GINA | GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY

Kwakwani community adapting comfortably to changes
-residents have began wider their production base

Merger of Kwakwani and Aroaima operations vital for a sustainable bauxite industry
- P.M. Hinds

President Jagdeo will not attend inauguration of President Mbeki

President Bharrat Jagdeo has sent his regrets to President elect of South Africa Thabo Mbeki, for not being able to attend his Inauguration Ceremony.

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Government to financially assist students affected by President’s College fire - Students unharmed, to resume regular classes soon

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"Diseases know no border" - Minister Ramsammy
-As Guyana observes Vaccination Week of the Americas

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Attempts to raze Home Affairs Ministry thwarted – Arsonists flee on foot

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Guyana –Cuba sign MoU for improved trade and Economic ooperation

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Iranian Investigators here for kidnapping of Iranian investigations

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Kwakwani community adapting comfortably to changes
-residents have began wider their production base

Georgetown, GINA, April 26, 2004

On a recent visit to Kwakwani Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Prime Minister Samuel Hinds discovered that some residents had moved into other production areas as a means of becoming self-sustainable.
On a walk-about tour of the bauxite mining community, Mr. Hinds met with residents, some of whom had begun venturing into cash-crop farming, tailoring and dressmaking among other things.
Mr. Hinds made a similar visit to the mining community last September. At that time residents had begun adjusting to changes in the economic focus of their community.
During that visit, Mr. Hinds told residents, "We are encouraging other people to get involved in self-employment in terms of food production, agriculture, livestock, furniture, among other industries, since this would help to lessen your dependency on bauxite."
The main economic activity for the Kwakwani district was bauxite mining. However, with changing world market demand and the price of bauxite, Guyana has had to cut back on production.
With most of the residents involved in the bauxite industry, some were forced to seek alternative means of sustenance.

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Merger of Kwakwani and Aroaima operations vital for a sustainable bauxite industry
- P.M. Hinds

Georgetown, GINA, April 26, 2004

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who holds responsibility for the Mining Sector, has disclosed that the merger of Kwakwani and Aroaima bauxite operations is vital for the industry’s sustainability.
Mr. Hinds made this observation to workers of the Aroaima Mining Company Limited (AMC) bauxite operations during a two-day visit at the weekend to Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Sub Division # 2 area.
The Prime Minister’s visit was aimed at meeting workers and management to gather individual impressions of the situation on the ground, while assuring the communities that the merger is the most feasible option available to them.
He said it is a question of Aroaima having some money in the bank and having equipment in good shape, but no ore. On the other hand, Kwakwani was cash-struck, with equipment fully used, but ore bodies present. So, it is a situation where merger of the two entities was essential, he noted.
The Prime Minister said that the main aim would be to have the communities, complementing each other though one operation.
Mining at the Aroaima operations ceased a few weeks ago, since the area is said to be out of bauxite ore.
The mines at Kwakwani is currently supplying ore, which is transported 10 miles down the Berbice River to Aroaima.
Total annual production of AMC is 1.3 – 1.4 million tones.
In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Mr. Hinds said that industrially, the merger of the two communities is moving smoothly and that the company has been adapting to transporting ore and mining at two different locations. The major hindrance is transportation cost and the depth of the Berbice River.
At present, barges that transport ore do no load to full capacity, due to the shallowness of the rivers. This ultimately adds to fuel cost and increases total production costs.
The company is currently seeking alternative cost-cutting transportation means of shipping ore from Kwakwani to Aroaima.
Larger trucks that can carry more materials from the dryer will add to the company’s cost-cutting methods.
During his visit, Mr. Hinds also attended the company’s Board Meeting, met with workers and representatives of surrounding Amerindian communities. He also toured Ituni, Kwakwani and Hururu communities.
Workers of the Aroaima mines went on strike last December and the company lost approximately US $700,000.
However, production is moving smoothly and is expected to be on target for its annual quota.
World market price for bauxite is currently high and Mr. Hinds noted that Guyana’s bauxite industry has to take advantage this.
The Prime Minister made a similar visit to the mining communities in September last. During that visit, he told workers that there was a need to reduce the cost of production, since this would inevitably make Guyana's bauxite more competitive internationally.
Chairman of the AMC Board is Neil Kumar, while Board Members are Robeson Benn, Winston Brassington, Morris Stuart and Ron Webster.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were AMC’s Managing Director, Morris Stuart; Finance Manager, Ramoo Kumar and Administrative Manager Bernard Crawford
Mr. Benn noted that the visit was part of the process to evaluate the operations in order to make sure that the company is on the right path.
He noted that at the level of the Board, holding regular discussions with management and workers helps to make sound management decisions that best serve the operations.
Mr. Benn noted that at present the key issues of the company are seeking refinancing and capitalization, while responding to market forces.

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President Jagdeo will not attend inauguration of President Mbeki

Georgetown, GINA, April 26, 2004

President Bharrat Jagdeo has sent his regrets to President elect of South Africa Thabo Mbeki, for not being able to attend his Inauguration Ceremony.
In a letter to President Mbeki, President Jagdeo expressed gratitude for the invitation but stated he would be unable to attend the inauguration because of pressing domestic engagements at this time.
The letter also expressed President Jagdeo’s warmest congratulations on the re-election of Mbeki as President of the Republic of South Africa and good wishes for another successful term in office.
The Mbeki-led African National Congress (ANC) won 69 percent of the votes at the April 14, South Africa General Elections.

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Government to financially assist students affected by President’s College fire - Students unharmed, to resume regular classes soon

Georgetown, GINA, April 26, 2004

The 100-odd students affected by the fire that razed the male dormitory at President’s College, Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara will be assisted financially and otherwise.
This assurance came from the Head of State during a meeting with students and teachers some three hours after the fire, which is believed to have been electrical in origin, destroyed the male dorm.
President Bharrat Jagdeo, accompanied by Minister of Education Dr. Henry Jeffrey, visited the school this afternoon and toured the complex. Following this, they hosted a meeting with students and teachers to discuss solutions to the problems posed by the fire. The fire started shortly after 11:00 hrs today. Chief Education Officer Ed Caesar was also part of the meeting.
Empathising with the students, the President noted that what happened cannot be reversed, but his Administration is committed to helping the College overcome its losses. The President agreed with the students that their personal losses are great and, in many cases, may be impossible to replace.
“I assure you that we (Government) will work with you during this transition period to ensure that your studies are not disrupted and you are accommodated,” he said.
The male dorm accommodates some 103 students, the majority of whom are preparing to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination and General Certificate Examination (GCE) A Levels. The President assured the CSEC students, who would have lost their School Based Assessment (SBA) in the fire, that Government will intervene on their behalf in the situation.
“Contacts are going to be made to see what we can work out with the CSEC Council for students who lost their SBAs,” he said.
The President told the students that he will ensure they receive a sum of money to purchase basic necessities and the College will pay for transportation for those students desirous of going home.
In terms of accommodation for the male students, President Jagdeo examined the option of housing them at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), while other arrangements are made. The CPCE can accommodate about 18 students, while GWLI located nearby can put up some 50 students.
Forty-two of the affected students are from East Berbice, 25 from Essequibo and West Demerara, 4 from the Hinterland, 14 from Linden and the others from East Coast Demerara and Georgetown.
Government will also ensure that each affected student receive a school uniform. The financial assistance is expected to cost the Administration about $2.5M, at about $25,000 per student.
The school has scheduled a meeting with parents, guardians and students for 10:00 hrs on Wednesday to discuss the students welfare and other issues consequent to the fire. It was suggested that the students go home for a few days and resume school at a date to be determined. The monetary assistance will be given to the parents.
The Administrative Building and the library were damaged by water from the firemen’s hoses.
President’s College was established in 1985 and at present has a student population of about 600, many of whom live in the dorms. The school receives an annual subvention of $5M for capital expenditure from Government and $111M for current expenditure.

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"Diseases know no border" - Minister Ramsammy
-As Guyana observes Vaccination Week of the Americas

Georgetown, GINA, April 26, 2004

"Diseases know no border and we must work together hand in hand, so that we can combat diseases," said Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy at Bon Fin, Brazil in a cross border vaccination campaign, today.
He noted there are many diseases that are vaccine preventable and the act of vaccination is an act of love and so all children should be vaccinated.
Representatives from Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) and other health officials were in Brazil to take part in the cross border campaign.
This initiative was made possible when health officials were in Ecuador for the Pan Americas meeting January last, and Guyana and Brazil decided to have cross border vaccinations.
PAHO's Dr. Janice Woolford, who attended this meeting, said that the collaborative effort will ensure that low coverage areas will be covered.
Minister Ramsammy said that such an arrangement will further strengthen the bond of solidarity, and sisterhood that the Government of Guyana and Brazil share.
Over the past few years, Brazil has assisted Guyana in many areas, including agriculture, health and education.
Dr. Nadia Berrza, representing the Secretary of Health in Brazil, stated that since 1998, Brazil and Guyana have been working together, on an outbreak of yellow fever, "And since then we have been collaborating to fight infectious diseases."
Monies are needed to invest in controlling diseases, noted Minister Ramsammy and assistance from developed countries is the key. He urged his Brazilian counterparts to ask such countries for assistance in protecting children from diseases.
Brazil's President Lula DaSilva was praised for his efforts on pleading on the international platform for more aid for developing countries.
Health workers were also commended for their hard work and dedication. "We in Guyana and Brazil join hands with our brothers and sisters to pay tribute to all our health workers for seeing that our children remain healthy."
Dr. Bernadette Theodore Gandhi, representative of PAHO/WHO, said PAHO is pleased to be associated with Vaccination Week. She noted the objectives of Vaccination Week are equity, accessibility and Pan-Americanism.
"The value of Para-American is the value in which PAHO was founded," disclosed Dr. Ghandi.
She said she is pleased to see countries working together to improve health care and vaccination is a mother's love for her child.
In Bon Fin, a group of children performed an African dance "Coppeira" and a song which translates, "Let Us Be Friends."
In Lethem another launching was held, with certificates being given to children who were immunized by their first birthday, children who received their vaccination by 3 years nine months, and for a father who attended clinic often.
There were cultural presentations on the importance of vaccinations and immunization for protection were performed by several groups.
Accompanying Minister Ramsammy were acting Director of Maternal and Child Health, Dr. Jomo Osbourne; Regional Chairman Vincent Henry; Dr. Susan Reef of Centre for Disease Control in Atlanta and PAHO Health Coordinator, Renee Peroune.

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Attempts to raze Home Affairs Ministry thwarted – Arsonists flee on foot

Georgetown, GINA, Monday, April 26, 2004

The rule of law in Guyana suffered another blow as the hub of national security came under threat. A brazen attack by arsonists attempting to raze the Ministry of Home Affairs has been thwarted. It is alleged that three men on foot hurled what turned out to be “channa bombs” at the Ministry around 22:15hrs., last night.
Damage was done to the Registry Department and the main boardroom where national Security meetings are usually held.
Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj told GINA that about 22:30hrs yesterday, he received a call from Commissioner of Police Winston Felix, who informed him that the Ministry was under the threat of fire. He said he then immediately informed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Angela Johnson, who rushed to the scene.
The Minister said he was advised that there were three men on foot who stopped under one of the trees outside the Ministry, lit the explosives and hurled them at the Southern side of the building. One of the devices was hurled into the building, through one of the windows of the boardroom on the upper flat.
In the boardroom, the carpet and part of the floor were scorched, and so was the roof. The curtain of the boardroom was destroyed and a photocopier, damaged.
The Minister noted that the investigation by the Police into the matter is continuing. However, the incident has not affected the work of the Ministry. Minister Gajraj noted that as far as he has been advised, staff morale has not been dampened by the incident. He said he thinks that the Ministry’s staff understands and appreciates what the circumstances are and no adverse reports have come to his attention.
He said what might be the motive for such a criminal act, he is not sure. He added however, that within recent times, he in particular has been the target of attacks by the main opposition party and some other organisations with regard to allegations made against him.
In the meantime, the Permanent Secretary said that the section of the building that has been damaged was extended recently to create a healthy and more comfortable working environment for the Ministry’s staff, as well as those visiting the Ministry. She added that the incident is, “rather unfortunate”.
Ms. Johnson commended the Guyana Fire Service for its quick and effective response, a response which averted what could have been a catastrophe for the Ministry of Home Affairs and the people of Guyana. In that regard, the Permanent Secretary extends her appreciation to members of the Guyana Fire Service who were involved in the fire fighting exercise.

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Guyana –Cuba sign MoU for improved trade and Economic ooperation

Georgetown, GINA, April 26, 2004

Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Clement Rohee and Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana Jose Manuel Inclan Embade this afternoon signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at diversifying trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The MoU is expected to further the initiatives taken during the Twenty-Second Session of the Guyana/ Cuba Joint Commission held almost a month ago.
Speaking at the signing of the MoU, Minister Rohee noted that Guyana and Cuba enjoy ‘healthy’ trade relations and that the MoU complements the CARICOM/ Cuba Free Trade Agreement signed some time ago and to which Guyana is a party.
According to Minister Rohee, steps have already been taken to implement the MoU through the Guyana/ Cuba Joint Business Council.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Ambassador Embade who noted that preparations have begun for the Havana International Fair and which Guyana is expected to attend.
According to Ambassador Embade, the MoU offers a new opportunity for Guyana and Cuba to work towards the strengthening of relations between the business communities of the two countries, and for the strengthening of Community business relations
Present at the signing were representatives of the Guyana/ Cuba Joint Business Development Council, the Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce and other members of the business community.

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Iranian Investigators here for kidnapping of Iranian investigations

Georgetown, GINA, Monday, April 26, 2004

Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj today met with Iran’s Ambassador to Guyana Ahmad Sobhani and a team of Iranian law enforcement officials to discuss the participation of the Iranians in the investigation into the kidnapping of Iranian national Mohamed Hassan Ibrahimi on April 2, 2004.
After the meeting, the Minister told GINA an earlier meeting was held between Foreign Affairs Minister, Rudolph Insanally and the Iranian diplomat, to work out a format for a successful closure to be brought to the matter. A meeting was also held between the Ambassador and Commissioner of Police Winston Felix.
Minister Gajraj noted then, the Ambassador had indicated a team of specialist police officers travel to Guyana, to assist the Guyana Police Force with the investigations.
The Minister said he then indicated that there was no objection to this provided that the team would at all times work in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, who would spearhead the investigation.
He said as a result of that meeting, a four member team of Iranian law enforcement officers, drawn from the Iranian Intelligence Ministry, as well as the Iranian Interpol and the Police Department, arrived in Guyana last evening. They met earlier today with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gail Texiera after which they met with the Home Affairs Minister in the company of the Permanent Secretary, Angela Johnson, the Commissioner of Police and the chief investigating rank into the kidnapping.
Minister Gajraj noted that the Ambassador and the team of police officers were briefed on the steps that have been taken so far, the persons that have been questioned, the places that have been searched and even the geographical areas that have been covered in the search for the Iranian national.
Later in the day, a team comprising the Commissioner of Police and other officials of the Guyana Police Force met with the Iranian team, when a detailed brief was held. The meeting also mapped out the way forward for the investigations.
The Ambassador is expected to leave Guyana tomorrow (Tuesday), but the Police officers will remain to continue working with the local Police. The stay of the Iranian officers will be for an indefinite period, depending on the progress made in their Investigations.
The Director of the International Islamic College for Advanced Studies was snatched while leaving the institution on United Nations Place, about 22:10hrs. on the evening of April 3, 2004. The driver of Ibrahami’s car, Raymond Ali was shot in the foot.

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