Year: 2011

The chips are down

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, I knew that before long the chips would come down, and some people would get frantic, and in desperation, do foolish things and make irresponsible utterances which would land them in calamitous straits. This was exactly the case with the Stabroek News, and Dr Rupert Roopnarine of the opposition grouping – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). It is generally known that when desperation steps in people turn to different actions, and in so doing, throw caution to the wind, and find themselves walking the razor’s edge. This…

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Owning a home is such an important dream to all Guyanese – a dream which is now a reality for so many

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, Owning a home is such an important dream to all Guyanese; a dream which is now a reality for so many Guyanese families, single parents, and ambitious youths. We read about the thousands of house lots that are given out every year, and for some it is just a piece of news, but for others, it signifies something greater, something that represents empowerment. For so many Guyanese owning a home for the first time, this is empowerment in so many ways, because it allows them to make a…

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Amerindians do not see themselves as ‘tools’ and ‘subjects’ of the government

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, I am forced to ask Patrick Fitzpatrick on whose behalf he is speaking. He made claims in his letter that was published in another section of the media that the National Toshaos Council is emerging to be one which is committed to carrying out the policies of the government, even if it (he means the policies) adversely affects Amerindians. Well, I have some pertinent and debunking comments to offer. First, did the administration of the past (meaning the PNC) show any consideration for the Amerindian people of this…

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Behind the U.S. debt drama

TIMES INT'L

Guyanese plugged into the U.S. media outlets that dominate our local TV programming were transfixed at the sight of the president of the United States and his Republican opponents locked in talks on their spending, which threatened to bring their government to a screeching halt. Disaster was averted at the last moment, and we can all breathe a bit easier. We use the editorial plural “we” advisedly, since the U.S. economy’s health is so crucial to global wellbeing. But what were the issues behind the crisis? Right up there was…

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Guyana inks Gy$1B food security project with Canadian university

TIMES INT'L

McGill University of Canada on Tuesday formalised a CDN$5 million (Gy$1,025,845,920) partnership agreement with the Agriculture Ministry to start a research project aimed at helping Guyana improve its production, health and nutritional value of crops over the next three and a half years. The project, titled “Improving Nutrition and Health of Caricom Population”, was awarded to Guyana based on a proposal submitted by the McGill University in 2009, following a call by the Canadian government for academic institutions to step up in assisting other countries to become food secure. The…

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‘I have no objections to debating anyone at anytime and anywhere’ – Ramotar

TIMES INT'L

Presidential candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, (PPP/C) Donald Ramotar, says he is not opposed to having an all-encompassing debate with fellow presidential candidates of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the recently formed A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Speaking at a media briefing at the party’s headquarters on August 5, Ramotar said that he had never opposed being part of any debate, but was never given any official invitation to be part of a national debate of that nature. “Let’s see what will happen before elections … I…

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EAB gets Gy$43.4M to observe polls

TIMES INT'L

The Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) has received a grant of Gy$43.4 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID/Guyana), for monitoring this year’s general and regional elections in Guyana. The grant agreement was signed on August 9 by USAID Mission Director Carol Horning and Chairman of EAB Father Malcolm Rodrigues in the Woodbine Room at Cara Lodge. Horning, in brief remarks, stated that the funds will be used to recruit, train and place more than 2000 local observers at polling and tally stations; establish a real-time regional communication…

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Preliminary talks on Guyana/Brazil railway commence

TIMES INT'L

A team of consultants from Good Earthy Development met President Bharrat Jagdeo on August 9 to facilitate discussions for coalition among Guyanese engineers and financiers to connect a railway between Boa Vista in Brazil and Guyana’s capital Georgetown. The Good Earth Development officials included Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Chatarpal, Gregory Shaw and other clients who held talks with the Guyanese Head of State at the Office of the President. The company is soon to have a Guyana office. Chatarpal told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the rapid growth…

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CAL crash victim wants refund of ticket money

TIMES INT'L

– recounts traumatic experience BY MICHAEL ITWARU A passenger who was onboard the ill-fated Caribbean Airlines’ jetliner that overshot the runway at Timehri on July 30 wants a refund of her ticket money. Savitri Harris is also very critical of the service offered by the carrier. The woman, who took her three children to Guyana for the second time, told this publication that she is very disappointed with the efforts of Caribbean Airlines to restore public confidence and help the traumatised passengers. Harris was at a physician’s office in New…

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Mark Vieira makes history at South Dakota- laps entire field

TIMES INT'L

The “National Race of Champions” organized by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club roared off on Sunday, July 31 at the South Dakota Circuit with ace race car driver Mark Vieira making history on the tracks. After failing to finish in two races, Vieira came back as the underdog in the final race of his group four category, driving his customised number 58 white Mazda RX8 to take the checkered flag. Vieira lapped all his competitors, including his brother Paul (whom he lapped twice) and the famous Andrew King.…

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