Prime Minister for Official visit to China
Goergetown, GINA July 15, 2005
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds will be leaving Guyana for a one-week Official visit to China. His visit follows an invitation from the Chinese Government.
Among the issues on his agenda are the signing of documents for combined assistance and cooperation.  The Prime Minister will be spending the first four days in Beijing after which he will fly to Nanjing for one day.
He will also be meeting with officials in Zhangjiagang, and Shanghai to discuss issues of mutual interest to the people of Guyana and China.
Prime Minister Hinds will also meet officials of the China Red Cross Committee. He is scheduled to return to Guyana on July 28 th.
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Criticisms levelled against GPHC on soldier’s death unfair
- Minister of Health
GINA, Georgetown, July 15, 2005
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said the recent condemnations of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by certain persons, in the wake of the death of Private Henry Gilford have been unwarranted.
 "I have received the report and I have studied it, and I think the criticisms of the GPHC on the death of the soldier are not fair," said the Health Minister.
The report into the death of Private Gilford Henry, who died at the Woodlands Hospital recently after being transferred from the GPHC, was forwarded to Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy by the Director of Medical and Professional Services of the GPHC, Dr. Madan Rambarran.
Minister Ramsammy said he is convinced the hospital did what it could to assist the soldier. Responding to claims that the institution was responsible for the soldier’s demise, the Minister said, "In terms of contributing to death, I don’t think the report indicates that."
The Health Ministry is asking for a further investigation of the matter and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rudolph Cummings has been instructed to put together an impartial investigative group, to ascertain what exactly happened in the case of Private Gilford, Minister Ramsammy said.
Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, Michael Khan had earlier said that statements were collected from all the administrative staff on duty on the night the soldier sought attention at the institution. Khan said the investigation was undertaken to ensure that the GPHC did all it could to treat the soldier.
Private Henry, 24, suffered a gunshot wound while he was travelling in a mini bus on the East Bank Demerara highway. One of two gunmen who attempted to hold up the bus fired a shot at it as the driver drove off, hitting Private Henry in the process.
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Cuban doctors for medical outreach in Kwakwani
GINA, Georgetown, July 15, 2005
A team of Cuban doctors will be rendering medical services to the residents of Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) during a one-day medical outreach programme, tomorrow, July 16.
The team would be deployed by the Ministry of Health and comprises four Cuban doctors and two pharmacists. They would be undertaking these services at the Kwakwani hospital.
The Health Ministry has been actively involved in medical outreaches around the country in areas where health services are not readily accessible.
Outreaches were recently conducted in several areas. At Mosquito Hall a large team of medical specialists and other health professionals treated residents for a number of complaints.
A Canadian team was also at the Mahaicony Hospital to attend to patients and residents of surrounding areas.
Santa Mission, Kamuni Creek Demerara River residents also benefited from the Ministry’s medical services. Residents of this Amerindian Community were tested for diabetes, while 15 persons were given eye screening. They will be fitted with spectacles under the Government’s Special Eye Care Programme.
The most recent outreach was to Moruca, Region One, another Amerindian community.
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GTA launches special Kaieteur package
Georgetown, GINA, July 15, 2005
With the aim of promoting local tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and key stakeholders including the Kaieteur National Park (KNP), today launched a special tourism initiative encouraging lGuyanese to visit the majestic Kaieteur Falls at a cheap cost.
 Local visitors will only have to pay $10,000 (US$50) during the five-week promotion period beginning July 20.
However, there are a few criteria which includes permanent residence which will determine persons who qualify to enter the promotion.
The usual fare to Kaieteur is between US $145 and US$160. Each visitor is also required to pay a $2,000 landing fee. However this is included in the special package.
According to Chairman of the KNP Board Shyam Nokta, during November, Tourism Awareness Month, a 50 percent waiver is usually applied as well.
“We see this as a very significant step to allow our local people to see some of our premier tourist attractions,” Nokta said.
At Kaieteur, tour guides will be on hand to take the visitors around.
Director of the GTA, Indira Anandjit said that it is expected that 90 persons will visit the Kaieteur Falls during the promotion. There will be two trips weekly- Wednesdays and Fridays, provided by Air Services Limited.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir is confident that the target will be achieved. He said the total promotion costs about $4M.
“Domestic tourism is important, that is why the Government supports such initiatives,” the Minister said.
Anandjit pointed out that it will not be a simple trip to Kaieteur and back as visitors will be treated with refreshments supplied by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).
The Minister is hoping that other private operators would come on board to afford ordinary Guyanese the opportunity to see some of the country’s tourism products.
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Nadir inspects works at National Exhibition Centre
Georgetown, GINA, July 15, 2005
The Office complex in the main auditorium of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is taking on a new look. Repair works valued at $4M is nearing completion.
Today, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manzoor Nadir inspected ongoing works on the building in Sophia.
The Minister, the Guyana Tourism Authority and the administration for the NEC currently share the same building. However, as the GTA expands, there is need for additional space.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the works. “What we’re having here is a very comfortable environment in which to work,” he said.
The rehabilitated area will also comprise a training room to facilitate programmes by organizations such as the Guyana Furniture Manufacturers, National Bureau of Standards and others in the NEC compound.
The project has been part of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce’s 2004 and 2005 work programme.
Since 2002, the Ministry has been expanding the compound and adding new facilities.
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Minister Rohee at CARIFORUM meeting in Dominican Republic
GINA, Georgetown, July 15, 2005
Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee is in the Dominican Republic to attend the Ministers of the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) and European Commission Meeting.
 CARIFORUM comprises all CARICOM countries, except Montserrat, in addition to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
CARIFORUM acts as the mechanism of coordination between the Caribbean ACP countries and the European Union in preparing and agreeing on strategies to support the regional integration process of selecting and drafting projects eligible for assistance from the Regional Indicative programme for the Caribbean Region (RIPCR), which was signed in July 1992 under the Lomé IV Convention and funded by the EDF.
Since the launch of CARIFORUM-EU negotiations in Kingston in April 2004, both sides have met twice at the level of Principal Negotiators on July 15 in Brussels and November 12 in Barbados.
There are four phases to the schedule of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations that will guide interchange between CARIFORUM and the EC. They are: Establishing the priorities of EPA negotiations;Convergence on strategic approach to CARIFORUMRegional integration; Structuring and consolidating of EPA negotiations and Finalisation.
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PRESS RELEASE
GUYANA GEOLOGY AND MINES COMMISSION
JULY 15, 2005
SIGNING OF PETROLEUM AGREEMENT-GROUNDSTAR RESOURCES INC AND THE GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA
The Government of Guyana has signed a Petroleum Agreement with Groundstar Resources Inc. (Groundstar), a petroleum firm, to prospect for oil in the Takutu Basin in the interior of Guyana. Signing on behalf of the Government was H.E. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Mr. Kam Fard, President for Groundstar Resources Inc. was the other signing party.
Groundstar Resources Inc. is a subsidiary of Groundstar Resources Ltd., which is a Calgary based, junior oil and gas exploration and development company in pursuit of oil exploration and production opportunities in Guyana, Libya and other regions. The contract area includes the discovery area at the Karanambo #1 wellsite. Groundstar has reviewed data from previous exploration efforts and believes that further analysis and geo-scientific work could reveal conditions which could yield commercial reserves of natural petroleum.
After discussions and negotiations, the Government and Groundstar arrived at terms and conditions acceptable to both parties and a Petroleum Prospecting Licence has been awarded pursuant to which is a Production Sharing Agreement. The Licence is initially for up to four (4) years. The Agreement which is based on provisions of the Government’s mining and petroleum policy, is in accordance with petroleum legislation and also provides for compliance with the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act of Guyana.
Rentals, fees and charges on an annual basis and a profit share of 50% in the event of a commercial discovery that leads to production, are some of the terms under the Agreernent. Employment opportunities, purchase of goods and services are other expected benefits when work activities commence in the near term.
The Government of Guyana welcomes this development since it directs exploration activity to the Takutu Basin in Guyana more than a decade after Guyana Hunt Oil Co. conducted petroleum operations and relinquished their licence.
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SSEE results out- Kevin Chan is top performer
Georgetown, GINA, July 15, 2005
Minister of Education, Dr. Henry Jeffrey today announced the results of this year’s Secondary Schools Entrance Examinations (SSEE) to the media during a press conference hosted by his Ministry at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).
T he examination was written on May 12 and 13, 2005 and the results show that out of the highest possible score of 557 marks, consisting of Mathematics, 136; English, 139; Social Studies,146; and Science 136; Kevin Chan of St. Margaret’s Primary School in Georgetown secured the top position with a score of 548 marks.
The second position was allotted to both Saieed Khalil of Leonora Primary and Gabriella Bulkhan of the New Guyana School with scores of 547 marks each, while another student of Leonora Primary, Mahendra Ramgobin was allotted the fourth position with a score of 545.
The fifth place went to three students: Sunil Rupee of the School of the Nations, Sheik Mobeen of Graham’s Hall Primary and Anisah Mohamed of North Georgetown Primary School.
The eighth position was also shared by Kwame Vieira of St. Margaret’s Primary and Doobay Persaud of West Ruimveldt Primary School who both scored 543 marks.
The tenth position was secured by Fuaad Majeed of West Ruimveldt Primary School. Majeed gained 542 marks.
Approximately 17,600 students between the ages of ten and twelve from primary schools throughout the country wrote the examination, reflecting a vast increase over the number of students who wrote the examination in the previous years.
In 2001, 15,400 wrote the examination; in 2002, 14,700; 2003, 14,890; and 2004, 17,000. However, the highest possible score for this year was less than that of the previous years.
The Ministry states that subsequent to manual adjustments, ‘just over 70 percent of the students who wrote the examination, will be able to pursue their secondary education in designated secondary schools while the remainder will pursue secondary education in the “tops of primary schools”.
Meanwhile, 153 students who hail from schools outside the city are eligible for placement at President’s College. The school will also accommodate a number of students included in the hinterland scholarship programme. Based on the performances at the examination, 32 students from Leonora Primary School, 17 from C.V Nunes Primary and eight from St. Therese Primary are among those eligible for placement at the College.
Asked by the media about the marks and whether the students’ performance seems to have been in any way affected by Guyana’s flood disaster, Minister Jeffrey said that in his opinion, this does not seem to be the case. This view was supported by Superintendent of Examinations, Juliet Persico, who said that on the contrary she felt that the students had performed somewhat better, considering the extra time some may have had to study as a result of the delay of the examination.
According to the results, 15 students from Leonora Primary School were among those who gained positions in the top 100 list, while eight students each from Graham’s Hall Primary, West Ruimveldt Primary and St. Margaret’s Primary were in the list as well.
Seven students from the New Guyana School, six each from ABC Academy and North Georgetown Primary and five from the C.V. Nunes Primary were also among the top 100.
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Dental sector benefits from $6M donation
Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy hands over a large Autoclave Sterilisation Unit to Debra Patterson Skeete, a Senior Dental Surgeon of the Dr. Cheddi Jagan Dental School.
GINA, Georgetown, July 15, 2005
The dental sector has benefited from a $6M donation to improve its technical capacity.
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said it is the aim of the Ministry to build capacity in areas of technology and management and to enhance facilities.
The donation of one large Autoclave sterilisation unit and two dental chairs was handed over by Minister Ramsammy to a Senior Dental Surgeon, Debra Patterson- Skeete for the Dr. Cheddi Jagan Dental School.
The sterilisation unit, Minister Ramsammy pointed out, uses a combination method of steam and dry heat to sterilise dental equipment used daily by the Dental school. He said with this sterilisation unit, the best available, the dental school would be able to provide safer services.
Minister Ramsammy indicated that shortly the Ministry would be looking at the rehabilitation of the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre to improve its capacity with the Ministry’s move to provide dental services in Regions 2, 6, and 10 via a mobile unit.
Minister Ramsammy said that soon Dr. Joanes Jean would be travelling to the United Kingdom to Visit Dr. Cynthia Pines, Dean of the Dental School of Liverpool where he will receive an additional 20 chairs from the Dental School.
Beterverwagting, Lethem, West Demerara, Grove, Charity, Suddie, Leonora, Fort Wellington, Port Mourant, Skeldon, Mc Kenzie, Bartica and Wismar would all receive each a mini sterilisation unit.
Minister Ramsammy highlighted the challenges that face the dental sector, which included replacement of old facilities.
Dr. Jean said the Dental School offers dental services to an average of 600 persons each week.
The Government of Guyana and the European Union Sector Programme financed the Dental School for Education and Health. President Bharrat Jagdeo commissioned the school seven years ago.
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$717M in contracts signed for road works
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, Balraj Balram and Kiran Nauth of H. Nauth and Sons signing the contracts for the rehabilitation of the De Hoop and Lusignan roads.
Georgetown, GINA, July 15, 2005.
The Ministry of Public Works and Communication and the contractors involved, today signed four contracts to undertake rehabilitation of major road projects in Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne). The total cost of the projects is$717M.
In region five, H. Nauth and Sons would rehabilitate the De Hoop road at a cost of $394M, a project, which entails the surfacing of nine miles of roads with asphalt concrete and the construction of 10 culverts and five bridges. It is expected that this project would be completed with eight months.
H. Nauth and Sons was also awarded another contract for the rehabilitation of 3000 feet of roads with an asphalt concrete surface. This is the Lusignan Gulf course road and would be executed at $23M within a three-month period.
Witnessing the signing of these two contracts, Regional Executive Officer of region Five, Jugool Narine said the De Hoop road project is very significant and would benefit residents tremendously.
Meanwhile, in region six, K. P Jagdeo was awarded two contracts.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, Balraj Balram and contractor K.P Jagdeo signing the contracts fro the rehabititation of the Black Bush Polder and Mara, East Bank Berbice roads.
Under a $191M project, deteriorated sections of the Black Bush Polder road would be restored with a Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST), while three main access bridges would also be rehabilitated. This project has been granted six months duration period.
In addition, $109M would be spent to undertake works on five miles of road at Mara, East Bank Berbice. This project also includes the construction of four bridges and it is expected that works would be completed within eight months.
Regional Chairman of region six, Kumkarran Ramdass, who signed as witness to the contracts for road works said this is a major development for the region particularly the people of Black Bush Polder.
At present, maintenance of the Polder road is being done under a $10M contract.
All four contracts are expected to start within the next two weeks and would be closely monitored by the Public Works Ministry and the regional administrations.
The Government through the Ministry of Public Works and Communication has been allocating millions of dollars to undertake the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges and other structures in various areas across the country.
With regard to region six, Government through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is executing a massive road project to resurface approximately 86 kilometres of road and the re-construction of 80 structures including culverts and bridges along its route.
This project costs US$41.1M and also includes the construction of two roads - Princess Elizabeth and Strand roads, which provide entrance and exit to New Amsterdam.
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Berbice fishermen lose engines-Minister Sawh intervenes at the request of the President
Georgetown, GINA, July 15, 2005
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh today met with fishermen of Number 66 Village, Region Six, (East Berbice/Corentyne) after several of their outboard engines were stolen.
The fishermen staged a protest at Number 66 village after approximately 10 outboard engines were stolen in three successive days, Minister Sawh said.
About 250 persons, protested in an effort to attract response.
 However, Minister Sawh who responded to a request by the President to meet with the fishermen said that they were satisfied with the quick response.
He said that up to 9:30 tonight they were still in a close door meeting at the Fishermen Co-op Society with members of the Police, Chairman of the Fishermen Co-op Society and other senior officials to find solutions and make recommendations for the recovery of the stolen engines.
Another meeting is scheduled with fishermen tomorrow to update them on the recommendations from the meeting with the senior officials, the Minister said.
The fishermen who protested said that they only wanted their concerns to be heard. They protested peacefully and dispersed after the Minister arrived to hold discussions with the senior officials.
On Tuesday last, the first set of engines were stolen at sea. The Chairman of the Fishermen Co-op Society said that they are still not clear on the actual numbers of engines, which were stolen, as reports are still coming in to the Society with regards to the stolen engines. The boats had to be abandoned at sea by the fishermen. A rescue team from the Police Force came and towed the abandoned boats, which were at sea and returned them to the Fishermen Co-op Society.
According o reports, the incident took place at sea while the members of the society were engaged in fishing activities. It is alleged that the engine were hijacked by pirates.
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