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  • Guyana calls for democratic change, economic freedom in Cuba 

    Guyana calls for democratic change, economic freedom in Cuba 

    – urges diplomatic dialogue to unlock opportunities for Cuban people

     The Guyanese Government stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba, stating that it welcomes a sustainable solution to the economic and humanitarian challenges that the country faces.
    This was the message conveyed in a statement from the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry on Friday.
    According to the letter, a resolution to the current situation must be based on the will of the Cuban people and founded on universal values, the rule of law, humanitarian law, transparency, and good governance.
    “We encourage diplomatic dialogue that would promote stability and lead to the prosperity of the Cuban people and the creation of opportunities that optimise the full potential of the Cuban people in an economic environment that guarantees their freedom,” the document detailed.
    This statement comes on the heels of a recent report by the New York Times on the migration of Cuban nationals to Guyana in search of betterment, fleeing economic and social hardships in their home country.
    It also follows heightened pressure on Cuba’s communist regime by the United States. In a move described as a response to fears of a possible US invasion, Cuba has rolled out plans for widespread economic reforms, targeting opportunities for private enterprises and attracting foreign investments.
    However, Guyana’s statement was also welcomed by the Latin America Guyana Chamber of Commerce (LAGCC), which sounded calls for a peaceful, sustainable, and people-centred resolution to the economic and humanitarian challenges facing Cuba.
    The Chamber, which promotes trade, investment, and commercial cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, believes that long-term prosperity is based on economic openness, regional integration, entrepreneurship, and an environment that fosters private enterprise.
    According to the private sector body, economic liberalisation, when coupled with the rule of law, transparency, good governance, and strong institutions, has invariably shown its ability to attract investment, spur innovation, expand productive sectors, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of citizens.
    It further added that increased economic openness has allowed Latin American countries to enhance their competitiveness and diversify their economies, deepening their integration into regional and world markets.
    “The Chamber believes that the Cuban people have great talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Expanding economic opportunity through market-orientated reforms, increased commercial engagement, and greater participation in international trade can unlock that potential and foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” the Chamber stated in Friday’s missive.
    It further shared the Guyanese Government’s emphasis on dialogue, universal values, and the hopes of the Cuban people, adding that constructive engagement and peaceful cooperation are the best ways to achieve sustainable economic development and regional stability.
    To this end, the Chamber declared its support for ongoing efforts that promote economic liberalisation and private sector development; the creation of new businesses, entrepreneurship, and innovation; trade, investment, and commercial integration in the region; transparent, predictable, and rule-based economic institutions; and a growing economy that delivers opportunities and prosperity for all in a sustainable way.
    “The Chamber is committed to strengthening commercial ties across the Americas and believes that increased economic cooperation, open markets, and deeper regional integration will continue to be powerful drivers of prosperity, resilience, and shared development throughout the hemisphere,” the missive detailed.
    Only recently, President Dr Irfaan Ali urged the Guyanese private sector to prepare themselves to tap into possible opportunities with the opening of markets in Cuba.
    Back in March, on the side-lines of the Shield of the Americas Summit in Miami, Florida, the Guyanese leader stated that the time has come for the status quo in Cuba to change in order to improve the lives of the people there and ensure they enjoy prosperity and democracy in the Caribbean island nation.
    “We agree that there must be an attempt to change the status quo, and we all are aware that it will take time. It has to be incremental… There must be dialogue, but those changes must lead to the improvement of the people of Cuba, must lead to better conditions for the people of Cuba, and must lead to a society in which the rule of law, democracy, and freedom are celebrated.” President Ali told Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie on the side-lines of the summit.

    The post Guyana calls for democratic change, economic freedom in Cuba  appeared first on Guyana Times.

  • Observing…US at 250

    Observing…US at 250

    Well, there it was… Pressie turned up with his entire Cabinet at the US 250th Independence Anniversary bash at the new Four Points Sheraton off the Heroes Highway!! That’s near where Rubio had complained he’d gotten “concussions” from its Chinese shoddy workmanship!! From what your Eyewitness saw in the pics of the celebration, there wasn’t any (visible!) evidence of any guest being concussed to get there – so he figured the bumps must’ve since been straightened out!! But from the glasses of vino consumed in the customary clinking of glasses at these affairs, he wouldn’t swear the guests mightn’t have ended the night confabulated – if not concussed!!
    Your Eyewitness – having just joined in our 60th anniversary bash – had to marvel at the 90-year head start the Yanks have on us in running their affairs!! Compared to them, we’re just a babe in swaddling clothes!! Hopefully that might excuse any missteps committed. In their 250 years the Yanks haven’t done too badly after kicking out Britain’s mad King George III, have they?!! Expanded domestically to span the entire lower half of the North American continent – and internationally, replaced Britain as the dominant power across the globe!!
    It wasn’t too long after they’d declared independence from the Brits – 36 years as a matter of fact – that they declared war against them in 1812!! By 1823 they were confident enough to announce their “Monroe Doctrine” – warning Britain and all the other European nations with their “empires” to keep their grubby (and bloody) paws off the Western hemisphere!! By the end of the century, Venezuela invoked that doctrine to ask the US to bring Britain to the table to settle our western borders. The result was the 1899 Arbitral Award that gave us the “full and final” award that Venezuela’s now challenging!!
    Well, Pressie took the opportunity to remind the Yanks that we’re a strategic ally of theirs and cited our role as a founding member of the “Shield of the Americas” as part of our commitment. His concluding statement invoked our wish to follow their development rise: “Our vision for the future is one in which the United States acts as a reliable partner who respects the distinct path that each sovereign nation must walk, and we have found that reliability, we have found that trust, and we have found that partnership.”
    Pressie understands, of course, that the US has its own strategic interests – and will always act to further those interests. As such, he’s pragmatically accepting those interests while encouraging them to allow us a measure of flexibility to further OUR interests that might necessitate some necessary divergence!
    Your Eyewitness joins with the rest of his compatriots in wishing the US a happy 250th anniversary!!

    …Climate Change
    They say, “who don’t hear gonna have to feel” before they learn some lessons!! For decades, the scientific community’s been warning – like Jeremiahs – about global warming being nigh upon us because we’re spewing all that carbon dioxide into the air that then causes temperatures to rise: global warming!! But there arose a movement in the US that dubbed such folks as so many wacko Chicken Littles simply creating unnecessary hysteria!!
    As such, the advice to reduce carbon emissions – especially from fossil fuels like coal and heavy oils – was summarily rejected!! Well, in addition to Europe having a heatwave that’s caused mass rioting over getting air conditioners, the US is now enjoying theirs. At Thursday midnight, the temp in NYC was 94+ and electricity was turned off in several neighbourhoods because the demand was too high!!
    Their Washington National Mall Saturday’s “Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks” event might have to be cancelled since temperatures gonna reach 107 degrees!!
    So, is climate change now gonna be accepted?

    …National Mausoleum
    Your Eyewitness saw a complaint about rabid stray dogs attacking persons at Burnham’s mausoleum. Well, once asked to make a call against violence, Burnham replied, “Only those who own the dog can call off the dog!”

    The post Observing…US at 250 appeared first on Guyana Times.

  • Singh urges Guyana Under-19 squad to stay focused ahead of regional championship

    Singh urges Guyana Under-19 squad to stay focused ahead of regional championship

    Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh has urged the Guyana Under-19 squad to remain focused and disciplined as they prepare for the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-19 Championship.
    Singh met with the squad on Sunday during their encampment, where he encouraged the players ahead of the regional tournament. The team is scheduled to depart Guyana on July 9.
    During the visit, Singh interacted with the players and members of the management team. He commended the commitment shown by the squad during the preparation period and reminded the young cricketers of the honour and responsibility that comes with representing Guyana.

    GCB President Bissoondyal Singh interacted with the Guyana U19 players and members of the management team ahead of their departure

    “It is always a proud moment to see young cricketers earning the opportunity to represent Guyana. You have worked hard to reach this stage, and I encourage each of you to remain committed to the process, play for one another and give your very best every time you step onto the field,” Singh said.
    The GCB President also told the players to embrace the experience, noting that the championship provides an important platform for them to showcase their ability while continuing their development in the sport.
    “Represent your country with pride, respect the game and enjoy the experience. The Guyana Cricket Board has every confidence in this team, and we wish you every success at the championship,” Singh added.
    Singh closed by wishing the squad a safe journey and a successful campaign as they prepare to compete for regional honours.

    The post Singh urges Guyana Under-19 squad to stay focused ahead of regional championship appeared first on Guyana Times.

  • Senior citizens to start receiving $20K travel allowance on July 8

    Senior citizens to start receiving $20K travel allowance on July 8

    Senior citizens across Guyana will start receiving the promised $20,000 travel allowance from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud announced on Friday. Over 90,000 senior citizens across Guyana are expected to benefit from this first-time annual transportation grant, representing an additional $1.9 billion in direct support for persons aged 65 and over.
    The travel allowance forms part of the Government’s continued commitment to improving the quality of life for senior citizens. Combined with the Old Age Pension, which was increased to $46,000 per month in January 2026, the Government will provide more than $54 billion annually in financial support to pensioners nationwide. Senior citizens who receive their old age pension through banks or MMG will have the $20,000 travel allowance deposited directly into their accounts before the end of July 2026, eliminating the need to visit a distribution centre.

    Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud

    Meanwhile, pensioners who collect their benefits using the Old Age Pension Book are required to take their 2026 booklet to the nearest Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Probation and Social Services Office to have a $20,000 value stamp affixed to the first of the two additional pages located at the back of the book, which is marked “for official use”. The stamped voucher can then be cashed at any post office or other alternate payment venue, such as SurePay, MoneyGram, Bill Express or Western Union.
    Minister Persaud stated, “This annual transportation grant is provided for the first time to pensioners. This $20,000 is here to ensure that you can travel with peace of mind. It is here to erase the worry of the journey and to keep you connected to the people and places you love and need to visit.” She further added, “We see you, and we will always smooth the path before you. Thank you for your lifetime of service. You will always be at the very heart of everything we do. Your Government continues to deliver on our commitment to you to continuously improve your quality of life.” Pensioners can access the travel allowance starting July 8 until the end of October 2026.
    The senior citizens’ travel allowance was among the measures announced by the PPP/C Government during the presentation of Budget 2026 by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening social protection and providing meaningful financial assistance to Guyana’s senior citizens.

    The post Senior citizens to start receiving $20K travel allowance on July 8 appeared first on Guyana Times.

  • “Airstrips are not luxuries; they are lifelines” – Pres Ali

    “Airstrips are not luxuries; they are lifelines” – Pres Ali

    – as $220M+ Anna Regina/Mainstay Airstrip commissioned

    President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering

    The newly upgraded $220 million Anna Regina/Mainstay Airstrip was commissioned on Friday to improve connectivity, strengthen tourism, expand agricultural opportunities, and drive economic growth across Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
    The project was undertaken by several contractors, including Builders Hardware General Supplies and Construction, and ICAN Engineering and Construction, and forms part of a strategic component of Guyana’s expanding aviation sector.
    At the commissioning ceremony on Friday, President Dr Irfaan Ali, who delivered the feature address, said the commissioning of the airstrip represents far more than the opening of a new aviation facility.
    “This ceremony goes beyond this airstrip. It extends further than the length and width of the runway. Building an airstrip is about connection, inclusion, and One Guyana in action,” the President declared.
    He explained that infrastructure remains central to the Government’s vision of ensuring that no community is left behind, noting that roads, bridges, ports, broadband connectivity, and airstrips all play vital roles in creating equal opportunities and narrowing economic disparities.
    “In a country like Guyana, airstrips are not luxuries; they are lifelines. They reduce travel time and improve access to healthcare, education, business, and emergency services while unlocking opportunities for investment and development.”

    President Dr Irfaan Ali is flanked by Cabinet members and other officials at the commissioning ceremony

    However, the Head of State spoke of the unprecedented level of investment made in Region Two over the past five years, stating that it exceeds the combined investments made throughout the region’s previous history.
    These investments, he noted, have transformed communities through improved education, healthcare, agriculture, and public infrastructure.
    Reflecting on his visits to communities across the Pomeroon earlier in the day, President Ali spoke of what he described as an “extraordinary story of human transformation”.
    He noted that communities that once struggled to access basic services are now producing trained teachers, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs, while young people aspire to pursue university degrees and professional careers.
    President Ali emphasised that improved infrastructure, including upgraded airstrips, now allows faster emergency medical evacuations and disaster responses, potentially saving lives.
    However, Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar recalled visiting the community in 2025 when residents raised concerns about deteriorating roads, bridges, and the condition of the airstrip. He said the commissioning demonstrates that the Government listens to communities and acts on their concerns.
    According to Indar, the administration continues to prioritise community-driven development, ensuring that requests made by residents are assessed and translated into tangible projects.
    In addition, the Toshao of Mainstay/Whyaka Village, Marsha Williams, expressed gratitude to the Government for investing in infrastructure that will directly benefit residents.
    She said the upgraded airstrip will strengthen tourism by making the community more accessible to visitors seeking its renowned Blackwater Lake, beaches, nature trails, cabins, and cultural attractions.
    Additionally, Williams noted that improved transportation will support farmers by creating greater opportunities for trade, investment, and the movement of agricultural produce while generating employment for local businesses, accommodation providers, craft producers, and entrepreneurs.
    Meanwhile, the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Mandalall Ramraj, described the project as another example of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches every community.
    He highlighted billions of dollars invested across Region Two in agriculture, drainage and irrigation, healthcare, education, and public services, saying residents are already experiencing the benefits through increased agricultural production, improved hospitals, upgraded schools, and expanded Government services.
    The Anna Regina/Mainstay Airstrip forms part of the Government’s wider national infrastructure programme aimed at improving transportation, strengthening regional connectivity, and creating new economic opportunities throughout Guyana.
    The massive investment is expected to enhance tourism, support agriculture, improve emergency response capabilities, and contribute to the long-term development of Mainstay, Region Two, and surrounding communities.

    The post “Airstrips are not luxuries; they are lifelines” – Pres Ali appeared first on Guyana Times.

  • The Mohameds need to stop blaming the Government & accept responsibility

    The Mohameds need to stop blaming the Government & accept responsibility

    Dear Editor,
    After having my usual morning prayers, seeking the Lord’s protection from being confronted by stupidity in any form, I came across a video by the sanctioned opposition leader Mr Azruddin Mohamed claiming victory in the duty-free vehicle matter and once again attempting to place the blame on President Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Government.
    That unorthodox and laughable video, in my view, lacks substance and seeks to mislead the public.
    Mr Mohamed claimed that President Ali knew about the importation of the vehicles before they were shipped and even referred to a so-called “conversation” as evidence. However, what was presented failed to substantiate such a serious allegation. Making accusations without credible evidence does little to strengthen one’s case.
    What is particularly disturbing is the continued effort to portray the Government as the cause of circumstances that, according to public reports and official statements, allegedly arose from Mr Mohamed’s own actions.
    It was not President Ali or the PPP/C Government that imposed international sanctions. It was not the Government that allegedly failed to pay billions of dollars in taxes or became the subject of allegations relating to gold smuggling and money laundering. Those matters have been publicly associated with Mr Mohamed and are being addressed through the relevant legal and regulatory processes.
    In any democratic society governed by the rule of law, public officials have a constitutional obligation to uphold the laws of the country regardless of personal relationships. It would have been inappropriate for any president to place friendship above the responsibilities of public office.
    Political disagreements are part of democracy, but accountability should not be dismissed by shifting blame onto others. If there are genuine legal grievances, the courts remain the proper place to address them. If Mr Mohamed is innocent, as he’s claiming, then he should jump on a plane and head straight to Miami to answer his cases because public opinion should not be influenced by emotional narratives unsupported by evidence.
    It is time for the politics of blame to end and for all citizens, regardless of status or influence, to respect the institutions that safeguard the rule of law.

    Yours faithfully,
    Quincy Anderson

    The post The Mohameds need to stop blaming the Government & accept responsibility appeared first on Guyana Times.

  • GPL, UAE’s GSU ink strategic MoU to modernise Guyana’s electricity sector

    GPL, UAE’s GSU ink strategic MoU to modernise Guyana’s electricity sector

    In a move to strengthen and transform Guyana’s electricity sector, the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) and Global South Utilities Power Enterprises Investment LLC (GSU) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday inked a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The GSU engaged in talks with stakeholders from the private and public sectors before signing the MoU with GPL.
    The agreement was signed by Head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GSU, Ali Abdulla Ali Mohammed Alshimmari, establishing a framework for cooperation in three priority areas: power generation, renewable energy and smart electricity infrastructure.
    The partnership aligns with GPL’s ambitious development plan, which aims to modernise Guyana’s electricity network, improve service reliability and resilience, increase generation capacity and integrate innovative technologies to meet the country’s rapidly growing energy demand. Speaking following the signing, Nandlall described the agreement as an important milestone in GPL’s continued transformation.

    Head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall, and Chief Executive Officer of Global South Utilities, Ali Abdulla Ali Mohammed Alshimmari, after the signing of the MoU

    “This Memorandum of Understanding represents another significant step in GPL’s journey to build a modern, resilient and sustainable electricity sector for Guyana. This partnership with Global South Utilities creates opportunities to leverage international expertise, innovative technologies and strategic investments that will help accelerate the delivery of our development plan and ultimately provide a more reliable and efficient electricity service for the people of Guyana,” Nandlall said.
    In addition, CEO of GSU, Ali Abdulla Ali Mohammed Alshimmari, welcomed the partnership, noting that the company is eager to contribute its international expertise to Guyana’s expanding energy sector. Under the MoU, GPL and GSU will collaborate on identifying, evaluating and developing projects within the power and energy sector. The agreement also provides for joint feasibility studies and the exploration of financing, technical cooperation and implementation strategies for future projects, with individual initiatives to be governed by separate definitive agreements.

    Stakeholder and other officials at the signing ceremony

    GSU brings extensive international experience in the development, financing and operation of power and energy infrastructure projects, particularly in emerging markets. Through this collaboration, GPL expects to benefit from global best practices and advanced technologies that will support the modernisation of Guyana’s electricity network.
    The partnership is expected to play a key role in advancing renewable energy integration, strengthening generation capacity and introducing smart electricity infrastructure that enhances operational efficiency, improves system reliability and better serves customers across Guyana. As GPL continues to execute its development plan, the company remains committed to forging strategic partnerships that will accelerate infrastructure development and ensure the delivery of a reliable, resilient and sustainable electricity supply to support Guyana’s continued economic growth.

    The post GPL, UAE’s GSU ink strategic MoU to modernise Guyana’s electricity sector appeared first on Guyana Times.

  • Making the most of the school break

    Making the most of the school break

    Now that another school year has ended, our children will be proceeding on an extended holiday break for approximately two months. This is quite a lot of time they will have at their disposal, and it would benefit them if they are encouraged to utilise it in a constructive fashion. Certainly, parents have a critical role to play in ensuring this happens.
    Some students who have not done well during the past year, or perhaps those who encounter difficulties in certain key areas in any subject, could use the time to do remedial academic work to catch up with the rest of their colleagues.
    Also, some children usually go off on “summer” camps hosted by religious/youth groups or other organisations, including Government-sponsored programmes. This is another effective way in which our children could spend their time wisely, as they would be given an opportunity to interact with their peers and engage in extracurricular activities that would help them become better-rounded individuals.
    The bottom line is that it is necessary for them to be meaningfully engaged, as it is well known that those who have achieved success in life or have gone on to do great things are the ones who have utilised their time wisely.
    It is a known fact that many of our young people are falling prey to the use and trafficking of illicit drugs and engaging in criminal activities, completely destroying their lives and a great future they could have had if better choices were made and the necessary support systems were put in place to ensure their proper upbringing.
    Every effort must, therefore, be made to ensure this segment of our population reforms itself and leads more productive and rewarding lives.
    To begin with, institutions such as the family and religious groups need to take their roles more seriously, as they did before.
    Historically, the older generation managed to transmit their beliefs, values, traditions, customs, and institutions to the younger members of their societies and contributed in some way to their disciplined upbringing.
    This was achieved largely due to the impact of agencies of socialisation, such as the family, religious organisations, and schools to a large extent. Today, the impact of these institutions has been challenged and undermined by new forces, particularly television, the internet, and pop culture as a whole.
    We believe that if our adolescents are to move from less mature and irresponsible ways of thinking and acting to making more mature and responsible judgements and engaging in activities that are the hallmark of a socially productive adulthood, certain support systems must be provided.
    In addition to the various interventions the Government should make, numerous organisations, including the private sector, could rise to the occasion and contribute more towards saving our youth population. They need to come on board and sponsor programmes that would see our children and young people become well equipped with the necessary skills to develop themselves and society as a whole.
    Coordinating and sponsoring such programmes during the “summer” break, when children are away from school for a long period, is a good way to start.
    These programmes should include assessment and identification of ways to build competency and skills supportive of healthy behaviours to help individuals as they mature into adulthood. Such programmes need to be engaging and interesting in order to attract youths, and they should have elements of excitement and challenge to retain participants’ interest.
    Successful programmes typically incorporate specific components, such as providing a sense of belonging, promoting supportive relationships with adults, and affording opportunities to enhance decision-making and leadership skills.
    Furthermore, sports could also play a very important role in bringing the youth population back on track so that they could interact with their peers and elders in a more meaningful and dignified manner.

    The post Making the most of the school break appeared first on Guyana Times.

  • Critique of the Wismar Massacre book must be premised on reading it

    Critique of the Wismar Massacre book must be premised on reading it

    Dear Editor,
    Aubrey Norton’s attempted to dissect a book by reading its cover, and a number of other individuals have come forward to provide their own “reviews” of Dr Baytoram Ramharack’s “The Wismar Massacre”.
    Their general arguments are that the book’s title is inaccurate, as the event at Wismar cannot be termed a “massacre”; that the book should have touched on the broader historical context in which the incident was situated; and that there is quite a bit of whataboutism: “What about this, that, and the other?”
    Surprisingly, many Guyanese continue to post biased comments on social media without even reading the book. Added to this is the multitude of individuals who promote a false equivalence between the Wismar massacre and the tragic explosion on the Sun Chapman. No conclusive evidence exists to suggest that the Sun Chapman explosion was caused by human sabotage, an issue addressed in detail by the author.
    The fact is that all those who vented on the basis of a mythical cognition of the term “massacre” seek to connote numbers in the hundreds and beyond. But five people were killed in the Boston Massacre of 1770, five in the Greensboro Massacre of 1989, and seven in the St Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929, among other incidents documented as massacres.
    How would these critics describe the Lusignan Massacre by the Fineman Gang from Buxton, which shot nine innocent victims in the early hours of January 26, 2008, including five sleeping children? Such events certainly comprise violence, injuries, terror, murders, rapes, arson, displacement, asymmetrical power, defenceless victims, intentionality & cruelty, and the indiscriminate targeting of Indo-Guyanese. Remember also that Forbes Burnham, speaking in the Legislative Assembly on June 3, 1964, referred to the ethnically motivated violence against Indo-Guyanese in the Wismar-Christianburg area, explicitly describing it as a “massacre”.
    In effect, the issue of terminology is not only a Don Quixotic wail, but one engendered by ethnic reaction and nothing else. Besides, contrary to numerous assumptions made, Dr Ramharack’s book definitely does not negate any desire to label any other incident of that period if such incidents meet the valid and objective criteria that characterise the Wismar Massacre – the tragic event.
    The references to and suggestions about the larger historical context are not only invalid but also serve as a deflection in relation to Dr Ramharack’s book. His book has a specific focus for which the author conducted extensive, painstaking research over two decades, including interviews with numerous people who had direct or anecdotal experiences to share. And the book was peer-reviewed by a committee of experts. The fact is that anyone who desires a book on the broader historical context can make that their specific goal. That was what Dr Ramharack did – he set a goal that was desired, and he achieved it with brilliance.
    Whataboutism is used to shift focus, undermine whatever is under discussion (in this case, the book), and create false equivalences. It serves to reduce the brilliance and profundity of Dr Ramharack’s efforts and the resulting output – his book, “The Wismar Massacre”. And, of course, it reflects the relative ignorance about and inability to discuss, argue, or critique the book, its contents, and the incident itself. More critically, it seeks to deny Indo-Caribbeans the right to accurately document, present, and share their own narrative while claiming historical ownership of it.
    It is also interesting to reflect on the fact that Austin’s Bookshop in Guyana refused to carry Dr Ramharack’s book. This response was the result of an ethnic reaction to the book. The History Department at the University of Guyana did not follow through with a request for an on-campus discussion with students on the subject, and a discussion planned with Dr Baytoram by a group in England was subsequently cancelled after an initial agreement.
    These efforts are tied to an ongoing silence of the voices of the Wismar refugees and a denial of their experiences, which have been documented by an official Commission of Inquiry report and the eyewitness accounts of the series of events associated with the Wismar Massacre. The book is best critiqued by a reading of it.

    Yours sincerely,
    Victor Punt
    Dr Vishnu Bisram
    Doolcharran
    Hanomansingh
    Vassan Ramracha

    The post Critique of the Wismar Massacre book must be premised on reading it appeared first on Guyana Times.

  • Woman, 93, perishes as fire destroys Castillo Housing Scheme home

    Woman, 93, perishes as fire destroys Castillo Housing Scheme home

    The charred remains of 93-year-old Rosa Singh were discovered among the debris of her gutted Castillo Housing Scheme, Georgetown home, on Friday. Reports are that the nonagenarian was at home alone when a fire of unknown origin broke out in the building.
    As the fire was detected, residents contacted the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), and within minutes, firefighters arrived at the scene where they observed the two-storey wooden building fully engulfed in flames.

    The interior of the house under water

    As such, ranks from the Central Fire Station immediately went into action, and they were able to contain and extinguish the blaze. However, it was during the operation that they were made aware that the elderly woman was unaccounted for.
    Following the successful suppression of the fire, firefighters conducted a thorough search of the premises and discovered the woman’s charred remains.

    The house in flames

    At the scene, family members were too distraught to speak as they broke down in tears. The now-deceased woman was occupying the home with her son, who was also not home at the time of the blaze.
    The upper flat of the house was completely destroyed while the lower flat was flooded due to the firefighting operation. News of the woman’s death quickly spread through the community, leaving relatives and residents in a state of shock.
    Rosa Singh was just weeks away from celebrating her 94th birthday – a milestone that will now be marred by grief and sorrow. The GFS has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the inferno.
    Meanwhile, it extends its condolences to the grieving family at this difficult time.

    The post Woman, 93, perishes as fire destroys Castillo Housing Scheme home appeared first on Guyana Times.

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