Category: News

In protest at the possible closure of the Enmore sugar factory, workers attached to that East Demerara Estate on Monday marched four miles along the East Coast Demerara highway, close to the village of Enmore, in a move reportedly intended to register their strong opposition to any move to close that estate, and to highlight their plight if this intended action is carried out. The Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU), which organised the march, said in a statement, “At this time, while the Government has not announced formally…

First Lady, Sandra Granger encouraged teenage boys and girls and teenage parents to seek out the sexual health, reproductive and other services offered at the Agricola Health Centre Community Parenting Support Group, at the launch of the clinic at the Agricola Health Centre, East Bank Demerara. The First Lady was invited to the launch because of her advocacy for education and support services for youth, especially women and girls. At the opening ceremony, she said, “I do not think we can overemphasise how important maternal child health is, especially for…

Following the decision to raise tuition fees at the University of Guyana over the next three years, the UG Student Society (UGSS) is rallying to the challenges that will be faced by students who will have to deal with the tuition fee increases. The fees’ hike, which took students completely by surprise, has already been greeted with protests In a phone interview with this publication, UGSS President Ron Glasgow revealed that the next three weeks would see the students’ representative body consulting and soliciting feedback from the student population on…

…Parliamentary Sectoral Committee hears during visit A visit by the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) on Tuesday revealed several appalling issues, including drug shortages, a dysfunctional ECG machine, shortage of cutting edge needles, insufficient monitors, issues with sections of the roof, cracks in some parts of the building and the need for more dental staff. The Committee – consisting of Opposition Members of Parliament Dr Vindhya Persaud, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, and Indranie Chandarpal as well as Minister within the Communities Ministry Valerie Patterson…

– wife, 3 children homeless A fire believed to be an act of arson committed by a husband in a jealous rage destroyed a house at Rose Hall Town, Berbice on Monday evening. Five persons are now homeless, including the man’s wife and three children. Reports are that the fisherman was seen going into the house moments before flames were seen coming from the building at Lot 232 Mangrove Street, Reef, Rose Hall Town, Berbice. Speaking with Guyana Times International, Sarita Sewindra, 26, said on Monday afternoon she lent a…

The review of the bauxite industry, which was commissioned last year in observance of its centennial, is set to end soon. Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, during a recent outreach in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), said the report on the review was expected to be completed before the end of May. “We are currently reviewing the industry to see where our reserves are and the future of the industry,” the Minister said. The review also “includes a decision as to whether or not we should have another alumina plant in…

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall, who has been detained by the Enmore Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), wrote the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) on Tuesday requesting that the agency return several computer systems that were confiscated last week. It was reported that on Thursday last, a group of agents attached to SARU went down to the Enmore NDC and took away 15 desktop computers and eight backup power packs without informing officials there. However, when contacted that evening, SARU Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Major (Rtd) Aubrey Heath-Retemyer explained to Guyana Times International…

In wake of suggestions that the Carter Formula has outlived its usefulness, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said he was willing to participate in meaningful discussions to develop a replacement. A former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of Jamaica compiled a report on the need for Guyana to redraft and modernise its electoral laws. In that report, he argued that the Carter Formula was outdated and there was need for a new process. Prompted for his views on such a contention, Jagdeo told reporters that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was open…

…Ram says of meeting with Govt officials regarding VAT on private education Social activist and Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram has accused the Government of giving parents a raw deal on the recent Value Added Tax (VAT) on education consultation, and it was a total waste of time. Ram, who joined stakeholders in another protest held outside the Education Ministry’s Brickdam office on Wednesday, said the people who attended felt disrespected. The outspoken lawyer told Guyana Times International that he had no hope that the Government would make any changes even though…