August 2014 – Guyana Times International

Govt slams ‘continuous attacks’ on foreign investors

August 29, 2014 TIMES INT'L

The Government of Guyana has once again raised its voice against the continuous attacks on foreign investors, as it underscored the importance of having such investments to develop the country’s economy. At the launching of JAGS Aviation on Monday, Transport Minister Robeson Benn expressed his dissatisfaction at what he described as the xenophobia adopted by some local newspapers, particularly their attacks on the Chinese investors in Guyana. He condemned these actions stating that foreign investors are imperative to sustain development in the country. Benn recalled that similar attacks were previously…

President announces more duty-free concessions for miners

August 29, 2014 TIMES INT'L

By Svetlana Marshall Investors within the mining sector would soon benefit from additional duty-free concessions, President Donald Ramotar disclosed on Monday as he declared open Mining Week 2014. The duty-free concessions would be given for a “particular type of vehicle”, the President said, but explained that key requirements would have to be met. “We will grant these, but we would want to tie that to gold declaration and we would want to tie it to payment of taxes,” he further explained. Since August 2013, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners…

155 guns issued by GDF during PNC rule still missing

August 29, 2014 TIMES INT'L

The Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday heard that of the 237 weapons issued by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to various individuals and organisations during the 1970s, 155 are still outstanding. That number represents 65.4 per cent of guns issued. Returning to the stand with further evidence was head of the Intelligence (G2) Unit of the GDF, Lieutenant Colonel Sydney James, who told the tribunal that while those guns have not yet been recovered, no word has been given for searches to be carried out for their recovery.…

Was justice served in the Congress Place shooting case?

August 29, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, The Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) wishes to express concern over the circumstances which led to the dismissal of the case against Linden Primo, who was recently charged with discharging a firearm and threatening behaviour following the staging of the controversial 18th Biennial Congress of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). The PPP/C has noted too the attempts by the PNCR to cover for Primo, while using its Opposition-media agents to downplay the issue and sweep it under the carpet. The party is aware that the chief witness in…

Human Services Ministry has been involved in suicide prevention

August 29, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, In response to a letter headlined, “An open letter to the Human Services Minister”, which was published in the August 18 edition of Guyana Times, I wish to commend the writers on their proposed response to our growing problem of suicide, which is indeed a troubling one, and a concern which we share. The Ministry has been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at addressing the issue of suicide prevention, and is not averse to extending its support to other initiatives aimed at achieving the same objectives.…

Cricket fans maintain support for Amazon Warriors’ challenge of CPL final

August 29, 2014 TIMES INT'L

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Cricket fans worldwide are continuing to support the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ challenge of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final which was played against the Barbados Tridents in St. Kitts and Nevis on August 16. Immediately after the decision was announced, the Amazon Warriors had mounted a challenge to the outcome of the game, which was controversially awarded to the Tridents under the Duckworth-Lewis system. This renewed wave of support by fans seems to have come in the wake of a decision by CPL’s Cricket Tournament Committee (CTC), despite…

BK Group hopes to push local tourism

August 29, 2014 TIMES INT'L

…with launch of airline By Vahnu Manikchand The BK International Group of Companies officially launched its JAGS Aviation airline on Monday afternoon at the Ogle International Airport (OIA), promising to help promote tourism. At a simple ceremony at the Wings Aviation Hangar, the airline was launched before a host of dignitaries. The airline will be providing domestic services to interior locations with a brand new aircraft recently added to its fleet. The Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX, valued some US$3 million, has a seating capacity of 13, excluding the pilot.…

DEA team helping CANU in narco-sub probe

August 29, 2014 TIMES INT'L

By Vahnu Manikchand The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been playing a supporting role to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) in investigating the discovery of a submersible vessel in Region One two weeks ago. In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International, local US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Hunt said that the DEA has been playing a supporting role to CANU after Government had requested its assistance in the investigations. “The Government of Guyana asked us to assist them technically with some of the forensics involved in the…

Kaieteur News has embarked on a campaign to spread lies about forestry sector

August 29, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, It has become clear that the Kaieteur News has embarked on a campaign geared towards tarnishing the image and credibility of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) by employing low-level tactics based on rumours, misinformation and slander. At its press conference held on August 18, GFC effectively responded to several media reports regarding the operations of the forestry sector, the enforcement of regulations and granting of permits to companies operating in the sector. The Kaieteur News’ smear campaign and unethical journalistic practices were now exposed as a result of…

GDF hosts meeting with Brazilian military

August 29, 2014 TIMES INT'L

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Wednesday hosted the Brazilian Army for the inaugural bilateral Defence Working Group meeting between the two neighbouring countries. A simple opening ceremony for the meeting was held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, during which the delegations from both countries were introduced. Delivering his opening remarks, the GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips said that Guyana’s first goodwill mission to Brazil 45 years ago paved the foundation for what has become a strong relationship between the two countries. He noted that…