can relate to. According to Simpli Royal’s Chief Executive Officer Pamela Dillon, the nine designers are well talented and have created some excellent pieces; but…
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