Category: News

October 17 was observed by United Nations member countries as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. According to the UN, some 1 billion people live in extreme poverty and more than 800 million endure hunger and malnutrition. The UN has noted that poverty is not simply measured by inadequate income. It is manifested in restricted access to health, education, sanitation and other essential services and, too often, by the denial or abuse of other fundamental human rights. According to the UN, vast inequalities threaten economies, communities and nations, trapping…

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The University of Warwick in England on Monday honoured former Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman Yesu Persaud for his stellar contribution to the development of global education and unveiled a brand-new state-of-the-art lecture theatre bearing his name. The simple reception was held in the Demerara Bank auditorium on Monday, and esteemed Guyanese scholars and Warwick University representatives showered Persaud with praise for his contribution towards the advancement of education, both globally and locally. Guyanese scholar, Professor David Dabydeen, of the Office of the President at the University of Warwick, said…

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…Dominica’s Housing Minister appeals Dominica’s Minister for Housing, Lands and Water Resource Management, Reginald Austrie has appealed to Caribbean States to assist the island, as its people continue to rebuild their lives following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. On September 19, the ferocious storm made landfall as a Category Five Hurricane with winds of 160 miles per hour (260 kilometres per hour), killing 15 as it ploughed through the country, damaging the infrastructure and water systems. Minister Austrie, in an address at the opening of the Caribbean Water…

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By Ramesh Deochand Thousands joined the annual Diwali Motorcade/Parade which was held last Saturday, October 14, 2017 on Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill, Queens. The spectacular Diwali Motorcade/Parade which has become a much anticipated major cultural event within the Indo-Caribbean community in Queens, brought people, numbering well over 10,000, together as they revel in the excitement and spiritual fervour of this major Hindu festival. Free hot food was distributed to thousands of people who joined the celebrations. The Festival of Light celebration attracted several amazing and gorgeously decorated floats, aglow with…

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The Government has taken a decisive step in the process towards building the new Demerara River bridge, with an order being issued that empowers officials to survey and acquire private land, regardless of whether the owners want to sell. The order, dubbed the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes (New Demerara River Crossing and Connecting Roads) Order 2017, is dated August 23; long before the Ministry held consultations with those to be affected on October 10. It was signed by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson. An advertisement appeared over the…

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“I will continue to serve my country”, Chancellor pledges as she receives Order of Roraima It was an evening of reflective dance pieces and patriotic songs that mirrored the devotion of the 69 persons who were honoured last Friday evening for their outstanding contributions to service and to the advancement of Guyana over the course of their lives. Receiving the night’s highest honour from President David Granger was acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who expressed much humility and appreciation for being adorned with the Order of Roraima (OR).…

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As the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) continues to await word on salary increases for teachers after nearly two years of stalled negotiations, the Union’s General Secretary, Coretta McDonald, is calling on President David Granger to urge his Ministers to ensure that a deal is reached before the end of the year. The last multi-year agreement between the Education Ministry and the GTU ended in 2015 and since then, teachers have been waiting for a finalised new deal. McDonald told Guyana Times International that the Union is hopeful that an agreement…

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The Finance Ministry has collected approximately G$900 million in taxes from activities connected to oil and gas for the first half of 2017. This was revealed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan during a press conference held at the Ministry’s boardroom on Monday. Minister Jordan was responding to questions posed by the media. Companies in the oil and gas industry have to pay withholding taxes. The tax is paid to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). It is a tax levied on income (interest and dividends) from securities owned by a non-resident.…

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By Lakhram Bhagirat The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown, on Monday took the decision to suspend the operations of five businesses in the City for various health and safety violations, with the common thread being the owners operating unregistered businesses. Four of the business folks have a three-month period to get themselves in order while another has six weeks. The decision was taken at Monday’s statutory meeting at City Hall when four of the five operators appeared before the full Council. This is the first time, since its…

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