The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry signed a grant agreement for the release of Gy$12 million to support capacity building in environment management in Guyana’s gold mining sector. On Monday, at the ministry’s Brickdam office, WWF Grants Manager Tonia Newton handed over a cheque to the tune of Gy$5.83 million to the Natural Resources Ministry in the presence of subject minister Robert Persaud. The money is the first tranche of the Gy$12 million grant. WWF Guianas Country Manager Dr Patrick Williams said the project,…
Read MoreMonth: May 2013
CN Sharma for High Court trial on carnal knowledge charge
Carnal knowledge-accused Chandra Narine Sharma was on Wednesday committed to stand trial in the High Court for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl back in 2010. The decision was made by Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the end of a preliminary inquiry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The magistrate informed the court that a prima facie case had been made out against the popular television owner and talk show host. Sharma is also the leader of the Justice For All Party, which is part of the A Partnership for National Unity coalition.…
Read MoreAll aboard!
President’s veto of bills grounded in Constitution
By Whitney Persaud – Attorney General Anil Nandlall said the president has acted within the constitutional parameters when he withheld his assent to two opposition bills last Tuesday. The decision by President Donald Ramotar to withhold his assent to two bills which emanated from the opposition benches in Parliament has received much criticism. The two bills are the Former President’s Benefits and Other Facilities Bill 2012 and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Bill 2012. The joint opposition has accused the president of precipitating a constitutional crisis. This, according to Nandlall…
Read MoreRoad safety
According to World Bank statistics, every year the lives of almost 1.24 million people are cut short as a result of road accidents. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury. The Caribbean is no exception. This region has suffered its fair share of disasters on the road resulting in a number of its citizens losing their lives or becoming disabled at a very young age. Almost every week there is some news that someone was killed…
Read MoreRelatives blame each other for young couple’s murder/ suicide
Twenty-four-year-old Vijay Arjune called “Kevin” of Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, who allegedly shot his pregnant teenage fiancée then took his own life last Thursday evening, might have premeditated the act. Dhanwantie Raghoo, eldest sister of the now dead Parbattie Raghoo called “Priya”, told this newspaper that she accompanied the couple to Suriname where they were supposed to spend two days, but instead they spent eight. During the trip, she added that he treated both of them with a lot of love but more importantly, he confided in her…
Read MoreAFC stands alone in opposition to anti-money laundering bill – govt deems move ‘vulgar abuse’, APNU signals support
The Alliance For Change (AFC) said it will not support the recently tabled Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, citing President Donald Ramotar’s veto of two opposition bills as its reason, a move which government has deemed an example of “vulgar abuse” on the part of the minority party. But, from all appearances, the AFC will be standing alone, as its main parliamentary ally, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), said it has already given its commitment in the House that once the bill is fine…
Read MoreNew U.S. immigration bill could benefit Caribbean nationals
Washington, US (CMC) – The United States Congress has started formal consideration of a sweeping immigration reform bill that creates a “path to citizenship” for an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants, including Caribbean nationals. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to finish work on the bill, this week, adopting Republican amendments aimed at stronger border security. The immigration bill requires the US federal government to gain almost total control of the border, authorising money for drones, Customs and Border Protection officers and prosecution of illegal entries. Under the bill, new…
Read MoreNew York to host free Indian Arrival concert this weekend
By Vishnu Bisram – The 28th Annual Indian Arrival celebrations to mark the 175th anniversary of East Indians in the Caribbean will be held on Sunday, May 19, at the Smokey Park at 127th Street and 95th Avenue in the heart of Richmond Hill. The organisers have invited representatives of the governments of Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and India to grace the event. The Indian arrival programme will commence at 2:00 PM and conclude around 8:00 PM. It includes a cultural variety concert featuring a live band and singing and dancing…
Read MoreRecord-breaking Morgan wins Suriname 10k race
Distance queen Alika Morgan broke her own record on the first leg of the Suriname 10k road race last week. Morgan, known for her ability to keep a steady pace, ran a time of 39 minutes, 30 seconds to eclipse her own record of 39:57s in the 10k event. “I think my performance was great; I did a lot of work for it and now I’m looking forward to Independence Day run,” Morgan told Guyana Times International Sport. Meanwhile, Guyana had a one, two and three sweep when Cleveland Forde,…
Read More