News – Page 649 – Guyana Times International

Texila American University hoping to expand operations in Guyana

May 18, 2012 TIMES INT'L

Texila American University (TAU) has plans to expand its services here even as it as promotes “education tourism”. With an aim of 3000 students in five years, CEO Saju Bhaskar believes that Guyana’s economy could benefit significantly. The medical school which was established in September 2010 currently has medicine and dentistry programmes running and Bhaskar says the university is aiming to have 3000 students at the end of five years. “With the current growth plan that we are in and the current achievements we have made in the short span…

NICIL’s accounts could withstand scrutiny – Winston Brassington

May 17, 2012 TIMES INT'L

–more than Gy$20B in dividends paid into Consolidated Fund in past 20 years In a shocking twist in the controversy about the financial status of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), its executive director Winston Brassington on Friday, May 11, disclosed that as of March month-end, the entity had Gy$ 700 million in its coffers, pouring cold water on the Alliance For Change’s guesstimate of Gy$ 50 billion. This figure represents all of the government holding company’s monies, including those being held in an escrow account, but…

Govt meets with Region Six residents to explain budget cuts

May 17, 2012 TIMES INT'L

Region Six Chairman David Armogan said the Gy$ 20 billion that the combined opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) “butchered” from the 2012 National Budget will have a direct impact on the region. Speaking at a recent meeting with residents of East Canje, Armogan said students are among those who will be affected, notably those who are preparing to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). “You know NCN since last year has been running a channel called the Learning Channel, in…

Procurement commission to be up in weeks – Foreign Minister

May 17, 2012 TIMES INT'L

The Public Procurement Commission is to be established by the end of June 2012, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett told the National Assembly a few days ago. The minister was at the time commending members of the opposition for rising in support of a government motion for the ratification of the Cariforum-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The establishment of a procurement entity is a requirement of the EPA to which Guyana signed on to in October 2008. Minister Rodrigues-Birkett noted that the Procurement Commission has been the subject of…

Local companies aiding illegal mining – Minister Persaud

May 17, 2012 TIMES INT'L

The prevalence of illegal mining in Guyana is being facilitated by several local companies in Guyana, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud told a media briefing on Tuesday. Persaud’s comments came at a press briefing held in observance of the 30th anniversary of the Guyana Gold Board. “Persons who have prospecting licences, both medium-scale and large-scale are fully aware that under our laws you cannot mine on those areas; they are there for the purpose of exploration. And yet these individuals would sign a document giving permission to non-nationals,…

AFC, APNU conspired to strangle ERC – PPP/C

May 17, 2012 TIMES INT'L

The ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) last Friday accused the parliamentary opposition of conspiring to “strangle” the work of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), noting that it is extremely concerned with the fact that the ERC’s budget was cut to Gy$ 1 during consideration of the 2012 budget. The party said it views the move by the opposition parliamentary parties to use their one-seat majority to cut the ERC’s budget as “unprovoked and malicious”. “This action must be exposed for what it really is; a vicious act to prevent a…

153 youths graduate from skills training programme in Berbice

May 17, 2012 TIMES INT'L

The Roadside Baptist Skills Training Centre, Region Six has been playing a significant role in changing the lives of Berbicians by providing them with opportunities to be trained to ensure they elevate themselves. The centre’s efforts were last Saturday afternoon lauded by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing duties on behalf of the president. The centre was established with the aim of creating opportunities through the provisions of adult education, skills training and social services for young people, to improve their quality of life. Last Saturday, it held its 19th graduation…

Guyana hails bilateral ties with European Union

May 17, 2012 TIMES INT'L

President Donald Ramotar last week hailed the four-decade old relationship between Guyana and the European Union (EU) as the latter celebrated the 62nd anniversary of Europe Day. The occasion was marked by a toast between President Donald Ramotar and Head of Delegation to the European Commission (EC) Robert Kopecky at his residence on May 9 in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and members of the diplomatic corps. Guyana’s relations with the EU began with the signing of the historic Georgetown Agreement which paved the…

U.S. boosts Guyana’s anti-money laundering fight with US$ 500,000

May 17, 2012 TIMES INT'L

United States Ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt and Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett last Friday signed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) amending the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) that was signed in April 2011. The signing took place at the ministry’s office. According to a U. S. embassy statement, the LOA will make an additional US$ 500,000 available for Guyana’s CBSI programme, increasing the original allocation. These funds will continue to support efforts in law enforcement capacity building and anti-money laundering. In addition, it will strengthen counter-narcotics control capabilities…

Tourist arrivals in Guyana up by 20 per cent in first quarter

May 17, 2012 TIMES INT'L

The Tourism Ministry has reported a record high of 36,352 arrivals in the first quarter of this year, representing a 20 per cent increase over last year’s international arrivals. “It is clear that the country’s interest in tourism is very aggressive at this moment. This steady increase is testimony to the continued investment in the country’s tourism sector and the aggressive marketing strategies used,” acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali explained in a statement. The Unites States (U. S.) remained as the top market with a total of…