3 Palace Court. Bayswater Road, London
W2 4LP
Telephone: 020-7229-7684 Fax: 020 779-9809
27th April 2004
Mr. Mark Thompson
Chief Executive,
Channel 4,
124 Horseferry Road
London
SW IP 2TX
Dear Sir.
Unreported World: Bitter
Harvest
I write in connection with the above named programme
which was broadcast in the UK on Channel 4 on Saturday 24 April
2004 at 18:00 hours.
From the outset I wish to underscore that Guyana,
the country which was: he intended subject of your programme, is
a democratic society and welcomes scrutiny from reputable media
organizations like yours, however, such openness, I believe. should
not be an avenue for unbalanced and superficial reporting.
I am therefore compelled to point out some palpable
omissions and reporting biases which, in my opinion, characterizes
the programme at caption,
RACIAL TENSION
First of all, your programme, which sought to highlight
an apparent endemic racial disharmony in Guyana, glaringly focused
on the villages of Buxton and Annandale and made passing references
to one or two other villages on the East Coast of Demerara.
The most cursory of enquiries would have revealed
that Guyana is a country of 214.000 square kilometers and marked
by hundreds of villages along it’s entire coastline ,from
Charity to Springlands. With this fact established, no one with
even an iota of skills in scientific inquiry could use data gathered
in two villages from a less than representative sample of the combined
population to conclude on what is supposed to be a national phenomenon.
Unfortunately, your reporter used such limited data to conclusively
report that Guyana is gripped by widespread racial violence and
turmoil.
It is true that the village of Annandale, as reported,
has been a target of violence. It is not true to inter, however,
that every resident of the neighboring Buxton ever did, or intended
to, commit acts of violence on the residents of Annandale for racial
or other reasons. The fact is, empirical evidence exists in Guyana
and is in the domain of all the stakeholders, which clearly places
the guilt on known and unknown bandits for the mayhem that has pervaded
those two and other villages on the East Coast of Demerara.
While it is common knowledge in Guyana that much
of the siege on the citizens of Annandale, especially following
the escape of five prisoners who, along with other
Bandits, sought refuge in Buxton, your reporter remained oblivious
of this simple fact throughout her data collection exercise. Thus,
in her report she falsely and irresponsibly attempted to convey
the impression that there exists widespread racial violence in
Guyana.
DEATH SQUAD
Another focus of your report was the Death Squad
or Phantom Squad which is credited with carrying out several extra-judicial
executions, ostensibly with tacit or other official sanction and
approval. What your programme failed to even mention is the Government
of Guyana's unequivocal commitment to an inquiry into these allegations
by the constitutional body which is empowered to gather, receive
and act on incriminating evidence. According to the Laws of Guyana,
there is nothing contrary in acquiring a formal statement to proceed
with a criminal investigation. Perhaps it is apposite, to point
out that to date no such statement has been forthcoming for an inquiry
into the Death Squad allegation.
THE SUGAR INDUSTRY
Your reporter noted that the World Bank has recommended
the closure of certain sugar estates and that such action would
precipitate critical unemployment. Again no mention was made of
the Government's decision to refrain from such action which would
ultimately bring about unemployment and affect the livelihoods of
thousand. Not only did your reporter not highlight the Government's
decision to avoid the social and economic consequences of large-scale
unemployment in the Sugar Industry, but also she failed to notice,
or seek information on the more than US$IOOM outlay on a new sugar
factory at Skeldon, an investment which would propel the total yearly
sugar production to nearly 500,000 tons.
Hardly could it be deemed responsible investigative
reporting when views are solicited and pronouncements made about
an industry so critical to the very economic survival of
Guyana and the views of responsible and competent stakeholders are
not sought. This omission is another blatant failing of your report.
ALLOCATION OF CONTRACTS
As was the case with the reporting on the future
of the sugar industry in Guyana, your
reporter did not elicit the views of the competent authorities nor
other knowledgeable
groups and organisations on the awarding of contracts in Guyana.
As such she obviously was unable to discover that there exists,
in accordance with the Laws of Guyana, a Central Tender Board which
oversees the official tender process. At present, the Public Accounts
Committee is considering names for the Procurement Commission that
would oversee all aspects of Government Procurement.
TRANSSHIPMENT POINT FOR ILLICIT DRUGS
In dealing with the notion of Guyana being used
as a transshipment point for narcotic drugs, your reporter abysmally
tailed again to even mention the national efforts to confront and
deal with this transcontinental malady that has infiltrated the
border of Guyana. Had she sought, she would have found that the
efforts of the Government. Guyana, not withstanding the concomitant
strain on the country's security forces, have been sustained and
are in consonance with regional and international agendas to fight
drug trafficking. The attendant problems of small arms trafficking
and related crime are also fully recognised and are being assiduously
addressed by the Government of Guyana.
The fact is, while Guyana has experienced a spate
of crime in the past two years or so, especially with the return
of criminal deportees, the situation in the country in no way reflects
anarchy or an apathetic Government. Another simple, but significant,
fact that escaped your reporter's attention is that over the last
few years nearly 8011 deportees, many from North America and elsewhere,
and many of whom were incarcerated for severe criminal offences,
arrived in Guyana. That figure is equal to almost 101%of the entire
Guyana Police Force. The authorities and other concerned organisations
have long identified the return of deportees as providing the impetus
for an increase in both the severity and volume of crime in Guyana,
including drug related offences.
THE GUYANA POLICE FORCE
Perhaps through a combination of conjecture and
biased information gathering, your reporter referred to the existence
of a perception of the Guyana Police Force, historically staffed
with a majority of Guyanese of African origin, as a tool of a predominately
Indian Government. If the Commissioner of Police was asked, he would
have, I’m sure referred to his taking the oath of Office earlier
this year when he unequivocally declared his commitment to upholding
the Constitution of Guyana and the responsibilities that that
Constitution places on his office. The Commissioner's statement
is a clear and timely indication that he and his team must be and
are committed to upholding the rule of law in Guyana
Instead, your reporter never bothered to elicit
a comment from the concerned and relevant authorities on her theory
of the perception that the Guyana Police Force is a tool of the
Government.
POOR COUNTRY
It was by accident or omission that your reporter
introduced Guyana as "one of the poorest countries in the Western
Hemisphere". That description, as is evident by the programme,
could only have withstood question by being supported by a part
of disaster, racial strife, crime and lawlessness - all major themes
of your programme. Perhaps it never occurred to your reporter that
even where there is only prevalence of racial strife, disaster,
crime and lawlessness - and this is not the case in Guyana there
must be something positive to notice and mention. Any lack of such
natural balance, especially in investigative journalism, might be
construed as biased reporting and cannot be deemed credible.
It is therefore no surprise that the reporter avoided
the fact that Guyana has recently been deemed as a middle-income
country by the Multilateral Financial Institutions and no longer
qualities for the kinds of aid and development assistance that the
international community affords the world's poorest nations.
Neither was it important to your reporter to mention
that the Government of Guyana spends nearly 25% of its national
budget on social sector programmes to improve the quality of life
of the Guyanese people. This commitment is an outstanding achievement
for a developing country.
PRO INDIAN GOVERNMENT
Guyana is a multi-racial and culturally diverse
nation. Its racial diversity is a direct function of the colonisers
needs to provide labour for the plantation economy in what is
now known as Guyana. As such, successive Governments of Guyana have
been
comprised of Guyanese from across the racial divide. The composition
of the
Government cannot be described as pro-Indian. Government is not
only about the Cabinet and in Guyana at present the composition
of the national institutions and the overall governmental structure
are truly representative of the Guyanese society.
As was alluded to earlier the economic and social programmes undertaken
in Guyana are for the benefit for all Guyanese.
Finally, I wish to reiterate that the Government
and people of Guyana are familiar with what is considered to be
democratic practices. As such, there will never be any resentment
of media organisations that seek to examine Guyana. However, we
as a developing country are wary of any attempt to present our country
in a manner that is not particularly accurate, Guyana is a nation
with development goals and priorities and is continuously seeking
to have foreign direct investment. Our eco-tourism industry is also
emerging and expanding into an alternative destination for tourists
from a.1 around the world. These are just a few of the very good
reasons why we must be cautious of all efforts to convey a less
than accurate picture of our country, especially where evidence
to the contrary can be provided as has been done above.
To provide that evidence, Sir, is the purpose of
this letter. I trust that your Channel could give the same prominence
to this new information.
Yours sincerely,
Laleshwar KN Singh, CCH
High Commissioner
TOP
Final preparatory
work for bid book
- deadline May 6
Georgetown, GINA, April 28, 2004
Final preparations are being made for the presentation of Guyana’s
Bid Book to the International Cricket Conference (ICC) on May 6
at 17:30hrs in Barbados.
This is a major move for countries contending to host one or more
of the World Cup Cricket games in 2007.
At a media briefing today, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport,
Gail Teixeira and Indian High Commissioner, Avinash Gupta disclosed
that steps are earnestly being made to get the bid prepared.
Minister Teixeira stated that this would not have been possible
without the assistance of the Indian Government.
President Bharrat Jagdeo on his visit to India in August last year
was able to come to agreement with the Government of India for its
support to Guyana’s efforts to erect a cricket stadium.
After initial arrangements, US$20M has been secured for the stadium,
through a US $6M grant from the Indian Government and a US$14M soft
loan.
Minister Teixeira said the stadium designs are now finalized after
a visit by a Guyanese team to India last week.
She further added “if all goes well we will have the best
stadium in this Region”
The tender process for the preparation of the land for the stadium
has begun and should be awarded at the end of May.
Minister Teixeira said they are hoping to begin construction of
the stadium between October and December this year.
Other physical aspects of the preparation will be focused on in
anticipation of the ICC/ WICB verification team. Twelve countries
have registered as venues for the World Cup cricket, but their bids
must be approved.
This is followed up by the verification team which ensures that
countries are ideal locations for these matches. All countries have
already been divided into northern and southern zones, with Caribbean
countries fitting into the southern category.
The Committee will first visit the southern zone to gauge their
readiness, among other things from May 24 to 28. Between May 27
and 28 however, the Committee will be in Guyana.
The Northern zone will be examined in June.
Disclosure of the eight venues for the World Cup will be made known
on July 12, 2004.
Minister Teixeira also made it clear that the cooperation at the
country level is very essential to qualifying as a host venue. Any
possible signs of division could be a possible deterrent to Guyana’s
World Cup possibilities.
TOP
Guyana
International Convention Centre promised in 14 months
Georgetown, GINA, April 28, 2004
The construction contract for the Guyana International
Conference Centre was signed today paving the way for the beginning
of work on the state-of-the-art facility.
The Centre, which will be located in the vicinity of the new CARICOM
Secretariat Headquarters, Liliendaal, will provide conference support
facilities for meetings to be hosted by the Government of Guyana,
and the CARICOM Secretariat, as well as local, regional and international
organisations.
The project is being funded through grant aid provided by the Chinese
Government.
Also signed today was the Fourth Guyana – China Medical Protocol
which aims at facilitating continuous medical cooperation between
Guyana and China.
Under the new protocol, Guyana is to benefit from a 15-member medical
team that will render services at the Georgetown Public Hospital
and the Linden Hospital Complex.
This is the sixth such batch coming from China. The Chinese Medical
Team has been providing this kind of assistance to Guyana since
1993.
Speaking just before they affixed their signatures to the Protocol
document, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Guyana’s Minister of
Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Clement Rohee, and China’s
Ambassador to Guyana Song Tao all noted the friendly and fruitful
relations that exist between the two countries.
According to Prime Minister Hinds, the signing of the two documents
marks a significant milestone in Guyana-China relations.
The Prime Minister noted that since the establishment of diplomatic
relations some three decades ago, Guyana and China have enjoyed
excellent and productive relations, with Guyana benefiting extensively,
especially from the Technical Cooperation for Developing Countries,
technical trade awards, five medical brigades, cooperation programmes
notably those between CCTV of China and GTV (now NCT –Television),
and the services of a mushroom cultivation expert, among other expertise
and programmes.
Applauding China’s support which Guyana has received over
the years, Minister Rohee said the documents signed today will further
enhance relations between the two countries.
China has offered tremendous gifts of solidarity and support for
this small developing country, Minister Rohee said.
According to Ambassador Tao, within 14 months, the people of Guyana
will find a modern, state-of-art conference centre standing in Georgetown.
“This building will surely become a symbol of the long-standing
friendship between the Chinese people and the Guyanese people,”
Ambassador Tao said.
The multi-functional building will provide a main conference hall
that can accommodate over 350 persons, five meeting rooms, an exhibition
hall, training classrooms, dining rooms and places for other functions.
The contract for the construction of the Conference centre was signed
by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works and Communications
Mr. Kenneth Jordan on behalf of the Government of Guyana, and General
Manager Foreign Aid Section – China Civil Engineering Construction
Corporation, the company that was awarded the contract for the construction
of the building.
The Medical Protocol was signed by Minister Rohee and Ambassador
Song Tao.
Also present at today’s signing were Minister of Public Works
and Communication Anthony Xavier and other officials of his ministry
TOP
Cabinet
discusses coincidence of Home Affairs Ministry arson attempt and
PNCR's behaviour - Dr. Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, April 29, 2004
"There may be claims that the association
is merely co-incidental, but the arsenal of
devices seized during the April 9, 2004, debacle and later in the
height of the criminal excesses during 2002-2003, certainly suggests
otherwise."
These are the words of Head of the Presidential Secretariat and
Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet
media briefing today. He was at the time expressing Cabinet's views
on the attempted arson at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It is alleged that three men on foot hurled what turned out to be
“channa bombs” at the Ministry around 22:15 hrs on April
25, damaging the Registry Department and the main boardroom where
national Security meetings are usually held.
Dr. Luncheon noted that Cabinet discussed the arson attempt and
particularly the time at which it happened. In this context, he
referred to the coincidence of the bombing and the recent behaviour
of the main political opposition, the People's National Congress
Reform (PNCR). The 'behaviour' of which Dr. Luncheon speaks is the
"abandonment of the Constructive Engagement, abandonment of
Parliament, resort to public marches, protests at public institutions,
and the resort to protest at private homes of Government functionaries."
When asked if there was any evidence on which Cabinet has based
its claims of an association between the PNCR's behaviour and the
arson attempt, Dr. Luncheon said "There is no need for definitive
evidence to support an association...I highlighted the association
and sought to highlight the fact that the association is nothing
new."
Dr. Luncheon noted that the resort to the use of channa bombs, brings
back the agonising days of April 2001 and PNCR street protests.
"Cabinet undertook to continue monitoring the situation and
particularly the association between heightened political conflict
and the incidents of arson directed at Government and State owned
facilities," he said.
Responding to queries on the status of the investigation launched
into the arson attempt, Dr. Luncheon noted that the Office of the
President was not informed of any breakthrough or significant development,
and there is no report of any further evidence uncovered.
Dr. Luncheon noted that Government refers to the incident as an
arson attempt because of the evidence uncovered on the scene, the
devices used and the eyewitnesses' reports.
According to reports, three men on foot stooping under one of the
trees outside the Ministry, lit explosives and hurled them at the
southern side of the Ministry's 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.
Investigation by the Police into the matter is continuing. The incident
has not affected the work of the Ministry.
TOP
Indian
cultural group arrives tomorrow
Georgetown, GINA, April, 28, 2004
The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) will be the
first to present a showing of the cultural troupe to visit Guyana
on an cultural exchange programme between the Government of Guyana
and the Government of India.
The troupe will be in Guyana from tomorrow, and is billed to perform
in a number of communities after their initial showing at the Everest
Cricket Ground on Sunday.
At a media briefing this morning, Minister of Culture, Youth and
Sport, Gail Teixeira and Indian High Commissioner, Avinash Gupta
spoke about the dancers and musicians.
They will perform at the Diamond Community Centre Ground on May
3, Uitvlugt on May 4, Albion on May 5 and the National Culture Centre
on May 6.
The entrance fee at all community showings will be $100, and at
the National Cultural Centre, $500.
The Indian High Commissioner said the agreement between the two
countries for the cultural exchange programme was specifically to
provide Guyanese with a taste of unity in diversity.
The 21 member troupe comes from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. They will
perform a number of dances including the Bhangra, Giddha and Kathak.
These dances tell of harvest times, weddings, birthday celebrations
and get-togethers.
High Commissioner Gupta said the cultural group will also provide
Guyanese “a taste of culture in parts of India from where
folks migrated to Guyana.” The group’s visit coincides
with the 166th anniversary celebration of Indian arrival in Guyana.
Other areas of cooperation between the Indian and Guyanese Government
are the literary arts, museums and films. The Ministry of Education
will also be part of these exchange programmes.
The agreements stemmed from the recent visit by President Bharrat
Jagdeo to India last August.
Minister Teixeira is encouraging people to view these shows, along
with their families.
“It is good, clean entertainment,” the Minister assured
TOP
Organisations
awarded for contributions to Occupational Safety and Health
Georgetown, GINA, April 28, 2004
The The Ministry of Labour, and the National Advisory
Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) today awarded
five companies and three individuals for their outstanding contribution
to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Guyana.
The companies are Courts Guyana Incorporated, Banks DIH Limited,
Guyana Sugar Corporation, Demerara Power Company and Guyana Oil
Company.
The individuals are the late Greta Walcott former senior industrial
nurse at Guyana Stores Limited, Winston Beckles of Guyana National
Industrial Company (GNIC) and Gweneth King, former Chief OSH Officer,
Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Services.
Mr. Jules Chabrol of the National Advisory Council on Occupational
Safety and Health (NACOSH) urged other companies to emulate these
organisations and persons in promoting OSH practices.
The awards ceremony was held in observance of OSH Day, today. It
also culminated a month of activities in observance of OSH Month.
On this day workers who lost their lives or were injured on the
job are remembered.
According to Chairman of NACOSH Andrew Garnett, statistics regarding
daily workplace incidents are startling.
He said it is a day to direct Government, employers and workers
to one “common agenda …that focuses on preventative
measures that will reduce the suffering, accidents and diseases
at work.”
However, he noted that in a number of workplaces, employers and
the Government have demonstrated, through cooperation, that it is
possible to improve OSH practices.
Minister of Labour Dr. Dale Bisnauth added that it is important
to “ensure that safety measures that are in place for workers
are always effective.”
Statistics reveal that the agriculture sector has the highest incidence
of workplace accidents and the Minister challenged employers in
this sector to take on board OSH regulations, and to vie for an
award next year.
He committed, “We at the level of the Ministry will continue
to press in an effort to bring into the picture the informal sector
(especially the agricultural sector) in this enterprise.”
Minister Bisnauth said some organisations have devised comprehensive
OSH policies. Many of these include HIV/AIDS, among other issues.
The aim, he said, should be to instil OSH in the conscience of all
Guyanese, so that all people would suffer from eventually would
be their conscience.
According to David Yankana of the Guyana Association of Corporate
Industries (GACI), while there are about 1,200 reported cases of
workplace accidents; there were two deaths on the job during 2003.
Meanwhile, Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation
(PAHO/WHO) country representative Ms. Bernadette Theodore Gandhi
pointed out that the risk of workplace accidents is 10-20 times
higher in developing countries than developed countries.
“In Latin America and the Caribbean, occupational risk is
responsible for the loss of some 3.7M disabilities adjusted life
years. Occupational accidents and disabilities harm persons and
society at large and it takes a high economic toll as well,”
Dr. Gandi added.
Meanwhile, Astrid Foo, Environmental Coordinator, Banks DIH Limited,
who responded to the award, said, “We understand the need
for safety in our workplace and we will continue to try our best
to ensure that employees are protected.”
Prior to 2003, Guyana observed Occupational Safety and Health Day
on November 1. However, in keeping the International Labour Organisation,
to which Guyana is signatory, Guyana began observing Occupational
Safety and Health Day on April 28, and April as Occupational Safety
and Health Month.
The theme for this month is ““Sustaining a Safety and
Health culture at work.”
Several activities to mark the month were held at various locations
in the country. These included worksites workshops and seminars
at Caricom Rice Mills in Essequibo and at Watooka House in Linden
for workers in those areas.
TOP
New
holidays, Presidential Pension, income tax on Parliament's agenda
Georgetown, GINA, April 28, 2004
Key legislative matters and the clamour for additional
national holidays in Guyana are among the issues that will be discussed
in the National Assembly when it meets for the next Sitting planned
for Thursday, April 29, 2004 at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger
Luncheon made this disclosure at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing
today.
Dr. Luncheon said the important legislative matters to be given
further consideration are the Pension (Presidential) Bill. This
seeks to index the Pension part to all Presidents, Ceremonial or
Executives and their spouses and dependents, to the salary paid
to the incumbent President.
The Income Tax Audit Bill will also be tabled in the National Assembly.
This Bill seeks to provide the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the
Chief Justice, the two highest ranking post-holders, with salaries
free of any income tax.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the House would also be considering
the report of the Special Select Committee on the Review of Public
Holidays. The Committee has recommended that two days be given the
status of National Holidays: Arrival Day on May 5, and Independence
Day on May 26.
At present there are 14 National Holidays in Guyana.
Sections of society have called for additional National Holidays.
The Special Select Committee on the Review of Public Holidays, chaired
by Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj, was established to consider
these proposals.
The other proposed holidays are Amerindian Day on September 10 and
African Holocaust Day on October 12.
TOP
Government continues
to assist President's College after fire
- Education Minister to provide estimates for rebuilding
Georgetown, GINA, April 28, 2004
Cabinet at its April 28, 2004 meeting tasked Minister
of Education Dr. Henry Jeffrey with providing estimates for the
rebuilding of the President’s College dormitory destroyed
by fire.
The College’s male dorm was gutted by fire shortly after 11:00
hrs on Monday. President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Education Dr.
Henry Jeffrey and Chief Education Officer Ed Caesar visited the
school after the fire and toured the complex. Following this, they
hosted a meeting with students and teachers to discuss solutions
to the problems posed by the fire.
Cabinet views the fire as "another setback for Guyana,"
Dr. Luncheon said, as "losses were significant and almost 100
students had personal losses."
He noted that the origin of the fire is yet to be determined and
efforts are being made to rebuild the structure that housed 103
students.
"At Cabinet, the Minister of Education was tasked with the
provision of estimates for the rebuilding of the educational facility,"
he said.
During his visit to the School, the Head of State had indicated
Government's commitment to ensuring that the dorm is reconstructed,
adding that contacts are already being made to fund the re-construction.
When asked whether the funds would be drawn from the State Treasury
or donor agencies, Dr. Luncheon noted that at this stage he cannot
give a definite answer. The HPS also noted that Government's reaction
to the fire was both prompt and instructive.
"President Jagdeo and Minister Jeffrey visited the scene with
short notice and commiserated with students, staff and members of
the Parents/Teachers Association. Government immediately offered
the affected student body financial support and put in place arrangement
for contingencies," he said.
Government has pledged to reimburse each affected student with a
school uniform and make available about $2.5M to the 103 students,
at about $25,000 per student.
Commenting on arrangements being made to facilitate the students
who lost their School Based Assessments (SBA) in the fire, Dr. Luncheon
said the Ministry of Education is in contact with the Caribbean
Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Council to find a solution.
He expressed confidence that the parties would put arrangements
in place that would yield positive results on the scores of the
students at the examinations. The SBAs are for the May-June sitting
of CSEC and should have been submitted early May. Dr. Luncheon noted
that only a specific subject area has to be dealt with and not SBAs
for all the subjects.
Meanwhile, the fire has forced the school's administration to close
its doors, and students will return to classes on Tuesday May 4.
TOP
President
fulfils promise to Zorg-en-Hoop
- Officials returned to discuss electricity problems
Georgetown, GINA, April 28, 2004
President Bharrat Jagdeo has kept his promise to
residents of Zorg-en-Hoop, Region Five.
During a visit to Region Five on April 17, the President stopped
at Zorg-en-Hoop to meet residents. Residents requested an electricity
supply. Some 150 households are without power in the community.
The President promised that by April 21, four days from his visit,
his staff would be in the area to discuss the problem.
True to his word, the President's Assistant Khemat Budhoo and Miguel
Kellman of the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) visited the
area on April 21. They met residents and further discussed the problem.
Various ideas on the provision of a power supply were mooted. A
report on the meeting will be forwarded to the President for his
consideration.
Many communities are without electricity and Government is prepared
to assist, if residents are willing to stand part of the cost.
President Bharrat Jagdeo has been meeting residents to discuss problems
affecting them. One recurring concern is that of no power supply.
The Head of State explained that at present Government cannot afford
to electrify these communities because of the state of the power
company. The installation of electricity to communities, especially
those in which houses are far apart, is quite costly. Government
subsidises the cost of electricity, since residents cannot afford
to foot the full bill.
Even in areas where the houses are very close together, Government
has to put in a subsidy per family of about $70,000, because the
households cannot afford it. In many West Berbice communities, the
houses are far apart and the subsidy required from Government is
much higher - at least about $200,000 or $300,000 to take power
to one family.
If the communities are prepared to participate, Government is willing
to put up some of the money. The Head of State had urged residents
to “come up with a proposal” for the installation of
electricity in their respective communities and Government will
examine this to see to what extent it can assist with the funding.
Government is working on a loan through the Inter-American Development
Bank that, if secured, will give 45,000 additional households electricity.
The Administration had secured the loan earlier, when GPL was privatised.
The project would have been executed in collaboration with the private
owners. However, the cash strapped GPL sold the company to Government
for $1 last year, and the funds were not released, as once again
the company has become state owned.
The Administration is still pursuing the loan to continue the programme.
Meanwhile, more than 20 areas have benefited from the installation
of electricity under a programme to which Government contributed
$200M – the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP).
Zorg-en-Hoop was listed under this programme.
TOP
President
fulfils promise to Zorg-en-Hoop
- Officials returned to discuss electricity problems
Georgetown, GINA, April 28, 2004
President Bharrat Jagdeo has kept his promise to residents of Zorg-en-Hoop,
Region Five.
During a visit to Region Five on April 17, the President stopped
at Zorg-en-Hoop to meet residents. Residents requested an electricity
supply. Some 150 households are without power in the community.
The President promised that by April 21, four days from his visit,
his staff would be in the area to discuss the problem.
True to his word, the President's Assistant Khemat Budhoo and Miguel
Kellman of the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) visited the
area on April 21. They met residents and further discussed the problem.
Various ideas on the provision of a power supply were mooted. A
report on the meeting will be forwarded to the President for his
consideration.
Many communities are without electricity and Government is prepared
to assist, if residents are willing to stand part of the cost.
President Bharrat Jagdeo has been meeting residents to discuss problems
affecting them. One recurring concern is that of no power supply.
The Head of State explained that at present Government cannot afford
to electrify these communities because of the state of the power
company. The installation of electricity to communities, especially
those in which houses are far apart, is quite costly. Government
subsidises the cost of electricity, since residents cannot afford
to foot the full bill.
Even in areas where the houses are very close together, Government
has to put in a subsidy per family of about $70,000, because the
households cannot afford it. In many West Berbice communities, the
houses are far apart and the subsidy required from Government is
much higher - at least about $200,000 or $300,000 to take power
to one family.
If the communities are prepared to participate, Government is willing
to put up some of the money. The Head of State had urged residents
to “come up with a proposal” for the installation of
electricity in their respective communities and Government will
examine this to see to what extent it can assist with the funding.
Government is working on a loan through the Inter-American Development
Bank that, if secured, will give 45,000 additional households electricity.
The Administration had secured the loan earlier, when GPL was privatised.
The project would have been executed in collaboration with the private
owners. However, the cash strapped GPL sold the company to Government
for $1 last year, and the funds were not released, as once again
the company has become state owned.
The Administration is still pursuing the loan to continue the programme.
Meanwhile, more than 20 areas have benefited from the installation
of electricity under a programme to which Government contributed
$200M – the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP).
Zorg-en-Hoop was listed under this programme.
TOP
September
decision likely on Sugar Challenge
Georgetown, GINA, April 28, 2004
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dispute Panel is likely to give
its decision on the challenge brought by Australia, Brazil and Thailand
to the European Union Sugar Regime by September this year. This
is according to Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation
Clement Rohee who participated at the first session of the legal
hearings held on April 1.
Speaking with the Government Information Agency, Minister Rohee
said there was an unprecedented number of countries, some 140, present
at the first session, including those that were there as full participants,
many that came as observers, and the parties to the dispute. Guyana
was invited as a member with third party status.
In his presentation at the session, Minister Rohee outlined Guyana’s
national picture and the implications the challenge has for Guyana’s
economy and the very survival of its people.
The challenge brings into question the compatibility of the preferences
afforded by the EU Sugar Regime with WTO rules.
According to the Minister, there appeared to be some sympathy for
Guyana’s position, but there is no guaranteeing which way
the case will go.
In his address to the Panel, Minister Rohee had stressed the point
that, in the challenge, Guyana has infinitely more to lose than
Brazil, Australia and Thailand have to gain.
The Minister had noted that Guyana’s annual earnings from
exports amount to $500 million, of which sugar accounts for over
a quarter. The industry is also responsible for 20 percent of Guyana’s
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the livelihood of over 150,000
Guyanese.
According to the Foreign Trade Minister, Guyana has applied for
and received enhanced third party status which will now allow the
country to participate throughout the legal proceedings.
Renowned legal practitioner of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. K. Singh
has been retained by the Sugar Association of the Caribbean to represent
the region’s interest, while the African, Caribbean and Pacific
countries have hired a legal team in Europe to represent the group.
The next step in the proceedings is to have written submissions
from the parties to the challenge and also from the ACP countries
that made oral presentations.
May 11 and 12 are scheduled for legal arguments and by September
the Panel is expected to make its decision.
TOP
Wiruni
Toshao dismissed
Georgetown, GINA, April 28, 2004
The Village Toshao of Wiruni in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/ Berbice),
Denzel Hartman has been relieved of his duties as Captain of his
village.
According to reports out of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs,
the Toshao was dismissed as Captain by Minister of Amerindian Affairs,
Carolyn Rodrigues after it was alleged that he has been involved
in a number of fraudulent activities.
Minister Rodrigues stated that the Toshao’s dismissal is in
keeping with stipulations in the Amerindian Act.
The Toshao’s dismissal followed an incident in the village
where a villager, Vernon France, became crippled as a result of
injuries he suffered in an accident at a logging company.
It was stated that France had approached the Ministry for assistance
some time ago and was given the assurance by the Ministry that he
would be compensated after it appeared that the administration of
the logging company was reluctant to do so.
Minister Rodrigues explained that she negotiated with the company
and it was agreed that France would be given a sum of $400,000 as
compensation.
In December, 2003, Hartman approached the Ministry on France’s
behalf for the sum but was refused the money immediately as he did
not have an authorization.
However, in January this year, he returned with the authorization
and $200,000 was released to him.
According to reports, a Community Development Officer, Ovid Williams
visited Wiruni recently to oversee Village elections and it was
reported to him that France had not received his compensation. At
that point the Ministry launched an investigation into the report
and an accountant along with the CDO were sent back to the community.
Hartman is reportedly in police custody.
The Amerindian Affairs Ministry has been moving swiftly to address
irregularities at the Village level by establishing Village Offices.
TOP
Evening
News report totally inaccurate-Region Nine RDC.
Georgetown, GINA, April 28, 2004
With regard to a report by Francis Quamina Farrier on the Evening
News broadcast (Channel 28) on 19/04/2004, referring to the ‘Moco
Moco bridge’ as being ‘washed away’, Regional
Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine, Desmond Kissoon, wrote the
Government Information Agency (GINA) on the issue, stating that
the report was incorrect.
Following is an excerpt of that letter:
“I write today seeking to clarify a release on Region # 9
which I learnt was
carried by Mr.Francis Quamina Farrier on Channel 28 on 19/04/2004
captioned "Moco
Moco Bridge washed away" and wish to emphatically state that
this is an untrue story.
May I inform Mr.Francis Quamina Farrier that there are six bridges
built across the Moco
Moco Creek at various points to facilitate access to various communities
in Region # 9.
.
These bridges situated in the Central Rupununi are frequently used
by the public
and officials of the Regional Administration on a daily basis.
It is for this reason I can say that these bridges are all intact
at the moment.
As a matter of fact, I cannot recall the occurrence of heavy rain
fall in Central Rupununi
over a number of years.
It is therefore difficult to comprehend which bridge across the
Moco Moco Creek
Mr.Farrier has built a story around.
All for your information and guidance.
D.Kissoon,
Regional Executive Officer,”
Region # 9
TOP
|
Wednesday,
April 28, 2004