Minister Teixieira pleased with Police efforts in community and private sector involvement
Georgetown , GINA, December 3, 2004
“The Police Force and the Commissioner of Police are taking the right steps in terms of inclusiveness in bringing into the realm of security and law enforcement issues in the private sector and at community level,” according to Minister of Home Affairs (ag) Gail Teixeira.
This follows recent meetings the Commissioner and other Police officials had with communities and private sector groups.
Minister Teixeira said that such interventions are ideal for improving community awareness and cooperation.
‘I think there are a number of major interventions aimed at confidence building in the Police Force, and this augurs well for the future,” pointed out the Minister.
She stressed that contrary to what many people may think, law and order cannot be maintained by the Police alone. Communities must get on board.
At the moment training has begun for community policing groups in terms of arrests and gathering statements. Minister Teixeira stated that the groups have to abide to the strict policies of the Force.
“They work as allies with the Force and not as independent groups.”
Recently, the Home Affairs Minister had met representatives from six community policing groups at the Ministry of Home Affairs to discuss protecting their respective communities. The policing groups were from: Coldingen, Annandale , Vigilance, Non-Pariel and Enterprise .
But Minister Teixiera told GINA that persons are of the view that the groups are only interested in guns. During the discussions, the groups expressed concerns about training, legal issues, making arrests and identification cards.
“These are other issues that are of great concern to the policing groups,” added the Minister.
She made reference to cases where Police and policing groups have worked together, and where crime in those communities has decreased.
Additionally, Government has given 20-foot containers to several policing groups along the East Coast corridor, to serve as a base for their operations.
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Germany to provide 6.2 million Euro assistance for Caricom
Guyana one of top priority countries
Georgetown , GINA, December 3, 2004
Caricom and Germany today signed two agreements. The first will see Germany providing 6 million Euros to assist in HIV/AIDS prevention in the Caribbean . The second will see the European State providing 250,000 Euros for capacity building in the Region.
Signing on behalf of Germany , Counsellor from the German Embassy in Port of Spain , Erik Tintrup noted that Guyana will be one of the priority countries to benefit from the 6 million Euro Agreement on HIV/AIDS prevention in the Caribbean .
According to Tintrop, “this is the first phase of a three–year open programme which can be lengthened over a longer period of time and extended to a wider area.”
The funds will be used to reduce the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases through education, teaching, information campaigns, implementation of prevention measures and the procurement and sale of condoms.
In the second agreement, Germany and Caricom concluded the extension of a Study and Expert Fund. The German Government increased the value of the fund by another 250,000 Euros. The money will be used to finance the secondment and services of German experts in the field of technical cooperation, and the implementation of diverse measures such as the preparation of studies or the procurement of inputs in several fields of cooperation.
The agreements were signed by Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Lolita Applewaithe on behalf of Caricom.
The Ambassador in thanking Germany for its assistance noted, that the Community is fully aware of its obligations to fulfill the anticipated outcomes of the assistance. She said the “commitment of Germany to make available resources to assist the Caribbean to face its challenges and to realise its enormous potential in a wide range of areas of developmental importance is most welcome.”
Counsellor Erik Tintrop of the German Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago and
Deputy Secretary General of CARICOM Ambassador Lolita Applewaithe at the
signing of
CARICOM - Germany Agreements
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Police continue anti-crime campaign
- 21 persons arrested
Georgetown , GINA, December 3, 2004
The Police continue their anti-crime campaign to flush out criminal elements. During a cordon and search exercise yesterday in ‘B' & ‘C' Fields, Sophia, 23 houses were searched and 21 persons arrested.
Two motor cycles were also seized - one of which is suspected to have been used in a recent gas station robbery.
The other motor cycle along with a computer suspected to be stolen were lodged in Police custody. The arrested persons are being questioned in relation to several offences.
Recently, Crime Chief Henry Greene emphasized that the Police will intensify their patrols and noted areas focused on include Agricola, Caneville and Sophia.
As part of National Road Safety Week, traffic ranks are distributing flyers on road safety tips to drivers. (A GINA/Royston Telford PHOTO)
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Guyana and Germany sign $3.3 billion debt cancellation agreement
Georgetown, GINA, December 3, 2004
Guyana and Germany today signed an agreement that cancels all debt owed by Guyana to Germany. The $3.3 billion agreement was signed in the boardroom of the Ministry of Finance by Finance Minister Saisnarine Kowlessar and Counsellor Mr. Erik Tintrop, of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Trinidad and Tobago.
This debt includes arrears and accrued interest on all loans owed to, insured or guaranteed by Germany. These include Euro 3.8 million held by the Government of Germany and Euro 8.5 million held by KfW Bank of Germany.
According to Minister Kowlessar, Germany’s largesse will make available much needed budgetary resources to improve the delivery of social services and to fight poverty.
“I wish to thank your Government for its long-term commitment to supporting the economic development and poverty reduction agenda of Guyana,” the Minister told the Counsellor.
Tintrop noted that the agreement signed today – Guyana VI - is based on the terms of the Paris Club and follows a similar one signed in 2000 – Guyana V - which brought the overall debt down from 24.2 to 20.7 million deutschmarks.
He said it is an important step in the Guyana-Germany bilateral relationship and the money that would have gone into servicing the debt can now be used to further Guyana’s poverty reduction strategy.
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Government reaches out to Essequibo
- 100 and more residents benefit...
Georgetown, GINA, December 3, 2004
Residents of Essequibo in Region Two are now better able to develop themselves and improve their quality of life.
This was made possible today when Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick and four officers from her Ministry visited the region and more 110 residents received assistance from them.
The Minister and her team met with residents in the Regional Democratic Council’s Boardroom.
The assistance was in the form of sewing machines, poultry and feed, cash, agricultural equipment and carpentry tools.
The assistance is valued at approximately two million dollars and was given to residents who are considered to be needy.
Minister Shadick told the recipients that the assistance will allow them to become independent individuals.
She noted that this is not a loan but a grant from the Government for them to develop themselves.
Minister Shadick called on the recipients to make full use of the assistance.
She said that the Government gives assistance to everyone who has skills in order for them to improve their lives.
Forty three residents received cash and other items while thirty six were given poultry and feed.
Six residents were given sewing machines and one was given to a women’s youth group.
Residents thanked the Ministry for the assistance and said it will be of significant benefit to them.
Similar activities were carried out in different parts of the country earlier in the year.
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Indian High Commission donates books to National Library
Georgetown, GINA, December 3, 2004
The Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Avinash Chandra Gupta, this morning presented a variety of books to the National Library.
The Ambassador said that even though there are libraries at the Indian Cultural Centre and the Indian High Commission, he feels that “Guyanese do not know enough about the modern India” and that knowledge has to be shared.
He hopes that the strategic location, the National Library, will serve to fill that information gap.
Carmen Jarvis, former Chairman of the National Library Committee, adnwho was at the handing over, said the books are vital as they inform about changes and transitions in cultures, which, she noted, is being experienced in Guyana as well.
“The books will bring us up to date with what is happening in India,” she said offering gratitude to the High Commissioner.
Among the 100 books are: Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema, Contemporary India Transitions, India economy under reform, Cinema and India Freedom struggle, Engaging India, Indian Journeys, Pioneers of Prosperity and Sociology of Rural Development.
Chief Librarian, Gillian Thompson, thanked the High Commissioner’s Office for the gift noting that it will help to expand the library’s repertoire.
India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Guyana. Their relations date back to 1838 when the first batch of indentured labourers was brought to Guyana from India. Formal diplomatic relations were established on May 26, 1966 when Guyana became an Independent country. Since then, several agreements were entered into between the two countries.
In 1974, the two countries signed a Cultural Agreement and in 1977, the Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Co-operation between Guyana and India was signed. Two years ago, there was an agreement for co-operation in the fields of science and technology between the Institute of Science and Technology of Guyana and the Council of Science and Industrial Research of India. Currently Guyana is benefiting from technical expertise and training through the Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) Programme.
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Wai Wais sign MOC with Government, CI
Georgetown, GINA, December 3, 2004
The Wai Wai community of Kanashen has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Government of Guyana and Conservation International Guyana (CIG).
The Cooperation Memorandum is for assistance in the establishment of a Wai Wai-owned, Community Conservation Area.
The Agreement was signed by Head of Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues, and Kanashen Village Captian, Paul Chekema.
This Memorandum follows extensive consultation with the community.
According to a release from CIG, the community welcomes the process and is now better informed about the community owned conservation process.
The Agreement is the fulfillment of a request by the Wai Wais to the Government for CIG to assist the community to develop land and resource use practices that satisfy Wai Wai needs, while conserving ecosystems and biodiversity. The area is approximately 600,000 hectares.
Minister Rodrigues said the move is a step in the right direction and signifies the Wai Wai’s commitment to sustainable utilization.
“They have recognized that marrying traditional knowledge and modern technology can only be an incentive for the proper management of the area.”
The Minister hopes that other communities will recognize the need to manage their natural resources since there have been several instances of mismanagement, especially as it relates to logging activities.
In February, the Government issued title for more than 1 million acres of land to the Wai Wais. Shortly after, the community requested to have the area declared a community owned conservation area.
The MOC sets the framework for the implementation of:
- Working together to jointly evaluate the ongoing resource use and the needs of the Wai Wais and the impact of traditional land use on biodiversity and ecosystems
- Working together to increase local, national and global awareness of the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems in the Kanashen District
- Working to identify and address threats to the integrity of the Kanashen District and
- Working together to identify and develop income generating projects and potential sources of funding for the projects.
Kanashen is located in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).
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President meets Muslims foreign Missionary
Georgetown, GINA, December 03, 2004
A group of Muslims from Berbice today paid a courtesy call on President Bharrat Jagdeo in the company of their visiting delegate from North America.
Maulana Imam-ul Hag Kanser, Missionary in charge of Northeast Region of the United States, is in Guyana for a National Convention last Sunday at the Ocean View Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
The Guyana Missionary in charge, Maulana al Hassan Bashir Annan, said the meeting was to introduce the scholar to President Jagdeo, as well as the missionary’s message of Peace.
The others at the meeting were Yusuf Malik, Maulana Mangat and Maulana Khan, Regional Missionary, Berbice.
A group of Muslims from Berbice today paid a courtesy call on President Jagdeo in the company of their visiting delegate from North America
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Volunteerism for national development
Georgetown, GINA Friday, December 03, 2004
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds today attended the official ceremony to honour international and national volunteers in Guyana, to mark International Volunteer’s Day which will be observed on December 05.
This year’s Volunteer’s Day is being observed under the theme, “Volunteer-Become a partner in development.
In his address, the Prime Minister said, “The Government of Guyana has been privileged to be engaged in creating the framework within which quality volunteer service can be delivered and the benefits maximised through capacity building and institutional strengthening”.
The Prime Minister recognised the importance of volunteer service to developing countries like Guyana. He said that volunteers have made tangible contributions to Guyana in many areas, including education, mining, and health.
Prime Minister Hinds said that the nation must rally behind a vision of Guyana where everyone recognises not only the opportunities but the obligation to give back in return.
He said that the cost of volunteering might well be justified if the experience of service helps Guyanese to transcend the differences, focus on common pursuits and share skills to solve pressing and important human, social and economic problems.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing the work of volunteers in Guyana and thanked national and international volunteers for their service.
He said, “ Guyana will always be committed to promoting and facilitating volunteerism in an effort to provide for the building of a strong and cohesive society”.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John Isaacs, said volunteerism is a unifying force that provides the avenue for people to participate in the life of the community.
United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, Jan Sand Sorensen said in the Global effort to meet Millennium Development Goals, volunteers and volunteerism are indispensable.
The contributions that ordinary men, women and children all over the world make to development through voluntary action are a critical foundation on which countries build.
Glynis Alonzo Beaton, General Secretary of the Young Women’s Christian Association and national volunteer said, “Without volunteerism, a nation cannot grow”. She said in order to be a volunteer, a person must be trustworthy, modest and love what he is doing.
The event was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rudy Insanally, Minister of Local Government, Harripersaud Nokta, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Awards were given to 14 national and international volunteers and the audience was entertained by a dance by representatives of the Indian Cultural Center.
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President presents sponsorship cheque to Kashif and Shangai
Georgetown, GINA, December 3, 2004
President Bharrat Jagdeo today handed over Government’s sponsorship cheque to Kashif Mohamed, Director of Kashif and Shangai.
Mohamed, along with Kashif and Shangai’s Treasurer Troy Mendonza, met the Head of State at the Office of the President today.
They said the meeting discussed Government’s annual contribution to the Kashif and Shangai annual football tournament.
Mohamed explained Government will also take care of the teams that place 1 st and 3 rd. Government is responsible for supporting the Rupununi football team for the tournament, as well.
The football tournament kicks off in Linden on December 12 and ends on January 1 in Linden also. Matches will be played in Georgetown, Wales and Blairmont.
Some 18 teams will compete, five from the Caribbean and 13 local teams.
The Kashif and Shangai Tournament is 15 years old.
H.E. President Bharrat Jagdeo hands over the Government's sponsorship cheque to Kashif Mohamed, Director of Kashif and Shangai. Looking on is Kashif and Shangai's Treasurer Troy Mendonza.
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President calls for heightened focus on differently abled, less fortunate people
– attends 1 st Christmas cheer
Georgetown, GINA, December 3, 2004
Guyana needs to heighten its efforts to assist persons with disabilities, as well as the less fortunate population, particularly street children.
This call was made today by President Bharrat Jagdeo when he visited the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre’s annual Children’s Christmas Carnival.
“I am always happy to come here and see the wonderful spirit of these children. They may not be as fortunate as many others, but they are having a full life and they have the capability of having a full life,” he said.
The Head of State noted that many Guyanese can take a leaf out of their books, as they have a positive outlook to life.
“I do hope that in our society that sometimes tends to be judgmental that we learn to understand these issues,’ he said.
The President called on every Guyanese to help break down the barriers, such as stigma and discrimination that are often leveled at the differently abled or less fortunate persons. He noted that this was particularly rampant when dealing with persons living with HIV/AIDS. However, it is gradually disappearing given the many campaigns against stigma and discrimination.
The President said his Government has heightened focus on the needs of persons with disability and the discussion period has now matured into specific actions, including a specific programme to address the issue.
The issue, he said, attracted Cabinet’s attention years ago, but “unfortunately things are going too slow for my liking.”
He added that the Human Services sector will now increase its efforts to ensure Government’s assistance.
President Jagdeo called on the private sector to increase support for any such organization that helps the cause, adding that Government will be working closer with Non-Governmental Organisations. He noted that it was perceived by many to be an issue for Government only. However, every Guyanese has a role to play in helping.
Commenting on the number of orphans in Guyana, President Jagdeo expressed desire to see them placed in homes across the country so that they can enjoy the benefits of family life.
On the issue of street children, the President said, “We have to find one way or another to get them off the streets,” adding that whether through enforcement or persuasion, this must be accomplished.
“This country has enough resources to ensure these children get a fairly decent education and a full life,” he said, adding that he is aware of the complexities of the situation since many persons do not want to come off the streets.
“We need some new initiatives,” he said, in order to succeed.
The President congratulated the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Center for the commendable work it has done to help the differently abled in Guyana.
He presented them with laundry facilities. Rehabilitation Officer Ms. Cynthia Massay, thanked the President on behalf of the Centre, both for his present and his presence.
She spoke of orphanages and day-cares reluctance to admit children with disabilities and the President called on Guyanese to be more charitable.
Eight-year-old Tanasha Noel of the Ptolmey Reid Rehabilitation Centre recited a part of the Rights of the Child Convention for the President and he in turn awarded her with a television for the school.
There are 20 persons living at the Centre at present. Twenty attend the Special Needs School and 45 are outpatients for physiotherapy, the Administrative Manager Bibi Samlall said.
The Centre is run by a Board of Directors and receives a $16M annual subvention from Government. It also conducts fund-raisers.
Also spreading Christmas cheer at the Centre today was the British High Commissioner, Stephen Hiscock.
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New investments in mobile technology
Georgetown, GINA Friday, December 03, 2004
Brassonic Super Center today launched into the field of mobile technology. Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Manzoor Nadir, officially opened the “Mobile Authority”.
In his remarks, he said that geographically, Guyana is not far away from the center of cutting edge technology. So Guyana has access to the best in technologies.
The Minister said that the mobile technology market is one of the fastest growing markets in the country.
He said Guyanese have great purchasing power and the mobile technology market is big enough for more investments and strong competition.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds also attended the opening and said, in an invited comment, he welcomes the investment and Guyana’s economy is what we make of it. He said that he encourages more companies to invest.
The Mobile Authority is the brainchild of Tyrone Brass, the son of the proprietor of Brassonic, Michael. The 19 year old gave up an opportunity to migrate to stay and invest in Guyana.
The launching was also attended by Minister of Legal Affairs, Doodnauth Singh and the Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green.
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