…a cuirass? In case you wondered why Europe’s indignant about the Tariffs Trump slapped on aluminium and steel imports, just consider the outright ban on our catfish family – gilbakka, cuirass, hassar (yes, it’s a catfish!) and “catfish”. It’s all about restricting world trade, which isn’t kosher. For hundreds of years, these developed countries had been pushing “free trade” — which means not imposing measures that would increase costs at the point of entry — when THEY had stuff they wanted to push down our throats. But now that the…
Read MoreYear: 2018
Harmon, Ramnarine differ on Top Cop candidates
Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine had said senior ranks in the Force are dwindling; a scenario with direct implications on candidates to take over as Police Commissioner. However, the Government is contending that far from lacking leadership, the Guyana Police Force has a number of competent officers who can take over from Ramnarine, in due course. This assertion was made by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during a post-Cabinet press briefing. At present, Deputy Commissioner Ramnarine is again serving as the acting Police Commissioner, pending the retirement of the substantive…
Read MoreAPNU/AFC Govt lacks energy, vision to develop tourism sector
…says former tourism minister People’s Progressive Party (PPP) frontbencher in the National Assembly, former Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, has come out swinging at Government’s handling of the sector since its ascension to office. In a blunt assessment of the coalition’s performance, this Member of Parliament expressed disappointment that, since 2015, management of the sector has been marked by a lack of “energy and enthusiasm.” According to Ali, the tourism sector holds much potential for Guyana, but there is need for a tourism policy to be guided by a strategic approach…
Read MoreNon Pariel Green House Club
Youths involved in community enhancement By Chevon Lim The community helpers of the Non Pariel Green House Club maybe very young and lacking in terms of experience, however, the participants are setting an example for adults in their community. These vibrant young people are involved in the first Pilot project – recycling old tires and discarded plastic bottles to build a Community Training Centre. The funding was awarded by the Ministry of Education – Youth Innovation Project (YIPOG). According to the Project Officer, Mr. Romel Putulall , given that the…
Read MoreQuality of persons being recruited in the public service below par
Dear Editor, The media on Match 13 carried two letters side by side; one was forthright in its description of the public servants whose incompetence, aptly described as “asleep at the wheel” resulted in Guyana losing ‘a significant part of the export basket of fishing products to the US; the other was a long dilation on management theories using sophisticated language (typical of Churchill calling a spade an agricultural instrument) to describe the various stages of managerial action/inaction in the public service which lead to success or failure in spite…
Read MoreA chance to celebrate beautiful, border-pushing women
If you’re familiar with my articles, women’s rights and equal access to opportunities are something that I hold dearly to myself. I have written about women in Science, women in ICT, the dangers of catcalling, among others. So, of course, I had to write about International Women’s Day! International Women’s Day, celebrated last Thursday, was done under the theme “#pressforprogress”. Since the last International Women’s Day, the world, I believe, has undergone a sort of revolution. Movements such as #metoo, #timesup have been pushed to the forefront. Women all around…
Read MoreA tribute for the late Dr Cheddi Jagan
By Rev Gideon Cecil A great soul was born on Guyana’s soil, From parents who lived in poverty tears and toil. His path was rough from his birth to his death, Where he lived and died for his nation in no regret. He struggled for all Guyanese to be free, In sweat and tears he fought for our liberty. For us to always remember the Father of our Nation, He fought for one and all without discrimination. If we will understand our hero Cheddi Jagan, And give each other love…
Read MoreMarginalisation and Anti-African Racist discourse
The following was first offered in 2008 and republished several times. I have always marvelled that, because I have also spoken out against anti-Indian racism by some African-Guyanese, I have been branded as “racist”. The abused can also become abusers. “In our estimation, the African experience in the “New World” defines the word “marginalisation” in conjunction with “racism”. Following the powerlessness of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas to withstand the labour demands and dis eases of the Spaniards (evidenced by ninety percent of then dying off in the…
Read MoreGovt backs call to boost public sensitisation on oil & gas sector
Government has admitted that more can be done to sensitise the public on various areas of the oil and gas sector, especially residents of far-flung rural communities and areas outside Georgetown. In an interview with Guyana Times International, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin expressed support for more sensitisation exercises across the country, noting that they did not even have to take the form of expositions and summits. He revealed that he has made promises to approach the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD) in this regard. “Certainly, I do (support the…
Read MoreEveryone, regardless of political affiliation, must have unbiased access to the State organ
Dear Editor, It is public knowledge that my contract with the State-owned Guyana National Newspaper Limited (GNNL) for the column “Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis” was terminated. This did not come as a surprise to me for recent developments suggested that the powers that be were not comfortable with my points of view, particularly those that sought to hold them accountable as a caring representative, inclusionary Government that is just and fair. Let me state upfront as a trade unionist I understand it is the right of any employer…
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