Month: April 2013

Ogle Airport receives regional certification – LIAT makes inaugural landing

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By Samuel Sukhnandan The Ogle International Airport (OAI) was on Tuesday declared a regional hub, as it was presented with a runway Class Two C certificate on Tuesday by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). LIAT Airline also made its inaugural landing at the OAI at 15: 00h and plans to begin operations out of that airport by midyear. This comes at a time when Guyana is observing its centenary in the aviation sector. President Donald Ramotar, in delivering the feature address at the ceremony, said the aviation sector has…

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Automatic weather station commissioned in Region 5

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The Agriculture Ministry, in support of the Hydromet Service, last Friday officially commissioned an automatic weather station at Copenam, Region Five. This is the seventh such facility that has been built across the country, of a total of 10, and according to Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, the goal is to move in the direction of having all weather stations automated in Guyana. The three others will be completed in 2013. Speaking on Friday at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Ramsammy said while the country has more stations in every region,…

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Govt looking to develop and expand main ports

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By Samuel Sukhnandan – Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn has promised to further develop the maritime and transport sectors. Benn said “your turn is next”, while addressing a large audience at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday evening that gathered for the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) annual dinner and awards ceremony. The minister revealed that plans are in place to develop several new ports and addressing issues at existing ports, particularly Georgetown. The transport minister said it is an exciting and challenging time for the sector. Therefore, proper discussions…

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The old days

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Satiricus enjoyed listening to budget speeches. Some people might find them boring. But not Satiricus. He always parked himself in front of his TV; made sure his channa and phoulourie were ready – not to mention his beers and let the numbers roll over him. The heckling from the opposition benches was an added bonus. This year, he was not disappointed. It was like Christmas all over again – there was something for everybody. But the opposition did their number. There was Karl in the front seats opposite Minister Sing.…

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Without documentary proof of entry into U.S., Guyanese adjusts status after appearing in immigration court

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Gehi & Associates was retained for a case that went to an individual hearing in July 2012 and involved the complicated issue of proving proper inspection and admission for purposes of INA section 245(a) adjustment of status, when there was no documentary proof of the inspection and admission and the only possible evidence was the credible testimony of the applicant about the details of the entry. These types of cases usually cause desperation among many who are married to US citizens and are anxious to adjust their status to lawful…

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Ramotar maintains issuance of radio licences has been a fair and transparent process

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President Donald Ramotar brushed off speculation that the issuance of radio licences has been one-sided, as a perusal of the entire list would disprove this assumption, since it includes persons who are unlikely to have any affiliation with the former president or loyalty to the ruling party. Since the names of radio licencees became known, owner of the Kaieteur News Glenn Lall, has been claiming that the awardees are cronies of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who sanctioned the licences prior to demitting office. While being grilled on the issue by…

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Guyana’s economy grew by 4.2 per cent in 2012

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Guyana’s economic performance continues to vindicate government’s efforts over the years to diversify the local productive base and reduce the country’s exposure to external and other shocks, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said on Monday as he outlined some of the macroeconomic measures taken to ensure the continued growth of the country’s economy. Introducing the 2013 national budget to Parliament, he said, “It is to our collective credit, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and households alike, that our country’s overall economic performance is no longer hostage to the fortunes of two or three…

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GuySuCo restructuring picking up pace – Ramsammy says it’s necessary to improve production

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By Samuel Sukhnandan – Discussions are ongoing between government and stakeholders to restructure the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to increase future production levels. This is according to Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, who told Guyana Times International in an exclusive interview on Friday, that this is one step being taken to improve the sugar industry and ensure that it remains highly competitive. Dr Ramsammy said the first meeting was held on Thursday between a team from the ministry; and officials of GuySuCo; the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU);…

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Guyana transitioning to low carbon path – Ramotar tells LCDS update forum

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“We are now well on the way towards transitioning our economy to one that is built on clean energy – sustainable land use – and maintaining our forests.” These were the words of President Donald Ramotar as he gave an update on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) during a State House forum on Friday. The event was attended by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, top diplomats, government ministers, and leading members of the private sector. President Ramotar launched an update on the LCDS, which provides a summary of Guyana’s progress…

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