2014 – Page 61 – Guyana Times International

Backer returns from overseas treatment on Friday

January 17, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Deputy Speaker and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Debra Backer who was flown to the United States for medical treatment will return to Guyana on Friday. Details of her illness remain unknown at this time. Opposition Leader David Granger told Guyana Times International that Backer, who will miss the 67th sitting of the National Assembly of the 10th Parliament of Guyana, has left the U.S. and is expected to stop over in Trinidad and Tobago before arriving in Guyana on Friday. Today, Backer was expected to…

Suicide claims 82 lives on Essequibo Coast in 2013

January 17, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Suicide can no longer be considered a once in a while problem on the Essequibo Coast as Essequibians are increasingly taking their own lives. Records from the Suddie Hospital indicate that some 82 persons took their lives in 2013. Importantly, the recent trend has gained the attention of public officials, residents and the parents of the victims. People Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Region Two Councillor Shanta Springer, who heads the Record Medical Statistic Department at the Suddie Hospital, said she is appalled by the number of suicide cases on the…

Too early to say what caused plane crash at Ogle – Mohammed

January 17, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director Zulficar Mohammed on Sunday confirmed that the Cessna 206 aircraft that crashed during takeoff at the Ogle International Airport (OIA) on Saturday has been removed from the site and is being stored at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) hangar. He said the aircraft was examined by GCAA officials on Saturday, but it is too early to disclose what might have been the reason for the crash. The plane, he noted, will again be inspected and once all the questions would have been answered, a…

Health Ministry partners to send 11 children overseas for heart surgery

January 17, 2014 TIMES INT'L

The Health Ministry will be sending 11 children with life-threatening cardiac problems to Dominica for surgery, as a result of a collaborative effort with the Calgary University and international non-governmental organisation Baby Heart, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. This decision was made after a team from Calgary University visited and conducted screening for cardiac related illnesses. The children were chosen from among many diagnosed during this process, owing to the seriousness of their cases. Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, during a meeting with the children and their families, highlighted…

Private Sector urges re-engagement of U.S. democracy project

January 17, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Pressure continues to mount for the government of Guyana and the U.S. embassy to return to the negotiating table to determine the way forward on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Leadership And Democracy Programme (LEAD). Despite being rejected by the Guyana government, the LEAD project is being implemented by the U.S. embassy, creating tension in the country. On Wednesday, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) called for Guyana and the U.S. to resume productive dialogue on the leadership programme, with the primary objective of…

Dharmic Sabha to pay special attention to training

January 17, 2014 TIMES INT'L

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha recently celebrated 40 years of existence and as the month-long celebrations continue; the organisation said special focus will be placed on training to preserve Hinduism and its art forms. Embarking on another year of dedicated service to the country, the Sabha will continue to expand the Dharmic family through its praants in Essequibo; Upper, Central, East and West Berbice; East and West Coast Demerara; and East Bank Demerara. Its goal is to maintain and strengthen relationships with all Hindu organisations and other religious bodies as…

Society must be concerned

January 17, 2014 TIMES INT'L

The story about a 32-year-old mother, Indranie Oudit, who killed herself, allegedly in reaction to her son who also committed suicide a few weeks ago in Corentyne, Berbice, is perhaps one of the most tragic news events the local media here covered since the year began. Events such as these, remind us that there are many ills in the society which cannot be ignored. Many persons within our midst are facing some severe personal problems and they need help and guidance in dealing with these issues. Oudit committed suicide because…

Nothing can compensate for my suffering – sodomy victim

January 17, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Colwyn Harding, 23, who is the latest victim of police brutally, said he will never be comforted by any form of punishment meted out to the police officer who assaulted him. In an interview from his bed at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Harding told Guyana Times International that he is damaged. “I’ve been damaged, half ah me parts of me body gone… even self he (police officer) deh under close arrest, me ain’t see that in no way compensation because I deh in the hospital shackle to a bed. “I…

A creative collaboration

January 10, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Model and designer Meleesa Payne’s and designer Jason Shurland’s collaboration to produce a line of stylish clothing for men and women at Guyana Fashion Weekend 2013 proved to be one of the most fashionable highlights at the gala event. The collaborative effort produced a collection of chic ensemble perfect for any occasion- fashionable jackets, suits for men and women and dresses for every body type. “One of my recent collections, Beach Rise, under my label Expressions, was showcased at GFW 2013. I love working with colours, colour blocking and mix-matches.…

A man of many interests

January 10, 2014 TIMES INT'L

Prolific writer Lal Balkaran publishes books on a variety of subjects Inspired by his heritage, award winning Canada-based Guyanese author Lal Balkaran is penning numerous books aiming to showcase the talents and beauty of his homeland. Balkaran was born at Plantation Versailles on the West Bank Demerara on July 4, 1953, grew up in Pouderoyen, and later moved to Goed Fortuin in 1970, all three areas in close proximity. He attended the nearby Malgre Tout Government School (1960-1965) and the West Demerara Government Secondary School (1965-1970). After high school, he…