GINA | GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY

Linden Nite 2004

Under 15 not allowed to Mash on February 23

Successful theatre programmes conducted by Ministry of Youth

Guyana exploring several international markets

NBIC considers branch office in Region One

Residents of Yarakita, Region One, (Barima/Waini) recently received a tractor and trailer to enhance their agriculture efforts.
readmore...

Government spending on education, development and poverty reduction
programmes is major steps to combat child labour
- Minister Bisnauth tells participants of ILO’s labour workshop

Police to hold off on enforcement of seating laws pending revision
- President meets minibus operators/owners

Tribute to Andrew Morrison

Linden Nite 2004

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2004

The second Linden Nite will be held on Saturday and Sunday at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground.
This venture is to give producers in the Region and opportunity to showcase their produce.
The Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP), a major player in this event, has allowed distributors of small equipment to participate in the exhibition exercise.
The LEAP agenda is to promote small scale production and small enterprise in the Region. LEAP is hoping that through demonstration, farmers in the Region will be encouraged to invest their finance in small scale farming.
LEAP has also sponsored a number of individuals to participate in the exhibition.
This exhibition of local produce is organized by the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, Region Ten Administration and the Private Sector.
Agricultural products, clothing, jewellery, furniture, beverages and handicraft will also be on display.
TOP

Under 15 not allowed to Mash on February 23

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2004

Children under fifteen years will not be allowed to participate in any float at the Adult Float Parade on February 23.
This was revealed at the Private Sector Brunch organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport on Sunday, February 25, to encourage industries to invest in Mash.
Minister Gail Teixeira made it clear that no child under the age 15 will be allowed to be part of any of the floats on Mash Day.
Teixeira said the Children Costume Parade is the parade for younger persons to display their costumes and enjoy Mash through the streets.
The Children’s Costume Parade is coordinated by the Ministry of Education and facilitates schools, youth groups and other organizations with a youth focus to participate in the Parade.
The Ministry reported that a number of children normally participates in the February 23 parade which takes a longer route and has a larger crowd than the Children’s Parade. The safety of these children is of great concern to the Ministry.
They are therefore urging participants of the float Parade to adhere to the Ministry’s directive and remove children from this activity.
TOP

Successful theatre programmes conducted by Ministry of Youth

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2004

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is saying that its newly developed youth theatre programme was a success.
The Ministry through this new programme has conducted a number of workshops in Georgetown and other Regions.
Young people at these workshops developed an understanding of theatre, character development, stage presence and improvisational skills.
Jennifer Thomas, Andre Wiltshire, Sonia Yarde and Russell Lancaster, local theatre specialists were facilitators.
Participants staged a theater production in May 2003 that was hailed a success.
Since the arrival of Voluntary Service Officer (VSO) Jennifer Davis, acting Director of Drama at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, a number of workshops were conducted .
More than 70 youths participated in the workshops hosted by the Ministry.
As part of the 2003 drama programme theatre programmes were also facilitated in Anna Regina, Onderneeming, Mabaruma, Wauna, White Creek and Hosororo.
The Ministry will continue to extend its programmes to more youths in 2004. The Rupununi, Region One Barima/Waini, is one of the areas targeted for 2004.
Playwriting workshops were also held in which more than 25 potential and practicing playwriters participated. This aspect of the programme will also continue this year.
The theatre programme will also work on producing manuals for playwriting and theatre workshops, to be used as a guide to persons conducting workshops countrywide.
Just last year, the Ministry made a tangible contribution to the Theatre Guild in an effort to assist in the resuscitation of the Playhouse so it may once again become the Mecca of local theatre.
TOP

Guyana exploring several international markets

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2004

Guyana is presently exploring the market potential for several fresh and processed local products in several countries, including Barbados, New York and the United Kingdom.
During a recent television programme produced at the GTV-11 studios ‘Lets Talk with Neaz Subhan,’ Executive Director of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) Mr. Geoffrey Da Silva stated that a market study was already completed.
Mr. Da Silva pointed out that this process started last year when members of the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) visited several Caribbean countries to identify opportunities that would exist for products grown and produced locally.
According to Mr. Da Silva, two local companies are already shipping to the UK. The Delgeti Company, which packages tea leaves and ‘Major’ based at Victoria, East Coast Demerara, which exports casareep and seasoning sauce.
During a recent seminar consultants provided an update on the challenges, getting into specific markets, and opportunities available to local farmers and producers. After identification, local producers will ship directly from Guyana. The BCCC will facilitate easier flows directly between producers and suppliers.
Approximately eight to nine products have been identified including pineapples, mango, ginger and limes among others. Processed food products are being identified as well. A survey would be done among consumers to see if products are acceptable.
Chairman of the BCCC Mr. Andrew Bynoe stated that the Chamber is looking mainly at primary products including pineapples which would be of interest to people in the UK.
Mr. Bynoe stressed the need to strengthen links locally and internationally to ensure that standards are maintained. He noted the need for partnerships between companies in Guyana and those in the Caribbean.
He expressed the hope that other investors would be able to come into Guyana’s markets and feel comfortable. In cases where there are common products, suppliers can also consolidate to provide the quantity and quality needed.
The New Guyana Marketing Corporation and Go-Invest are assisting in sourcing markets and work with businesses to export. In this regard, two course commenced with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); Export 101 and 102 and many farmers from Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara have received assistance and training.
Mr. Da Silva stated that since Guyana eradicated the pink mealy bug, several companies have been able to export to Barbados. Even though the market is still relatively small, they are looking at market opportunities in Antigua. Copra and coconut oil are already being shipped to Trinidad and Tobago.
Market studies were done last year, which identified opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe, New York, Northern Brazil, and London. Meanwhile, another market study is presently ongoing in Florida.
Mr. Da Silva disclosed that there will be an exhibition next month in Barbados and Guyana will participate.
TOP

NBIC considers branch office in Region One

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2004

The National Bank of Industry and Commerce has shown initial interest in the erection of a branch office in Region One, Barima/Waini. This is in response to the growing needs of residents living within the three sub-regions of the North West District.
According to Region One Information Officer, Jude Hernandez, an NBIC team, comprising senior officials, visited Port Kaituma and Mabaruma last week. This was in response to an earlier call by Regional Chairman, Norman Whittaker, for the bank’s consideration of setting up a branch in the region.
The visit included a tour of sections of Region One, to allow the NBIC visiting team to gauge the level of business activity and other income-generating avenues pursued by residents.
Hernandez quoted the NBIC Managing Director, Michael Archibald as saying that “the exercise and other relevant information are necessary to the initial process for considering the setting up of a banking system.”
Meanwhile, Regional Officials are reportedly optimistic that the setting up of a banking facility in the Region One will come to fruition, for the benefit of all residents of the Barima/Waini region.
Among others who participated in the Regional walkabout were NBIC’s Regional Operations Officer, Keith Johnson, Regional Vice Chairman, Fermin Singh, and Manager of the National Edible Oil Company, (NEOCOL) George Jarvis.
Region One is largely agriculturally based, with mining rapidly emerging as an enterprising and lucrative venture.
TOP

Yarakita gets a tractor and trailer

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2004

Residents of Yarakita, Region One, (Barima/Waini) recently received a tractor and trailer to enhance their agriculture efforts.
According to Regional Information Officer of Region One, Jules Hernandez, the machinery was presented to the residents following a request made to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
Regional Vice Chairman, Fermin Singh, Regional Executive Producer, Ishwar Dass, and Community Development Officer, Victor Boyder, handed over the tractor and trailer to village Chairman of the CDC, Terrence Abrahams.
At the handing over ceremony, the Regional Vice Chairman noted that the tractor will be used mainly to assist villagers to transport their farm produce from the fields to the market. In addition, farmers preparing their fields for cultivation and other related community development works are expected to benefit from the services of the tractor.
Abrahams expressed gratitude to Government for the timely gesture. Yarakita village is located some 26 miles from Mabaruma, one of the three sub-regions of the Barima/Waini region.
TOP

Government spending on education, development and poverty reduction programmes is major steps to combat child labour
- Minister Bisnauth tells participants of ILO’s labour workshop

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2004

Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Securities Dr. Dale Bisnauth in his address to participants of the first ever workshop on the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in Guyana, disclosed that Government spending on educational and poverty reduction programmes has been major steps in combating child labour.
The two-day workshop, held in the Conference Room of the National Library, is hosted by the Ministry of Labour in conjunction with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Approximately 20 Labour officials, from Regions Four and Six, attended the workshop.
Dr. Bisnauth said that progress towards the reduction of child labour is possible where there is political and social will, because any society that regards itself as civilized, must finds it reprehensible.
The ILO has estimated that 250 million children worldwide between the ages of five to 14 are engaged in child labour. And of that amount, 120 million work full time, every day – regardless of the weather.
Dr. Bisnauth emphasized that mechanisms, worldwide to reverse and eliminate child labour, must be sought, since this deprives a child of a chance of becoming productive.
However, he cautioned that society must not confuse child labour with child work. Since, working in family businesses or on farms could be an essential part of children’s developmental process.
He challenged society to carefully distinguish between the two, since child labour could lead to the worst kinds of physical, mental and educational damage to a child’s well-being.
He challenged society, especially employees within the informal sector where child labour is prevalent, to join in the work against this scourge.
Since, labour Legislation is likely to remain useless, if there is no inspectorate system in place or societal consciousness, to address the problem.
Minister Bisnauth noted that Guyana is fortunate to have ILO’s assistance to set in train, mechanisms to combat child labour.
Others addressing the first session were Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Pulandar Kandhi; Project Manager, ILO/CIDA Regional Child Labour Project, Leslie Bowrin; Senior Specialist, ILO Caribbean Office, Samuel Goolsarran; Executive Director, Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries (CAGI), David Yankana and Second Vice President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, Andrew Garnett.
Mr. Bowrin said that the Caribbean region has limited information on child labour. As a result, the ILO is now seeking to compile the necessary information on the subject.
Six Caribbean countries, including Guyana, have been selected for study on child labour.
A video, encouraging people to work together to stop child labour, has already been compiled from the six countries.
Convention number 182, dealing with the Prevention and Elimination of the worst forms of Child Labour, was adopted by the ILO in 1999. And in 2001, Guyana also signed on to than convention.
The workshop and following exercises in the field are designed to sensitize the nation to the harm of child labour and to remove children from hazardous work.
TOP

Police to hold off on enforcement of seating laws pending revision
- President meets minibus operators/owners

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2004

The Guyana Police force will be holding off on the enforcement of the regulations of the seating capacity of minibuses, which dates back to the 1960s. The regulations are contained in the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, and the Road Traffic Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation).
This follows a meeting between the Head of State and minibus operators/owners from across the country earlier today at the Office of the President. The minibus operators and owners requested the meeting with President Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss their concerns about the enforcing of the seating capacity regulations.
Present at the Meeting were Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj, Police Commissioner (ag) Floyd Mc Donald and Traffic Chief (ag) Superintendent Michael Harlequin.
According to Superintendent Harlequin, the enforcement of the seating capacity will be put in abeyance until a revision of the regulations be done.
“What will now be done is that arrangements will be put in place to ensure that the Traffic Officers do not enforce this law until the revision is done,” Harlequin said.
He noted that the enforcement of the law has been deferred until it has been revised and passed in the National Assembly.
Police Commissioner McDonald said the revision process will start shortly and will see thorough consultations being held with all stakeholders, including minibus operators and owners to ensure satisfactory resolutions.
“We hope that meaningful and amicable solution be found to the problem,” Mc Donald said.
Minister Gajraj pointed out that the law has been in existence for 40 odd years and as such the President has exercised leniency based on the clamour by the minibus operators and owners. The holding off on the enforcement is until the law has been revised.
“For a great number of those years the law was not being enforced. However the President made it clear to them that the fact that the Police will ease on the enforcement of the law is only temporary until the entire law is revised,” the Home Affairs Minister said.
Meanwhile, the Minister said, President Jagdeo strongly spoke to the minibus operators about the manner in which they deliver this public service and urged full compliance with all other existing traffic laws.
“The President used the opportunity to discuss with them issues relating to overloading; the calibre of drivers that operates minibuses; the mode of operation in the sense as to how they dress their attitude loud music in minibuses, the speeding of minibuses and even some drivers who might drink and drive. They President discussed those aspects with them,” the Minister said.
Commenting on the minibus operators/owners response, Minister Gajraj said “they are satisfied that the Police would issue fitness subject to the bus being authorized roadworthy and the issue of the seating capacity will be address at a later date when the revision is completed.”
Gladstone Drepaul an operator on Route 44 noted that the “President’s response was favourable and will help the travelling public a lot.” Expressing gratitude, Drepaul said this will ease a lot of transportation problem in his operating zone.
Another operator of the same route, Chatterpaul Singh said “what the President decided will help al the minibus operators and benefit the entire country.”
Kwesi Lawrence of route 41 also expressed gratitude for the extension. Representative of route 63 Linclon Gildhari said the President’s decision will “benefit all owners/operators,” and the discussion was very informative and “helpful.”
There were about 20 minibus operators and owners in attendance at today’s meeting from various routes including 32, 44, 41, 63 & 50.
TOP

Tribute to Andrew Morrison

Georgetown, GINA, January 27,2004

The Government Information Agency (GINA) joins in paying tribute to a fearless fighter for press freedom, Father Andrew Morrison, S.J.
Father Morrison’s contribution to the struggle for press freedom brings to memory another great patriot Father Bernard Darke, who was murdered by armed agents of the then PNC regime, whilst carrying out journalistic duties in a period when press freedom was non-existent.
As editor of the Catholic Standard . Andrew Morrison will be remembered for his fearlessness and persistence in exposing the truth.
His work as a Catholic Priest will continue to be an example to others.
GINA extends condolences to the Catholic Church of Guyana and all those who shared in his dedication and vision for a democratic Guyana, when the press would be free.
Father Morrison died recently after a brief illness. He was 78.
TOP