…in elections Over the last nine months, your Eyewitness has watched with alarm as the PNC launched its rear-guard actions to remain in office against all odds. The odds, however, were set for players who obeyed the rules of the game and the PNC has consistently reminded us over its sixty-year existence that they don’t give a hoot about rules. Our Constitution, of course, embodies the rules from which all other rules flow in governing this country, but the PNC flaunted its cynicism to the nation and the world when…
Read MoreMonth: September 2019
The indigenous and Nature
An Enduring Organic Relationship Indigenous culture, unlike others, is a process of accommodation with nature. Their concern for ecology and the environment, and the balance of nature, is part of their belief system. Ecology is woven seamlessly into the fabric of their culture. Everything in the forest and the surrounding area has a role to play in the overall scheme of things and nothing is wasted. They live in harmony with nature and do not adulterate the landscape or endanger plants or wildlife. One example: they once hunted fish for…
Read MoreIndian companies to bid for Guyana’s remaining oil blocks
As Guyana prepares for oil production early next year, having had successful discoveries in several blocks offshore, companies in India are eagerly awaiting the opening of a new licensing round to scoop up oil blocks in the country. Guyana is expected to have its second oil licensing round in the first quarter of 2020. India had first expressed interest in Guyana’s budding oil and gas industry last year when a high-level Ministerial delegation, which included Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, met with Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra…
Read More‘A university education will set you apart’
…Dr Mohamed tells record 4000 students enrolled at UG for 2019/2020 academic year Entering into its 57th year of existence, the University of Guyana (UG) has recorded an estimated 4000 student enrolment for the new academic 2019/2020— which is the largest since its establishment. It is against this backdrop that the new batch of students were formally welcomed into the tertiary educational facility during a simple but significant ceremonial opening on Monday, as they embark to pursue advanced studies. The students were welcomed to the facility by the recitation of…
Read More‘All Guyanese have a place in the PPP’ – Jagdeo
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo says for too long there has been rhetoric that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is a one-race party when in fact it has been working, and will continue to work, for the betterment of the entire Guyanese population. Jagdeo, who is also the Party’s General Secretary, said that any government the PPP headed would work for all Guyanese regardless of their race, religion, or geographic location. However, he noted that its political opponents have always stereotyped the PPP as pro-Indian and the Party did not do…
Read MoreUS Fulbright Scholar in Guyana to assist in transforming UG’s engineering programmes
In order to better prepare Guyanese for the budding oil and gas industry, Fulbright US Scholar, Dr Norman Munroe of Florida International University (FIU) is in Guyana to assist the University of Guyana (UG) in developing internationally accredited Engineering programmes. Dr Munroe was welcomed by US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch. His engagement is in keeping with the US commitment to help Guyana efficiently manage the anticipated oil revenues for the benefit of the Guyanese people. The Fulbright US Scholar will help UG to pursue the Accreditation Board for Engineering…
Read MoreRepsol Exploration commences drilling in Kanuku Block
One week after United Kingdom-based oil company Tullow spud its second well in the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana, Repsol Exploration, a Spanish oil company, has also commenced drilling in the Kanuku Block of the maritime zone. The works commenced on Sunday at the Carapa 1 well site within the Kanuku Block and will conclude on November 30, 2019. These operations will incorporate the use of MODU Rowan EXL-II and the OSV Bourbon Calm during this period. The Maritime Administration in a notice said that the necessary signs and lights will…
Read MoreA Constitution is the cornerstone of every principled democracy
Dear Editor, The Constitution of our country, as in every other democracy, is a body of fundamental principles or established precedents by which we have all agreed to be governed. It is a body of laws that set the standard for every facet of our lives and it is not to be trifled with nor be picked apart piecemeal to accommodate partisan whims and fancies. A Constitution is the cornerstone of every principled democracy and allows for parliamentarians to vote their conscience. This ruling is fundamental to a democratic state…
Read MorePatterson says reopening of Georgetown-Vreed-en-hoop ferry service not possible
The recent incident at the Demerara Harbour Bridge led to calls for the resurgence of a ferry service between Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown to cater for such emergencies. However, Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson dismissed the suggestion, admitting that the stellings are in a deplorable condition for such a service. While addressing the incident which caused a complete shutdown of the DHB on Monday, Patterson said, “I know that persons have already asked but I would want to say that it is not possible for us to put a ferry vessel…
Read MoreMan faces court for alleged trafficking of Venezuelans for labour exploitation
A wildlife exporter was taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday after he was charged for trafficking two Venezuelan nationals for labour exploitation. Feezal Shaw, 62, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh and denied the charge. The charge stated that between February 14, 2019 and June 14, 2019 at Soesdyke, Shaw engaged in Trafficking In Persons, in that he recruited, harboured and transported the two men for the purpose of labour exploitation. According to Police reports, during the month of February 2019, the victims…
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