A seven-man team from the London Metropolitan Police Service which arrived in Guyana on July 2 is wrapping up a three-week training of trainers programme for ranks of the Guyana Police Force, Tactical Services Unit (TSU). This is part of the support from the United Kingdom (UK) for Guyana’s Security Sector Reform (SSR) Action Plan. Read the full story

Government has made good its commitment to boost the competitiveness of the local rice industry as a $50M seed paddy plant was today commissioned in Black Bush Polder, a main rice growing area in Region Six .
The facility at Lesbeholden, was constructed under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/ CARIFORUM/CARICOM Food Security Project and was financed by the Governments of Italy and Guyana. Read the full story

The travelling public has been complaining over the recent significant increase in airline fare and the concomitant impact it is having on them, leading to Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad  convening a meeting with stakeholders of the airline industry to discuss this and other issues. “Our meeting here is to address the issues of not only high fares but people taking advantage of the situation…because of the complaints we have been getting. Read the full story

The artistic skills of several Guyanese youths were showcased today at Umana Yana during the conclusion of the child art competition for the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X.
The competition is spearheaded by the Visual Arts committee of the CARIFESTA Secretariat which is also responsible for several art projects in the lead up and during the grand festival in Guyana.
Present at the exhibition were Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Johannes Wedenig, representatives of the Visual Arts Committee and participants of the competition. Read the full story

Addressing the 6th United Kingdom/Caribbean forum in London during its second day, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues said it is no secret that the Government of Guyana is deeply troubled about the many aspects of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) initiated by representatives of the European Union and Cariforum countries.
She noted that sister-Governments in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have been asked to delay any formal signing of the agreement until ‘we have had the opportunity to consult with stakeholders’. Read the full story

Access to the majestic Kaieteur Falls has once again become easier for resident Guyanese with the launch of the ‘Kaieteur domestic special’ that costs $26,000.
The first scheduled flight under this package to the world’s largest single drop water falls measuring 741 feet will take place on July 19. The flight will depart from Ogle aerodrome Read the full story

United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s Caribbean Office is considering a proposal forwarded by the Government of Guyana to assist with its prison reform programme.
Addressing the media after a meeting at the Home Affairs Ministry today, United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Read the full story

The Guyana Police Force today at its 169th anniversary award ceremony paid out over $8M to 1,243 recipients as incentive for their performance over the last 12 months.
The ceremony which was held at the Police Headquarters was addressed by acting Police Commissioner Henry Greene who called on citizens to support the work of the police.
He told the gathering that the police cannot provide adequate service to communities without their involvement. He said that the Force was able to ensure the safety of citizens and visitors Read the full story

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has been working to improve institutional strengthening of municipalities which will enable workers to better interface with citizens in their respective areas.
Today the Ministry’s municipal division held a training session to equip Municipal Officers with the technical knowledge and skills to effectively deliver their mandate.  The municipal strengthening programme will cater for the intensification of project preparation, evaluation, supervision and maintenance.
Representatives from the Anna Regina, Corriverton, Linden, New Amsterdam and Rosehall Town Councils were present at the session held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, Georgetown.
Apart from the municipal strengthening programme, the Ministry is also engaged in the restructuring and capacity building of towns. Delivering the feature address, Minister of Local Government Kellawan Lall noted that there are many challenges facing the sector, which he said can be avoided if there are more collaborative efforts and attitudinal changes.
In this regard, he urged all Town Councils to do their best to ensure citizens receive better service and that projects meet the required standards.
Of major importance is the monitoring of projects, systems and staff, he pointed out, noting that this should be done more constantly. He urged Town Councils to be on ground and to be up-to-date with what is happening in their respective municipalities.
Alluding to some defects in the system, Minister Lall said the Ministry is working to rectify them and asked that the Town Council officials follow the laws under which they operate.
Minster Lall urged the officials to examine their structure, noting the by next year the Ministry will be restructured to deal with problems. “Times have changed and we have to change our roles to deal with the challenges.”  Government over the years has invested and continues to invest significantly in the sector to ensure that persons receive a high level of service.
Meanwhile computerizing of the systems and creating a municipal network are ongoing as the Ministry moves to modernize its services.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, and officials of his Ministry  along with Regional representatives yesterday met with farmers and residents at Diamond Community Centre, East Bank Demerara to encourage their participation in the grow more campaign and  to address residents’ concerns.
Minister Robert Persaud urged the residents to fully utilize the land space they have available by planting kitchen gardens that will help supplement their incomes. Read the full story