Kidnapping Bill and what the public should know (Part Two)
Georgetown , GINA, March 18, 2005
In the case of someone abducting, wrongfully restraining or wrongfully confining another person for monetary gain/ransom, a fine of $10M together with imprisonment for not less that 15 and no more than 25 years, will be imposed on the guilty person(s) involved.
Any person, who knowingly receives the ransom money, if convicted on indictment, will be fined the equivalent of the ransom delivered or $7M; whichever is greater, together with imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.
It must be noted that persons who knowingly negotiate or assist in any negotiations to obtain any ransom for the release of any persons who have been wrongfully confined, and if he/she is convicted of the offence, will be fined no more than one million dollars and imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 years.
However, it is important to note, that the above mentioned conviction does not apply to someone who in good faith negotiates or assists in negotiations on behalf of the kidnapped person.
It is the duty of persons to give information to the Police that would assist them in apprehending persons involved in abducting someone.
The Kidnapping Bill has made provision that in the absence of a reasonable excuse anyone who fails to provide the Police with information will be fined and if convicted, $200,000 or an imprisonment term not exceeding one year or both.
Protection is a key area that the Police have considered and the Bill provides for the protection of informers. No witness shall be obliged or permitted to disclose the name or address of any informer, or state any matters, which might lead to his discovery.
Persons can be assured that if in any court proceedings there is a possibility that they would have to be identified, the Court, before which the proceeding is heard, shall cause all such passages to be concealed from view as is necessary, to protect the informer from discovery, but no further.
However, if there is a trial and after full inquiry into the case, it is the opinion that the informer made a statement that he/she knew or believe to be false, or in the Court’s opinion that justice cannot be fully done without the identity of the informer, the Court may require the production of the original complaint, if in writing, and permit inquiry; and require full disclosure concerning the informer.
In relation to bail, unless the contrary is proved to the satisfaction of a Court, person(s) charged with the following offence(s): abduction, wrongful restraint or wrongful confinement for ransom; knowingly receive ransom and knowingly negotiate to obtain or payment for ransom, they shall not be granted bail pending the final determination of any charge laid.
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“There is no threat to life from flood related diseases” – PAHO/ WHO representative confirms Guyana is safe to visit
Georgetown, GINA, March 18, 2005
Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) representative, Dr. Bernadette Theodore-Ghandi said that there is no threat to life from flood related diseases.
Dr. Ghandi said today in response to travel advisories, which were issued by the American Embassy and the British High Commission.
Dr. Ghandi said, “It appears that potential visitors to Guyana are still being misinformed about the health situation in the country.
According to Dr. Ghandi the surveillance information as monitored by PAHO/WHO indicates that there is no threat to life from flood related diseases and it is therefore safe for visitors to come to the country.
Dr. Ghandi further stated that many health centres, which were damaged by the flood, interim restorative work is proceeding satisfactorily. She noted that due to the timely management of flood related diseases by the Government particularly the Ministry of Health, many lives were saved particularly those of children and vulnerable persons.
At present the health situation has returned to its pre-flood level with no evidence of flood related diseases. Dr. Ghandi noted that last Sunday Dr. Mitra Roses Periago, Director of PAHO/WHO recently visited Guyana and congratulated the Government and particularly the Ministry of Health on the management of the disaster and particularly in controlling the health related diseases.
Meanwhile, health centres, which were affected by the flood where equipment and documents, were damaged, temporarily health centres were established to serve the population.
Some four weeks ago after the floodwaters have receded and persons have started to clean up their homes and businesses.
Yesterday, Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Dr. Ghandi along with other health officials visited seven of the sixteen health centres in Georgetown and on the East Coast Demerara which contracts were awarded for cleaning the centres.
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More safety gear for the Guyana Fire Service
Georgetown, GINA, March 18, 2005
Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs has purchased 30 ‘70’ feet hose and one portable pump for the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) from ANGLOCO – a company in England. This was disclosed by Fire Chief, Lawrence David.
He stressed that this is all part of the Service’s focus in an effort to be more equipped to combat fires in 2005. Additionally, 32 complete protective suits (helmets, jackets, trousers and rubber boots) and six self contained breathing apparatus sets were also purchased from Marvelsairs Caribbean, Bahamas which will be uplifted shortly, he said.
“These suits are in the country, but as you know we have to fulfill our obligations with Customs,” noted David.
The breathing apparatus will allow fire-fighters to work in areas not normally suited to human existence and to protect them from toxic gases.
Emphasis is also being placed on training. According to the Fire Chief, discussions are in progress with the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Department to have junior and middle management officers trained on the twin-island Republic.
“We are looking at April to send the first batch and the most important areas that will be looked at, are technical training and fire-man-ship,” said David.
Furthermore, local training is stepping-up. Recently held at Campbellville Fire Station was the Fire Prevention Inspector’s Seminar where the aim was to strengthen the Service’s capacity to deal with Fire Prevention.
“As I have mentioned before, we will focus intensely on fire prevention this year,” David concluded.
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GUYOIL must continue to be Government owned
Georgetown, GINA Friday, March 18, 2005
Several consumers have come out in condemnation of a call by the Guyana Petrol Dealer’s Association for the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) to be privatised.
President of the Association Steve Chung on March 15 released a statement saying that Government ownership of GUYOIL is undemocratic and an example of unfair competition.
It stated, “The association is calling on Government to privatise their gas stations because they are enjoying profits from these outlets right down to the retail level and is using this to cut back on retail prices at the pump”.
However, Government ownership of GUYOIL is the only way that the company can fulfill its role as a price setter to keep price levels down and protect consumers.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir, in response to the statement, said that the claims are untimely and unjustified.
He pointed out that Government only owns four stations and operates the others on a Commission basis, similar to those done by the ESSO Company. GUYOIL stations must operate as profit making centres since Government revenues are not used to subsidize the company’s operations.
Some consumers at the GUYOIL Regent Street Branch said that the company allows prices to be kept at a reasonable level. They said that GUYOIL has a very important function in that it allows them to make purchase at a reasonable price.
A former employee of the oil company said that while he recognises the benefits of a free market, fuel is an important commodity to the development of Guyana and the price cannot be allowed to rise with market conditions.
The Petrol dealers also called for a fixed percentage markup of fuel cost and have again called for Government to reduce the Consumption tax.
However, in a statement released by Minister Nadir said that the days of fixed percentage margins and fixed dollar margins are over and Government has consistently reduced the taxes on fuel.
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Canadian volunteer team completes eye care project in Guyana
Georgetown , GINA, March 18, 2005
A Canadian volunteer team, which arrived in Guyana last Sunday, has completed twenty-four successful cataract surgeries.
The eleven-member team consisted of the coordinator, one nurse, two opticians’ two supervisors and five teenage assistants.
According to coordinator, Paul Mahabir the team worked at the West Demerara Regional hospital and the Suddie hospital under two projects, which are a cervical eye care project and Teen Volunteer Workers (TVW).
Guyanese born Mahabir said the stay in Guyana has been a comfortable and hospitable one and the team is looking forward to another visit sometime in the future.
Members of the volunteer team will be leaving Guyana on Saturday March 19, 2005.
The Canadian volunteer team has been visiting Guyana for fourteen years now. Last year the team attended to more than 2000 patients and distributed more than 1500 spectacles.
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Work progressing smoothly on 4-lane road
Georgetown, GINA, March 18, 2005.
The four-lane road on the East Bank Demerara is progressing smoothly. Works are continuously ongoing, as contractors are working assiduously to complete the project. The project suffered a set back due to recent rains.
Work is now in the process to widen the roads at certain intersections so as to alleviate the build up of traffic at any one point. This has reduced the traffic build-up to some extent.
As earlier stated by Minister of Public Works and Communication, Anthony Xavier contractors are doubling up work and it is likely that the project should be completed by June.
There has been a build up of traffic due to the road construction which has been causing some amount of frustration and inconvenience to commuters and motorists.
In response, Minister Xavier disclosed that measures were to be put in place to address the situation and bring some relief to commuters.
Meanwhile, traffic lights are also being installed along the road.
The contract for the 4-lane road project is awarded to the Seereeram Brothers at a cost of US$10.6M. The project commenced in November 2003 and was schedule to be completed in January this year.
However, unusual heavy rains during late December to January and February delayed work.
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Minister Nokta to visit Region Nine
Georgetown , GINA, March 18, 2005
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Harripersaud Nokta will be visiting several communities in the North Rupununi and South Pakaraimas, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo) from Sunday March 20-Wednesday, March 23.
The Minister will travel to the Region overland and will attend community meetings at Fairview and Wowetta on Sunday. Meetings are also scheduled to be held at Toka and Karasabai on Monday, March 21.
On Tuesday, the Local Government Minister will participate in the celebration of the life of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan at Karasabai and a march from the airstrip along the Cheddi Jagan Avenue, after which a wreath laying ceremony will take place at the monument.
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GPOC administration takes strong stance on fraud
Georgetown, GINA Friday, March 18, 2005
The administration of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has taken a zero tolerance stance on corruption.
Chairman of the board of directors Bishop Juan Edghill said that in order to combat pilfering and fraud in the system, the GPOC has created a new unit called the inspectorate to police the internal system of the Corporation.
This announcement was made at a ceremony to commission a new elevator and generator at the main office of the GPOC.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who delivered the feature address at the commissioning said that though the image of mail tampering is largely behind the Corporation, the administration and staff must struggle to keep it that way.
He urged the employees of the GPOC not to keep their eyes closed when they discover instances of theft since the Corporation cannot thrive if it is deemed to be untrustworthy.
Bishop Edghill said that staff of the new inspectorate started work on March 1 and the unit is expected to be dynamic and aggressive.
He said, “You can expect to stop hearing those types of news of pilfering, stealing and fraud”.
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New elevator and generator commissioned at GPOC
Georgetown, GINA Friday, March 18, 2005
A new elevator worth $23.2M was commissioned today at the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC). In addition a new generator was installed.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who delivered the feature address, said that this achievement provides the knowledge that Guyanese can make things better.
He said that every citizen of this country has the responsibility to ensure that the country and by extension the services of the country improve, develop and grow.
The Prime Minister noted that the post office had an elevator that could not be maintained and had to be taken out of service in 1975. He urged the Corporation to ensure that the investment is maintained.
Prime Minister Hinds said that the commissioning of the new facilities mark another step in Guyana’s recovery from 1970s and 1980s. “We have to keep the nation on the path to growth and development”, he said.
He congratulated the GPOC for their overall programme to provide improved services which started with the renovation of the GPOC’s main office.
Chairman of the board of the GPOC Bishop Juan Edghill said that the success of this project is owed in part to the Guyana Revenue Authority who paid part of their rent for the year the section of the building they utilise, in advance.
This allowed the Corporation to complete the project with a loan. The remainder of the project was financed with the GPOC’s revenues.
The Chairman noted that this is part of the effort to reform postal services. Last year more than 10 post offices across the country were refurbished as part of the Corporation’s programme to improve their building network.
The Corporation has also focused on training and a foreign consultant has been working for the past three years to help develop and modernise service.
Bishop Edghill said that the Corporation is striving to be modern, efficient and profitable. He noted that profitability because the GPOC is emergiong from a public service past where profits were not thought to be too important.
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Flood relief accounts will be made public after audit – CDC Head
Georgetown, GINA, March 18, 2005
Head of the Civil Defence Commission, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup has assured that the flood relief efforts administered through the CDC are well accounted for.
Responding to a call by the Opposition Leader for ‘proper accountability of flood relief donations’, Col. Ramsarup said that during the flood period an auditor was present at the CDC to oversee its activities.
He noted that auditing is still ongoing and at the end of the process a report will be compiled and after due process be made public.
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President unveils $2.8B short-term recovery plan
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City Council’s future to be decided
Georgetown , GINA, March 18, 2005
On the heels of the flood relief phase, President Bharrat Jagdeo has announced a $2.8B recovery and assistance package to provide short-term interventions following the recent flood.
Speaking to the media this afternoon, the Head of State said that the package would be funded partially by Government and the donor community, with the Administration shouldering most of the expenses, some $2B.
Extensive rainfall in Guyana during the December – February period caused severe flooding on the Coast and the President declaring Regions Three, Four and Five “ national disaster areas,” on January 18.
“Those Coastal Regions were under water for an extended period from the unprecedented levels of rainfall…This resulted in severe hardships for many of our citizens. The economic loss was massive,” the President said, adding that the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has estimated the loss at 60% of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product.
The acute disaster response phase of activities has ended and the Government of Guyana today unveiled its Recovery and Rehabilitation Package for those affected communities and sectors. The President stressed that the focus of this package is on short-term interventions only, adding that this will span over a period of three months.
The recovery interventions include cleaning and restoration of the physical environment, support for households in restoration activities, improving drainage systems and restoring other infrastructure with mitigation measures included, restoring pre-disaster levels of public services in Education, Health and Water and assistance for the productive sector.
Here are the highpoints of that package:
The ECLAC assessments suggested about 70,000 households were affected in Regions 3, 4, and 5 and parts of Georgetown. Each affected household will receive a $10,000 assistance grant, costing $700M (US$3.5M).
Financial institutions, hire purchase providers and other credit providing bodies have agreed to provide on a case-by-case basis some form of assistance to the affected households. Those who require this assistance are asked to urgently contact the relevant institution
The Central Bank will take appropriate action, within the regulatory framework, to facilitate the provision of the relief to the affected borrowers by the licensed financial institutions.
Assistance for farmers and small business operators will be in cash or kind - seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and livestock and machinery and equipment for small business.
The assistance will be delivered only after a detailed assessment. The sum allocated for this assistance is $700M (US$3.5 M).
About $25M was spent on cleaning schools for children to return and a further $150M will be spent on the following:
· $5M for the replacement of school uniforms
· $25M for text books
· $20M for improved water and sanitation
· $100M for furniture
Approximately $50M will be spent on rehabilitation of health centres, replacement of equipment, replacement of drugs and medical supplies. PAHO is supporting the Government in this exercise.
Immediate interventions in the water sector will cost in excess of $320M (US$1.6M).
More than $50M already spent on garbage disposal and an additional $50M will be spent.
The Task Force on Drainage established, made several recommendations on improving the conservancy, its dam, kokers, sluices and NDCs drainage systems
The President has decided that he cannot allow the unsatisfactory situation at the City Council to continue.
“ I have instructed Minister Collymore to consult with the citizens of the City on their views regarding the installation of an Interim Management Committee made up of technical and prominent citizens. This, if accepted by the citizenry could stop the political wrangling and allow for better services to the Citizens of Georgetown.”
The Task Force on Drainage in the City identified several immediate projects. $100M was put aside to address these. The expenditure to be incurred for the short-term drainage work in the flood-hit areas will exceed $800M (US$4M).
Next week the President will name a Recovery Planning and Implementation Secretariat to oversee the implementation of the plan.
The Auditor General Department will also be involved from the beginning in the implementation of the package.
During the next week authorised officers will conduct assessments for assistance to the farmers and small businesses.
Assistance to flow by the end of March or early April
The cost to restore Guyana after the flood is estimated in excess of $6B(US$30M). Government is in discussion with aid agencies and financial institutions either for the provisions of additional resources through grant or soft loans and /or to reformulate projects that have already been approved by these institutions.
The President is calling on everyone to support the recovery and rehabilitation process.
“There is no time for distractions from this important task. The spirit of unity and cooperation, which was evident during the flood relief phase, must continue,” he said.
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Zero tolerance for mining in the Kaieteur National Park
Georgetown, GINA, March 18, 2005
The National Parks Commission has undertaken a serious endeavour to rid the Kaieteur National Park of all illegal activities.
Miners who occupy Menzies Landing and are currently engaged in illegal mining and logging operations within in the Park were told to discontinue their operations.
Mr. Linton Butters Senior Officer of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) accompanied the members of National Parks Commission, Ms. Inge Natoo General Manager, Mr. Lakeram Roopnarine Secretary/ Accountant and Chairman of the Kaieteur National Park Board, Mr. Shyam Nokta on March 16, 2005 to address the issues on mining within the boundaries of the Park.
A meeting was held with the residents of Menzies Landing to address the problem of mining within Park boundaries. Mr. Butters in no uncertainty told the miners they would need to stop mining in the area.
A field visit was made to a mining site some ten miles from the Kaieteur Fall where mining operations were being dismantled by the miners. Guyana Geology and Mines Commission in collaboration with the National Parks Commission will make follow-up visits to ensure the miners comply.
Some of the miners were previously issued with ‘cease orders’ but continued operation with in the Park. Mr. Nokta said there will be zero tolerance for mining in the Park.
Mr. Butters pointed out alternative mining sites on a map where the residents of Menzies Landing could relocate their operations. Approval for relocation will have to be given by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.
The natural beauty and pristine environment of the National Park must be preserved in a sustainable way and removing the miners from the Park will protect the watershed and integrity of the area as well as maintain the equilibrium of the ecosystem.
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Guyana open for business
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President declares open Festival of India Trade Fair
Georgetown, GINA, March 18, 2005
Guyana is poised for investment and President Jagdeo is urging Indian companies here for the Trade Fair to capitalize on the opportunities, as the Festival of India Trade Fair gets underway at the National Exhibition Complex, Sophia.
President Bharrat Jagdeo declared open the Trade Fair this evening. The trade fair is being hosted by the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce and the Indian High Commission to bring the richness of the eastern culture, beauty of their music, elegance of their clothing and their delicious food to the Guyanese public. The event will run until March 30.
“I want to urge the firms that are here to look at Guyana as an opportunity for investment...as the gate way to South America. We are hoping that the companies from India that are here would look to Guyana in that light – as a source of investment to tap into the rich markets of this Region,” he said.
“I am sure that this exhibition will give you an incite of what this country has in store and how much you can learn from it,” the President said to local businessmen.
According to the President, collaborative efforts such as this Trade Fair are part of bigger plans that his Administration has, which speaks of not only strengthening diplomacy with countries in the traditional global area, but also emerging leaders of today’s trading world. This includes India, he said.
“What you see here today is part of a larger plan by my Government. And while we acknowledge with pride our traditional relations with India, they have to be strengthened because a significant part of our people originated from that country and it is part of a significant plan of our country to make sure that we are changing with the changing world,” President Jagdeo said.
He added “we have to look to the future. And it is in that looking to the future that my Government has deliberately embarked on a programme to extend ties and strengthen ties with the emerging leaders of the future world. China, India, Brazil are very important in this regard and South Africa too. I am very, very happy that our relations have evolved at the highest level.”
This the Head of State said that this is a trend that would be increasingly encouraged in his Administration, as many of these countries are today’s leaders in technology, which holds significant potential for Guyana in the areas of value-added products, medicine and agriculture and research and development.
He noted that it is out of necessity that developing countries have to change with the ever-changing global trade arena and India is one of the developed countries that have drastically changed over the years in terms of development.
“They have to change because the world economic environment has changed since then and because the citizens of those countries are demanding more,” the President said.
He added that Guyana has made progress in removing the stigma of looking at inward policies, which is absolutely necessary if the country will attract more investment, and expand, as well as create new markets for local products.
The President commended all who worked on making the Trade Fair a possibility, even though Guyana is now recovery from a major disaster.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commence said that “two way trade is always better than one way business” and it is in this context that this trade fair is vital to further cementing relations between the two countries.
India’s High Commissioner to Guyana Avinash Gupta also lauded the collaborative effort, adding his commendation to the people of both countries for pulling the event off.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Yesu Persaud also added his hopes, that the trade fair blossoms into two-way trade for both countries.
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