Month: January 2011

Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony has urged citizens to use this International Year for People of African Descent to build greater trust among themselves, as efforts continue to build a better Guyana. Speaking at the launch of celebratory activities at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal on Wednesday, Dr Anthony also urged the nation to celebrate the United Nations- designated year in whatever way possible. “In this, the International Year of People of African Descent, there are many activities for all to participate in. We want people to commit at the…

The Winston Murray faction of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) party has said it is fully backing former Finance Minister Carl Greenidge to be that party’s presidential candidate for general elections later this year. The group, which was formed to support Murray as the nominee before he died late last year, said in a statement on Wednesday that it was persuaded by Greenidge’s qualifications and sterling personal qualities. “All members of the group, including Dr Richard Van West-Charles, have agreed to give their unanimous support to Mr Greenidge (in…

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai said the Amerindian Affairs Ministry was very successful last year in addressing the ‘irritants’ that are affecting Amerindians in the areas of health, education, water and agriculture. She said too that there has also been quite a number of support presented to them during the crises which occurred during La Nina and El Nino weather conditions. Sukhai made the comments while speaking on a budget discussion being aired on the National Communication Network (NCN). She said the 2011 National Budget reflects government’s commitment towards enhancing…

By Michael Younge  The Guyana Power and Light says plans are currently underway to further transform the country’s electricity sector while improving the quality and reliability of the service that consumers receive. Speaking with Guyana Times International during an exclusive interview, GPL Chief Executive Officer Bharat Dindyal announced that the company would further benefit from the US$40 million Chinese grant made available for the expansion, maintenance, and transmission upgrade of its service this year. He said work under this programme is expected to start during the second half of the…

President Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday met with representatives of the religious community to discuss the setting up of an interfaith television station which would be dedicated to the broadcasting of religious programmes on a 24-hour basis. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the president, in his remarks, indicated that discussions have been ongoing for some six years now, but he intends to see the realisation of this project within the next three months. The religious leaders, in expressing their appreciation for this initiative, agreed to the setting up…

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) says that it is satisfied with the recent budget announcements made by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh last Monday, January 17th, in the National Assembly. In a release to the media, FITUG noted that the budget is one that will see Guyana moving in the right direction. Further, FITUG said that the budget has provisions for all Guyanese, and will see economic growth. “The increase of the Income Tax threshold from Gy$35,000 to Gy$40,000 is greatly appreciated and timely, since it…

Banks DIH Limited has said that it would not be selling any new shares to support its Gy$3 billion investment scheme for the 2011 financial year, as the company would be using money from its cash reserves apart from borrowing from financial institutions. This was announced by managing director and chairman of the company, Clifford Reis, at the entity’s 55th Annual General Meeting at Thirst Park on Saturday, January 23rd. Reis declared that the company has some Gy$2 billion at its disposal. Banks DIH Ltd has earmarked some Gy$3.2 billion…

By Lisa Lowe  The percentage of persons with access to potable water in Guyana has increased to 98, from 85 during the past five years. Outgoing Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc, Yuri Chandisingh, in a recent interview with Guyana Times International, said that Guyana’s water service has improved significantly over the years, since most communities now have access to potable water. He said that the water corporation will continue to work to ensure that the percentage of the population with access to potable water reaches 100. This…