Vox Populi
Month: July 2011
WPA defends coalition with PNCR
The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has defended its move to form an alliance with the main opposition party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), saying that the decision was premised on the party’s long-held view that Guyana can only move forward with a government that represents and is accountable to all of its peoples. In a statement, the WPA said it has noted the attacks on its co-leader Dr Rupert Roopnaraine by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and some of its supporters, mounted on the state media since announcement…
Read MoreRussian gold firm to work on Matthews Ridge concession
More than 86 Guyanese have, so far, been employed to work with Major Minors Incorporated, a new gold mining company which has set up office in Guyana. The company has been in Guyana for the past three years, and was successful in getting mining concessions to operate in Matthews Ridge, Region One. Investor and Public Relations Officer of the company, Shiloh King, told Guyana Times International on July 3 that Major Miners Inc is now in its “setting up stage”, and has established an office in Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown. King…
Read MoreBenn, parents clash at rowdy speedboat meeting
By Michael Itwaru A meeting between concerned parents and Public Works and Communications Minister Robeson Benn on the controversial speedboat service between Rosignol and New Amsterdam ended in disarray on Wednesday at the Rosignol Ferry Stelling. Prior to the sour end to the engagement, Benn, seeking to allay the fears of residents over the safety of the speedboat said he was putting his political career on line on the issue. Parents and children had protested the withdrawal of a pontoon service in favour of the speedboat last week. However, Benn…
Read MoreSugar wages’ hike talks begin with early disagreement
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) has made a 15 per cent proposal for wage increases for its workers this year, but the Guyana Sugar Corporation has stated it cannot meet the union’s demands, and has countered with a five per cent offer. The parties have already met twice to negotiate increases; and they will meet again on July6, Guyana Times International understands. GAWU asked for the same percentage of increase last year, but a bitter wage dispute erupted, with the sugar company threatening to derecognise the union.…
Read MoreEPG pushing for small nations to get voice at G20
By Janelle Persaud The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) of the Commonwealth has made several recommendations on ways to ensure that the interests of smaller countries are addressed at major forums, such as the Group of Twenty (G20) summit. EPG member Sir Ronald Sanders said the group has proposed the establishment of advocacy groups made up of ministerial representatives from rich and poor Commonwealth countries. The rich countries will, of course, include the five Commonwealth member states which are G20 states. “Those countries, we hope, would advance the cause of smaller…
Read MoreVenezuelans in Guyana celebrate that nation’s 200th independence anniversary
As Venezuela celebrates 200 years of independence from Spain, its nationals and officials in Guyana made certain they were not left out. On July 5, several citizens, officials from the Venezuelan Embassy and even Guyanese laid wreaths at a statue of Simon Bolivar, that country’s liberator and one-time president from 1819 to 1830. But there was a second reason for celebration; the healthy return of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez from Cuba after major surgery on July 4. There was participation from groups such as the Guyana-Venezuela Friendship Society and several…
Read MoreCaricom to develop action plan to curb illegal small arms trade
Caricom heads of government have committed to the development and implementation of national action plans to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, a scourge that continues to rock the region. This agreement was reached at their just concluded 32nd Regular Meeting in St Kitts and Nevis. At that meeting, heads committed to implementing all necessary actions at the national and regional levels to fully combat the illegality. In a declaration issued at the end of the summit, heads said they would take all necessary measures to…
Read MorePopular Guyanese DJ killed in motorcycle accident in Brooklyn
Popular Guyanese Disk Jockey (DJ), Delmar Griffith a.k.a “Big D” was killed in a horrific motorcycle accident on Saturday, July 2 on Utica and Ave 1 in Brooklyn, New York. According to reports, Griffith slammed into a car whose driver was making an illegal U-turn. Reports say that Griffith died from serious head injuries. “Big D” was one of the most popular Guyanese DJs as he played at many of the parties and boat rides in Brooklyn. The popular DJ is survived by his wife and five children.
Read MoreNew Georgetown Rotary president installed
The president of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Komal Ramnauth, was installed as the new president of the Rotary Club of Demerara on June 27. In his acceptance speech, he promised effective leadership and dignified service. Ramnauth is taking over from Lance Hinds, who was recognised for his distinguished service. Ramnauth said that since his induction 15 years ago, life has turned out to be a Rotarian’s dream. “I cannot remember my first Rotary meeting vividly, but I know it’s been more than 15 years and I’ve…
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