PNC/R Parliamentarian Winston Murray succumbs

The People’s National Congress Reform, Members of Parliament and possible Presidential Candidate, Winston Murray has died while still on life support, according to reports reaching our blog.

            The 69-year-old succumb at approximately 07:20 hrs last evening, two weeks after collapsing on the East Bank. After being rushed to the Balwant Singh Hospital and later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation; it was revealed that Murray suffered from severe haemorraghing in the brain.

             He was later pronounced brain dead by neurosurgeon Dr. Ivor Crandon who was flown in from Jamaica on a flight chartered by Government.

            Prior to the news of his demise, condolences have been flowing in from politicians leaders in Guyana, friends and supporters from across the country, who all described Murray as an outstanding individual and a decent politician.

            President Bharrat Jagdeo in a statement last evening called Murray a dedicated Guyanese who served his country with distinction and dignity.

            “Mr. Murray’s passing has robbed the country and especially the National Assembly of an articulate and intelligent debater whose presentation in the House were always of an exceptional high standard,” according to the release.

            Leader of the PNC/R also referred to Murray as a stalwart, since he (Murray), has given loyal and dedicated service both in and out of Government. Murray leaves to mourn his wife Marva Murray and children.  

            Details of his funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Society must practice safe driving to ensure road fatalities are minimized-Minister Rohee during National Road Safety annual walk

The National Road Safety Council in a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force on Sunday observed ‘World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims’ with a walk from the intersection of the University of Guyana, Turkeyen to the junction at Sheriff Street.
The activity was held under the theme, “Fast Driving Takes Lives, Careful Driving Saves Lives.”
             Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee who delivered the key address at the event called on society to take heed and act now, since road safety is everyone’s business and, not just a matter for the Guyana Police Force.


Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee addressing the gathering during the National Road Safety Council’s annual Road Safety Walk

            While sympathising with the many that lost their loved ones as a result of accidents on the country’s roadways, the Home Affairs Minister said that the activities held in recognition of ‘Road Safety Month’ serve to remind people of the necessity to maintain safety on the roads.
            “We must always continue to talk about road safety in respect of what job we do. This year I am pleased with the number of activities hosted by the National Road Safety Council to sensitise persons about road fatalities, and which has contributed significantly to the consciousness of the subject,” he said.
            Minister Rohee pointed out that notwithstanding the laws passed in the National Assembly and the enforcement of the latter by the Guyana Police Force and the council; there are still errant road users whose actions result in the loss of innocent lives.
            As such, he stated that the sensitisation of society on the importance of not speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol cannot be stopped.


Members of Community Policing Groups during the National Road Safety Council’s annual Road Safety Walk

“We cannot give up but we need to further expand our interest and to continue to hold different activities to ensure that people are more aware of the dangers of speeding,” he indicated.
            According to the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department to date, the statistics have shown that there are 108 road fatalities compared to 104 for last year for the corresponding period.
            Of the figure seven have been listed as children and as such, the Guyana Police Force has been ramping-up patrols to ensure that motorists, pedestrians and pedal cyclists  comply with the road safety rules and regulations.
            The road march also saw the participation of Community Policing Groups, Scouts and members of the Mothers in Black Group. 

PPP’s anniversary represents 60 years of struggle for a better way of life –President Jagdeo

Hundreds turned out on Saturday evening to celebrate with Government functionaries, as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) celebrated its 60th Anniversary, with a dinner at the Princess International Hotel, Providence.
            The evening was filled with reflections on the party’s struggle and sacrifices to obtain independence - one of the many significant developmental achievements under its leadership over the years.
           President Bharrat Jagdeo expressed appreciation for the support and confidence given by Guyanese to the party during its tenure in office.
            He noted that the anniversary celebration was to observe 60-years of struggle for a better way of life for society. While boasting of the many achievements in each sector of the economy, the Head-of-State alluded to his recent visit to Suriname, indicating that Guyana’s rice industry compared to its eastern neighbour has blossomed since 1992.
            Recalling the struggle, President Jagdeo said that persons were once treated like second class citizens.


President Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the PPP’s 60th anniversary dinner at the Princess Hotel

            “Our past leaders had a vision to change that and to change the condition under which our people lived. The PPP which was the first political party in Guyana did that and will continue to ensure that our people’s best interest is addressed,” he said.
            This, he said, was done under several principles namely that the country must be internationalist in outlook; belonging to all people regardless of race or religion.
            “Today we are fighting a different form of struggle; our party now is in power and the struggle has not ended when you assume power. It intensifies because now you have the ability to make policies to make changes in people’s lives,” he posited.

President Bharrat Jagdeo greets attendees at the PPP’s 60th anniversary dinner at the Princess Hotel

            President Jagdeo pointed out that because the party has been firm in its outlook, it is now capable of confronting challenges that are oftentimes faced.
            While speaking of the country’s achievements, he stated that most of the Caribbean countries that were doing far better than Guyana did not have the fiscal room that is now enjoyed by this country.
            The Head-of-State in conclusion stated that while the party now faces new challenges it will remain positive and steadfast to further improve the lives of the people it serves. 
            PPP/C General Secretary, Donald Ramoutar, while lauding the support the party has received, said that the future of Guyana is linked to the PPP since the country was still not free when the party took up office in 1992.


PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar speaking at the party’s 60th anniversary dinner at the Princess Hotel

            He stated that freedom and social liberation are two of the conditions dealt with under the party’s fight for fundamental human rights that people now enjoy.
            “Many of our people take for granted some of the freedoms we have today. In the entire crisis that we have had our country has managed to avoid the worst circumstances of the financial and economic crisis and that is due to democracy that we have entrenched in society.”

President Bharrat Jagdeo sharing a light moment with attendees at the PPP’s 60th anniversary dinner at the Princess Hotel


          “We provided correct leadership and we were rewarded with the confidence and support of you the people. As we go forward to build our country and as we realise the potentials, we once again look forward for your support,” he noted.
            After the ceremony the President the opportunity to greet and mingle with attendees.
           

Is GECOM prepared for an August 12 poll date?

-the Commission is of the view, they are

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) says work are apace as it relates to preparation for the holding of polls by August 12 of next year. As such, the Commission is currently conducting registration exercises, which is expected to conclude by the end of 2010.

            This will then be followed by the commencement of processes for the preparation of the voters’ list, according to the Commission’s Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield.

            He stated that approximately 20,000 registrations have been processed thus far, but pointed out that the commission is however short of registration targets, due to the number of eligible persons, who are unable to source their birth certificates.

            The issue of Guyanese unable to access services to obtain a birth certificate has been a constraint facing many persons, especially those residing in remote (hinterland) areas. The issue however, was dealt with by Government Ministers during its annual Cabinet outreaches to far-flung areas, to address issues facing residents.

            The Commission have thus far, established over 133 offices countrywide to facilitate electorates in the 10 Administrative regions to be registered so that they will be eligible to vote come next year, when Guyana will host another General Elections which will see Opposition Parties competing with the current ruling party, for the seat.

Constraints

However, Lowenfield indicated that the issue of non-collection of National Identification cards still remains a major constrains for the Commission, noting that as, of May GECOM has informed that over 90,000 cards were still to be uplifted.

            Preparations for the hosting of General Elections are moving apace and according to reports reaching this blog there will be a free and fair process as always.

            The Alliance for Change (AFC) has since announced Khemraj Ramjattan as its President Candidate for the 2011 elections, while Ms. Shield Holder will hold the Prime Ministerial position.

             The People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic is yet to announce the party’s Presidential candidate.

According to Leader of the PNC/R Robert Corbin during the party’s weekly press briefing on November 19, the party will be holding meetings from January 3-31 at which they will decide on the appropriate candidate to contest the General Elections.

            He however, assured that on February 19, 2011 the party will elect and announced its candidate.

           

                       

           

  

Barama Company Ltd to resume operations Next year

Following a threat by President Bharrat Jagdeo to revoke the concession granted and after the dismissal of approximately 274 workers inclusive of singe parents, Barama Comapany Limited have announced its intention to restart plywood production.

            This is according to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Clement Ooi, during a meeting with Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud on Monday to discuss the future of the company following the closure of its Land of Canaan operations.

The restart of the plywood production will take effect as of June 2011, to meet local demand.

Ooi is confident that by June of next year the company will be able to resume duties with the installation of a smaller boiler. He pointed out that the company’s management will be looking at exploring other options and as such, it is anticipated that by December 2011 there would be a restart of normal operations.

 Following the laid-off of workers at the Barama Company Ltd, President Jagdeo met with the workers at which he offered them the State’s assistance in the form of a $25,000 per month stipend for three months, providing that they attend computer classes every day for the next three-months.

The Head-of-State then threatened to review the tax-concessions granted to the Company if they did not factory operations within a reasonable time.

The laid-off workers also received assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture recently in the form of Livestock.