Local broadcasters – both private and public – will now be compelled to air, without charge, Government’s public service announcements (PSAs) during a certain timeframe according to the draft Broadcast legislation. However, broadcast agencies which have issues with any PSA have recourse to the regulator, the Guyana National broadcasting Authority (GNBA). GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers has however dispelled any suggestion that, in arbitrating between private entities and the Government, the GNBA board may issue biased judgements. “I see no reason why it should be misconstrued that GNBA would be biased,…
Read MoreYear: 2017
President says no need for AG Williams to apologise
…despite huge public outcry Moments after highlighting the importance of judicial independence at State House on Wednesday, President David Granger told media operatives that he sees no need for Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams to apologise to a High Court Judge as he was not found to be contemptuous. The President was questioned on the possibility of asking the AG to apologise to Justice Franklin Holder over an outburst in the High Court during a hearing in March. However, President Granger feels that an apology is…
Read More2nd Year of Coalition Govt: Jagdeo ridicules ‘achievements’ sheet’
By: Devina Samaroo An anniversary is often a time to celebrate one’s positive achievements, but thus cannot be said of the APNU/AFC coalition Administration. This, at least, is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who has expressed confidence that the “entire country” agrees with his conviction. Those who are uncertain about this conviction are urged to ask themselves one simple question, according to the Opposition Leader: “People just have to look and ask whether their lives were better two years ago. Or has it changed for the worse?” he posited…
Read MoreEssequibo Coast woman dies 2 days after husband sent to jail over unlicensed firearm
The Dorwish family of Queenstown village on the Essequibo Coast was given a rude awakening on Mother’s Day morning after they got a call that their mother was no longer alive after experiencing a shock when her husband was sentenced to two years for the possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. Dead is Geeta Dorwish, also called “Saroj”, who unfortunately lost her life at her sister’s residence in Georgetown on Mother’s Day morning. According to the dead woman’s son, Deon Dorwish, his mother ‘took on’ the sentencing of his…
Read MorePorter dies after falling from moving truck
A porter of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is now dead after he fell from a moving truck on Sunday night. Dead is Dinesh Ramcharran, 26, of Tabatinga, Lethem. According to reports, Ramcharran fell to his death around 18:30h, as he was journeying to Central Rupununi’s Kumu trail from Lethem. This publication understands that Ramcharran was sitting on the cab of the truck when he fell off as the driver was manoeuvring through rough terrain. The driver stopped to check on the porter after some time had passed without…
Read MoreFAO assisting Guyana in crafting strategy to stamp out illegal fishing
Stakeholders in the local fisheries sector have commenced working towards producing a national strategy and action plan that is aimed at preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Guyana. With assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), these stakeholders commenced participating in a five-day workshop on Monday to discuss the challenges and successes of the industry, with the intention of creating a strategy that will help to fight IUU fishing. In addressing the opening of the workshop, Chief Fisheries Officer attached to the Agriculture Ministry, Denzil Roberts said…
Read MoreFather of 2 killed execution style
– body dumped in Roxanne Burnham Gardens A father of two was on Wednesday morning found with a single gunshot wound to his head in a clump of bushes at Marigold Street, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Dead is 27-year-old Roy Rowland, a seaman of Lot 25 Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown. Based on reports received, the man’s body was discovered about 06:30h by a resident who went to take out his cattle. He immediately raised an alarm and the Police were summoned. During investigations, a 9mm spent shell was…
Read More‘Humbled and privileged’ to have been given the opportunity to serve – Retired Justice Patterson
Retired Justice Winston Horatio Patterson was on Wednesday sworn in by President David Granger as the Ombudsman of Guyana during a simple ceremony at State House, Main Street. The position has been vacant since the passing of Justice Winston Moore in September 2016. The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent body providing free services in investigating complaints by members of the public who feel that they have been unfairly treated by public entities. Justice Patterson told reporters after he took the oath of office that he was humbled and…
Read MoreLand CoI moving ahead with public consultations despite objections from Toshaos’ Council
As the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) continues to wait on a response to its request to meet with President David Granger, the controversial Land Commission of Inquiry (CoI) is all set to begin public hearings in June, officially starting its work. On Tuesday, when Guyana Times International contacted the Commission’s Secretariat, an employee said a tentative date of June 7 was set for the start of all public hearings. The hearings would be conducted at the Commission’s Secretariat at the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) office. However, the Commissioners…
Read MoreSoldier charged for killing Sophia bread vendor
A Private attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was on Monday charged for the murder of Andre Alexander, also called “Bread Man”, who was shot dead during a robbery in C Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown just over a week ago. Private Shaquille Grant, 20, of 345 Section B Turkeyen, appeared before Magistrate Zamillia Ally-Seepersaud at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. The prosecution’s case contended that on May 5, at C Field, Sophia, Grant murdered Alexander. The accused was remanded to prison and would return to court on June 8. Alexander,…
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