May 2018 – Page 19 – Guyana Times International

Revenue body recovers millions lost in heavy-duty machinery scam

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 TIMES INT'L

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has managed to collect millions of dollars since it cracked down on the heavy-duty vehicle racket, which was discovered in 2017. GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia said that the Authority went out of its way to make it known that it was prepared to visit the interior locations where persons were using heavy-duty vehicles. “We sent our officers out there, so they would be able to take the necessary photographs and then proceed to register those vehicles. But there has not been a great response…

Calls for Govt to provide relief to fired sugar workers have fallen on deaf ears – PPP

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 TIMES INT'L

Over 100 sugar workers who were rendered jobless upon the closure of the Wales Sugar Estate were assisted by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party last Saturday. The fired sugar workers received grocery hampers as a measure of lending support in times of despair. The affected workers were visited by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira and Opposition Members of Parliament, Bishop Juan Edghill and Anil Nandlall, who expressed that this is the party’s approach in providing support to the former sugar workers in their difficult times. Bishop Juan Edghill noted that…

Old folks’ advise

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 TIMES INT'L

Satiricus was feeling quite good about himself. Even though the fellas had urged him to check out the labour march in town, he’d steadfastly refused. Satiricus figured Labour Day was intended as a reward for those who laboured all year long. Like himself!! And was therefore intended as a day of rest. In his case, lying in his hammock and gently swaying away under his mango tree in his backyard. Duly rested, he ambled over to the Back Street Bar. “Look! De lazy man come out fram ‘e hammick!” said…

Telephone giant raises concern about sedition clause in Cyber Crimes Bill

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 TIMES INT'L

Urging the removal of the offence of sedition from the Cyber Crimes Bill 2016 because of the danger it presents to free speech, GTT has waded into the debate on the unpopular clause. In correspondence seen by this newspaper, the telecommunications company raised objections to the proposed Bill. It also cited examples where similar pieces of legislation were discarded by the respective Governments. “The offence of sedition seeks to limit the press and freedom of speech against the Government and should be struck from the draft as it would limit…

WCD/EBE Road project substantially completed

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 TIMES INT'L

Just over three years ago, works commenced to upgrade the two-lane West Coast Demerara/East Bank Essequibo (WCD/EBE) road. This project has now been “substantially” completed, with just some road markings and traffic signs’ installation to the done. Speaking with Guyana Times International, Senior Projects Engineer attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Kester Hinds, who has oversight responsibility for the G$9.2 billion project, explained that the road expansion project is about 98% complete. “The project is substantially completed. There are just a few little road markings, installation of the road…

A Culture of Indian Fashion

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 TIMES INT'L

By the time East Indian indentured labourers arrived in British Guiana in the 19th century, Indian fashion had already begun to be influenced by the-then British rulers of India. According to fashion historian Toolika Gupta, writing for the BBC News, the outward propriety of Victorian England,uncomfortable with the bare-breasted look of Hindu women in their saris of earlier times, led to a blouse being worn underneath, though in southern India, even in colonial times, some did not cover their upper body. In fact, she writes, it was the wife of…

For 2020 polls a national debate is needed among candidates on key economic issues

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, After Guyana’s 50-plus year history, the politics of the nation has an opportunity to move from politics based on race to politics focused on economic development. There are a number of reasons why the state of the economy and economic development will be more of a prominent feature as we continue to develop as a nation. The principal one is the nation’s opportunity to experience an accelerated increase in growth in coming decades, if properly handled. Hence it now becomes more important to go beyond who benefits economically…

Establishment & early years of Man Power Citizens Association

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 TIMES INT'L

In the sugar belt of colonial Guyana, the Man Power Citizens’ Association (MPCA) was formed under the leadership of Ayube Edun, a goldsmith and publisher of the Guiana Review newspaper, and Mr C.R. Jacob, a successful merchant and member of the existing Legislative Council. Its general secretary was Harri Barron. All three of these people had certain prominence in the struggle for greater political rights for East Indians, and Jacob was not only a merchant but also president of the East Indian Association. The MPCA was officially registered on November…

Decision was made to protect US businesses

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, is reported by sections of the media on April 26, 2018 to have told the workers of Rusal: “The good news, however, is that the US reduced the sanction on RUSAL after realising that it will also affect thousands of workers, such as the 500 working in Region 10”. It seems that Minister Trotman is seeking to outshine his colleague, Minister Ramjattan, who is known to regularly put his foot in his mouth. To say that the US Government was not aware…