2017 – Page 56 – Guyana Times International

Jungle Survival in Guyana

October 20, 2017 TIMES INT'L

By Julia Dimon With jaguars, anacondas, black caiman and piranha, the jungle is home to a long list of creatures eager to eat, squeeze, bite or nibble on you if given the chance. With so many predator-free high-end luxury resorts around the world, it’s a wonder why people would choose to spend their vacation time in the thick of nature, (far from air-conditioning, room service or cable) battling the elements. Seems counter-intuitive, but learning to survive in the jungle is the exact reason why I, like the many other adventure-seekers…

Lasting memories

October 20, 2017 TIMES INT'L

…a visit to the land of my ancestors BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND About two weeks ago, at around 03:30h on October 1, I set foot on Indian soil – the motherland of my ancestors and a country I always dreamt and hoped of visiting, but never thought I would have had the opportunity so soon. I was there for an Indian Government-sponsored familiarisation trip that lasted seven days, but the memories and friends I gained will definitely be embedded in my heart and mind forever. Along with me on this journey…

Celebrating over 100 years in existence

October 20, 2017 TIMES INT'L

By Petamber Persaud The longevity of The Guyana Annual magazine rest solely on the fact that the custodians of this publication have never shied away from change and innovation; in fact, change and innovation were embraced with a passion. And in the world of the arts, passion matters. Passion matters especially in a climate of little respect and little recompense for artists/writers. Without passion for the arts, without passion in the arts, many a good venture would die a swift death. So the magazine was always reinventing itself, meeting the…

Diwali Parade attracts thousands in Queens

October 20, 2017 TIMES INT'L

By Ramesh Deochand Thousands joined the annual Diwali Motorcade/Parade which was held last Saturday, October 14, 2017 on Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill, Queens. The spectacular Diwali Motorcade/Parade which has become a much anticipated major cultural event within the Indo-Caribbean community in Queens, brought people, numbering well over 10,000, together as they revel in the excitement and spiritual fervour of this major Hindu festival. Free hot food was distributed to thousands of people who joined the celebrations. The Festival of Light celebration attracted several amazing and gorgeously decorated floats, aglow with…

More sugar workers on the breadline

October 20, 2017October 20, 2017 TIMES INT'L

…as downsizing of Guyana’s sugar industry picks up pace With less than three months left for the end of this calendar year, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has already started the process of downsizing the sugar industry. The first move will take effect on November 11, 2017, when some 250 sugar workers attached to the East Demerara Sugar Estate (Enmore) will be officially made redundant. This is according to General Secretary of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, who told Guyana Times International on Wednesday that…

Governor Cuomo announces US$17M for supportive housing for homeless New Yorkers

October 20, 2017October 20, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that US$17 million in state funding has been awarded to four supportive housing projects in New York City, Erie, Steuben and Oswego counties. According to a release from the Governor’s office these developments will create 147 units of housing for homeless families and individuals with funding from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. “Every New Yorker deserves a safe, decent and affordable place to live and we are building supportive housing developments across the state…

Ram slams Govt over non-appointment of service commissions

October 20, 2017October 20, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Outspoken political commentator and attorney, Christopher Ram, has questioned Government over its reluctance to appoint several constitutional service commissions, stating that the time has come for these important organs to be given new life to serve the interest of the Guyanese public. Ram, who was part of the audience at the recently concluded 2017 Guyana Business Summit, posed a question to Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan: Why has Government not made any concerted effort to appoint the many constitutional commissions, which include: Police Service, Teaching Service, Public Service, Local Government, Integrity,…

Govt announces 2017 public servants wage increases

October 20, 2017October 20, 2017 TIMES INT'L

…new minimum wage now G$60,000 up from G$55,555 After a long delay and back and forth negotiations with the workers’ union, the Government of Guyana has announced new wage increases for 2017. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday said the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has been informed of the “final offer”. The new minimum wage is now G$60,000 up from G$55,555. The increases announced are as follows: Eight percent for those earning between G$55,555 to G$99,999; six percent for those earning G$100,000 to…

Govt invokes laws to forcibly acquire private lands for new Demerara River crossing

October 20, 2017October 20, 2017 TIMES INT'L

The Government has taken a decisive step in the process towards building the new Demerara River bridge, with an order being issued that empowers officials to survey and acquire private land, regardless of whether the owners want to sell. The order, dubbed the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes (New Demerara River Crossing and Connecting Roads) Order 2017, is dated August 23; long before the Ministry held consultations with those to be affected on October 10. It was signed by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson. An advertisement appeared over the…

Ninvalle pushes for boxing academy to be established in Guyana

October 13, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Guyana stands to possibly become the mecca of Amateur Boxing in the Caribbean since Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle is making a pitch for an Academy to be established on these shores. “I will be pushing for a boxing academy to be created in Guyana, the reason is that the Caribbean counties have been clamouring since two years ago to come here and train their fighters,” Ninvalle told Guyana Times International Sport on Wednesday. Given Guyana’s dominance in regional amateur tournaments after having a strong breeding ground for…