February 2014 – Page 4 – Guyana Times International

Granger says Integrity Commission should be independent

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chairman David Granger said his coalition would welcome the establishment of the much-needed Integrity Commission, once it was allowed the power to enforce and carry out the Provision of the Integrity act. Granger said APNU was concerned about external figures influencing independent bodies such as the Integrity Commission. “It’s not just a matter of appointing these institutions and agencies; it’s a matter of if they are autonomous. Yes we would like an Integrity Commission, but at the same time we want to make sure…

PM Hinds lauds arts, craft producers’ contribution to the economy

February 28, 2014February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has commended the Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association for the growth they have achieved, but challenged greater movement towards contributing to Guyana’s economy. Prime Minister Hinds was addressing the association’s members on Friday at the Umana Yana at the closing ceremony and exhibition of a one-month training programme, whereby 12 members of the association benefited from the knowledge of two Canadian experts in leather craft production, Paul and Beverley Williams. The programme was facilitated through a very effective and mutually rewarding relationship with the Canadian…

Political parties trade blame over crime situation

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

The ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and their long-time foe, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on Tuesday traded blame on a series of past and current crimes. PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee started the blame game when early in the day he called out leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger on statements he made regarding consultations on the 2014 budget. Rohee was at the time reading a statement at the party’s weekly press conference on Tuesday, during which he spoke about Granger’s meeting with…

Digicel cops Mash best band prize

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Digicel Guyana Inc for the seventh consecutive year has been declared the best float in the large category during Guyana’s 44th Republic Anniversary National Costume and Float Parade on Sunday, by the Mash Secretariat. The results were released on Tuesday by the Mash Committee and from all indications; they were definitely not a surprise especially to those who lined the streets of Georgetown to witness the parade, since it was evident that Digicel Guyana Inc had the largest, most uniformed, and well-decked out costume band. On the day of the…

TT mulls border lockdown

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

– amidst Venezuela’s unrest Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Minister Gary Griffith has held talks with defence heads about TT’s borders as a result of the current unrest in Venezuela, which might cause people there to flee their homeland. Protests have been occurring in Venezuela since February 12. About ten people have been killed to date. Protests have continued into this week. Government and opposition supporters blame each other for the situation. Opposition groups have accused the state of media manipulation and the government has accused international media of fuelling…

Jagdeo slams ‘malicious’ reports in Kaieteur News, Stabroek News

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

– says assertion of property ownership in Florida is a ‘blatant lie’ Former President Bharrat Jagdeo was discharged from hospital on Tuesday after receiving treatment in Miami, Florida for dengue fever and pneumonia. The former President is expected back in the country later this week Guyana Times International was reliably informed. Jagdeo initially began receiving treatment in Guyana and was advised by his medical team to seek further treatment in a recommended hospital overseas. The former President immediately agreed to go on the advice of his doctor. Jagdeo expressed sincere…

Guyana, Malaysia to further collaborate on forestry sector

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Guyana and Malaysia are to collaborate and share experiences on the development of their forestry sectors, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said. A delegation from Guyana, led by Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Robert Persaud recently participated in a bilateral meeting in that country. Accompanying Persaud were the ministry’s forestry specialist Gavin Agard, and Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Deputy Commissioner Tasreef Khan. The forestry sectors in both countries’ economies play an important role in national development. To ensure that growth follows the correct trajectory, the Guyanese delegation participated in…

Soloman says shortage of medical drugs affecting Region 10

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

The shortage of medical drugs at healthcare institutions and poor infrastructure works by some contractors are two major issues affecting Region 10, Chairman Sharma Solomon said. He said the health concern was discussed at the region’s last statutory meeting, noting that the absence of a proper ambulance in Linden continues to be a problem for residents. “The ambulances which were requested and are to be supplied by Beharry (company) are going to be weeks delayed. This is based on shipping problems. The region is very concerned and disappointed by that.…

Too early to calculate risks of Venezuelan protests – Hinds

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said it might be a little too early for him to comment on what effects the current unrest in Venezuela will eventually have on the many agreements that country has with Guyana. Guyana and Venezuela are currently engaged in a few partnerships which seek to strengthen their economic and social sectors. The PetroCaribe agreement allows Guyana to pay 40 per cent of its bill within the first 90 days and repay the rest at one per cent interest over a period of 25 years. In 2005,…

Caribbean officials being trained to resolve elections conflicts

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Senior officials from a selected number of election management bodies in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean are meeting in Durban, South Africa in a one-week training to explore ways of preventing, managing and resolving election-related disputes. The training programme, organised by the Commonwealth is being conducted jointly with the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), a South Africa-based civil society organisation working to bring creative solutions to the challenges posed by conflict. “We must invest in the peaceful settlement of disputes, as the alternative has proven too…