Year: 2019

Collis ‘Real Proof” Mc Donald ready to conquer

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By Lakhram Bhagirat One of the most popular sayings in Guyana is “better late than never”, and it is used in almost every situation for different purposes. For Collis Mc Donald, or “Real Proof” as he is known, that saying is one he holds dear to his heart for the purpose of gaining strength to persevere in a challenging industry. Collis is 40 years old and now stepping out on the music scene, the local Soca music scene to be exact, and for someone his age, it means keeping up…

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Strangulating…

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…sugar workers One of the most callous actions this PNC-led government has acquiesced in is the fee it allowed its much-coddled SPU to charge the fired sugar workers of Skeldon Estate for fishing in the canals of the “backdam”. Thrown into the streets two years ago, without the government facilitating any sort social net much less alternative employment, the hapless ex-workers have been forced to scrounge around for their families’ survival. And what have they done to alleviate the pangs of hunger? Not robbed fellow citizens as so many have…

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The Versatile Steven Ramphal dabs in Soca

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By Lakhram Bhagirat One thing that is constant in our lives is that there is always going to be change and in order to be able to cope with those changes, we must learn to step out of our comfort zone. When we step out of our comfort zone, we are challenged by unfamiliar things and that is the only way we will be able to see what we can do and realise our true potential. For Steven Ramphal, stepping out of his comfort zone is the only way he…

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The Diaspora and development

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The Guyanese Diaspora and how they can contribute to the country’s development has been a subject of much discussion in the past. More often than not discussions have always been centred on how we may encourage the thousands of Guyanese living outside of Guyana to return and to help contribute to this country’s development. The recent oil discoveries have caused Guyana to be placed in the international spotlight. Just a few days ago, United States oil giant ExxonMobil announced another two more oil finds offshore Guyana, bringing the total number…

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From the orphanage to owning his own business, Mohan Singh tells his story

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By Lakhram Bhagirat Hardship, poverty and want are the best incentives and the best foundation for the success of anyone, and for Mohan Singh no one knows as much as he does about poverty, hardship and the drive to be successful. Mohan is not your average 22-year-old nor does he consider himself above anyone. He is the epitome of humbleness and is forever smiling. I personally think he even smiles when he cries. Many of us may know Mohan from Facebook as the funny guy who makes videos and posts…

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Guyana’s dual nationality act needs review

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Dear Editor, The issue of dual nationality has been in the news following the successful passage of the No-confidence Motion against the People’s National Congress/Alliance For Change Government. In the social novel Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens through his main character, Mr Brumble, wrote, “the law … is an ass (meaning nonsensical). It would seem the law on Guyana’s dual citizenship is an ass.” According to the Burnham Constitution, a born Guyanese who is a dual citizen cannot be a Member of Parliament or serve as President, and by extension, Prime…

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New oil contracts will have more favourable terms for Guyana

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…says Energy Dept head By Jarryl Bryan In the wake of public criticism over the contractual terms it negotiated with the oil contracts based on a model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Government said it has taken steps towards rectifying this issue. At a press conference on Monday at the Ministry of the Presidency, Head of the Department of Energy Dr Mark Bynoe revealed that a new PSA template has been developed. Even though ExxonMobil’s contract insulates it from changes in Guyana’s laws and policies, this template will be used for…

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Guyana records 156 TIP cases in 2018

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Guyana’s small population has been hit with the growing epidemic of human trafficking cases, with statistics demonstrating that some 156 cases were recorded for 2018 only. This was divulged during the Social Protection Ministry’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) workshop on Wednesday where the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit provided training to shelter managers and operators. Coordinator of the programme, Tanisha Williams-Corbin shared some of the alarming statistics which were recorded for last year as she stated that the ministry has seen notably high statistics in these cases. Out of the…

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Competition heats up as Children’s Mashramani Finals begins in Georgetown

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The 2019 Children’s Mashramani Finals organised by the Unit of Allied Arts within the Ministry of Education began on Thursday at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown before an audience of exuberant children, teachers and parents. According to DPI, this leg of the Children’s Mashramani Competitions follows weeks of competition that took place in the 11 education districts. Declaring the Finals open was the Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Ms. Jennifer Cumberbatch who represented the Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry. According to DPI, Ms.…

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West Side Soca Goddess Shaima Muna “Nah Fired Yet”

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Ah tell dem is fete Is fete No I ain’t tired as yet I tell them is fete I bet you never wine pon a Guyanese yet Me represent me culture, any day! Guyanese wine you can’t beat meh no day… With lyrics like that, it just goes to show that newcomer Shaima Muna is not to be taken lightly. The vibrant 21-year-old is now dipping her feet into the local music industry, but has been around music all her life. She comes from a musical family and has been…

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