February 2014 – Page 5 – Guyana Times International

Private sector holds talks with commissioner of information

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Tuesday held talks with Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson to seek clarity on the work of the body which will facilitate Guyana’s Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation. According to a statement by Ramson’s office, he was able to establish that the Access to Information Act 2011 created a statutory partnership with the various organs of the State and its agencies, conferring upon members of the public, including non-governmental agencies, such as the PSC, the right of access to information generated after July 2, 2013…

Be a Leader

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

By Anu Dev Last Sunday we celebrated Republic Day – the day we recognise that we govern ourselves, we’re not under the rule of a monarch and I’ve been thinking about leaders and leadership. What Shakespeare said about “greatness”, can be paraphrased for leaders: “Some are born leaders, some achieve leadership and some have leadership thrust upon them.” I’ve encountered a fair number of leaders from all three backgrounds, over the years and this year at Med School I’ve met even more. We have weekly PBL (Problem-Based Learning) sessions where…

The smuggling of wildlife must be stopped

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, Wildlife smuggling has been a crime that has required grave attention for quite some time. Several people have over the years been accused of committing this illegal act, but not much has ever been done to address the issue, nor were there ever serious consequences in place for those caught. Many people fail to realise that the act of smuggling wildlife contributes to the extinction or depletion of a particular species. Additionally, they take the risk of not knowing whether they are aiding in the transfer of disease…

I was never promised any position by the PPP

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, I read a letter in another section of the press on February 23 under the headline, “Is Peter Persaud still the leader of The United Force?” I am not the leader of The United Force (TUF), but was identified and selected by the party’s executive committee to be its presidential candidate for the November 2011 general and regional elections. TUF is monitoring Guyana’s current political situation and is on the ground meeting with its members and supporters. Because of a court matter against the TUF in the run-up…

Opposition parties should do more for the citizens of Guyana

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, On the first day of 2014, I read all of the messages from the political parties, but what stood out for me was the message from Brigadier (retired) David Granger, leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Opposition Leader. Granger’s message was focused on 2014 being the “year for workers” and he spoke of the challenges workers faced in 2013 and his wish that in 2014 “we all work together towards providing a good life for all Guyanese”. As I reflected on Granger’s words and…

Caricom lauds Canada as exemplary global development leader

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque last Wednesday commended Canada for its role as an exemplary global leader in development assistance. Ambassador LaRocque was speaking during an accreditation ceremony where the newly-appointed Canadian Ambassador to Caricom, Dr Nicole Giles presented her credentials to him at the Caricom Secretariat, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Ambassador LaRocque said Canada’s excellent example was evidenced in its ranking of eighth out of 67 donor countries and donor organisations on the 2013 Aid Transparency Index. “This is an indication of the support provided not only bilaterally but also…

Commissioners probing Rodney’s death call for witnesses to come forward

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

A three-member Commission was on Tuesday sworn in at the Office of the President to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the late co-founder of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr Walter Rodney, who was killed when a bomb exploded in the car in which he was sitting 33 years ago. Barbadian Queen’s Counsel Richard Cheltenham has been appointed Chairman of the Commission by President Donald Ramotar. He will serve alongside Jamaican Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline Samuels- Brown, and Guyanese-Trinidadian Senior Counsel Seenauth Jairam. They took their oath before the…

300,000 tons of rice expected in first harvest – Rice Board

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager Jagnarine Singh said some 300,000 tonnes of rice is expected to be produced in the first crop of this year. Singh, speaking with Guyana Times International in a recent interview, noted that over the years, the rice production in Guyana has continued to grow exponentially, due to the hard work of farmers over the years. The general manager said this year more land is being put under cultivation, pointing out that Guyana is set for another record-breaking year of production. Last year, the…

Body of woman found in cemetery

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

The body of a teenage girl suspected to have been raped and strangled was found in the Paradise Cemetery, East Coast Demerara under a tree on Wednesday evening. The discovery was made about 17:30h. Patricia “Catty” Young, 19, formerly of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was found with her underwear off; her skirt pulled to her stomach; and the top she was wearing tied around her neck. Her boyfriend whose name was given as “Jamal” was taken into police custody minutes after the gruesome discovery. According to information received, the teenager…

Executed cambio dealer was shot twice – autopsy

February 28, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Pathologist, Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan has confirmed that slain businessman Bridgelall “B Boy” Persaud of Eccles, East Bank Demerara was shot twice. The calibre of weapon was not determined since ballistic tests are still to be conducted on the two warheads recovered at the scene of the shooting. In addition, the cause of death was given as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple gunshot injuries. Police spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker told Guyana Times International that a suspect was detained several hours after the shooting, but was subsequently released. He said the police…