Dear Editor, I have recently read an article in the local Guyana Times newspaper that despite strong opposition from the governors of two major U.S. cities and immigrant groups, the U.S. government may extend a controversial fingerprinting programme that identifies Caribbean and other illegal immigrants. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the programme, ‘Secure Communities’, would be activated “in all remaining jurisdictions”. It was argued that the programme has proven to be the single most valuable tool in allowing the agency to eliminate the ad hoc approach of the…
Read MoreMonth: June 2012
Lara’s opinion valid, but will not really work
Dear Editor, Batting legend Brian Lara has predicted a tough England series for West Indies and says veteran left-hander, Shivnarine Chanderpaul needs to bat higher in the team, in order to strengthen an otherwise inexperienced line-up. Lara is quite right, but other factors must be taken into account. Now, as all can see, West Indies are not faring well at all. The opening tour match predicted it all–the visitors went down without a fight. The first test had a few bright episodes, but generally, West Indies fell woefully short. The…
Read MoreGuyanese in New York are interested in knowing what’s happening back home
Dear Editor, Guyanese in New York are extremely happy that President Donald Ramotar took the time off from his busy schedule to meet and interact with us during his recent visit to the U. S. The interactions with the president and his team were useful, as they provided an opportunity for us who have left Guyana a long time ago to hear first-hand what is happening back home. Most times we have to rely on the media, particularly online newspapers, to understand what is happening back home. Editor, let me…
Read MorePositive economic growth rate likely to continue – finance minister
…We will not mortgage the future of Guyana for political gain BY MICHAEL YOUNGE Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said government will not give into pressure to make short-term decisions, which will impact negatively on Guyana’s long-term financial and economic sustainability, as he forecast continued positive growth in the economy this year. Dr Singh’s comments come on the heels of continued anxiety by the business community about the state of affairs in the country following the opposition instituted budget cuts, and an apparent “tension” that looms over the public about…
Read MorePutting aside partisan interests
In what was regarded as a spot-on 46th Independence address to the nation, considering the present challenges facing our democracy, President Donald Ramotar utilised the opportunity to throw out a challenge to the parliamentary opposition to show that they are really serious about working together to move Guyana forward. It is well accepted that the challenges confronting the work of Parliament and governance as a whole requires more than just political rhetoric from key stakeholders, in fact, it requires concrete action to match the talk. The president has issued numerous…
Read MoreThird International Building Expo launched
– Gov’t building road to link ECD to EBD By Michael Younge The 2012 International Building Exposition was launched last Friday evening at the Princess International Hotel, with government announcing that it is building a road to link the East Bank and the East Coast of Demerara. The international exposition which attracts scores of construction firms from around the region and locally was launched by President Donald Ramotar under the theme “Embracing Standards Building the future”. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali announced that his…
Read MoreHousing Ministry’s Remigrant Scheme taking shape
– first batch of houselots to be allocated during International Building Expo The government’s Remigrant Housing Scheme is taking shape with the Housing Ministry preparing to allocate its first batch of house lots during a “One-Stop-Shop” billed to coincide with the staging of the 2012 International Building Expo. Some 558 house lots are available, but the demands outstrips the supply, as more and more Guyanese have been expressing interest, and are ready to return home. Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali said that the scheme will be developed according to…
Read MoreCaribbean Week brings music, dance, deals to New York City
From now until June 11, Caribbean Week New York is being held at the Grand Central Terminal, offering a celebration of the unique vacation experiences available in the Caribbean. Hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) the event is a chance to experience the sights, sounds and culture of island life along with some exclusive travel deals. Travel experts from Caribbean destinations will be on hand and visitors will have opportunity to book exclusive Caribbean Week travel deals via Travelocity and American Airlines Vacations. Part of Caribbean Week New York…
Read MoreOff to the U.S.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the U.S. embassy celebrated the achievement of two members of the GDF who have received full scholarships to attend two of the most prestigious academies in the United States. Errol Van Lange will be a cadet at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and Czedra Frank will be a Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. embassy said in a release. These academies only accept 15 international students each year and have had a number…
Read More“I am committed to working with those interested in moving Guyana forward” – President Ramotar
President Donald Ramotar said that with political “will and trust”, Guyana can achieve its true potential. The president expressed the sentiment as he addressed hundreds of Guyanese at the National Park in commemoration of the country’s 46th anniversary as an independent nation. Ramotar said cooperation is the key to ensuring that all dreams are realised. Pointing to the 2011 general and regional elections, and the new dispensation, he said the leaders of the country must display “maturity” by putting the interest of the country and people first, as opposed to…
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