GINA | GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY

Commander-in-Chief reiterates commitment to development of Armed Forces
– Dines with soldiers

President bemoans another fire loss
- Sympathizes with owner, employees

Fire Chief expressed satisfaction with pay increase

G$ appreciate slightly against the US
- Foreign exchange earnings, tourist arrivals credited

Minister Gajraj for security meetings in East Berbice

Consultant services sought to prepare draft regulation
for new Procurement Act

LEAP to receive $15 M building to house incubator centre

Minister Gajraj pleased with compliance with seatbelt law
- Diagnostic study for the computerization of the Ministry of Home Affairs
and its constituent Departments completed

Trading on the local Stock Exchange up this week - GASCI

Teixeira shares Christmas cheer at Kuru Kuru

Constant investments made up for revenue earnings losses in 2003- DaSilva
- New/improved GO-Invest website launched

Minister Ramsammy outlines plans for 2004

Minister rounds up year with media conference
-Alludes private sector/Government collaboration

Commander-in-Chief reiterates commitment to development of Armed Forces
– Dines with soldiers

Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2003

Guyana’s Army has a critical role to play not only in the protection and preservation of the country’s territorial integrity, but also in fostering national development.
This message was conveyed to the top brass and soldiers of the Guyana Defence Force, at Camp Ayanganna on Friday, by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Bharrat Jagdeo at the annual Officers luncheon.
The President, in keeping with tradition, served the Officers lunch.
In his address to the ranks, the Commander-in-Chief noted that his Government remains committed to their development, including the imparting of skills so that they can lead productive lives even after retirement. He noted that over the past year, Government spent more than $100M in training and is at present exploring opportunities to increase the vote. According to President Jagdeo, many soldiers have also undergone overseas training.
“We remain committed to ensuring that within the GDF, all of our soldiers have skills that would allow them to perform their jobs and that would allow them to succeed in life after the Army,” he said.
Pointing to the key function of the Army to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, the President said Government is doing its part, in terms of policy making, to assist the GDF.
He urged soldiers to stand ready to execute this function, but, at the same time, diplomacy must first be tried. According to President Jagdeo, the policy of the Government is to avoid conflict and engage in diplomacy.
“Government is engaged at that level to build consensus around the world and to build a core of friends of Guyana that would allow us through diplomatic means to reduce some of the age old controversies and disputes at our borders,” he said.
Their Commander-in-Chief briefed the soldiers on the recent support for Guyana’s borders from the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Nigeria.
He also noted that although there has not been much success, Government continues to rigorously pursue several bilateral negotiations that would see collaboration on maritime matters.
Earlier this month in London, the President and Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur signed a Maritime Agreement that would allow for shared maritime border resources. This President Jagdeo said will hopefully be ratified by Parliament soon.
Commenting on the local situation, the Commander-in-Chief expressed gratitude to the soldiers for the role they played in the crime fighting activities during the past year. He noted that their inputs in maintaining law and order were quite commendable.
The President also cautioned the soldiers against listening to negative comments about the future of Guyana, as he remains “optimistic.”
He noted, “I am not going to be dragged into the sea of negative comments. Some people thrive on that but once that happens, we won’t have a clear vision of where we want to go and that should not be.”
President Jagdeo also wished the ranks best wishes for the holidays.
On Thursday, the Commander-in-Chief dined with the soldiers at Camp Stephenson, Timehri.
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President bemoans another fire loss
- Sympathizes with owner, employees

Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2003

Shortly after the fire erupted Friday afternoon at Muneshwers Limited, Georgetown, President Bharrat Jagdeo rushed down to the fire scene, where he offered his sympathies to the employees.
As the President chatted with the fire team, concerned citizens and employees, he expressed shock at he magnitude of the blaze.
Hours after the fire started, the building was gutted.
Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj was also there and was actively involved in the fire fighting efforts. Tried as it did, the Guyana Fire Service was unable to smoulder the fire, but fortunately managed to contain the blaze from spreading to the neighbouring Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI).
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud was also there, lending moral support.
Along with Muneshwers, Subway was destroyed by the fire.
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Fire Chief expressed satisfaction with pay increase

Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2003

Fire Chief Carlyle Washington in an invited comment to the Government Information Agency (GINA) said that he is extremely happy with the pay increase for fire-fighters.
Members of the Joint Services were given a Christmas present, when Commander in Chief, President Bharrat Jagdeo announced on December 18 at Camp Stephenson, Timehri, that they will receive a bonus equivalent to two weeks tax free salary.
This is in addition to the five-percent increase, which is retroactive to January 2003 to be paid before Christmas.
According to the Fire Chief, he is grateful for the gesture by the President and said that it is an incentive that will motivate the fire-fighters who have been hardworking and dedicated in executing their duties.
"They really deserve it and I know their efforts in fire-fighting will continue into the New Year," said Washington.
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G$ appreciate slightly against the US
- Foreign exchange earnings, tourist arrivals credited

Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2003

The foreign exchange mid-rate figures from the Bank of Guyana (BOG) indicate that for this week the Guyana dollar has appreciated relative to the United States dollar, compared to last week's figures. The mid-rate is the average of the buying and selling rates of the US dollar.
According to figures, for last week the mid-rate calculated by the BOG was G$196 to US$1 and this week's figure shows a slight appreciation of the Guyana dollar to G$194.25 to the US dollar.
For the Guyana dollar to appreciate relative to the US currency, the supply of US currency in the Guyana market has to be higher than the demand for it.
The appreciation of the Guyana dollar relative to the US is an expected phenomenon in the last quarter of the financial year.
Since, at year-end export earnings from sugar and other agricultural products, as well as influx of tourists contribute to the increase in US currency on the local market.
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Minister Gajraj for security meetings in East Berbice

Georgetown, GINA, Monday, December 22, 2003

Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj will spend tomorrow, Tuesday, December 23, 2003 in East Berbice reviewing security operations, and holding a number of meetings there. The Minister will host a Press Conference in the "Ancient County" on his arrival. He is also expected to unveil anti-crime initiatives for Guyana's easternmost communities.
This will be followed by meetings, first with the Community Policing Groups in Berbice, and then with the Berbice business community. During recent months there have been incidents of robberies and then forms of criminal activity in Berbice. This visit is expected to put to rest, fears that there might be a resurgence of a crime wave that gripped Guyana a little over one year ago.
After several stops in other areas, the Minister's visit will culminate with a live Television Programme on Little Rock Television in the evening. It is also anticipated that the Minister will visit several Police Stations and meet with ranks to listen to their concerns.
The Minister's visit to Region Six forms part of his Ministry's efforts to foster improved relationships between agencies under the purview of the Ministry, and Communities around the country.
Not so long ago, senior members of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force visited the troubled community of Buxton to mend and improve relations between the community and the Disciplined Forces.
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Consultant services sought to prepare draft regulation
for new Procurement Act

Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2003

The Ministry of Finance is currently seeking the services of a consultant to provide technical support for the execution of duties consistent with the newly enacted Procurement Legislation.
An advertisement for the post has already been published and the Ministry of Finance is in the process of reviewing applications.
Among other things, the consultant will be responsible for advising on organisation issues, providing training, developing a comprehensive long-term training programme doe procurement staff, development of tools, manuals and evaluation reports.
The Procurement Act allows for the creation of a procurement entity to deal with public spending.
The Act was amended in 2003, as part of Government's commitment to democratic rule and the practice of inclusive governance. It is also part of the Joint Communiqué signed between President Jagdeo and Robert Corbin in May this year.
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LEAP to receive $15 M building to house incubator centre

Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2003

The Ministry of Finance is in the process of finalizing an agreement for the refurbishment of a building to house a Business Incubator Centre for the Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP).
The centre, which will cost some $15 M, is expected to be located at 97-98 Republic Avenue. Refurbishment of the building is expected to take 21 weeks.
The European Commission and the Government of Guyana are collaborating towards the rehabilitation works.
LEAP is a special programme to develop financial and non-financial business services in Region Ten, with particular emphasis on the Linden Community.
LEAP is provides vocational training, institutional strengthening to public and private institutions, credit funding and rehabilitation of socio-economic infrastructure. LEAP is a seven-year project that started this year.
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Minister Gajraj pleased with compliance with seatbelt law
- Diagnostic study for the computerization of the Ministry of Home Affairs
and its constituent Departments completed

Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2003

Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj is pleased with the effort members of the public in using the seatbelts in vehicles. He made this statement at a press conference at GTV Studios.
“The seat belt is now in full effect as is the Law on tinted windows on motor vehicles. The public in general has adjusted to these legal requirements and many citizens under varying circumstances have expressed their good fortune as a consequence of citizens' compliance with those laws,” said the Minister.
In an effort to control the heavily tinted windows on vehicles, the Traffic Department had warned vehicle owners who did not conform this regulation that their vehicles could not be registered by the licencing office. The law allows for 65 to 35 percent light penetration.
However, Minister Gajraj stated he has received complaints of motorcyclists, flouting the law by not wearing their helmets. And vehemently stated that he expects no police operative show any favours. They must exercise zero tolerance towards motorists who choose to ignore the law.
“That of course, is also my position on the sale and use of squibs and other explosives and pyrotechnics,” stressed the Home Affairs Minister.
Earlier this year, Minister met with consultants of International Business Machine (IBM) Trinidad to discuss the measures that could be put in place to computerize the various agencies within the Home Affairs Ministry.
The purpose of COMSTAT, computer statistics, is to provide information in a timely manner that can be used by law officers to deal with crime.
Minister Gajraj updated the media on the progress of the study, “The diagnostic study for the computerization of the Ministry of Home Affairs and its constituent Departments has been completed and recommendations have been made as to the systems to be employed in bridging the Information Technology gap between where we are and where we need to be in terms of efficiency and effectiveness of information.”
Shortly, a team comprising a Computer Systems Analyst and representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs will visit two countries in which the recommended systems are in operation to observe their applicability to Guyana’s situation.
The General Register Office (GRO), which is responsible for the distribution of birth, death and marriage certificates, will have another sub-office established in Berbice.
“Repairs and rehabilitation to the building identified for this purpose are almost completed and the facility will begin operations by the end of this year,” Minister Gajraj added.
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Trading on the local Stock Exchange up this week - GASCI

Georgetown, GINA, Monday, December 22, 2003

Trading on the local Stock Exchange this week has increased significantly as compared to that of previous weeks and especially last week. According to the Guyana Association of Securities Companies and Intermediaries Inc. (GASCI), this week's trading saw a total of 110,312 shares changing hands, as compared to less than one hundred thousand traded shares last week.
Shares of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited were traded at the highest price of the day at $28 per share. A total of 2000 shares of locally-owned entity were traded today, resulting in $56,000 in business done in the name of GBTI. However, only shares for four companies were traded today. The highest number of shares traded for any single company was that of Demerara Distillers Limited, trading a total of 98,912 shares at an average price of $6.86 per share, the same price as the last few weeks.
This represents a volume of $678,536.32 in business done in the name of the local beverage company, renowned internationally for its line of liqueurs.
The second highest amount of shares traded for the day were those of beverage giant Banks DIH Limited, trading a total of 6,500 shares at $6 per share, a representation of $39,000 in business conducted in the name of the beverage company.
One thousand shares of the National Bank of Industry and Commerce Limited were also traded today at a price of $12 per share, a representation of $12,000 in business done in the name of the commercial financial institution.
The general trade prices of shares were stable, compared to those of the last few weeks.
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Teixeira shares Christmas cheer at Kuru Kuru

Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2003

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport was busy spreading Christmas cheer with the children of the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme at Kuru Kuru today.
Minister Gail Teixeira along with members of her staff joined with approximately 140 students at the residential training college to share a Christmas luncheon.
Residents of the training centre are from all ten Regions and do not go home for Christmas.
There are special plans for Christmas Day at YEST Kuru Kuru as well, so that the children there would not feel left out of all the celebrations.
Today’s luncheon was part of a special treat with Minister Teixeira who mingled with the children, discussing matters relating to accommodations, classes and other issues.
Teixeira said she knows that some persons will be sad that they will not be going home for Christmas. However; she encouraged them to take pleasure in the fact that they are surrounded by young people from all ten regions of Guyana.
Residents at the Centre began their one-year stint in September. Although they are not allowed to go home unless something pertinent arises, there are facilities in place to ensure that family members get an opportunity to visit students.
Boxing Day is set aside for parents, friends and guardians to visit the children during the season.
She also encouraged them to try and discover the rich heritage of the Guyanese people through the persons they would be spending most of their time with for the next couple of months.
This programme is about teaching young people to stand up independently and to develop a toughness and perseverance to do well when they leave the institution,
She encouraged the youths to save more of their stipend so that there will be money to buy tools to start off on new projects after they leave the programme.
Teixeira said it is difficult to do that. The Ministry is now working in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security to get some projects in place to help them.
She reminded them that their health and youth are the greatest asset they have to assist them to achieve much in their lives.
The Minister reminded them that there is no place for violence and other unacceptable practices. She encouraged them to keep the institution clean despite the many temptations they may face.
Others on the trip were Director of Training, Sydney Scott and Director of Research and Documentation Monica Lyte.
In her final remarks, the Minister extended holiday wishes to students and staff members who will be spending the Christmas holidays at the Kuru Kuru Centre.
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Constant investments made up for revenue earnings losses in 2003- DaSilva - New/improved GO-Invest website launched

Georgetown, GINA, Monday, December 22, 2003

Executive Head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Geoffrey DaSilva believes there have significant achievements in 2003. He said there has been significant economic activity in six sectors.
Speaking at a year-end Luncheon for the media and the re-launching of the GO-Invest website, DaSilva noted that those sectors are processed food, tourism, wood products, services, light manufacturing and information and communication technology.
He said there is need for a greater understanding by media operatives of what investments are all about, noting that in many cases, there are reports of little or no investments. DaSilva noted that the question should be asked, "where is the investment and where there should be additional investments"?
He said it is anticipated that a new sector in the form of a fresh food sector will be introduced in 2004. DaSilva said the role of Go-Invest is to encourage and at the same time look for investment opportunities in the coming year. He said both foreign and local investments must be encouraged.
He said there must also be an equal spread in the range of businesses, noting that strong economies cannot only be comprised of large business, and there must be an equal distribution of economic activity across the country.
The Executive Head of the investment facilitating agency said there were over 189 projects in 2003. Fifty two of these were in the processed food sector, made up of 40 local and 12 foreign investors. There were 16 projects in the fresh food sector, while there were 28 projects in the wood sector.
There were eight projects in the minerals and energy sector, 19 projects in the services sector, 22 in the light manufacturing, and six in the garments and textiles sectors. The tourism sector saw 19 investment projects, while there were 12 in the information and communications technology sector.
He added that there were many predictions of a collapse of the Guyanese economy, especially after a global reduction in the price for gold, rice, bauxite and sugar and a lost of over US$100M in foreign exchange earnings. He however, noted that other areas came to the forefront, particularly in new investments, to make up for the void created.
Tom Whitney of the USAID-funded Guyana Economic Opportunities (GEO) project said that the enhancement of the GO-Invest website is one way in which its services can be made more attractive. He said his organisation was tasked with reviewing the operations of GO-Invest and making recommendation on ways in which its services can be enhanced.
At the beginning of 2003, it was envisaged that the Guyana Office for Investment will oversee more than $17B in new investments this year. It is believed that by the end of January 2004 that figure will be surpassed.
A 2-3 week training workshop for GO-Invest staff was held by the GEO project in this regard, Whitney said. He added that his organisation has been working along with local producers in the fresh food and wood sectors to bring standards up-to-date with international standards.
He alluded to the export 101-102 project which is a GEO/GO-Invest/New GMC effort, also geared at improving the quality and standard of local manufacturers.
The website can be accessed at WWW.SDNP.ORG.GY/GOINVEST.
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Minister Ramsammy outlines plans for 2004

Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2003

How will the Health Ministry likely to benefit from the savings in terms of debt relief, Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPIC)?
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy in an invited comment to the Government Information Agency (GINA) disclosed some plans.
“Over the years several deficiencies in the health sector have been observed and we have been developing innovative ways to deal with these deficiencies,” said Ramsammy.
He noted that during this year, his Ministry and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in collaboration with various international and local partners have been able to introduce a number of services.
Partners include Leeds University and the University of Lancashire, in the Untied Kingdom. He stated that they are developing various relationships with these universities and pointed out that one of the benefits coming out of the collaborative relationship is the donation of a Cat scan (CT).
“A CT scan has arrived in the country and arrangements are being made to install it at the Public Hospital,” disclosed the Health Minister.
The only available CT scan was at a private sector institution, but now Georgetown Hospital would offer a similar service, by the end of the first quarter of 2004.
“We are grateful to the private sector for making the CT scan available for several years and we hope that the private sector would continue to develop other diagnostic facilities for our use,” said Minister Ramsammy.
He is also urging the private entities to expand their service to include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He said the services available are ultra sounds, x-rays and CT scan. The challenge is thrown out to the private entities to get involved in MRI and nuclear biology.
A number of interventions were introduced to ease the health burden of the people.
“In 2003 we were able to do 15 hip and joint replace surgeries by a group of Italian doctors and a number of minor cardiac surgeries were done with the help of the University of Virginia, USA,” the Health Minister said.
Recently, eight ear surgeries were conducted at the Georgetown Hospital which included: Septoplasty, Miriyotomy, Tymparo Mastoidectomies and Polypectomy Aural. He pointed out that these surgeries could not have been done before in Guyana for two reasons: there was a lack of the appropriate equipment and the trained personnel.
However, the equipment was donated by the Physicians for Peace, an NGO from Virginia, USA and physicians from the organisation together with local doctors were able to conduct the surgeries.
Training for the local physicians were done at the Georgetown Hospital and they now have the experience to perform ear surgeries.
One of the areas that the Health Minister wants to develop is a special project whereby facilities are upgraded so that there would not be a backlog of surgeries.
“We would use these funds to put special projects in which periodically we will have volunteer staff from overseas to work together to remove the backlog,” stressed the Minister.
He noted that over the next few months, special projects will be added to the other services now being available to the public. But he stated that it would be take time to develop the services and he would make proposals to Cabinet for approval.

PLANS FOR 2004

“We are expecting exciting things for 2004,” said Minister Ramsammy.
In January 2004, the Ministry in collaboration with the Seventh Day Adventist Church will official launch the Health Centre in Kimbia. It was built by the Church but will be operated by the Government.
“It is this kind of collaboration that will strengthen the health sector and we are encouraging this,” said the Health Minister.
In addition, Georgetown Hospital has agreed to send doctors on a monthly basis to the Regional intuitions, starting with Region One (Barima/Waini). The areas identified are Moruca, Matthews Ridge, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma.
The Minister said that there would be established in time so that the residents would not have to be informed. They would know what service is being offered on a particular day.
A new innovation will be introduced in three pilot locations and one of the locations identified is Lodge, Greater Georgetown which is being developed as a health promoting community.
According to Minister Ramsammy a permanent doctor will be based at Lodge Health Centre and there would be a volunteer who will receive training from the Health Ministry so do the following procedures in the community.
They are screening persons for blood pressure and sugar and advise persons to maintain a safe environment.
“The Health advocate will be present in the community and will be going from house to house for a small fee and will refer the person/s to the Health Centre and the Hospital if there are any problems,” Minister Ramsammy further added.
The kit will be provided by the Ministry of Health and according to Minister Ramsammy it is an innovation to health care.
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Minister rounds up year with media conference
-Alludes private sector/Government collaboration

Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2003

Minster of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir, at his year-end media conference, stated that due to joint efforts between Government and the private sector, the Ministry accomplished many successes. The conference was held in the Boardroom of the Ministry,
Among some joint accomplishments were the establishment and functioning of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the rehabilitation of the Kaieteur Guest House.
Minster Nadir noted that the GTA, which is mandated to promote tourism in Guyana, has established its office at the Exhibition Site and employed essential staff to conduct daily operations.
In addition to technical support for activities during Tourism Awareness Month, GTA registered several businesses in the sector, created a website, promoted local tourism events and re-launched the Small Tourism Enterprises Project (STEP) programme.
Completion of a permanent Rodeo site in Lethem was also accomplished during this year. The site was constructed with a pavilion, booths, fence, as well as electricity. The Rodeo site is used annually during Rupununi Day and is the centre for activities celebrated.
Another joint accomplishment was the renovated Number 63 Beach facility in Berbice, Region Six.
The road leading to the beach was resurfaced. Benabs, washroom facilities and garbage bins were installed to provide greater comfort to visitors.
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