2017 – Page 176 – Guyana Times International

Guyana signs €1.25M project to conserve 10% marine space

February 11, 2017February 11, 2017 TIMES INT'L

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas and the European Union (EU) signed and launched a project which will significantly enhance the protection of marine and coastal resources of Guyana and Suriname. The project, entitled, “Promoting Integrated and Participatory Ocean Governance in Guyana and Suriname: the Eastern Gate to the Caribbean,” will see both countries setting aside 10 per cent of its Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) as marine protected areas by 2020, in keeping with its commitment to the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Diversity – which both countries had…

Guyanese teacher launches 1st local online taxi app

February 11, 2017February 11, 2017 TIMES INT'L

A St Stanislaus teacher turned entrepreneur has launched an online app that will make calling a taxi just a click away. The new E-Cab online app allows passengers to check for and hire the nearest taxi driver, and will also feature real time tracking through Global Positioning System (GPS). Charles Hutson is a former member of the Guyana Defence Force. During his stint there, he was attached to the Information Technology Department. As of Saturday, February 4, the app is available for download by potential users from Google Play Store.…

Caribbean faith leaders make recommendations for ending AIDS by 2030

February 11, 2017February 11, 2017 TIMES INT'L

The Caribbean Faith Leaders Consultation, held on February 1-2, 2017, in Trinidad and Tobago, concluded with strategic recommendations to improve the overall quality of life of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. The Consultation, which was supported by the Pan-Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP); the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and AIDS HealthCare Foundation, attracted 55 religious leaders from 14 Caribbean countries, representing the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Bahá’í and Voodoo faiths. United Nations representatives and regional officials also participated. The initiative was…

7 arrested in connection with murder of Corentyne domestic worker – source

February 11, 2017February 11, 2017 TIMES INT'L

At least seven persons are in custody in connection with the brutal murder of a Corentyne, Berbice woman, whose home was invaded by armed bandits on Tuesday evening. A source close to the investigation told this newspaper that the suspects are presently being grilled in relation to their involvement in the crime. Lilawatie Muhammed, 45, a domestic worker of Lot 198 Sixth Street, Tain Settlement, Corentyne, Berbice was shot in the presence of her children about 23:30h by gunmen who kicked down the door to her home and shot her.…

Linden Municipality fears losing CIIP programme

February 11, 2017February 11, 2017 TIMES INT'L

There are reports that the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) may soon be removed from under the management of municipalities across the country. According to Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, he has made representation on behalf of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC), for the programme toremain. Holland explained that the issue came up for discussion during a meeting of Mayors and Town Clerks, where it was revealed that there have been countrywide concerns in relation to the CIIP programme. The Mayor explained that he was not in possession of…

Govt’s new foreign trade policy could destroy economy – Jagdeo

February 10, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Government’s intention to tighten “foreign currency trade” will have destructive consequences on trade and commerce in Guyana, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has warned. Guyana Times International understands that on Monday the Government issued a circular to Cambios and the local banking sector informing them of the regulated rates for foreign currency. However, this did not go down well with Jagdeo who lashed out at the Government, describing the move as “absolute madness.” Jagdeo, who is an economist by profession, told this publication on Monday evening, that this move now means…

Govt buckles to pressure to reduce “burdensome” parking meter fees

February 10, 2017February 10, 2017 TIMES INT'L

President David Ganger has ordered that the parking meter fees be lowered following a meeting late Wednesday evening with city officials. Guyana Times International was told on Wednesday evening that Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan was expected to meet with the Mayor and City Council and Smart City Solutions (SCS) to iron out the details for the lowering of the rates. Hundreds of persons turned out again on Thursday calling for the scrapping of the project. On Wednesday, widespread criticism continued against the highly controversial Parking Meter Project and Attorney General…

Meeting between Govt, Opposition on interpretation of Constitution unfruitful

February 10, 2017February 11, 2017 TIMES INT'L

The much anticipated meeting between Government and Opposition representatives to iron out the interpretation of the Constitution with regards to the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) got underway on Wednesday and was proven to be unfruitful. The Opposition appointed Attorneys – Priya Manickchand and former Attorney General Anil Nandlall – met with current Attorney General Basil Williams following a proposal made by President David Granger to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, for legal minds from the two sides to meet and discuss the appointment of a…

Wales sugar workers take to streets over non-payment of severance

February 10, 2017February 11, 2017 TIMES INT'L

As a group of irate sugar workers who were supposed to receive their severance packages since last year protested at the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Wales Sugar Estate, their representative union has refuted claims that definitive conclusions on the workers’ future were decided. Speaking with Guyana Times International early Monday morning, the workers stated that they have had enough of the uncertainty over their owed payments and reiterated theirrejection to be transferred to the Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) Estate. The frustrated workers demanded that their severance packages be paid…

“It’s VAT everywhere” – Teixeira calls on Govt to repeal VAT changes, restore zero-rated items

February 3, 2017 TIMES INT'L

“It’s VAT and VAT and VAT everywhere!” Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira exclaimed as she moved a motion in the National Assembly calling on Government to repeal the new Value Added Tax (VAT) regime, which comes into effect today (February 1). The motion, which challenges Government’s decision to eliminate zero-rated VAT items and extend the list of VAT exempt items, had the full support of otherOpposition parliamentarians, some of whom contributed to the lengthy debate on the issue. Teixeira highlighted how almost everything, even down to the dead, would be…