News – Page 639 – Guyana Times International

No Local Government Elections can be held until certain bills are passed – Collymore

July 5, 2012 TIMES INT'L

THIS view was expressed by Mr. Clinton Collymore, Ministerial Adviser to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, whilst delivering the feature address at a training workshop for Neighbourhood Democratic Councillors in Region 4 at the Guyana International Convention Centre, Lilendaal on Wednesday. The Fiscal Transfer Bill, the Local Government Commission Act, and the Electoral Act are on lockdown (held in abeyance) by the Opposition in the Select Committee; and unless they are released, there will be no local government elections. This situation was explained by Mr. Clinton Collymore, who…

Region should become more self sufficient – Ramotor urges Caricom heads

July 5, 2012 TIMES INT'L

President Donald Ramotar told the opening of the Caricom Summit that amid volatile food prices, it was time the region gives more impetus to the “Jagdeo Initiative”. Proposed several years ago by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, the “Jagdeo Initiative”, identifies and defines the key constraints facing agricultural development in the Caribbean region. It aims to make the sector about more than the production of food by exploring the numerous opportunities that exist for agro-businesses which will create more employment, and increase export earnings and the income of all stakeholders, especially…

Trotman on a mission to “bring parliament to life for young people”

July 5, 2012 TIMES INT'L

The “Bring Parliament to Life for Young People” initiative touched down in Region Six last Friday after an eventful day in Region Five on Thursday. The first stop in East Berbice was at the St Therese’s Primary School in New Amsterdam where hundreds of students gathered to hear from the Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman, Public Relations Officer of the Parliament Onieka Alphonso-Walton, and also viewed a 15-minute feature on the history of Guyana’s Parliament. The contingent comprised of Regional Education Officer Shifran Bhajan and other education officials.…

Manickchand announces NGSA results

June 28, 2012 TIMES INT'L

– Graham’s Hall, Mae’s tie for top spot By Vahnu Manikchand Photos by leroy smith A male student of Graham’s Hall Primary and another of Mae’s School have tied for the top position at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination. Ramesh Ghir of Mae’s and Michael Bhopaul of Graham’s Hall Primary each scored 547 marks, Education Minister Priya Manickchand announced in the National Assembly on Wednesday. The rest of the top 10 performers scored marks ranging from to 541 to 546. The highest possible mark at the examinations…

NEW GPC delivers value for money

June 28, 2012September 26, 2012 TIMES INT'L

Procurement of drugs highly transparent – Ramsammy Former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy Former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy has said the administration has consistently benefited from procuring medical supplies and pharmaceuticals from approved and prequalified suppliers, as compared to a process of tendering out which has resulted in unreliability, delays and other problems related to quality. Dr Ramsammy was at the time speaking during the Television Guyana’s (TVG- 28) “Current Issues and Analyses” talk show (The CIA), where he reiterated government’s “satisfaction” with the current systems in place for…

Dr. Desrey Fox hailed as true Guyanese patriot

June 28, 2012 TIMES INT'L

An inaugural lecture organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to honour the life and work of the late Minister within the Ministry of Education Dr. Desrey Ceasar-Fox was held on Monday at the Umana Yana, Kingston. The event which attracted a number of prominent persons reflected on Dr. Fox’s many accomplishments and her passion for the development and preservation of Amerindian languages. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in delivering brief remarks spoke of the work the late minister did and, much of which is part of the country’s…

Haier Guyana opens US$2M assembly line

June 28, 2012 TIMES INT'L

Haier Guyana is not concerned with the human capacity, but rather the high cost of electricity locally, a top official of the company said last week Friday as they opened a US$ 2 million assembly line at its Industrial Estate, Ruimveldt complex. Brian James, of Haier Guyana, stated that it is the cost of utilities that may interfere with the company’s ability to keep costs low. James noted that “the cost of electricity is one of the highest here”. He continued that Haier’s Chinese delegation was sufficiently pleased with the…

Professor Bourne re-elected UG chancellor

June 28, 2012 TIMES INT'L

The University of Guyana (UG) administration, in response to questions raised by a few media houses about recent calls by the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) for the resignation of Chancellor Professor Compton Bourne, has declared that it does not support the call. At a recent meeting of the University’s Council, Professor Bourne was re-elected chancellor for a period of three years and the administration looks forward to working with Chancellor Bourne, the council, all university staff and stakeholders, to…

Students across Guyana to benefit from school uniform vouchers

June 28, 2012 TIMES INT'L

The Education Ministry last Monday began distribution of school uniform vouchers across the country. The School Uniform Programme was introduced about a decade ago to improve attendance, participation rates, and attainment levels, by ensuring that every child has the basic necessities for school. Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Monday visited several schools in Georgetown as she commenced the distribution of school uniform vouchers for the new school term beginning September. “Government is keen on educating our children, since it sees education as the only way out of poverty and to…

Backtrackers giving GRA headache in Berbice

June 28, 2012 TIMES INT'L

– revenue collection down, anti-smuggling measures implemented With a significant decline in revenue collection at Corriverton, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said it has beefed up anti-smuggling measures in the area to trap Guyanese who trade in Suriname but evade taxes. Rampant smuggling of goods and drugs from Suriname to Guyana has been a long-standing problem. Some businesses in Berbice have also complained about not being able to compete with other businesses that engage in smuggling. The GRA in a statement said over the past year, it has collaborated with…