Year: 2016

Chic designer wear

TIMES INT'L

At the recently concluded Guyana Fashion Week, designer Paul Burnette rolled out some of his chic designs for 2016. The veteran Guyanese designer’s collection ‘Hidden Beauty’ was a show-stopper at the prestigious fashion event. ‘Hidden Beauty’ offers bespoke fashionable pieces for men and women. Every occasion – beach, elegant, casual, formal – is catered for in this collection. Over the years, Burnette is known for creating “sexy looks for women who dare to be different and make a statement whenever they go out” and “clothing that is cool, edgy and…

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Establishment of Demerara

TIMES INT'L

Laurens Storm van Gravesande [regarded as “the doughty founder of the Colony of Demerary, the Dutch Commander-General of the Two Rivers”]made the decision that agricultural development should move towards Demerara. The fertility of the soil and the depth of the river helped him to make this decision. From 1746, Gravesande began to grant land on the banks of the Demerara River for sugar cultivation and within two years there were 18 plantations which were established. Settlements were growing at such a rapid pace that Gravesande recommended to the directors of…

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An artistic response

TIMES INT'L

Overseas-based Guyanese artist C. Aubrey McWatt is moved by an earnest, creative response to the human experience Aubrey McWatt’s work is influenced by a belief that the universe and everything in it, including nature, thought and emotion, are inherently connected. Aubrey’s response to the human condition is influenced by visits to more than 70 countries during an international business career of over 30 years. The fine artist’s education includes general studies at Queen’s College, British Guiana and undergraduate studies in business, with a concentration in marketing at Columbia University, New…

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GPSU gives Govt month end ultimatum

TIMES INT'L

Having already rejected the Government’s proposed ‘interim’ payout of salary increases for 2016 at a differentiated rate of one to 10 per cent, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) wants the Administration to return to the bargaining table by month-end. This position was adumbrated by the GPSU on Tuesday, as it indicated that it wanted Government to immediately and clearly address its position on the agreed mechanism for addressing the deadlocked negotiations on wages and salaries. The GPSU is adamant that it is in Government’s own interest and the interest…

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Govt won’t leave unions out of talks – Harmon

TIMES INT'L

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has assured stakeholders that the workers’ unions representing the labour force of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will not be left in the dark during Government’s deliberations on the future of the ailing sugar industry. The cash-strapped and highly-indebted sector has been at the centre of controversy for a number of years, with many advocating for its closure, while some argue that the sugar company just needs restructuring to turn things around. The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition was strongly against…

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Bandit shot, killed by police in Berbice

TIMES INT'L

An unidentified male who reportedly drew a loaded firearm at Police ranks responding to a report of larceny of sheep, was fatally shot by one of the ranks with a service revolver, at about 06:20h on Wednesday morning, in a farm house at Mount Sinai, which is one of the suburbs of New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Police said the man drew a loaded firearm at the rank who shot him. Guyana Times International understands that the dead man, called “Blackie”, lived on the Essequibo Coast. He is…

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NAPS to target youths in HIV/AIDS testing drive

TIMES INT'L

The National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) is re-introducing its national days of testing for HIV/AIDS, ahead of World Aids Day, which will be observed on December 1. This exercise commenced on Wednesday and will run until Sunday at all 62 fixed voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) sites, as well as the 17 temporary booths countrywide. The initiative, which is being held under the theme “Test and start a new life for HIV Prevention”, is to encourage the Guyanese population to go out and get tested. However, National VCT Coordinator attached…

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Fighting domestic violence together

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, The tragedy of domestic violence in our community is often examined in the media. It seems all the more heartbreaking when it occurs at our very doorsteps, leaving the community asking how such a thing can happen. Though it may be a relief to name a person or agency as responsible, to do so vastly oversimplifies the complex reasons why persons continue to suffer abuse. Even as the society grapples with the reality and the responsible agencies struggle to meet increasing needs with ever dwindling resources, persons, especially…

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Is history repeating itself?

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, The Government, in the height of a crime wave, is speaking about too many legal guns being around. It seems that someone misled the President into saying that some legal gun owners rent their weapons to criminals. The way it was put, one gets the impression that the President believes that this is a widespread practice. However, no proof, no examples were offered to substantiate that claim. If the President had made that statement in Parliament, he might have been asked by the Speaker to leave the chambers…

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So many university graduates, too few jobs

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, I read in most of the daily newspapers that the University of Guyana has once again produced over a thousand graduates for 2016 – 1628 to be exact. While this is indeed commendable, I was struck by one thought while reading; how many of these holders of degrees, diplomas and certificates will find meaningful employment where they will be able to utilise their new found academic prowess? I am sure many others are thinking the same thing. Many will find themselves forced into “temporary” occupations in bars, stores…

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