GINA | GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY

DOP says mechanisms in place for security

Guyana/US relations "dynamizes" in 2003
Insanally for Mexico summit

Finance Minister, team leaves this weekend for debt relief negotiations
- Government hopes agreement reach on educed debt servicing

Foreign Trade Ministry retreats to advance
Maximum efficiency being sought

UN to analyse ROC functioning in Guyana

Guysuco produces over 300,000 tonnes of sugar in 2003
- Keith Ward CEO (ag)

Minister Ramsammy in stable condition
- Resting at New York home

NARI completed several projects in 2003

Government, through the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), completed several projects, which assisted in the diversification drive countrywide.
At a media conference in the Boardroom of the Ministry of Agriculture Director of NARI Dr. Oudho Homenauth provided an update on work completed in 2003 and projections for 2004.
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New Public Service takes multi-skilled approach

NGMC working to promote non-traditional crops
- Nizam Hassan

Guyana exploring additional markets for rice exports
- Jagnarine Singh GM, GRDB

Several accomplishments in the dairy sector in 2003

The Fisheries sector has performed incredibly well in 2003
- Permanent Secretary Bowen Balkarran

DOP says mechanisms in place for security

Georgetown, GINA, January 09,2004

One of the objectives for 2004 is to have no jailbreaks from the five prisons location throughout the country, since security will be enhanced according to Director of Prisons Dale Erskine.
In an interview with GINA, he added that in all the locations, a number of security observation points will be set up to better monitor the prisoners.
“Apart from that we are increasing our technological capabilities to monitor prisoners. We are carrying out periodic intensive searches,” said the Director of Prisons.
Professionalism at the Prisons locations is also being reinforced, in an effort to uphold a high standard in the prison environment.
For 2003, there were only seven escapees compared to other years when they were counted in double figures, the Director pointed out.
“We hope to this year further decrease that number to make sure no prisoners escape from any of our prison locations,” Erskine stated.
At his last press conference, Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj said that to aid the Guyana Prison Service in its operations, provision has been made for the purchase of two lorries, a pick-up, a fibre glass boat with outboard engine, life jackets, a motor car, a tractor, surveillance cameras, arms and ammunition and body armour.
Minister Gajraj on January 5, toured the New Amsterdam Prison.
While there, he interacted with prisoners on several issues. They asked about increased education opportunities. Erskine told GINA about the success of the rehabilitation programmes undertaken at the New Amsterdam Prison.
He said that the NA Prison is working in close collaboration with the Adult Education Association (AEA), and prisoners are exposed to vocational and technical skills and literacy programmes.
There are also psychiatric and drug counselling programmes conducted by two trained persons.
“Those programmes are very effective because prisoners testify that they are better able to deal with their drug habits,” said Erskine.
More than 200 prisoners are housed at the New Amsterdam Prison.
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Guyana/US relations "dynamizes" in 2003
Insanally for Mexico summit

Georgetown, GINA, January 9, 2004

President Bharrat Jagdeo's attendance at the breakfast meeting with United States of America President, George W. Bush, last year, has paved the way for enhanced relations between Guyana and the US.
This is the assessment of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rudy Insanally, who held a press conference at the Foreign Ministry's Takuba Lodge headquarters yesterday to discuss his ministry's 2003 performance.
Reflecting on the historic Bush meeting between the Guyanese leader, and other CARICOM heads, Minister Insanally said at that forum, President Jagdeo made a special plea for special and differential treatment for Guyana. The issues of security and governance also came up for discussion at the Bush encounter, which turned out positively said Minister Insanally.
He noted that Guyana has already benefited substantially from US assistance for the fight against HIV/AIDS. Further, the Minister explained that out of the Washington meeting, he subsequently attended a follow-up meeting with US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, who by nature of his Caribbean roots, understands the peculiarities of small developing States.
Touching on his attendance at the upcoming Summit of the Americas meeting in Monterrey, Mexico, early next week, Minister Insanally cited the meeting as an important platform to discuss the development of small and medium enterprises in developing countries.
In addition, the upcoming summit is a fitting forum to discuss the intended consequences and trade and tourism impact that have emerged in developing countries, following the stringent security measures employed after the 9/11 attack on the US, noted the Minister.
He said while the next scheduled Summit of the Americas meeting is not until 2005, the Mexico meeting at which Guyana will represent CARICOM, will provide a guideline for informing US/CARICOM relations, with relation to the movement of goods, which has also been impeded by post 9/11 measures.
Crossing over to Guyana/Europe relations, the Foreign Affairs Minister said the two sides continue to share "excellent bilateral relations. In the Asian continent, Guyana is seeking to develop closer ties with Malaysia and Singapore, while closer ties have been forged with India.
Insanally further explained that as a follow-up to President Jagdeo's visit to China last year, Prime Minister, Sam Hinds will pay a visit to the Asian republic this year.
Asia has been a source of support to Guyana for its complete readiness for sourcing HIPPC funds, said the Foreign Affairs Minister.
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Finance Minister, team leaves this weekend for debt relief negotiations
- Government hopes agreement reach on educed debt servicing

Georgetown, GINA, January 9, 2004

Minister of Finance Sasenarine Kowlessar will be leading a Guyana delegation to the Paris Club meeting to negotiate debt relief for Guyana. The team including Director of Budget Dr. Ashni Singh leaves this weekend.
This announcement was made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at a media briefing hosted today to bring the nation up to date on current issues engaging Government’s attention.
Guyana was granted US$413.6M in additional debt relief for Guyana under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (EHIPC).
This will see an annual debt relief of US$30M for the next 10 years and a little less in the following 10 years.
This excludes the interim debt relief granted for 2003, which is about US$15M.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank's International
Development Association (IDA) have agreed that Guyana has taken the steps necessary to reaching its completion point under the enhanced framework of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Guyana becomes the ninth country to reach this point, joining Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Benin.
This relief comes in addition to US$256.4 million in NPV that Guyana received
when it reached the completion point under the original HIPC framework in May 1999.
“Guyana’s attainment of the completion point of the HIPC initiative opened the door for further debt relief from our bilateral and multilateral creditors. The details of the further debt relief will be concluded at the upcoming Paris Club Meeting,” Dr Luncheon said.
Dr. Luncheon noted Government expects that an agreement would be reached at the forum to reduce Guyana’s stock of debt to the extent of lowering debt servicing which significantly impacts the country’s revenue.
The HIPC Initiative was announced in Coolum in 1997 at a G7 Meeting. The relief would come in several forms, including stock relief, which entails write-off on Guyana’s principal debts. It may also take the form of floor relief, which will not write off on the principle debt, but will reduce in the interest rates.
The debt relief funds will be spent in the social sector: health, housing, water, education and will stimulate economic activity to a lesser extent.
The spending on the social sector will also help Guyana to achieve its goals in the Millennium Declaration of the United Nations.
The stock of Guyana’s debt is now US$1.2B, down from more than US$2B in 1992. About 94 per cent of the country’s revenue was spent on debt servicing; this was reduced to 40 per cent and will be reduced to less than 20 per cent with the realization of the Enhanced HIPC Initiative.
The current Administration continues to borrow, but none of the debt contracted over the years has been with a grant element of less than 25 per cent. Guyana has since been borrowing at interest rates starting from 0.75 to 2 per cent and the repayment period averages about 30 years.
Since the Administration took Office in 1992, it contracted US$900M, and significant part remains undisbursed. Additionally, Government has reduced the stock of debt by over US$700M, even though it continues to borrow.
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Foreign Trade Ministry retreats to advance
Maximum efficiency being sought

Georgetown, GINA, January 9, 2004

Under the theme “Strategizing for Enhanced Trade Development and International Cooperation,” staff of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation took time-out for a two-day period of introspection and planning for 2004, at the Guyana National Service Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.
The objectives of the planning exercise are to set clear benchmarks for the Ministry for 2004, to give each officer a clear indication of tasks for 2004 and beyond, to assign and reassign desk responsibilities among staff members, and to give a clear orientation to the political objectives of Government.
Guest speaker and Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, applauded the retreat initiative.
He pointed out that the emergence of the technological era has brought about the need for “a flattened structure, multi skills, and team work,” the latter being extremely essential to the success of any organization.
Dr. Gopaul posed that the public service is no longer a static place. He conceded that salaries may be poor, but he assured changes are likely to occur. “We recognize and we understand the need for you to be paid greater, but we have to get to that level.”
Under the Public Sector Modernization Programme (PSMP), some 37 training programmes were conducted last year, out of which 772 public servants benefited.
The Public Service top official emphasized the need for an examination of old rules-driven public service, as against an initiative-driven service, which is now leaning towards better delivery.
As part of the thrust of the PSMP, the sector is currently working towards the complete computerization of Government accounting.
Dr. Gopaul issued a call for public servants to improve their work ethic, through punctuality, and prompt service delivery. He raised the idea of an inter-Ministerial network to enhance the delivery efforts of public servants across the broad spectrum of Guyana.
Addressing his staff, Minister Rohee said notwithstanding shortcomings, the Foreign Trade Ministry performed creditably in 2003, based on its work programme.
He noted that before the close of 2003, each department was mandated to draw up work programmes to “streamline and develop a sense of focus for 2004,” hence the retreat.
The Minister said since independence, the question of Guyana’ development has hinged on the available resources within the country and their placement on the international market.
“Any country that has agriculture as its backbone must take a longer time in the development process,” stated Mr. Rohee. He added that Government has no control over prices on the world market.
As a developing country, Guyana is still grappling with resource development and foreign debt, the Minister said. He inferred that this places a lag on the country as one in its developing stages, since development is the main element of trade.
Noting that Foreign Trade and International Cooperation are implemented through a bureaucracy governed by Public Servants, who may serve to hasten or hinder the implementation process, the Foreign Trade Minister expressed the view that “every professional has to use certain tools to move the process.”
Minister Rohee urged his staff to familiarize themselves with the policies that govern the mandate of the Ministry, and apply their knowledge to the national condition of the country.
“All officers must have an understanding of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) legal text,” he stated, adding that other declarations such as those found within the Free Trade Areas of the Americas (FTAA) document should also be familiar to Foreign Trade officers.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon was as slated to address the forum today, which will take on work sessions. The retreat ends tomorrow.
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UN to analyse ROC functioning in Guyana

Georgetown, GINA, January 9, 2003

Guyana will present its country report on the Convention on the Rights of the Child on January 14 in the United Nations.
Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick will be leaving Guyana on Monday, January 12 to make the presentation. This is the second time Guyana is presenting a report on the ROC.
It is expected that every five years after this report, an updated version will be presented to the United Nations.
Guyana’s report was already discussed at a pre-sessional which included the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the non-governmental organisations operational in Guyana.
The NGO community has already presented its report.
The United Nations General Assembly meets every quarter to discuss all country reports which must be submitted by all countries signing on to the Convention.
It was in January of 1991, the Government of Guyana ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The National Commission on the Rights of the Child, established in 1993 is committed to addressing major problems facing children in the area of health and nutrition, water and sanitation, basic education and literacy and children in difficult circumstances, among others.
Minister Shadick will return in the country on January 15.
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Guysuco produces over 300,000 tonnes of sugar in 2003
- Keith Ward CEO (ag)

Georgetown, GINA, January 10, 2004

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) has produced over 300,000 tonnes of sugar in 2003 although affected by heavy rainfall.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Keith Ward at a media conference at the Ministry of Agriculture said Guysuco had a good year, despite minor problems.
He reported that approximately 3.4M tonnes of sugar cane was produced with 61 percent coming from Berbice and 39 percent from Demerara.
Guysuco met its market commitments to the European Union in 2003 and penetrated markets in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica.
In an effort to add value to the product, ‘Demerara Gold’ was launched in 2003 and the Corporation intends to explore export markets for this product.
Over 320,000 tonnes of sugar is expected to be produced this year.
Mr. Ward said Guysuco is expecting a better year in 2004.
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Minister Ramsammy in stable condition
- Resting at New York home

Georgetown, GINA, January 9, 2004

Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy is out of the hospital, but it may be sometime before he is able to return to work.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at a Media briefing gave this update on the Minister’s health.
Minister Ramsammy had undergone his second triple bypass heart surgery.
Today, the HPS reported that the Minister is in a stable condition and is resting at his Long Island home in the United States.
“Dr. Ramsammy’s return to service of course would depend on medical advice to be tendered by physicians, but this is not expected to be any time soon,” Dr. Luncheon said.
In Minister Ramsammy’s absence, the Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford, is holding his portfolio.
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NARI completed several projects in 2003

Georgetown, GINA, January 10, 2004

Training courses
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.
Another training course was effected for farmers of Region 10, which focused in 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, with 30 participants. This course entailed new technology, field and laboratory identification of pests and their management.
Cocoa farmers also received refresher and advanced training in organic cocoa production. This course focused on soil fertility, shade, pests, 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.

Mushroom cultivation
With assistance from the Chinese government, Guyana will be cultivating mushrooms early this year.
Exchange notes were signed by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Co-operation and the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana in October 2003 for mushroom cultivation.
This will allow for a feasibility study and the training of local farmers by experts. This project will commence in 2004.
Initial work was effected at NARI, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. This involved identifying species that could be cultivated locally.
Dr. Homenauth said that next year NARI would expand production for commercial purposes and is hoping that with assistance from the Chinese, NARI would be able to establish a mushroom house for demonstration purposes. Local farmers interested in cultivating mushrooms will be able to access vital information from the facility.

Promoting organic agriculture
In association with the Beacon Foundation and the Universities of Florida and Georgia NARI is involved in a Peanut Project in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo). Research is ongoing on improving the total peanut production in the Region in a sustainable manner. Field plots were established at Moco Moco, Shulinab and Aranaputa.
NARI, in conjunction with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, initiated a project to re-vegetate the Kara Kara mined-out site in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice). This is a five-year project, aimed at establishing pastures, orchard crops and the agro-forestry species, Paulownia, at the site. A cadastral survey, lime application and the planting of vetiver grass have been completed.
Last year, NARI continued to maintain a collection of germplasm materials identified for the Savannahs. Materials included mung, pigeon peas, peanut, soybean, corn, sorghum, minica, and black eye. Seed material was produced for farmers in the Berbice riverain communities and current investors in the savannah. The Paulownia established by Georgia Caribbean was also maintained. Appropriate technology is being made available to investors in the Savannahs. This has resulted in the large-scale cultivation of corn, minica and fruits.
Under the applied research component of the Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP) several research projects were implemented, including varietal evaluation of cauliflower, broccoli, sweet corn, tomato and cabbage; optimizing N fertilizer use on corn, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage; N fertilizer trials on papaw and passion fruit; management of phytophytora blight in cucurbits; and management of stem end rot on cabbages.
In 2003, full organic certification was achieved at the cocoa demonstration plot established at Hosororo in Region One (Barima/Waini).
Approximately 15,000 cocoa plants were produced and distributed to farming communities in the Region, which will result in 50 additional acres under cultivation. The project will have an additional 200 acres by 2007.
The annual yields expected at that time will be 50 tonnes. The production statistics for the past three tears were recorded at 955 kg in 2001, 1600 kg in 2002 and 2250 kg in 2003.
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 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.
Additionally, efforts have been made to have the ant bait produced by NARI registered with the European Authorities for use in organic farming in Guyana.

Seed production
Seed production at NARI for 2003 was recorded at 2.7 kg for ochroes, 16.7 kg for bora, 2.02 kg for tomatoes and 1.7 kg for boulanger.
Plots were established at Mon Repos and Ebini to produce seed material for farmers who produced 3,000 kg of minica, 2,000 kg of corn and 2,500 kg of sorghum.
Two kilogrammes of the California # 5 Black Eye was imported from Belize. A plot was established for selection and multiplication of this variety and approximately, 20 kilogrammes of seed have so far been harvested.
Approximately 170,000 fruit plants were produced at the nurseries in 2003 compared to 148,000 in 2002. Plant sales were recorded at 100,000 this year compared to 31,770 in 2002. From plant sales, it is estimated that there has been an increase in acreage of fruit plants by about 5,500 acres within the last three years.
The Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory continued its invaluable service to the agricultural sector with the in-vitro micro-propagation of clean planting material for those plants for which internal quarantine sector applies restrictions on their movement.
Over 6,000 varieties of plantains and over 2,500 pineapple varieties were produced and distributed to 14 farmers in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
The largest quantity of plants went to the Pomeroon where large-scale production has started for export to Barbados. The tissue culture methods will soon add sweet potato and bananas to its list for supply to farmers. Most of the 14 farmers provided materials to farmers for distribution of clean planting material to other farmers within their communities.
NARI tissue culture produces plants to assist farmers in the fight against dreaded plant diseases including the Moko disease, which affects plantains, and the pineapple mealy bug wilt disease.
Additionally, over 3,000 packets of bait for the control of the Acoushi or leaf cutting ants were produced. To date, more than 50 percent has been sold to hinterland farming communities where the Acoushi ant is a major threat to food security.
The Crop Protection Service processed about 500 plant disease samples submitted by non-traditional crop farmers. Most of the samples originated from farms on the Coastal Plains.

Technical assistance
In January 2003, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) for collaboration research in agriculture to promote the agriculture sector. The MoU catered for collaboration in the crop and dairy sectors while technical assistance is targeted for 2004.
Meanwhile, additional support from the Indian Government continued through the Indian Technical Economic Co-operation (ITEC) Assistance. Through this aid, another ITEC expert, Dr. R.S Kharb was sent to NARI in June 2003, to assist in manpower development in seed technology, especially in vegetable seed production and its quality testing; germplasm evaluation and its utilization in the crop improvement programme; evaluation of primary techniques for the availability of disease-free propagation material and the development of a systematic seed production programme.
Dr, Kharb joined Dr. V.C Mathur who is currently a Crop Planner at NARI under the same programme. Dr. Mathur is involved in research on the domestic and export market potential of fruits and vegetables in Guyana and is examining production cycles, reviewing demand and supply cycles, and fruits and vegetables export possibilities for Guyana.
With technical assistance provided by the Malaysian Government, an expert in rambutan cultivation visited NARI in July-August 2003. The technical advice and material provided by the expert have resulted in an effective method of rambutan propagation. This will result in an increase in acreage in rambutan cultivation in the next two to three years.
Exchange notes were signed by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Co-operation and the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana in October 2003 for mushroom cultivation. This will allow for a feasibility study and the training of local farmers by experts. This project will commence in 2004.
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New Public Service takes multi-skilled approach

Georgetown, GINA, January 9, 2004

As the Public Sector Modernisation Programme takes form, focus is now being shifted from specialized skills in the work scenario, to the multi-skilled functioning of public servants.
During an address to staff of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at a retreat today, Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, said the culture within the public service has changed over the years.
He noted that many see the public service as an intransit training ground to move to better precuniary prospects. However, Dr. Gopaul pointed out that many Guyanese who have gone on to hold top positions both at home and abroad, have developed their career in the local public service setting.
The public service top official remarked that the practice of promotions not based on work ethics and qualifications have contributed to destroying the public service. He added that change in this regard is now being monitored.
Dr. Gopaul said public sector modernisation is an important facet worldwide, which Guyana is seeking to adopt nationally. Based on an eighteen-month survey conducted as part of the initial stages of the PSMP, reports have been submitted.
According to Dr. Gopaul, the findings are at the stage of implementation. He stated, "Government has put enormous emphasis on technological advancement in the way things are done in the public service."
He held that every Government department must render public assistance on the first call, adding that Guyana is working towards goals to provide the best possible service for the country.
In 2003, the public service addressed staff establishment and commenced the omission of obsolete posts, with a view to finalising job description and specification within every Ministry.
Dr. Gopaul said that findings have revealed that a significant percentage of the 9000 odd public servants work 4 hours per day. He assured that while Government is not seeking to retrench public servants, the PSMP is seeking to inculcate greater levels of efficiency, which will lead to greater remuneration.
Having overseen the staging of a number of specialized workshops for both governmental and non-governmental agencies last year, Dr. Gopaul mooted the idea of staging a strategic management scenario-planning workshop for the Foreign Trade Ministry.
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NGMC working to promote non-traditional crops
- Nizam Hassan

Georgetown, GINA, January 10, 2004

The New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) has been working assiduously to promote the cultivation and export of non-traditional crops to international markets. To date, several markets have been sourced and this will continue in 2004.
General Manager Mr. Nizam Hassan at a media conference provided an update on the accomplishments of the NGMC during 2003.
The NGMC has been working to reduce the importation of produce that can be grown locally and embarked on a buy local campaign, which will be continued this year.
According to Mr. Hassan, the Corporation exports to the Caricom Region, North America and Europe and a market study was carried out in Brazil’s markets at Manaus and Boa Vista.
Crops include hot peppers, tomatoes, ochroes, watermelons, pumpkins, limes, pineapples, mangoes, coconuts and plantains.
In a move to assist local manufacturers, several measures were implemented to ensure that products for export to international countries meet the required standards.
Other projects effected by the NGMC include demonstrations and promotion of post harvest techniques including waxing, sleeving and de-greening of vegetables to promote a longer shelf life.
Mr. Hassan stated that renovation works are ongoing at the Central Packaging Facility at Sophia and will continue into 2004.
The NGMC, in collaboration with the Guyana Economic Opportunities (GEO) Project sponsored a one-day workshop on “Labeling for the Export Market,” targeting food processors. The workshop, which covered the regulatory requirements for food labels in the United States of America and Canada, was held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre.
The workshop attracted over 75 participants from 20 firms currently producing a variety of food products, such as jams and jellies, juices and soft drinks, snack foods, noodles, seafood, a variety of spices and condiments, canned fruits and other canned products.
Although the regulations in the two countries are similar in many areas, there are certain differences that producers and exporters must be aware of, depending on their target market. One major difference is the requirement in Canada for information to be provided in both English and French. There are other differences including reporting content weight in ounces or grams (for the U.S) as opposed to only in metric for Canada. The regulations are quite extensive and precise in both countries and cover required information, location of information on the label, and the required minimum font or print size.
In addition to product labeling, the workshop also focused on nutrition labeling, which has been required since 1994 and which is becoming increasingly complex. Participants were given a demonstration on the method for calculating the nutritional contents and were provided with a workbook, on how to do the calculations.
Accurate and correct food product labeling for U.S and Canadian markets is essential for market acceptance.
As a result of the September 11 terrorism act and the recent increased threat of terrorism, the US Government enacted new legislation last year aimed at increasing the safety and security of America’s food supply.
The Law is entitled Public Health Security and Bio-terrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 and as part of this new legislation, two new regulations issued by the Food Drug Administration (FDA) will impact directly on Guyanese exporters of food products to the US.
The first regulation requires food facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption in the US to register with the FDA by December 12, 2003.
The second regulation requires advance notification by food importers of human and animal food shipments imported or offered for import. This regulation takes effect for imports arriving on or after December 12, 2003.
The Bio-terrorism Act directs the Government to take steps to protect the public from a threatened or actual terrorist attack on the U.S food supply. In order to ensure that the provisions of the Act are effected, domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food products must register with the FDA. This will enable the FDA to notify facilities and determine the supplier in cases of outbreak of food-borne illnesses.
Food products include: dietary supplements and dietary ingredients, infant formula, beverages including alcoholic beverages and bottled water, fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, dairy products and shell eggs, raw agricultural commodities for use as food or components of food, canned and frozen foods, bakery goods, snack foods and candy, including chewing gum, live food animals, and animal pet foods.
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Guyana exploring additional markets for rice exports
- Jagnarine Singh GM, GRDB

Georgetown, GINA, January 9, 2004

The rice industry continues to progress despite some difficulties experienced including low prices and higher production costs.
According to the General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Mr. Jagnarine Singh, the GRDB and Government continued to ensure the maintenance of preferential access to the European Union and Caricom markets in 2003.
The GRDB is also seeking new markets in countries including Columbia, Haiti, Panama, Brazil and the Unites States.
For 2003, rice production was recorded at 355,019 tonnes while in 2002 it was recorded at 288,375 tonnes. The projection for 2004 is 367,250 tonnes.
Paddy production was recorded at 443,654 tonnes in 2002 while last year it was 546,183 tonnes. The projection for 2004 is 565,000 tonnes.
The yield per hectare for 2003 was 67.3 bags and 64.7 bags in 2002. In 2004 it is projected at 68.5 bags.
The quantity exported in 2003 was 200,432 tonnes while in 2002 it was 193,416 tonnes. The projection for 2004 is 234,900 tonnes.
Mr. Singh noted that seed production for 2003 was one of the best, since the Rice Research Station was able to produce in excess of 4,000 bags of seed than required by the industry. Approximately 27,127 bags of seed were produced in 2003, compared with 12, 159 bags in 2002.
Paddy bug continued to be the dominant pest in the industry. With the assistance of the EU, the GRDB was able to secure the services of an entomologist to assist in the management of the paddy bug.
During 2003, a Farmers’ Field School was started to assist in improving the management of the paddy bug. The school operates under four guiding principles of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM): to grow a healthy crop, to conserve natural enemies, to conduct regular field observations, and to allow farmers to become IPM experts.
In the transfer of technology, the GRDB and the Rice Producers Association continued to provide extension services to the rice producers.
In 2003, there were complaints by farmers about the system of purchasing paddy. Problems were identified with weighing, grading and moisture. After careful examination the GRDB will commence a program to reduce this problem. Five Regional seminars will be held under the theme “Understanding the Rice Factories Act,” and a monitoring unit will be set up to deal with these problems to ensure compliance with the Rice factories Act.
In 2004, the research station will continue its research work to develop and release high yielding, blast resistant varieties; to conduct rice research verification trails in the rice cultivation areas; to produce management packages for all varieties; to ensure crop protection, and to increase seed production.
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Several accomplishments in the dairy sector in 2003

Georgetown, GINA, January 9, 2004

During the past year, there have been many accomplishments in the dairy sector especially in the areas of beef and milk production.
According to Dr. Nicholas Waldron of the National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP), the programme focused on artificial insemination last year, which was aimed at improving the quality of animals resulting in an increase in milk and beef production.
Dr. Waldron was at the time speaking at a media briefing in the boardroom of the Ministry of Agriculture held to provide an update on accomplishments in 2003.
Guyana’s cattle industry continues to develop, and its full potential is yet to be explored.
A Livestock Technical Working Committee was established this year and resource persons, tasks, and a plan of action were identified. A livestock census form was drafted with the assistance of the National Bureau of Statistics. An organizational chart and budget for the implementation of the plan of action was also prepared.
A private investor established a small abattoir in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), which can support initial exports to the Caribbean territories, pending inspection by a Caricom technical team. A project proposal for a modern abattoir facility was submitted to the European Union and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
Guyana is presently exploring the possibilities of joint exploitation of the EU standard facility in Suriname.
A disease preparedness plan was developed with assistance from IICA, and mock exercises were carried out. The plan will be implemented on a reduced scale in Region Five then expanded countrywide eventually.
According to the National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP) three indigenous milk processing units were established this year.
The Dantzig Dairy was reorganized and boasts new management, and an improved packaging system is in place.
The dairy unit is now producing plain pasteurized milk, flavoured milk, cows' ghee and paneer, among other products, under the brand 'White Gate'.
The Saint Stanislaus Dairy Products Unit, established at Sophia, produces plain pasteurized milk, flavoured milk, liquid and solid yoghurt, cream cheese, dips, sour cream and eggnog, under the brand 'Good Morning'.
Moogoodies Inc, in New Amsterdam is now producing plain pasteurized milk, cream cheese and yoghurt, under the brand 'Moogoodies'.
Another significant achievement is the attachment of an Indian National, Dr. Appupillai Murugan, under the Indian Technical Economic Co-operation (ITEC) programme, from July 2003 to strengthen cattle farmers’ organizations.
In addition, Dr. Murugan's expertise in the areas of dairy products and artificial insemination has enhanced the activities of the NDDP.
He has been working closely with the new manager of White Gate in improving the quality of its products and venturing into new products - cows' ghee and paneer.
This year, another highlight was the signing of a Complementary Agreement to the Basic Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Government of Brazil and the Government of Guyana to implement the Project on Dairy/Beef Production, Data Base Management, and Disease Surveillance in Guyana.
Two activities slated for completion in 2004, are: the training of two Guyanese in 'cheese' making in Brazil and a technical visit to Guyana by a Brazilian to further assist in the preparation of beef exports from here.
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The Fisheries sector has performed incredibly well in 2003
- Permanent Secretary Bowen Balkarran

Georgetown, GINA, January 9, 2004

Government, through the Ministry of Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock and Agriculture has been encouraging farmers to diversify their produce and to date many projects have been implemented to provide assistance in this direction.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock Bowen Balkarran, at a media conference, said the Fisheries sector has performed incredibly well in 2003. He stated indications are that production in the sector has increased slightly compared to 2002.
The aquaculture industry is being promoted as people are trained in rearing tilapia, hassar, and prawns.
The National Agricultural Research Institute, Aquaculture farm at Mon Repos, harvested approximately 810 pounds of market size tilapia. This was sent to the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC), which makes it available to the public.
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 for breeding 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.
Research information collected is available to interested persons. Farmers are advised to consult with the demonstration farm before digging ponds to rear fish. A simple study of water testing and other important aspects should be done before any infrastructure is put in place. The information is available to farmers at no cost.
In an effort to allow shrimp, prawns and sea bobs to grow, the Ministry implemented a closed season from September 1 through October 15.
Meanwhile, Guyana is working to access European Union markets this year.
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