Year: 2011

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) says that it stands ready and willing to ensure that as Guyana’s general elections draw near, those who seek to cause havoc and instill fear in the minds of people are stopped. In an interview with Guyana Times International, ERC Chairman Bishop Juan Edghill explained that the majority of Guyanese want Guyana to have free and fear elections; a place where there are national stability and a wide acceptance of each other and the results at the end of a poll. He stated, though, that…

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By Ravena Gildharie  In a year of soaring prices matched by downturns in some areas, Guyana’s gold industry exported in excess of 302,000 ounces of gold in 2010, earning the country some US$346.4 million. This is the highest earnings achieved since the closure of Omai Gold Mines back in 2005.  According to the information provided by the Guyana Gold Board, in 2009, gold exports were higher, being more than 311,000 ounces (including output from the previous year), but the earnings were lower, at US$281.6 million. The higher earnings last year…

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President Bharrat Jagdeo said on Monday, January 10th that he has asked Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr Steve Surujbally, to resign from the post of chairman of the newly-formed Guyana Livestock Development Authority. The decision came even as the People’s National Congress Reform protested Surujbally holding on to both posts, saying that the issues of constitutionality and conflict of interest are evident.   Speaking at a news conference at his office, Jagdeo said that decision was made to remove any excuses that the PNCR or the other political parties…

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One Guyanese in Queens, New York, is making a difference by enhancing the quality of life of those who are mentally retarded and developmentally disabled, through his agency, Queens Resource Center, as an advocate. Dr. Vijay Lilliah, founder of the not-for-profit agency, spoke with Guyana Times International about his purpose, which includes providing quality care through counseling, and guiding those people who are unable to cross the bureaucratic lines.  “The primary goal is to provide services to the aged, blind, disabled, low-income families…all entitlements — government entitlement programs such as…

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By Natasha Waldron Anthony The Organization for Social Health and Advancement for Guyana and the Caribbean (OSHAG/C) is a New York-based non-profit organization that provides medical care and assistance in Guyana, primarily to cancer patients.  The organization recently re-incorporated its name to include the Caribbean. OSHAG/C’s Vice President, Lorna Welshman-Neblett, outlined to Guyana Times International her organization’s future plans, which include facilitating the treatment of cancer in the Caribbean for those people who are unable to access such treatment overseas. She claims that the organization’s long-term goal is to continue…

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Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, accompanied by technical officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, met with farmers at the Kuru Kuru Extension Centre, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, on Monday, January 10th, to give farmers more details of the recently launched Small Farmers’ Group Finance Facility. The finance facility is part of a US$6.9 million Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Development (READ) project being implemented by the Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU) of the Agriculture Ministry with direct supervision from the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD).   Minister Persaud said that government will continue to…

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By Natasha Waldron Anthony “Together We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe” was the theme for the Taizé prayer service, hosted by Food for the Poor, on Wednesday, January 12, to mark the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that killed some 200,000 Haitians and left numerous homeless.  The charity’s executive director, Angel Aloma, told Guyana Times International that Haiti has definitely stolen his heart.  He said that he cannot help but be filled with love and admiration for a people who, despite all their problems, hold onto their faith, hold…

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By Michael Younge  The Guyana government says that those students who are given scholarships to study in Cuba and other countries must abide by the rules governing their contracts, or face the consequences of non-compliance.  Speaking with   Guyana Times International during an interview, Public Service Minister Dr Jennifer Westford expressed the ministry’s concern that some students who were granted scholarships to further their academic studies are now breaking some of the fundamental rules governing their contracts and study arrangements while aboard. She said that a firm position has been taken…

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The Civil Society Committee for the International Year for People of African Descent last Friday evening officially launched observance of the year at the Girl Guides Pavilion on Brickdam, on Friday evening, January 7th. The committee ushered in the year, and launched its programme of activities on the evening. Among those present were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Region Four Chairman Clement Corlette, and Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green.  The committee will now proceed to carry out the activities, which include an event for each month. Some of these activities include hosting…

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