GINA | GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY

297 gradate with PYARG silver and bronze medals

Labour sensitization workshop goes to Linden

Movement and Commerce targeted as Guyana/Suriname relations strengthen

The Government Information Agency was recently in Parimaribo, Suriname as part of a delegation to attend a symposium for Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, on the Caribbean Court of Justice. A courtesy call was paid on Guyana’s Ambassador to the Dutch-speaking Caricom member state. He spoke with the Guyana delegation to the symposium on some issues of importance between Guyana and Suriname.
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Government committed to establishing Protected Areas-PM
Shell Beach workshop underway to foster public awareness

Manawarin Village Council dissolved
- Interim committee elected

"Police would have to become involved'- says Minister Rodrigues

Residents of Santa Rosa celebrate "All Souls Day"

On November 2, residents of Santa Rosa observed "All Souls Day" in which their departed loved ones are remembered.
The Catholic dominated community celebrates the event annually, when candles are lit on crosses and tombs. The event commenced with a Church service in which the priest blessed all the tombs.
Then at 6 pm persons were in procession towards the graves located at various areas close to the Church.
"It is a tradition that every year my mother would go to place candles on my father's gravesite," said 21-year-old Shonette Rodrigues.
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Upcoming events for Tourism Awareness Month

Price for US dollar up slightly

The exchange rate of the US dollar has risen slightly over the last two weeks. The rate at private Cambios now stand at an average G$196 to US$1 buying, whilst the selling rates have for the first time, touched the G$200 margin.At 2:00pm today, the Government Information Agency called a number of privately owned Cambios, and their rates
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Repairs begin at All Saints Primary

297 gradate with PYARG silver and bronze medals

Georgetown, GINA, November 3, 2003

On the observance of its 5th anniversary, 297 youths from the President's Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) Programme were honoured at a graduation ceremony at the National Cultural Centre last Saturday.
They received their silver and bronze awards. His Royal Highness, Prime Edwards Earl of Wesses and President Jagdeo handed out the gold awards on October 22 last.
The PYARG, an international award programme was developed by the Duke of Edinburg in Britain for young people between the ages of 14 and 25.
Guyana's programme started in 1998 under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Gail Tiexeira and members of the diplomatic corps were present to witness the award ceremony.
The gold awards are presented to youths who have completed two years in the programme, the silver medals to those with a minimum of one year and the bronze medal to those who have completed six months of the programme.
The PYARG programme exposes youths to four areas of activities in and around their communities. These are service, expeditions, skills and physical recreation. Participants were presented with certificates as well as medals.
Volunteers from the various communities assist in the training aspect, while financial assistance comes from donor agencies and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, President Jagdeo told the youths that receiving the silver and bronze awards should act as a catalyst for them to improve on their personal and profession development.
While they should aim towards receiving the gold, he told them that small steps are the ones that lead to bigger objectives and they should focus on whatever they may gain from the programme.
President Jagdeo noted that the PYARG programme aims at fashioning a total personality, since it also has an ethical dimension, teaching social respect and teamwork.
Additionally, he told the awardees that the programme will not only help them to discover their own country, but will also bring them together with persons of different backgrounds.
He encouraged them to persevere because as young people their creative and imaginative values are high and must not be wasted.
Further, he informed the participants that their success is a testimony to their dedication.
President Jagdeo told the participants that they have reached this far because of the selfless work of volunteers.
Commending the assistance of non-governmental organizations and the business community, the President also urged other businesses to get on board.
Addressing the awardees, Minister Tiexeira said that this 5th anniversary celebration shows Guyana’s commitment to the programme.
She noted, “As we have grown, the support of others must be alluded to the Guyana Red Cross, The Guyana Responsible Parent Hood Association, UNICEF the Canadian High Commission and the British High Commission.”
Minister Tiexeira encouraged gold medallists to return to their communities as volunteers.
She hopes the programme will allow young people to explore Guyana in an atmosphere of togetherness.
The PYARG programme is the first in the Caribbean to include juvenile delinquents and 12 of these have graduated so far.
Special awards were also given out to volunteers, donor agencies and outstanding youths involved in the programme.
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Main Big Lime for December 28

Georgetown, GINA, November 3, 2003

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce today announced that the annual ‘Main Big Lime’ is scheduled for December 28, 2003. The event is scheduled to commence at 10:00 hours and conclude at 22:00 hours.
Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, Willet Hamilton stated that this year’s Lime is different in that it is private sector driven, instead of the usual majority Governmental input.
The ‘Main Big Lime’ was started in 1999, with its main emphasis on the promotion of Guyanese culture – music, arts, dance and food.
At a media conference, the Permanent Secretary noted that the event will still be a Government and private sector collaborative effort, although the Ministry’s financial input has been cut by half.
Previously the Ministry’s annual expenditure was approximately one million dollars.
Private sector involvement in the event is part of Government’s effort to promote an economy that is private-sector driven.
Companies expected to get on board in support of the Big Lime are Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Ansal Mcal.
Additionally, registration forms for vendors to secure spots will be available as early as next week. Vendors can visit the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia for the necessary information on rental of spots.
Mr. Hamilton noted that security and cleaning facilities will be adequate for the event, since the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service and the Mayor and City Council will work in collaboration with the Ministry.
The area scheduled for the lime is Main Street, between Church and Lamaha Streets.
Last year’s Main Big Lime was postponed because of the death of former President Desmond Hoyte.
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Labour sensitization workshop goes to Linden

Georgetown, GINA, November 3, 2003

Officials of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security were recently in Linden to conduct a Labour Market Sensitization Workshop.
The Ministry is working at developing a comprehensive database of skills available and skills needed by various communities.
The workshop is not specific to Linden. Rather it will be conducted across the country in an effort to access skill needs and availability.
Workshops were already conducted in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. They will be conducted in all Regions eventually.
Because of the recent situation with the bauxite company in that Region, the Ministry took their workshop to the area. The theme for the workshop was “An effective Labour Market Information System (LMIS) is a prerequisite for national development.”
Mortimer Mingo, Regional Chairman, Region Ten said there is need for approximately 5000 jobs in that Region.
Senior Statistical Officer at the Ministry of Labour, Ivelaw Henry, said the programme will assist the community in getting an idea of the skills available in Linden, while ensuring that it informs prospective investors about Labour market possibilities in that area.
The Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP) will assist this project ,along with a number of other agencies.
LEAP along with other agencies are already working on developing a database to match skills and experience for future job opportunities.
They also intend to produce a quarterly newsletter with information on employment and self-employment opportunities in the Region. This magazine will also feature training and new initiatives in the area.
This is in keeping with Minister Dale Bisnauth’s observation that the project must be sustained.
The survey will encourage persons to pursue certain levels of education. This perspective will also prepare the nation for the international market.
Financial assistance for the project is coming from LEAP, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United States Department of Labour.
This project began in 1999, and has a coordinating committee with representatives from the Women’s Affairs Bureau, the National Insurance Scheme, the Ministry of Finance, the Trades Union Congress the Private Sector and the Bureau of Statistics.
Henry said persons should not expect that jobs will last for a lifetime, so if they want to stay employed, they should keep abreast with what’s happening in the job market.
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Movement and Commerce targeted as Guyana/Suriname relations strengthen

Georgetown, GINA, Monday, November 3, 2003

Trade and investment initiatives

Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, Karshanjie Arjun believes the exchanges between the Caricom states are multifaceted and going very well. In an exclusive interview with the Government Information Agency at his Parimaribo Office, he said at the Governmental, social, political and cultural levels, there have been good exchanges.
Ambassador Arjun also refers to the improvement in services. He said citizens of the two states have continued over the years to consistently travel back and forth, every day, between the two states.
He said a trade fair by Guyanese businesses in the capital of the Dutch speaking country, the only of its kind in South America and in Caricom, was favorably received by the business community of Suriname. He said for the first time in the history of the relations between the two countries, there has been such a successful event as it relates to commercial activity.
Over a week ago, a number of Guyanese businesses and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, spearheaded by the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), held an exhibition and trade fair in Parimaribo, to show-case goods and services available to the Surinamese consumer. The Ambassador refers to the fair as a huge success.
Large local companies such as Banks DIH Limited, Demerara Distillers Limited, Gafoor’s and Continental Agency were among the companies who exhibited their products in the Dutch capital. The Guyana Manufacturers’ Association was represented by sixteen companies, whilst several local art and craft producers also participated.
He said all the major companies of Suriname, the Surinamese Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturing Association and the Trade Organisations, in association with the Guyana/Suriname American Association, have pledged overwhelming support for the Guyanese businesses. He added that one to one talks were held, resulting in agreements already being reached between companies of the two countries.
Arjun noted the art and craft on display were sold in large volumes. He said many Suriname businesses have since called the Guyanese Embassy in Suriname to offer congratulations on the success of the event.

Free Movement of people:

Ambassador Arjun said the recent development of the Zorgenhoop Municipal Airport and the project to modernize the Ogle Aerodrome is expected to boost the free movement of people between the two states. He added that there is also improved service offered by BWIA, Meta and Universal Airlines, offering flights and connections for improved travel between the only two South American Caricom countries.
The Ambassador said since the commissioning of the Ferry Service, an initiative of the Governments of Guyana and Suriname, transportation by land has improved tremendously. He said Guyanese and Surinamese have been coming and going with much efficiency, especially at weekends. This he said, has helped a great deal in terms of the movement of people.
The Ambassador said a proposal mooting the establishment of an airport on the upper Corentyne is being examined. This, he said, once initiated, will further boost inter-continental travel.
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Government committed to establishing Protected Areas-PM
Shell Beach workshop underway to foster public awareness

Georgetown, GINA, November 3, 2003

Village Captains of Region One (Barima/Waini), and other key stakeholders in the local Protected Areas drive are currently involved in a three-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the process of Shell Beach becoming a National Protected Area.
The workshop on at the Cara Inn, is being held with the primary objective of developing a public awareness strategy for Guyana’s Protected Areas, and establishing guidelines for the preparation of education and awareness materials with a special focus on Shell Beach.
It is being staged as a collaborative effort by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Flora and Fauna International (FFI), and with support from Demerara Tobacco Company.
In presenting a brief overview of the workshop, FFI consultant, Ms. Nicky Rowbottom said today’s sessions will focus on defining terms with relation to the notion of Protected Areas.
During day two of the workshop, strong emphasis will be placed on the issues surrounding the Protected Area, audiences, messages and the means of disseminating these messages, with regard to inculcating an awareness among the stakeholders, towards making the Shell Breach Protected Area project a reality, explained Rowbottom.
She noted that on the final day of the workshop, a planning session and evaluation of all the workshop sessions will be held, so as to build on the existing mechanisms in place to facilitate the Protected Areas strategy for Shell Beach.
The FFI consultant posited that the only successful way to sustain conservation awareness is through an effective communication approach using a significant number of people, sharing the facts and involving others in the process.
Patron of the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society (GMTCS), Prime Minister Sam Hinds, affirmed that education and awareness are key elements to managing the country’s natural resources, to promote a better understanding of the decisions that have to be made, as well as the role of various stakeholders.
As the guest speaker at the opening of the three-day workshop, Mr. Hinds deemed the timing of the event “opportune,” stating that Guyana is moving forward with efforts for establishing Protected Areas at five priority sites. These include Shell Beach, the Kanukus, Southern Guyana, Orinduik and Mount Roraima.
Mr. Hinds said a number of initiatives are underway at Shell Beach, with donor support from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and FFI. He pointed out that the Guyana Protected Areas project has been gaining momentum, coupled with the proactive approach taken by the GMTCS with regard to educational awareness to turtle conservation.
The Prime Minister stated further, “From a Government standpoint, we believe that education and awareness are important precursors to the effective participation and involvement of stakeholders in all aspects of national development, including Protected Areas.”
He assured that Government remains committed to the establishment of Protected Areas that addresses not merely the objectives of conservation, but also the development needs of local communities and Guyana.
Shell Beach is a 90-mile stretch of beach located along Guyana’s coast in Region One, approximately 90 miles from Georgetown. The area has been identified as a nesting ground for four of the world’s eight species of marine turtles, and has a unique eco-system that has remained intact since the 1960’s.
Earlier this year, a thirteen-member team comprising representatives from the GMTCS and EPA, among other agencies, held a two-day consultation in the sub district of Mabaruma.
The National Protected Areas Systems project aims to integrate communities into becoming developed in a sustainable way, by educating them about the economic and social benefits to be derived from the project, while maintaining the integrity of the natural environment.
Shell Beach was identified along with four other areas, to become fully constituted as a Protected Area. With a 2006 timeframe set for the realisation of the Shell Beach initiative, the communities within the Shell Beach area will follow the two existing protected sites, Iwokrama Rainforest and the Kaieteur National Park.
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Manawarin Village Council dissolved
- Interim committee elected

Georgetown, GINA, November 3, 2003

Manawarin Village Council was dissolved over the weekend after the Village Captain was allegedly unable to account for more than $300,000.
The logging village of approximately 600 residents is located along the lower Mourca River in Region One (Barima/Waini).
A report reaching the Amerindian Affairs Ministry alleged that the Captain had entered into an agreement with persons outside of the community.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues visited the community on November 1 to meet with the Council and residents in an effort to resolve the matter.
"I wish I was here under different circumstances, but I have received several complaints concerning logging in the community. However, I will not leave here until we find a solution," declared Minister Rodrigues.
She noted that Guyana is one of the only countries in the world where Amerindians have control of the forest in their reservations.
The Village Captain Phillip Williams said he allowed Carmen Damien to log in the community. The other Councillors claimed that they were unaware of such an agreement and from the financial reports read at the meeting showed that Damien had not paid any royalties.
It was noted that when the Council was elected in April 2002, that coastlanders (outsiders) would pay eleven dollars per board measurement (BM) and the residents within the community would pay four dollars.
But it was discovered that the coastlanders were also paying four dollars per BM.
"People are cutting lumber for free!" exclaimed Minister Rodrigues, "the Council holds the forest for the interest of the community," she added.
The financial report also revealed that the permits needed to verify the amount of B.M loggers transport out of the community was in the hands of three councillors. But the reason given for this was that due to the location of the logging operations, it was more conducive to have the permits divided.
To this Minister Rodrigues noted that too many persons are issuing permits and instructed certain systems be put in place to rectify the situation.
Accompanying the Minister was the newly appointed Permanent Secretary Reginald Brotherson, and he noted that accountability is necessary when in leadership.
"Accountability is vital, because in your community you have to ensure your resources are managed in a sustainable manner," said Brotherson.
One resident said that he is disheartened to see thousands of B.M of purpleheart leaving his community weekly and noted that it takes approximately 100 years for a purpleheart tree to mature.
It was also noted that coastlanders usually threaten the villagers and the Captain. Minister Rodrigues has notified the Acquero and Charity Police Stations, and they have indicated that they will assist with the situation.
Minister Rodrigues said that it was lawlessness when a Council could not stop persons from entering Manawarin and logging. She reminded villagers that in the Amerindian Act the Council has the responsibility for the welfare of the community.
The Captain indicated that he will resign from his position and two other councillors followed him.
An interim council was elected by the residents. Roy Atkinson was elected Captain, Secretary Tobin Lyte, Treasurer Bertie Benjamin, Doreen France, Daisy Miguel and Morris John.
Minster Rodrigues advised the representative of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Rawle Carter to stop issuing permits to Manawarin village until the Council addressed the illegal logging matter.
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"Police would have to become involved'- says Minister Rodrigues

Georgetown, GINA, November 3, 2003

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues on a three-day trip to Region One (Barima/Waini) has expressed her disappointment over the monies the Village Captains of Manawarin and Santa Rosa are unable to account for.
"I am totally fed up where monies are unaccounted for and nothing happens," said Minister Rodrigues.
She noted that for too long the villagers are being shortchanged whenever a Village Captain slips up. And she pointed out the Captains are just asked to resign or have their tenure terminated.
However, if the Captains are found be to be involved in any irregularities the matter will be handed over the Police and the Courts.
"If we find these persons culpable they will have to face the consequences," Minister Rodrigues disclosed.
The Village Captains of both Santa Rosa and Manawarin have allegedly misused monies needed be ploughed back into the community.
Minister Rodrigues noted that development is needed in Amerindian communities and the leaders of the both villages are abusing their positions.
"We do not intend for this to happen in any other village and we hope people take responsibility for their actions," stressed Minister Rodrigues.
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Residents of Santa Rosa celebrate "All Souls Day"

Georgetown, GINA, November 3, 2003

Upcoming events for Tourism Awareness Month

Georgetown, GINA, November 3, 2003

Events on the Tourism Awareness Month calendar have already started. The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority are the planners of the Tourism Awareness Month observances. This month is usually celebrated in November.
The official ceremony was launched on October 31, 2003 with a programme on the tarmac of the National Park. The Guyana Tourism Authority and Friends of the Kaieteur National Parks participated in the programme.
Additionally, over the weekend the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) held their annual races. Cake Show and Flex Night and Weider Festival were the major events.
For the remainder of this week, the organizations have planned several lecturers on tourism in Guyana, in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six.
During the month, activities are scheduled for Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine and Ten.
Some other activities scheduled are a soca chutney competition, a bad manners campaign and Rupununi Day.
Tourism Awareness Month has been observed in Guyana for the last twelve years and the focus has always been on the promotion of Guyana as a tourist destination.
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Price for US dollar up slightly

Georgetown, GINA, Monday, November 3, 2003

Cambio	Buying	Selling
Swiss House Cambio	G$198.oo	G$200.oo
Sookraj's Cambio	G$196.oo	G$200,oo
Mohammed's Enterprise	G$196.oo	G$200.oo
Commerce House Cambio	G$196.oo	G$200.oo

It could be observed that Swiss House Cambio is currently offering the best buying rate for the United States dollar.In the meantime, foreign exchange rates at the Central Bank have not changed much from that of last week.These rates are as follow:

Currency	Buying	Selling
US dollar	G$194.76	G$196.71
Euro	G$226.00	G$228.46
Canadian	G$147.14	G$148.57
Sterling	G$330.31	G$333.82
E.C. Dollar	G$70.86

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Repairs begin at All Saints Primary

Georgetown, GINA, November 3, 2003

Repairs will begin this week at the All Saints Primary School, Region Six to ensure that students there enjoy a better school environment.
Parents had been complaining about the state of the school building.
Regional officials made this decision after discussions with the Regional Chairman, Regional Education Officer, the Regional Engineer and members of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA).
In the meantime, the students will be accommodated at a nearby church.
An application was made to the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP) for repairs to the school.
However, after changes involving the Headteacher at the School and Chairman of the PTA, there were lapses in the follow-up process which resulted in the delay to get the project up and running.
The Ministry of Education has a system whereby Headteachers and School Inspectors report on cases of schools needing maintenance work.
These are then addressed by the Works Division of the Ministry or the Regional Office.
The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that students enjoy the best working environment while at School.
Hundreds of schools were built and rehabilitated over the past ten years in an effort to ensure that the learning environment for young people is conducive to learning.
A $21M Primary School was recently completed at Utivlugt, while a $300M school was constructed in Linden.
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