2011 – Page 182 – Guyana Times International

Export earnings expanded by 16.1 per cent in 2010

January 20, 2011 TIMES INT'L

Guyana’s balance of payment for 2010, the overall report of the country’s economic transaction with the rest of the world, reflected an overall surplus of US$90.1 million. This disclosure was made by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh during the presentation of the 2011 Budget in the National Assembly on Monday, where he also reported on the expansion in export earnings for the year. “Export earnings expanded by 16.1 per cent to US$891.9 million, reflecting both volume and price increases in the case of most commodities,” Minister Singh said. Export proceeds…

Govt manages to recoup cash from tardy contractors

January 20, 2011January 20, 2011 TIMES INT'L

In light of recent comments by opposition parties that nearly Gy$15 billion has been wasted on substandard contracts, Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn disclosed that that ministry has managed to recoup monies from delinquent contractors. Minister Benn described the situation with such contractors as “a constant battle”, noting that the ministry has been writing to them about the manner in which they undertake works. “Last year we have taken action in terms of liquidated damages; and, in one case, we have recovered a considerable sum of money in respect…

Guyanese to be honoured for exemplary service in Queens, New York

January 20, 2011 TIMES INT'L

By Natasha Waldron Anthony Guyanese-born Maurice Braithwaite of Flushing, Queens, New York, will be honoured with the Civic Award as part of the Black History Month events. The Queens Borough President, Helen M. Marshall, will be hosting the African American Heritage Awards ceremony on February 5, 2011 at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, and will present the award to Braithwaite for his outstanding community service. Braithwaite serves on several committees, more notably, as Executive Secretary and Budget Director of Community Board #8, of which he has been a member for…

Guyana gets green light for Readiness Preparation Plan

January 20, 2011 TIMES INT'L

The Agriculture Ministry said the World Bank has approved Guyana’s request for the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) to perform the services of delivery partner for its participation in the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), the focal point of which is the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). The requests for piloting the Multiple Delivery Partners’ Initiative, in order to coordinate the FCPF framework and provide guidelines for the formulation of the Readiness Grants, are in keeping with Resolution PC 7/ 2010/ 4 of the Seventh Participants Committee meeting of the FCPF,…

East Bank Development Project to transform housing sector

January 20, 2011January 20, 2011 TIMES INT'L

By Michael Younge Government’s aim is to not only modernise housing development this year, but to transform the lives of Guyanese while continuing to alleviate poverty through social and economic empowerment”. This is the sentiment expressed by Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali after paying a visit to the construction site of the new East Bank Development Project, which will see thousands of Guyanese becoming home owners this year. Speaking with Guyana Times International during the tour, Minister Ali said that work to achieve the goals set out under the…

Aggressive roll-out of OLPF initiative this year – Jagdeo

January 20, 2011 TIMES INT'L

President Bharrat Jagdeo has promised that this year will see “a very aggressive roll-out of the US$30 million One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) initiative, which has been perceived by government as necessary to ensure that all Guyanese are equipped “for the modern world”. The president made this announcement at the launching of the GT&T-sponsored Ten/10 countrywide Softball Cricket Tournament at the Guyana International Conference Centre on Saturday. “We have had extensive discussions with the company (GT&T) and the government, (which) will lead to this becoming the most computer literate country…

PSM trained 14 research scientists last year – Westford

January 20, 2011 TIMES INT'L

Public Service Minister Dr Jenifer Westford said that, during 2010, the ministry delivered 14 trained scientists to the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International, Dr Westford said this was one of the ministry’s main accomplishments, and it is in keeping with that ministry’s mandate to provide trained professionals to the public service workforce. “In 2010, we have been able to fulfil the one area that we are very proud of, especially for the Ministry of Agriculture, the Agricultural Institute. We have been able…

Rohee warns against election mischief

January 20, 2011 TIMES INT'L

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said that government is aggressively working to establish its National Intelligence Agency, as well as on installing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the city, warning that, in this election year, “shady opposition elements will be monitored”. Rohee made the comments at a news briefing last Friday at his office. He said that, this year, the ministry will aggressively pursue implementation of projects under capital and current programmes of the 2011 budget, as well as push for completion of those projects which have been carried…

Baveghems is new PNCR MP

January 20, 2011 TIMES INT'L

People’s National Congress Reform activist Joan Baveghems was, on Monday, 17 December, sworn-in as that party’s newest Member of Parliament, replacing the former shadow finance minister Winston Murray, who died last year. Baveghems took the oath of office administered by Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, before the presentation of the 2011 Budget by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh. In a statement issued later, the PNCR said that long-serving party activist Baveghems, of 564 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, has been extracted from the top-up list of the PNCR/1G candidates for…

AFC to launch elections campaign on January 29

January 20, 2011 TIMES INT'L

The Alliance For Change said it will be launching its 2011 elections campaign two weeks hence at the Ocean View International Hotel. Boasting of an expanded membership base and riding on claims that Guyanese are disenchanted and need new leadership, the minority opposition party will launch its campaign on January 29. The party’s campaign consultant, Salaudeen Nasrudeen, told the media that a recent study he carried out countrywide revealed many citizens, particularly youth, women and businessmen, are calling for change. He reflected that the poor voter turnout in 2006 was…