Category: News

We have long advocated for universal pre-K for our kids. Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio has admirably taken the leadership on this initiative, and his vision and fight for universal pre-K is laudable. He must ensure that it is not only universal but also economically integrated. Research confirms that state investments in early childhood education have significant benefits to our children’s development. The incoming Mayor’s proposal of creating 48,000 new full-day pre-K seat by next fall 2014 will be a challenging order, and will require converting 38,000 existing half-time slots to…

President Donald Ramotar, on Friday last, acknowledged the significant contributions of rice farmers to Guyana’s economy, and called on them for their support to ensure much more happens in 2014. Guyana recorded its highest ever rice production in 2013, netting 530,000 tonnes. Speaking to the farmers during a Christmas party organised by the Rice Producers Association (RPA) at Crane, West Coast of Demerara, President Ramotar observed that things are not smooth and easy with projects always being stopped for one reason or the other. Pointing to cuts of the national…

When the budget cuts appeal hearing came up again on Friday in the Full Court, justices James Bovell-Drakes and Rishi Persaud announced that they will rule on the appeal on January 13. On that date, Opposition Leader David Granger will know whether he will be allowed to be heard in the 2012 budget cuts court case, which is being held in abeyance pending the course of the appeal. On June 19, a decision was taken by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang to dismiss the opposition leader, as well as Finance…

“The house means a lot and I am happy with my own home and I would like to thank God because I was all over from here, there till God make way and I own my own home today,” says Amanda Anthony, a disabled woman. The estimated GUY$2.5 million one bedroom house-a disability friendly model- at Hope Lowlands, East Coast Demerara was built with funding from the Scotiabank Habitat Build a Home Promotion. Scotia contributed about GUY$1.8 million. Anthony, a widow and mother of two, recalls living several places ranging…

Phyllis Rahaman has been with the Public Works Ministry for over four decades and has been a “tower of strength” to four ministers during her dedicated years of service. On Wednesday, subject minister Robeson Benn and staff held a simple ceremony at the ministry’s boardroom to express their gratitude to Rahaman, who worked her way up the chain of command from a typist clerk one to confidential secretary. Her outstanding credentials included her adaptability, charisma, promptness and endearing attitude towards work. The ministry’s Permanent Secretary Balraj Balram, in his glowing…

Canadian-based oil and gas exploration company CGX Energy Inc announced Monday that it will commence arbitration proceedings against Repsol Exploración SA in connection with the expiry of the petroleum prospecting licence (PPL) covering the Georgetown Block. CGX, which along with Repsol, Tullow Guyana BV and YPF SA formed a four-company consortium that built the Jaguar-1 well in the Georgetown Block, believes that Repsol acted in “bad faith”, according to Co-Chairman Dr Suresh Narine. The company is of the view that the terms of the joint operating agreement governing the Georgetown…

THE political gridlock that dogged the proceedings of the National Assembly in 2013 has left the Government dissatisfied with the level of progress it achieved in advancing its legislative agenda. Attorney General Anil Nandlall, at a press conference held on Monday at Freedom House, said: “No one in the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) can say we are satisfied.” Parliament has lost its focus and is being used by the Opposition as an instrument to advance political causes, he opined. “Parliament has been used repeatedly as a forum to extract political…