News – Page 701 – Guyana Times International

Guyana signs multibillion-dollar minerals deal with Canadian firm

November 11, 2011 TIMES INT'L

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE The government of Guyana has inked a multibillion-dollar deal with Sandspring Resources Incorporated, a Canadian company, for the establishment and operationalisation of a new large-scale mine located between the Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers respectively. The agreement was signed on Wednesday afternoon at the Office of the President in the presence of President Bharrat Jagdeo, Advisor to the Canadian Firm, Sir Shridath Ramphal; Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Advisor Norman McClean and PPP/C presidential candidate Donald Ramotar among others. The new agreement could see a whopping US$550 million…

All set for hosting of presidential candidates ‘debates’ – organizers

November 11, 2011 TIMES INT'L

BY ARIANA GORDON All is set for the hosting of the three public style meetings aimed at engaging the country’s four presidential candidates and the electorate in dialogue. The organisers of the meetings told Guyana Times International on Tuesday that they are ready. From all indications, the presidential candidates are also ready for the meetings to be held on November 10, 15 and 17. One of the organisers of the University of Guyana (UG) public meeting, Kadasi Ceres told this publication that the meeting would see the four presidential candidates…

Commissioner Greene denies bugging Felix’s office

November 11, 2011 TIMES INT'L

Police Commissioner Henry Greene has distanced himself from the bugging of the office of former Police Commissioner Winston Felix who was heard on a tape recording, which surfaced back in 2006, discussing security matters with People’s National Congress Reform member Basil Williams. Felix has long accused senior officials within the force of placing the recording device in his office while he was away on an overseas assignment. The tape recording was later distributed by jailed drug trafficker Shaheed Roger Khan to the diplomatic community, government officials and the media here.…

U.S. embassy holds blood drive

November 11, 2011 TIMES INT'L

The United States embassy in Georgetown on November 3 partnered with the Health Ministry to conduct a blood drive. In a release, the embassy said that the drive was launched in response to calls from the National Blood Bank for donations to meet a critical shortage of blood. The National Blood Bank relies on donations of blood from public-spirited persons to assist in situations where blood transfusion may be the only option to save a life. Through the embassy’s initiative, 41 pints of blood were collected. According to the embassy,…

IMPACS suggests Caricom set up own DEA

November 11, 2011 TIMES INT'L

Director of Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security, (IMPACS) Francis Forbes has suggested that Caricom establish its very own Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Forbes was making reference to the unwillingness or reluctance of certain territories to work in collaboration with U. S. agents. As a law enforcement agent, Forbes said he looks forwards to the day when Caricom can set up a DEA, an initiative which he thinks can be realised. “I think we could be very successful. You know you have Jamaicans coming to Guyana to work undercover…

Government announces eight per cent pay hike for public servants

November 11, 2011 TIMES INT'L

The Bharrat Jagdeo administration on November 3 approved pay increases for a range of traditional public servants as well as workers of the state-run Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), hailing the pay hike as an illustration of the strength of the country’s economy at a time when other countries have imposed wage freezes and job cuts. Over the years, government has imposed pay increases for public servants, but this is usually done at the end of the year. In a statement, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said that President Jagdeo granted…

Food For The Poor commissions Gy$65M housing scheme at Tapakuma

November 11, 2011 TIMES INT'L

By Indrawattie Natram Food For The Poor (FFTP) Guyana Inc on Wednesday commissioned a Gy$65 million housing project named Theresa in Tapakuma, an Amerindian community located in Region Two. At the simple commissioning ceremony at the community centre, Region Two Chairman Alli Baksh told residents that Theresa Village is a classic example of true partnership between the government of Guyana and local and international agencies. He said the project has transformed the landscape of Tapakuma and displayed a true sense of partnership. Baksh urged beneficiaries to work together in enhancing…

Police force not starved for funds – Rohee

November 11, 2011 TIMES INT'L

…says Felix’s, Granger’s criticisms misplaced Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee on November 3 said that the current administration has made big investments in the security forces. He rubbished criticism by former Police Chief Winston Felix and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) presidential candidate David Granger that the police force had inadequate resources to fight the range of crimes this country faces. Speaking at a media briefing at Freedom House, the headquarters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Rohee, accompanied by state attorney Anil Nandlall, said the current administration has…

CANU burns Gy$400M in cocaine and marijuana

November 11, 2011 TIMES INT'L

The Custom Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Saturday burnt over Gy$400 million worth in cocaine and compressed marijuana at the organisation’s headquarters on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown. The cocaine which totalled 30kg (66lbs) was seized during a CANU operation at No 66 Village, Corentyne, Berbice on October 23, while the marijuana which weighed 105kg (31.4lbs) was seized during an operation at the John Fernandes Wharf, Georgetown on February 21. During the exercise on Saturday, CANU officials tested the substances in the presence of media operatives. In the case of the cocaine,…

636 youths graduate from PYARG programme

November 11, 2011 TIMES INT'L

Some 636 youths who successfully completed the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme were honoured on Friday. The graduation ceremony at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) coincided with the award’s 13th anniversary, and saw graduates receiving certificates and lapel pins. President Bharrat Jagdeo joined Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony; Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry Permanent Secretary Alfred King; Cuban Ambassador to Guyana Raul Gortazar Marrero and Mexican Ambassador Fernando Sandoval in presenting the awards. The award, a model of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, International…