Greenidge accepts nomination to context PNC/R Presidential candidate
According to confirmation from the main opposition party, reaching this blog Former Finance Minister Carl Greenidge has accepted the nomination to contest as one of the PNC/R Presidential candidate for the 2011 General Elections.
Greenidge yesterday handed over a letter to the Party’s General Secretary Oscar Clarke accepting the nomination as well as biographical and professional data required by the selection process.
Greenidge in delivering remarks said that he had been approached by several persons in recent weeks and as such, has arrived at the conclusion that it was an important matter in which his contribution would be vital.
However, he added that the Government’s complaint to the CARICOM Secretariat about comments he made at Murray’s funeral also played a part in his decision making, noting that the statement which stated that all confidence is lost in his judgment, at some point narrowed his options.
“When a statement like that is made in the region, it is going to be, I think, difficult for regional entities to be in a position to employ you if a government is going to be taking these sorts of positions. So that was an aspect that I think contributed in a sense, while the other option that I would have normally followed was closed,” he said.
The Former CARICOM economist is of the belief that many people would like to see improvement in areas such as security, the modernisation of the agriculture and industrial sectors, as well as to enjoy “buoyant levels of income.”
Role in governing the PNC/R
According to Greenidge he has had many years of association with the party and has been keeping track of its functions over the years, adding that he has several ideas of how they could dynamise the party to assure its supports that their interest are understood.
In addition, he also called on CARICOM for an explanation as to the non-renewal of his contract.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Police destroy 422,000 kilograms of cannabis
Government, through the security sector, has scored much success in the fight against the local narcotic trade by the many incidences of interception at the country’s port of exit, and other locales, as they attempt to export the illegal substances.
Wednesday’s seized amounts of narcotics were destroyed by the Guyana Police Force at the Mayor and City Council’s incinerator, Princes Street.
Approximately 422,000 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed. The illicit drugs are for cases that were made over a two-year period.
Police Superintendent, Errol Watts of the Police Narcotics Branch who was on site to witness the incineration said, “These cases were concluded in court and as a result of which we are doing this destruction exercise today. We very much appreciate your presence and we hope that you continue to cover future exercises of this nature held by the Guyana Police Force.”
He pointed out that the cannabis has a value of $442, 232 and the majority was seized from airport, wharfs and residents. For 2010, approximately 150 kilograms of cannabis and 74 killograms of cocaine were seized, including the 21 kilos that were seized on the West Coast Demerara recently.
The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), will also be destroying cocaine early next year for matters that were tried in 2008 and 2010, and have seen persons given custodial sentencing.
Government, through the security sector, has scored much success in the fight against the local narcotic trade by the many incidences of interception at the country’s port of exit, and other locales, as they attempt to export the illegal substances.
Wednesday’s seized amounts of narcotics were destroyed by the Guyana Police Force at the Mayor and City Council’s incinerator, Princes Street.
Approximately 422,000 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed. The illicit drugs are for cases that were made over a two-year period.
Police Superintendent, Errol Watts of the Police Narcotics Branch who was on site to witness the incineration said, “These cases were concluded in court and as a result of which we are doing this destruction exercise today. We very much appreciate your presence and we hope that you continue to cover future exercises of this nature held by the Guyana Police Force.”
He pointed out that the cannabis has a value of $442, 232 and the majority was seized from airport, wharfs and residents. For 2010, approximately 150 kilograms of cannabis and 74 killograms of cocaine were seized, including the 21 kilos that were seized on the West Coast Demerara recently.
The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), will also be destroying cocaine early next year for matters that were tried in 2008 and 2010, and have seen persons given custodial sentencing.
Judicial system gets two more Magistrates
Attorneys-at-Law, Leslie Sobers and Leron Daly today took the oath of office as Temporary Magistrates in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Chief Justice Ian Chang, and families and friends of Sobers and Daly at the Prime Minister’s office, Wight’s Lane, Kingston.
Prime Minister Hinds extended Government’s appreciation to Sobers and Daly for accepting the appointment as Temporary Magistrate, which is actually a probationary period, after which they would be appointed Magistrates.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds interacts with newly appointed Temporary Magistrates Leslie Sobers and Leron Daly and Chief Justice Ian Chang at his Office
He noted that this year quite a few persons have come forward to take up the position as Magistrate, hence contributing to one of the most important institutions in the country.
The oath, which one takes as Magistrate is quite significant. The Magistrate is expected to divorce him or herself from emotions particularly those that would influence favour and fear and be objective in the expedition of duties, Prime Minister Hinds indicated.
Chang said that the newly appointed Temporary Magistrates should dispense their duties like Lady Justice, who is blind to the parties before her.
He highlighted that Magistrates should know their functions, various laws and carry out their duties responsibly and reasonably.
Chang highlighted that power is not conferred unto Magistrates but rather the power, which they emanate, is that of the State. He noted that Magistrates are the judicial arm of the state and they operate as public officials.
On November 15, Temporary Magistrate Fabayo Azore took the oath of office in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Chief Justice Ian Chang, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack and her family members at the Prime Minister’s office, Wight’s Lane, Kingston.
Attorneys-at-Law, Leslie Sobers and Leron Daly today took the oath of office as Temporary Magistrates in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Chief Justice Ian Chang, and families and friends of Sobers and Daly at the Prime Minister’s office, Wight’s Lane, Kingston.
Prime Minister Hinds extended Government’s appreciation to Sobers and Daly for accepting the appointment as Temporary Magistrate, which is actually a probationary period, after which they would be appointed Magistrates.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds interacts with newly appointed Temporary Magistrates Leslie Sobers and Leron Daly and Chief Justice Ian Chang at his Office
He noted that this year quite a few persons have come forward to take up the position as Magistrate, hence contributing to one of the most important institutions in the country.
The oath, which one takes as Magistrate is quite significant. The Magistrate is expected to divorce him or herself from emotions particularly those that would influence favour and fear and be objective in the expedition of duties, Prime Minister Hinds indicated.
Chang said that the newly appointed Temporary Magistrates should dispense their duties like Lady Justice, who is blind to the parties before her.
He highlighted that Magistrates should know their functions, various laws and carry out their duties responsibly and reasonably.
Chang highlighted that power is not conferred unto Magistrates but rather the power, which they emanate, is that of the State. He noted that Magistrates are the judicial arm of the state and they operate as public officials.
On November 15, Temporary Magistrate Fabayo Azore took the oath of office in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Chief Justice Ian Chang, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack and her family members at the Prime Minister’s office, Wight’s Lane, Kingston.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Gov’t will spare no effort in revitalising coconut industry
-Minister Persaud
The coconut industry, is receiving special attention from the Government, as it seeks to elevate the commodity to one of optimum benefits, in keeping with the Ministry of Agriculture’s effort of promoting agriculture diversification, from a market led approach.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud today convened a meeting which saw the input of farmers, stakeholders and investors, to discuss the development of a coconut water processing plant.
A study was completed with assistance from coconut expert Dr. Shivarama Reddy from India, as efforts intensify to have the industry modernised. This will see farmers’ needs addressed and cultivation and market bases expanded.
Minister Persaud pointed out that the revitalisation plan will see production in terms of quality enhanced, since the product can be used as a base for others.
This, he said, comes at a time when there is a renewed interest in the coconut industry, by investors hence, the crafting of the plan two years prior to supply the market demand regionally and internationally with coconut and its related product.
Minister Persaud (sixth from left), addresses farmers and stakeholders during meeting to discuss the development of a coconut water processing plant.
“We also recognised in our country that we have a number of coconut estates which were abandoned while the others were not properly kept and so we convened a meeting with some of those owners and others who were interested in different parts of the country and we came up with a plan looking at all areas, from technical assistance to infrastructural works,” he said.
The aim of Government is to have a more diversified coconut industry by sourcing other by-products, rather than reliance on the traditional exporting of nuts and copra.
According to the Agriculture Minister, there was a commonly held myth, particularly in the 70s and 80s that coconut and its by-products contributed to high cholesterol levels, noting that this is one contributing factor for the moving-away from the industry.
“Even amongst ourselves in Guyana we still believe it’s bad to be consuming coconut related products particularly the oil that comes from coconut, but we have seen what has happened in terms of global trends and it did not only affect Guyana, but the coconut in Africa and Asia,” he said.
Guyana has since been receiving support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Indian Government in making the industry more vibrant and competitive.
To date, the nursery at Hope Estate was restructured while the coconut bottling plant will be completed shortly.
Minister Persaud while adding that Government is concerned primarily with the export of coconut-based products; emphasised that focus must be on diversification and development of the industry, with technology playing a key role.
In this regard, the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), will be integrally involved in the programme, as well as persons from the private sector, in conjunction with farmers.
Government will be investing $9M this year in terms of developing appropriate technology; since its main purpose is to improve technology coupled with market opportunities.
“We have also been looking at the various varieties that are suitable and we will continue to pursue that, but there is lot of work to be done and recognise that and it is one that will continue to get support in the context of our diversification plan for the agriculture sector,” he added.
There are currently 24,000 hectares of coconut across the country and according to the Agriculture Minister; more can be done to further expand the industry, which will see government sparing no effort in this regard.
Government has over the years been working to revitalise the industry through workshops, exhibitions and training since its aim is to resuscitate it to such a level that it will also create job opportunities for many. Guyana has been pursuing support from India, and several South American countries to assist in this effort, especially to obtain new varieties.
-Minister Persaud
The coconut industry, is receiving special attention from the Government, as it seeks to elevate the commodity to one of optimum benefits, in keeping with the Ministry of Agriculture’s effort of promoting agriculture diversification, from a market led approach.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud today convened a meeting which saw the input of farmers, stakeholders and investors, to discuss the development of a coconut water processing plant.
A study was completed with assistance from coconut expert Dr. Shivarama Reddy from India, as efforts intensify to have the industry modernised. This will see farmers’ needs addressed and cultivation and market bases expanded.
Minister Persaud pointed out that the revitalisation plan will see production in terms of quality enhanced, since the product can be used as a base for others.
This, he said, comes at a time when there is a renewed interest in the coconut industry, by investors hence, the crafting of the plan two years prior to supply the market demand regionally and internationally with coconut and its related product.
Minister Persaud (sixth from left), addresses farmers and stakeholders during meeting to discuss the development of a coconut water processing plant.
“We also recognised in our country that we have a number of coconut estates which were abandoned while the others were not properly kept and so we convened a meeting with some of those owners and others who were interested in different parts of the country and we came up with a plan looking at all areas, from technical assistance to infrastructural works,” he said.
The aim of Government is to have a more diversified coconut industry by sourcing other by-products, rather than reliance on the traditional exporting of nuts and copra.
According to the Agriculture Minister, there was a commonly held myth, particularly in the 70s and 80s that coconut and its by-products contributed to high cholesterol levels, noting that this is one contributing factor for the moving-away from the industry.
“Even amongst ourselves in Guyana we still believe it’s bad to be consuming coconut related products particularly the oil that comes from coconut, but we have seen what has happened in terms of global trends and it did not only affect Guyana, but the coconut in Africa and Asia,” he said.
Guyana has since been receiving support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Indian Government in making the industry more vibrant and competitive.
To date, the nursery at Hope Estate was restructured while the coconut bottling plant will be completed shortly.
Minister Persaud while adding that Government is concerned primarily with the export of coconut-based products; emphasised that focus must be on diversification and development of the industry, with technology playing a key role.
In this regard, the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), will be integrally involved in the programme, as well as persons from the private sector, in conjunction with farmers.
Government will be investing $9M this year in terms of developing appropriate technology; since its main purpose is to improve technology coupled with market opportunities.
“We have also been looking at the various varieties that are suitable and we will continue to pursue that, but there is lot of work to be done and recognise that and it is one that will continue to get support in the context of our diversification plan for the agriculture sector,” he added.
There are currently 24,000 hectares of coconut across the country and according to the Agriculture Minister; more can be done to further expand the industry, which will see government sparing no effort in this regard.
Government has over the years been working to revitalise the industry through workshops, exhibitions and training since its aim is to resuscitate it to such a level that it will also create job opportunities for many. Guyana has been pursuing support from India, and several South American countries to assist in this effort, especially to obtain new varieties.
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