2016 – Page 46 – Guyana Times International

Fire Chief says cause of Gafoors’ fire believed to be accidental

May 13, 2016 TIMES INT'L

The massive blaze which destroyed a major section of the Gafoors Houston Complex storage bonds earlier this week, resulting in the company losing billions of dollars, is believed to have started accidentally. According to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, investigations into the origin of the fire are still on-going, but at present it would appear as if the fire may have been accidental in nature and not the work of arsonist/s. Gentle told a section of the media that the probe by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is almost completed and…

The Coalition Government’s first year in office

May 13, 2016 TIMES INT'L

I refer to the article “NO WAVERING – acting President Moses Nagamootoo” in the Guyana Chronicle (May 2, 2016). In its 2015 electoral campaign, the APNU+AFC coalition issued several promises to the Guyanese voters, varying from security, constitutional reforms, and poverty reduction to salary increases. Now, at the end of its first year in office, the incidence of violent crimes has increased on a daily basis, more than thirty five percent of Guyanese are below the poverty line, constitutional reforms are pending, and salary increases are conditional upon the report…

Energy Security

May 13, 2016 TIMES INT'L

President David Granger represented Guyana at the 2nd US-Caribbean-Central American Energy Summit, hosted by Vice President Joe Biden in Washington on May 3-4. The first Summit last year emphasised the need for energy security through the substitution of renewables for petroleum products for energy development. Even with current low oil prices, electricity prices in Guyana – as in the rest of the Caribbean – average over US$0.25 per kWh, about three to four times more than what is paid in the US or other developed countries. This high cost of…

Our nation’s future depends on deeper social cohesion

May 13, 2016 TIMES INT'L

…says President Granger in special address to National Assembly In light of Guyana celebrating 50 years of Independence this year, President David Granger during a special address to the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon said the coming of Independence was a necessity, and the country was able to make rapid progress in post independent years. The President used the opportunity to reflect on the state of Guyana during the pre-independent and post-independent eras, stating that the first 50 years was spent on overcoming an economically hostile environment. The Head-of-State pleaded…

Guyana observes inaugural Social Cohesion Day

May 13, 2016May 13, 2016 TIMES INT'L

As Guyana marked its first Social Cohesion Day with a national prayer ceremony at D’Urban Park on Monday, President David Granger has charged Guyanese with building the nation through national unity as the country is at the peak of celebrating its Golden Jubilee Anniversary. In the presence of a number of diplomats, members of the Government, religious leaders and citizens, Granger reminded that in order for Guyana to be advanced, there needed to be inclusiveness in society. In his address, the President explained the significance of Social Cohesion Day and…

$50 note, 2 commemorative coins launched in observance of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary

May 13, 2016May 13, 2016 TIMES INT'L

By Rennella Bourne The Bank of Guyana launched its $50 banknote and two commemorative coins on Wednesday in honour of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebration. The Governor of Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga disclosed that the Bank usually issues commemorative coins to mark significant events and achievements. “The first commemorative coin was issued in 1970 to mark the country becoming a republic and this coin was issued as a circulation coin, at a face value of $1, this popularly known as “The Cuffy dollar”. The second commemorative coin issued in…

Former Natural Resources Minister acted contrary to powers vested in him – audit report

April 29, 2016 TIMES INT'L

Forensic auditors who examined the books of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) have concluded that former Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, on several occasions, acted contrary to the powers vested in him. The Gold Board Act vests in the Minister the power to give directions of a general or special character as to the policy to be followed by the Board and also requires the Minister to approve the appointment of, and the remuneration payable to, the General Manager, Secretary and such other officers and other employees. However,…

Father of 3 chopped to death

April 29, 2016 TIMES INT'L

A security guard who was on duty at the Best Buy Hardware Store, Bladen Hall, East Coast Demerara (ECD) last night is now dead after he was chopped about his body by two men in what is believed to have been an attempted robbery. Reports are that around 22:45h last night Sattaur Kadir who hailed from Foulis, ECD, challenged two men who had entered the compound from the back. It was during this encounter with the perpetrators that the 53-year-old security guard was dealt several chops about his body with…

5-month-old baby killed in accident at Mahaica

April 29, 2016 TIMES INT'L

A five-month-old baby was yesterday killed when a motor lorry slammed into the stroller he was being carried in by his brother who was attempting to cross the road. Reports are that around 17:00h at Belmont, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Randy Williams was being pushed in his stroller by his eight-year-old sibling when the accident occurred. It is alleged that when the two children were about to cross the access road at Belmont the motor lorry collided with the stroller. The five month old baby was rushed to Georgetown…

I will be vindicated in the end – Kwame McCoy

April 29, 2016 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, After several months of intolerable harassment at the hands of the Guyana Police Force, I am convinced that there is a political agenda to use the criminal justice system to witch-hunt me because of journalistic and political activism. Over the last few months, I have had to endure several days of imprisonment; I spent numerous hours at police stations; I gave several statements to the Police; I have been asked innumerable questions; attempts have been made to frame me for murder; I have been charged with an assault…