Newly-accredited Canadian Ambassador to Caricom, David Devine, reinforced Canada’s security commitments to the Caribbean region at his swearing-in on Thursday, September 29. Ambassador Devine noted Canada’s “strong interest” in taking necessary measures to ensure security across the Caribbean region. Through the Anti- Crime Capacity Building Programme, or ACCBP, Canada will work alongside Caricom in addressing the issues regarding human and drug trafficking. Other areas of focus will be on the necessary reforms to the police and judicial system. Ambassador Devine also pointed out Canada’s commitment to the eradication of violent…
Read MoreYear: 2011
Guyana observes birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
The Indian High Commission of Guyana on Sunday, October 2 hosted an event to celebrate the 142nd birth anniversary of Indian freedom fighter and icon of peace, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was born on October 2, 1869. The simple ceremony held at the Promenade Gardens was attended by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green, and members of the diplomatic corps. The event coincide with International Day of Non-Violence. Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Subit Kumar Mandal, said the event was not a coincidence, as Ghandi preached non-violence. Mandal…
Read MorePresident looks forward to COP 17 in South Africa
President Bharrat Jagdeo is optimistic about Guyana’s maintaining a high level of representation in Durban, South Africa during the Conference of Parties (COP 17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on November 28, even though acknowledging that national elections will be given a significant degree of attention. Speaking to members of the media at a press conference on Tuesday at the Office of the President, Jagdeo, an avid climate change activist, said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) presidential hopeful, Donald Ramotar, could take on the mantle…
Read MoreGuyana, Venezuela reiterate commitment to maintain cordial relations
The governments of Guyana and Venezuela have reiterated their commitment to maintaining excellent relations following a recent meeting in Trinidad and Tobago to discuss Guyana’s submission to the United Nations Commission to extend its continental shelf. Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and her Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro Moros, have agreed that their representatives will discuss issues related to Guyana’s submission, and report to their respective governments. This agreement was made following a one- day discussion between Rodrigues-Birkett and Moros in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. That meeting…
Read MoreCaricom-facilitated national EPA consultations “resounding success” –stakeholders
The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation Unit within the CARIFORUM Directorate of the Caricom Secretariat concluded a week of successive EPA- related meetings in St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, respectively on September 30. The unit collaborated with St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and the Grenada National EPA Implementation Unit (NEPAIU) to host the meetings. The centerpiece of the discussions in both states was a national Consultation on Trade in Services in the CARIFORUM-EU/EPA. For St Vincent and the Grenadines, that…
Read MoreAPNU to increase old age pensions if elected
As the country prepares to celebrate Senior Citizens Month in October, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) this week revealed its plan to improve the livelihoods of the elderly by increasing their pensions by 100 per cent. However, APNU could not spell out how it intended to do this. Coalition executive Volda Lawrence at the partnership’s press conference on Thursday said APNU recognises that senior citizens require special attention, and noted that the party has huge coalition to make them more comfortable. APNU said it will be committed to providing…
Read MoreMiss Guyana places in top nine; Miss Mexico cops crown
– at Miss Princess of the World 2011 Pageant Miss Guyana Princess of the World, Soyini Fraser, placed in the top nine of the Miss Princess of the World pageant held in the Czech Republic at the TOP HOTEL, Praha, on Saturday evening, October 1. The other finalists were Czech Republic, Hungary, Mexico, Slovakia, Philippines, Malta, Spain and Vietnam. Miss Guyana also copped the Best National Costume prize and was overly excited when called to be among the top nine contenders for the coveted title. However, Miss Mexico, Carmen Isabel…
Read MorePYARG has been a stepping stone for youths – Tennicia De Freitas
As the President’s Youth Award Programme of Guyana (PYARG) celebrates its 13th anniversary, Guyana Times International features Tennicia De Freitas, one of Guyana’s young talents who completed up to the silver medal of PYARG. The jubilant singer, model and actress said: “I am one of the youngest performing artistes in Guyana and a Silver participant of the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana programme. I have been a part of the Award programme for over four years, and I can honestly say it has changed my life. “Ever since I’ve…
Read MoreBerbice cricket concerns
Dear Sir, The officials and cricketers of the West Berbice area have been enjoying life as never before, since the illegal election of the Guyana Cricket Board earlier this year. The following have happened in a short while for the area at the Guyana Cricket Board level. a) David Black appointed manager of the senior Guyana team. b) Julian Cambridge appointed liaison officer for Guyana Under-19 Team. c) Carol Nurse appointed manager of Guyana female teams – both junior and senior. d) The following players: Keith Fraser, Keyron Fraser, Arthley…
Read MoreUnderstanding Navaratri or the journey towards perfection
Dear Editor, The Hindu community is presently observing the religious occasion of Navaratri from 2011-09-28 to 2011-10-05. During this period, Hindus fast and keep and vigils, attend mandirs, and perform worship, mainly of the Supreme Goddess. Of significance is the word “Ratri” (night). It tells us that man is enveloped in spiritual darkness and is in need of the saving light of God. The central purpose of our existence is to realise our divine being. It is to grow into the image of the divine, to be an embodiment of…
Read More