Year: 2018

Guyana gets another US$35M WB loan to help prepare for oil

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The World Bank Group approved a US$35 million Development Policy Credit to support Guyana’s efforts to strengthen the financial sector development and fiscal management to better prepare the country to benefit from its newly-discovered oil and gas reserves and transform its oil wealth into human capital. “This financing provides critical support to our reform agenda and efforts to strengthen institutions and build a resilient economy that is capable of withstanding both external and domestic shocks. These reforms will be key to guide the management of oil revenues for the benefit…

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Guyana’s Health Minister says efforts being made to address high teen pregnancy rates

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By Rupadai Seenaraine In keeping with the recommendations that were made by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the successful reintegration of teenage mothers into the formal school system via multisectorial partnerships, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence has announced several activities that the Ministry has been involved in to address these issues. Speaking with Guyana Times International on Wednesday, Minister Lawrence highlighted that there have been efforts between the two Ministries – Public Health and Education – to spread more awareness and increase the number of teenage mothers back…

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Repeat offender jailed for attempting to kill cousin

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Repeat offender Lisa Bobb, a Campbellville, Georgetown resident, was sentenced to spend the next 12 months in prison for attempting to kill her cousin. The 25-year-old woman has continued to deny the charge against her, stating that she was defending herself following months of provocation. However, on Monday, she was informed that she was found guilty of the charge instituted against her. This decision was made by city Magistrate Judy Latchman after the prosecution noted that Bobb failed to discredit the evidence given by several witnesses against her. On February…

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Two face murder charge

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Antonio Balrup and Satrohan Madray, the two men accused of killing Corriverton butcher Saeed Hamid were slapped with a murder charge on Wednesday. On Tuesday, there was a delay in the reading of the charges after the Police Officer who had to swear to the evidence was absent. Hours later, when the matter was called for the second time, it was observed that it was filed for the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court and not the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court. In light of this, Magistrate Rondell Weaver requested that the jacket be…

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Deportee, wife get 40 years jail each for relative’s murder

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Two weeks after being unanimously found guilty by a 12-member jury, Vishawantie Ragnauth, 38; and her reputed husband, Nyron Thakurdyal, 39, were on Tuesday sentenced to 40 years each in jail for murdering Ragnauth’s uncle. The couple was found guilty of the murder of 39-year-old miner Sunil Ramsundar on December 26, 2014, at Skull City, Patentia, West Bank Demerara. Moments after Justice Sandil Kissoon disclosed the term of imprisonment; the woman fell to her seat in tears and was escorted out of the courtroom in the same emotional state. Her…

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Guyana Govt faces heat over huge fees paid to Special Prosecutors

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In response to questions put forward by the parliamentary Opposition, Government has come clean on its hiring of Special Prosecutors. Among the information provided are details of the number of prosecutors, cases and payment arrangements. According to the written responses supplied, five Special Prosecutors were hired. These Prosecutors are to be paid a retainer fee of G$2 million, applied against the attorney fees and costs incurred by the client – the Attorney General’s Chambers. According to the details presented, the Prosecutors will also be paid G$20,000 per hour for their…

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Santa Aratak: The gem of Region 3

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Santa Aratak is the only indigenous settlement in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and is located some 22 miles from the capital Georgetown. The community is the closest indigenous settlement to the capital city and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. With a population of approximately three thousand persons, the small village is located on the bank of the Camuni Creek with logging, farming and handicraft production being the main economic activities. This small, yet dynamic community covers approximately 84 square miles of forest in Region Three. Founded in 1858, this…

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Need to be more proactive in tackling domestic violence

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Dear Editor, As I sit here, I am saddened by the news of another needles life lost because of domestic violence. Almost every news site I visit features the story of the most recent victim. Countless persons continue to express their utter disgust or anger that this problem continues to plague our society. The most recent incident, which occurred at Limlair Village, Corentyne Coast, East Berbice, was the last straw for me. I now feel compelled not just to speak of the issue, but also offer and highlight simple and…

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Guyanese authorities unearth 12lbs ganja in shipment from US

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Drug enforcement ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were called in on Wednesday to investigate the discovery of over 12 pounds (5. 578 kilograms) of marijuana found at the John Fernandes Wharf, Water Street, Georgetown. According to the Force’s Public Relations Officer, Jairam Ramlakhan, the narcotic was discovered in a container shipped from Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America. The drug was seized and when weighed by authorities, amounted to 5.578 kilograms. Ramlakhan said no one has been detained as yet in connection with the drug find. Nevertheless, investigations…

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Ensuring accountability in Guyana’s health sector

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It was recently reported in the media that a multi-million-dollar fraud was uncovered at the Ministry of Public Health, in connection with the Health Expo which was held from May 30 – June 2 this year. Subject Minister Volda Lawrence herself came out very emphatically on the issue, and indicated a detailed overhaul of her ministry to stamp out what she referred to as “misappropriation of funds and blatant attempts to steal”. The minister emphatically declared, “Fraud had been ongoing a long time at the Public Health Ministry…and some parts…

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