admin

Teachers only willing to accept 20% hike – Mc Donald  Aug 14, 2024 News GTU General Secretary: Corretta Mc Donald Kaieteur News – As the negotiations surrounding a pay hike for teachers continue, steps are reportedly being taken for the Government to come up with more than the 10 percent increase it is currently offering. General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Ms. Coretta Mc Donald told this newspaper that with the discussions scheduled to continue today, the Union has been in discussions with it members concerning the proposal on the table. She noted that the membership has already indicated that they are not willing to accept the offer of 7 percent to 10 percent increase on their salaries.  “The teachers have already voiced the disapproval over the weekend, rejected the previous offers and they have indicated, what they want to accept… if the government is willing to offer 20 % that would have teachers smiling I am sure of  that ,” McDonald shared. The GTU General Secretary reasoned that with bigger budgets annually and several supplementary budgets, the teachers are sure that the government can cater to a feasible salary increase for teachers. She reminded that when the joint service and nurses received increases, teachers increases were lumped together with other public servants. According to Mc Donald, this is like no increase at all. The GTU Executive said that the Union is returning to the table to negotiate in good faith, noting that it is hoped that the government through the Ministry of Education do the same. Last week, Kaieteur News reported that the leadership of the GTU appeared to be divided on its position on the Government of Guyana’s new proposal of 10% salary increase retroactively for 2024. The new proposal also entails 8% for 2025 and 9% 2026. This publication was informed, the GTU President Dr. Mark Lyte had circulated a statement to the general membership of the Union stating that the General Council met on Friday and accepted the Government’s revised proposal. The statement said, “Colleagues, good morning. General Council met yesterday and made a decision to accept MoE’s revised offer of 10, 8, 9 % for the three-year period with the caveat that should public servants get more than our offer, the difference will be given to teachers. These direct financial benefits will be added to other indirect financial ones outlined in the other areas of the agreement. The union wishes to have some of these benefits rolled out in the month of September.” Lyte had told the membership he intended to sign the agreement on Monday. “Hence, an early date of signing would be beneficial to our members. Towards this end, GC was asked to engage our members by region, branch, small group, etc., so as to update members. These engagements are expected to unfold today and tomorrow so that on Monday, we can sign the agreement. Four officers (President, 1st and 2nd VP’s, and GS) will attend the signing session at 09:00hrs on Monday at MoE’s Boardroom. We are aware that what is agreed was not what was requested,” Dr. Lyte said in the statement. However, a few hours after Lyte’s statement was issued, McDonald disseminated a statement of her own expressing disgust with the decision taken by Lyte. “Colleagues good afternoon. This issue is one of grave concern to our members who have entrusted confidence in us, as such it is our responsibility to engage our members and not the GC Reps. I am unable to wrap my head around the reason we keep shying away from our members. When we wanted their votes, we went out there to meet them and at this time we should give them the respect. We have a Zoom platform that their dues pay for, let’s use it and lay on the table the issue that is before us,” she said. McDonald said, “As the elected General Secretary, I disagree with the position that is being adopted at this time for several reasons and let me remind its democratic right.” Related Similar Articles

Electric biker killed in accident Aug 14, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A woman was killed on Tuesday morning after a car knocked her off her electric bike along the public road at Experiment, West Coast Berbice, Region Five. Dead: Sheron Munroe Police identified the woman as Sheron Munroe of Berbice. According to police Monroe was struck down around 08:20hrs. Initial reports are that Munroe was riding her electric bike in a westerly direction along the southern side of the road when a car knocked her bike from behind. The impact flung Munroe off the bike and the driver of the car lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a street light. An injured Munroe was picked up from the road and rushed to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital. She reportedly died while receiving treatment. The driver and a passenger he was carrying in the car were also injured in the crash. Related Similar Articles

Man arrested for setting miner on fire during fight over rum Aug 14, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A miner has been arrested for allegedly attempting to murder a fellow miner by dousing him with High Wine and setting him on fire on Monday at Imbaimadai Landing, Upper Mazaruni River. According to police, the victim, 44-year-old miner James Thomas, known as ‘Wormie’, was attacked by a 53-year-old miner who also resides at Imbaimadai Landing. The two men, who are familiar with each other, were drinking alcohol on Monday when a dispute erupted. Police stated that the victim took hold of the suspect’s rum while ignoring pleas to return it. In a fit of rage, the suspect seized the bottle, doused Thomas with the rum and set him ablaze. The flames engulfed Thomas, inflicting severe second-degree burns across his body. Thomas was transported to the Imbaimadai Health Post and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further treatment. The 53-year-old suspect was arrested and taken into custody as the police continue to investigate the incident. Related Similar Articles

$52M nursery school for Rockstone Aug 14, 2024 News Government building a $52M nursery school at Rockstone Village, Region 10 …contractor handed $15.6M in mobilisation fund Kaieteur News – Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Monday turned the sod to mark the commencement of the construction of a new nursery school at Rockstone, Region 10. In a press release the ministry said the new nursery school will be constructed by Ele’s Trading & Hardware. The project, valued at G$52,180,950, will be completed within six months. To facilitate the start of the project a mobilisation amount of G$15,654,285 has already been allocated. Once completed, the nursery school will benefit approximately 150 children from Rockstone and its surrounding areas, providing them with a safe and conducive learning environment during their formative years. Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Minister Manickchand emphasised the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every child, regardless of their geographic location, has access to quality education. She highlighted that the construction of this nursery school is a testament to the Ministry of Education’s dedication to bridging the educational gap in hinterland communities. “The construction of this new nursery school is more than just a building; it represents our unwavering commitment to the future of our children and the development of our country. Education is the foundation upon which we build a brighter future, and we are ensuring that every child in Guyana has that opportunity,” Minister Manickchand is quoted in the press release saying.  The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, bringing much-needed educational facilities to Rockstone, which will play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of leaders from this community. Related Similar Articles

$43M more to extend Linden Technical Institute Aug 14, 2024 News Minister of Education Priya Manickchand turned the sod on Monday for the extension of the Linden Technical Institute. Kaieteur News – To cater for some 250 students, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Monday turned the sod to extend the Linden Technical Institute main building in Region 10. The project will be undertaken by Phoenix Engineering Enterprise to the tune of $43,322,000. According to information from the Education Ministry, this critical expansion represents a significant investment in the future of technical and vocational education in Linden and its surrounding areas. The minister at the simple ceremony noted the importance of the project stating that “The expansion of Linden Technical Institute is a testament to our government’s commitment to providing quality education and training opportunities for our youth. This project will not only benefit the students of today but will also contribute to the long-term economic development of Linden and the surrounding areas.” With a projected duration of six months, the expansion will enhance the institute’s capacity to serve 250 students, providing them with improved facilities and access to cutting-edge training in various technical fields. Also the improved infrastructure will also support the introduction of new technical courses, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce. The Ministry noted that already the contractor has been provided a mobilization amount of $12,996,600 to ensure that construction progresses on schedule and that the necessary resources are in place for the timely completion of the extension. Additionally, as a means of gaining both employment and experience simultaneously, Kaieteur News understands that five students from the institute will be working on the project and will be paid a stipend. They are: Esuan Fraser, Electrical Installation; Ksena McKinnon, General Construction; Walter Couchman, General Construction; Latrell Whinfield, General Construction; and Tevonn Layne, Electrical Installation. Related Similar Articles

Six charging stations for electric vehicles available at various locations Aug 14, 2024 News Image showing an Electric Charging Vehicle Station Kaieteur News – A total of six electrical vehicle charging stations have been developed in various locations across the country, as the Government in keeping with the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, aims to foster the development of an electric vehicle industry to substitute fossil fuels with electricity. Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of the Guyana Energy Agency [GEA], Mahender Sharma, stated in an email response to this publication that the average cost for one of the electrical vehicle charging station is $6,500, 000.  The CEO highlighted that currently testing of the systems and software are ongoing, hence during this period drivers are not required to pay. Sharma also revealed that the GEA is “reviewing options for expansion.” Charging stations have been installed at Amazonia Mall, Providence, East Bank Demerara [EBD], Giftland Mall, East Coast Demerara, Little Rock Suites, New Amsterdam, S&R Parking Lot, Parika and at the GEA head office, Quamina Street, Georgetown.  According to a press release issued by the GEA, owners of electric vehicle can download the Flash Charge app, register, and charge their vehicles at these stations during this period for free. “The instructions for use of these stations are posted at the stations. Interested persons can contact the GEA at 624-5905 or email at [email protected] for more information. Alternatively, you can scan the QR Code below to download the application,” GEA stated. Related Similar Articles

Close to 2000 house lots, over 1500 titles distributed at building expo Aug 14, 2024 News An allottee selecting her lot number at the Building Expo Kaieteur News – Close to 2,000 families from Regions Three and Four are now on their journey towards homeownership, after receiving their house lots at the Ministry of Housing and Water- Central, Housing and Planning Authority’s (CHPA) ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive, at the International Building Exposition 2024. The recipients were allocated lands at Wales Phase Two housing development in Region Three, Non-Pareil and La Bonne Intention (LBI) Phases Three and Four along the East Coast of Demerara. The distribution exercise was led by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, and the Chief Executive Office of CHPA, Sherwyn Greaves.  The Department of Public Information (DPI) caught up with several beneficiaries who are happy to embark on this significant part of their homeownership journey. Allottee, John Nelson is proud to be a landowner. “Being a young person and having a land is one of the most important things, especially when it comes to being in preparation to start a family… It is a good thing to have,” Nelson told DPI. Another allottee from Alexander Village in Georgetown, Edsy Roopnarine, said being a landowner means everything to her family. “It is something that we have been looking forward to. It means everything because you have kids and you want to build and pass it on,” Roopnarine expressed. Meanwhile, more than 1,500 persons received their certificates of title, marking a significant step in their lives. The ownership documents were provided to many families from La Reconnaissance, Cummings Lodge, Industry, Great Diamond, Golden Grove, Industry, Non-Pareil, and Enterprise. The documents will provide the landowners with many opportunities including easier access to a mortgage from the local banks to build their homes. Landowner, Alishaw Singh from Diamond Housing Scheme told DPI that her next move is to apply for a loan at the New Building Society (NBS). Roxanne Gooding said she has been waiting since 2012 for the document for her land at Golden Grove Block 13, East Bank Demerara. “I am so glad for the [building] Expo because I got through. They worked very quickly. I’m surprised and thankful,” she added. Dornell Mingo, another landowner, cannot wait to build his first home to provide a comfortable environment for his family. “I’m grateful. It has been a hectic and long task. Since 2017, I have been checking and updating documents to obtain my title so that I can have a comfortable home for both me and my family in the future,” Mingo said. Another excited landowner, Nicolas Lowenfield who applied for his land back in 2017 also received his land title.  Following the building expo’s opening on Thursday, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali with Minister Croal and CHPA’s CEO Greaves handed over titles to about 500 persons. Minister Croal highlighted that the PPP/C Government has executed strategic initiatives and policies over the years, bringing relief to thousands of homeowners. According to him, the ministry has achieved its targets for the house lot allocation, and land titles distribution during this year’s building expo. With this momentum, the government is well on its way to fulfilling its manifesto’s promise of delivering 50,000 house lots by the end of 2025. Related Similar Articles