Year: 2016

Mothers’ Union launches suicide awareness programme

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The Diocese of Guyana Mothers’ Union launched a “Depression and attempted Suicide” awareness programme on Tuesday, at the Regency Suites on Hadfield Street. Suicide is an epidemic within Guyana.  The Mothers’ Union has now joined hands with other organisations to fight against depression and suicide in the society. Patricia Adams, the creator of this programme, explained that members should be gatekeepers by being attentive to individuals around them who display tendencies such as a lack of self-esteem, a contributory factor to suicide. Adams noted that persons who suffered from severe…

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Private Sector says Govt must fast-track tabling of Telecoms Reform Bill

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… disappointed over slothfulness in liberalising sector While Government has announced its commitment to the liberalisation for the telecommunication sector, there is yet to be any move for the legislation to be taken to Parliament. This is the concern raised by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday, which said that it is thrilled at the news that the sector, which has seen a monopolised operation for decades, will be liberalise by the end of this year. “The PSC is, however, disappointed that the promised telecommunications legislation is yet to…

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“Bulldog” released on Gy$60,000 bail for assaulting political activist

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An independent candidate vying in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) appeared before Magistrate Dylan Best at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday slapped with an assault charge. Robert “Bulldog” Cromwell, 48, of Lot 26 Dowdin Street, Kitty, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on February 15, 2016 at Dowdin Street, Kitty, he unlawfully wounded Iqbal Rahim. The Prosecutor stated that the Virtual Complainant (VC) resided at Lot 236 Dowdin Street, Kitty and was a member of the Mark Benschop group vying in the upcoming LGE. The…

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US$3M agreement inked for Cunha Canal rehabilitation

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The Guyana Government on Wednesday inked a US$3M agreement to rehabilitate the Cunha Canal which is part of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy’s adaptation initiatives. The grant to Guyana is being provided by the Norwegian Government under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), in partnership with the World Bank. According to a release from the Government Information Agency, “the project is an important intervention which addresses adaption to climate change. As such, works will improve Government’s ability to manage water resources in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC)”. The proposed…

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Headmaster accused of touching student’s penis sent for counseling

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A prominent Head Teacher has appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts on Wednesday slapped with an assault charge. Arthur Bernard Chandra, also known as ‘Sir Chandra’ of 23 Abary Street, Bel Air Park pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on January 12, 2015 he touched a 7-year-old male at the New Market street school. Police prosecutor told the court that on the day in question the young man was involved in a fight with another student in the classroom and Chandra was informed…

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Aurora Gold Mines will compensate Guyana for environmental damage – Trotman

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Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Tuesday said Government was seeking to have recently commissioned mining company Guyana Gold Mines, provide some compensation for the damage it caused to the environment during its operations at the Aurora Gold Mines. The Minister was responding to questions by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the National Assembly on Tuesday. According to him, while Government and the gold company have agreed to make the compensation, he was unable to disclose the actual amount being put forward in this regard. According to Minister…

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10-month-old baby discharged from GPHC

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… after being chopped to the head The 10-month-old baby that was chopped to his head was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital on Wednesday. Omar Jones of Lot 70 Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara, was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital with a chop wound to his head last weekend. His condition was listed as critical. The toddler was subsequently transferred and admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital. It was reported that an argument ensued between the child’s mother and his 60-year-old grandfather Geewan Sanichar. The…

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‘Because We Care’ grants were equitable

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Dear Editor, I am happy to have provided some amusement for Allan Fenty (“Stabroek News”, Giving and Telling about it, Feb, 12, 2016) through my last Guyana Times Sunday column. I had as much fun writing it, and I just wish to reply to his query about my thoughts regarding the PPP/C’s Government $10,000 “Because We Care” grants to parents of school children. Those grants were a budgeted benefit approved by Parliament and much welcomed by all of Guyana’s parents, Indian, African, Amerindian, Chinese and Mixed alike. It was never…

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AG’s and President’s salaries should be taxable

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Dear Editor, The 2016 national Budget speech argues that this budget seeks to address inequalities and discrimination with a heavy emphasis on increased taxes/licences and tax collection especially from the persons who are categorised as “self-employed”. The credibility (and compliance) of this case would be “legitimately” advanced were the President and the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs to pay tax on their “public service” salary. Another Budget presented in the Parliament and yet another failed opportunity for President Granger to address the issue of his “public service” non-taxable…

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Govt must come to its senses on Wales issue

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Dear Editor, The support given on any issue to a group or individual, government or non-governmental, is premised on upholding and respecting laws, international conventions, charters, time-honoured principles and the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens/workers. No one must count on me to give support on any matter that borders on the violation and transgressing of these. The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), which I have the honour to represent has consistently taken a stand on these tenets regardless of who forms the government or which non-governmental organisation/person is affected.…

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