2019 – Page 76 – Guyana Times International

Lindener to face judge, jury over murder of teen

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 TIMES INT'L

Twenty-two-year-old Rickland Bovell of Swan Village, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, was committed to stand High Court trial for the murder of David Toney. Toney, 18, was killed during an argument over the non-payment for the transport of cabbage in April 2019. Bovell was not required to plea to the indictable charge, which stated that on April 19, 2019 at Timehri Docks, East Bank Demerara, he murdered Toney. When the matter was called on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, she ruled that having considered the prosecution’s evidence,…

GECOM should stop this charade and move into elections mode

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, The rule of law is the foundation upon which modern civilisation rests. In its absence, anarchy prevails! Dictators are born when those in authority remain silent as our Constitution and the rule of law are trampled upon in hope that someone else will have the courage to speak up. And very often, the rhetoric lacks teeth: The threat of sanctions and the political will to implement them. While no one wants to see Guyana return to the dark days of election rigging, election violence and the wanton destruction…

“Lopsided” agreement benefitted some parties than others – WPA’s Hinds on Cummingsburg Accord

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 TIMES INT'L

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA), a member of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has described the Cummingsburg Accord— the sweetheart deal which binds APNU and Alliance for Change (AFC) — as a “lopsided” agreement, since it benefitted some parties more than others. The WPA is one of five parties which came together in 2011 and formed A Partnership for National Unity. WPA Executive Member Dr David Hinds told media operatives recently that the agreement was clearly disproportional and they are hoping also to have the APNU’s charter reassessed.…

Ali questions Govt’s spending of G$30B GuySuCo bond

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 TIMES INT'L

When the Coalition Government arranged a G$30-billion bond guaranteed by the State and National Industrial and Commercial Investment (NICIL) assets, it was supposed to recapitalise the sugar sector. But the poor performance of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for the year raises questions about how the money was actually spent. The recently released Ministry of Finance half-year report tells of a sector still mired in trouble. And according to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate and parliamentarian, Irfaan Ali, the population needs answers for how this money was spent. “Of…

British envoy urges Chevening scholars to return and serve their country

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 TIMES INT'L

Eleven Guyanese will soon be departing Guyana’s shores for studies in the United Kingdom (UK) after they were selected for the Chevening scholarship this year. At the British High Commissioner’s residence last Friday evening, the candidates were joined by two others from neighbouring Suriname. The scholarship is a fully-funded initiative which the UK Government extends to several countries. Awardees are required to spend one year in some of the most prominent universities, completing a post-graduate master’s programme. British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn explained that this opportunity is geared at providing…

“I have grown to love teaching,”

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 TIMES INT'L

By Lakhram Bhagirat Some people are just a natural at what they do and they have the ability to leave a long-lasting impression on everyone they come into contact with. It is not as though they are trying to leave that indelible mark, rather they are just being their authentic self and making a difference in the lives of those they encounter. When Angela Bennett-Persaud is in front of a classroom she is at her best. You can see the passion in her eyes as she imparts knowledge to the…

“Guyana is grateful for your service” – Minister Hastings-Williams tells US Army New Horizons team

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 TIMES INT'L

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams on Sunday extended gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana to the United States Air Force New Horizons team, which has built three community centres, one women’s shelter and provided health services to 13, 346 persons during their exercise in Guyana from May to August 2019. Speaking at a simple thanksgiving ceremony held by the Gonsalves family at their Republic Gardens, East Bank Demerara home, Minister Hastings-Williams said that the team has done well and has the gratitude of a nation. “The…

In the air…

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 TIMES INT'L

…elections? With all the “outreaches” the Cabinet that’s not a “Cabinet” (we’re assured!) has been making to all parts of our far-flung land, you’d have to be Forrest Gump not to know election’s in the air!! As far back as February, the PNC Government – let’s not beat around the bush about names, all right? – had announced its “Ministerial outreaches” where they’d “bring government to the people”. Yeah, right!! G$300 million was budgeted for these “outreaches”. It was on one of these that Finance Minister Jordan declared “war break!!”…

How long is President Granger prepared to hold out on calling elections?

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor Now that the Chief Justice has given her ruling on August 14th, 2019, democratic and progressive-minded Guyanese have been vindicated on several counts once again by a judicial authority:- – Elections were due three months after the passage of the no confidence motion on December 21, 2018 in accordance with article 106 which was immediately engaged; the date was not extended by a 2/3 majority of members of the National Assembly; – Whilst the House to House registration by and of itself is not unlawful or unconstitutional, the…

100 core homes, 2000 home subsidies for Sophia residents

August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 TIMES INT'L

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) under its Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme will facilitate a major upgrade in Sophia, Greater Georgetown by constructing core houses and roads among other infrastructure. On Friday last, officials of the CH&PA gave members of the media a tour of B Field Sophia where works were currently ongoing. Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Leon Saul listed the works to be completed. “We would be spending approximately US$7.5 million here in (the) Sophia area and basically what we are doing, we would be…