admin

Missing girl, 16 years old, suspected to be in C Field Sophia Sep 04, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A 16-year-old girl who has been reported missing since August 26 is suspected to be somewhere in C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown. Missing 16-year-old, Maria Amelia Mangar. In a statement via the Guyana Police Force Facebook page, the minor was identified as Maria Amelia Mangar, a student of the Leonora Secondary School on the West Coast of Demerara. The teen was last seen on Monday, August 26, 2024 at Lot 5 B Anna Catherina, WCD clad in a pair of short black pants and a white and black T-shirt. The police are asking the public that if anyone sees the teen to make contact with her mother Ameela Mangar on # 694-1658 or the Leonora Police Station on 268-2222, 268-2328. Related Similar Articles

‘Free, fair elections critical to upholding democracy, rule of law’ – Pres. Ali Sep 04, 2024 News President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Kaieteur News – As Guyana prepares for the 2025 general and regional elections, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 46th Conference of the Caribbean, the Americas, and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association on Monday, the president emphasised the importance of free and fair elections as the foundation of a strong democratic system. He underscored that the cornerstone of parliamentary democracy is the integrity of free and fair elections, which must truly represent the people’s will. Acknowledging Guyana’s past struggles in upholding democratic principles, he noted that these challenges have served as valuable lessons, leading to a more robust democratic system. In light of this, he recognised the instrumental role of Guyana’s international partners and organisations, including the United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU). “It is common knowledge that Guyana’s political evolution has been marred by the perversion of democratic rule for almost three decades, followed by the restoration of democracy and then an aborted attempt to subvert democratic elections,” he pointed out. The Guyanese leader further explained that threats to democracy are also directly linked to the security and stability of the economy, underscoring just how crucial it is that these principles are upheld. “During those challenging days, years and decades, when democracy came under threat and became non-existent, Guyana’s economy faltered. Poverty deepened, and outward migration intensified. Our economy went into a tailspin,” he recalled. According to President Ali, the political solution to this situation involved advocating for a return to democratic principles through free and fair elections and a renewed focus on development. He noted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s assumption of office in 1992 marked a turning point for Guyana, reflecting a period when parliamentary democracy became more firmly established. The head of state stressed, “Our experience underscores a fundamental truth. Democracy is just not a political system; it is the engine that drives development, and that is what we must understand. Democracy is not a political commitment. Democracy is not confined to [any] political definition. Democracy is that engine that drives development.” President Ali also underscored the robust responsibility of parliaments to uphold these democratic values, which requires active participation and a collective effort. Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, said the government has strengthened its parliamentary institutions to ensure they are robust, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people.“The PPP/C Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to embracing the core tenets of democracy. That is transparency, accountability, inclusivity and the rule of law. We recognise that the strength of our democracy is directly linked to the strength of our parliamentary institutions,” PM Phillips said. He outlined several initiatives that have enhanced the functioning of the country’s parliament, including bolstering legislative processes to allow for greater scrutiny and debate, fostering a culture of bipartisanship, and ensuring full access to parliamentary proceedings. The conference, which opens at the Umana Yana, in Kingston, Georgetown, runs until September 7, and brings together parliamentarians and clerks from jurisdictions across the region for discussions on the theme, “Democracy: Challenges Facing Modern Parliaments.” Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC and Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha along with other cabinet ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps were also present at the ceremony. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

GPL’s increased fuel costs drive public enterprises’ operating expenses to new highs – Mid-Year Report reveals Sep 04, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has been a major contributor to the increased operating expenses of public enterprises in the first half of 2024, according to the recently published Mid-Year Report. The report highlighted that public enterprises’ total receipts for the period amounted to $91.6 billion, an increase of $12.9 billion compared to the corresponding period in 2023. However, it was stated, “At the same time, operating expenses for the public enterprises were $87.3 billion, 14.7 percent above the corresponding period in 2023. The increase was mainly from Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Ltd. with higher payments for material and supplies due to the increased volume and price of fuel purchased in comparison to the corresponding period in 2023.” Despite these challenges, the report projects that public enterprises will end 2024 with a cash surplus of $1.7 billion. Moreover, another section of the report stated that the Government of Guyana (GoG) remains vigilant regarding the financial health of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), particularly GPL, which, alongside other SOEs like the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and Guyana National Printers Limited, owes the government a total of US$392.6 million (approximately $81.9 billion) as of June 2024. Last month, the National Assembly approved the total sum of $16 billion to purchase fuel for GPL. The Committee of Supply first approved the sum of $4 billion which catered for advance the Government took from the Contingency Fund to purchase fuel for the State agency. Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips who had to give account for the advance, told the House that the money was spent on some 547,000 barrels of fuel at a cost of US$34 per barrel. The remaining $400 million was utilized for other fuel related costs. An additional $12 billion was then approved for the State entity. Prime Minister Phillips had stated that the money will be spent on 1,641,000 barrels of fuel at a cost of US$34 per barrel. Related Similar Articles

SBB opens resource centre for entrepreneurs Sep 04, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Small businesses in Guyana now have additional support with the establishment of a resource centre designed to help them advance their operations. During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday, Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau (SBB), Mohamed Ibrahim, explained that the initiative was launched, following consultations with numerous small businesses. The resource centre is located at the SBB’s head office at Lot 1, La Penitence, Georgetown. “They need some type of resource centre, somewhere they can go and get readily available information that can assist them with registering their businesses, or all the needs of the GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority) or the NIS (National Insurance Scheme) on general insurance, on customs, [and] on brokerage,” Ibrahim said. Persons can schedule a time to use the centre, where they can access various services, print documents, and receive business advice free of charge. “They could get access to a personalised business advisor that will sit with them and they can share their ideas, and this person can advise them,” the CEO stated. In addition to the resource centre, the SBB is creating a database to better understand the needs and wants of small businesses, ensuring comprehensive support. Meanwhile, the SBB continues to offer training programmes and has trained more than 1000 small businesses across the country in various areas to help them grow. To further support small businesses, the SBB is committed to developing and implementing programmes that foster development and growth, including access to finance. The SBB serves as a key source of information for small businesses and entrepreneurs and offers a range of programmes, including the Green Business Technology Fund, the Youth Entrepreneurial Skill Training Programme, and the SBB Market Place. Related Similar Articles

Housty, Riehl among trio reappointed to Law Reform Commission Sep 04, 2024 News President Irfaan Ali with Commissioner Deenawati Panday …as President Ali calls for closer look at challenges of AI and digitisation Kaieteur News – Three members of the Law Reform Commission were on Tuesday reappointed by President Irfaan Ali after their term in office expired. The trio was initially appointed in August 2021. At a simple ceremony held at the Office of the President, Attorneys Teni Housty, Clarissa Riehl and Deenawati Pandy. The reappointment of the three attorneys was witnessed by  Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, Director of  Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC,  Solicitor General, Nigel Hawke, Chief Parliamentary Counsel Charles Fung-A-Fat, Chairperson of the Law Reform Commission Emily Dodson, President of the Bar Association of Guyana, Kamal Ramkarran, and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Adele Diane Tricia Cole-Clarke. The Law Reform Commission was established by virtue of Act No. 4 of 2016 of the Laws of Guyana. It aims at keeping under review the laws of Guyana for the purpose of simplification, modernization, systematic development and reform for all other connected matters. President Irfaan Ali with Commissioner Clarissa Riehl President Irfaan Ali congratulated the appointees while noting that their reappointment “reappointment represents an affirmation of confidence in your ability to continue the work that you have commenced.” The Head-of-State noted that the work of the Law Reform Commission is critical in developing the country’s legal system. “…Frequent changes in the composition of the commission could jeopardize the progress made, (and) it can disrupt the continuity and effectiveness of the commission’s ongoing work programme.” President Ali said, “The government reposes confidence in the abilities and commitment of the current members of the Law Reform Commission, we remain dedicated to supporting your work providing the necessary resources and valuing your recommendations.” Reminding the members of the Law Reform Commission of their duties, the President noted that it is important to exercise patience and careful consideration. “It involves expansive research, extensive consultation and exacting standards of analysis, this deliberate approach is essential to producing a final product that can withstand critical scrutiny, by taking the time to get it right, we ensure that our laws are well crafted, serving the needs of our society,” he said. Challenges Meanwhile, President Ali made specific mention of existing and new challenges that must be taken into consideration by the Commission. “AI is one such challenge, how are we going to ensure that the body of our laws are protected, our institutions are protected and we develop a cross-cutting basis through which we can address the challenges of AI and digitization,” he questioned while noting that “It is imperative that we analyze the entire body of laws to see how and where the gaps exist and to recommend solution, to recommend overarching solutions that cut across all the laws.” The President urged members of the Commission to attend consultations hosted by the government so that they can gain a better understanding of challenges affecting persons and the dynamics affecting the country’s competitiveness and sustainability. “Areas in which there is sustainability can be further advanced and to recommend the government, steps and adjustments or amendments that can help to foster and continue to build that modern architecture and framework that we would like, every aspect of national life to operate under,” he said during the ceremony. President Irfaan Ali with Commissioner Teni Housty President Ali reminded the reappointed members of the Commission that the experience gained during their first tenure on the Commission will serve them well, as they embark on another term. “…Of course, your work is not that show peace that you will see everywhere, every day in the newspaper. You are not the best of the media, but your work is quiet, deliberate, steady, time consuming but unfortunately the public would hear about the Law Reform Commission but never understand the magnitude of work and time and research and deliberation that goes on in this commission to help craft a legal system that is responsive and innovative enough to sustain our development as a nation and as a people.” Meantime, the President urged the Commission’s members to examine the Silica City project – Guyana’s first smart urban centre, by looking at the country’s existing laws and creating a legal perspective for Silica City. “I will like you to look at our existing laws and to look at the plans for Silica City and come up with a body, a framework that would allow us from a legislative perspective, a legal perspective to have silica city captured in that realms…We are hoping to have specific legislation for silica city,” President Ali said. Related Similar Articles

Mason arrested for possession of illegal shotgun Sep 04, 2024 News The illegal shotgun that was discovered Kaieteur News – Police in Regional Division One have arrested Esim Alberts, a 33-year-old mason, following the discovery of an illegal double-barrel shotgun at his residence in Wauna Scheme, North West District, Region 1. According to the police, the incident unfolded on Monday, September 2, 2024, when officers from the Mabaruma Police Station responded to a report of an alleged assault involving 24-year-old Lindo Fitzpatricks, a labourer from Wauna Public Road. Fitzpatricks had accused Alberts of committing the unlawful wounding earlier that evening. Upon arriving at Alberts’ home, police noticed suspicious behaviour from him and requested permission to search the premises. The search, conducted in the presence of Alberts and his partner, Kimelita Romaldo, led to the discovery of a double-barrel shotgun hidden under a bed. During questioning, Alberts admitted to having the firearm. He has been arrested, and the investigation into both the assault and the illegal possession of the weapon is ongoing. Related Similar Articles

First Dental Laboratory Technician Programme launched Sep 04, 2024 News Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Health through its Health Sciences Division on Tuesday launched the country’s first ever Dental Laboratory Technician Programme. The programme will begin with 13 students from Region Four who will be trained for eighteen months, and will be receiving training in the area of Dental Prosthetics at the Cheddi Jagan Dental School. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony at the launch noted that provisions are being made by the Government of Guyana to expand dental and oral health care services across the country. He said that the six regional hospitals which are under construction will have designated areas dedicated to dental practice. With the new Paediatric and Maternal Hospital, some of the paediatric functions currently being performed at the Cheddi Jagan Dental School will be moved to the new hospital, he informed. The Ministry of Health on Tuesday launched the country’s first Dental Laboratory Technician Programme. (Photos: Ministry of Health) According to the Minister, “We’re also in the process of building a new Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Ogle, right now at the Dental School you do a lot of paediatric dental procedures but now we’ll have a specialised hospital for paediatrics where everything relating to paediatrics would be done at this hospital. So, some of the functions that you currently have at the Cheddi Jagan Dental School would be moved to this new facility.” Speaking directly to the first batch, Dr. Anthony encouraged them to work hard and acquire the necessary skills so that they can practice effectively. Delivering remarks also, the Principal Dental Officer at the Ministry, Dr. Marvin Monize, noted the significance of the new training programme stating, “This programme is designed to provide comprehensive training for individuals to design and fabricate dental prosthetics, an essential component in restoring function and aesthetics for those who have lost their teeth.” Attending the launch which was held at the ministry’s Brickdam officer were Coordinator of the Dental Auxiliary Training Programme, Dr. Collin Waterman; Head of the Prosthodontic Department, Dr. Carlos Bruzon-Varoza; Assistant Coordinator of the Dental Auxiliary Training Programme, Ms Vashantie Balwant-Bagot; and Senior Health Education Officer, Ms Georgel Abrams. Related Similar Articles