President of Guyana assures CARIFESTA workers will be paid
November 15, 2008
President of Guyana assures CARIFESTA workers will be paid
Published on Tuesday, November 4, 2008
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference on Saturday urged local Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) participants to bear with the Administration as accounting procedures are finalised. He assured that by the end of this week, this process should be completed and they would receive their payments.
The president was responding to queries on the issue, which has been in the public domain for some time now and which has seen some of the festival’s participants protesting for their payments, which they claim they have not received from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, though the event has concluded over two months now. Read more
Energy: Hydrogen Solutions by Peter Ramsaroop of Vision Guyana
September 23, 2008
INTRODUCTION:
As we argue over whether to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) or not, the focus should shift rapidly to internal changes that we need to institute in order to make the lives of our citizens better. One of the hindrances to foreign direct investments is the cost for energy in Guyana.
(Please note to use the Search Engine on the Website of this newspaper for previous columns on Energy). These are follow-up columns that continue the discussions on various energy solutions.
Projects such as the Hydro Power Plant and Ethanol projects are yet to get off the ground. Years have gone by since these should have. We concentrate on things like Carifesta, whether to sign the EPA or small seed farming instead of focusing on the one thing that must change in our nation in order for all of us to have a chance to prosper.
Another aspect of energy we have lobbied hard for is tariff-free concessions on all Hybrid or Fuel Efficient Model Cars or products. Most of these cars now get 40-60MPG. Those are the cars we need in Guyana along with the light rail system we have proposed. Solutions also exist for the current vehicles we have to improve efficiency and the environment. Such products will bring down our rising transportation cost and ultimately put more money back in our pockets.
USE OF HYDROGEN GROWS TO FUEL VEHICLES:
One of Vision Guyana’s overseas advisors, Mr. Don Lightfoot, is also a director of a company called BlueWave Hybrid Systems, a company that is set to revolutionize the industry with a product that can be installed in most model vehicles. Mr. Lightfoot emphasized that they are using as a fuel source and an energy carrier, hydrogen…the most abundant element in the universe…to move it from science fiction and basic research to the world’s highways.
Hydrogen is the most versatile of renewable energy resources — a universal fuel that can be burned in an engine or used in a fuel cell to power vehicles, buildings and homes, utility power plants and anything else that uses electrical energy. When burned in an engine, hydrogen is about 30 percent more efficient than gasoline. Hydrogen engines do not emit carbon dioxide, and the only byproduct of fuel cells is clean water.
In a fuel cell, hydrogen is an energy carrier rather than a fuel. An energy carrier is a substance or system that moves energy in usable form from one place to another. Electricity, the best-known energy carrier, moves the energy stored in coal, uranium and other sources from power plants to homes and businesses.
Hydrogen burns more rapidly than hydrocarbon fuels because it is smaller and enters combustion reactions at a higher velocity, has lower activation energy and incurs more molecular collisions than heavier molecules, according to Mr. Lightfoot.
He said that BluWave Hybrid has launched its new fuel-saving Hydrogen-on-Demand products to the environmentally conscious consumer throughout America and is taking this energy saving product to all corners of the globe, including the Caribbean via an online campaign. The website, BluWaveHybrid.com, also provides an interactive social community consisting of forums, message boards, podcasts and blogs geared specifically to the community of Hydrogen activists and enthusiasts from around the globe that are involved in advancing technology to decrease global oil consumption and lower emissions.
The eco-friendly BluWave Hybrid Systems transforms cars and trucks into a BluWave Hybrid, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, increased engine horsepower and torque, while lowering emissions. There are three models of the BluWave Hybrid Hydrogen-on-Demand Systems available dependent on the vehicle’s engine size…and costs between US$399-$599 which can be easily installed yourself, or by a trained technician for about US$100. The system pays for itself through fuel cost savings, in most cases, in less than a year.
Hydrogen gas is plentiful on Earth, but it is found only in compound form with other elements — two hydrogen atoms combined with one oxygen atom is water (H20), and hydrogen combined with carbon forms compounds (hydrocarbons) like methane, coal and petroleum. Scientists around the world are addressing this and other technology barriers.
CONCLUSION:
An effective energy program for all Guyanese must ensure the rational and efficient use of imported petroleum-based energy sources, while encouraging, where economically feasible and environmentally acceptable, increased utilization of new and renewable sources of energy. And there must be tariff and tax concessions for all Hybrid or Fuel Efficient Model Cars or products such as the BluWave Hybrid Systems I described, which addresses our energy and environment needs today…not years from now…but today.
Guyana: My Umbilical Attachment
September 22, 2008
Guyana, the land of many waters, I wonder how many of us have actually swam, traversed or enjoyed those waters. I know I certainly have and continue to do so. There was a time when I had lived most of my life in Guyana, but that time is no more. Now, I have spent most of my life in the United States and many times I get asked why I keep going back to Guyana. My answer is two fold. Yes! I do go for the food, people and culture. But I also go back to indulge in the unspoiled beauty of Guyana. I am an amateur photographer and with my pictures, I try to show people, especially Guyanese, the untainted and sometimes untouched elegance of Guyana. Of course I was there this past August for Carifesta X. I, like many people, did not get tickets for the opening ceremony. Needless to say I was very disappointed, however, I muster up some enthusiasm and tried the other activities that were available. I can describe my experience in one word, AWESOME! I especially loved the Ameridian Village at Sophia. Amerindians from different tribes and villages, all across Guyana brought food, drinks, crafts etc. to display and sell. I sampled some original Amerindian pepperpot, which by the way is white and not that rich brown color we all know so well. I even drank some ‘piwari’ made from cassava and ‘fly’ which is made from red potatoes. When asked if I could take their pictures, the older women from the tribe spoke little or no English but did speak the universal language, a smile.
Along the East Coast of Demerara parts of the seawall were painted white and children were allowed to draw on it. I immensely enjoyed that because not only were the colors vibrant but they were beautifully done. Of course no trip to the seawall or ‘bandstand’ as it is locally call is compete without a serving of fish and chips with a cold drink. On Sunday afternoons the Kitty seawall comes alive with people, music, food and drinks of course. No proper Guyanese ‘lime’ would be complete without those. There was even a huge screen set up with movies showing from a projector. It was an unforgetttable afternoon taking in the cool sea breeze and savoring the sights.
I would encourage anyone to see the majestic Kaieteur, walk the lawns of the Dutch ruins of Fort Zeelandia in Fort Island, journey along the Rupununi river, take in a rodeo at Lethem, watch the full moon rise out of the might Essequibo or experience the countless splendors Guyana has to offer. I guess the legend of the black water is true, once you drink it you always go back, because I have tasted it and I keep going back time and time again.
Michelle Singh
Breaking News: Guyana Fine Man Dead
August 28, 2008
GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has reportedly shot and killed Guyana’s most wanted fugitive Rondell Fineman Rawlins during a shootout on Thursday.
According to unconfirmed reports, Rawlins, along with a gang of men attempted to rob the GDF base at Camp Stephenson on the Linden Soesdyke highway on Thursday morning and was killed during the resulting shooting.
Reportedly killed along with Rawlins was multi-murder accused “Skinny”.
We all know the story of Fine man and his gang when the two massacres occurred in Bartica and Lusignan. I bet Fineman tried to get his hands on some weapons to use at one of the Carifesta venues. Well I am happy he is out for good and Guyanese can feel a bit safer. Who knows what he was planning to do with those weapons. In the end, Guyana Defense Force and the Police Force could not get Fine Man; He had to come to them.
http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/breaknews-10168–13-13—breaknews.html
Andrew
A One Million Dollar Suit! What Nonsense.
August 28, 2008
After reading in www.guyanatimesgy.com that WRHM filed against NCN for airing some of the Olympic Games, I started to laugh and laugh and laugh. It was just the Olympic Games and this is Guyana. This is not the US where any and everyone sue for anything. As many stations that could have carried the game the better it would have been for the people. So who care if NCN did not buy into the contractual agreement? I am sure a lot of kids got to see the games through NCN and were inspired to do bigger and better things. So it is all about money not the people. Well this is one of the reasons why Guyana continues to suffer. The same way some upper Berbicians get television from Suriname, the Surinamese station should sue for that but it would be just silly. In the end does it matter, Carifesta came and is now going and Guyanese all around Guyana turned off their television sets because they were disappointed with the opening ceremony but they tuned in to watch the games so who should pay for that?
Read full article here.
Lara
Wow! What took them so long?
August 25, 2008
All CARIFESTA X venues except the National Stadium now Ticket Free
THE CARIFESTA Secretariat yesterday announced that all CARIFESTA X performance venues except for the National Stadium will not require a ticket.
Persons are, however, advised that entry to events will be on a first come, first served basis.
This decision took effect from yesterday. - Guyana Chronicle
It seems like Guyanese living in Guyana can actually get to see and partake in some of the Carifesta festivities. But the question is how many will? According to our sources living in Guyana, Carifesta flames went up in smoke on Friday night where many across the nation and other parts of the Caribbean switched off their television sets in the midst of the proceedings. Moreover, it seems like the Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News are at odds with each other. Both prints are running opposite stories. Guyana Chronicle staying on the positive side and Stabroek News on the negative side. What’s going on? That’s the question. I’ve watch a few of the videos on YouTube and Stabroek news, and the scenes were as ghetto as ever. If what I saw was not a display of disorganization then, I don’t know what is. But Guyana again is not ready to host any type of regional event at all and I hope other Caribbean nations have noticed the same too. What was Frank Anthony thinking when he thought he support an event of such magnitude? I do hope for the remainder of Carifesta, working Guyanese actually get to attend some of these events because is a time for all Guyanese to enjoy, not the privileged few.
Andrew
Carifesta: If they can’t get Tickets distributed properly, what should we expect for the Event?
August 20, 2008
Free tickets for carifesta became available to the public on Monday 19th August, however as you will read below, a lack of basic organization among the coordinators and distribution sector are causing some hiccups. Our contacts in Guyana called the three numbers posted below to get some information if tickets were still available since tickets will be given on a first come first serve basic. Guess what? They lines are ringing out. Shouldn’t there be someone there at 9:00am in the morning to receive phone calls since Carifesta begins two days from now. Should we expect anything different for any government agency in Guyana? Absolutely not! This is just a common theme that is a part of Guyanese life, where government agencies distribute public access numbers but no one at the end of the line to pick up the phone. Moreover, can’t understand the logic of having three distribution centres in Georgetown and zero in Berbice. Who is catering for the people in the Berbice region? If there is a Berbice location, no one is aware of it, because it is not posted on the Carifesta website. Again, it lack of basic coordination and leadership; that one is for you Minister of Culture Sport and Young People. That’s the Minister with the longest title in the history of public office titles.
Carifesta Organizers, it is time to get you acts together. This is your only chance to showcase Guyana, because the next round is the Bahamas and you know they going to do it right.
The following contact was posted on the Carifesta website for info in obtaining tickets and further below is the snippet for Stabroek News I referenced to above.
Andrew
CONTACT
Carolyn Walcott
Media Coordinator-CARIFESTA Secretariat
91 Middle Street
91 Middle Street
Guyana
Tel :( 592)225-0337; 225-9840, 225-9845
http://www.carifesta.net/
As of yesterday afternoon the Linden Carifesta Secretariat had not received any tickets for the opening and closing events in the city.
Public Relations Officer of the Regional Democratic Council and regional representative at the National Secretariat, Leon Roberts told Stabroek News yesterday that after learning on Monday that tickets will be available, he went to the National Secretariat at Middle Street. He was told after arriving at 2 pm on Monday that tickets will be available for collection at 4 pm. At 4 pm he was referred to an official who is responsible for ticket distribution and identified himself. Roberts said that he was told by the official that she was unaware of any Carifesta committee in Linden. Roberts indicated that he wanted to make clear that the 18-member committee was set up based on a request by Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony.
“We have in our possession no tickets for national events”, he reiterated.
It was noted that four packages were sent to individuals in Linden with tickets. The PRO noted that the Regional Executive Officer (REO) had a package addressed to him; a package was addressed to the Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP); a package was addressed to the Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo and another to Horace James of the Linmine Secretariat and member of the Region’s Carifesta Committee.
He noted that yesterday morning he found out that the Regional Chairman was able to intercept three packages. In terms of tickets for national events, Roberts stated, Mingo’s packet had 10 tickets for the closing and 10 for the opening. The three packages also included over 1000 tickets for the Region 10 Signal event for August 28 that will see participation by international artistes. And Committee Member Neil Fraser who was in the city yesterday was able to secure 500 tickets also for the August 28 event at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC), that has a maximum capacity of 10,000.
Must Read: Some morons on the loose again in Guyana.
August 20, 2008
“Life in Guyana is a two-sided coin
While traveling along the East Bank of Demerara thoroughfare recently, I noticed men at work ‘sweeping’
the parapets in the vicinity of Providence.
Interestingly enough, after they would have heaped their rubbish — which was mostly soil — they proceeded to throw it into the trench which runs parallel to the roadway.
Mind you, this is the same trench — like many others — that hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on to desilt so as to lessen the likelihood of flooding.
Music has been banned from public transportation because, as has been cited by the Minister of Home Affairs, the high decibels impair drivers’ concentration.
This in turn leads to poor judgment and consequent accidents. What about the ‘private’ vehicles? Are these drivers, too, not prone to the same effects loud music has on their ability to concentrate?
Aren’t the music sets in these vehicles as offensive as those in the public transport system, especially when they are belching out lewd tunes?”
Amanda Prescott
As to garbage dumping, I don’t know what to say except some garbage bags might be nice but the government cannot afford it. Man! What the hell are they doing in that country? But this is Guyana, miles behind the competition. The problem with Guyana is that no one cares and why should they. The young are escaping and the old do when the opportunity arises and the government remains because, life is good in them parts. They get to live a quality driven life, traveling the world on the blue color tax dollars and justifying it as government related imitative.
As to the music, there was nothing else to do in the office of the minister one afternoon. So he said, lets see what I can do to make myself an even bigger moron. Maybe, I should make the roadways silent. No wait! Let just make public transportation silent, private vehicles can see the accident coming and avoid it but the operators of public transportation are incapable of doing so. Sometimes, I ask myself how these guys actually get elected into office. It’s the big fish in little pond syndrome, no! Way to go minister, you can add this initiative to your resume as an extra circular initiative for being the executive nimrod.
Andrew
Carifesta X: The Guyanese Government needs to up their game
August 8, 2008
An editorial posted on www.stabroeknews.com by Wesley Kirton notes that the press releases for Carifesta X posted on the Carifesta website are poorly written a consists of a plethora of grammatical errors. I agree. The point of Wesley’s note was that this substandard display of public relations material only serves to negatively impact the community that is the recipient of the information. The simple message it sends is that our English is off and we don’t care and that might have been ok of we were located in Russia or China. But that not the case. Secondly, display of pubic information creates a permanent image in the mind of an outsider looking who is trying while we are trying to create a global image and atmosphere in Guyana. Read more
My response to: Corbin motion seeks recognition of Burnham’s ‘outstanding career’
August 6, 2008
I was very young when Burnham passed way, well below the age of 6 years old. We lived in Berbice and my father attended his funeral since he was working as civil servant in Guyana under the Burnham regime. But when Burnham was alive and in power, Guyana if I can remember clearly evolved into a desolate state in regards to daily living conditions. I remember, standing in line at the local co-op shop for rice, wheat, and kerosene. My mother always noted during these times that it was not always like this; it was better years before. As a school teacher she made a decent salary and together with that of my fathers’ they up kept a semi middle class home for our family. Yet they found it difficult to save and enjoy some of the finer things like car or entertainment or pleasurable foods. Read more
Press on Living Guyana Blogspot!
July 10, 2008
The team at Baiganchoka.com was pleased to see that livingguyana.blogspot.com was back up and running after a couple of monkeys hacked into the site that is being operated by Guyana Media Critic intending on erasing all content and ultimately destroying the platform. Fortunately, that did not happen. What happened to Living Guyana should be an example of how important it is for Guyanese speaking on Guyana to continue speaking out on subjects that affect the lives of so many at home and throughout the Diaspora. At baiganchoka.com, we believe that freedom of speech should not be granted because it was already given. No man has the right to censor that which is given. Continue the work Living Guyana! Read more
Guyana to Host Carifesta X 2008: What are the implications of such an undertaking?
April 27, 2008
Guyana has confirmed hosting of the 2008 Carifesta celebrations after Bahamas declined the initial offering. According to the Guyana Chronicle, Bharrat Jagdeo duly noted that Guyana is ready - ready to stage “the finest showcase of Caribbean talent. ” But is that the actual case? Minister of Culture, Frank Anthony noted for all to “Come to Carifesta; we are ready to host you; are you ready to come?” The President explained that the government is sparing “no effort” to make the event a success, and pledged a “safe and secure” Guyana in extending an invitation to overseas participants and visitors. Read more