Local Government representatives to attend FCM general conference in Canada
Georgetown , GINA, June 01, 2005
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud will lead a five-member team to Canada where they will attend an annual General Conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) beginning tomorrow.
The conference will take place in St. John's, New Found Land and will involve the Local Government representatives meeting their counterparts in Canada.
The team will, subsequent to the conference, tour various locations in Canada including Halifax, Nova Scotia and Lunenburg to have a first hand look at the operations of the Towns. They will also tour several water treatment plants and solid waste recycling facilities.
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ganga Persaud will lead the team along with Georgetown's Deputy Mayor, Robert Williams (who will be representing the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM), and Town Clerks of New Amsterdam, Corriverton and Anna Regina.
The visit was made possible through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Municipal Governance and Management Programme (MGMP).
In November, 2004, the Local Government Ministry and the six municipalities of Guyana
received donations in the form of four computers and disbursements totalling $3.3M under the MGMP. The programme is a CIDA-funded joint venture between the Governments of Guyana and Canada, and executed by the FCM. The funds, the municipalities received, were to be made available on a monthly basis until the end of the programme.
Under MGMP, 21 projects were approved for implementation. Among these were the Municipal Agenda Support, Assistance to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Municipal Direction Project. This support for the Ministry totalled $33M.
The conference concludes on June 06.
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Guyana Embassy in Brussels observed Guyana's Independence
Georgetown , GINA, June 01, 2005
Activities to mark Guyana's 39 th Independence did not only take place in Guyana. The Guyana Embassy in Brussels, Belgium on May 27, hosted a social event to mark the occasion.
The event also focused on exploring the formation of a Guyana-Belgium Association. Participants were also afforded the opportunity to sample products made from Guyana's sugar. As part of the event, some of Guyana's finest rums were displayed as well as food items depicting Guyana's many races and cultures.
Those attending the event included Ambassadors, distinguished members of the Belgian community and several Guyanese Nationals.
The function included an address by Guyanese Attorney-at-Law and Senior Lecturer at the Inns of Court School of Law, Gray's Inn in London, Colin Bobb-Semple.
During his address, Bobb Semple, being a founder member of the Guyana Law Association (UK) shared his experience and advice for the proposed launching of the Guyana-Belgium Friendship Association.
Prior to the formal event, there was an informal discussion earlier in the day. The discussion was centred on sugar production in Guyana, its challenges and transformation. This was organised by Guyana's Ambassador, Dr. Patrick Gomes. The aim of the discussion was to review the future of the sugar industry and ways of working towards a clearer understanding of the sugar trade, global agricultural development, and policy options for Guyana as a small economy.
Presentations were made by Dr. John Deep Ford of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Paul Goodison of the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), and Dr. Riyad Insanally, GUYSUCO Trade representative attached to the Guyana High Commission in London.
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Guyana attends Meteorological meeting in Argentina
Georgetown, GINA, June 01, 05
Chief Hydrometeorological Officer, Dilip Jaigopaul is presently attending a meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The two-day (June 1-2) meeting is being held under the theme, "Earth Observation Partnership of the Americas Satellite Data User's Workshop."
The meeting will help Guyana to "strengthen efforts within the Americas to utilise each others research and operational Earth observation data, both Satellite and original format."
The meeting is being sponsored by the 'Commission On National Actividades Especiales (CONEA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
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New study in solar kiln drying techniques will help wood producers
Georgetown, GINA, June 1, 2005
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh
Government continues to boost the quality of furniture produced by local manufacturers through the use of ‘solar kiln drying techniques.’
Under the theme, “A comparison of the drying times and rates of three tropical hardwood species using conventional air-drying and solar kiln methods,” a lecture was held yesterday at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Guyana.
The objective of the lecture was to sensitise small and large furniture manufacturers on the poor quality of product using wet timber.
Additionally participants were informed that furniture will deteriorate due to the loss of moisture and will become susceptible to infestation, if not properly dried.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh who made one of the presentations said the method was one that was timely and would add value to the product. He reiterated that with the new techniques, the value of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would be increased.
He said that the “launching of the ‘solar kiln drying techniques’ can only add to the many activities developing in the agriculture sector.
“We recognise research, which is an important part of the agri-sector,” he said.
However, he cautioned them “research ought not to remain within the confines of the University.”
Minister Sawh also stressed, “Research and its complications have to be translated to the most important chain, linking he chain of production that will assist the farmers in the field.”
He said, “For me, the most important thing is the farmers who have to translate the findings into the field that will have a tremendous impact not only on themselves but for poor rural communities also.”
He noted, “Value added product is one of the benefits of the solar kiln drying techniques.” However, he pointed out that manufacturers should utilise the resources and utilise the results of this initiative seriously to be competitive in the furniture industry.
He stressed that “one of the Government’s major policies is to place emphasis on sustainable exploitation of forest and its resources.”
He also explained that soon the Barama Company and Variety Woods are on the verge of being certified as ‘sustainable exploiting forest product companies.’
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of he University of Guyana, Al Creighton said, “it is an important moment of the launching of the solar kiln drying techniques at the University of Guyana it will benefit the students of the university who will be entering World of work soon.”
Creighton said, “In the context of goals, the university is now perfecting a strategic development plan that is to get documentation to set down a path that will take us in the future of perfecting the quality of forest product produced locally and overseas.”
Creighton said, “It is an illustration of the path that he University is taking as part of its research development that will help wood producers.”
The study is aimed at improving, expanding and disseminating the knowledge of using the dry kiln techniques in the furniture industry.
The study will also be a significant benefit to the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry where the information will be used to train furniture manufacturers, in the use and maintenance of solar kilns.
The Guyana Forestry Commission will provide the policy to support the drying of timber used in the furniture industry.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards could also enact the standards on the minimum moisture content of wood used in furniture manufacture.
Students of the Faculty will also benefit, as the information collected can be used as a base for teaching solar drying techniques as part of the course in wood utilization.
Over the years, Government in collaboration with the private sector has initiated a number of programmes aimed at helping small and large furniture entrepreneurs. These include training, loans and duty-free concessions to enable the industry to move forward.
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Medium-term drainage and irrigation works to start soon
-Task Force
Georgetown, GINA, June 1, 2005
The emergency works planned by the Drainage and Irrigation Task Force will soon be completed, paving way for the medium term programme, head of the Task Force, Ravi Naraine, said yesterday.
Engineer Richard Allsopp said that very soon the Task Force would be embarking on the medium-term works, which include the further strengthening of the emergency works currently ongoing at the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC).
The medium-term work would also provide effective drainage of excess water that is retained on the land. He said that at the Conservancy, they would further strengthen the dam, and canals will be dug. He explained that if there were any eventuality of an overtopping of the dam, measures would be taken and equipment deployed to quickly drain water off the land via the main canals.
He pointed out that they would continue to maintain the outfalls around the clock, even after the mid-August.
The Task Force Head, Allsopp and Liaison between the donor agencies and the Task Force, Bob Goodyear has expressed satisfaction with the works that have been completed by the contractors, noting that they have worked at a rapid pace.
Goodyear explained that $800M was allocated by Government and the donor agencies, 30 contracts have been awarded while Regions Three, Four and Five have awarded 100 contracts for drainage works.
Goodyear said that at the Koffi head regulator, they have rehabilitated a canal leading into the Demerara River to drain excess water at a faster rate. Similar rehabilitation has been undertaken at Cunha and Shanks canals.
Additionally, rehabilitation works to sluices mainly on the East Coast Demerara, have been substantially completed.
Contracts have been awarded for the maintenance of outfalls. Continuing, Goodyear also pointed out that works to the Cunha head regulator and Kofi embankment would soon be completed, while works to three sluices on the East Coast Demerara have been completed. Two sluices having minor works yet to be done, adding that those works would be completed by the end of June.
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President hosts Indian delegation to Lunch
Team visits cricket stadium site
Georgetown, GINA, June 1, 2005
Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford and Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy share a light moment with India’s High Commissioner to Guyana Avinash Gupta and other members of the Indian delegation at State House.
President Bharrat Jagdeo today hosted a lunch in honour of the visiting Indian delegation that includes nine Parliamentarians. The lunch was held at State House. invitees included Guyana’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Reepu Daman Persaud, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport and Home Affairs (ag) Gail Teixeira, Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Doodnauth Singh, Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon and Members of Parliament Pauline Sukhai and Feroze Mohamed. India’s High Commissioner to Guyana Avinash Gupta was also present.
Earlier today, the visiting delegation toured the cricket stadium site at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara.
The Indian Government has provided financial assistance to the tune of US$25 million for the construction of the state of the art facility.
Six million is by way of grant and $19 million by way of concessionary loan.
The stadium is being constructed by the Indian construction company Shapoorji Pallonji.
At a ceremony held in their honour, Minister Teixeira said it is a proud moment to have the Indian delegation here. She expressed the hope that at on their return, the delegation would be able to report to the Indian Government and Parliament that “things are going well.”
The Minister recalled that in 2003 and 2004, when Guyana expressed a desire to host World Cup matches, the country was faced with the need to source finance for the construction of the stadium.
She noted that the Indian Government came forward when approached and this developed to the point where Guyana is now considered one of the premier host-country, in terms of being on schedule.
According to Minister Teixeira, India’s assistance has been critical for Guyana to be able to bid to host matches and for the start of construction.
High Commissioner Gupta congratulated the West Indies under the leadership of Guyanese Shivnarine Chanderpaul who with his magnificent scores contributed to the victory over Pakistan.
He said this may be a demonstration that the bad phase of the West Indies is over.
India’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Urban Development Ghalam Nabi Azad who is leading the delegation, noted that Guyana and India share many similarities, especially cricket. He said when the teams play here for Cricket World Cup 2007, the Indian people at home will not only be looking at the team but at the stadium.
He noted that the project will bring the peoples of India and Guyana closer together.
Before lunch the delegation also visited the National Museum where they examined records of the early East Indians who came to Guyana and the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre.
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Kuru Kuru Training Centre and Kuru Kuru Cooperative College two different entities – CY&S Ministry
Georgetown, GINA, June 1, 2005
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is appealing to the media not to confuse the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) Kuru Kuru Training Centre with Kuru Kuru Cooperative College.
A release from the Ministry states, that there is a tendency in the media to associate the skills training programme on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway with that which is administered at U’Durban Backlands, Lodge by the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College.
The misrepresentation resulted from the fact that the Guyana National Service (GNS) and later the Ministry’s residential skills programme - Kuru Kuru Training Centre – utilized the original site and facilities of the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College which was established in 1973 on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
Over the years, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has initiated several youth training activities. The two prominent programmes are the technical-vocational skills training activities for youths age 16 to 25, conducted at Kuru Kuru Training Centre, Soesdyke and Sophia Training Centre, Sophia.
The Sophia programme is non-residential and extends over a six-month period. The Kuru Kuru Training Centre is a residential programme which runs for 10 months, from September to July.
Both programmes – at Kuru Kuru and Sophia (formerly under the GNS) are now popular with over 700 applications for 200 places.
The Kuru Kuru Cooperative College (under the Ministry of Education) has a completely different focus, orientation and curriculum to that of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport’s technical vocational skills training programmes.
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Select Committee on Age of Consent Bill for oral hearing
Georgetown, GINA, June 1, 2005
The age of consent is one of the issues which have raised serious concerns in the country over the past months causing Guyanese to call on Government to intervene by raising the age from 13 to 16 years.
Government has responded very promptly to this call by presenting the Age of Consent Bill to the National Assembly which was read for the first time on November 29, 2004 and for the second time on December 9, 2004. The Bill was then sent to a Special Select Committee. The Bill seeks to amend the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, the Marriage Act and to increase the age of consent to sixteen years.
According to Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Dale Bisnauth, the Special Select Committee which established in Parliament recently placed advertisements in the print media asking members of the public to submit their views on what the age of consent should be, adding that the Committee will soon be listening to oral presentations.
Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick speaking at one of several consultations on Child Abuse and the Age of Consent held countrywide.
Minister Bisnauth said persons were asked to submit in writing to the Committee, their opinion on what the age should be and they were subsequently invited to give oral presentations.
Government through the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security undertook a major initiative to address the issue. It established a national task group to investigate and hold national consultations on child abuse as well as on the age of consent for sexual intercourse.
The Ministry subsequently conducted several public consultations across the country get the public involved in deciding what the age of consent should be. These consultations were conducted by Minister within the Ministry, Bibi Shadick and officers from the Ministry.
Following the consultations the consensus was that the age should be raised to 16 years. Citizens are concerned with the rising abuse of children and they called for fast implementation of the law.
The protection of Guyana’s children is of significant importance to the present Administration. According to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is the responsibility of the State to protect the children.
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Four more fire-fighters for overseas training
Georgetown, GINA, June 1, 2005
Four ranks of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) will be in Trinidad and Tobago next week to participate in a fire-prevention training workshop.
This is the second batch of fire-fighters to participate in such a training exercise in the Twin Island Republic. Recently, four ranks returned home from T&T where they participated in two workshops.
Fire Chief Lawrence David said the objective of the programme is to boost the training capacity of the GFS, since training continues to be an important aspect of the Service.
“I have said this on numerous occasions that the focus for this year is on fire-prevention, and we need personnel to be properly trained to carry out their duties effectively,” said David.
A junior subordinate assists Fire Chief in putting on his protective garments. This is part of the protective gear purchased by the Fire Service.
The officers underwent intense training on how to cope with hazardous materials during fires, fighting fires on aircrafts and excavation, among others, said the Fire Chief.
He added that such training courses will be an ongoing one for officers. This will afford them an opportunity for many to be trained.
Last-year, four officers were trained in the United States and 10 others in the Twin Island Republic.
Providing the necessary equipment for fire-fighters to combat fires is also top priority. Government recently purchased a number of firefighting hoses, a portable pump, a quantity of protective suits (helmets, jackets, trousers and rubber boots) and six self-contained breathing apparatus.
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GINA launches photo exhibition on the Life and work of Dr. Rodney
Georgetown , GINA, June 1, 2005
The Government Information Agency (GINA) today launched a photographic exhibition on the life and work of Dr. Walter Rodney at the National Library, Main Street.
Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Dr. Dale Bisnauth launched the exhibition.
He said, “His (Dr. Rodney’s) death really robbed this country of truly radical revolutions. And had he been alive he would have been instrumental in the development of this country.”
Describing Dr. Rodney as a “unique person” Minister Bisnauth said those who killed him were “criminals.”
“He had the capacity to attract people, particularly of the grassroots,” Dr. Bisnauth said. “Wherever Dr. Rodney was, you felt things will happen, and things did happen.”
“He provided a vision and made it real as to what could be in the future. One felt compelled to be engaged in a particular way in order that that vision could be realised,” Bisnauth observed.
Dr. Rodney died on Friday, June 13, 1980 when a bomb exploded in his car. He was fighting for human liberation and empowerment for the working class but was resented by the then administration.
Head of GINA, Mr. Robert Persaud said he regrets not knowing Dr. Rodney in person. He pointed to the state policies that existed at that time and which suppressed Dr. Rodney and wanted to erase his legacy and name.
“The PNC declared him enemy of the state,” Persaud said.
Rodney returned to Guyana in 1974 after working overseas. He came with the intention of taking up a position at the University of Guyana as a Professor of History. However, the People’s National Congress administration rescinded his appointment.
“To mention the name of Dr. Rodney was heresy,” Persaud pointed out.
He reiterated Government’s pledge to bring the perpetrators of Dr. Rodney’s assassination to justice saying, “We must ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated.”
The recent announcement by President Bharrat Jagdeo to have an enquiry into the killing of Dr. Rodney and other political killings is very welcome, Persaud said.
Meanwhile, brother of the late Dr. Rodney, Eddie Rodney commended the efforts of the Government to bring the perpetrators of his brother’s gruesome killing to justice. He and his younger brother Hubert Rodney reflected on the life and work of their brother.
Former President, Mrs. Janet Jagan reflecting on the struggles of Rodney said, “We were all in a struggle together. The sad thing is that he died so early.”
Dr. Rodney has made history in Guyana and in a number of other countries where he lived and worked.
Rodney was born in Georgetown on March 23, 1942 of poor parentage. The exhibition will be on at the National Library daily until June 6.
TOP Cabinet notes citizens, children participation in 39 th Independence anniversary
Georgetown, GINA, June 1, 2005
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon
Cabinet has noted the increased involvement of citizens, particularly school children in this year’s Independence observances throughout the country.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing today said that Cabinet was provided with a report on the 39 th observance of Guyana as an independent nation.
“Cabinet was impressed with the response and commended Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Gail Teixeira and her staff in the Ministry for the successful planning and execution of another national event,” Dr. Luncheon said.
Guyana gained independence from Britain on May 26, 1966. The observance entailed the traditional flag raising ceremony at the National Park, where the Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo addressed the nation.
The stands at the National Park were packed to capacity with thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life. Many noted that this year's turnout for the event even exceeded the large crowd at the same venue last year.
The President addressed the nation at around 22:50 hrs shortly after an address by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Gail Teixeira.
The crowd gathered to witness, among other displays, the colourful cultural presentation that formed part of the programme. The presentation began at 19:30 hrs and included live music, displays by dancers, renditions of national songs, drum-beating, performances by members of the Joint Services and most important of all, the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead and the display of colourful fireworks sponsored by CLICO.
Some described the event as a mixture of pomp, splendour and seriousness as the President recalled during his address, the recent flood the country experienced.
Government Ministers also fanned out on the evening of May 25 to the other Administrative Regions where they delivered the feature addresses at the Regional Flag Raising ceremonies.
“Those Minister commented favourably on the improvement in the planning and execution of those regional events. Particular note was made of the residents’ participation of the residents in those regional flag raising exercises, particularly the involvement of school children and cultural presentations by various artistes,” Dr. Luncheon said.
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Millions in D&I equipment for Region Five
- Contract to be awarded for equipment
Georgetown, GINA, June 1, 2005
Farmers in the Mahaicony/Abary area, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) will later this year benefit from improved drainage and irrigation works. This will be made possible with the acquisition of machinery by the Government.
Cabinet at its May 31, 2005 statutory meeting gave its ‘No Objection’ to a Euro 3,041,544M contract for the supply of equipment for the drainage and irrigation works to be executed by the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) Scheme.
This announcement was made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing today.
The contract entails providing equipment for repairs, maintenance and excavation of the drainage systems under the Scheme.
“This is an Italian grant that has long been in incubation and the contract is now being awarded and all of the preliminaries have been finalized,” Dr. Luncheon said.
On April 16, 2004, President Bharrat Jagdeo had announced that the Government of Guyana signed a loan agreement with the Italian Government for US$4M in March 2004.
Although the Italian Soft Loan Agreement and the Financial Agreement were signed to facilitate drainage and irrigation works, the equipment was scheduled to arrive late 2004.
Guyana and Italy have enjoyed a firm friendship rooted in the shared principles of respect and understanding and a commitment to social and economic development.
The assistance granted has also helped the country to achieve its developmental goals. Guyana also received support from Italy through the European Union.
At that time, the President had noted that the machinery will greatly ease Government's expenditure in drainage and irrigation because a substantial part of the contracts awarded for drainage and irrigation works is spent on hiring machinery.
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Census Report not completed- Chief statistician
Georgetown , GINA, June 01, 2005.
Chief Statistician of the Bureau of Statistics, Leon Benjamin has dismissed statements made in various sections of the media that Government is withholding the detailed analysis of the National Population and Housing Census, which was conducted in September 2002.
According to Benjamin, the analysis report is a lengthy process and Guyana has never been able to have its detailed report released less than seven years after the census has been conducted. He said the detailed report of the 1991 census was not presented until 1997, clearly indicating the lengthy period. "It is a mistake to say that the report has been delayed," he said.
However, the Bureau is working assiduously to breakdown the time frame from the seven years to three years, and it is expected that the detailed report would be presented to Cabinet by the end of June.
While preparing the report, the Bureau would have to address requirements regarding CARICOM's analysis, which would allow the completion in November at which time, the information would be placed on the website as well as hard copies for all to view.
CARICOM requires all countries to do their analysis in seven broad areas ranging from one-international population trend, which shows growth, age among others to social and economic characteristics such as patterns of migration and economic activities to mention a few.
The Chief Statistician reiterated that Government does not have any idea of what the census would generate outside of the preliminary report, adding that, Government has no interest in suppressing the information.
He also pointed out that the census conducted by the Bureau of Statistics in 2002, is a population and housing census and not an ethnic distribution census, since some sections of the media has an affixation with ethnic distribution of the population.
The population aspect of the census determines matters including the age of the population, the sex ratio of the population, fertility profile of the women, single parent households and their economic status, the ethnic distribution of the population, the religious background of the population among other areas. The housing phase deals with the total living conditions, the facilities available in the households and the basic utilities available to the householders.
Benjamin noted that the census conducted was not merely of Guyanese population but a count of every individual in the geographical borders of Guyana. It therefore, includes persons who were visiting at the time.
The detailed report gives the definite count, not only totals but also regional, of which the age of the population is the most important aspect since it determines if the county has a young population or an aging one.
Census taking is enumeration and stocktaking of the total human fabric within a country and started in Guyana in 1938.
In 2002 it was conducted as a part of the United Nation's global round of population and housing census, which is usually conducted every ten years.
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Distribution system failed to secure CSEC exam paper - Cabinet told, investigations ongoing
Georgetown , GINA, June 1, 2005
The system through which the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), formerly the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) papers were distributed has failed to properly secure the 2005 Mathematics and apparently English Papers.
This is according to the report provided to Cabinet at its May 31 session, at which Education Minister Dr. Henry Jeffrey gave an update on the situation regarding CSEC papers leakages in Guyana.
Last week the Ministry of Education discovered that persons were in possession of the Mathematics paper for 2005, which was scheduled to be written on May 26.
“Cabinet was advised that the system that has been put in place to deal with the distribution and to maintain the security of scripts, that system was not followed to the letter and the subsequent lapses allowed the execution of this presumed theft, this irregularity. The Minister advised that both internal and external, which is the Police, investigations are ongoing,” Dr. Luncheon said.
The Minister also advised Cabinet that the distribution system for scripts and the maintenance of security system of the scripts was being reviewed and strengthened in those areas that warrant it.
To avoid any disruption of the examinations for the other subject areas, the English and Mathematics, which are being reset, will be rescheduled for dates after the conclusion of the ongoing exams, Dr. Luncheon said.
Dr. Luncheon was asked why only now the Administration seems concerned about the leakage, to which he replied that the current system has served well in the past.
“It is one of those human activities that perhaps needs to be rehearsed and evidence confirming the integrity needs to be done repeatedly. Unfortunately, it was not done in the Mathematics and presumably in the English scripts for the 2005 May examinations. What it points to is that we would have to practically, on every single occasion, reassure ourselves that a system that has worked well…is being compromised and therefore repeated efforts need to be made to verify and provide the greatest assurance that it has not been breached or compromised,” he said.
Guardedly, the HPS disclosed that the leakage occurred in Region One, specifically Port Kaituma. He noted that of all the scripts recovered for these examinations from the centres, only the package from Port Kaituma was breached.
This is the reason for the investigation, Minister Jeffrey advised, involving the Police. After the Criminal Investigation Department’s inquiry, it will be decided whether legal action is applicable.
Head teacher of the Port Kaituma Primary School and Regional Democratic Councillor, Ann Forde is being questioned by the authorities.
The Ministry had instructed that all M0athematics papers 1 and 11 distributed to all regions and sub-regions be recalled to the Examinations Division after consultations with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Headquarters in Barbados.
During an examination of the recalled papers from all regions throughout the country, it was observed that all papers were intact except for two packs containing Mathematics Papers 1 and 11 sent to Region One. These were breached and one question paper from each pack was removed.
The papers sent to Region One by the Examinations Division on Saturday, May 21 were collected by Regional Education Officer. Mr. Oswald Valansuella, who reported that they arrived intact and were sent to Port Kaituma.
Headmistress of the Port Kaituma Primary School (both Primary and Secondary Schools are in the same building) Ms. Ann Forde told Superintendent of Examinations, Juliet Persico that one package had a slit. This was not reported as required upon receipt of the papers.
According to the Education Ministry, a further examination by ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Guyana Police Force, revealed that both the outer and inner packages had been tampered with and there was evidence that attempts had been made to seal the breached areas with transparent tape. The packages are with the Police.
The English Paper A had been in circulation prior to the examination and the CXC has indicated that the English A examination would be declared null and void and a new scheduled date would be announced.
However, the Ministry has so far not been able to determine the source of the breach of English Paper A.
It has been noted that Ms. Forde, who is being questioned in relation to the incident, is a member of the Regional Educational Committee in Region One, Cordinator of the Guyana Basic Education Training (GBET) Programme in the Region and People’s National Congress (PNC) Councillor of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One.
But what are the implications for Guyana and the Caribbean Examination Council? Dr. Luncheon said Minister Jeffery did not provide such information, but an appropriate time for the Council to make an intervention, would be after the investigation.
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Search on for substantive Chancellor, Ombudsman - Dr. Luncheon
Georgetown , GINA, June 1, 2005
Guyana has been without an Ombudsman for some time now and a substantive Chancellor to the Judiciary following the departure of former Chancellor Madame Desiree Bernard.
However, the Administration has been making efforts to fill these vacancies. This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing today.
Dr. Luncheon said that the Ombudsman, in a letter to the President, served notice in January that he would be demitting office.
“Our efforts are both in terms of the reorganisation of the physical facilities, as well as the appointment of a suitable legal practitioner to assume the Constitutional post and discharge the role of the Ombudsman,” he said.
The Ombudsman is the State’s legal investigator.
President Bharrat Jagdeo, on April 21 swore-in the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Chief Justice Carl Singh, after Madame Bernard assumed the post of a Judge in the newly formed Caribbean Court of Justice.
On April 20 the Head of State and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin began consultations on the appointment of a new Chancellor of the Judiciary.
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.
“Indeed the substantive Chancellor has not been appointed and the substantive Chief Justice is not in his jurisdiction. I am certain that the absence will be addressed by the requisite action by the President,” Dr. Luncheon said.
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Theft of equipment at Ministry of Education
Georgetown , GINA, June 1, 2005
The Ministry of Education this afternoon suffered the loss of a Toshiba laptop computer and other computer peripherals worth about US $5, 000.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Mr. Ed Caesar, told the Government Information Agency that between 14:00 and 15:00 hrs, a Toshiba tablet PC with a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), along with an electrical organiser, a blue tooth adaptor and an external floppy drive were stolen from the Ministry’s boardroom, Brickdam.
Mr. Caesar said that he was working in the boardroom and decided to take a break for lunch about 13:00. On his return later, there were teachers waiting to meet with him. Subsequently he returned to the boardroom and “There was space, ” he said.
Mr. Caesar is appealing to the public not to purchase such items from any individual as they belong to the Ministry, and contain vital information for the Ministry and the country as a whole.
He is asking that if the equipment and accessories cannot be returned, that they be placed where it can be located and retrieved by the Ministry.
Anyone who has information regarding this is asked to contact the CEO at the Ministry of Education or the Brickdam police station.
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Prime Minister visits new Power Company in Linden- Says government will continue to provide subsidy
Prime Minister meets with officials at Omai Services Incorporated
Georgetown, GINA June 01, 2005
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds today visited the Omai Services Incorporated (OSI) in Linden, which has taken over power generation in the mining town.
He held discussions with all stakeholders involved to ensure that the transition from the previous power company would be a smooth one. The Linden Power Company (LPC) had been responsible for supplying power for several years while electricity distribution and revenue collection was managed by Linden Electricity Company LEC).
Prime Minister Hinds mentioned that under the current system, government has been subsidizing the community’s electricity consumption at a cost of some 100 million dollars monthly. He added that he was satisfied with OSI’s generation capacity and its operating component. The company currently produces eight megawatts of power, which according to OSI’s Human Resources Manager Norman Mc Lean, is adequate to supply the entire Town. He added that the Company has a reserve capacity of 2.4 megawatts, which can be utilized during maintenance or emergency work on the plant. McLean said that the company would soon be moving away from diesel generating sets to an alternative method of power generation, which will reduce the cost of production.
LEC will retain responsibility for the distribution of electricity, which according to officials will remain at a fixed cost. Prime Minister Hinds noted that government is aware of the level of economic activity in Linden and will continue to subsidize the community’s electricity bill. Hinds added that it would be difficult for residents to pay if the company was to operate at a cost recovery level.
While in Linden the Prime Minister also met with officials of the McKenzie Water Treatment Plant, which was previously managed by the LPC. Discussions were held with personnel, since some persons have been temporarily without water due to 'backwashing' and maintenance of the plant. Prime Minister Hinds urged officials to effect urgently the restoration of the water supply, since several persons including students are affected.
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