New Road network for Region Eight
Georgetown , GINA, September 01, 2004
The village of Waipa in Region Eight ( Potaro / Siparuni) will soon be linked to other communities in the region with a new road network expected to be completed shortly.
During a visit to Waipa recently, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta, said that he expects the cost of living in the community to decrease by as much as fifty percent, once the road link is completed.
Noting that plans are already underway for the rehabilitation of the village school and health centre, Minister Nokta observed that Government's record so far in providing social services to all communities in Guyana , irrespective of their location, is a monumental achievement.
The Minister and team met and addressed villagers. The team included Regional Chairman, Senor Bell, as well as Regional Executive Officer, Peter Ramotar. Ramotar explained that contracts for the school and health centre have already been signed.
Waipa has a population of approximately 350 Amerindians and is one of the most remote villages in Guyana . Access to the village is very difficult, either by way of rugged mountainous terrain or by river through many dangerous rapids.
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Preliminary works begin at Coldingen
- For the installation of 24 street-lights
Georgetown , GINA, September 1, 2004
Minister of Home Affairs (ag) Gail Teixeira has praised the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) coming on board to ease the discomfort the residents at Coldingen, East Coast Demerara.
Twenty-four temporary streetlights will be installed at Coldingen almost immediately. Yesterday, preliminary works began to identify points where the lamps will be placed. These will be installed at critical points to ensure maximum visibility.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Teixeira reiterated that this is a temporary measure until early next year, when permanent street-lights will be installed.
Chairman of Track 'A' Coldingen Community Policing Group, Junior Gordon has indicated that he is pleased with the initiatives being made by Minister Teixeira and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon.
Installing security lamps was top priority for the residents. This was the main issue raised when Dr. Luncheon, Minister Teixiera, PPP General Secretary, Donald Ramotar and ‘C' Division Commander Krishna Lakeraj met residents on Sunday last.
"These lights will provide greater comfort for the residents and make them less vulnerable," Minister Teixeira said.
Patrols along the East Coast have also been intensified and according to the Home Affairs Minister, other steps are being taken to ensure the security of the area.
All this follows the shooting to death of nine-year-old Christine Sukhra in Coldingen early Saturday, when a group of heavily-armed men embarked on a reign of terror. Christine's teenaged brother was also shot in the left wrist, and four other families were terrorized.
The acts of murder, robbery and terrorism have continued with the killing of three persons at Annandale , Lusignan and Buxton respectively.
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Guyana fulfilling requirements like other WCC venues
- haven't faced elimination by the ICC - Teixeira
Georgetown , GINA, September 1, 2004
Recent negative reports about the construction of the cricket stadium at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara, and Guyana hosting World Cup Cricket 2007 games are unnecessary and a result of sloppy journalism and sensationalism on the part of local and regional media, said top Government officials today.
On August 30, 2004, Caribbeancricket.com carried a headline on an exclusive story “Trouble in Guyana World Cup camp” which was later used by the local media to foster discomfort in the general population about one of the biggest ventures of this country.
The reports also placed much speculation on the capabilities of Engineering Projects India Limited (EPIL), the firm from which consultants were chosen to contribute to the design of Guyana 's cricket stadium.
EPIL is an industrial company established since 1970 which has successfully executed 30 overseas projects at US$ 782 million, and some 328 local projects valued at Rs. 28, 790M. It has a group of trained professionals who deliver service in the areas of civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering, design, consultancy and quality assurance.
EPIL is also ISO certified and has executed projects in Kuwait , Iraq , Saudi Arabia and China . It is presently constructing a cricket stadium in New Delhi .
Technical experts from EPIL to support the Guyana World Cup Inc in Guyana preparation for the stadium - Ashook Thadani, Praveen Kumar and Rohit Garg - are consultants and design experts, not contractors.
They were also part of Guyana 's delegation to Jamaica to meet with the International Cricket Council (ICC)/Cricket World Cup (CWC) officials in August.
Tenders for the construction of the stadium has not yet been awarded. These will be made in India for a construction company to do the job.
Previous reports in the local media on interviews with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Gail Teixeira and other officials of the Guyana World Cup Incorporated had already made available, salient information on the Stadium construction, Guyana 's WCC 2007 participation and the loan agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Government of India.
In a recent disclosure, Minister Teixeira said “ Guyana has not been rejected by the ICC.” She added that after the early August meetings, countries were required to make modifications to their designs.
Further, all designs were perused by ICC/CWC officials before venues were selected.
Requests and requirements were made known to countries when they received their bid books last February. These books outlined policy decisions, some 690 questions, and legislation, along with 24 requirements by the International Cricket Council (ICC) one of which is a modern stadium.
All amendments will have to be submitted by September 8. Each of the eight Caribbean countries will have to wait after that for the go ahead from the ICC on September 30.
It was decided beforehand that September 30 is the next major deadline when the ICC/CWC 2007 will give venues the go ahead to proceed with preparations for WCC 2007.
The eight countries selected as host venues for WCC 2007 are Guyana , Trinidad and Tobago , Barbados , Jamaica , Antigua and Barbuda , St. Lucia , Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis . The two which were eliminated from the selection were the United States and St. Vincent and the Grenadines .
After the announcement of the host venues were made, it was disclosed that the eight venues of the Caribbean will be treated as one common venue. With this in mind, the ICC officials had established meetings (overlay meetings) with pertinent members of each of the eight Local Organizing Committees (LOC's), as they are called, to fine tune the preparations for this international event.
August 3 to August 7 was designated meeting days for the LOC's to meet with ICC officials in Jamaica to address matters relating to designs and venue planning for the world Cup, including pitches and other technical specifications.
Teixeira said she is “satisfied that all we have been asked to do has been done.” She added that Christopher Dehring, Managing Director, Cricket World Cup (CWC) and members of his team are working so that “all eight countries are ready” for WCC 2007 and would therefore meet the requirements.
In the meantime, in keeping with earlier statements made by Minister Teixeira, Guyana proceeds with the construction of the cricket stadium.
Pitch negotiations have started, the stadium site is being prepared and drainage work has commenced.
The Minister said “We had no doubt that the Indian Government would support us.”
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Govt. notes association between crime and political developments
• commits resources to fight
Georgetown , GINA, September 1, 2004
Government has taken note of the resurgence of crime in Guyana , which coincides with the political atmosphere in the country.
Cabinet spokesman and Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon today expressed the Administration's sentiments at a media briefing.
“The Administration again noted the association between resurgences in criminal activities and car jackings with acute development in the political arena...This is a repeat of a phenomenon that I had noted and commented on during 2002-2003, when a sort of behaviour reflected outcomes of deterioration in the political environment, particularly engagements between the Government and the main Opposition PNCR. It is based on observations that such acute changes/deterioration have been generally associated with this upsurge in criminal activity. This has been documented and again we want to remark about this association being evident in this current resurgence,” he said.
Recently, the crime incidence in Guyana has risen following a lull after the 2002-2003 period of escalation, which saw attacks and assassination of civilians and Law Enforcement officers.
Today, Dr. Luncheon said, the “resurgence of communal attacks on the East Coast Demerara has revived fears and insecurity in villages surrounding Buxton. The nature of the attacks, execution type murders and indiscriminate firing and attacks on obviously poor homes all create doubts about the motives.”
Commenting on the PNCR Leader Robert Corbin's indication that he is willing to meet Government on the issue of crime, Dr. Luncheon, Government's lead representative for engagements with the PNCR, says that has to be clarified, since the PNCR had suggested that the parties' representatives meet before the Leaders. Corbin's statement, Dr. Luncheon, said leaves doubt about whether the appointment of a representative by the PNCR (still outstanding) is being bypassed or not.
“Regardless of the level or the nature of the political discourse, the resort to criminal activities and particularly the type that we are witnessing on the East Coast, must be repudiated by all,” the Cabinet spokesman said.
According to Dr. Luncheon, Government is focusing on two primary areas in combating crime on the East Coast and these are aggressive and focused Police action and heightened community policing.
He further explained that the community's security would include “more Police participation in patrolling and surveillance in identified communities and the arming and other resourcing of existing policing groups.”
Among the identified communities, he said, are those bordering the Buxton/Friendship area on the east and west, as those communities have been the “subject of armed forays.”
Government has declared it has no qualms about expending resources in restoring law and order and eliminating the fear in the East Coast communities.
“Whatever is needed to implement the specific steps agreed to by the Administration, those sums will be made available. The provision of facilities in individual communities and the provision of resources for areas, whatever the cost, they would be met,” the HPS assured.
On the issue of boosting community policing in these targeted communities, Dr. Luncheon said much focus will be placed on ensuring that they are equipped to execute their functions at night under more convenient conditions.
“For them to be better provided with weapons, for them to be better accompanied/supported by the Police Force, for them to access clothing and transportation, these are the commitments that have been made and for which resources will be provided,” he said.
Government has dispatched, on several occasions, high-level delegations to address security and other issues affecting residents on the East Coast, following the recent return of high profile crimes in the communities.
The delegation included Dr. Luncheon, Minister of Home Affairs (ag), Gail Texiera and Commander of ‘C' Division, Assistant Commissioner Krishna Lakeraj.
These meetings were sparked by a devastating rampage by bandits in the early morning hours of August 28 and 29, when heavily-armed men unleashed terror on the community.
In the process, they left four people dead, including nine-year-old Christine Sukhra, and several other injured.
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Waste disposal, low-income settlement funding given green light
Georgetown , GINA, September 1, 2004
Cabinet, at its meeting on August 24, offered its ‘no-objection' to the award of two contracts that will fund developmental works for the Low Income Housing Programme and garbage disposal in the City.
The contracts were disclosed by head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at a media briefing today.
A $114.8M contract has been given the green-light for the construction of roads and structures at Four-Mile Bartica Housing Scheme, under the Low Income Housing Programme.
In the Local Government Sector, the construction of the Mandela Landfill Site and Environment Improvement of the Georgetown Interim Disposal Unit will be done at a cost of $241.6M.
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Govt. anticipates PNCR naming of representative for talks following Congress
Georgetown , GINA, September 1, 2004
Government is expectant that the main Opposition People's National Congress Reform will name a representative early to engage Government on issues as agreed to during the recent visit of Head of the Carter Centre Jimmy Carter to Guyana .
After meeting both President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin, the former US President said he is confident that, in the near future, there will be a resumption of communication between the political Leaders following his talks with them, with the premises being the communiqué, the National Development Strategy (NDS) and work of the Constitutional Committees.
“The interval since the visit by President Carter has seen little action on his recommendations. The PPP/C Administration has responded to the public device of the PNCR that called for prior confidence producing actions of the PPP/C,” Dr. Luncheon said.
The PNCR has publicly stated that it is testing Government's goodwill on the agreements reached during meetings with Carter.
“In writing, the Administration has noted the PNCR Congress declaration, especially those by the newly-selected Leader Corbin. There is anticipation that their high representative would be soon appointed and thus allowing discussion on the way forward,” the HPS said.
Based on years of observation and his recent conversations with Guyanese citizens and members of the international community, Carter had shared with President Jagdeo and the Opposition Leader, his thoughts on steps that might be taken to ensure political harmony, peace, and stability. Among these are:
- The political leaders should consult with each other regularly, beginning with the
implementation of agreements already reached, as described in the May 6,2003 ,
Communiqué and other documents.
- Representatives of the People's National Congress should return to their posts in the Parliament.
- All the provisions of the National Development Strategy should be debated in the
Parliament, with as many as possible implemented into law.
- The Standing Committee on Constitutional Review should be reactivated to implement proposals for substantive governance and election system reforms, drawing heavily on civilian participation. The two party's documents on governance represent a starting point.
- An independent civil society forum should be created to lead a structured national discussion on a vision for governance of the country to promote reconciliation and the NDS.
Carter was invited by President Jagdeo to Guyana to assess the future role of the Carter Centre in Guyana . He had discussions with President Jagdeo and the Central Executive Committee of the People's Progressive Party/Civic, Mr. Corbin and other leaders of the People's National Congress Reform, Members of Parliament of both ROAR and GAP/WPA, the Chairman and Commissioners of the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chancellor, Chief Justice, and President of the Bar Association, representatives of the private sector and trade unions, the Rights of the Child youth group, the international donor community, and others.
The Carter Centre began work in Guyana more than 12 years ago, when former President, the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, expressed a desire to heal political divisions and ethnic polarization in Guyana .
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Inmates are educated on HIV/AIDS programmes
Georgetown , GINA, September 01, 2004
Camp Street Prison inmates are benefiting from the first session of HIV/AIDS/STI's, Sexuality, Incest and Drug Abuse Programmes from NEMESIS Association affiliated with the Performing Arts Ensemble and Academy (ASHE).
Director of Prisons Dale Erskine said that 25 inmates were picked at the Georgetown prison to be part of the class, which started on June 19 and concluded on August 21. He said that 21 inmates graduated out of the first batch. They were task to pass on the information to other inmates who they would have contact with on a daily basis. He said that the educating team comprises of Barbra Deodat, who is the Chief Coordinator and nine others.
The DOP said that there is one more session schedule for this year and two for next year with 25 inmates to be chosen at every session, and has assured that this programme will continue in the future. He said that other prison locations in the country would host the other sessions of the programme.
The Director noted his gratitude to NEMESIS with their timely intervention and their method of teaching. The prisoners were exited to be part of the programme and express their hope that it will be continuous. He further stated that the prisoners have taken the task to educate their fellow inmates.
The programme is aimed at rapidly evaluating inmates during training and at the end of training. The programme also allows inmates to air there concern. NEMESIS will work closely with prison officers during training and use their help to monitor behaviour change after training.
All the NEMESIS Association members are trained to act as role models for young people. ASHE has been very successful in using their edutainment talents to reach young people. Workshops, performances and musicals have well been received throughout the world.
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Presidential Commission of Inquiry to begin hearings
Georgetown , GINA, September 1, 2004
The Presidential Commission of Inquiry, set up to look into allegations against Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj is to begin hearings on September 15, 2004.
At a media conference today, Chairman of the Commission Justice Ian Chang said the date for submissions has been extended to September 15, which will allow the Commission to continue receiving submissions while the hearings are going on.
Also at the media conference were other Commissioners former Chancellor of the Judiciary Keith Messiah and Brigadier General (Rtd) Norman McLean, Legal Counsel to the Commission, Arif Bulkan and Secretary to the Commission, Gino Persaud.
According to Justice Chang, there has been no submissions but the Commission is maintaining a positive approach to its work and will be summonsing persons it believes would have information pertinent to its investigation. The Commission will even resort to subpoenaing persons, should the need arise.
According to the former Chancellor, fear may have caused persons not to make submissions. He referred to the killing of self-confessed informant George Bacchus
Chairman Justice Chang said the Commission has also drafted a letter to the Commissioner of Police Winston Felix asking for witnesses to be protected should the need arise. He said such measures will not necessarily call for enabling legislation, as it is the duty of the Police to protect citizens.
According to the Chairman, the Commission has decided not to serve the Home Affairs Minister with incriminating statements. However, Minister Gajraj will have the right to be present or represented throughout the hearings and to hear all allegations made against him.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Commission Mr. Gino Persaud has resigned to pursue overseas studies. Names of persons to replace Mr. Persaud have been submitted and the President is to name his successor.
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'Our Ministry is constantly improving on the service we provide' - Minister Rodrigues reiterates at launching of Amerindian Heritage Month.
Acting President, Samuel Hinds delivering the feature address at the launching of
Amerindian Heritage Month 2004 at the Umana Yana.
Georgetown , GINA, September 01, 2004
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues, in her address to Amerindians and Officials at the Umana Yana at the launching ceremony of Amerindian Heritage Month, assured that her Ministry is constantly improving on the services it provides.
Minister Rodrigues, speaking at the packed venue this evening, extended greetings to all Amerindians in Guyana , other officials and visitors form overseas before outlining the development of her Ministry over the past years.
Observing that Amerindian Heritage Month is getting bigger each year, the Minister said that she was also happy to see non- Amerindians taking part fully in the celebrations. She said that for her one of the achievements of the occasion is that Amerindians can showcase their culture while, at the same time, retrieve those slowly slipping away.
"Technology has advanced and changes are likely; but culture itself is not static and striking a balance is important," she pointed out. She also urged Amerindians not to think of all modern advancements as negative.
" Merging those aspects of our culture that has kept us going for thousands of years with what exists today is vital for us to move forward", Minister Rodrigues said.
The Amerindian Affairs Minister contended that though several achievements of her people go unnoticed and though the job at the Ministry is extremely challenging, Amerindians have indeed progressed and hence the theme for the month, Amerindians- A people moving forward.
She outlined achievements accomplished, including the fact that her Ministry will soon be at an independent location at Quamina and Thomas Streets in Georgetown . There are other achievements, including those in education, the acquisition of land titles, land issues being resolved in several communities and the Revision of the Amerindian Act, expected to be completed by year-end. .
She urged the indigenous people to make full use of the opportunities available to them, explaining that with regard to marginalisation and discrimination, things have changed dramatically.
Several officials attended the launching ceremony including Acting President Samuel Hinds, who delivered the feature address, United States Ambassador, Roland Bullen and Leader of the main Opposition Party, the Peoples National Congress Reform, Robert Corbin.
Attendees were entertained by the indigenous Calibro Band from the Kabakaburi Amerindian Village in Region Two and other groups including the Uncle Basil Cultural Group. Several Amerindian dishes, as well as the Amerindian beverage Parakari, were served and Amerindian craft and other items were showcased.
Amerindian Heritage Month activities will continue at several venues in Georgetown and other areas throughout the Month. Heritage Day will be celebrated this year in Mabaruma, Region One (Barima/ Waini).
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Maltese Ambassador presents credentials
Acting President Samuel Hinds receives the credientials of Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Gaetano Di Mase. Present were Foreign Affairs Minister Rudy Insanally, left and Director General of the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Elizabeth Harper at right.
Georgetown , GINA, Wednesday, September 1, 2004
The Credentials of Ambassador of the Soveriegn Military Hospitable Order of San Juan of Jerusalem of Rodi of Malta, His Excellency Gaetano Di Mase were accepted by Acting President Samuel Hinds today.
The ceremony took place in the credentials room of the office of the President. Present were Foreign Affairs Minister Rudolph Insanally, Director General of the Foreign Ministry and Mrs. Elizabeth Harper.
Below is the Credentials presented by the Ambassador, followed by the response by the Acting President:
Address by the Ambassador:
“It is a great honor for me to present to your Excellency Letters of Credentials that show my accreditation as Extraordinary Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Sovereign Military hospitable Order of San Juan of Jerusalem of Rodi of Malta in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
It is certain that your Excellency knows great part of the History of the Order of Malta and for this reason I will not make it a long speech.
In the Historic Environment, the Order of the Knights of Malta have been a source of inspiration to many historic facts, and many books have been written relative to the Order. I would like to raise important aspects which explain the motives whereby it was able to survive.
Since its foundation in 1099 and its acceptance on February 15 of 1113, the Order enjoys not only the recognition but also its own independence at international level.
Since its origin it had a military force, a powerful war Marine Corps, and its own territory, following the great world changes and many realities the Order of Malta has had to adapt to the new times and it has understood that the actual needs are very different from those in the XII century, due to the multiple and different problems that our new global society is going through, The Order of Malta has faced them with the same mystique and dedication as nine centuries ago.
Being as it was from the beginning a Hospitable and beneficent Order where "Obsequium Pauperum" prevails, it provides help to the poor and the sick and allows The Growth of Justice, Union , Peace and Piety.
These are the reasons to move forward and continue existing.
Honorable Minister, the Order of Malta is the natural product of the Communion of High Ideals for mankind that unites Men and Women of different origins.
Since my arrival to Your Country I have seen with admiration the
integration of this nation so heterogeneous since its beginning, Love and respect of your people for the homeland and its own History, Guyana is a country of one thousand wonders with a magnificent geography full of natural beauty with an Exceptional fauna and flora, the people are very courteous and friendly and with a great future, all this will be very interesting for the development of my work as Ambassador.
Since the beginning the Diplomatic Relations between Guyana and the Order of Malta have always been very close and happy. Your Excellency can be sure that I will devote all my insistence and efforts to deepen and improve them.
Your Excellency Minister receive my best wishes and those of the government that I represent, for a prosperous and wonderful future for your country and your people.”
Response by the Honourable Samuel Hinds, Prime Minister
of the Republic of Guyana :
“Excellency,
I am pleased to accept the Letters by which you are accredited as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Republic of Guyana . In doing so, I extend to you a most cordial welcome to our country.
The involvement of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in a wide array of humanitarian activities -including the provision of charity to hospitals and clinics; assistance in natural disasters and armed conflict and; more recently, support for mothers and children suffering from HIV/AIDS in developing countries - is well known and much appreciated.
Excellency,
These acts of kindness and generosity cannot but inspire the deep admiration and appreciation of people the world over. I trust therefore, in light of the high incidence of such challenges, that you will be able to expand your activities in the future to benefit those who are in need.
Guyana , for its part, has had to undertake many similarly critical endeavors to guarantee it's further Development. We are continuously called upon to preserve our economic and social progress from the ravages of poverty, disease and instability. The challenge we face as a small developing nation is rendered even more arduous by the inhospitable climate of the prevailing international order.
There exists, however, the possibility for even more meaningful collaboration at the multilateral level. At the United Nations, Guyana is seeking to promote the establishment of a New Global Human Order premised on sustainable development, equity and social justice. With the support of others in the international community, we believe that this concept could, and should, be translated into reality.
The evidence of collaboration between Guyana and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta since the establishment of relations provides much optimism that such a new dispensation can be created. I wish, here, to express the gratitude of the Government and
people of Guyana for your assistance to two. humanitarian community development projects, namely - the Mercy Wing Vocational Centre in Sophia and the Community Development Centre in New Amsterdam . These projects have helped to empower our youth to be better integrated into our society.
Guyana appreciates the humanitarian assistance provided and anticipates its continuation during your tenure as Ambassador.
Excellency,
Your accreditation comes at a significant stage in the
relations between Guyana and the Sovereign Order of Malta. The early conclusion of the two service agreements under negotiation can provide the basis for the stronger ties we seek. However, given its importance to overall national growth and progress, I believe stronger collaboration in the effort to combat HIV / AIDS is an area worthy of further cooperation.
In concluding, Excellency, I take this opportunity to, again, welcome you to Guyana and assure you of the full support of the Government of Guyana in the execution of your duties. Also, I would kindly request you to convey our best wishes to His Most Eminent
Highness Fra Andrew Bertie and the people of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
Thank you.”
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REMARKS BY THE HON. CAROLYN RODRIGUES, MINISTER OF
AMERINDIAN AFFAIRS ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCHING OF
AMERINDIAN HERITAGE MONTH 2004
Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Hinds
Former President of Guyana , Mrs. Janet Jagan
Colleagues, Ministers of Government
Members of the Diplomatic Corp
Visiting Toshaos form the various regions
Persons visiting from overseas, especially the Native Amerindian of Florida
Commander Flores of the Coast Guard, Police Force, Army, Dental School
My fellow Guyanese, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Allow me to extend my personal welcome to you on the launching of yet another Amerindian Heritage Month and thank you for accepting our invitation to be here today. I know many people, including some of you here, were anxious to know what will be happening this month. I know this because the Ministry has been bombarded with telephone calls over the last weeks by people who wanted to know about the program of activities. Some people even provided free advice on how much of the various dishes must be placed in the food boxes today. What is very interesting is that a lot of these calls came from our non- Amerindian Guyanese brothers and sisters. I want to say to them that they are most welcomed and we are elated to have them be part of our Amerindian Heritage Month activities.
Ladies and Gentlemen, every year the celebration gets bigger and bigger. This year many communities have planned activities- Santa Mission in Region3 will have their day on the 18th, Muritaro in Region 10 on the 22nd, the Region 9 communities from the 21st -25th, St. Cuthbert's Mission in Region 4 and Moraikobai Village in Region 5 on the 25th,and there are many, many others.
The people in Region 1 are busy preparing for the Heritage Village Celebrations. Over the next four days, right here at the Umana Yana, you can enjoy food and beverages from a number of communities. Art and Craft will also be on sale. For me this is one of the achievements of Amerindian Heritage Month as it is a time when we can not only showcase our culture but retrieve those that are slowly slipping away. More importantly is that we can do it with pride.
Technology has advanced and changes are likely. But culture itself is not static and striking a balance is important. As indigenous peoples we must not think that all modern advances are negative. Let us strive to find the balance. Merging those aspects of our culture that has kept us going for thousands of years with what exists today is vital for us moving forward.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Amerindian Heritage Month is a time for a lot of things. It reminds us Guyanese of the contributions of indigenous peoples to our country; it allows indigenous peoples to reflect on where they have come from, where they are and where they want to go. It reminds us too that we have a rich culture to share and celebrate. It is also the month when some dig deeply to point out what is going wrong and what has not been done and even allocate responsibility to who they think is responsible. Unfortunately, for the most part the achievements go unnoticed.
For us at the Ministry, however, Amerindian Heritage Month is a time when we take stock of what we have done over the last year. I must let you know that the job of the Ministry is an extremely challenging one. But in all of this we have moved forward- hence our theme" Amerindians - A People Moving Forward." I am prepared to debate this at any time because Amerindian issues are usually discussed without recognizing where we have come from and what we have achieved. It is time we inventories our assets. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Government of Guyana do not pretend to have the solutions to all of the problems that confront Amerindian people but we have made a lot of strides and we invite persons or groups that are willing to work with us to come forward.
Many of you are aware that we began a process of revising the Amerindian Act. We received many recommendations, some of them very sound. There were several other important areas for which we did not receive recommendations and these had to be carefully crafted. Even though our history and. situations are different, we also consulted similar legislation of other countries. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am happy to let you know that after two years of consultation and documentation, Cabinet is concluding their consideration of the recommendations and drafting will soon commence. Four (4) regional consultations will be held and the political parties will also be consulted prior to
the Act being laid in Parliament. All things being equal, this is expected to be done within two months. I can assure you that this new Act will form a positive part of our history and for a country 38 years young, we would have done well.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Our Ministry is constantly improving the service we provide. We want to be easily accessible to those who we are expected to serve. Our staff has increased over the last few years and so has the number of areas in which we work.
As we move forward, I want to let you know that our address will be changing before the end of the year. We would be in a new building located at the corner of Quamina and Thomas Streets.
All of this forms part of the Government's plan to better address Amerindian issues.
We have continued to do well in terms of education. This year one of our hinterland students Michael Fraser topped the country at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination. What is significant is that Michael attended the Paramakatoi Secondary School in Region 8, a region that is considered most inaccessible, and after completing his CXC examinations was given a hinterland scholarship. We also had distinctions at the Guyana School of Agriculture. This year we have given an additional 60 scholarships to students attending secondary schools. Providing opportunities for educational advancement is important and this forms a major part of the business of the Ministry. With respect to governance in our communities, I am on record of speaking about the need for training of our Village Councils. But speaking of it is not good enough. Over the last year, we continued to receive reports of fraudulent activities. In several cases our investigations proved the worst and action had to be taken. As I mentioned before we want to equip our Village Councils with the basic administrative skills required. With some assistance form the IDB, we have now completed the training of trainers exercise and the materials have been tested with some of our village councils. I should note that the trainers are all from Amerindian communities. While we are prepared to start training in the communities immediately, we have been asked to do this in October as the mood in September is somewhat different and the absorption rate for training at this time might be very low. As such countrywide training of Councils will commence in October.
The land issue, which for a very long time has been used as a political trump card and many other things, has moved forward. Some of you might have read or seen on the news that our Government has allocated more than 1.5 million acres of land to the communities of Baramita and Konashen in the form of absolute grants. An additional four (4) communities in Region 10 have been approved for titling and the necessary surveys are in progress. The Government is being extremely careful in having the surveys completed before the Grants are issued. The reason being many of our existing titled communities were never surveyed and there are discrepancies that have caused unnecessary difficulties.
Fellow Guyanese,in Guyana it appears as though bad news sells very well. We have been accustomed to being fed bad news that we get indigestion when something good happens. I have to repeat what Mr. Eddy Grant said and that is we have to love ourselves. We have to be proud of our country and we have to speak of the good things of our country. This act of our Government has created history in our country since it represents the largest land grants to be ever given to Amerindians. These six communities represent more than 50% of the total area of land that was given to the previous 74 communities and measures more than 2 m acres.
Further, the Government has altered its policy on the Amerindian land issue. His Excellency the President has stated publicly that we are willing to deal with this matter on a sub-regional basis. This means once we have completed demarcations of titled communities in a particular sub-region we can move to the next stage of addressing extensions and untitled communities. We have more than five such sub-regions that are completed.
I am taking time out to let you know this, Comrades, because even though I have spoken about this on many occasions, there is still a lot of misinformation and this serves to confuse our communities.
Ladies and Gentlemen permit me to speak about a topic that has dominated the media in the recent past, and that is Trafficking in Persons or TIP as it is commonly known. The publicity on this matter in some sections of the media has caused great discomfort to some of our communities and especially our Amerindian women. In one section of the media it was reported that young Amerindian virgins are being sold for as low as $200,000. Some Amerindian persons wondered aloud who was the salesman or saleswoman and could not come up with answers. Others joked about the valuation. Not only has this angered some communities but was a blow to the self esteem of many of our
women who are at the University of Guyana, Teachers training College, nursing school and other institutions pursuing an education in order to improve their lives.
On the other hand, the outreach program led by my colleague Minister Shaddick has intensified the awareness of the issue and communities have been asked to beware of persons entering their villages to recruit workers. I want to say to the communities that you have a big role to play and it will be challenging. The Ministry and the Village Councils cannot monitor the movement of every single Amerindian person; neither can we determine what jobs they should take. However, if these acts are committed and we are made aware, the necessary action will be taken.
Ladies and Gentlemen, as I conclude my remarks I want to say to my fellow Amerindians that we have not arrived at our destiny. Like any other group, there are still issues to address. Let us not get complacent or dependent on anyone or any group. Empowerment comes from within and some of you have really moved forward. The North Rupununi District Development Board, the St. Ignatius Women Cashew Project, the Mainstay Pineapple Factory, Orealla Fruit Cheese association ,the Co Co growers of Region 1 comes to mind. We see some of our brothers and sisters here today that are nurses, army officers, policemen and teachers. Others are studying in various fields. Today we will witness our brothers from Kabakaburi providing us with entertainment. I was given a piece of what we can expect this evening and I must tell you that I am impressed.
We may want to start inventorising our assets and using them to the best of our ability rather than waiting for things to happen. We cannot know what is across the river if we do not make the first step. Let us make full use of the opportunities that are available to us. For many years we have spoken of marginalization and discrimination. Things have changed dramatically now but I want to caution that this must not be reversed towards any other group as I have been privy to some cases that were questionable.
To all of you here today, especially my fellow Guyanese, please see the Celebrations of Amerindian Heritage Month as a time of sharing and learning. Remember that our Amerindian Heritage forms part of our bigger Guyanese culture. I do hope you enjoy what we have to offer.
Happy Amerindian Heritage Month to all of you.
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