Stable Industrial relations climate necessary for production
-Labour Minister
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005
Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Dale Bisnauth
Employees of Barama Company Limited have been urged by Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Dale Bisnauth to cooperate with management to ensure there is a conducive working environment at the workplace in order to boost production and productivity.
Following a tour of the company’s operations at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, on May 11, Minister Bisnauth met with employees and management in the company’s canteen. He told them it is his responsibility to make sure the industrial relations climate in the country is stable, to allow the smooth flow of the production and productivity process, in the interest of national development.
Workers across the country, (whether they are unionised or not, or in the private or public sector) must have their rights upheld and employers must provide an environment that is favourable to their health and security, the Minister said.
Officers of the Labour Ministry are currently visiting various businesses and enterprises around the country, to educate employees and management on the Labour Laws, to ensure compliance. They are also inspecting workplaces to make certain that there is no infringement of workers’ rights.
The Labour Minister is calling on management of business enterprises and other establishments that have at least 20 employees, to establish Occupational Safety and Health Committees.
Minister Bisnauth also declared open a seminar which focused on ‘fostering good management/employee relationship,’ in the company’s boardroom.
Barama Company Limited specialises in the manufacture of plywood and has access to a number of international markets. The company provides employment for approximately 600 Guyanese.
TOP MV Malai providing services in absence of Torani
Georgetown, GINA, 12 May, 2005.
Measures have been put in place to ensure that commuters are provided with an undisrupted service between the Adventure, Essequibo Coast to Parika, East Bank Essequibo ferry crossing, following repairs to the MV Torani, which suffered damages as a result of a fire.
General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) within the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, William Joseph said the MV Malali was taken for sea trials, following recent rehabilitation works, before it began operations yesterday, May 11.
Joseph said the MV Torani's steering and engines were damaged after a fire erupted in the engine room of the vessel. He added that there were no damages to any other parts of the boat, nor were there reports of any casualties. So far, the steering has been repaired and is working, while one of the engines has proved effective. The vessel is expected to arrive in Georgetown today for further repairs.
An investigation has been launched by the Ministry of Public Works and Communication to determine the cause of the fire.
The T&HD department has extended appreciation to those who acted promptly to render assistance during the mishap.
TOP Team of HIV/AIDS, TB specialists to boost local health sector
Georgetown, GINA, May 10 2005
The local health sector will be strengthened next month with the expertise of nine HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) specialist doctors who will be stationed at Government hospitals across the country.
Delivering the feature address, Tuesday (May 10), at a three-day Regional Health Officers and Programme Heads evaluation meeting at the Family Health International Building, Kingston, Minister Ramsammy said the nine experts expected will complement the regional health teams in all the administrative regions.
The doctors have been recruited from Nicaragua, Sierra Leon, Nigeria, India, Liberia, Gambia, Uganda and Bogotá
The Linden, West Demerara, Suddie, Bartica and New Amsterdam Hospitals will now have a full time doctor.
Minister Ramsammy said the Infectious Disease Unit and the Pediatric Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will also benefit from the services of the doctors.
Two doctors from the batch will be attached to the Regional Health Services Department of the Ministry of Health, headed by Dr. Bheri Ramsarran, They will be part of the team travelling around hinterland areas to provide medical services.
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Minister Nokta to visit Region 10
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta, will be visiting Region Ten( Upper Demerara/ Berbice) on Sunday, May 15 to meet with residents of three communities.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta
The Minister will conduct meetings with residents of Clemwood, Susannah’s Rust and Dora to listen to their concerns before returning to Georgetown.
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Seawall Development Scheme well underway
Georgetown , GINA, May 12, 2005.
Government has spent approximately $13M on phase one of the $20M Seawall Development Scheme to install streets lights and implement basic landscaping from Camp Street to Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.
Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh said the area needs constant land filling and this is being done as mud, excavated from drainage and irrigation works effected by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is made available.
The Seawall Development Scheme is being executed in two phases. The latter will embrace the construction of a food court, washrooms and seating accommodation. Trees would also be planted, as well as a parking lot established.
A maintenance committee, comprising public and private sector representatives will be set up after completion of the project.
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Guyana supports economic collaboration between developing States
- President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005
H.E. President Bharrat Jagdeo
Guyana supports the enhancement of economic collaboration, trade and dialogue between developing States.
President Bharrat Jagdeo made these remarks at the inaugural summit of South American and Arab countries, held in Brasilia, Brazil, from May 10-11.
The Guyanese Head of State noted that the models of development currently being followed have not sufficiently advanced the economic and social progress of the developing countries. The President urged the South American and Arab Regions to seek change in the prevailing international system, in order to allow them a greater role in the decision-making process, on matters affecting their development.
The summit focused on two specific themes - ‘Bi-regional Cooperation, through Commerce, Investment and Business’, and ‘Political Dialogue and Cultural Exchange’.
Heads and representatives were consistent in their call for the deepening of alliances between South America and the Arab world, as well as for greater economic collaboration, trade and investment. The ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict was also addressed, along with the situation in Iraq, and reform of the United Nations Security Council.
President Jagdeo also held bilateral discussions with the Palestinian President, Mahmud Abbas, and His Royal Highness, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan.
Guyana was among the States that participated in the Investment Fair and Seminar, held from May 9-11 at the Ulysses Guimaraes Convention Centre, Brasilia, to coincide with the summit.
The President was accompanied by a six-member delegation, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rudy Insanally, and Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford, along with representatives of the Private Sector.
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Waste disposal in drainage system add to flooding
-ND&IB Head
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005
Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Board (ND&IB) Ravi Naraine is urging residents to desist from dumping garbage into the drainage systems.
Naraine said one of the main reason for drains being blocked, is due to the garbage being dumped into our waterways. The results in clogging of the outlets, he added.
The Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is also requested to ensure that the drains and canals are kept clean to allow for the free flow of water.
TOP Guyana to host 35 th CDB Governor’s meeting
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005
Guyana is to host the Thirty-Fifth Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) on May 18-19, 2005.
Guyana’s Head of State and Governor for Guyana on the Board of Governors of the CDB President Bharrat Jagdeo was elected Chairman of the Board at the Thirty-Fourth Annual Meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2004 in Trinidad and Tobago.
Finance Minister and Alternate Governor Saisnarine Kowlessar accepted the chairmanship on behalf of the substantive Governor.
Mr. Jagdeo will serve for the period up to and including the thirty-Fifth Annual Meeting, while the Governors for Germany and Venezuela will serve as Vice-Chairmen.
The current President of the Bank Compton Bourne, is also Guyanese.
In July 2003 the CDB approved a loan of up to the equivalent of US $28.2 million to the Government of Guyana to assist in financing a sugar production project as a component of the reform programme for the sugar industry.
The resources will be used to finance activities associated with the agricultural development component of the project.
The project will provide technical and managerial support in developing suitable lands and establishing appropriate infrastructure in expanding the area under sugar cane cultivation in the Berbice region. It will also include replacing the factory at Skeldon Estate with a new one.
This investment is expected to increase production and improve productivity in the industry, reduce the unit cost of sugar production and improve the competitiveness of Guyana’s sugar industry.
The Bank also approved a grant of up to the equivalent of US $44,700 to engage engineering consultants to carry out studies related to drainage and irrigation infrastructure improvement and management, and infrastructure requirements in relation to wharfage development, storage facilities and product handling equipment and management.
In addition, a grant of up to the equivalent of US $41,000 to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to engage policy and financial consultants to analyse policies and legislation related to the regulations governing rice produce standards, quality control and assurances, drainage and irrigation, land use and land tenure, and to estimate the resource gap for investment in the private sector was also approved.
The objective of the study is to develop an appropriate legislative framework for managing regulations in the rice industry, and to determine the resource requirements for investments in respect of the further development of the regional rice industry.
This project was of specific interest to Guyana since it is one of the Region’s main rice producing countries.
The industry generates an annual income of about US $250 to 300 million, and involves approximately 85,000 farm families and a further 80,000 persons in support processing and distribution services.
The Board of Directors of the CDB has also approved financing of up to the equivalent of US$ 19.1 million for a road improvement project in Guyana. The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, decrease vehicle operating costs and contribute to improved road safety for sections of the roads which link the West Coast Demerara and East and West Bank areas of the Demerara River to the capital, Georgetown.
The CDB has also provided financial support for the Secondary Towns Development Project.
The main objective of the technical assistance given under this Project is to improve the governance systems, infrastructure and the quality of basic services provided in four communities, with a view to elevating them to the status of Secondary Towns.
The Basic Needs Trust Fund ( BNTF) Programme that provides the infrastructure for direct delivery of basic public services to poor communities, is also funded by the CDB.
The project allows for a more socially inclusive development process. Sub-project activity includes provision of water systems, rural roads, drains and footpaths, schools, health facilities, market infrastructure and day-care centres and skills training.
The structural reforms have complemented efforts to reduce poverty and enhance growth and development.
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Meeting of Parliamentary Sectoral Committees to be held in Public
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005
The House today adopted the Motion to amend the Standing Orders of the Parliament so that meetings of the four Sectoral Committees and the Public Accounts Committee can be held in public or with the media present, except where these Committees determine otherwise. The National Assembly unanimously agreed to the Motion.
The four Sectoral Committees are Economic Services, Foreign Relations, Natural Resources and Social Services Committees.
Moving the Motion for the amendment, Minister with responsibility for Parliamentary Affairs Reepu Daman Persaud said, “The Motion creates greater democracy, transparency and allows the public to be involved in the work of the Assembly.” He said the Motion breaks with tradition and “opens new horizons.”
The Minister noted that when the Committees determine that their meetings should not be held in the public, such a decision should, as much as possible, be arrived at by consensus, failing which, a majority decision will be taken.
According to Minister Persaud, the Motion engaged discussions between the Government and Opposition. The Government and the Opposition are of the view that the matters addressed by the Committees should be debated in public.
Emphasising the decision to have meetings of the Public Accounts Committee open to the public, Minister Persaud said, “The Government must be accountable. When dealing with the funds of the nation, it must not be a private matter. It must be a public one,” he said
He lauded the leadership of Mr. Winston Murray who Chairs the Public Accounts Committee.
James McAllister of the PNCR gave his Party’s approval of the Motion, recalling that it was at a meeting of the Economic services Committee that the idea “took root’.
According to McAllister, last year, a member of the public was turned away from a meeting of the Committee and this led him to write the Speaker of the House requesting that the meetings of the Committees be held in public. This led to the Motion that was adopted today.
GAP/WPA Member of Parliament Sheila Holder gave her Party’s “wholehearted approval” of the Motion and said they hope to see more amendments in the future.
The Motion also provides that the meetings of the Parliamentary Management Committee should not be held in public.
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Four – lane highway 80 percent complete- contractor to be granted extension
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005.
A section of the four-lane highway under construction, EBD.
Eighty percent work has been completed on the East Bank Demerara four-lane highway, but the project’s scheduled date of completion has been extended due to several factors, according to Technical Adviser to the Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Walter Willis.
Major work completed to date is valued at US$ 6M and include the construction of roadways stretching from the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Peter’s Hall, to Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Street lights along the roadways have also been installed.
The project, which commenced in November, 2003, was scheduled for completion earlier this month. However, inclement weather, late delivery of essential materials, equipment breakdown and rise in fuel prices and cement, resulted in the contractor requesting an extension.
Willis said the Ministry of Public Works and Communication and the consultants decided that another 2 to 3 months is a reasonable extension period.
The US$16M project is being executed in two phases. Phase one entails construction of the four-lane highway, valued at US$10.6M, while phase two covers the construction of the West Bank Demerara road valued at US$5.4M, from Schoonord, (Demerara Harbour Bridge) to Vreed-en-Hoop intersection.
Under phase two, the construction of 270 metres roadway at Goed Fortuin will also be addressed. To date, half of the roadway has been completed and the contractor is currently working on the latter part.
Willis said savings from the project’s fund would be use to extend the road leading to the Cricket World Cup Stadium.
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Health officers meetings decide maternal care and malaria this year’s priority
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005
The health sector is expected to place emphasis on maternal mortality and morbidity and safe motherhood in the upcoming months, a decision taken by regional health officers and programme heads at a recent evaluation meeting for health officers across the country.
Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran at the close of the three-day meeting today at the Family Health International Building, Georgetown, said these decisions were taken following a review of the existing systems in light of the recent maternal mortality at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the New Amsterdam hospital. He said the Health Ministry is concerned over the number of maternal deaths
Doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), for the first time shared their experiences in maternal care and safe motherhood, Caesarian cases and diabetes in pregnant mothers.
Malaria treatment is another area to be addressed. This aspect will be integrated into the primary health care programme, moving away from the existing vertical system. Strong emphasis will be placed on training to ensure that more efficient malaria health care is provided.
Dr. Ramsarran said all health sectors pointed to the paucity of skilled staff which is affecting their health care delivery. He attributes this to the high attrition rate of skilled personnel. This, he said, is a challenge the Ministry has to rise to and it will identify ways to rectify this problem. This year, a number of trainee nurses will be recruited to improve the system.
The evaluative meeting held every six months, allows Health Officers from all ten administrative regions to evaluate the work completed for the foregoing period and plan for the upcoming months.
The meeting also reviewed child health care indicators in selected hospitals, the special eye-care project, recent works to improve drug stock management, primary health care and new approaches to mental health care among other critical issues across the health spectrum.
To improve the quality and efficiency of health workers, the Ministry will ensure that every doctor, nurse, medex and community health worker be trained in the management of special patients such as those with HIV/AIDS.
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Blood bank to be expanded
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005
The Ministry of Health has given high priority in its National Health Plan (NHP) to blood safety for transfusion. This resolution is emphasized by the development of national blood programmes and transfusion services and the expansion of its facilities.
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and United States Ambassador Roland Bullen turned the sod at a ground-breaking ceremony, last Tuesday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to mark the second phase of the expansion of the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) building.
The expansion of the blood bank comes as a result of collaborative efforts between t he Ministry of Health, the US Government and the Centre for Disease Control Prevention (CDC).
Ambassador Bullen said funds will be allocated this year for blood safety and additional funds will follow which would allow Guyana to build its blood testing capacity.
The increased awareness of the possibility of transmitting diseases such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis and the various forms of hepatitis has elevated the matter of the proper collection, screening, and use of bloodinto the realm of public health.
Minister Ramsammy said each day the Ministry is expanding and intensifying its response in providing safe blood for the prevention of blood-transmitted diseases. This expansion will mean improved facilities, increased works and capacity at the blood bank.
Public health regulations make provisions to screen blood for certain diseases which many countries do not include in its testing such as hepatitis C and Human T-cell leukemia virus (HLTV). " Guyana has started a few years ago intensifying its efforts by voluntarily adding screening for Hepatitis C and HLTV, " said Minister Ramsammy.
In 2004 the blood bank was able to screen 4000 units of blood and at the current rate this year, it will be able to screen an additional 1000 units.
"One centre in Georgetown cannot provide the services needed across the country and as a result the Ministry has begun a decentralisation process of the service and New Amsterdam and Linden are slated to have blood transfusion services," said the Health Minister.
To improve quality control, Minister Ramsammy said the Blood Bank has been a part of the proficiency testing adding that, "he is happy to say that by any standards the Blood bank proficiency testing results are of the highest quality, and I want to congratulate them."
Screening of blood to prevent transmission of diseases, for persons desirous of donating blood is critical and persons should know their HIV/AIDS status, hence the Ministry of Health has instituted a number of Voluntary Counselling and Testing Sites (VCT).
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Prime Minister pays tribute to Ian McDonald
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President, addresses the audience at a cocktail held at the Herdmanston House, on May 11, in recognition of Ian McDonald's 50 years of service in the Sugar Industry.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, executing the duties of President, attended a cocktail held at the Herdmanston House last evening, in tribute to Dr. Ian McDonald’s 50 years of service in the sugar industry.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the sterling contribution made by Dr. McDonald to the sugar industry in Guyana, and throughout the Caribbean. The invaluable role played by this sugar stalwart, the Prime Minister noted, will continue to impact positively on the industry, and his continued support will be much appreciated by all Guyanese.
Other speakers included the CARICOM Secretary General, Mr. Edwin Carrington, and Minister of Foreign Trade, Clement Rohee.
In his address to the audience, Dr. Ian McDonald expressed heartfelt thanks to his friends and colleagues for their kind words and support over the years. He indicated that 50 years in the sugar industry should in no way signal his departure, but in fact, reaffirm his commitment to sugar, and the sugar-cane industry in Guyana, and throughout the West Indies.
Dr. Ian McDonald was showered with kind words of appreciation, from friends and colleagues from several Caribbean islands, and further afield. ‘Walking encyclopedia of Caribbean sugar’, and ‘sugar enthusiast’ were a few of the titles bestowed upon the Chief Executive Officer of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean.
Born in Trinidad in 1933, Dr. Ian McDonald joined Bookers, in then British Guiana, in 1955, and has since served the local sugar industry, and provided support and advice to several Ministers of Foreign Trade, the most notable being Clement Rohee.
In addition to his endeavors in the sugar industry, Dr. McDonald also excelled in sport - he played lawn tennis at Wimbledon, captained the West Indian Davis Cup team, and was Guyana’s Sportsman of the Year in 1957.
A recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement national award, Dr. McDonald won the Guyana Prize for Literature in 1992, and has been a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, since 1970.
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Protocol to be signed for trade of agriculture produce to St. Lucia
Georgetown, GINA, May 12, 2005
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of St. Lucia, Ignatious Jean are slated to sign a protocol to allow for trade of fresh agriculture produce.
The signing will take place at the Ministry of Agriculture, Boardroom. The protocol is as a result of a visit from officials from the Plant Quarantine Department of St. Lucia last year to conduct field visit to farms.
The officials also inspected the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) packaging facility at Sophia, East Coast Demerara.
The trade of fresh produce was stimulated by the GMC’s participation in the Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition facilitated by Go-Invest in St. Lucia.
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