Muslim NGO donates flood relief to Human Services Ministry
Georgetown, GINA, May 4, 2005
Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick receives donation from representative of Humanity First Guyana Chapter, Ovid Umar Ahmad Glasgow as other representatives look on.
The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security today received a donation of clothing and footwear from the Humanity First Guyana Chapter in Georgetown.
Minister within the Ministry, Bibi Shadick expressed gratitude to the officials and urged that they extend their programmes to reach other sections of society.
Speaking on behalf of the Organisation, Moulana Abdur Rahaman Khan said Humanity for Guyana Chapter is very pleased to make the donation to the Ministry which is doing a good job in assisting the less fortunate Guyanese.
The Moulana added that this is an ongoing programme by the organization since its overseas partners continue to assist in the provision of medical supplies, food and clothing.
The Humanity for Guyana Chapter collaborated with the Ministry of Health during the flood to bring medical assistance to persons who were in need.
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Guyana , Canada sign MOU – Canada to provide $300 M for flood recovery
Georgetown, GINA May 04, 2005
Minister of Finance Sasenarine Kowlessar and Canadian High Commissioner Bruno Picard signing the agreement for Canada to provide Guyana with $300 M for its flood recovery programme.
Minister of Finance Sasenarine Kowlessar and Canadian High Commissioner Bruno Picard today signed an agreement in the Finance Ministry’s Boardroom through which Canada will provide Guyana with CDN $1.87 M or GY $ 300M toward its flood recovery programme.
The funds will be provided to the National Drainage and Irrigation Board (ND&IB) to restore drainage and irrigation systems in Regions 2, 3, and 4, to strengthen the East Demerara Water Conservancy Dam, to restore outlets and to provide pumps on the seawall and to ensure that all drainage systems will be able to sustain the upcoming rainy season.
The financial assistance will be granted by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) which had, prior to this, provided Canadian $362,000 to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to monitor and supervise emergency works for flood recovery and to ensure financial and technical accountability during the process.
This is in addition to another Canadian $500,000 provided to the CHF ( formerly Partners in Rural Development) for the provision of assistance to small-scale poultry producers to re-start their production, to improve nutritional standards in flood affected homes, through the establishment of household vegetable gardens, and to assist in preventing the spread of communicable diseases.
Canada also assisted Guyana with Canadian $370,000 for emergency relief needs.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Kowlessar and Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock Satyadeow Sawh thanked the Canadian Government for the assistance.
Asked by the media about how the Government is accounting for all of the monies being received from donors for its flood recovery programme, Minister Kowlessar said that all funds are being audited and accounted for.
He noted that besides the Auditor General’s Department, the Ministry of Finance is also keeping its records of all monies provided and all monies spent for flood relief and recovery.
He disclosed too that this information would be provided to the Nation in due time.
The ND&IB has already begun its work on drainage systems in the three flood affected Regions of the country through a drainage and irrigation Task Force set up to carry out emergency works in preparation for the May/June rainy season.
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$56.6M contract awarded for sea defence works
Georgetown, GINA, May 4, 2005
Cabinet at its meeting of May 3, 2005, offered its no-objection to the award of a contract valued at $56.6M, for the construction of 1,000 linear feet greenheart revetment at Craig/Grove, East Bank Demerara, under the Guyana Sea defence Works Project.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, indicated this at his weekly post Cabinet press briefing today.
Cabinet also offered its no-objection to the award of a contract valued at $19.5M, for the construction of the access road to Flagstaff, which leads to the East Demerara Water Conservancy, to be executed under the Drainage and Irrigation Board.
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Firefighters dedicated to saving lives – Fire Chief
- As GFS joins the world in observing International Firefighters’ Day
Georgetown, GINA, May 4, 2005
Recruits of the GFS going through a mock exercise at the National Park
The role of firefighters in today’s society is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice, according to Fire Chief, Lawrence David.
Today, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) joins the rest of the world in observing International Firefighters’ Day.
David noted that firefighters throughout the world have a common enemy – fire, and this is regardless of the colour of the uniform or the uniform they serve.
“Firefighters are expected to dedicate their lives to the protection of lives and property. This is manifested by the countless hours, days and years of selflessness, working in an industry which offers minimal returns,” stressed David.
He acknowledged that the (GFS) over the year has pursued these honoured traditions vigorously with limited resources, compared to Fire Departments in the developed world, “We have never relinquished or failed to address our social and professional responsibilities.”
International Firefighters’ Day offers society an opportunity to recognize and honour the sacrifices that are made by these officers to ensure that communities and the environment are made as safe as possible.
“I would like to extend to our firefighters, (especially those who have served in the past), thanks for their invaluable contributions towards developing and maintaining this noble profession in Guyana,” the Fire Chief said.
TOP The history of Indian arrival in Guyana 167 years ago
Georgetown, GINA, May 4, 2005
East Indians celebrating Indian Arrival day at the National Park.
After the abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean (1834) the agriculture production in the then British Guiana had fallen by 60 percent (1838). Plantations were being closed down at an alarming rate. Plantation owners feared the loss of cheap labour after the enslaved Africans were freed and most of them chose to leave the plantations. The freed slaves headed for the villages and towns; refusing to work for their Plantation owners because of the inhumane conditions they worked under.
Plantation owners in British Guiana then turned to immigrants from England, Germany, Ireland and the British West Indies. The start of the indentured system (coolie system) was on its way in British Guiana, but these workers did not last on the plantations due to the extreme heat and strenuous working conditions.
The British looked for cheap labour to continue the work that many freed slaves refused to do. They recruited contract labourers from India through a Calcutta agency, to help save an ailing sugar industry. During this period, the British plantation owners also turned to Portugal, and later to China, (1853), for contract labourers.
These workers were paid wages. The contract labourers were also given a passage to this country and a roof over their heads. After the person's contract was up, he was free to leave. But, often, circumstances forced them to renew their contract and to continue with the work they were doing.
On May 5th, 1838, the first group of East Indians set sail to the Americas on the Whitby, (British ship). Then 244 Indians landed on Guyana’s soil. The journey to the New World began on January 13th 1838, from the Calcutta port with 249 Indians, and lasted five months. The long voyage across the oceans brought seasick, hunger and diseases to the Indians onboard the ship and five people succumbed. Shortly after the arrival of the Whitby, another ship the Hesperus, which left India on January 29th 1838, landed with 165 Indians.
Most Indians, who left their motherland, had no concept of where they were going. They did not realize that they would never see their motherland and their families again as many had planned to return home with their savings. Unlike the Africans who were kidnapped, chained and forced into slavery, most of the Indians boarded the ship voluntarily. However, many were also tricked and lied to.
The living conditions for the Indians on the sugar plantations were appalling and workers were compelled to work 12 hours a day. The Indians lived in barrack-type buildings, 100 feet long and divided into 10-foot long sections. One family was crammed into this small area.
For many, the sun was extremely hot, especially for the ones who came from places like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab where it snows in some regions during the winter and has altitudes that vary from 100 to over 3000 metres above sea level. Guyana is below sea level, at the equator and hot throughout the entire year. The Indians adjusted to their new environment and endured the strenuous conditions.
Many Indians who remained in Guyana progressed, holding top positions in some of the country's political parties and businesses. Many are also the proud owners of businesses having benefited from the sacrifice of their ancestors- the people of the ship or “Jahan” who crossed the great oceans as contract labourers, to escape poverty, unemployment and decaying economic conditions of the Indian-subcontinent.
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Government provides more resources in the fight against malaria
Georgetown, GINA, May 4, 2005
The Government is providing more resources in the fight against malaria, as health officials intensify their campaign against the spread of the disease transmitted by the insect vector (mosquito).
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his weekly post Cabinet press briefing said, “The statistics of malaria infection between the periods 2000-2004, have shown increases in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9.”
Dr. Luncheon indicated that the Administration is providing more resources, organizing community involvement, and cooperating with the international community.
The National Malaria Programme sets out to reduce infection rates, identify diagnosis, and treat and eradicate the insect vector.
The most urgent steps include completing the decentralizing of the Regional Malaria Units, provision of mosquito nets impregnated with insecticides, spraying of residence, and fogging of communities.
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School dropouts undergoing study
Georgetown, GINA, May 4, 2005
The Kuru kururu Cooperative College on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway has started a technical and vocational training programme for youths who have dropped out of the regular school system.
The course, which is coordinated by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, started last September and will conclude in July of this year.
Some 130 youths between the ages 16-25 are currently undergoing studies in carpentry, business study, electrical installation, joinery, masonry, motor mechanics and welding and fabricating.
The courses will enable youths to prepare themselves for further training at the Guyana Technical Institute and also for employment.
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Parfait Harmonie road to be upgraded - Minister Baksh
Georgetown, GINA, 04 May, 2005.
Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh said upgrading of the Parfait Harmonie, Canal No.1 road would commence shortly, once favourable weather patterns prevail. Two contracts have already been awarded for the work, but had to be deferred due to the inclement weather.
Subsequently residents blocked the road to protest what they perceive to be the Ministry's inaction in the upgrading process.
Personnel from the Ministry of Housing and Water have been sent to the area to remove the logs placed by villagers and to explain why the works could not have been completed earlier.
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Government implements tax free fuel agreement with Fishing Industry
Head of Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, May 4, 2005
Government has implemented an interim agreement with owners and operators of the fishing industry, which would enable them to acquire fuel for sea based operations at cheaper costs than currently prevail domestically, and ensure that they receive tax exemptions on fuel that is used for their sea-based activities.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his weekly post Cabinet press briefing today, stated that, “The rising acquisition cost of fuel has threatened the sustainability of the industry, putting at risk thousands of jobs in the sector, and reducing tax, as well as revenue received by the state.”
Owners and operators have indicated that they can access fuel for their trawlers at cheaper rates than those prevailing in Guyana.
Dr. Luncheon stated that fuel used for shore-based operations in the industry would not fall within this arrangement, and stressed that shore based operators would be under intense scrutiny in order to ensure that no fuel used on shore is exempted from tax.
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Other forms of garnering information to be used for G/Town IMC consultations
Georgetown, GINA, May 4, 2005
Television, radio and other sources of garnering information should soon be utilized along with the current meetings taking place in Georgetown, to determine the future of the Mayor and City Council.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his weekly post Cabinet press briefing today, indicated that these other forms of consultations will be used, in light of the fact that general attendance at Interim Management Committee meetings to date, has been poor.
The Administration had earlier concluded that since the Council had consistently failed to provide an adequate level of service to the citizens of Georgetown, it should be reviewed and replaced by an IMC.
At the conclusion of the exercise, the Administration will be able to determine whether there exists support among the citizens for its contention that the Council has failed to deliver, and thus should be removed.
Once such a determination is made, the Minister of Local Government would be expected to proceed with the requirements for dissolution.
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Primary School students countrywide preparing for SSEE exams May 12, 13
Georgetown, GINA, May 04, 2005
According to the Ministry of Education, over 18,000 Private and Public Primary School students countrywide are preparing to write the upcoming Secondary Schools Entrance Examinations (SSEE) on May 12 and 13.
The students will write the examinations in the subject areas of Social Studies, Mathematics, Language 1 and 2 and Science.
The Ministry has noted that despite the initial postponement of the examinations due to the January flood, the Ministry believes that the extended period allowed enough time for students to prepare and it is expected that pupils performance would be comparative.
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Second phase of consultations on City Council being planned- Minister Collymore
Georgetown, GINA, May 04, 2005
Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Clinton Collymore said today that the first phase of consultations held with residents of the City on the Georgetown City Council’s performance and whether the body should be replaced by an Interim Management Committee (IMC) are now over and a second phase is being planned by his Ministry.
The Minister observed that the consultation in Alberttown which was planned to be held at the St.Ambrose Primary School will be rescheduled to a date to be announced.
Meanwhile, after last evening’s assault on Government Member of Parliament Cyril Belgrave who had attempted to facilitate a consultation at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, Minister Collymore said that Government will ensure that there is security presence at future consultations.
Mr. Belgrave who is also a former City Councillor, stated that he was assaulted by known People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Activists, who had first gathered outside of the East Ruimveldt school, to protest with placards, the proposed IMC.
Mr. Belgrave further related that as he had attempted to chair the proceeding at the school, the group stormed the scene and later launched an attack on his car as he was about to leave the compound. This resulted in damage to his vehicle.
Minister Collymore said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has already been alerted on the situation and Belgrave was instructed to report the matter to the Police.
The Minister last night condemned the move by the Opposition in an interview with Martin Goolsarran on the National Communications Network (NCN) television. Mr. Belgrave had previously pointed out that the attack seemed to be orchestrated. This conclusion was drawn as Mr. Belgrave said that there were two photographers on the scene from the PNC/R’s NationWatch Programme aired on Channel Nine. The photographers were not present at any of the previous consultations.
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Guyana to sign WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Georgetown , GINA, May 4, 2005
A promise is being made by Government to create healthy environments for people and to achieve this Guyana will soon sign the World Health Organisation Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), said Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. Minister Ramsammy said, “I think it’s an important step for Guyana, tobacco kills, and it is a major contributor to cancer, the degeneration of generalized tissues, morbidity and mortality.”
He explained that he was part of 56th World Health Assembly in May 2003 in Geneva where many countries unanimously approved the WHO FCTC. However, many circumstances have since deterred the action of signing the document of the framework convention.
“ Guyana has expressed its intention to accede to the convention which we are doing at present. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will prepare and deposit the instrument of ratification in New York some time before May 15,” said the Health Minister.
He observed that “whilst as a Government we cannot stop people from smoking, we need to create empowering environments, where people could all exercise their rights and the Framework Convention addresses such issues.”
Minister Ramsammy reiterated that in public health places certain rules must be followed and he hopes, “that in public health buildings and compounds, which are no smoking zones, people would not smoke.”
The WHO FCTC treaty requires parties to restrict tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion, set new labelling and clean indoor air controls, and strengthen laws against tobacco smuggling. Countries that are party to the treaty are bound to translate its general provisions into national laws and regulations.
The WHO has said, “If current trends are not reversed, tobacco will prematurely end the lives of 10 million people a year by 2020.”
Evidence shows that smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. Tobacco use is the cause of the majority of lung cancer cases and it has been linked to many other types of cancer, such as cervical and kidney cancer. Other health risks associated with tobacco include heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases; bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases, as well as infertility.
Tobacco is the second leading cause of death globally, resulting in nearly five million deaths a year.
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New Magistrate (a.g) sworn in
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds toasting new Magistrate (ag) Priya Sewnarine-Beharry (right). Also in picture (from left) Attorney General Doodnauth Singh, Chief Justice and Chancellor (ag) Carl Singh and Registrar of the Supreme Court Seeta Ramlall. (GINA/Amarnauth Ram
Georgetown, GINA Wednesday, May 04, 2005
The Magistrate’s Court will be further strengthened with the appointment of a new acting Magistrate.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds swore in Attorney-at-Law Priya Sewnarine-Beharry today. Ms. Sewnarine-Beharry said that her goal is to strengthen the administration of the Magistrate’s Court.
The Bishop’s High School and Queen’s College graduate said that the qualities that she has held through out her career will be maintained during her time as a Magistrate. These qualities include honesty and integrity which she said are important to her profession.
Ms. Beharry was admitted to the Bar in October 2001 and said that this has been the highlight of her achievements. She was also appointed as State Counsel by the Public Service Commission in July of that year.
The new Magistrate has served in the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Legal Affairs. She said that her ultimate goal is to serve in the Supreme Court.
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Early testing will improve Ministry’s fight against Cancer
Georgetown, GINA, May 4, 2005
The Ministry of Health is being proactive in the fight against cancer. Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said, “We are not waiting for women to have cervical cancer or men to develop cancer of the prostate, they can do the early testing, so there is early indication of the disease and early intervention.”
Early cancer testing is being done as part of the Ministry’s Health Prevention Programme. Minister Ramsammy said people should not wait until there are symptoms of the disease to have testing done but should take advantage the early testing services provided.
He said as a critical part of the programme, health workers are being trained in taking smears to be read by a qualified Pathologist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
“We recognise that a pathologist at the moment cannot be in every hospital but that is not necessary, what is necessary is that health workers are trained in doing PAP smears which can be taken to the GPHC for testing,” said Minister Ramsammy
Minister Ramsammy said the Ministry of Health is presently in the process of working with external groups, which have been coming to Guyana, training workers and developing cancer protocols. “We hope by the end of this year a programme will be in place to have relevant health workers in all 10 region trained in doing PAP smears.”
Minister Ramsammy noted, that there has been significant improvements in Governments fight against cancer. “In 2004 the Government spent $44M on purchasing drugs for the chemotherapy programme and this year Government is likely to spend more than $50M.”
He said that Chemotherapy and intervention surgeries are being offered at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Minister Ramsammy said the Chief Medical Officer has been mandated to speak with medical personnel at the GPHC and persons from the private sector to expand the Chemotherapy programme
Minister Ramsammy said Maxillofacial surgery, surgery on parts of the face, cannot be done currently, but the Ministry is in the process of recruiting a Maxillofacial surgeon for Guyana who will expand the surgical intervention for cancer.
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No discrimination of road repairs at East Field, Nandy Park
Georgetown, GINA, 04 May, 2005.
Reports by the Auditor General and the Internal Auditor, Works Services Department have reported allegations that the Technical Advisor to the Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Walter Willis instructed road construction workers not to execute road repairs in front of the house of Mr. K Brijlall at East Field, Nandy Park is untrue.
Following the alleged reports in several Kaieteur News article, two independent investigations were commissioned by the Ministry of Public Works and Communication.
Reports by the Internal Auditor, Works Services Group stated that during visits, discussions were held with Mr. Brijlall and Mr. Julian Archer, site engineer for the Consulting Firm, SNC-Lavalin International Inc and it was established that repairs were done on sections of the road as identified by the site engineer. No repairs were done to the section directly in front of Mr. Brijlall's house although that section of the road could have been improved. It also noted there were other parts of the road in similar condition and repairs were also not done. The engineer explained that upon completion of the portion of the four-lane road in the Bagotstown area, the entire stretch would be resurfaced.
The reports concluded that examination of the entire length of the road would appear as though nothing sinister took place as alleged.
The findings of the second investigation conducted by the Auditor General, D. Sharma state that an interview with the site engineer revealed that areas repaired on East Field Drive were identified by the contractor and the site engineer and not the Technical Advisor. The site engineer further stated that the areas that were not repaired were not considered to be in need of repair when compared to areas that were identified and actually repaired.
Mr. Sharma reported that at the time of the physical verification the repair works were clearly visible since the overlay works had not yet started.
The report concluded that the Consulting Engineer and Technical advisor to the Minister was not the Supervising Engineer for the works carried out nor was he responsible for identifying the repair works carried out on the East Field Drive. It further stated that the area in front of Mr. Brijlall's residence was not the only area that was not repaired as stated in the media reports.
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