UN, partners launch multi-million-dollar development project in Haiti

The United Nations and its partners have launched in southwest Haiti a 20-year, multi-million-dollar environmental recovery programme that aims to benefit more than 200,000 people and show that sustainable rural development, from fisheries to tourism, is indeed practical.   “Restoring the region’s environmental services will be a key step towards restoring a real and long-lasting development path for its people, and a stepping stone towards a green economy,” UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner said at the inauguration of the US$200 million project in Port Salut, southern Haiti.  The…

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Haiti’s PM says government will accept advice from OAS/Caricom team

Haiti’s Prime Minister, Jean Max Bellerive, says the outgoing government in that French-speaking country will accept advice from the Organisation of American States (OAS)/Caricom team on the disputed presidential elections last year. The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) had named former First Lady Mirlande Manigat, 70, a law professor; and Jude Celestin, President Rene Preval’s protégé, as the front runners in the disputed November 28 presidential elections.  The two-candidate runoff was scheduled to take place on January 16, but results from the first round of voting are yet to be finalised.…

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Hits and Jams Mash Camp to be launched at month-end

The festive season is over, but Guyanese, moreso entertainment groups across the country, are now preparing for Mashramani 2011, which will be celebrated under the theme: “Showcasing Our Culture, Sustaining Our Pride”. Hits and Jams Entertainment will be launching its “Mash Camp” on January 29 at the Carifesta Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.  Speaking with Guyana Times International, promoter Simeon Francis explained that Mash in Guyana will be “bigger and better”, especially from his group’s perspective. He disclosed that the Mash camp will be launched on January 29, with…

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Gyptian’s “Hold Yuh” is Reggae Song of the Year

Reggae Singer Gyptian enjoyed a successful 2010. He scored ‘big time’ with the single “Hold Yuh”, copping the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) and Soul Train Awards for it. The single also made it on the Billboard Hot R&B Hip Hop Chart. The artiste might have been denied the added recognition of earning a nod in the reggae category of the Grammy Awards, but his track record this year still stands impressive.  However, it took a while for this reggae superstar to get his fame and recognition. In 2005, the…

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‘Never a dull moment’- New GPC INC Manager Pam Fraser talks about being non-traditional and loving it

In a society where a man is “supposed” to do a particular field of work, Pam Fraser and her female colleagues at New GPC Inc have proven that women, too, can master the skills and do work expected to be done by men. Pam graduated with a certificate in welding from the Government Technical Institute, (GTI) and although many questioned her choice of career, she was determined to do what she loves. “A past boyfriend was in the field and I would watch him in his line of work, observing…

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Man charged with 2008 murder of businessman

Almost three years after 31-year-old businessman Ricardo Henriques, of D’Urban Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown was fatally shot in the head at point blank range, just outside a Guyana Lottery Company booth on Middle Street near Juice Power, a third person has been charged for his murder.  Previously, Georgetown residents Junior Henry of 58 West Ruimveldt Estate and Baldeo Seegobin of 99 West Ruimveldt Estate were charged, on November 27 last, with the murder of the 32-year-old businessman.  Philbert McPherson, the third man, was arraigned on Tuesday, January 11, for the murder…

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CJIA activates emergency plan after bomb threat

An unknown person last Friday threatened a bomb attack at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, but the incident did not affect operations at the country’s main airport. Police are said to be working with a telecommunications company in order to track down the caller. Reports reaching this newspaper indicate that, at around 07:44hrs, an air traffic controller received a call advising that there was a bomb at the airport, but the caller did not give details as to where it was. The air traffic controller reportedly transmitted the…

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Stabroek News’ driver dies after driving into trench

A 49-year-old Stabroek News’ driver died early Wednesday morning after he lost control of the company’s vehicle and drove into a trench along the Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara.  Dead is Owen Anthony Elliot, of 168 Thomas Street, Kitty — a father of two who worked with the Stabroek News for the past eight years. Reports reaching this newspaper indicate that Elliot and another employee, Harold Lam, were on their way to the Diamond area to distribute newspapers when he lost control of the Suzuki van and ended up…

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ERC to closely monitor elections season

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) says that it stands ready and willing to ensure that as Guyana’s general elections draw near, those who seek to cause havoc and instill fear in the minds of people are stopped. In an interview with Guyana Times International, ERC Chairman Bishop Juan Edghill explained that the majority of Guyanese want Guyana to have free and fear elections; a place where there are national stability and a wide acceptance of each other and the results at the end of a poll. He stated, though, that…

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Gold exports top US$346M in 2010

By Ravena Gildharie  In a year of soaring prices matched by downturns in some areas, Guyana’s gold industry exported in excess of 302,000 ounces of gold in 2010, earning the country some US$346.4 million. This is the highest earnings achieved since the closure of Omai Gold Mines back in 2005.  According to the information provided by the Guyana Gold Board, in 2009, gold exports were higher, being more than 311,000 ounces (including output from the previous year), but the earnings were lower, at US$281.6 million. The higher earnings last year…

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