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$10M released for upgrade of Black Bush Polder road

Georgetown, GINA, 21 April 2005.

Rehabilitation works on the Black Bush Polder Road, West Coast Berbice are expected to commence shortly.

Minister of Public Works and Hydraulics, Anthony Xavier said approximately $10M has been released to the Regional Administration of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) to execute the rehabilitation works.

Regional Chairman of Region Six, Kumkarran Ramdass said that the funds would be expended to undertake works such as upgrading the road shoulders and filling of pot- holes in Lesbeholden, Mibikuri, Johanna and Yakusari.

Minister Xavier also said that there are plans to disburse an additional $35M to the Regional Administration to facilitate further works on the Black Bush Polder road.

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Ministry of Local Government sets schedule for consultations on City Council

Georgetown, GINA, April 21, 2005

The time and dates for the public consultations with Georgetown citizens on the proposed Interim Management Committee to replace the Georgetown City Council were today disclosed by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. A total of eight consultations were set so far and the first is to begin on April 26.

Below is the schedule for the consultations:

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More children making use of facilities at Drop-in-Centre

Georgetown , GINA, April 21, 2005

The Ministry of Labour, Human Services Welfare programme for children has gained momentum.

Deputy Chief Probation and Family Welfare Officer, Patricia Gray said more children are accessing the facilities offered by Social Workers at the Drop-in Centre on Hadfield Street.

Ms. Gray said, in an effort to deal with the increasing number of children on the streets, the Drop-in Centre was established on June 1, 1999 to recreate a generation of responsible children in a harmonious family unit.

The objective of the Centre is to keep children off the streets and to integrate them into a family system and possibly the school system. Several programmes are being offered at the Centre and these provide children with opportunities to develop their self-esteem and learn skills which will enhance their future performance.

Upon entering the programmes Ms. Gray said, each child is exposed to counselling and a personal goal plan created for him. Each child is also tutored in basic literacy and given the opportunity to learn life skills that would enable him to be gainfully employed or enter the regular school system.

The Night Shelter at East La Penitence, Georgetown is also being operated by the Government to house street children. Gray said children continue to make use of the facilities provided there, some of which include breakfast and dinner, bathroom, clean clothes and sleeping facilities.

She said counselling is also provided at the shelter thrice weekly and as a result of this, nineteen persons returned home last year and jobs were acquired for several others who had improved their skills.

Gray said it is part of International Conventions that services are provided for children, since there is a prevalence of them on the street. This is especially so in cases of poverty and children predisposed to a delinquent lifestyle.

At the Drop-in-Centre during the day, individual attention and counselling are given to children. They participate in activities to improve their self esteem and learn new skills by trained social workers. Some of the disciplines taught are music, craft, educational tours, health education and environmental sanitation. An academic curriculum which was developed by the National Centre for Education Resource and Development is also applied during training.

There they receive a meal, a change of clothes, a bath, and a bed for the night. There is also a Caregiver at the Centre to give other necessary support and guidance.

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Sugar shipment to St. Lucia replaced
-Measures in place to rectify problem

Georgetown, GINA, April 21, 2005

The Chief Executive Officer of GUYSUCO, Michael Boast has reported that a shipment of contaminated sugar exported from Guyana to St. Lucia has been replaced. While in the process of packaging in St.Lucia a few weeks ago, officials found the sugar to be contaminated with rust particles.

Mr. Boast explained that the sugar, which was exported, was taken from two sugar factories. He pointed out that the problem is being addressed with repairs to the equipment that contaminated the sugar. The corrective measures taken by GUYSUCO will ensure that the export of the commodity will achieve International Certified Standards.

Officials of St. Lucia expressed satisfaction with the replacement shipment, Mr. Boast said.

Guyana represented at cricket media workshop in Jamaica

Georgetown, GINA, April 21, 2005

Karan Singh, CEO of the Local Organising Committee and Public Relations Officer Romel Roopnarine, at a two-day workshop held in New Kingston, Jamaica to promote World Cup Cricket 2007.

Guyana was represented at a recent two-day workshop at the Cricket World Cup Committee Headquarters in New Kingston, Jamaica.

The workshop held under the theme, “The executive media edge,” was geared at better preparing members of the “Local Organising Committee” (LOC) of each of the host nations and with the media on how to develop relationships with the media to efficiently promote World Cup 2007.

Chief Executive Officer of the LOC, Karan Singh and Public Relations Officer, Mahendra Roopnarine represented Guyana. Nine countries, which are slated to host World Cup 2007 cricket matches, also participated.

Singh expressed his satisfaction with regard to the experience he gained from the workshop. He explained that he is now further equipped with the necessary knowledge to make his job in promoting World Cup 2007 easier. The representatives deliberated on how to develop media savy, conduct interviews and press briefings among several other topics.

Veteran Jamaican journalists, Berl Francis, Erica Allen, Canute James and Anne Shirley were the facilitators.

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President Jagdeo swears-in Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary

Georgetown , GINA, April 21, 2005

President Bharrat Jagdeo swears-in the new Acting Chancellor Chief Justice Carl Singh.

His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo, today swore-in the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Chief Justice Carl Singh.

The ceremony was held at the Office of the President and witnessed by Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon, Supreme Court Registrar Sita Ramlall and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Legal Affairs Mitra-Devi Ally.

Yesterday, the Head of State and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin began consultations on the appointment of a new Chancellor of the Judiciary. Former Chancellor, Madame Desiree Bernard demitted Office to take the post of a judge in the newly formulated Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

It was agreed that the President and Opposition Leader’s consultations will continue and Chief Justice Carl Singh will act until an agreement is reached.

In accordance with Article 127 of the Constitution and in the context of Madame Chancellor, Desiree Bernard demitting Office, President Jagdeo invited Mr. Corbin to commence consultation on the appointment of a Chancellor of the Judiciary and subsequently on the appointment of a Chief Justice.

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Standing Order Committee's Report sent back for review

Georgetown, GINA 21 April 2005.

The National Assembly today deferred the motion to adopt the report of the Standing Order Committee that provide for the deliberations of the Sectoral Committees and the Public Accounts Committee to be held in public. This is except where these committees determine other wise. Meetings of the Parliamentary Committee shall not be held in public.

The report was presented to the National Assembly today but the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Reepu Daman Persaud in consultation with the Opposition Parties, requested that the motion be withdrawn, and the report be sent back to the Standing Order Committee for further review.

The report would be presented to the National Assembly at a later date.

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Developed countries need to be more cognizant of factors influencing climate change
- Dr. Luncheon declares open Earth Day seminar

Georgetown, GINA, April 21, 2005

The developed countries of the world need to play a greater role in battling the effects of climate change, as the developing countries are loosing their capacity to respond.

This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, shortly before declaring a seminar to mark the 35 th anniversary of Earth Day at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.

The seminar focused on Global Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness with specific attention to Guyana.

The HPS pointed to the issue of Climate Change and its likely impact on the world.

“The world recognises that the threats to the environment are fast outstripping the earth’s capacity to respond. The reality of Global warming and its predictable impact on rising sea levels, the increasing environmental pollution, the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of the environment have all been chronicled as signs of the times,” he said.

Dr. Luncheon noted that these environmental problems are associated with development in an unsustainable manner and the developed world must accept the larger part of the responsibility for the creation of such a situation.

The HPS emphasized that “we must all recognise that Climate change could have the most devastating impact in developing countries and particularly low-lying ones” adding that “the major response of adaptation to Climate Change would pose an immense burden on the resources of developing countries.”

According to Dr. Luncheon, note must be taken of the divisions in the developed world on the adoption and implementation of decisions to address factors implicated in Climate change.

“ Guyana joins with others in recoding dissatisfaction with the embrace and pace of such implementation by developed countries,” said.

Explaining how Guyana fits into this international milieu, he said, the cost to maintaining preventative measures against the ever-changing climate is prohibitive.

Particular reference was made to the high cost attached to sea defence maintenance, which is a form of security for coast landers against the rising sea levels.

He added, that Guyana has responded, at both the national and international levels, to the threat of Climate Change. Guyana is a signatory to the major international Conventions that have addressed the world’s concerns about the global environment among which is Climate change.

In addressing its own concerns, Guyana has also planned and implemented a national response. Disaster preparedness is only one aspect of that national response.

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Excise Tax Bill referred to Special Select Committee

Georgetown, GINA, April 21, 2005

The National Assembly today took the decision to send the Excise Tax Bill 2005 to a Special Select Committee for review.

The Bill had its second Reading in the House today and after presentations by Finance Minister Saisnarine Kowlessar who is piloting the Bill, Winston Murray, Shadow Finance Minister from the Opposition, and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir, the House agreed that the Bill be sent to a Select Committee

The Excise Tax Bill is expected to come into operation simultaneously with the Value Added Tax Bill 2005.

According to Minister Kowlessar, the VAT Bill seeks to replace the Consumption Tax Act, Travel Voucher Tax Act, Hotel Accommodation Tax Act 1993 and the laws relating to service, premium, purchase, entertainment and telephone taxes.

The Minister noted that when these taxes are repealed it will affect revenue collection.

“In the absence of Excise Taxes, the VAT yield will be considerable less than the yield of the taxes to be replaced. It is in this regard that the Excise Tax , together with the Value Added Tax Act 2005 is being introduced to ensure that the revenue yield under the proposed new system would approximate the revenue collection under the current system,” Minister Kowlessar said.

Minister Nadir, in response to Mr. Murray that the arguments today seem to contradict what was said by the Government when the VAT Bill was debated, said there is no contradiction. He asserted that the tax system is being reformed in a harmonized manner.

The Excise Tax Bill 2005 deals with the imposition and payment of Excise Taxes on taxable goods imported or manufactured in Guyana and provides for the payment of tax by a manufacturer on taxable goods sold in Guyana or removed from a warehouse.

The Bill provides for payment of tax by an importer before clearance of goods.

It outlines the tax administration provisions with regards to the tax period and the filing of returns and such additional information as the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority may consider necessary.

The Bill also provides for the granting of temporary importation of taxable goods without payment of tax and tax relief for raw materials, which are taxable foods intended to be used for the manufacturing of other taxable goods.

It allows for the carrying over of money paid as security for raw materials against any tax that becomes payable on the sale of the taxable good.

The Value Added Tax Bill 2005 is also under review by a Special Select Committee.

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Post-flood recovery update
- On assistance for rice farmers, late registration, issuance of cheques

Georgetown, GINA, April 22, 2005

Rice farmers who were affected by the January flood will be given an assistance grant of $10,000 each. They will also receive an additional $5,000 for each acre of rice cultivation lost, for up to a total of 75 acres. This was disclosed by Head of the Planning, Recovery and Implementation Secretariat, Robeson Benn.

He said this decision was taken after he met with Cabinet members on April 19.

“We are trying to move quickly as possible, because of the requirements for the preparation of the next rice crop, which will begin in another three weeks,” said Benn.

After a series of successful meetings with the Guyana Rice Development Board, Guyana Rice Producers Association and Mahaica/Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA), $43M was allocated to assist farmers with seed paddy for the next rice crop.

It was recommended that one bag of seed paddy - for every acre of rice be given to farmers.

$10,000 payout for householders

On April 16, the disbursement of the $10,000 recovery package to households which were severely affected by the January flood began in Annandale and Buxton on the East Coast Demerara. Cheques will be issued to other communities shortly.

Tajwattie Balkisson, an Annandale resident receiving her cheque from Head of the Secretariat, Robeson Benn, at Annandale Primary School. Ms. Balkisson was the first person to receive Government’s flood relief package. (An Ameer Khan PHOTO)

Late registration

After the stipulated date of notification to the Secretariat of their losses, a number of persons are now approaching to register claims, Benn said.

He pointed out that adequate notices were given for the collection of data, which in some instances took about three to four days and an additional three days was allocated to record claims.

“I just wish to inform members of the public who have registered their claims that when the deadline has passed, only through appeals will your case will be looked at. This is to accommodate persons who claimed before and their claims are being verified,” emphasized Benn.

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Government willing to subsidise trips to local tourist destinations

Georgetown, GINA, April 21 2005

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir today said the Ministry is willing to subsidise trips to various tourist destinations in Guyana in an effort aimed at making tourism more affordable.

Speaking at the launching of the Essequibo River Tour Package at the Tower Hotel, Georgetown, he issued a challenge to the Guyana Tourism Association (GTA) saying, "I would like to see them offer eight weekend trips to Kaieteur at a cost of $50US."

He believes, Guyanese, if given the opportunity to visit Kaieteur would be the perfect salespersons and would encourage family members overseas to visit Guyana's natural beauty sites.

In support of the local tourist industry, Minister Nadir is encouraging the private sector to sponsor more trips to tourist destinations within Guyana as prizes offered in competitions.

The Essequibo Tour Package comes as a result of a collaborative effort between the Rainforest Tours and the Saxacalli Rainforest Centre. Managing Director of the Rainforest Tours, Mr. Frank Singh has been one of the pioneers offering affordable trips in the past to local tourist destinations.

Minister Nadir said, "Guyana has so much to offer Guyanese and there is so little access to it." He extended congratulations to Mr. Singh and Mr. Shyam Nokta, Managing Director of the Saxacalli Rainforest Centre on this joint venture of making visits to local tourist destinations affordable.

The package will offer Guyanese the opportunity to visit the first non-indigenous structures constructed in Guyana, the historical Court of Policy and Fort Island. Accompanied by two trained tour guides from the Saxacalli Centre, visitors will be privileged to experience the rich cultures of the Saxacalli Community and the biodiversity of the Rainforest Centre.

Kathy Hughes, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) said ventures of this kind encourage Guyanese to visit local tourist sites, adding that the cost to visit diverse destinations has been a challenge. She expressed THAG’s willingness to work with the Ministry of Tourism in overcoming this barrier, noting that it would encourage Guyanese to go beyond the traditional destinations and experience more of the exceptional products Guyana offers.

Minister Nadir expressed the Ministry's willingness to offer assistance to market tourism products once a package has been compiled.

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Guyanese urged to conserve on fuel as supplies at GUYOIL fall
-GUYOIL may resume operations tomorrow

Georgetown, GINA Saturday, April 23, 2005

Guyana Oil Company service stations will have a full supply of fuel by Monday, April 25. Head of the Guyana Energy Agency Mr. Joseph O’Lall said that a new shipment of fuel should arrive in Guyana today or tomorrow.

GUYOIL service stations have been forced to cease operations after increased demand for cheaper fuel caused supplies to run out. The company has been providing a cheaper alternative for consumers, selling at the lowest possible price.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir is urging Guyanese to begin to conserve on fuel because of continually rising fuel prices on the world market. The Minister said, in an invited comment, “I do not see world fuel prices coming back down for the next six months.”

He said that Guyanese must face the reality of high fuel prices and adjust their lifestyles and means of production to minimise on fuel consumption. The Minister said that over the past 36 months fuel prices have moved from $480 to almost $640.

The Government of Guyana reduced the consumption tax on gasoline by 20 percent after the recent world fuel price hike.

Trawler owners have been calling on Government to similarly reduce the tax on diesel. However, Minister Nadir said that the C-tax on diesel is only 20 percent and the only alternative would be to remove the tax.

On the issue of fare increases by minibus owners and taxi drivers, Minister Nadir said that there is still no justification for higher fares.

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