GINA | GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY

Relations between Guyana and Denmark stand to further deepen with today’s accreditation of Danish Ambassador to Guyana, Christian Albert Kenigsfeldt.
Receiving the Letters of Credence from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark, Prime Minister Sam Hinds said the appointment opens up a fresh chapter in Guyana/Denmark bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister singled out Denmark’s ongoing partnership role in Guyana’s development programme, noting that its consistent support for Guyana’s debt-relief initiatives testifies to this partnership.
Touching on Denmark’s 2001 commitment to reduction and its subsequent debt-write off of sums owed by Guyana, which materialized today, Mr. Hinds said Guyana welcomes this gesture.
“A reduction of our debt stock will enable us to reallocate our limited financial resources for the advancement of national priorities such as poverty alleviation, the generation of employment and sustainable development,” stated the Prime Minister.
He noted further that Guyana/Denmark relations can serve as a model for North/South cooperation, which must be explored to the fullest towards the activation of economic and functional collaboration.
The Prime Minister assured the newly accredited Danish Ambassador of Government’s full support as he executes his term of office.
Conveying well wishes from Her Majesty, Queen Margrethe 11, to the Government and people of Guyana, the Danish Ambassador said Guyana and Denmark, Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean, cherish the same values and fundamental principles on democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
He deemed the upcoming EU/Latin American Summit in Mexico “an excellent opportunity to consolidate and strengthen the multilateral strategic partnership between the two regions.”
The Danish non-resident Ambassador to Guyana emphasized that international unity and solidarity are indispensable to meet the challenges of globalization and to ensure global peace and security.
Denmark hopes to further regional integration within CARICOM, stated the Danish envoy, who stated too that the European nation hopes to gain a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2005-2006.
Looks forward to carrying out his functions to further enlarge, strengthen and intensify relations between Guyana and Denmark.
Among his many posts, Ambassador Kenigsfeldt served as First Secretary in the Royal Danish Embassy, Vienna in 1983, Deputy Head of Department and Head of Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark.

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GO-Invest holds meetings with stakeholder involved in trade fair in Trinidad and Tobago
- as plans are finalized

Georgetown, GINA, May 19, 2004

The Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) is in the process of meeting with businesses that have indicated their desire to attend the upcoming ‘Guyana on Show’ in Trinidad and Tobago. The show will be held from June 3 - 6, 2004.
Meetings to finalise arrangements, were held with personnel from Go-Invest, local businesses and export and investment promoting teams from Trinidad and Tobago.
Meetings were also held with journalists from the Island, who will promote the trade show, upon their return to the Twin Island Republic.
‘Guyana on Show’ is a trade fair and export promotional show that is facilitated by Go-Invest.
So far, approximately 50 companies have indicated their willingness to attend the show and have already registered.
Go-Invest has already held trade shows and exhibitions in several Caribbean countries and further afield.
A new feature of the Trinidad and Tobago show will be a specially designed and decorated area for exhibits.
A Trinidad and Tobago interior decorator is currently meeting with local companies to get information on Guyana’s industry, flora and fauna on the designs, which will assist him to portray Guyana.

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Cuba to put measures in place to lessen impact of US sanctions
-Guyanese scholarship students will be OK

Georgetown, GINA, May 19, 2004

The announcement by the United States that it will be imposing a set of new measures aimed at forcing Cuba into a Western styled ‘democracy’ should not cause Guyanese too much of concern, especially those who has family or relatives on scholarships in Cuba.
This reassurance came from Cunba’s Ambassador to Guyana Jose Manuel Inclan Embade.
The Ambassador met the press this morning at the Cuban Embassy in Georgetown.
According to Ambassador Embade, it will be a tough time but Cuba knows how to handle it and the Cuban Government will be taking measures to deal with the situation.
On May 6, the US Government announced a number of new measures which Ambassador Embade describes as the US method to further tighten its aggressive and hostile policy against Cuba.
According to the Ambassador, the US Government is trying at all costs to widen the sanctions already imposed on Cuba by the ruthless blockade now in existence for over 45 years. He noted that this blockade, which has cost the Island over US$ 72 billion is a flagrant violation of the human rights of 11 million Cubans whom the US is attempting to subdue through hunger and disease.
According to Ambassador Embade, Cuba cannot export to the US, which was one of the first restrictions imposed by the US blockade, and Cuba cannot engage in any sales to US businesspeople.
Cuba cannot import from the US. Only the importation of foodstuffs and on an exceptional basis, is allowed and the country must engage in cash-related purchases. US companies must go through a number of formalities to obtain the license authorizing them to sell their products to Cuba, and Cuba cannot use its maritime fleet for such trading operations.
The Island also cannot receive any US tourists. US citizens are prevented from travelling to Cuba. It is the only country which they are not allowed to travel under law.
Cuba also cannot use the US dollar in its commercial transactions in third countries. The Ambassador said that with the new measures, Cuba’s assets in that currency can be seized, and therefore, Cuba is compelled to engage in third-country currency operations despite the fact that its main import and export items are quoted on the world market in US dollars.
The new measures, the Ambassador said, also prevent Cuba from having access to international financial agencies. He said his country has not received a single credit in the last 45 years from either the World Bank or from the Inter-American Development Bank.
Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana noted that The Torricelli Act Adopted in 1992, abruptly curtailed the trade in medicine and food that Cuba had with subsidiaries of US companies based outside US territory, from which it purchased more than US$ 700 million every year.
He said it sets forth severe prohibitions against maritime navigation from and to Cuba. “If third-country ships call at Cuban ports, they cannot call at US ports until after 180 days, under the threat of being “blacklisted,” Ambassador Embade said.
He also criticised US systems that allows Bacardi Co. to use the “Havana Club” rum brandname for the US market. “Its obvious illegality has even caused the establishment of a related Panel at the WTO.,” Ambassador Embade said.
The Cuban Ambassador alluded to political implications behind US President George Bush’s announcement of the new measures.

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Col. Collins to head GDF

Georgetown, GINA, May 19, 2004

Colonel Edward Collins has been named the new Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force to take over from Brigadier Michael Atherly who will be retiring on May 27th, 2004.
This was announced today by Heads of the Presidential Secretariat and Secretary to the Defence Board Dr. Roger Luncheon when he met the media.
According to Dr. Luncheon, Commander-in-Chief, President Bharrat Jagdeo has approved the application by Brigadier Atherly to retire and also approved the appointment of Col. Collins as the new Chief-of-Staff of the GDF.
Dr. Luncheon said that the time-honoured protocols associated with changes in the leadership of the military are planned for the coming week. These will include the Swearing-in Ceremony and the Ceremonial Parade to hand over the colours.

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Government closely monitoring rising water levels

Georgetown, GINA, May 19, 2004

The Government is paying close attention to weather patterns and its impact on the country.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Secretary to Cabinet today told reporters that the Hydrometrological Department has reported that the present weather pattern should continue until the 3rd week in June.
According to Dr. Luncheon, recent heavy rainfall has exceeded the capacity of the drainage systems in many Regions, causing flood conditions.
Regions 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10 all reported high water levels in channels with some areas being flooded.
The HPS said in the areas of flooding, housing, stock and farming areas have been affected.
Dr. Luncheon also reported that in the coastal regions, flooding in the backlands has occurred on the East Coast and East Bank.
In Region 6, the areas already affected are seeing recession of floodwaters.
According to Dr. Luncheon, the National Drainage and Irrigation Board, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Public Works and Communication have been collaborating to make specific interventions possible on affected areas.
“These include urgent rehabilitation of flood control devices and pumping,” Dr. Luncheon said. He also noted that the accumulation of water in the three main conservancies has been within their capacity and routine discharges have taken place.
A recent report from the Ministry of Local Government showed that recent rainfalls have caused no problems for Region One while in Region Two there were sea defence breaches at Lima and Devonshire Castle and remedial works are underway.
At Region Three, there was a breach at Ruimzegt, which the Sea Defence Department immediately attended to.
At Ladystein, there was some overtopping but no flooding was reported at Parika and generally no problems at Parika. In Leguan, at Phoenix there is a breach, which the Public Works Ministry was working to repair.
The Blenheim Koker, owned by the N.D.C, is being undermined. This is a major problem and neither the N.D.C nor the Region can undertake this work.
A team from the National Drainage and Irrigation Board visited the area on May 13, 2004, and according to the Ministry of Local Government, the Regional Executive Officer reported that Sea Defence and the Ministry of Public Works have been informed of the situation. Personnel from the Region are continuing to monitor sluices on the West Bank and the West Coast.
In Region Four there have been reports of flooding in parts of Golden Grove Village, aback of Mocha Village. Other areas reported to be flooded are Cane Grove, Victoria, Belfield, Nabaclis, Golden Grove, Haslington, Ann’s Grove, Cloonbrook and Bee-Hive. The backlands of Buxton, Cane Grove and Mocha are flooded, and water has been rising in Caledonia/Good Success area on the East Bank.
The sluice is reported to be silted and is not functioning. This is to be rehabilitated.
Levels of water in trenches and canals have been reported as high on the East Bank and East Coast. Three electrical pumps are working, two at Victoria and the other at Golden Grove on a 24-hour service. Another pump is also in operation at Triumph.
In Region Five, it was reported that there is a build-up of water in rivers at the top end as expected. However, no reports of flooding or losses were made. There has been a request for pontoons to be swung horizontal on the Public Road every afternoon after work is finished by the contractor at Mahaicony Creek. The Engineer of D&I has said that this will cause no problem.
Meanwhile the sluice done by the Drainage and Irrigation Board at Bellamy at Mahaicony End has a defect. It is reportedly not closing properly. The Regional Executive Officer is requesting that the matter be treated as urgent, since he sent a letter to D&I two months ago for action to be taken. He was advised that some preliminary work should be first carried out to ascertain what was wrong. Help is being sought from D&I to correct the problem.
In Region Six heavy rainfall on May 10, 2004 caused more water to be on the land at Bloomfield/Whim, Letterkenny, Gibaltar/Fryish and Black Bush Polder Areas.
A lot of was water reported at No. 19. However, the pumps at Liverpool, Eversham and Joppa are working.
Cane farmers at Whim/Bloomfield are threatened and sixty acres of rice and twenty acres of cash crops have already been lost. Canals are filled. The contract to carry out emergency works in the areas has been awarded and work has begun. Work should be completed in two days.
In Mibicuri, six thousand acres are being harvested but the dams are bad and the area is flooded. A request had been made to Guysuco for punts to assist. The Regional Chairman reported that boats are being used.
The Maintenance Contract for the main Drainage & Irrigation System in Black Bush Polder will be submitted for Public tendering within two days. Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock and Acting Agriculture Minister, Satyadeow Sawh and a team visited the Black Bush Polder on May 11, 2004 for a first hand assessment of the affected areas.
In Region Seven, heavy rainfall was experienced on Sunday May 16, 2004. However no report was received so far from the Middle or Upper Mazaruni All rivers (Essequibo, Mazaruni, Cuyuni and Kamarang)are now flooding their banks but there are no problems in Bartica presently.
In Region Eight, reports have been made to certain sections of the media by villagers of flooding in Chinapau and a rise in the Potaro River due to rains. The Regional Executive Officer has said that the Regional authorities plan to visit the area by Wednesday, May 19 to assess the situation.
In Region Nine the Araquai Bridge was affected by the rains and the Regional Administration has provided a boat to ferry persons and loads across the river.
Reports last Monday said the water had receded a little.
In the South, the small Saurab Bridge has become impassable. A team from the Region has built a concrete bridge in the area. This would be operational from next week. Meanwhile, vehicles will be able to cross via a temporary bridge.
And in Region Ten there were no major reports, but heavy rainfall is being recorded. Reports have been made of slight flooding in First, Second and Third Alleys, but mainly surface water. Reports state that rainfall has affected an area at Third Phase, Wisroc.
Many frogs have been killed in the area and the stench has become a nuisance. There are no report of erosion in Block 22 presently.
Government Officials and Agencies are continuing to keep a close watch on the situation.

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Rising fuel prices continues to engage Government’s attention

Georgetown, GINA, May 19, 2004

The rising acquisition cost of fuel continues to drive up prices of fuel products at the pump. This has been the observation of the Government.
At his weekly media briefing, Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Secretary to Cabinet Dr. Roger Luncheon noted that operators in the road and river transport systems have indicated their unhappiness with the impact of fuel price increases on the profitability of their businesses.
Dr. Luncheon said the focus of the Administration is on the application of tax policy initiatives with regards to fuel. Agreement on the implementation of all aspects of that initiative by both public and private sectors wholesale and retail interests is still being pursued by the Government.
The Head of the Presidential Secretariat said Government as has been its practice, is consulting stakeholders on the issue and will make a decision after consultations.
He said the Government is trying to arrive at an engagement that would spread the impact of taxation policy on all players.
According to Dr. Luncheon concern is rising about the extent of the agitation among mini-bus operators and attention is now focused on their activities.
Meanwhile, the Administration has noted the unauthorised increases in fares being imposed on commuters in outlying Administrative Regions.

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Government committed to the Commission of Inquiry

Georgetown GINA, May 19, 2004

Steps to implement the decision of the President for the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry are ongoing and the Government remains committed to the process.
This position was enunciated by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon when he met the media today.
According to Dr. Luncheon the Gazetting has been done and the subsequent enabling arrangements have been planned.
He said the Office of the President has noted the various responses to the President's initiative and regrets the instant, comprehensive, but not wholly unexpected rejection by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and its opposition acolytes.
According to Dr. Luncheon the Office of the President has also noted “the wholly unacceptably resort of the PNCR and their acolytes to allegations and attacks on the
integrity of the appointed Commissioners.”
The HPS said the Office of the President has also noted the ludicrous proposals by the PNCR, for the exclusion of certain categories of persons from being Commissioners.
“The Office of the President must emphasise that the President's resort to a Presidential Commission of Inquiry accords with the Laws of Guyana and provided for a timely resolution of the main allegation of ministerial criminal misconduct” Dr. Luncheon emphasized.
He said the Office of the President also must emphasise that the Term Of Reference was framed to provide a timely resolution of the main aspect of the allegation, that being ministerial misconduct.
Dr. Luncheon told reporters that in time to come, the Administration would address in greater detail the full extent of the PNCR's campaign of fulminations against the three Commissioners.
He said the Administration will expose the utter and obvious hopelessness of their proposed alternatives and thus, the real motives for their immediate rejection of the Commissioners and the Commission of Inquiry.
Stressing Government’s commitment to the Commission of Inquiry, Dr. Luncheon recalled that when the Government insisted on moving ahead with the investigation by the Police Force, it was the Opposition that was unwilling to provide information, which it claims to have, to the Police.
He also recalled that in a letter to the Secretary General of the United Nations, the Leader of the Opposition had proposed that the United Nations or another international body should mount an inquiry.
Dr. Luncheon said the question to ask now is wheather the Opposition has made up its mind that an investigation by Guyanese should not take place and alternatively if one does take place, if it is within the realm of possibility that the PNCR would participate.
“The Administration remains committed to its course of action” Dr. Luncheon summarized.

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Flood situation being monitored
- Ravi Narine, CEO, ND&IB

Georgetown, GINA, May 19, 2004

Several areas countrywide have reported flooding because of heavy rainfall during the past weeks. The situation is continuously being monitored, since it is expected that the heavy rainfall being experienced will continue, as it is the May/June rainy season.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Board (ND&IB) Ravi Narine stated that work is continuing around the clock to ensure that the pumps and sluices are working to allow the water level to recede speedily.
Mr. Narine noted that due to intense rainfall the water level in Regions Three and Four rose to flood levels but the pumps and sluices are working around the clock to drain the excess water.
He pointed out that in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) despite the rainfall, no new areas have reported flooding. Earlier this week, flooding was reported at Bloomfield/Whim, Letter Kenny, Gibraltar/Fyrish and Black Bush Polder.
When Minister of Agriculture (ag) Satyadeow Sawh visited Black Bush Polder last week, farmers complained that the access dam needed to be repaired. Mr. Narine noted that dam repairs are continuing in the Mibicuri area.
At Whim/Letter Kenny, an additional pump was deployed and is working around the clock. Approximately three pumps are working to drain the area.
The water level is reported to be high at No. 19. However the pumps at Liverpool, Eversham and Joppa are working. The contract to effect emergency works at Whim/Bloomfield was awarded and work commenced to bring relief to cane farmers in the area.
At the other side of the Coastland, Regional Chairman of Region Two Ali Baksh, stated that apart from minor flooding in the low lands and a few housing areas, no major flooding was reported. Four submersible pumps are presently working in the Region to remove excess water. He noted that the situation is stable and water from the recent sea defence breach has started to recede.
There were sea defence breaches at Lima and Devonshire Castle and remedial works are underway.
In Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) there was a breach at Ruimzegt, which the Sea Defence Department is working to rectify. At Ladystein, there was some overtopping but no flooding was reported at Parika.
Also in the Region, at Pheonix, Leguan, there was a breach and the Ministry of Public Works Ministry is working to remedy it.
In Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) there were reports of flooding in parts of Golden Grove Village, aback of Mocha Village. Other areas reported to be flooded are Cane Grove, Victoria, Belfield, Nabaclis, Golden Grove, Haslington, Ann’s Grove Clonbrook and Bee-Hive. The backlands of Buxton, Cane Grove and Mocha also reported flooding.
Three electrical pumps are working including two at Victoria and the other at Golden Grove on a 24-hour service. Another pump is also in operation at Triumph.
In Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) there is a build-up of water in rivers. However, no reports of flooding or losses were made.

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Region Nine welcomes PYCI
- President meets Central and South Rupununi youths

Lethem, GINA, May 19, 2004

Region Nine communities have welcomed the introduction of the President’s Youth Choice Initiatives (PYCI) in the Region, as it gives youths much needed opportunities and a way to realise their dreams. These were the sentiments of most youths when they met President Bharrat Jagdeo and his delegation for discussions on projects they want under the PYCI.
President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Public Service Management, Dr. Jennifer Westford and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues met youths from the 22 communities in Central and South Rupununi on May 18 last to discuss projects to be managed by the youths.
Each community with the exception of Lethem, would be given at least $1 M to fund their choice.
Lethem is a large community and they are several youth groups. Two proposals were put forward to the Head of State and he is to meet the youths again today, after they would have discussed combining the projects.
The PYCI was launched by President Jagdeo in 2001, and to date more than 200 projects have been undertaken, costing Government about $800 M.
The projects are economic ventures, sports and training facilities.
President Jagdeo expressed satisfaction that most of the Amerindian communities have chosen economic ventures and are thinking of expanding them.
He urged the youths and community leaders to ensure these are sustained and managed by the youths, but must be used for the benefit of everyone in the community.
“I am so pleased many of these projects are going the economic route. But the key thing is sustainability. The youths must play a part from the conceptualisation to the management stage,” he said.
The communities were notified of the initiative prior to the President’s visit and were requested to have youth groups meet with village leaders and prepare proposals for priority needs under the PYCI.
President Jagdeo noted that he particularly took time off to meet the youths to ensure that they are the ones behind the projects and not the adults. The PYCI in their community is expected to cost $22 M.
“You can do anything in this world that you aspire, but you have got to be constructive and take on roles in your country. The PYCI is a start,” he said.
Today, the President is meeting youths of Aishalton.
On May 17, he met with youths at Annai when fourteen communities were awarded $1M each under the PYCI.
Moco Moco was awarded money for repair works to the existing youth centre and to purchase equipment. Other economic and social projects are also likely to result from this allocation.
Residents of Nappi requested a cattle and shrimp rearing projects. An initial 31 animals are available to begin the project.
Parishara residents said they need a tractor but the President noted that $1M is inadequate for this and urged that the proposal be reworked.
Hiowa residents requested a sports pavilion to be fenced and the ground properly prepared from the funds.
Kumu agreed to initiate a cattle-rearing project with 55 heads with which to start.
Quarrie and Katoonarib requested a multi-purpose centre. Quarrie requested also that the centre should be equipped with sewing machines and sewing materials. They also proposed a cattle rearing project. This project has to be further discussed in the community.
Yupukari youths believe that skills training such as in woodworking would be beneficial to them. However, this would require a generator and hand tools.
St. Ignatius saw the need for a community centre.
Parikwarinau proposed a cattle rearing project and a chain-saw to do boat building.
Kaicumbay sees poultry rearing as a sustainable project to be initiated by youths of the community.
Youths of Katoka, Potarinau, Sand Creek, Small Sand Creek, Shriri and Baitoon believe that cattle and sheep rearing would be sustainable for them. Katoka youths further requested a chain-saw, while Sand Creek made a request to repair an available building in their village to initiate their sheep-rearing project and to purchase agricultural tools.
Rupunau put forward a proposal for the development of a fish farm.
Meanwhile, Sawarinau youths sought the opportunity to pursue funding for the completion of their projects. Their proposal included fencing of the entire playground and a youth pavilion.
This project was already started but is incomplete.

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Moves ongoing to rebuild President’s College

Georgetown, GINA, May 19, 2004

The Ministry of Education is moving forward with plans to rebuild the destroyed President’s College dormitory.
According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Ganga Persaud, the Ministry received approval of the Ministry of Finance to apply selective tendering for works to the dormitory.
He said the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP) database was used as a guideline for this process.
The Ministry is now calling on contractors to prepare the necessary documentation for tenders. The tenders will be opened before the Central Tender Board on June 1.
According to the P.S, in rebuilding the dormitory the design of the former building will be maintained.
Meanwhile, classes have resumed.
Shortly after the fire on April 26, President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister Henry Jeffrey visited the school. They met with the teachers and students and immediately pledged Government’s support to rebuilding the school’s dormitory, which housed 103 students. In the interim students are being accommodated at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI) at Cove and John.
They also assisted students financially who lost all of their belongings.

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Ministry of Education on outreach to Region 6
- Regional education system to be monitored and evaluated

Georgetown, GINA, May 19, 2004

Officials of the Ministry of Education, headed by Minister Dr. Henry Jeffrey, and including Permanent Secretary Ganga Persaud and Chief Education Officer Ed Caesar will be in Region Six Thursday and Friday.
During the outreach, the high-level team will be monitoring and evaluating the delivery of education and the performance of students and teachers in the Region.
Management and Supervision, fund-raising in schools, regional relations, teaching materials, staff development teacher and students’ attendance and punctuality, and physical facilities will be areas of focus during the outreach.
The move is part of the Ministry’s effort to improve the quality of the education system.
According to a release from the Ministry, “new tools were put in place to help improve accountability and performance in the education sector.”
These measures, along with their sanctions and solutions are designed to reduce the complicated environment for heads and teachers and at the same time, encourage more participation from parents and community groups.
To this end, the team will also be holding meetings with Parents-Teachers Associations (PTA’s), community groups, Regional Education Committees, the Regional Democratic Council, Headteachers in the New Amsterdam area and union officials and teachers.
This outreach is the first in a series of outreaches to be carried out by the Ministry to monitor and evaluate the education system nationwide.

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Denmark writes off 100% of Guyana debt
-Bilateral Implementing Agreement signed

Georgetown, GINA, May 19, 2004

The Kingdom of Denmark, through its newly appointed Ambassador to Guyana, Christian Konigsfeldt, today signed a Bilateral Implementing Agreement to write-off US$1.073 M owed to Denmark. Signing on behalf of the Government of Guyana (GOG) was Minister of Finance Saisnarine Kowlessar.
The debt and interest, which are now cancelled, is related to sums owed up to December 1, 2003.
To date, Denmark has provided Guyana with US$4.3 M in debt write-off.
The write right off is part of the ‘Cologne’ terms between the GOG and Paris Club creditors, signed in Paris on January last.
Creditors include the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Denmark, The Netherlands, Japan, Germany and the United States of America.
Minister Kowlessar, speaking on behalf of the Government noted that the support and assistance given to Guyana by Denmark is laudable.
He noted that Government is heartened by the generous gesture of Denmark to grant 100 percent cancellation of the total principal outstanding as well as the interest accrued.
The Minister said that the much-needed budgetary resources that would have gone into paying the debt would now become available to improve delivery of social services and fight poverty.
The Government of Guyana wishes to assure Denmark and the international donor community that it remains fully committed to working towards poverty alleviation and implementing sound economic policies.
Additionally, the Minister registered the GOG’s gratitude for the commitment shown by Denmark to aid in Guyana’s poverty reduction agenda.
Ambassador Konigsfeldt noted consideration was given to Guyana meeting Completion Point under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (E-HIPC).
Additionally, Denmark has taken note of Guyana’s willingness to use its limited financial resources for poverty reduction programmes, he said.

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