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Increased growth and international development in the Ministry of Foreign Trade
Georgetown, GINA, March 3, 2005 The Government, while promoting growth and development by implementing policies that are people oriented, are taking steps to improve the lives of all Guyanese. The Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Clement Rohee in his address on the National Budget said that Government, while confronting challenges are seeking to explore the opportunities that emerge to achieve sustainable growth and development. He said the maintenance of a macro economic development plan is essential in moving this country forward and that growth and development are important processes that are integrally linked. Minister Rohee said trade continues to be of great importance to Guyana since the country is highly dependent on external trade. A study conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed that the average Caricom member State import and export of goods and non-factor services accounted for 116.9% of the Gross Domestic Product during 1994 to 1998. For Guyana it was 211.3% of the GDP. Minister R As was pointed out in the budget presentation, Guyana’s merchandise exports grew by 9.2% to US$ 559.8M, this is 82% of the country’s GDP compared to 80.8% in 2003. At this time Guyana’s merchandise imports in 2004 was US$674M over US$ 571.7M in 2003, which is over 90% of the country’s GDP. Minister Rohee said his Ministry is working at the level of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) for market access to Trinidad and Tobago for beef and poultry products. Guyana recently received a report of a site visit by a Caricom Assessment Team in relation to the Food Safety and Epidemiological standards to access the Quarantine Procedures and Disease Surveillance Programme for the export of beef and chicken to Caricom market. Minister Rohee said greater market access in Caricom for local products is not a privilege, it is a right under the Revised Treaty of Chagaramus. He said Government will resort to the Caribbean Court of Justice if necessary to ensure that all barriers to trade are removed, be they technical, non- tariff or discriminatory, because this in not what the CSME is all about. He said it is about the free movement of peoples, goods and services as well as capital in a single economic space comprising 5.6 million people. According to Minister Rohee, Government is pushing aggressively for a comprehensive review of the Community’s Common External Tariff (CET). He said this will bring immense benefits to Guyana’s local manufacturers and exporters. According Minister Rohee, since Government does not trade, it is important that the Private Sector take advantage of these market openings and opportunities in job creation, greater private sector development, investment and in the final analysis, growth and development. Addressing the implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) Minister Rohee said its realisation in 2006 is the key to Guyana’s success in engaging the globalised world economy. He said Guyana is committed to be CSME ready and have made significant progress in this direction. He also said in the coming months the emphasis will be on legislative agenda to formulate the CSME laws in Guyana. He said the key process of Guyana’s embrace of the CSME are two factors: public awareness and the active involvement of the private sector. Referring to proposals to reform the European Union (EU) Sugar Regime, Minister Rohee said African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries have maintained that the proposed price cut of 37% is too deep. He said the 2005 deadline for implementation is too short and the proposed phase-in period is too soon. He said Government told the EU that they are not against the reform, however they are against the particular reform proposal which, if implemented, can cripple our sugar industry and bring about untold suffering and social dislocation to Guyanese in the sugar industry. Minister Rohee said he wants to assure all cane harvesters, including the field and factory workers, as well as the private cane- farmers of this country, their families and all those associated with the sugar industry, that the Government of Guyana will continue to ensure that the impact of the reform proposal does not cripple the sugar industry in the country. Government has an aggressive plan for post-flood recovery – Dr. Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, March 3, 2005 “The acute disaster response activities are virtually at an end with the exception of Public Health interventions and support to the inland riverain areas. The task of cleaning up and recovering is being confronted.” Dr. Roger Luncheon, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, disclosed this today at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing. He noted that the administration is funding the massive clean-up exercise, which is currently taking place in flood-affected areas. Government has contracted the services of two waste disposal services with “particular attention paid to approaches to the City, the City itself and the East Coast public road and embankment and affected Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Office of the President and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) have mobilized communities along the East Coast of Demerara and NDCs to distribute garbage bags for residents to use in the clean-up exercise. “The intention is to remove all evidence of garbage, clean drains, restore verges and ultimately bring about improvement in the environment,” stressed Dr. Luncheon. Government has also initiated steps to have an assessment done of the impact of the flood in the various sectors. The Cabinet Secretary announced that a team from the United Nations/Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN/ECLAC) is in the country to collect data on the impact of the flood. Sampling techniques and standardized questionnaires are the methods earmarked to gather data. Dr. Luncheon added that President Bharrat Jagdeo is committed to the recovery of the country and there are consultations ongoing to bring normalcy to the residents affected by the flood. “After we have received all the data and report from ECLAC, specific measures will be announced on Government’s recovery plan,” Dr. Luncheon said. Notwithstanding the ongoing assessment exercise, added the Cabinet Secretary, the Administration has recognized the need to provide relief during the post disaster response and equally to begin the timely rehabilitation and maintenance of the infrastructure. “With the support of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) we have an aggressive drainage and irrigation (D&I) project, which is being funded – contracts are being awarded and will be gin shortly,” stated Dr. Luncheon. TOPIncreased growth and international development in the Ministry of Foreign Trade
Georgetown, GINA, March 3, 2005 The Government, while promoting growth and development by implementing policies that are people oriented, are taking steps to improve the lives of all Guyanese. The Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Clement Rohee in his address on the National Budget said that Government, while confronting challenges are seeking to explore the opportunities that emerge to achieve sustainable growth and development. He said the maintenance of a macro economic development plan is essential in moving this country forward and that growth and development are important processes that are integrally linked. Minister Rohee said trade continues to be of great importance to Guyana since the country is highly dependent on external trade. A study conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed that the average Caricom member State import and export of goods and non-factor services accounted for 116.9% of the Gross Domestic Product during 1994 to 1998. For Guyana it was 211.3% of the GDP. Minister Rohee said this demonstrates that Guyana cannot afford to overlook the challenges and opportunities presented by external factors. As was pointed out in the budget presentation, Guyana’s merchandise exports grew by 9.2% to US$ 559.8M, this is 82% of the country’s GDP compared to 80.8% in 2003. At this time Guyana’s merchandise imports in 2004 was US$674M over US$ 571.7M in 2003, which is over 90% of the country’s GDP. Minister Rohee said his Ministry is working at the level of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) for market access to Trinidad and Tobago for beef and poultry products. Guyana recently received a report of a site visit by a Caricom Assessment Team in relation to the Food Safety and Epidemiological standards to access the Quarantine Procedures and Disease Surveillance Programme for the export of beef and chicken to Caricom market. Minister Rohee said greater market access in Caricom for local products is not a privilege, it is a right under the Revised Treaty of Chagaramus. He said Government will resort to the Caribbean Court of Justice if necessary to ensure that all barriers to trade are removed, be they technical, non- tariff or discriminatory, because this in not what the CSME is all about. He said it is about the free movement of peoples, goods and services as well as capital in a single economic space comprising 5.6 million people. According to Minister Rohee, Government is pushing aggressively for a comprehensive review of the Community’s Common External Tariff (CET). He said this will bring immense benefits to Guyana’s local manufacturers and exporters. According Minister Rohee, since Government does not trade, it is important that the Private Sector take advantage of these market openings and opportunities in job creation, greater private sector development, investment and in the final analysis, growth and development. Addressing the implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) Minister Rohee said its realisation in 2006 is the key to Guyana’s success in engaging the globalised world economy. He said Guyana is committed to be CSME ready and have made significant progress in this direction. He also said in the coming months the emphasis will be on legislative agenda to formulate the CSME laws in Guyana. He said the key process of Guyana’s embrace of the CSME are two factors: public awareness and the active involvement of the private sector. Referring to proposals to reform the European Union (EU) Sugar Regime, Minister Rohee said African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries have maintained that the proposed price cut of 37% is too deep. He said the 2005 deadline for implementation is too short and the proposed phase-in period is too soon. He said Government told the EU that they are not against the reform, however they are against the particular reform proposal which, if implemented, can cripple our sugar industry and bring about untold suffering and social dislocation to Guyanese in the sugar industry. Minister Rohee said he wants to assure all cane harvesters, including the field and factory workers, as well as the private cane- farmers of this country, their families and all those associated with the sugar industry, that the Government of Guyana will continue to ensure that the impact of the reform proposal does not cripple the sugar industry in the country. Labour Minister counters Opposition arguments
Georgetown, GINA, March 3, 2005 Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Dr. Dale Bisnauth yesterday refuted arguments put forward by PNCR Basil Williams that the Government has destroyed workers representation. As the 2005 budget debate continued in to its third day in the National Assembly, Minister Bisnauth noted that contrary to what was argued by Williams, the Government has always demonstrated a commitment to improving conditions for workers. According to Minister Bisnauth, it was the PPP/C Government that put forward a number of Bills to improve working conditions not only for unionized workers, but for workers in general. He pointed to the 1995 report of the Holidays with Pay Act that now provides for all workers to be paid for holidays instead of only certain category of workers. The Minister also brought the House’s attention to the 1997 Trade Union Recognition Act, the Terms of Employment and Severance Pay Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act which has significant implications for workers in the informal sector such as rice farmers. Minister Bisnauth also called attention to the Employment of Young Persons and Child (Amendment) Act and others. On the issue of the Trade Union Recognition Board which was criticized by Williams, Dr. Bisnauth said that at present there is no Government representation on the Board which points to the independence of the Board and the policy of non-interference adopted by the Government. Moving on ,from the implementation of legislation to compliance thereof, Minister Bisnauth noted that in 2004 his Ministry received 720 complaints from workers. Of these, 608 were resolved and the others are under investigation. Many of these, he said were from workers who were represented by Unions, but the Unions failed to adequately represent the workers interests. The Minister also told the House that for last year, over $9 million was recovered on behalf of workers. According to Minister Bisnauth 649 inspections of workplaces were conducted and 10 where conditions were not in keeping with acceptable standards, the employers were prosecuted. He added that 227 workplace accidents were investigated and action taken against employers who were not ensuring safe working conditions. Minister Bisnauth said that in 2005 the programme to improve working conditions at all work sites will continue. Parliament needs assessment report out
Georgetown, GINA, March 3, 2005 A Needs Assessment Report from the Commonwealth Senior Parliamentary Staff Advisor to the National Assembly of Guyana indicates that the Guyana Government is committed to ensuring that the National Assembly fulfills its mandate. The report by Sir Michael Davies was released yesterday. According to the report, while there are areas where the role of the assembly can be improved, there is evidence to support the commitment of Government to achieving this end. According to the report, both President Bharrat Jagdeo and the Leader of the Opposition indicated that they would like to work within the Parliamentary context. The report referred to the Communiqué signed on May 6, 2004 The report noted that considerable sums were spent to rehabilitate the physical infrastructure of Parliament Buildings and to create additional accommodation for Members and Committees “This suggests that the Government has the interest of the National Assembly in mind, since there would be little point in this expenditure if the Assembly is to be ignored by the Executive,” the report stated. The report also noted that a start has been made to advance scrutiny of the Executive by the appointment of sectoral committees and the Parliamentary Management Committee. “The important thing now is for these committees to fulfill the responsibilities placed on them,” it stated. The report also noted the enthusiasm demonstrated by the staff of the Assembly which it stated was critical to the role of the Assembly. The report made a number of recommendations for improving the role of the Assembly. Potable water supply continues on the East Coast Demerara
Georgetown, GINA, March 03, 2005. The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) during the plight of the recent flooding caused by heavy rainfall, reached out to thousand of flood victims ensuring that they receive safe drinking water in various areas along the East Coast Demerara. To date, GWI has delivered over 2,851,571 gallons of safe drinking water to residents in affected areas using tankers and trucks, while 161,184 one-litre bottles of water have also been distributed.. Additionally, over 19, 403 ten-litre cans of safe drinking water has also been supplied to shelters and community centres for further distribution to residents. More so, 28 community standpipes are set up along the East Coast Demerara, while pump stations are operated 24 hours by GWI. Since February 21 st, 16.7 million gallons of water was pumped in 24 hours period, an average of 152 gallons per resident. With regards to water quality issues concerning the 18 pumping stations on the East Coast Demerara, three stations supply chlorinated water continuously. GWI will continue to supply chlorinated water through another six pumps. To date persons on the East Coast Demerara continue to receive potable water from GWI since ninety six “black” water tanks are located on the East Coast Demerara and fifteen in Sophia. The company has also increased its’ daily distribution capacity to 97000 gallons of safe drinking water to the affected areas. No objections to contracts awarded
GINA, Georgetown March 3, 2005 Dr. Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary indicated at the Cabinet Briefing this morning, that there were no objections to the contracts awarded. Ten contracts to tune of $360.7 M were awarded that would focus mainly on housing and water. Many communities stand to benefit from these contracts, there will be construction of roads, drains and structures, which will significantly improve the infrastructural landscape of the communities; there will also be an upgrade exercise of roads. Communities will also have as a part of the contract provisions new water supply distribution networks. Communities that never had water will for the first time have a potable water supply network. For the construction of a pure water supply distribution network at Block A, B and C, Sophia and at Parfait/ Harmonie Housing scheme (Phase II), West Bank Demerara, Region Three, to the tune of $96.7and $ 33.5 M respectively. Contracts were awarded for the construction of water supply pipes, networks and fittings at Lowlands, East Coast Demerara, Region Four, and at Golden Grove, Block “Y”- Middle Income Housing Scheme, Phases 3 & 4 to the tune of $20.8 and $25.6 M respectively. Construction of roads, drains and structures at Parfait/Harmonie Housing Scheme, Phase 4, West Bank Demerara, Region Three, at Block “C” Enterprise Housing Scheme, Region four, at Block 11 Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, Region Four will be undertaken and at Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden Highway. These contracts will cost $38.4, $21.8, $17.03 and $33.5 M respectively. A G$43.5 contract was awarded for the upgrading of roads at Phase 2, Block “X” Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara, Region Four Over $2.4 B has been budgeted to improve access and improved housing facilities this year. Joint Services Council receives $6 M donation
GINA, Georgetown March 3, 2005 The Chairman of The Georgetown Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (GCCI), Eddie Boyer, at a brief handing over ceremony today, presented a cheque for $6 million to the Joint Services Coordinating Council. This donation to the JOC was from The GCCI in collaboration with the Trinidad & Tobago Chambers of Commerce and the Republic Bank of Trinidad & Tobago. Mr. Boyer reiterated the Chamber’s profound sympathy to the Guyanese people who were devastated by the recent flood. He pointed out that the main objective of the donation is to assist the Joint Services ranks and their families who suffered tremendous material loss and dislocation. He further said that it was “ during this time of natural disaster it has been the JOC that has defended, served and continued to administer the law and protect us.” It was also pointed out that the ranks continued to work beyond the call of duty during and after the floods to assist our citizens, most of the time being away from their families. The Guyana Defense Force, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Prison Service all stand to benefit from the 6 M contribution. Mr. Boyer said that this contribution is consistent with the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to bring relief to the people of Guyana. Mr. Boyer indicated that a survey would be done for further assessments, for additional donations. He advised that this is just one of the many donations the GCCI has made and pledged that the Chamber will continue to lend it’s assistance. Government is doing favourably well in the health sector
Georgetown, GINA, March 3, 2005 Government is doing well in the health sector catering and meeting the medical needs of the Guyanese people over the years. Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, today reiterated this in his budget speech to the National Assembly. The Health Minister said, this is in response to statements made by Dr. Carl Max Hanoman, Member of Parliament of the People National Congress Reform (PNCR) about non provision of quality health care services to the Guyanese people. Dr. Hanoman said that Government is not giving Guyanese the kind of medical attention they deserve. He called on the Government to increase the intake of medical students at the University of Guyana. In response, Minister Ramsammy said Government has already increased the intake of medical students at the University of Guyana and also internationally he told the House, He point out there are presently 150 students in Cuba who are studying medicine and on completion of this programme they will return home to serve the country. In responding to criticisms by the PNC/R about the 2005 National Budget lacking vision, the Health Minister said Government, since the accession to office in 1992 has always been producing a budget, which has visions with the Guyanese people in mind. Minister Ramsammy said, “We are always cognizant of the fact that we have an obligation to the Guyanese people and Government has always been representing the people.” Dr. Hanoman questioned the Government on whether there are any plans to reduce the mortality rate in the country. In response, the Health Minister said the mortality rate has been reduced significantly since the present Administration accession to office. However, he noted that the Government is working to further reduce the mortality rate along with communicable diseases at hospitals. The Minister said there are plans to eliminate Hansen’s disease in the country. On the question of budgetary allocations to the Social Sector, the Health Minister told the House that sine 1992, the Social Sector budgetary allocation has increased. In 1992 the last budget present by the PNC Government, allocation for the Social sector was merely 8% compared to the 2005 National Budget. The present allocation for the Social Sector is more than 13 times the allocation of the former PNC. “The People’s Progressive Party /Civic Government is determined to invest in the Social Sector.” Minister Ramsammy said. According to the Health Minister Government has made it a priority to ensure that every child in the country is being immunized under the Ministry of Health Immunization programme. He said every child counts in the immunization programme. “We seek with a protection barrier to protect the Guyanese child, our concerns for children starts in the womb.” Minister Ramsammy said. He noted that the health initiatives and programmes, which started last year, will be expanding in 2005. A sum of $300M will be spent on the Basic Nutrition Programme where $1000 per month will be provided to the mothers who have children under 24 months old. The Minister said criticisms often come up about the personnel in the health sector and addressing this he said there are more health professionals today than there was in 1992. He pointed out that Government is constantly improving lives of the Guyanese people as the day goes by. “We have been constructing and rehabilitating more health facilities in all parts of the country. He pointed to the newly opened New Amsterdam Hospital in Berbice. There are also plans for the construction of a hospital in Linden, Lethem, Mabaruma and Skeldon in an effort to modernize the health sector. There will also be a Blood Bank at the New Amsterdam Hospital, the Minister said. HIV/AIDS is also a major focus this year for the health Ministry; Minister Ramsammy said Government is providing overseas treatment for all persons infected with HIV/AIDS. President dissatisfied with the Region 4 Administration effort to re-open schools
Georgetown, GINA Thursday, March 03, 2005 President Bharrat Jagdeo said that he is disappointed that so many schools remain closed several weeks after flood waters have receded even after the Government has committed to funding the cost of ensuring that Guyana’s children get back in school. The President, who was accompanied by Minister of Education Henry Jeffrey, toured several East Coast Demerara schools today and was angry to turn up at the Paradise Primary School where he had expected to meet with Regional officials but no one was there and the school building was locked. The Head of State said that he had hoped to have a look at the school to determine what was needed to ensure that it is re-opened as soon as possible, especially, since it was one of the largest shelters during the flood. President Jagdeo said that he had held a meeting with the Regional Executive Officer and the Regional Education Officer of Region 4 earlier this morning to determine what was preventing the opening of so many schools. He said that they reported that 40 schools had not been opened but would be cleaned and ready for classes on Monday. However, the President said that from what he has seen there is no way the schools could be re-opened by that deadline. The President arrived at St. Paul’s Primary school at Plaisance to find the teachers cleaning the schools themselves. The Head of State was shocked to learn that the teachers had been asked to use $15000 of their own money to clean up the school and this would be refunded. One teacher, Rodwell Lewis said that he had provided those funds and had also spent additional funds to purchase water to clean the school. The Headmistress of a Nursery School in the area reported that she was also asked to use her own money to clean the school. The President said that it was the Government’s job to clean the schools and it is unacceptable that teachers have to spend their own money to get it done. He also said that the sum of money that the Regional Administration was willing to refund, was too small to adequately do the job. President Jagdeo stressed that he Government has committed to spending what ever amount of money that is needed to get the children back into school. He said, “The focus should be to get the children back into school but some people do not care”. The President said that the Government will have to look at taking over the cleaning of the schools from the Regional Administration if this is the only way to get it done. “We will have to do it like we did with the flood, we will have to do it again”, he said. He said that professionals need to be hired so that children can return to school in a safe and healthy environment. The Head of State said that he would look into giving the Head Teachers of those schools that remain closed because they have not been cleaned so that they can be re-opened in the shortest time possible. The President also visited the La Bonne Intention Primary School where less than half of the student population has turned out to school. Out of 340 students only 150 were at school today. Most of the students who were in school were from the Common Entrance class. However, the school was cleaned and the parents and teachers in the community volunteered to do supplementary cleaning. The school was opened last Monday. The President said that it is good that the community has gotten involved in the effort but it is not mandatory for teachers and parents to get involved in cleaning the schools since it is Government’s responsibility. Headmistress of the school Moonzalene Hussein said that the fact that many parents do not know that it is safe for the children to go back to school accounts for the low turnout. However, President Jagdeo told her to ensure that parents were not keeping their children away from school because they do not have uniforms. He said that assistance to persons affected by the floods will be addressed later. At Mon Repos Primary School only three percent of the students showed up to school. The President noted that the building needs painting and other remedial work that he will look into. However, the school has been cleaned and attendance is expected to increase next week. Only 12 students were at school at the Beterverwagting Community High School where there is an obvious lack of furniture. However, the Headmistress Princess Gordon said that this problem existed before the flood. President Jagdeo said that providing furniture and books that have been lost will make up the second phase of getting the education system back to normal. In addition, the Headmistress said that without consulting her a decision was made to use one classroom to house the community health center. The President said that this should not be and he will look into it. President satisfied that the University of Guyana will re-open on Monday
Georgetown, GINA Thursday, March 03, 2005 President Bharrat Jagdeo said that it seems that the University of Guyana Workers Union has misrepresented that facts about the work the University of Guyana administration has been doing to restore the Turkeyen campus after the recent flooding. The President made these comments after meeting with Vice Chancellor of the University Dr. James Rose, Deputy Vice Chancellor Al Creighton and other administrators at the University today. However, he said that he is still disappointed that it took the University so long to re-open. The President noted that the length of time it takes to clean is a function of how much resources are available. He said that if the Administration was experiencing difficulties then they should have come to Government for help. The Head of State also visited the Cyril Potter College of Education where students are preparing for examinations. The President said that he is pleased that the College was able to get back in operation so quickly. The University will resume classes on Monday and Dr. Rose assured the President that students will still receive 15 weeks of classes that make up the semester. The President said that he is satisfied with the work that has been done on the campus. He promised to hold a meeting with the Administration to look at ways in which the Government can assist the University. He also said that there is the impression that the Government and the University are not on the same page and he would like to correct this. |
ohee said this demonstrates that Guyana cannot afford to overlook the challenges and opportunities presented by external factors. © 2001-2005. Government Information Agency (GINA). Designed and maintained by Ranveer Rickford (GINA IT Unit) Hosted by RedSpider.biz