GINA | GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY

Social services in Region Nine boosted
- Minister Nokta commissions several buildings

Minister Baksh to visit Annandale as a follow-up to President’s visit

Alternative education programme will prepare youths for world of work

Stabroek News Business supplement misrepresents statistics
on Guyana’s migration rate
- Correct data issued since November last

Tourism Ministry/Hits and Jams promote greater Government/private sector
participation in Mash 2004

Booklet on labour laws and industrial relations policy launched

Students stand to benefit up to US $500 from travel tax waver

Minister Nadir urges private sector to plan events in advance

Firemen must be alert all times – says Fire Chief

CYP offers help, solicit Government’s contribution to youth programme
- President Jagdeo meets Commonwealth Adviser of Youth Affairs

President Bharrat Jagdeo and the Special Adviser and Head of Youth Affairs within the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CPY) Ignatius Takawira met today to discuss the local of the programme.
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Government, Private Sector to hold Summit
- President Chambers of Commerce holds successful meeting

Government and the Private Sector are moving to hold a business summit during the second quarter of this year.
readmore...

2003 efforts by Ministry responsible for social services were satisfactory

Guyana pushes for special treatment at Mexico Summit

A special plea for special and differential treatment was put forward by Guyana, at the recent Summit of the Americas in Monterrey, Mexico.
readmore...

US committed to global HIV/AIDS fight-Ambassador Bullen
Mercy Sisters commended for selfless service

Union and Government sign MOU on state media merger

Social services in Region Nine boosted
- Minister Nokta commissions several buildings

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

The social services sector in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), was significantly boosted with a number of new facilities which were commissioned by the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta.
The Minister and a team of officials are on a one-week visit to the Region and are expected to return to Georgetown on Saturday, January 31, 2004.
The Minister held meetings in 12 communities in the Region and commissioned three Health Huts at Aranaputa, Toka and Fairview. Three teachers quarters at Crashwater, Aranaputa and Yakarinta, boats and engines, a new Primary School at Apoteri and a new dormitory for boys at the Annai Secondary School were also commissioned.
In addition, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Nine received a new rehabilitated Administrative Office at Annai, a new Plant Nursery and a boat and engine.
The Minister disclosed to residents in the villages that this year, hinterland teachers will receive an increase in salary.
He noted that Government will continue to focus on improving the education and health sectors of the country.
This message was also conveyed by Regional Vice-Chairman, Clarindo Rudolph, who urged villagers to work together and support the present administration.
The Vice-Chairman warned residents that if they continued to listen to the advice of persons objecting to certain proposed projects in the Region by Government, then they would be divided and this would hinder development.
Minister Nokta and his team, including acting Chief medex of the Ministry of Health Seuranie Khan, inspected the health centres in several communities while Ms. Khan briefed Community Health Workers on how they could improve service to their communities.
She also provided some much needed drugs, including vaccines to some Health Centres.
The Medex urged villagers to cooperate with the specific Health Workers to maintain healthier communities.
The Local Government Minister advised villagers to ensure that they focus on planting agricultural crops, and cattle and poultry rearing, instead of only depending on fishing and hunting for their livelihood.
He pointed out that plans are on stream to construct a modern Regional Hospital at Lethem and the site has already been identified.
Today, the Minister will meet with the Regional Administration, inspect the proposed site and he will later inspect the site where the bridge across the Takutu River is being constructed.
Construction of the bridge restarted last week.
Medex Khan will also meet officials of the Public Hospital at Lethem.
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Minister Baksh to visit Annandale as a follow-up to President’s visit

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

The Minister of Housing and Water Mr. Shaik Baksh will be visiting Annandale, East Coast Demerara on Saturday, January 31, 2004 as a follow-up to an earlier visit by President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Minister Baksh in his Ministerial outreach will also visit Vigilance to meet residents in the area. The Minister will address issues raised during the President’s earlier visit.
President Jagdeo visited Annandale on Sunday last, when he urged residents not to be complacent, since the crime in the area has reduced significantly. The President also recommended that residents be alert and urged that the Community Policing Groups in the area continue working, even though there has been a lull in criminal activities.
During last year, Annandale was severely affected due to criminal activities by criminals said to be operating out of the neighbouring village, Buxton.
Meanwhile, Minister Baksh will be visiting Regions Five and Six on Friday, January 30, 2004 when he will inspect projects and meet residents.
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Alternative education programme will prepare youths for world of work

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

The Basic Competency Certificate Programme (BCCP), an alternative pathway to secondary education was launched today at the National Centre for Educational Development (NCERD).
This new programme designed by the Ministry of Education to improve the technical proficiency of secondary school students will prepare them for employment and job creation.
Minister of Education, Henry Jeffrey said that technical vocational training was an alternative if a child was unable to do the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examination.
This new programme is one which will ensure that every child leaves school with a BCCP certificate.
Jeffrey said this new programme is an alternative pathway to work and furthering education.
The Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring that the delivery of education is equitable, despite the available resources.
This is the first major boost to technical vocational education since 1985. The Ministry is hoping to reintroduce this aspect of education. The programme also has the capacity to reach out of school youths and those who are functionally illiterate.
Jeffrey said that it is now essential that everyone have an understanding of some level of technology.
Chief Education Officer, Ed Caesar said “Unless we can find a way to prepare youths to be self employed we will always have a problem with employment.”
He anticipates that the child leaving school after access to the BCCP will be more rounded.
This Tec/Voc programme will offer training in core subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies and work attachment. Other subjects which are optional, include Technical Drawing, Welding, Livestock, Catering, Interior Decorating, Cosmetology, Household Management and Carpentry.
This programme was thoroughly analyzed for its effectiveness in our local school system.
The programme will be piloted at Fort Wellington Secondary School, Manchester Secondary school, Linden Foundation Secondary School, St. John’s Community High School, Lodge Community High School, Fort Wellington Secondary and Beteverwagting Community High school.
A number of agencies and subject specialists were consulted in the design of this programme. Education officials also visited Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to understudy technical vocational skills training in those countries.
Significant support through modules and other literature was received from Jamaica, for which the Ministry is thankful.
The Ministry also consulted with employers organizations, Regional Chairmen, and trades unions on this programme.
Chief Education Officer Caesar urged teachers and supervisors of the project to be good facilitators and monitors to ensure that before 2008, the Ministry would have attained universal secondary education of a high quality.
According to Chairperson, and Acting Chief Education Officer, Secondary, Donna Chapman, for BCCP to be successful, it will have to be continually monitored, reviewed and modified.
BCCP will be managed by a task force including Sydney Walters, Chairman, Edward Williams, Jerry Simpson, Stephen Cooke, Paula Montfort, Leslyne Edwards-Charles, Bonita Hunter, Melcita Bovell and Cherrilene Baxter-Dennis.
Others at the ceremony were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Ganga Persaud, Deputy Chief Education Officer, Romeo Mc Adam and Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission.
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Stabroek News Business supplement misrepresents statistics
on Guyana’s migration rate
- Correct data issued since November last

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

The Editorial of Stabroek News Business supplement, dated Thursday 29, 2004, noted that ‘fifty thousand Guyanese emigrated in 2002 and it is estimated that annually, 20,000 to 30,000 persons are leaving these shores.’
However, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to Guyana, the source of the erroneous data, had stated on November 3, 2002 that the figures were a typographical error.
The figures were presented in a report by USAID at a remittance and migration seminar on Guyana.
The report, which was a draft, had stated that 50,000 Guyanese were expected to emigrate during 2002.
In a press release dated November 3, issued by the USAID Mission Director in Guyana, Dr. Mike Sarhan, it was pointed out that such a figure is clearly wrong as it would mean that there would be no one left after 10 years.
In checking with the author of the report, Dr. Manuel Orozco indicated that the number was a typographical error, as he was unable to obtain an accurate figure that
could be substantiated.
Dr. Sarhan noted that USAID reports, such as these are released first in draft, in the hope that such errors will be discovered. Unfortunately, the error was not spotted immediately and the incorrect figure has recently been quoted in the international press.
Mission Director Sarhan in the 2002 release stated that he regrets any embarrassment caused by the error, which has been corrected in the final report.
It is therefore surprising that Stabroek News would repeat an error which correction, it would have been aware of.
See attached the USAID release for your information.
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Tourism Ministry/Hits and Jams promote greater Government/private sector participation in Mash 2004

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the privately operated entertainment entity, Hits and Jams have once again collaborated in Mashramani celebrations. Last year, they joined together and created a Mashramani float. This year the team plans bigger collaboration for Mashramani 2004.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir and Hits and Jams representative Troy Mendonza made this disclosure at a media conference at the Ministry.
Minister Nadir commended the young organisers of the Hits and Jams group for their involvement in tourism promotional activities.
He noted that the Mashramani celebration is about the masses and the promotion of unity among the people.
The band will march under the team ‘Unification in consistence with this year’s Mashramani team of ‘Unity, Beauty and More in 2004’.
Minister Nadir noted that Government alone cannot develop Guyana’s potential. Alliances with the private sector is vital.
Minister Nadir reiterated that as part of the tourist development drive, entertainment activities must be provided.
Mr. Mendonza noted that other private companies, such as Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and Banks DIH Limited, non-governmental organisations and the Ministries of Local Government and Culture, Youth and Sport are providing financial support for the float. Mingles Sound Machine, El Saddick Band and Fusions International will provide the music on Mashramani Day.
The Ministry and Hits and Jams have several joint activities on the Mashramani agenda, leading to the February 23 event. Other events planned are a jeans party on February 7, a colour party on February 14, a glow party on February 22 and the Mash wash down event on February 29.
Mr. Mendonza said that the joint venture promotes private sector involvement. In addition to the partnership announcement, a brochure, highlighting various costumes was presented to the public. Costumes, for both men and women are available at a cost. Additionally, persons purchasing costumes will be privileged to attend upcoming activities hosted by Hits and Jams.
The partnership, between the two is expected to continue through the year. The Miss Jam Zone Beach Pageant is already being planned for August.
The Ministry has been encouraging Government/private sector collaboration with several cultural activities, the most recent being the Main Big Lime on December 28 last.
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Booklet on labour laws and industrial relations policy launched

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

Three hundred booklets that provide background to industrial relations in Guyana and identify sources of national labour policy emanating from the International Labour Convention (ILO) were today handed over to Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Dale Bisnauth at Ministry’s Boardroom, Brickdam.
“The System of Industrial Relations in Guyana” complied and edited by Samuel Jerry Goolsarran, a senior specialist on Industrial Relations and Labour Administration, ILO sub regional office for the Caribbean - was well received by Minister Bisnauth, Minister Bibi Shadick and officials from other agencies.
“This booklet is useful for everyone and I hope the trade unions will make full use of it,” said Minister Bisnauth.
Copies will go to the Critchlow Labour College, the National Library and the University of Guyana Library.
The booklet stems from a request over a year ago made by Minister Bisnauth.
“We are pleased to present these booklets because it was done with Guyana in mind,” said Goolsarn.
He noted that the publication is intended to assist principal labour administrators and highlights essential features and systems inform the labour systems in Guyana.
Topics covered in the publication are: overview of the National Labour Legislative Framework, collective bargaining and dispute settlement, labour institutions, offices and powers of authorities and legislative summaries.
The copies are a gift from the ILO and according to Goolsarran, Guyana is one of the shining members of the Organisation.
He added, “Guyana is well recognised for its works in the labour systems and is a strong advocate for occupational and health environment.”
The development of labour and industrial relations in Guyana can be traced to the emergence of trade unionism, and some significant events in the early twentieth century, beginning with workers' discontent over difficult working conditions on the waterfront.
This led to agitation and industrial action and culminated in a strike for better terms and conditions of employment in December 1905. The actions by workers on the waterfront posed a major challenge to the merchant class.
This was followed by the formation of the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU) in 1919 (now the Guyana Labour Union) led by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, and then by the enactment of the Trade Unions Ordinance (the Trade Union Act) in 1921. In 1922, the Ordinance facilitated the registration of the first trade union, the BGLU, one of the first trade unions organized in the British colonial empire.
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Students stand to benefit up to US $500 from travel tax waver

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

Scholarship students traveling overseas will benefit from a recent Cabinet decision to waiver the 15 percent tax on tickets to all overseas destinations. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon made this announcement at the last Cabinet media briefing.
Students traveling to India, who would pay approximately US $3300, would now pay about US $500 less, while students studying in Australia and Paris will pay US $414 less than the usual price of US $2760.
Students traveling to the United States on scholarship could pay a reduction of little over US $100 from the original fare of US $710.
The cost to travel to Cuba is about US $600 and the tax waiver would cause students to pay US $ 90 less.
Scholarship awardees traveling to South Africa are expected to have a reduced fare of US $450 from the prescribed US $ 2997.
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Minister Nadir urges private sector to plan events in advance

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

The Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir is urging the private sector, in particular entities that plan entertainment events, to plan far ahead so that Guyana could be included in international calendar of events.
Minister Nadir made this disclosure during a joint media conference held by the Ministry and Hits and Jams entertainment band.
He said that the Caribbean and World Tourism Organizations need a longer time frame in which to promote events. This calendar could them be published locally and abroad and even on websites.
The Minister with responsibility for the tourism sector noted in some cases international tourism planning organizations have already developed calendars of events for 2007.
He commended the North American Airlines for having already developed a calendar of activities for 2004.
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Firemen must be alert all times – says Fire Chief

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

Firemen must be alert at all times - and in an effort to maintain efficiency in the fire Service, firemen have to go through rigorous drills, according to Fire Chief Carlyle Washington in an invited comment to the Government Information Agency.
He noted that every Wednesday, firemen have to undergo both foot and pump drills.
“It is necessary because we need them (firemen) to be alert at all times. Fires occur,” said Washington.
Washington is satisfied with the quality of training his ranks have to go through.
There is a temporary Training school at the Alberttown Fire Station. Recruits engage in practical training at the National Park. They engage in pump drills, ladder drills, rescue drills and First Aid.
In the classroom, the recruits are taught the duties, responsibilities and qualities of a fireman, and how to battle various types of fire.
As for advanced training overseas, the Fire Chief said this is done in the United Kingdom, the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.
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CYP offers help, solicit Government’s contribution to youth programme
- President Jagdeo meets Commonwealth Adviser of Youth Affairs

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

President Bharrat Jagdeo and the Special Adviser and Head of Youth Affairs within the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CPY) Ignatius Takawira met today to discuss the local of the programme.
Takawira paid a courtesy call on the Head of State at the Office of the President this afternoon.
Prior to his meeting with the President, the Special Advisor said that their discussions would focus on the CYP plans and its effectiveness in Guyana.
He is here for two days.
Head of the CYP in Guyana Armstrong Alexis, in an interview, said Takawira is visiting several countries in which the CYP operates. He was last in Dominica.
He said the Adviser’s discussions with the President were based on the “issue of development in Guyana and what is expected of Government and what the CYP can offer.”
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Government, Private Sector to hold Summit
- President Chambers of Commerce holds successful meeting

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

Government and the Private Sector are moving to hold a business summit during the second quarter of this year.
This is one of the many decisions coming out of the quarterly meeting President Bharrat Jagdeo hosted with the Heads of Chambers of Commerce and the Guyana Manufacturers Association.
Also at the meeting was Adviser to the President on Investment Maniram Prashad.
In an interview Prashad described the lengthy meeting as successful, and it enabled “frank and constructive discussions” between the parties. It was also well attended.
The Investment Adviser noted that at the meeting the decision was taken to hold a business summit for Government and the Private Sector. A small committee was established to make preparations for the event.
The Committee, led by Prashad, comprises GMA President Ramesh Dukhoo, President of the West Demerara Chamber of Commerce Joshua Safeek, Representative of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Brian James, President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce Samuel Arjune, President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce Rohan Murray and President of the Association of Regional Chambers Mumtaz Ali.
“The Committee is tasked with preparing position papers and the agenda for the Summit,’ Prashad said.
The President also tasked Prashad with following up on all regional investment and business matters before the next meeting which is slated for the first week of April.
Other issues discussed by the two parties included progress on the Berbice Bridge, the road from Lethem to Georgetown, the current state of affairs in the country and the political and economical situation in Guyana.
The Private Sector will also be meeting the Minister of Finance Sasenarine Kowlessar shortly for their input in the 2004 Budget.
Commenting on specific issues raised by the Chambers of Commerce, Prashad noted that the four Chambers in Berbice voiced their concerns to the Head of State about the sloth in progress with regard to a Berbice Industrial Site. The Chambers are proposing that if the New Amsterdam Town Council is delaying the process of obtaining the land for the site, the Administration should look for other available land in Berbice, as the need is urgent.
President Jagdeo in turn agreed to examine the proposal, but made no commitment on the issue. The Chambers hierarchy also called on the President to have the Administration initiate disciplinary action against the New Amsterdam Town Council since it is “holding back developmental works.”
President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce Wilfred Simon reported to the President that business in Linden had improved considerable with the ongoing Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP).
President Jagdeo requested a report from the Port Kaituma Chamber of Commerce President Crafton Harris about the state of affairs there, so that Government may address problems affecting the community.
The President was told that the airstrip is not in the best of condition. However, James, who is also the Chairman of the Civil Aviation, noted that the airstrip is slated for repairs this year and it is one of the priority projects.
Prashad is also expected to arrange a meeting between the Commission of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Private Sector to discuss systems in the Customs Department under the new legislation.
According to Prashad, those present at the meeting were appreciative of the decisions taken and the initiatives to be worked on. They also voiced appreciation of the President’s initiative to meet the Private Sector quarterly.
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2003 efforts by Ministry responsible for social services were satisfactory

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security has preformed satisfactorily and managed to achieve its goals in 2003 said Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick at a press conference today.
Giving an update on the performance of the various departments in her Ministry, Shadick said the Night Shelter and the Difficult Circumstances Unit had also performed well over the past year.
The Ministry has been able to fill vacancies in the Probation and Welfare Departments and the Cooperatives Department. She is hoping that the new staffing capacity will reduce problems in the Adoption Department.
The Ministry will also delink the administrative component of this department giving officers more time to deal with court and other related matters.
Listed among the Ministry’s accomplishments are the establishing of the Visiting Committee to monitor Orphanages, rehabilitation work to Block Three at the Palms and improving the pension distribution system.
Minister Shadick said she is aware of persons attempting to set up orphanages “for less than honest reasons”, and her Ministry is prepared to stop such behaviour.
One of the primary focuses this year will be the violence and children programme operated between her Ministry and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
An Advisory Board chaired by Minister Shadick, will monitor this programme. She said that Guyana is the first country to begin such a project. A team from Belize will be visiting Guyana next month to see how the programme is being executed.
This year, rehabilitation work will continue on Block Two at the Palms, the Mahaica Children’s Home and the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI).
As regards assistance for the public, the Ministry is fine-tuning arrangements for waivers in water rates, especially for pensioners. Social workers at the Ministry have already collected applications.
The Ministry of Human Services has begun work on pension books for 2004. Shadick said staff members at the Ministry are already working on the booklets which will be ready for distribution early February. They anticipate that the distribution will be completed by March.
And it seems that the new security features on vouchers are working. She said no one was found trying to defraud the system and hopes 2004 will prove to be as uneventful as last year.
All pensioners will also receive the five percent across the board payment made last December. Their pensions will increase from $1,820 to $1,910.
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Guyana pushes for special treatment at Mexico Summit

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

A special plea for special and differential treatment was put forward by Guyana, at the recent Summit of the Americas in Monterrey, Mexico.
During a post-Mexico interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rudy Insanally said though Guyana was not heavily represented at the recent meeting, there was ample participation on several vital issues.
“We had the opportunity of participating fully in the debates which centred around economic growth and equity, social development and democratic governance,” stated Mr. Insanally.
He pointed out that in its participation in discussions on economic growth and equity, Guyana acknowledged the inherent importance of progress in this area as an essential element of poverty reduction, in keeping with the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s).
Drawing from the economic recovery experienced in Guyana during the 1990’s, Minister Insanally said Guyana also seized the opportunity to put forward its request for special and differential treatment and a Regional Development Fund, within the context of the Free Trade Association of the Americas.
The Foreign Minister noted that the hemisphere is as strong as its “weakest link,” since by comparison, some countries in the Caribbean have limited economic options, which called for a special case drawn up at the Monterrey Summit.
While the Summit of the Americas is the interim caucus to next year’s meeting slated for Argentina, the Mexico Meeting served as a platform for dialogue among some fourteen new leaders of the hemisphere to discuss current and evolving events of significance to the Region.
At the Mexico meeting, Minister Insanally said the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was well represented. He added that leaders discussed the outcomes established at last years’ meeting in Quebec, Canada.
At that meeting, a concerted approach was taken by leaders to tackle poverty at the domestic level, in keeping with the MDG’s to harness poverty by 2015. To this end, Minister Insanally noted that leaders at the Monterrey Summit also examined concrete projects aimed at poverty reduction.
The OAS is managing a number of projects in these various areas.
“The promotion of democratic governance and the reinforcement of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which was put to the test in Peru and Venezuela formed part of the Mexico discussion,” added Minister Insanally.
Overall, he rated Guyana’s participation in the Mexico Summit as successful, and assured that leaders will follow up the unifying approaches discussed.
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US committed to global HIV/AIDS fight-Ambassador Bullen
Mercy Sisters commended for selfless service

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

“The United States Government has made the fight against HIV/AIDS a global priority. Here in Guyana, the Embassy is pleased to be working alongside the Sisters of Mercy in this noble struggle.”
These were words of assurance from U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Roland Bullen, in his address to the representative Roman Catholic Mother Superiors of 25 regions in the US.
The Roman Catholic Superiors of countries including Argentina, Belize, Honduras and Guyana, are part of these 25 regions, and Executives of the institutional leadership team converged on the Cara Inn in Georgetown today, for a four-day conference to discuss human and financial resource mobilisation to enhance existing services rendered by the Sisters of Mercy in the Americas and Guyana.
The acute shortage of skilled health care workers in Guyana is expected to be the focus for discussion among the Sisters, who are representing some 12 countries, including Guyana and the United States.
As the guest speaker at today’s ceremony, the US Ambassador reflected on the 173 years of existence of the Sisters of Mercy in the Americas, and their active involvement in Guyana for over 100 years.
Ambassador Bullen said the Sisters have actively engaged in commendable educational inputs from nursery to university. He added, “The Sisters’ contribution to health care in Guyana is also noteworthy,… recognised by the U.S. Embassy in Guyana as providing the highest standard of medical care available in the country.”
The US envoy cited the health threat posed by the spread of HIV/AIDS as a challenge that now faces the Mercy Sisters, and stated that outside of Africa, the Caribbean is the most heavily impacted region in the world, with Guyana being one of the “most deeply affected” countries.
“The consequences of this global epidemic are enormous and potentially devastating,” said Ambassador Bullen, adding that the spread of HIV/AIDS threatens to undermine years of work towards development and poverty reduction.
The Sisters of Mercy have approached the US authorities for further assistance in its ongoing efforts to provide healthcare across the country to persons living with HIV/AIDS. The US Ambassador indicated a willingness to support these efforts.
Feature speaker, Prime Minister, Sam Hinds welcomed the visiting Sisters on behalf of Government, and hailed their history of service and contribution to health care in Guyana. The Prime Minister told the Superiors that their schools outreach programme and Mercy Wings, attest to their ongoing commitment to service.
Acknowledging that HIV/AIDS is a difficult problem in Guyana, Mr. Hinds congratulated the humanitarian group for reaching the un-reached. He highlighted the importance of the Mercy group in today’s globalised world.
Among the services rendered nationally, the Sisters of Mercy manage the St. John’s Bosco Orphanage at Plaisance, which has been in existence for some 102 years, and the St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Georgetown.
They have also founded the Carmel Roman Catholic School, and have run schools in Georgetown, Santa Rosa, Mabaruma and Hosororo. They commenced the Mercy Wings vocational training for adolescents with limited secondary education, including youths of Sophia.
The Mercy Hospital started a mobile clinic that serves depressed areas.
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Union and Government sign MOU on state media merger

Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2004

The merger between the Guyana Television Broadcasting Company Limited -(GTV) Channel 11 and the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) was signed today at the Office of the President.
This signing was completed minutes after Union Leaders met with President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President on finalizing the MOU.
Signing on behalf of the Government was Head of the Privatisation Unit, Winston Brassington and Information Liaison to the President, Robert Persaud. Signing on behalf of the Union was Roy Hughes, President of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) and Grantley Colbard, General Secretary of the CCWU.
Brassington said the MOU provides for ex-gratia payments for severed workers. Persons with less than three years service will receive ten percent of the severance pay and those with more than three years fifteen percent.
See attached:
Memorandum of Understanding

The Government of Guyana as shareholder of Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and Guyana Television and Broadcasting Inc, (Herein referred to as the GoG) and the Clerical and Commercial Workers' Union (CCWU), hereby agree to the following:

1. Merger of GTV and GBC into a new legal entity
The Parties agree to the merger with an effective date of March 1 2004

2. Severance & Ex-gratia payment
The Parties disagree on the principle of severance at the date of the merger. Workers will receive the following:
I. Payment in accordance with the respective Collective Labour Agreements (CLA's) plus
II. The following ex-gratia payment:
a) More than 1 year but less than 3 years-lO% of computed severance pay
b) More that 3 years service-15% of computed severance pay

3. Temporary Contracts for all former GTV and GBC employees in new Entity
As part of the process of issuing severance letters, temporary contracts shall be issued to all employees who shall indicate within two working days, their intention to remain with the new entity by signing and returning these contracts. The contracts will be temporary contracts in nature and shall be for a period up to six months, with both the Employer and Temporary Employee having the option to terminate with one month's notice, unless the Temporary Employee is being dismissed for cause, in which case no notice is required. The Temporary Contracts shall carry the same salary as the employees currently enjoy, and in addition will carry an 8% payment in lieu of leave and other benefits.

4. Preference in Employment in the New Entity to former employees of GTV and GBC
Shortly after the merger, the positions in the new organization shall be advertised and immediate past employees of GTV and GBC can apply. Persons will be ranked based on experience, qualifications and other criteria provided to the Unions and selected based on interviews with a Panel made up of senior persons of the new organization and the Privatisation Unit.

All attempts will be made to complete the internal process within three months. If positions cannot be filled from the internal applicants, these positions will be advertised, and if outside applications fail to satisfy the requirements being sought, these positions may be filled by persons not previously hired.

5. Permanent Employment at the end of the Transition Period
At the end of the 6-month period that the temporary contracts are applicable or the Transition Period, all employees offered permanent employment, will enjoy the salary and benefits to be applied to the new organization.

6. Agreement on a new Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) with the CCWU
As part of the Vesting Order, the recognition of the CCWU shall be flowed through to the new
entity and provide that prior to the expiry of the Transition Period, the new company will negotiate and settle a new CLA that shall be applicable to the equivalent grades of persons previously represented and shall provide for the various benefits to be enjoyed by the workers.

The above is applicable to all persons currently represented in the Bargaining Units covered by the CCWU at GTV and GBC and the successor in the new entity.
The Parties hereby agree to the above warrant that each Party will take all the necessary steps to support the completion of the above actions.
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