Month: March 2014

Difficult debate ahead: Opposition threatens to cut estimates

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The main Opposition A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) has criticised the Gy$220 billion National  Budget presented by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Monday, saying it is bloated with expenditures  while warning a “difficult debate” even as it threatens to cut sections of the estimates. While addressing media representatives, Opposition Leader and APNU Chairman, Retired Brigadier David Granger said: “I don’t know what the budget is all about” as he registered his concerns. Granger said several issues were not adequately addressed, for instance, the plan to computerise hinterland secondary…

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2014 Budget should be judged based on merit – Dr Singh

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– “Opposition members were invited for consultations” Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said the Gy$220 billion budget should be judged on its merits even as he set the record straight on the Government’s engagements with the Opposition on the estimates. When Minister Singh began the 2014 budget presentation to the National Assembly on Monday, members of the Alliance For Change (AFC) left the chamber, claiming that there had been no meaningful consultation before the preparation of the budget. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) statement, in dismissing the party’s…

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Guyana, UNDP sign US$1.9M waste management pact

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The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry on Tuesday signed an agreement with the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Trust Fund through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the implementation of a Solid Waste Management Project. Guyana had acquired the funding through an open bidding process, which was held by the organisation for developing countries to submit their proposals on projects which they believe would foster growth and development while solving social issues. A new Guyana Speaking at the event, UNDP Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa told the gathering…

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More housing schemes to be developed in Guyana

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– Housing Ministry gets Gy$4.4B The Housing and Water Ministry has received a Gy$1.3 billion increase in the 2014 Budget which will see more housing schemes being developed, along with the new initiatives being adopted to improve the quality of water. Some Gy$4.4 billion was given to the housing sector this year. This money will be directed towards the distribution of 5900 house lots and 4100 land titles to new landowners. Additionally, several housing scheme development projects will be ongoing at Eccles, East Bank Demerara; Diamond, East Bank Demerara; Anna…

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Constant battle between police and citizens on human rights violations

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Dear Editor, On March 24, the world observed International Day for the Right to the Truth Surrounding Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. On this day, we honour the memory of victims of gross and systemic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice. The Colwyn Harding Support Group, human rights groups, and other public-spirited supporters picketed outside of the Providence Magistrate’s Court, East Bank Demerara demanding justice for Harding. Call it irony or fate that his court date coincided…

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Navraatri is a period used to worship the mother aspect of God

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Dear Editor, The very sacred and most auspicious period of Nav-Raatri will commence on March 31. It also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Navraatri is a period of nine days that we utilise to worship the mother aspect of God or Maha Shakti. Shakti literally means ‘energy’ or ‘power’, and the universe is an expression of this Divine Energy. During these nine days the Mother aspect of God in the forms of Durgaa, Lakshmi, and Saraswati is extolled and worshipped. Divine Energy operates in three planes, as…

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GTUC now a political forum, no longer a workers’ organisation

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Dear Editor, The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is saddened that the good name which the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) once enjoyed has again been sullied as a result of Lincoln Lewis’ outbursts. A few weeks ago, the PPP/C expressed the view that the GTUC is no longer a voice of the workers; in fact it has been hijacked by a selfish few who regrettably have transformed that body into a political forum for grand-standing. In the last few weeks we have witnessed the morphing of the GTUC into a…

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WPA fumes at Ramotar’s non-response to concerns on Rodney Commission

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The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has dubbed as “Shameful”, the non-response from President Donald Ramotar to a letter written to him about the contents of the Terms of Reference (ToR) being used in the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI). It has been three weeks now since the letter, signed by the WPA’s Chairman, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Executive Member, Professor Clive Thomas, was sent to the Head of State, outlining the party’s concerns over sections of the ToR. Dr Roopnaraine said while Office of the President has made no…

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PPP/C slams Granger for criticisms of public infrastructure

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“It was under the PNC dictatorship that Guyana’s infrastructure collapsed” The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) says it finds amusing the recent statements by Opposition Leader David Granger concerning the current state of the country’s infrastructure. At a recent news conference by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Granger referred to “poor infrastructure” and how “roads, bridges, stellings, canals, and other amenities have degenerated” under the ruling party. However, in a sharp response, the PPP/C said it cannot help but insist that Granger continues to be a stranger to the truth…

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US$10M engineering design for Linden–Lethem road

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An engineering design required for the critical Linden to Lethem Road will cost an estimated US$10 million, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has disclosed. He said the Guyana and Brazil governments are yet to complete discussions on the financing of the critical project. A Joint Working Group established under the Guyana-Brazil Corporation Agreement had submitted the proposal. In December 2012, the Working Group on Infrastructure Projects was established following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries. But with this proposal being tabled, along with recommendations for…

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