Preparations for Guyexpo on track
Georgetown , GINA, September 2, 2004
Preparations for Guyexpo 2004 are well on track as booth spaces have already been sold out, despite minor difficulties with the weather.
According to member of the Guyexpo committee, Patrick Mentore, approximately 15 overseas participants have been confirmed.
Companies from several countries have indicated their interest, including Brazil , Barbados , India and Trinidad . The sponsorship for this year is well ahead of the 2002 Guyexpo, since there have been many sizeable contributions, amounting to $30M. Sponsors include Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Universal Airlines and the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil).
This year's Guyexpo will see, for the first time, several overseas companies showcasing their products through a collaborative effort among the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), the Guyana Tourism Authority, and the Guyana Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).
Already, the Committee has distributed over 12,000 invitations in Guyana and overseas. This year's theme is “The Call to El Dorado II.” Guyexpo allows Guyanese entrepreneurs to showcase their products and the Guyexpo Committee is catering for approximately 300 exhibitors. The average price for a booth is $20,000.
The event will be staged from September 23 through 27, 2004, and will see five nights of on-stage entertainment.
On Thursday, September 23, there will be a hospitality hour for exhibitors, investors and buyers as a prelude to the opening ceremony later that day. On the second day, a seminar will be held, entitled “Doing Business in Guyana ,” and a session for buyers and investors. On Saturday and Sunday, exhibitors will be allowed personal visits to ecotourism destinations in the country. Monday is slated for school children viewing the exhibition, and several visits will be organized for overseas manufacturers to local manufacturers at their various locations.
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Region Three harvests 13,324 bags of paddy
Georgetown , GINA, September 2, 2004
Rice harvesting in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) for this crop amounted to 13,324 bags.
According to statistics from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), 535 acres have been harvested to date, resulting in an average of 24.9 bags per acre.
The results have indicated that the islands of Wakenaam and Leguan have harvested an average of 30 bags per acre. Along the West Demerara , out of 19,215 acres cultivated 13,675 acres have been harvested.
Meanwhile, reaping has not yet started at Hogg Island where 220 acres are under cultivation.
For the last crop, the Region's target was set at 1,296 hectares while 1,134 hectares were prepared and sown and 1,130 hectares were harvested. This resulted in 66,960 bags of paddy. The percentage harvested was 99.6, with a yield of 3.8 tonnes per hectare and 59.3 bags per hectare, equivalent to 2,765 bags of rice.
In Leguan, the target was 1,619 while 1,578 were prepared, sown and 1,304 hectares were harvested with 57,960 bags of paddy. The percentage harvested was 91.8, with a yield of 2.8 tonnes per hectare and 44.4 bags per hectare. This is equivalent to 2,393 bags of rice.
Hogg Island harvested 4,460 bags of paddy from 121 hectares prepared and sown. The percentage harvested was 98.3, with a yield of three tonnes per hectare and 39.6 bags per hectare. 185
Along West Demerara , a total of 374,490 bags of paddy were harvested from 5,615 hectares of land. The target was 5,870 while 5,668 were prepared and sown. A total of 503,890 bags of paddy were harvested from this Region. The percentage harvested was 97.9 with 3.9 tonnes per hectare and 61.7 bags per hectare. This is equivalent to 15,462 with a total production from the Region recorded at 20,805 bags of rice. TOP
Sea defence training on capacity building
Georgetown , GINA, September 2, 2004
“There is a greater need to also create a critical mass of well-trained people in Guyana to work continuously and on a long-term within the sector,” said Technical Adviser for the Delegation of the European Commission to Guyana Ismo Ulvila to participants at a training session relating to sea defences.
On Wednesday last, the European Development Fund (EDF) held its second training session on the “institutional capacity building activities on Guyana Sea Defences,” at the Tower Hotel, Georgetown .
The workshop was aimed at evaluating the progress made by each of the six training modules. Six teams representing each module made their presentations which were followed by detailed discussions on each module.
The capacity building activities for the past year have been funded by the EDF through the European Commission at a cost of 2 Million Euros.
Mr. Ulvila challenged participants to be much more proactive while looking at ways to enhance the cooperation between the Guyana Sea Defences and other local agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Department and the University of Guyana .
He further urged that consultants working on the programme be put to full use. He stressed that funding for civil works alone would not solve the problem of sea defences in Guyana .
He said that the standard design is being finalized for sea defence works in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) which will start in mid 2005. These works will be followed by the European Commission's other sea defence programme, to which the need for additional works has been included.
Participants from various organizations across Guyana included the Guyana Sea Defences, the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Hydrometeorological Department, the Guyana Water Incorporated, the Guyana Sugar Corporation and other independent engineers and consultants.
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Local wood companies for China 's largest investment fair
Georgetown , GINA, September 2, 2004
Three local companies in the wood processing business will participate in China 's largest international investment promotion event, “China International Fair for Investment and Trade” (CIFIT).
Variety Woods & Greenheart Ltd, Durable Wood Products and Tradewind Marine will be at the fair in Xiamen form September 8-11, 2004 . They will be accompanied by Mr. Geoffrey DaSilva Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest).
CIFIT is the most important annual event in China for attracting Foreign Direct Investment as well as for creating overseas investment opportunities for Chinese enterprises.
By participating in the event, Guyana could introduce its investment policies, environments and projects to a wide circle of business communities, and engage in discussions with prominent Chinese companies for conducting investments in Guyana .
With the theme of “Introducing FDI and Going Global”, CIFIT combines investment with trading, exhibition with project negotiation, project promotion with policy consultation and policy seminar with information releases.
The fair provides an ideal opportunity for Guyana to showcase the many products it produces, especially in the wood processing and forestry sectors, in which China seems especially interested, and to initiate contacts with other businesses that would be willing to invest in Guyana .
The organizing committee of the fair has arranged for representatives from 10 Chinese companies to meet the CEO of GoInvest at the Investment Match-making Sessions
These sessions facilitate face-to-face matchmaking negotiations between investors and financing sides of the exhibitors and allow foreign investment promotion organizations and enterprises to find appropriate Chinese capital, technology, equipment and talent on one side, and furnish overseas investment plans of Chinese capital on the other.
The matchmaking Symposium for Chinese Going Global will be held on September 10.
This is the eighth CIFIT. The seventh, in 2003, witnessed the participation of 11,781 foreign guests from 102 countries.
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There are 37 trained teachers in the Upper Mazaruni - Ministry of Amerindian Affairs
Georgetown , GINA, September 02, 2004
Contrary to reports in some sections of the media stating that there are no trained teachers in the Upper Mazaruni District in Region Seven (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni) , the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs today released a report from the Region, showing that there are 37 trained teachers in the area.
In one specific television report, it was stated that the area has not even one trained teacher, especially at the Waramadong Secondary School . The Ministry's report received from the Region shows that four trained teachers are stationed at Waramadong Secondary, including the head-teacher, who is also a graduate of the University of Guyana .
According to the release, seven trained teachers are employed at the Phillipai Primary School , one at Chinoweing Primary and two at Kaikun Primary School . Meanwhile, four teachers are stationed at Kamarang Primary School , four at Jawalla and Seven at Kako Primary.
There are also four teachers at Paruima Primary and four at the Waramadong Primary School .
The report highlighted the fact that six of the trained teachers are attending the University of Guyana , while another nine are undergoing training at the Teachers' Training College at Turkeyen, with five graduating on September 09.
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Ministry of Health receives a grant of 10 M US
Georgetown, GINA, September 02, 2004
During an interview yesterday with the Director of the Inter development Bank, Health Development Project, Dr. Frank Anthony, at his office on East Street, announced that the Ministry of health received a grant of $10M US dollars.
"This grant is to fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic", said Dr. Anthony.
A special HIV/AIDS committee will be assign to all Governmental Ministries. The Ministries are tasked to prepare HIV/AIDS programmes for there employees and the clients they serve which will be funded by the Ministry of Health.
"Non Governmental Organisations, Civil Societies and the Private Sectors are also part of the programme," said Dr. Anthony. They however, will also have to prepare proposals. A special committee will assess the proposals in terms of their technical merit.
Once it approved, they will receive funding from the Ministry. He said that a coordinator would work with them to assist with the programme.
"Some of the money is to be use on Tuberculosis, TV programmes and Anti Retroviral Drugs", explained Dr. Anthony.
He further sated that the programme will be an ongoing one for the next Five years to come.
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“Airport Crash”….
Emergency exercise tests capabilities for real situations
Georgetown , GINA, September 2, 2004
In keeping with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Corporation on Tuesday, August 31, staged a full-scale emergency exercise at the Airport.
The exercise was staged to test the adequacy of the response of all personnel involved, the emergency plans and procedures and emergency equipment and communication systems.
It involved a simulated ‘Aircraft accident' on the airfield, in which Galaxy Airliner Boeing 738 crashed and burst into flames at the south-west of the threshold runway 06 at approximately 13:13 hours.
Three persons are ‘dead' and 42 injured following the crash.
‘Dead' are L.Kellman of 219 Singh St. West Bank Demerara, L. Prince of Timehri Fire Station Rd., and S Zion of Alliance Road East Bank Demerara.
Some of the casualties suffered fractured thighs, arms, protruding brains, burns and minor abrasions to various parts of the body.
On explosion, the Timehri tower immediately declared an emergency notice and notified the Airport's Fire and Rescue service, the transportation services, operations and Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC).
The RCC then notified key stakeholders including the Guyana Police Force,(GPF) the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Fire Service, and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Within 2 minutes, the fire service responded extinguishing the fire within 10 minutes.
The Airport Operations Manager M. S. Khan arrived on the scene within 5 minutes followed by the GDF Ambulance and army medical personnel.
The rescue operations involved the removal of casualties from the scene to a collection area by stretchers.
Three critically injured persons were air-dashed by the army's Skyvan to the Ogle airstrip for emergency treatment at the GPHC.
The remaining casualties were taken care of by the army medical personnel at special triage and care areas, set up away from the crash site.
Medical personnel from the GPHC were also summoned to the scene. They arrived at the airport after an hour. By this time, most of the casualties were taken to the GPHC by the GDF ambulance and CJIA transportation service.
The GPF cordoned off an area 150 yards away from the crash site, while the Army established a border parameter about 175 yards from the crash site.
According to airport officials, an exercise of this nature was not carried out at the airport for the past 18 years. The ICAO, however, requires that a full-scale emergency exercise be carried out every two years.
Aviation personnel feel the exercise was successfully completed. It will raise awareness about what to expect in an emergency situation.
Meanwhile, experts from the stakeholder bodies will soon meet for a post mortem on the exercise that will enhance the airport's emergency response.
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September 12-18: Child Protection Awareness Week
Georgetown , GINA, September 2, 2004
The Probation and Family Welfare Department of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security is concerned about the growing incidence of child abuse in the country.
So it has declared September 12-18, 2004, “Child Protection Awareness Week,” under the theme, “Child protection is everyone's business.”
This week has been organized mainly to make members of the public, including children, aware of the laws and systems in existence in society to protect a child from all forms of abuse.
Ann Greene, Chief Probation and Family Welfare Officer, at a press briefing today, said, “We want to sensitize the public to child protection, we want people to get proactive”. She said this must be through collective and collaborative efforts, starting with people from the grass roots.
Greene said the Ministry is hoping to empower children to speak out against those who abuse them by implementing empowerment programs in schools.
The goals expected to be achieved through this awareness programme are:
- A significant reduction in the violation of protection of the child.
- Children reporting incidents of violation of their rights to protection and having confidence in the system.
- Concerned citizens being pro-active as child protection advocates.
- The business community and other organizations supporting programmes aimed at child protection.
The activities planned for this week include: an interfaith service, a symposium, radio call in programmes, talks at schools, TV programmes, video shows at schools, a children's fun day, public demonstrations and view points on radio.
According to Greene, the symposium is the main activity, as this is the only way the Ministry can gain information from the public, as they air their views and comments and give suggestions.
During the week, officials will distribute buttons and ribbons.
The Chief Probation Officer urged community members and members of the public to become involved in this initiative and help protect the nation's human resources.
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Acting President visits several communities along the East Coast
Georgetown , GINA, September 2, 2004
"I feel their pain and I share their sorrow," remarked Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is performing the duties of the President; after visiting several communities that were terrorised by bandits, at the weekend leaving four persons dead.
His first stop was at the Sukhra's residence at Coldingen, where nine-year-old Christine Sukhra was killed as bandits tried to enter the home on August 28. Christine's teenaged brother Ryan was also shot in the left wrist, and four other families were terrorized in the community. Christine will be buried tomorrow.
The Prime Minister assured relatives that Government is working in earnest to tackle the crime situation along the East Coast corridor.
He was pleased to see that some of the security lights have been installed and Police patrolling the area. Twenty-four temporary streetlights are being installed at critical points to ensure maximum visibility.
Anthony Parsram, 28, who was shot dead on August 30 by gunmen in Sand Reef, Annandale was laid to rest today. The Prime Minister arrived shortly after the funeral and spoke to the mother of the slain man.
While there, residents were requesting that the street lights which are not working be fixed.
Over at Lusignan, residents took the Prime Minister to the spot where 37-year-old cattle farmer Ramesh Sewsanker, was murdered.
Speaking to the media, Prime Minister Hinds said that patrols along the East Coast have been intensified. He acknowledged that other steps are being taken to ensure security along the East Coast.
He also pointed out the importance of communities coming together to be vigilant in the fight against crime. He noted that training of community policing groups will be an ongoing exercise.
Accompanying the acting President were Minister of Foreign Trade, Clement Rohee and Commander of 'C' Division, Krishna Lakeraj.
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