Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud has thrown out a public challenge to those who have been criticising his actions regarding the issuance of the Permission for Geological and Geophysical Survey (PGGS) for the New River Triangle area, saying he was willing to debate anyone on the issue as to whether he sold out the country or broke the law. He made this declaration on Wednesday at the 32nd Guyana Gold and Diamond Mining Association (GGDMA) dinner while addressing the gathering. Persaud said “… any group, be it the…
Read MoreYear: 2013
Patriotic marchers
Satiricus was confused. As a news hack, he’d been assigned to cover the march. The big march by the servants of the people (SOP). All week long, the editors had been gathering around in a huddle to plan their strategy on how to cover the event. Everybody agreed it was going to be “massive”. And why not? After all, the SOP had faithfully served the people of this country through rain and sun, water and mud, thick and thin all year long and look what the government was giving them…
Read MoreDistrict leader albert baldeo calls for support for mayor-elect de Blasio’s universal pre-k initiative
We have long advocated for universal pre-K for our kids. Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio has admirably taken the leadership on this initiative, and his vision and fight for universal pre-K is laudable. He must ensure that it is not only universal but also economically integrated. Research confirms that state investments in early childhood education have significant benefits to our children’s development. The incoming Mayor’s proposal of creating 48,000 new full-day pre-K seat by next fall 2014 will be a challenging order, and will require converting 38,000 existing half-time slots to…
Read MoreDIGICEL acquires submarine fibre assets across the Caribbean region
– driving choice and innovation for data hungry customers Digicel on Monday announced that it has reached an agreement with the Guadeloupe-based Loret Group and with Caribbean Fibre Holdings to acquire a submarine fibre network across the Caribbean region. Digicel will acquire Middle Caribbean Network, Southern Caribbean Fibre, Antilles Crossings and a number of related assets from Global Caribbean Fibre. This deal will provide Digicel with a wholly owned submarine fibre optic cable network of approximately 2,100km providing capacity from Trinidad to Guadeloupe, according to a statement from the company.…
Read MorePresident lauds rice farmers for their contributions to the economy
President Donald Ramotar, on Friday last, acknowledged the significant contributions of rice farmers to Guyana’s economy, and called on them for their support to ensure much more happens in 2014. Guyana recorded its highest ever rice production in 2013, netting 530,000 tonnes. Speaking to the farmers during a Christmas party organised by the Rice Producers Association (RPA) at Crane, West Coast of Demerara, President Ramotar observed that things are not smooth and easy with projects always being stopped for one reason or the other. Pointing to cuts of the national…
Read MoreRuling on budget cuts appeal set for January 13
When the budget cuts appeal hearing came up again on Friday in the Full Court, justices James Bovell-Drakes and Rishi Persaud announced that they will rule on the appeal on January 13. On that date, Opposition Leader David Granger will know whether he will be allowed to be heard in the 2012 budget cuts court case, which is being held in abeyance pending the course of the appeal. On June 19, a decision was taken by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang to dismiss the opposition leader, as well as Finance…
Read MoreWhy religious images?
Dear Editor, Ethiopians in Africa created an image of a black Jesus Christ while Europeans created a white Jesus. The Indian Gautama Buddha was transformed in the rest of Asia (Chinese, Thais, Vietnamese, Koreans and Japanese, etc) into an image of Buddha which replicated their own distinctive Mongoloid features of slanted eyes. India’s Hinduism (from which Buddhism originated) featured their sacred deities or Gods with images with their own Indian features including animals living in harmony when worshipping God as in the Vedas. The use of images, pictures, animals or…
Read MoreThe opposition seems bent on damaging investor confidence in Guyana
Dear Editor, The opposition parties A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) seem committed to damaging the investment climate of Guyana. Is this an APNU strategy? They attack the Marriott Hotel, the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, the Specialty Hospital and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion project. More recently, their attacks on the toll structure of the Berbice bridge are all direct attacks on investors. Any reasonable person would interpret this as a strategy to scare away existing and potential investors. With respect to the…
Read MoreHome at Last
By Anu Dev “I’m coming home… Tell the world I’m coming home” –I’m coming home by JCole featuring Skylar Grey Well, the deed is done! I can finally say (shout?) that I’ve survived my first semester at med school. I’ve persevered through their gruelling exams – which are obviously designed to test one’s endurance more than anything – and lived to tell about it. It hasn’t been easy, I’ll tell you. But I got through it by keeping my eyes on the prize. The prize being of course, home-cooked meals…
Read MoreDisabled woman gets house for Christmas through Habitat-Scotiabank project
“The house means a lot and I am happy with my own home and I would like to thank God because I was all over from here, there till God make way and I own my own home today,” says Amanda Anthony, a disabled woman. The estimated GUY$2.5 million one bedroom house-a disability friendly model- at Hope Lowlands, East Coast Demerara was built with funding from the Scotiabank Habitat Build a Home Promotion. Scotia contributed about GUY$1.8 million. Anthony, a widow and mother of two, recalls living several places ranging…
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