2019 – Page 142 – Guyana Times International

Cameron says regional PMs can initiate CWI restructuring

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 TIMES INT'L

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dave Cameron said Caribbean prime ministers had the power to restructure the regional governing body if they so desired, but it was not solely his responsibility to undertake reform of the organisation. Speaking on SportsMax here, Cameron argued that any governance restructuring needed to be initiated by the territorial boards which comprised CWI, and pointed out that the regional prime ministers pushing for reform could “instruct” the domestic associations accordingly. “The prime ministers believe that the structure needs to change — the…

The evolution of Phagwah Celebrations

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 TIMES INT'L

By Lakhram Bhagirat Every year we hear of how much the celebrations surrounding the Festival of Colours have changed and that some of the long-held traditions are dying. But what exactly has changed and how much it has changed is a question with a variety of answers since change is the only constant in our lives. However, what has not changed is the spirit of the celebration. The very core of what Phagwah is about is very much alive and well. The triumph of good over evil still is the…

Credible elections a key element of democracy

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, Electoral processes for Local Government, Regional and General Elections are constitutionally guaranteed by the Constitution of Guyana. As such, the holding of elections is one of the key components in ensuring democracy, because it enhances citizens’ participation in governance, ensuring Government accountability and encouraging political competitiveness. President David Granger recently announced that he would ensure that he “delivered free, fair and credible elections at the shortest possible time”. This statement is trying to confuse Guyanese that without a house-to-house registration the elections would not be free, fair and…

GECOM boss under fire

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 TIMES INT'L

…as November plans for elections rejected The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman has advised the Executive that elections can be held no sooner than November 2019, earning him a sharp rebuke from the Opposition nominated Commissioners on GECOM, who condemned this position to hold elections outside of the constitutional timeframe. Article 106 (6) of the Guyana Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”…

Fired bauxite workers reinstated; Berbice River to be cleared

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 TIMES INT'L

RUSAL and the Bauxite Union have finally reached an agreement which will see the fired workers being reinstated and the clearing of the blockages in the Berbice River. See excerpts of the statement from the Union: Strike ends and Terms of Resumption The workers’ struggle, which began on 22nd November 2009, has ended after approximately nine (9) years, three (3) months, and twenty-eight (28) days. The recent industrial conflict from February 15th, one (1) month and four (4) days, has also ended today with the signing of Terms of Resumption…

Enterprising couple providing tour guide services

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 TIMES INT'L

The serene community of Rock Stone, in Linden, is filled with picturesque scenes and lots of outdoor activities to enjoy; perfect for a weekend getaway. It is also a major fishing and tourism hot spot. Ray Peters, realised that this tourism potential should be exploited and has ingeniously transformed himself into a self-trained guide providing tour packages to the many visitors flocking the community on weekends. He purchased a boat with financial support from his fiancée, Ulandy Marks who was a participant in the Hinterland Empowerment Youth Service (HEYS) programme.…

ERC probe finds Vishnu Persaud was most qualified candidate for DCEO position

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 TIMES INT'L

By Devina Samaroo Some six months after he was overlooked for the position of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), an investigation has found that Vishnu Persaud was in fact the most qualified person for the job. “Mr Persaud was the first candidate in the history of GECOM who had obtained the highest score and had not been appointed,” stated the report on the findings of the probe, which was conducted by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). The report was handed over to the complainants,…

Any attempt by Govt to stay in power beyond March 21 can be deemed reckless

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, I am responding to this view that is emanating from the President and those on his bandwagon that he remains President until the next President is sworn in. Is President Granger seeking to preach that he will be President for life? Because he and his Government have not demonstrated any seriousness as it relates to the holding of elections. Article 106 (6) and (7) says the following: a) the President and Cabinet shall resign upon the successful passage of a no-confidence vote. Their final day on the job…

Trial to commence into Kitty businesswoman’s TIP matter

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 TIMES INT'L

The trial for the proprietor of a popular Georgetown liquor bar, Savita Persaud, who was charged with four counts of Trafficking In Persons is set to commence on March 29, 2019, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Persaud, of Station Street, Kitty, had pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts earlier in March Particulars of the first two charges stated that between January 31 and March 8, 2019, she unlawfully recruited, transported and withheld the identification papers of two Venezuelan nationals…

GBTI officials cleared of contempt of court charges

March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 TIMES INT'L

The Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday threw out contempt of court charges against eight top executives of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI), saying the bank’s officials should not have been charged in the first place. The matter was brought by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) against GBTI and its Board of Directors. This case stemmed from the matter in October 2017, when SOCU charged the bank’s directors with contempt based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The contempt proceedings stemmed from…