Dear Editor, Please permit me some space in your daily print to comment on the fatal accident which occurred on the morning of October 15 involving a police vehicle. Based on footage widely circulated on social media, it appears that neither driver was wearing seat belts. The reality is, none of our Police or emergency response drivers wear seat belts. It is a known fact that police cars and fire trucks ‘fly’ down our streets at a breakneck pace. This places the occupants at higher risk of being involved in…
Read MoreAuthor: TIMES INT'L
Revenue authority urges importers of fruits to report concerns about delays to management
Following concerns being expressed by importers of an alleged ban on importing items such as fruits into Guyana, a senior official from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has denied the existence of any ban. In fact, the introduction of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) is supposed to help fast-track these transactions, although persons have contended otherwise. According to information reaching this publication, one importer in particular has encountered stumbling blocks when importing fruits. While that importer’s cargo was eventually released after delays, the importer was reportedly informed by…
Read MoreGranger confirms APNU in ‘exploratory’ talks with Shuman’s party
The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is currently in “exploratory” talks with Indigenous Leader Lenox Shuman’s party – the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) – which is being seen as a move to attract Amerindian voters. Leader of the APNU, President David Granger, on Wednesday confirmed that he has been in preliminary exploratory talks with Shuman, a former Toshao of St Cuthbert’s Mission and former Vice Chair of the National Toshaos Council. “We’re looking for common ground, we’re looking for areas of convergence. The policy of A Partnership for…
Read MoreSerious shortage of oil and gas experts
…as First Oil looms in Guyana With first oil just around the corner, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Head, Dr Vincent Adams has admitted that Guyana is “not even close” to having the requisite expertise to manage the oil and gas sector. He made this admission during a public policy talk facilitated by the Guyana Budget Policy Institute last Saturday evening at the Regency Suites Hotel. Dr Adams shared the panel with a number of political and oil and gas commentators, including Christopher Ram, Charles Ramson and Sasenarine Singh. “This is…
Read MoreGuyanese indicted in multimillion-dollar medical fraud nabbed in New York
One week after the US authorities had issued a wanted bulletin for Shamiza Ali, also called Shamiza Bacchus, a Guyanese who has been indicted in a multimillion-dollar Medicaid fraud in New York, she was arrested on Monday evening at the John F Kennedy International Airport. The woman was taken into custody by law enforcement moments after stepping off a flight from Guyana. The Guyanese woman and two others were indicted for falsifying information and ripping off the medical scheme of close to US$20 million. It was reported that the woman,…
Read MoreGayle sets the record straight amid social media backlash
…says not affiliated with any political party in Guyana Prominent West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle has categorically stated that he was not affiliated with any political party amid negative comments when he showed up at a rally organised by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on Saturday. Gayle was spotted in photos on social media alongside members of the party during the event at Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and many condemned his presence. However, the Jamaican batsman clarified that he did not endorse any political party in Guyana. As…
Read MoreGranger talks up achievements of Coalition at Linden rally
The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) observed its 62nd anniversary at Congress Place in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) on Saturday with a grand rally and cultural presentation. The event was marked by the presence of executive Party members and supporters as well as numerous officials. Party Leader President David Granger in delivering the feature address at the ceremony emphasized numerous significant achievements of the Party ever since it was founded in 1957 and entered office in 1964. He also pointed to achievements of Founder-Leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham…
Read MoreFixing breaches in Region 6 sea defence may have to wait – Vice Chairman
Breaches in the sea defences of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) may have to wait to receive attention since the Government will place emphasis on regions which are more vulnerable. This is according to Region Six Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop while addressing the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on the issue. DeRoop, who is a member of the Sea Defence Board, explained that like other Regions, Region Six was under threat, but the Government would prioritise the needs of the Regions based on the dangers of the breaches. “Money is not issued…
Read MoreGuyanese urged to review the ‘Preliminary List of Electors’
Guyanese and persons eligible to vote in the upcoming Regional and General Elections on March 2, 2020, are being urged to review the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Preliminary List of Electors (PLE). Citizens are reminded to check the new Voters’ List to ensure their names are on it. GECOM’s Claims and Objections exercise, which began on October 1, will end on November 18, 2019. GECOM, the entity responsible for the administration and conduct of elections in Guyana, is urging citizens and persons eligible to vote, to check for their names…
Read MoreTaking steps to ensure better mental health
– Guyana focusing on identifying, treating dementia as mental illness – As WHO regards dementia as a public health priority World Mental Health Day is being observed globally on October 10, 2019, with an overall focus on suicide prevention. In Guyana, the focus has been and continues to be identifying and treating dementia as a mental illness. What is Dementia? According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), dementia is a syndrome, usually of a chronic or progressive nature in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking ability, behaviour and…
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