Batch of 2005-Assistant Prison officer's performance lauded
-Asst. Superintendent, Charles
Georgetown, GINA, April 8, 2005.
A batch of 2005 Assistant Prison Officers carrying out their drills on the National Park’s tarmac.
Twenty Prison Officers have successfully completed a two-phase Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) with a drill inspection last Thursday at the National Park, Thomas Lands.
Chief Prison Officer, Iddo Lyte said "this batch of prison officers did well when compared to previous batches". He noted that "they were very disciplined and showed motivation to do even better in up coming courses".
Lyte explained that initially 26 recruits started the course. However, only 20 recruit graduated as Assistant Prison Officers. The first phase was held in 2004 and lasted for two weeks, while the second phase of four weeks duration has just been completed.
Four officers were awarded certificates for their outstanding performances. Officer Prince Cox graduated as the most improved officer, Eddgy Porter, first runner-up, Hassle Semple, second runner-up and Nokon Elliot, best drill officer.
During the training, the recruits were taught English language, First Aid, HIV/AIDS, foot drills and arms drill.
Assistant Superintendent, Officer Charles, explained that the drilling inspection was very important as it demonstrated the skills of the officers to manage prisoners under stress effectively and efficiently.
He noted, "the officers are well trained and showed their commitment to perform well on the job". He also pointed out that they will be assigned to various prisons including, Timehri, Mazaruni, Georgetown and Linden among other locations.
TOP Teachers’ absence must be recorded-Ministry of Education
Georgetown, GINA, April 08, 2005
The Ministry of Education today in a release noted that a circular has been issued to all Headteachers and Heads of Departments reminding them about the Ministry’s policy regarding teachers’ absence from work.
According to the Ministry, the document, issued by Chief Education Officer, Ed Caesar, advises Headteachers about ‘their need to keep records of reports on absenteeism and ‘time off’, which they have made to the respective Education Departments’.
The Ministry stated that it has been observed that some Headteachers are not reporting accurately, the absence of teachers, while there is evidence that though other Heads make regular reports on the absenteeism and ‘time off’, action is not taken by the Department of Education.
The Ministry’s policy has been fully explained in the circular, which further states that each Headteacher ‘must be aware of those staff members who have been officially released either to attend educational institutions or to give service away from the school/ institution to which they are attached.
Official documents granting release to teachers must be available at the school and be presented to the authorized education personnel on request, the Ministry added.
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Government has no intention of closing Demerara estates – Ministry of Finance
Georgetown, GINA, April 8, 2005
The Ministry of Finance has noted a reference made by Mr. Christopher Ram, on a Plain Talk programme aired on April 3, on VCT Channel 28, to an IMF document that “talks about closing the Demerara estates in the year 2008” with which he alleges that the Government of Guyana has expressed concurrence.
The Ministry wishes to express its strongest objection to this most recent attempt to mislead the viewing public with blatant factual inaccuracies, by a person posturing as an independent commentator. The insinuation being made by Mr. Ram is clearly that the Government of Guyana has agreed with the IMF to close Demerara sugar estates in 2008. This is completely untrue.
The Ministry of Finance wishes to state categorically, as it has done before, that the Government of Guyana has absolutely no agreement with the IMF to close the Demerara estates, and is fully confident that this can be independently confirmed with the Resident Representative of the IMF.
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G$60M already loaned to Region 10 businesses through LEAF
Georgetown , GINA, April 8, 2005
The first disbursement of funds to the Linden Economic Advancement Fund (LEAF) of $60M has been fully exhausted. The total loans disbursed to Region 10 businesses todate is - 76.
Acting Fund Manager, Chandrika Persaud said that four clients have already fully repaid their loans and there were two repeated borrowers.
The majority of the applicants to the LEAF are from the mining town of Linden, but they were also successful applicants from Mabura, Ituni, Kwakwani and Aroaima. In addition to that Persaud said that there is now heightened interest in borrowing shown by entrepreneurs. There are in excess of 400 applications seeking funds in a variety of business interests.
Leading sectors that are represented in the applications for loans are agriculture (including poultry rearing, aquaculture and crops), forestry and related industries, hospitality and tourism and Information Technology.
LEAF is the revolving fund component of the Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP), a programme of the Government of Guyana and the European Commission. The value of the Fund is Euro $1.9M and is managed by the Guyana Fire, Life and General Insurance (GUYFLAG). The Fund is intended to benefit all businesses wishing to operate in Region 10 or are already in operation. The aim of the Fund is to create sustainable jobs for residents of Region 10.
The lending operations began in January of 2005 and will last until 2009 when the programme comes to an end.
A simple ceremony was held last Thursday for the handing over of cheques to some of the micro loan recipients. On hand to witness the presentation was International Project Manager, Kathleen Whalen.
She congratulated the recipients for their successful applications and encouraged them to utilise the services of the Business Development Unit of the LEAP to better manage their business operations.
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President discusses development issues with Berbice interest groups
- Cabinet Outreach gets underway
Berbice, GINA, April 8, 2005
Development plans for Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) were high on the agenda, as President Bharrat Jagdeo and his Cabinet met various interest groups in Berbice this afternoon.
The Head of State is leading his Cabinet on an extensive Cabinet Outreach to Regions Five and Six from April 8 through 10. The Outreach began in Region Six at the Albion Estate Training Centre, with an extended Cabinet meeting. In addition to the President and his Ministers, Presidential Advisors Manniram Prashad and Odinga Lumumba, the Members of Parliament for the two Regions, the Regional Chairmen and the Regional Executive Officers were in attendance at the Cabinet meeting, which focused significantly on development issues in these Regions, Information Liaison to the President Robert Persaud said.
Following the Cabinet session, the President met several groups for discussion on the way forward for the Regions. The first meeting was hosted with the Heads of Regional Agencies to discuss the accountability framework recently adopted by Cabinet to improve information flow from the community level to Cabinet. Cabinet explained to the local officials how the framework would operate and what is expected of them, including the preparation of monthly reports on their activities.
He then met Community Policing groups and hire car and minibus operators. This was followed by meetings with the three main religions organizations, the Christians, Hindus and Muslims- the business community, fishermen, farmers, NDC & CDC Chairpersons and women and youth groups.
According to Persaud, the meetings provided an opportunity for the President to interact directly with residents and other stakeholders in Berbice.
Cabinet also observed a moment of silence for Pope John Paul II, who was laid to rest earlier today. President Jagdeo had declared today a National Day of Mourning for the late Pontiff.
Additionally, President Jagdeo has rescheduled the reception planned for this evening in Berbice as part of the National Day of mourning. The reception will now be hosted on the evening of Saturday April 9, 2005 at the Albion Senior Staff compound.
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Verification of assessment claims given boost
Georgetown, GINA, April 8, 2005
Head of the Planning, Recovery and Implementation Robeson Benn held a meeting with more than 60 field officers at Office of the President on April 7 to discuss the methodology in reviewing and verifying small businesses and farmers’ claims.
He told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that data for small business and agricultural claims have been completed in Regions 3, 4 and 5.
‘Centres and schedules were finalized and as of today, teams are at the centres reviewing claims,” said Benn. The exercise will continue April 9 through 10, added Benn.
Assessors will include representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, a representative from the Guyana Small Business Association, advisors and area residents as well as a facilitator from the Secretariat.
Head of the Secretariat, Robeson Benn making a point during discussions with field officers at Office of the President.
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Footballers enthusiastic about $4M donation by President
Georgetown, GINA, April 8, 2005
Government has always been supportive of sports in Guyana. The $ 4 M donation made by President Bharrat Jagdeo is proving to be a great incentive to football players vying for the Prestigious President’s Cup. Many football players are excited at the chance of winning such a large sum of money.
The Presidents decision to donate $ 4 M to the Football Association is a move very welcomed by many football players.
This disclosure was made at the opening ceremony of the 2005 President’s Cup Football Series, at the Georgetown Football Club recently.
Footballers are hard at practice in light of the incentive. They look forward to winning the series.
Members of the United Football Team and Santos Football Team had many positive things to say about the President’s donation.
Coach Cornel Millington |
Coach for the United Football Team, Cornel Millington said the President’s donation is an awesome move and shows his continued interest in the development of youths. He said this type money would be an encouragement to players. He thanked the Government for the donation and encouraged them to do more for football. |
| A player for the United Football Team, Desney Bostwick said “I wish the players could do well so the Government could be satisfied and double the money for the next tournament.” |
Desney Bostwick |
Lindon Bacchus |
Another player on the United Football Team, Lindon Bacchus said “many people who play football are “ghetto youths’ and football is something beneficial for them to do instead of getting themselves into trouble.” |
| Damion Edwards Captain of the Santos Football Team said the $4M “is a good contribution towards football and would really help football players who are not working.” |
Captain Damion Edwards |
Lester Peters |
Lester Peters a player on the Santos Team said “a donation of that amount would encourage and enhance the development of football.” He added that the packed training ground would tell the story, with more players coming out to practice. “Most football players are living in poverty stricken areas and some of them are not working so the money is a plus towards football and sports in general.” |
President Jagdeo has acknowledged the importance of focusing, not only on football but on other sporting activities. He said if the tournaments are well managed and organised with strict financial accountability the contribution to football will grow tremendously.
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Contract for rehabilitating Clonbrook Koker awarded
Georgetown, GINA, April 8, 2005
Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh and Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Board, Ravi Narine today met with residents of Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara who expressed their concerns over flooding caused by rainfall last night, (Thursday, April 7, 2005).
The residents pointed out that the koker needs desilting.
Narine, who is head of the Task Force set up by the Government to rehabilitate drainage systems, said that they have already identified Clonbrook as one of the priority area for work to be done. A contract for rehabilitating the koker has also been awarded and work is currently ongoing.
Due to the high tide, Narine explained that machines were unable to desilt the area. However, he explained that there are workers manually excavating the silt until the high tide recede. The contractor will then be able to carry out works using heavy machinery.
Mr. Narine noted that there is also a pump working at the defective koker and another has been located in the area to drain excessive water. He also pointed out that while they are deploying the pumps at various strategic points residents are urged to care the pumps and do not allow unauthorised persons to attend to the pumps. He explained that more pumps were being deployed to various areas which were flooded earlier this year. Minister Sawh explained that the Task Force is working to meet the deadline before the May/June rains to execute all major drainage and irrigation.
He pointed out that with the next pump soon to be installed in the area and with completion of the rehabilitation of the koker, rainfall water will be drained off the land.
Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh and Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Board, Ravi Narine discussing with residents the contract awarded to rehabilitate the koker at Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara..
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Ministers address Seawell residents’ concerns during Cabinet Outreach
Berbice, GINA, April 08, 2005
The Cabinet Outreach to Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) has successfully commenced, with several Ministers addressing concerns of the people in various parts of the County.
At Seawell Village, East Berbice Corentyne, Minister of Public Works and Communications, Anthony Xavier, along with Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh held an interactive session with villagers.
During the session, residents discussed the state of the main access bridge leading into the village. The residents explained that as a result of erosion in the area, the bridge is virtually inaccessible.
In response to the residents, Ministers Xavier and Baksh agreed that the situation is very serious and needs immediate attention.
According to Minister Xavier,“we have to provide revetment to the area and block filling to address the situation”.
The Ministers assured residents that the issue will be addressed shortly, since they would report to the relevant Ministries for immediate works to be done.
Residents were also assured by the Ministers that the issue of erosion in the area would be addressed. They promised villagers that the reports will be delivered to the Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh and the National Drainage and Irrigation Board.
Meanwhile, issues such as the extension of electricity supply in the area and road rehabilitation were also raised by the residents.
Minister Baksh informed residents that under Government’s massive Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP), many areas would be provided with electricity.
With regard to the roads, the Minister said programmes are already in place to improve the road network in the area through the Neighborhood Democratic Council.
The Ministerial outreach continues tomorrow in several other areas in Region Six.
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Ronald Gajraj re-instated as Home Affairs Minister
Georgetown, GINA, April 8, 2005
STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT BHARRAT JAGDEO FOLLOWING CABINET OUTREACH SESSION, ALBION, EAST BERBICE
Cabinet met on Friday, April 08, 2005 and examined the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into allegations of Ministerial involvement in Extra-Judicial Killings.
You would recall that I appointed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on May 14, 2004, in accordance with Chapter 19:03 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act. According to the terms of reference, the Commission would determine whether, and to what extent, there was evidence of a credible nature to support the allegations that the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, had been involved in promoting, directing or otherwise engaging in activities which involved the extra-judicial killing of persons. The Presidential Commission was chaired by Justice of Appeal, Mr. Ian Chang S.C., and comprised former Major General and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Mr. Norman McLean and former Chancellor of Judiciary, Mr. Keith Massiah.
Minister Gajraj had requested to proceed on special leave in May 2004 to allow for the Inquiry to do its work.
The Commission determined its own procedures which were comprehensive, transparent, and consistent with international standards.
The work of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the allegations came to an end on March 31, 2005, and the Report was handed to me on April 04, 2005 signed by all three Commissioners. One of the commissioners also submitted a minority report or an addendum which on review did not conflict with the tenure and conclusion of the main report.
The Report found no `credible evidence’ of Minister Ronald Gajraj’s involvement in extra-judicial killings.
Cabinet has decided unanimously that from Monday, April 11, 2005, the Minister will resume his duties as Minister of Home Affairs.
I have also instructed that the entire report be sent to the Leader of the Opposition and the media for dissemination to the public. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs will also be tabling the Report in the National Assembly for its attention.
The Cabinet discussed the recommendations contained in the Report with a view to urgently implement them. For example, changes will be made to the process for the issuance of fire-arm licences.
I wish to thank the Commission for its work which was done in a very difficult environment because the issue was politically charged. The credibility and abilities of the Commissioners are unquestionable. I want to thank them for the openness of the process. They conducted public hearings and even extended the time span of the Inquiry on several occasions, so as to allow people to present whatever evidence they might have had.
As such, the Government expects that individuals and groups will respect the conclusions of the Report. Comments to the contrary would embolden the Opposition’s campaign of misrepresentation.
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