Government’s narco-trafficking fight an ongoing process
Georgetown, GINA, May 31, 2005
The Government of Guyana has started to recognize the threat of narcotic-trafficking and measures are being put in place to curb this illegal trade.
Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Embassy, Anthony Interlandi made this statement while addressing the second Guyana Press Association lecture series held at the Demerara Mutual Life Conference Room recently.
Large quantities of cocaine have been seized at the main port of entry, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, due to frequent detection by members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Police Force Narcotics Branch.
The completion of the Master Anti-Drug Plan was also commended by the Deputy Chief of Mission. It is a five-year plan aimed at fighting drug trafficking, drug addiction, money laundering and other related crimes.
“It has been adopted by Cabinet and is undergoing amendment. The Guyana public awaits its enactment and full implementation,” Interlandi told the media operatives.
Another initiative undertaken by Government to curb narco-trafficking is the establishment of a Financial Intelligence Unit to track narco-money and suspicious transactions.
According to Interlandi, to date the Unit has conducted preliminary investigations on approximately 28 cases. The preparation of draft legislation related to terrorists, finance and money laundering are also being addressed by the Unit.
Over the past few years, Guyana is said to be one of the countries used as an in-transit route for drugs on the way to mainly Europe and North America markets. This situation has worsened with the ongoing narcotics war taking place in Colombia
To this end Government has been intensifying its efforts through various anti-narcotics agencies to curb this illegal trade.
Cocaine and marijuana being destroyed by CANU ranks, before being dumped into the Atlantic ocean.
Some measures taken by the Government since 1992 to tackle narco-trafficking are:
- The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) was established in 1995 in a bid to step up the fight against narco-trafficking.
- The CANU unit has a good working partnership with Drug Enforcement Agencies in countries in the Caribbean such as Puerto Rico, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and cooperation with neighbouring countries Venezuela and Brazil. The Anti-narco Bureau of the Brazilian Federal Police is one of the agencies involved. CANU is now in the process of establishing stronger links with Suriname.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formalized links with other countries worldwide. This is mandatory under the United Nations treaty to establish links in the anti- narcotic drug fight.
- There is a United Kingdom liaison officer in Trinidad and Tobago, with responsibility for Guyana. This collaboration has seen success in operations and is based on the sharing of information to control narco-trafficking.
- Guyana is an active participant of the Regional Drug Squad Commanders (RDSC), established in 1993, and meets annually to look at recommendations to curb narco-trafficking. Operations Summer Storm and Hurricane are two of several operations in which Guyana participated.
- Each year officers from the Guyana Police Force and CANU undergo intense training in narcotic investigations. To date, more than 430 officers have benefited from this training. Financial support for training comes from the European Union, United States, United Kingdom and Canada, as part of the bilateral cooperation agreement.
- Guyanese anti-narcotics officers benefit from training organised by the Caribbean Regional Drug Law Enforcement Centre (REDTRACK) in Jamaica, and also in Trinidad and Tobago, the USA and Brazil.
- As a result of enhanced capacity, there is more frequent detection. More than 151,000 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa were seized since 1992 with over 3,200 cases made, and with more than 3,700 persons being charged by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Narcotics Branch and CANU.
- More than 9,000 kilogrammes of cocaine were seized with over 1,300 cases made, and over 1,500 persons have been charged with the offence by the GPF Narcotics Branch and CANU.
- In April 2001, Guyana and the United States signed a Shiprider Agreement to suppress illicit traffic by sea and air.
- On July 23, 2003, the National Assembly passed the Maritime Drug Trafficking (Suppression) Bill 2003.
- Guyana plays an active role in the Regional Task Force on Crime and Security in which Ministers and Attorneys General with the responsibility for national security within the Caribbean hold meetings in an effort to control illegal activities.
- Guyana is also linked to INTERPOL, one of the world's biggest co-ordinator of drug interdiction. The Narcotics Unit also plays an active role in the World Customs Organization.
- Television cameras have been placed at all ports of entry to monitor the activities of what is going on at these locations. These cameras are monitored at various locations by the Guyana Revenue Authority and other law enforcement bodies.
- Recently, ranks from CANU and the Police Force became members of the "6 Frontiers", initially six countries bordering Brazil - Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Argentina. However, with Guyana becoming a member, it is now the "7 Frontiers" in fighting narco-trafficking.
Government officials have made it clear that the fight against the narco-trade will receive priority attention. The administration continues to seek cooperation and support from friendly countries and related counter-narcotics bodies.
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Moruca Day aquatics…
- Santa Rosa emerges winner of novelty boat tug-o-war
Georgetown, GINA, May 31, 2005
Boat tug-o-war at Moruca Day 2005 aquatics.(OP photo by Sandra Prince)
Boat tug-o-war was introduced at Moruca Day aquatics and turned out to be the most exciting of the day’s sports activities.
Moruca Day 2005 was declared open by Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford on May 28, at Aquero, Moruca, Region One (Barima/Waini).
The boat tug-o-war competition was among male and female athletes of the six communities Waramuri, Assakata, Manawarin, Santa Cruz, Warapoka and Santa Rosa.
The scores at the end of the adventurous races were 56, 39, 56, 49 and 52 respectively, with Santa Rose emerging the winner at 75 points.
Minister Jennifer Westford presents the first place trophy to winner of the senior male swimming competition.(OP photo by Sandra Prince)
They also competed at canoeing. Waramuri won in the junior male category, while Warapoka won in the senior male category. Santa Rosa copped the trophies for the junior and senior female categories.
The swimming competition posed stiff rivalry, but the Santa Rosa swimmers dominated and captured most of the first prizes in the various categories of that competition.
The Santa Rosa contestant also walked away with the crown for the Miss Moruca beauty pageant and the first prize for the archery competition.
Minister Westford later presented the trophies and monetary prizes to the winners of the aquatics.
At Kumaka there were volleyball and archery competitions.
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President Jagdeo visits Waramuri for the first time
Wraps up Moruca visit
Georgetown, GINA, May 31, 2005
Residents who gathered at the Waramuri Primary School for the community meeting hosted by the President. (OP photo by Sandra Prince)
Residents of Waramuri and other parts of the Moruca Sub-Region, Region One (Barima/Waini) will benefit from improved Government services following the visit of president Bharrat Jagdeo and several of his Ministers to the Region from May 27 through 29.
The Head of State hosted his final community meeting on May 29 at Waramuri, an Amerindian community on the right bank of the Moruca River, eight miles from Aquero. There he made several commitments to residents especially in the health, education and agriculture sectors.
In the education sectors, the Head of State committed to building a nursery school at Haimaracabra, an Amerindian community some 10 miles from Waramuri. Children attending primary school from this area have to travel by boat or canoe to and fro Waramuri daily, a task the President agreed was tiresome. At present about 190 students travel this distance daily. The President confirmed Government’s approval for a primary school to house 200 pupils.
He told the Regional Executive Officer Ishwar Das to have the construction begin within the next four months since Government will release the money shortly. The Haimaracabra resident also requested a health hut, as they have a trained Community Health Worker. The President agreed to allocate $1M for its construction to be done by residents themselves.
Waramuri residents requested a secondary school in that area, and the Head of State said Government cannot build another secondary school in the Sub-Region, but the dormitory at the Moruca Secondary School is being extended to accommodate more students from Waramuri.
A resident from Parakese requested assistance to ‘dam a bridge’. He said that this passage way is being used by more than 200 residents, many of whom are children attending school. The community has tried repeatedly to maintain the existing bridge, at a high cost. The President agreed to give that community another $1M.
Requests were also made for assistance to clean the Moruca River and the Regional Democratic Council has to provide Central Government with a cost before any money can be allocated.
The women’s group in Moruca will be assisted with sewing machines and materials, as requested, while the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will be working with the women to boost the quality of their work to meet international standard. Markets can then be sought for their art and craft.
The sports group in the area will also receive some gear, to assist youths to develop their talents
Addressing residents, the Head of State noted the developments in Moruca.
“I am very pleased to see, because I have been coming to this Region for a long time, every time that I come, I see the evidence of moving forward.”
The President told Waramuri residents that Government is working to introduce Computer Science in hinterland schools.
“We are going to start getting some computers to the children. Even on this trip I met with students and they requested computers and we are going to get that to them,” he said.
The Head of State expressed appreciation to the residents of Waramuri for affording their children an opportunity to benefit from an education. There are more than 400 pupils in the primary school at Waramuri. Many of the children also attend the Secondary School in Moruca and several other nursery schools.
He explained to parents that many of them might have been in a disadvantaged position in terms of access to education. Therefore it is critical that they ensure their children attend school.
“Even when things may be here and you need them at home, please encourage them, give them the support to go to school. On our side, we are going to continue to invest in education as much as possible.”
On the issue of health care, he said, “Although we have improved the facilities a lot, we still have a far way to go.”
Residents also requested technical assistance in the field of agriculture. They suggested that if experts were to visit and provide professional advice, then their produce would be of a better standard.
The Head of State said that it might be better if the villages submit names of qualified young people who could be trained at the Guyana School of Agriculture and upon their return to the communities, train other residents. Residents also requested chemicals to spray Acoushi ants, which have been destroying their crops.
Waramuri is an isolated community from the others in the Moruca Sub-Region and its Captain David Newsum has requested that the Administration look at the possibility of supplying electricity. The President noted that this is quite costly because of the high fuel prices, but the possibility will be examined at a later date.
Another concern of residents is the hassle to access old-aged pension. Minister Rodrigues said that her Ministry will examine the possibility of the postal services that presently operates from Santa Rosa, visiting Waramuri once a month to deliver the pension.
Also present at that meeting were Amerindian Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues, Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Manzoor Nadir and Lecturer at the University of Guyana Dr. Desriee Fox, the first Amerindian woman in Guyana’s history to have attained such a high level of education.
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San Jose Bridge commissioned
Georgetown, GINA, May 31, 2005
President Bharrat Jagdeo during his recent trip to Moruca, Region One, (Barima/Waini) commissioned the San Jose Bridge, which residents have been awaiting for some time.
The bridge project was earmarked years ago at an estimated cost of $11.3M.
However, while the project was being executed, some problems evolved. President Jagdeo had committed to residents that he would allocate the money to have the bridge completed. However, the implementation of the Head of State’s promised was delayed.
Shortly before his trip to Moruca, the San Jose Bridge was completed, linking Kumaka and Santa Rosa in Moruca.
This has significantly eased travel for residents, as they can now walk, instead of having to use a boat across the Moruca River.
On Saturday, May 31, 2005, President Jagdeo, Amerindian Affairs Minister and residents of Moruca witnessed children of Moruca cutting the ribbon to the bridge. The new cost of the San Jose Bridge is $18M.
The San Jose Bridge was once a flat wooden structure across the Moruca River, but it is now engineered into an arc structure to permit easier access to riverain traffic. The bridge, which was once accessible by foot, is now open to vehicles. With this structure, patients from Santa Rosa, which has a population of about 7,500, can now access the Kumaka Hospital.
H.E. President Bharrat Jagdeo and Amerindian Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues at the commissioning of the San Jose Bridge. Office of the President photo by Sandra Prince
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Medical outreaches continue country-wide
Georgetown, GINA, May 31, 2005
The Ministry of Health continues to coordinate medical outreach exercises countrywide, in an effort to target residents who cannot easily access medical services. Hundreds of Guyanese benefit from free medical services offered during these exercises.
Last weekend, a team headed by Coordinator, Coastland Communities Regional Health Services, Harrichand Ramu was at Unity Health Centre, East Coast Demerara, where 191 persons were examined and treated, basically for skin diseases and respiratory infections. The residents were drawn from several surrounding communities in the Mahaica area.
Accompanying Medex Ramu on the medical outreach programme were Coordinator Indigenous People’s Community Patricia Singh; Medical Director of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) Dr. Kampta Prashad; Georgetown Public Hospital’s Dr. Nelson Sinclair, Pharmacist Peggy Jegroo Assistant Pharmacist Janet Dhanpaul and Medex Mohani Acchar.
“The aim of such an exercise is to help persons where there is no Medex stationed at the health centre,” said Ramu.
He also acknowledged the support given by Officials of the British organization (OXFAM). They provided transportation for the medical team.
Meanwhile, in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), a team headed by Patricia Singh also visited eight communities to assess their medical needs.
“These villages are located in remote areas without the services of a Medex, as you know, in Amerindian communities there are Community Health Workers and it is our mandate to have every Guyanese access our medical services,” said Ms. Singh.
Awaruwaunau, Maruranau, Parishara, Nappi, Wowetta, Rupertee, Aranaputa and Toka were the villages visited by the medical team.
Government has been very responsive in implementing services to ensure that every Guyanese has unlimited access to quality health care in the country.
Three weeks ago a medical team treated residents of Mosquito Hall, East Coast Demerara, mostly for skin infections.
Prior to that, a high-level medical team visited Port Kaituma following an outbreak of acute diarrhoea.
Members of the medical team interact with villagers from Parishara, Region Nine.
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Join the anti-smoking campaign”- Minister Ramsammy urges on World No Tobacco Day
Georgetown, GINA, May 31, 2005
On World ‘No Tobacco Day’, today, observed under the theme “The Role of health professionals on Tobacco control”, Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy is calling on health professionals and other stakeholders to commit themselves to an anti-smoking campaign.
Minister Ramsammy said this day also identifies a role for the health professionals, and the Ministry through its health promotion department sought their involvement in the anti-smoking fight. To date, 57 health workers have pledged their support for the campaign.
“We are asking health professionals to encourage everyone not to start smoking and to stop smoking and we are asking them to lead by example. We also need to create a support base,” the Minister said at a press conference held in the Ministry’s Boardroom. Also in attendance was Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation, (PAHO/WHO) Resident Representative, Dr. Bernadette Theodore Gandi.
“Smoking is dangerous to the health of a person, but what is more serious is someone being exposed to second hand smoking; this caused approximately 4.9M deaths last year so I am urging smokers to stop smoking.”
Expressing PAHO/WHO’s support for Government’s fight against smoking; Dr. Gandi said the focus this year is being placed on health professionals becoming more active and also on the issue of second hand smoking. Health professionals will also be tasked with getting the message out to the Guyanese population.
She added that in 2003 a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was signed at the World Health Assembly. This convention is the first public health treaty whereby countries in the world made a commitment to control the damage caused by tobacco and its impact on health.
She said that tobacco advertisements are targeting mainly youths and this is encouraging smoking. “So we are asking health professionals because health professionals are very influential to encourage young people not to smoke.” Dr. Gandi said.
Minister Ramsammy said that this year’s ‘World No Tobacco Day’ is of more significance since 192 countries have agreed to the framework Convention on tobacco Control adding that it takes 40 countries to ratify in order to become a legal instrument. To date, 65 countries have done so.
He said that Guyana has already indicated its intention to PAHO/WHO and that the instrument is already prepared and in the possession of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He added that countries worldwide have until November 25 this year to accede or ratify.
The Health Minister explained that in observance of ‘World No Tobacco Day’ focus will be placed on the FCTC, and over the next few days, the Ministry will be highlighting specific aspects with regards to this issue.
There are more that 75,000 scientific papers and hundreds of thousands of articles educating the public and demonstrating the negative impact of smoking.
Evidence shows that smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. Tobacco use is the cause of the majority of lung cancers. Other health risks associated with tobacco include heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases; bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases, as well as infertility.
Minister Ramsammy said if something is not done immediately by the year 2020 an estimated 10M people will die directly because of smoking.
Explaining Guyana’s progress to protect its citizens, Minister Ramsammy said that the Ministry has developed a ‘No Smoking Programme’ which will be undertaken by the Adolescents and Health and Wellness department in the Ministry which was established last year. This programme focuses on adolescents but the Minister said the other groups will not be excluded.
The Ministry acknowledges that there are thousands of Guyanese who are smoking and, “we can’t leave them alone, we have to work with them that is why we are developing a special programme to aid people to stop smoking,” Minister Ramsammy said.
In order to monitor what is happening with the youths, Guyana has become part of an international survey called that Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), a collaborative effort between Government and PAHO/WHO.
While many countries worldwide did their survey in 2002 to 2003, Guyana fast- tracked its survey as it considered this to be priority. Guyana’s first survey was done in 2000 and was repeated in 2004.
The survey revealed that 32 percent of students from primary two to four admitted to be smoking, 35 percent of children buy cigarettes and 44 percent smoke at home.
As part of the Adolescents Health and Wellness programme, Guyana will now be conducting the survey every two years and this will be combined in the various health programmes.
Minister Ramsammy is calling on members of the public to implement “Smoke Free zones” voluntarily since this will create a healthier environment for everyone. He is also urging students to work with their Head teachers, members of the Parent Teachers’ Association and teachers to voluntarily make the schools “Smoke Free Zones.”
According to information from the internet, World No Tobacco Day is the first and only global event established to raise the awareness of the international impact of tobacco use to promote a tobacco-free environment.
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Childhood illness programme- the focus of health workers training programme
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
Georgetown, GINA, May 31, 2005
Health Workers across the country are now benefiting from an Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) training programme now ongoing at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), Region Three.
Following an evaluative workshop for Regional Health Officers and Programme Heads the decision was taken for focus to be placed on infant mortality, morbidity and safe motherhood this year.
According to Maternal Child Health Director of the Ministry of Health and facilitator of the programme, Dr. Janice Woolford, the programme which was launched yesterday is a collaborative effort between the Government of Guyana, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The aim of the training is to reduce infant mortality rate by recognizing early signs of illness. The programme is expected to be completed next week.
Dr. Woolford noted that the training will enable the health workers to better manage children with communicable diseases such as Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), diarrhoea, malnutrition, anaemia, identification of HIV/AIDS and recognition of malaria.
Dr. Woolford said upon completion of the programme the doctors and health professionals will have to undergo clinical sessions at the WDRH before returning to their respective regions. She said there are approximately 30 doctors and health workers from the regions including two doctors from Suriname who are participating in the training programme.
Participants are drawn from regions, one, three, four, five, seven, eight, and ten. Training programmes for regions two, nine and six were completed recently.
TOP Ethnic Relations Commission Expands Range of Investigations
Georgetown , GINA, May 31, 2005
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has undertaken to broaden the spectrum of inquiries under its current mandate.
According to the Commission’s chairman Bishop Juan Edghill, the focus has so far been on employment practices, awarding of scholarships and land distribution. The Commission will now be extending its focus to the public tendering process, contracts and procurement.
Edghill noted that investigations have so far been confined to the public sector and included inquiries into a profusion of ministries and government institutions. He added that to date no proven case of ethnic prejudice has been discovered.
According to Edghill, most of the issues surfaced were simple matters, which could be addressed by trade unions. These bodies he said need to be more proactive about the defense of their workers. Edghill said he has received a plethora of complaints from employees about union representatives who come only when elections are due.
In addition, the Commission will be commencing inquiries within the private sector beginning with commercial banks. The Commission plans to
examine the process by which persons gain economic access as well as employment within the banking sector.
The ERC has started a programme targeting Guyanese youths. The programme was launched under the theme ‘Breaking down walls of partition, building bridges, youths Guyana’s hope for racial harmony.’
Under this programme the Commission has held film festivals aimed at sensitizing youths to ethnic ills in our society. Thirteen schools in Georgetown have so far been targeted, three in Region Three, four in Region One. Six youth groups have also participated in the programme.
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Government ensuring improved facilities at Ports
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Anthony Xavier
Georgetown, GINA, May 31, 2005.
Most Port facilities in Guyana are in compliance with International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code (ISPS), which became effective on July 1 2004, as Government continues the process of ensuring the improvement of all facilities to meet the requirements of international standards.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Anthony Xavier said that in addition to being the ‘watchdog’ body of Port facilities, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications ensures that the ships’ channels are dredged to keep them desilted.
“This is a continuous process to ensure the accommodation of huge vessels, especially cruise ships,” Minister Xavier said.
The Minister said that the arrival of a number of cruise ships to the country is testimony of Government's commitment to the improvement of facilities in Guyana, adding that, this is also a boost for the tourism sector.
On the first anniversary of the implementation of the ISPS, President of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester said all Governments are giving priority to areas of maritime development and many ports are looking at ways to improve their terminal facilities so that they can handle bigger ships and more cruise ship passengers.
The CSA President also said cruise shipping is a major contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of many Caribbean countries, positing that, if the cruise business develops, then those involved in the cargo business will also do well.
Last year, two cruise ships, Minerva II and the Hanseatic docked in Guyana with over 225 tourists, while for this year two have already arrived, the Clipper Adventurer and the MV Bremmer. Over 400 European tourists are expected to arrive on the German cruise ship, MV Columbus in November.
The CSA President also called on members, which are signatories to the ISPS code to ensure that their Port security plans are kept current.
The Shipping Association of Guyana, through a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) project ensures that various Port facilities in Guyana are in compliance with the ISPS code.
Recently, a Jamaican Shipping Consultant of the CIDA project, Leighton Benett, was in Guyana for inspection and evaluation of Ports. Benett inspected Ports in Georgetown and Berbice to ensure that the facilities are still in compliance.
According to Project Manger-Shipping Association, Ian D’Anjou the feedback by the consultant was positive though there were some shortcomings, which were general throughout the Caribbean. These, he said, are being rectified.
The ISPS code was instituted worldwide by the International Maritime Organsiation (IMO) to prevent the spread of terrorism through shipping.
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President Jagdeo meets visiting Indian Parliamentarians
His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo meets with the delegation from India led by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Ghulam Nabi Azad at Office of the President.
Georgetown, GINA, May 31, 2005
President Bharrat Jagdeo today met the thirteen-member Indian Parliamentary Delegation, which is visiting Guyana from May 30 to June 2, 2005.
The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Head of State at the Office of the President, New Garden Street, Georgetown.
The Governing Union Coalition Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Urban Development Galam Nabi Asad is leading the visiting delegation.
Earlier today, the Indian Parliamentarians met members of the National Assembly and staffers at the CARICOM Headquarters. Later today, they will pay courtesy calls on Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition Mr. Robert Corbin.
The delegation was received at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri last evening by Guyana’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Reepu Daman Persaud.
President Jagdeo is expected to host a lunch in honour of the Indian delegation at State House.
During the visit, the delegation will also visit the new CARICOM Secretariat building at Liliendaal and the cricket stadium site, at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
India has provided substantial financial support for the construction of the stadium and has also offered to computerize the CARICOM Secretariat.
Guyana’s relations with India date back to its pre-independence era. The Speaker’s chair in the Parliament Chambers is a gift from the Government and people of India.
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Parliamentary delegation from India starts hectic two-day visit
The visiting delegation from India with Deputy Secretary General of CARICOM Ambassador Lolita Applewaite (fourth from left) and India’s High Commissioner to Guyana Avinash Gupta to her left. The delegation visited the CARICOM Headquarters, Turkeyen. (A GINA/Ameer Khan Photo)
Georgetown , GINA, May 31, 2005.
A thirteen member delegation from India, including nine Parliamentarians, headed by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Urban Development Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad arrived in Guyana last evening for a two day visit.
This morning the delegation met with the Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, Guyana's Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Reepu Daman Persaud, Mr. Winston Murray of the Opposition PNCR and other Members of Parliament, at the Parliament Office.
According to Mr. Ramkarran, the visit will serve to bring the Indian delegation up to date with what is happening in both Guyana and India. He noted that there have been tangible areas of cooperation between the Parliaments of India and Guyana, particularly in the area of training where during his tenure as Speaker of the House, three staff of the Parliament were sent for short-term training in India.
According to Minister Persaud, the visit is timely and opportune. He said these exchanges are always advantageous.
"They can go a far way, not only in strengthening relationships, but probably we can share our experiences," he said.
The Minister noted that India has made available training for the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly.
The Minister also pointed out that India is one of the largest democracies in the world and Guyana can learn and benefit tremendously from sharing in activities with the Indian Parliamentarians.
India's High Commissioner to Guyana Avinash Gupta who was at the airport to greet the visiting delegation, shared the sentiments of Minister Persaud in that India is one of the largest democracies.
According to High commissioner Gupta, the visit is at two levels, that of the Government which is represented by the visiting Minister and that of the people, which is represented by the Members of Parliament.
He noted that the Members of Parliament in the delegation come from various location and they represent various Constituencies.
Today, the delegation also visited the recently handed over CARICOM Secretariat building at Turkeyen.
During a visit to Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Trade K.D. Knights and Secretary General of CARICOM Edwin Carrington to India in 2003, it was agreed that the Indian Government would computerise the Secretariat.
An agreement to this effect was later signed and in February this year, TATA InfoTech of India started the project.
Computerisation of the Secretariat will see the installation of state-of-the-art technology utilising the latest in desktop, laptop, servers and wireless internet connection.
The system will be able to run current and new systems of the Secretariat and comes with back-up electrical power.
TATA InfoTech is scheduled to complete the installation of the system by July this year at which time the staff of the Secretariat is expected to occupy the building.
The delegation also met with Prime Minister Samuel Hinds this afternoon at his office,
before meeting with Leader of the Opposition Mr. Robert Corbin and other members of the PNCR at Congress Place, Sophia.
Guyana and India established formal diplomatic relations in May 1966 when Guyana gained independence and, over the years, Guyana has benefited tremendously from India.
Last year India donated a demonstration vehicle to be used for teaching entrepreneurs agro-processing at the cottage industry level.
The gift was agreed, to at the Third Session of the Guyana/India Joint Commission in New Delhi and comes under the Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation Programme (ITEC).
Guyana also received a number of solar power pumps to be used in rural communities to boost water supply.
Guyana/India relations date back to 1838 when the first batch of Indian indentured immigrants arrived on two ships, the Hesperus and the Whitby.
Today the descendants of these indentured immigrants occupy positions in every strata of the Guyanese society.
In 1974, the two countries signed a cultural agreement and in 1977, the Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Co-operation between Guyana and India was signed.
In 2001, there was an agreement for co-operation in the fields of science and technology between the Institute of Science and Technology of Guyana and the Council of Science and Industrial Research of India.
In January, 2004, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research for collaborative research in Agriculture.
That MoU covered collaboration in the crop and dairy sectors in activities such as hybridization technologies in rice, sugarcane, vegetables, tropical fruits and mushrooms.
It also provided for collaboration in the areas of organic agriculture, integrated nutrient management, integrated pest management, water management and agricultural mechanisation.
India also increased ITEC training allocation from 15 to 35 for Guyanese scholars, and last year over 30 Guyanese went to India far for training in various establishments.
India also agreed to give financial assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium in Georgetown up to a grant ceiling of US$6 million, and a soft loan of $16 million, to enable Guyana to host Cricket World Cup 2007 matches.
Work on the stadium is progressing and Guyana is one of the countries selected to host the second round of matches in Cricket World Cup 2007.
During the August 2003 visit of President Jagdeo to India, an agreement was signed for establishing a Joint Business Council.
In January 2004, during the Presidential visit to India, both countries agreed to the early conclusion of a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement to create a congenial commercial and economic environment.
Like Guyana, India is a large producer of agricultural products. India is the world’s second largest producer of rice and also ranks first in production of sugar, coconuts and bananas.
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No consultations on appointment of Home Affairs Minister – Information Liaison
Georgetown, GINA, May
Reports by sections of the media that his Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo is consulting with Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin on the appointment of a substantive Minister of Home Affairs are erroneous.
Information Liaison to the President, Robert Persaud said that those reports are false.
“The President of Guyana has indicated that Minister Gail Teixeira will act as the Minister of Home Affairs until a substantive appointment is made,” Persaud said.
He pointed out that Ministerial appointments are at the sole discretion of the Head of State.
Persaud added that the mix up could have come about since consultations are ongoing between President Jagdeo and Corbin on the appointment of a new Chancellor of the Judiciary.
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