Daily Archive: Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Three people, among them the boat captain and a young girl, died today when the boat they were in encountered difficulties in the Abary Creek.

– foot care clinic reduces amputations The increasing public health burden of chronic diseases in Guyana has led to growing recognition of the need to manage them more effectively; diabetes remains a challenge as many new cases emerge annually and many diabetics are not complying with treatment.

– Mahaicony, Takutu locations being prepared The two oil exploration companies that had earlier indicated that they would like to begin drilling on their on-shore blocks this year, are in the midst of preparations.

A family outing for Independence Day ended in horror for the parents of eight-year-old Roy Prince after he drowned in a swimming pool at a popular Mahdia hotel.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Guyana’s economy will grow 2.6% this year, two percent less than what was forecasted by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh in his 2009 budget presentation.

Over the next few years, key areas of the Pegasus Hotel interior will take on a new look as its US$3 million upgrade unfolds.

CLICO (Guyana) plans to appeal to the courts if the Bahamian liquidator Craig Gomez fails to admit Guyana’s claim and pay the debt it owes, according to attorney John Wilson.

Some areas in the Mabaruma Sub-Region in Region One (Barima/Waini) will be part of a pilot programme that will see the provision of solar electricity.

‘One Stop Shop’, a Ministry of Housing programme which aims at removing the red tape involved in the acquisition of house lots, was taken to the Linmine Constabulary Hall, Linden last week.

Kevin Wishhart is now in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) after being stabbed to the neck by his brother early yesterday morning.

Christopher Phillips, the apiculturist who fell from a ladder at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), has been unconscious since Saturday evening.

Men Empowering Network (MEN) emerged out of a few social groups across the country that had been quietly working to change the culture of violence here, targeting young males at the community level.

Cops expect breakthrough when lab tests completed After almost four months the murders of the two Smythfield, New Amsterdam women have remained unsolved but police in Berbice say they hope to make some headway shortly.

Independence has exposed us to a variety of experiences which should have strengthened our maturity, intelligence and strength of responsibility, President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has said.

General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Norris Witter said on Monday that citizens have been leaving to endure harsh conditions in other territories like Barbados because they see no hope here.

Suriname President Ronald Venetiaan has cautioned Caricom security ministers not to underestimate the threat of armed gangs to the Caribbean Community’s stability.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud says that the project to improve the drainage capacity of the Cunha Sluice on the East Bank Demerara, is a priority and that attempts are being made to acquire overseas funding  to see it come to fruition. 

Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton on Monday ordered that a Canje Creek man who admitted having over one kilogramme of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking pay a fine of over $1 million as well as serve four years imprisonment when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

The African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) has called on the political representatives of the people to end their betrayal of the nation’s aspirations for true nationhood, reconciliation, peace, justice, economic development and equality as Guyana celebrates its 43rd independence anniversary.

PARIS (Reuters) – An almighty roar shook Roland Garros  yesterday to mark the moment Serena Williams scrapped and clawed her way into the second round of the French Open.

Two men, who were allegedly found with cannabis and cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking were on Monday remanded to prison when they appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

– But Mohabir and Gonsalves score upset wins After the first day and eight rounds of action in the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) 2009 national championships held at the Malteenoes Sports Club pavilion, Moen Gafoor sat atop the leader board with seven wins and a spread of 883.

CARACAS (Reuters) – Undaunted by a slowing economy, Venezuela’s still popular President Hugo Chavez is picking up the pace of his left-wing revolution with a relentless raft of nationalizations and an offensive against opponents.

Dear Editor, “Mr Speaker, I rise to present to this House the biggest Budget ever presented to any Legislature in British Guyana” (Peter d’Aguiar, 1965).

Residents of Area Q, Turkeyen have hired an attorney to look into their interests relating to the Turkeyen Children’s playground.

St Stanislaus College beat rivals Covent Garden Secondary by 21 points when competition continued on Thursday in the GBTI sponsored Inter-Secondary School Impromptu Speech contest.

Dear Editor, The mere fact that the news item, ‘There should be apology for past wrongs, Van West Charles says’ (SN May 24), engendered 119 responses and reactions in the ‘Readers Comments’ section, tells me that there is a huge interest in what is happening in the PNC, but especially any new direction it may choose to go in order to either be a far more effective opposition or even to retake political power at the polls.

GENEVA (Reuters) – The UN human rights chief called yesterday for an international investigation to determine if Sri Lankan government forces and Tamil rebels had committed war crimes.

– looking to put disappointments of regional tournament behind them Despite their success at the just-concluded West Indies fullbore championships in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana’s rifle shooters have expressed disappointment at several aspects of the regional tournament.

BIRMINGHAM, England, CMC – At the last time of asking, West Indies again failed to rise to the occasion and were crushed by 58 runs in the third and final One-day International against England yesterday.

Dear Editor, Congratulations on the excellent editorial in relation to the Polar beer matter, captioned ‘Fidelity farce,’ in the May 25, 2009 edition of the Stabroek News.

(BBC) – The first woman to become the Oxford Professor of Poetry has apologised for her role in the alleged smear campaign which led her to resign.

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Hundreds of thousands of Pakistani civilians trapped by an offensive against the Taliban in Swat face catastrophe, a rights group said yesterday, as fighting flared in another militant-plagued region.

Dear Editor, After reading all the letters and comments about Guyanese fleeing to all corners of the globe because of the poor quality of governance at home and the general failed society they have left behind, I simply have to say that some of those who are fleeing to foreign shores have created, fostered and contributed to the problem in the first place.

A distressing tour came to a predictable end, but as a huge relief, for the West Indies here yesterday.

The semi-finalists of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) organized 2009 Kool Kidz Inter Secondary Schools 20/20 competition have been decided following the completion of the final preliminary round of matches last Friday.

SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea, defiant in the face of international condemnation of its latest nuclear test, fired two more short-range missiles off its east coast yesterday and accused the United States of plotting against its government.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the US Supreme Court yesterday, selecting a woman who would be the court’s first Hispanic justice and a liberal who is unlikely to change its ideological balance.

Dear Editor, The statement, “He who pays the piper calls the tune,” by Carvil Duncan, Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana, in his May Day address is deserving of attention.

SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Brazilian police said yesterday they had arrested a foreigner for inciting racial hatred on the Internet, but declined to comment on a newspaper report that the man was a high-ranking al Qaeda member.

Guyanese face many challenges to which they must never retreat or succumb, the Regional Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) has said.

Dear Editor, In how many more instances must the police in Guyana demonstrate their ability to speed on our roadways for government to take note and act?

(Jamaica Observer) – Four alleged gunmen were killed and a policeman injured during what the cops said was a gun battle in the Kintyre area of Papine, St Andrew on Monday.

Dear Editor, Very few items now require an import licence, and there is no shortage of foreign currency or restrictions in making remittances.

PHOENIX (Reuters) – Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson’s four-year-old daughter is in critical condition after she was found with a cord around her neck following an accident, according to media reports on Monday.

Defending champions Rose Hall Town Windies Sports Bar (RHTWSB) stayed on course for a successful title defence when they defeated West Berbice by 32 runs in the semi final of this year’s Busta Champion-of-Champions tournament last Sunday.

(Trinidad Express) – The Royal chauffeur suspended after allegedly accepting money to show two undercover reporters around Buckingham Palace has turned out to be a Trinidadian who once worked as a constable at the San Fernando Police Station.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – OJ Simpson, the former football star acquitted of killing his ex-wife after a sensational trial, asked the Nevada Supreme Court on yesterday to throw out his armed robbery conviction for a bungled bid to recover his own memorabilia.

Dear Editor, As we celebrate 43 years of independence, we need to ask ourselves what we have achieved.

Dear  Editor, The BBC news reported on May 20 that Iran had test fired a missile and that test was provocative to the West.

(Trinidad Express) – The protective order she had against a man who refused to let go recently expired, and he returned for a second chance.

– Jeffrey D. Sachs is Professor of Economics and Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidad & Tobago will be one of the dozen sides taking part in this year’s Champions’ League Twenty20 championship later this year.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Conan O’Brien has spent five years as the anointed heir to the coveted “Tonight Show” TV slot.

Dear Editor, Bandits attacking three houses near to each other raises questions. One victim had a revolver in his house with $500,000 cash and jewellery.

By Bernd Debusmann Ringing words, smoothly delivered: “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

The Golden Arrowhead being hoisted at midnight on Monday to usher in Guyana’s 43rd Independence Anniversary.

Evergreen table tennis champion Colin France just keeps getting better. Last year France toppled a star-studded field which included two former Caribbean champions on the way to winning the prestigious Realty and Maintenance Super singles tournament in Trinidad and Tobago.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Actor Mel Gibson, who is going through a divorce from his wife of 28 years, said on Monday his Russian girlfriend is expecting their baby.

on airline ticket tax Travellers within the OECS could pay higher fares, after leaders agreed to a recommendation by tourism ministers for a new tax on airline tickets for travel within the sub region.

With the conclusion of counting in India’s general elections last week, the Indian National Congress  confounded many of the electoral pundits in India and abroad by winning, in India’s terms, a major victory at the national polls.