Guyana News

Sir Shridath Ramphal with support from several international lawyers, this morning argued before the World Court that it has the jurisdiction to decide that the Paris Award which settled the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela is binding.

President David Granger last evening endorsed a controversial report by Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield which invalidated the votes of 25% of Guyanese electors.

Foreign Secretary Carl Greenidge has cautioned against the recent invocations of sovereignty by some, including senior government officials, who have sought to reject concerns voiced by the international community and CARICOM over the still to be settled March 2 elections.

For three hours this morning, a legal team from Guyana will attempt to convince the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that it has the jurisdiction to decide that the 1899 Arbitral Award between Guyana and Venezuela is binding.

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases continue to increase even as the construction of the country’s Infec-tious Diseases Hospital nears completion.

A senior Canadian government official last evening expressed grave concern at the length of time being taken to declare a final election result in Guyana.

A newly purchased vehicle belonging to television reporter Travis Chase was destroyed in a fire that was deliberately set in the early hours of yesterday morning.

As Region One (Barima-Waini) becomes the epicentre of the Novel Coronavirus in Guyana with over 60 active cases, officials believe that a national intervention may be needed to have a total lockdown of the region.

Former murder accused Marcus Bisram has undertaken not to leave Guyana pending the appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, of the judgment granting him his freedom.

Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh will not be actively participating in the appeal case currently before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Guyana is participating in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Solidarity” clinical trial with several treatments being used to treat COVID-19 patients in the country.

The Ministry of Education has decided that while the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) will go ahead as planned, the two Grade Six pupils who recently tested positive for COVID-19 will be placed at schools within Region Nine.

The Ministry of Finance in its effort to safeguard its staff and the public against the spread of COVID-19,  is advising government pensioners that it has placed a further three-month moratorium on the submission and updating of life certificates In a release yesterday, the ministry said that submissions and updating of life certificates will therefore resume on September 1, 2020.

A Clifton Settlement, Corentyne poultry farmer was yesterday charged with being in possession of a firearm, ammunition and spent shells.

Seventeen cancer patients have been able to access treatment here through a $2.2M grant from GTT’s Pinktober Funds.

Lolita Callendar, also known as ‘Lola Doll,’ who was found guilty of assaulting fellow make-up artist Onika Pompey, has completed payments for the damage she caused.

President David Granger has approved the appointment of Colonel Godfrey Bess to perform the functions of Chief of Staff as Brigadier Patrick West proceeds on pre-retirement leave, the Ministry of the Presidency has announced.

A building being used by the Department of Health, Region One at Mabaruma was destroyed by fire  this morning, according to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle.

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) today called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to fulfill its constitutionally mandated duty and declare the winner of the 2020 election as soon as the Caribbean Court of Justice has made its ruling on a case to be heard on Wednesday.

UN Resident Coordinator here,  Mikiko Tanaka said recently a credible end to the elections here is urgent for an elected government and parliament to cater for the needs of the people.