GINA | GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY

Guyana to attend OAS Press Seminar on Summit of the Americas

D&I Board completes several projects

D&I Board preparing for the rainy season

IDB to host workshop on diversification

NARI conducted several training courses this year

Region Six completes several major D&I works

Guyana needs to place emphasis on exports, value-added production
- IPED’s Annual Report, 2002 states

GTA to host Employee Recognition Ceremony
- In honour of dedicated services

Crime wave, crime reporting had significant impact on tourism
- Minister Nadir tells gathering at fundraising dinner

BWIA aircraft breakdown delays President Jagdeo’s return

Guyana to attend OAS Press Seminar on Summit of the Americas

Georgetown, GINA, December 9, 2003

Media and Communication directors of the 34 Governments participating in the upcoming Special Summit of the Americas will be having a Regional Press Seminar to exchange views on how best to disseminate information about the Summit. This is so as to make the Summit more transparent to the citizens of the Americas.
The Seminar is organized by the Organization of American States secretariat.
The Press Seminar, scheduled for December 11-12 will provide government communication departments with information on the Summits of the Americas Process and themes to be discussed a the next Summit, which will be held on January 12-13, 2004 in Monterrey, Mexico.
Guyana will be represented by Mr. Robert Persaud, Information Liaison to the President and who also heads the Government Information Agency.
Participants will exchange ideas on how to facilitate the process of disseminating information between local members of the press and their wider national and regional audiences.
The process is aimed at engaging the attention and interest of various media at the local, regional and international levels in order to gain wider press coverage and information on the importance of the Summits of the Americas and their results.
At the upcoming Summit, Heads of state and Governments of the Americas will analyze themes related to growth with equity, social development and democratic governance, aimed at improving the quality of life of the 800 million citizens of the Americas.
The Communication Heads will also have an interaction with the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Roger Norega.
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D&I Board completes several projects

Georgetown, GINA, December 9, 2003

The National Drainage and Irrigation Board completed several significant projects this year. The Board was allocated $367M and has reported 100 percent completion.
This year, 60 miles of canals were cleaned and rehabilitated in the various Regions including Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
In Region Two, works were effected on the rehabilitation of Dredge Creek, while work in Region Five was done at Bath/Naarstigheid.
In Region Three works included the rehabilitation of drains and canals at Leguan, Wakenaam, Parika, Vergenoegen, Ruby/Orangestein, Boerasirie, La Jalousie, Hague, Den Amstel, Windsor Forest, Vreed-en-Hoop, Nismes, La Retraite, Belle Vue and Canals Number One and Two.
Drainage works in Region Four were effected at Timehri, Good Success/Caledonia, Plaisance, Beterverwagting/Triumph, Mon Repos, Golden Grove, Nabaclis, Haslington, Victoria, Belfield, Hope, Cove and John, Noot-en-Zuil, Enmore, Anns Grove, Clonbrook, Douch Four, and Unity/Vereeniging.
Works in Region Six included the rehabilitation and cleaning of canals at Maratraite, Number 52 to 74 villages, Good Hope, Number 51 village, Crabwood Creek, Moleson Creek, Rotterdam, Whim/Bloomfield, Liverpool and Black Bush Polder.
In Region 10 works included Silver Coty, West Watooka and Green valley.
Meanwhile, other works effected by the Board include the construction and rehabilitation of 15 structures. Works included the construction of a regulator at Somerset and Berks and Coffee Grove; the rehabilitation of outfalls at Hope and Cane Grove; the rehabilitation of 22 miles of earthen embankment at the East Demerara Water Conservancy; the rehabilitation of outfalls at Eversham, Letter Kenny, Whim, Liverpool and Number 51 and 52 villages; the construction of a sluice door at Number Three Crabwood Creek; and the construction of concrete culverts at Maratraite and Highbury.
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D&I Board preparing for the rainy season

Georgetown, GINA, December 9, 2003

In preparation for the rainy season, the National Drainage and Irrigation Board is working to ensure that the pumps throughout the country are in proper working order.
This is to avoid flooding in areas. The Board completed several significant drainage and irrigation projects countrywide.
In the Agriculture Sector, efficient drainage systems are needed for proper irrigation to produce good quality crops. To this end, Government effected several significant projects in this area including:
Approximately $367M was allocated to the ND&IB for drainage and irrigation works this year. The funds were expended on projects including the cleaning and rehabilitation of 60 miles of canals at areas including Leguan, Wakenaam, Parika, Vergenoegen, Hague, Timehri, Plaisance, Mon Repos, Bath/Naarstigheid, Crabwood Creek and Silver City.
Also 15 structures were constructed including at Berks, Hope, Cane Grove, Eversham, Letter Kenny, Whim and Crabwood Creek.
The Regional Administration of Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) has completed significant drainage works, while others are progressing smoothly.
In Region Three, the drainage and irrigation channels in Canals Polder have been cleared. According to Regional Chairman Mr. Essau Dookie the works were completed as the heavy rains started. He noted that there was recent flooding in Canal Number One but the water has since receded. Cane farmers will benefit when work at the canal at A Line is completed.
The Region is currently clearing the canals at La Jalousie West and four canals at Greenwich Park along with the façade. This is to ensure efficient drainage in the area. The Region is also sourcing parts to have the Windsor Forest pump fixed so that it would be up and running.
Major revetment works are ongoing at Enterprise, Leguan and are expected to be completed by December 18.
For this year, the Region was allocated $78M for drainage and irrigation works. The funds were expended on the rehabilitation and cleaning of canals on the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara and East Bank Essequibo.
Works included the damming of creeks at Hogg Island, the construction of revetment at Fort Island, and Caledonia Koker at Wakenaam.
Meanwhile, the Regional Administration of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) has completed several major drainage and irrigation works this year.
Projects completed by the Region include the rehabilitation of the Sea Well Grand Canal and the rehabilitation of the head regulators at Lesbeholden (North and South) and at Johanna, Yakusari and Mibicuri. With the rehabilitation of these head regulators there is expected to be greater efficiency of water management and use in the Black Bush Polder area.
The Zorg-en-veldt canal at East Bank Berbice was rehabilitated along with the Number One irrigation canal, Crabwood Creek, and the Yakusari main drain from Joppa to the Junction.
The Region also constructed 400 feet of revetment works at Seaford and a check sluice at Number 44 village.
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IDB to host workshop on diversification

Georgetown, GINA, December 9, 2003

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will be hosting a one-day workshop on diversification at the Le Meridien Pegasus tomorrow.
The workshop is targeting farmers and will assist in promoting awareness about the diversification drive.
Government has been receiving the assistance of the IDB in the agriculture sector and recently an agreement for significant funding, was signed between the two stakeholders for the agriculture industry.
The agreement caters for an investment component for the agricultural sector, the Agricultural Support Services Programme (ASSP).
The contract amounting to $261.6M, was awarded to a UK consultancy firm, Mott MacDonald, and will cater for the financing, among other components, of the rehabilitation of nine selected areas totalling 120,934 acres.
The nine areas earmarked for works include Vergenoegen - Bonasika, Den Amstel-Friendship, Vreed-en-Hoop-La Jalousie, Canals Polder, Cane Grove, Golden Grove-Victoria, Black Bush Polder and Crabwood Creek.
Government has been promoting the diversification of the agriculture sector from the traditional crops to the cultivation of other non-traditional crops.
To date, there have been many notable successes including the expansion of the aquaculture and non-traditional crops industries, which are thriving.
Farmers in the three counties have been investing in aquaculture farming and have propelled the industry forward at a rapid pace.
The Aquaculture demonstration farm and training centre at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, harvested approximately 810 pounds of market size tilapia this year, which was sent to the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC).
The farm provides breeding stock for farmers and this year approximately 300 large fish breeding stock was produced, along with 5,500 tilapia fingerlings and 400 hassar fingerlings.
Approximately 1,000 tilapia fingerlings and 1,100 hassar fingerlings were produced to use on the facility for breeding purposes.
The facility has 10 concrete ponds and five earthen ponds that are used to breed fish. The fish farm was constructed to stimulate and promote aquaculture, create skilled manpower to support fish farming, practice adaptive research for potential farmers, improve extension services, and provide fish seed.
The main objectives of the fish farm are to train farmers, so they can practice scientific and sustainable aquaculture, provide high quality fingerlings and breeding stock, enable farmers to attain high yields, conduct performance trials and provide information collected to farmers.
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NARI conducted several training courses this year

Georgetown, GINA, December 9, 2003

In a move to assist in the diversification drive Government, through the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) has successfully effected several training courses during this year.
Two sessions were conducted on the principles and practices of organic pineapple production for the farmers at Mainstay/Whyaka. This course dealt with the requirements for organic certification, farming and case studies.
An organic pineapple germplasm and demonstration plot was established at Mainstay, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), which is being used for demonstration, research and training. The objectives are to demonstrate the practices involved in organic pineapple production with special emphasis on land preparation and soil management; to compare the effects of slash and burn versus mulch on soil chemical properties; and to evaluate the growth performance and physic-chemical properties of local pineapple selections grown under slash and mulch and land clearing areas.
The organic pineapple plot at Mainstay/Whyaka received organic certification this year. The pilot plot is presently cultivating 45 acres with about 20 varieties of pineapple.
Through a collaborative effort among the Amerindian Community Whyaka, the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and Amazon Caribbean Ltd (AMCAR), a new pineapple processing factory was commissioned at the Mainstay in October last.
The factory, constructed at a cost of $3M, is being supplied by local pineapple farmers in the area. The facility uses clear glass bottles to package the pineapple chunks, and this is available on local and international markets.
Another training course was effected for farmers of Region 10 which focused on soil management, crop management, pest and disease management.
Staff of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and NARI was trained on the basic principles of soil management.
Extension agents, agricultural field technicians and educators were given a pest management course, which comprised 30 participants. This course entailed new technology, field and laboratory identification of pest and their management.
Cocoa farmers were also trained as refresher and advanced training was provided in organic cocoa production. This course focused on soil fertility, shade, pest, disease and field establishment.
Technology transfer was done through on-farm demonstration, production of pamphlets, leaflets, radio programmes and newspaper articles.
The on-farm demonstrations were established for cocoa at Hosororo in Region One (Barima/Waini) and for pineapples at Mainstay in Region Two. A demonstration in the use of drip irrigation was established at Mon Repos.
Additionally, duck rearing and production was introduced to residents of St. Denny’s in Region Two. The benefits of this activity included empowering the women of farming communities, improving the nutrition and diet of the communities, and increasing the income of individual farmers.
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Region Six completes several major D&I works

Georgetown, GINA, December 9, 2003

The Regional Administration of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) has completed several major drainage and irrigation works this year.
The Region was allocated approximately $65M for capital works this year and the National Drainage and Irrigation Board effected works amounting to $34M.
Projects completed by the Region include the rehabilitation of the Sea Well Grand Canal and the rehabilitation of the head regulators at Lesbeholden (North and South) and at Johanna, Yakusari and Mibicuri. With the rehabilitation of these head regulators there is expected to be greater efficiency of water management and use in the Black Bush Polder area.
The Zorg-en-veldt canal at East Bank Berbice was rehabilitated along with the Number One irrigation canal, Crabwood Creek, and the Yakusari main drain from Joppa to the Junction.
The Region also constructed 400 feet of revetment works at Seaford and a check sluice at Number 44 village.
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Guyana needs to place emphasis on exports, value-added production
- IPED’s Annual Report, 2002 states

Georgetown, GINA, December 09, 2003

Chairman of the Institute of Small Enterprise Development (IPED), Yesu Persaud in his Annual Report, 2002 stated that in order to competed sustainability in the international market, Guyana needs to increase exports and produce value-added products.
Additionally, he noted that the rapid changes taking place in the world today, fuelled by the forces of globalisation, have had a significant impact on developing economies like Guyana's. The resulting domino effect has been felt by many industries in the country.
He recommended that Guyana shift its economic focus to increases in the production of goods and services for niche markets, since the key to success is a vibrant local and Caricom market.
Also, he noted that Guyana should concentrate on exports and value-added production using commodities that are locally produced as raw materials.
The Institute of Private Enterprise Development Limited (IPED) recently presented the Annual Report for 2002.
The Chairman noted that 2002 was a difficult year, plagued by an unprecedented crime wave and decline in overall profits, which severely affected the business sector.
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GTA to host Employee Recognition Ceremony
- In honour of dedicated services

Georgetown, GINA, December 9, 2003

The Guyana Training Agency (GTA), will on Thursday, December 11, 2003, host an Employee Recognition Ceremony to honour 270 participants and 70 companies that collaborated with the agency to provide training. The ceremony will be held at the Georgetown Club.
A total of 33 courses in areas including Management, Supervisory, Welding, Electrical Instillation, Automotive Traineeship, Welding and Fabrication, Marketing, Electronics and Customer Service, were completed.
For the year, GTA conducted one six month and several two days to one-week training courses. Courses cost from $10,000 to $30,000.
GTA is a European Union funded programme, headed by the Board of Directors, comprising Government officials, private sector representatives and a Project Consultant.
The office was opened in April 2001, and was officially launched in March 2002.
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Crime wave, crime reporting had significant impact on tourism
- Minister Nadir tells gathering at fundraising dinner

Georgetown, GINA, December 09, 2003

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir has disclosed that the crime wave in 2002 and the earlier part of 2003 impacted negatively on the country and the tourism sector.
He made this disclosure at the recent fundraising dinner, held by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), at the Le Meridien, Pegasus.
Minister Nadir told the gathering that gruesome pictures on the front page of our newspapers should not be part of the breakfast menu consumed by overseas Guyanese, Caribbean and other visitors who were considering visiting Guyana.
This population, he disclosed, is the local tourism industry's largest market.
The upsurge in criminal activities and the subsequent reporting caused substantial cancellation by visitors to Guyana.
The GUYEXPO activity in particular was hardest hit and saw a one-third decline in the projected attendance and a handful of foreigners.
The Minister noted that it took stringent measures and numerous telephone calls and e-mail to salvage
similar activities.
The decline in visitors’ arrival during that period led to many businesses responding less than optimistic to the prospect of continuing in the industry.
Reassuring efforts by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and THAG are what contributed to some steering the course and continuing in the sector.
Minister Nadir reiterated that the joint efforts of GTA and THAG were directed at reassuring our own people of their safety and promoting the product. These efforts have produced encouraging results.
He cautioned that while there may be some difficulties now and then, the good times for the sector may be just ahead.
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BWIA aircraft breakdown delays President Jagdeo’s return

Georgetown, GINA, December 09, 2003

President Bharrat Jagdeo will not be arriving in Guyana today as scheduled.
He was expected to return from London via the BWIA flight this afternoon.
However, the BWIA’s Customer Service Agent Gregory Lovell told the Government Informational Agency (GINA) that the 467 aircraft developed technical difficulties.
The next fight from London to Trinidad, and then onto Guyana tomorrow, he said.
President Jagdeo and delegation is returning from Nigeria after attending the just-concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference held in Adjuba.
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