Diamond/Grove Housing scheme– a new landscape being painted
A section of Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme East Bank Demerara
Georgetown, GINA, September 09, 2005
A few years ago healthy, green sugar cane fronds were swaying in the wind, barefooted men and boys were fishing in the canals and animals were contentedly grazing on the outskirts, a picture painted only years ago of what has today become Diamond/Grove housing scheme.
Today, this East Bank Demerara community, formerly a successful sugar estate managed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) has become one of the country’s largest housing areas with a population of more than 35,000. Divided into two blocks, X and Y, the area spans low, middle and high-income sections.
Diamond/Grove housing scheme that encompasses two adjoining areas, Diamond and Grove has grown by leaps and bounds as the current Administration has spent more than $2B to develop it. Fifty percent of that sum was spent on installing the basic infrastructure such as roads, drainage, culverts, bridges and a water supply system.
The sum of $381M was spent by government in 2002, for infrastructural works at Block X, with the major portion of that amount going toward the construction of roads, culverts and drains.
Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh, is extremely pleased at the development in this housing area.
“Here at Diamond/Grove, we have been able to pave all the roads, so you have come a long way in terms of infrastructure.”
Since its establishment, the area has shown remarkable progress, in the development of roads, construction of houses and other infrastructure and the administration is continuing its thrust to have it further developed as it moves to improve the living standard of its citizens.
For resident, Sabeena Kalamadeen, a mother of three, she is proud to be living in the scheme.
“I feel a sense of pride, to know I have been able to build my own home from scratch, so my children will have a comfortable upbringing. Day by day, I see development taking place in this area.”
On a visit to the area last November, President Bharrat Jagdeo was made aware of the issues affecting the community, foremost being the need for electricity and security. With a fast increasing population, the incidence of crime in the area has risen. The idea was subsequently mooted for the establishment of a Police Station in the area.
At that time, the Head of State said that setting up a Police station would be considered, but in the interim, Government would work toward establishing a Police Outpost.
Less than a year later, Government’s consideration materialised in tangible form, as the construction of the $30M Police station, a prototype of a modern facility, with interview and parade rooms and five lockups has started at Block Y.
In July last, the residents greeted the news of the impending supply of electricity with elation, as Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Housing and Water Minister Shaik Baksh disclosed that an expansion to the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP) would extend to their housing scheme.
“We have come a long way and have made much achievement, and if we keep working steadily and patiently we will achieve much more,” the Prime Minister advised.
Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the programme specifies that areas earmarked as beneficiaries must have a population of more than 50 percent.
However, with the housing drive in full swing, many of the new areas are becoming densely populated, thereby qualifying for this basic necessity under the UAEP guidelines.
A fraction of the total cost ($10,000) is required, as contribution by each householder and government would be subsidising the remainder.
Already, many residents have begun to make their contributions out of a total of approximately 5 000 households that stand to benefit.
Diamond/Grove’s five-month work programme is expected to commence next month.
Due to the population growth, and the number of school-age children, plans are on stream to build a secondary school and construction is expected to start shortly.
Further plans include building a car park and a vendors' mall to facilitate members of the community who usually have to travel to the City to do their shopping.
Much has been accomplished in the Diamond/Grove housing scheme and it is no doubt that the lives of thousands have definitely improved.
‘Life is good in this busy scheme … we cannot want better than what we have already,” is how Alfred Park, a resident of two years sees his area.
For Ivor Jordon, “It has been wonderful. For the past two years, I don’t have to go through mud.”
Diamond/Grove housing scheme is projected to be one of the most modern in the country and it continues to uphold the trend of rapid development..
Soon the landscape will be totally transformed from a once pastoral, scenic sugar cane area to a modern picture, elegant and outstanding.
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Convention discusses Petro-Caribe Agreement
-no effect on escalating fuel prices says PM
Georgetown , GINA September 9, 2005
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has returned from Jamaica after participating in a three-day Petro-Caribe Convention held from September 3 to 5.
The Convention which was attended by 18 other countries was aimed at discussing terms and conditions of the recently enacted Petro-Caribe Agreement, to which Guyana is a signatory.
Prime Minister Hinds said, even though Guyana has agreed to be a part of the accord, offered by Venezuela, much caution is being exercised about utilisation of the concession.
He noted that following the first ‘oil-shock’ in the 1970s, Guyana was offered a credit facility from Trinidad and Tobago, but that was misused and resulted in the accumulation of an exorbitant debt burden.
The national budget stipulates prudent credit limits for any short or long-term purchasing agreements undertaken by government.
The Prime Minister noted that the Petro Caribe Agreement would have no effect on escalating fuel prices. It allows small countries such as Guyana a chance to stimulate development without the immediate impact of exporting foreign exchange.
The agreement facilitates access to fuel from the South American nation on a credit basis, in the event that prices exceed US$ 40 per barrel. Up to 40 percent of credit can be accessed after which Guyana will have 25 years to repay.
A two-year grace period will be given, followed by a further 23 years that will facilitate complete payments.
After government’s complete analysis of the agreement, implementation would be considered.
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Ministry steps up public awareness on social violence - emphasis placed on violence against women
Georgetown , GINA, September 9, 2005
A task force geared towards the elimination of violence, under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, has been working assiduously to implement various public awareness programmes, with emphasis on domestic abuse and violence against women.
According to Administrator (Acting) of the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Hymawattie Lagan, the task force has been meeting regularly to structure these programmes.
`“We’re in the process of preparing proposals to achieve our objectives…everyday when you open the papers you see violence in many forms, so although the focus in on violence in totality, we’re emphasising on women,” Lagan said.
The Administrator indicated that the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) is also engaged in a project, which focuses on sensitizing and educating young people about violence in our society. “The Committee targets groups such as Parent/Teachers Associations (PTAs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), faith-based organisations and school drop-outs to see how they can be integrated in the national programme,” Lagan stated.
A host of activities including rallies, marches and public awareness programmes, are planned for November 25 when the elimination of violence against women is internationally observed.
The task force was established on May 25 last.
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President orders investigation into corruption allegations at Parika Marketing Centre - To meet vendors next week
Georgetown, GINA, September 09, 2005
President Bharrat Jagdeo has ordered a full investigation into the process for the allocation of stall space at the new Parika/ Hydronie Marketing Centre, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara). The investigation follows allegations by vendors that there was corruption amidst the process. At a roadside meeting with them, many alleged that they were treated unfairly when the stall places were allocated.
“We are going to have a full investigation. I heard there is corruption. Minister Clinton Collymore [within the Ministry of Local Government] is going to do an investigation and get the report to me by next week. In the meantime, you [the vendors] can form a group of about 10 persons to come and see me next week,” he told them last evening.
The opening of the new marketing centre is being delayed because vendors erected shacks instead of collapsible stalls. Government spent approximately $70M on drains, access roads and culverts and to prepare the plot of eight acres for the vendors who block the passage to the ferry stelling when plying their trade.
“People who are going into the area that we developed are not going to carry in shacks. We didn’t spend all that money to create another shanty town,” the President said.
He explained that the idea is to have a flea market as in the United States of America, where vendors will sell at the “mall” two days per week using collapsible stalls. At other times, the area would be used as a recreational facility and to host social community activities.
The President told vendors that he refused to commission the marketing centre, unless all the contentious issues are sorted out and the facility meets Government’s full requirements.
The market’s commissioning, which was scheduled for Friday last, was postponed.
There is still improper drainage system in place and during rainfall, water lodges on some low spots on the eastern side of the market. The amount of space was inadequate and stalls constructed did not meet Government’s requirements. One stall was constructed in concrete, which does not fulfill the requirement. These stalls are supposed to be removable when it is time to close the market.
Designers and engineers will work on a typical model of the market that will later have to be approved at the highest level before the market is to be formally opened by President Bharrat Jagdeo.
In addition, a higher dam will have to be built to drain all excess water off the eastern side of the market.
Additionally, the stalemate between the vendors and the authorities relating to the new marketing centre has seen many vendors still selling on the roadways. However, a project in excess of $380M is ongoing there to create a four-lane access road to the ferry stelling, complete with proper drainage and lighting. This project is being delayed because of vendors’ continuous selling on the roadside.
The President indicated that the authorities would work towards a solution for the vendors who sell daily, as they cannot continue on the roadway because “the four-lane road has to be built. It will modernise this area and that is what we are aiming for.”
The road project is set for completion in December and entails many businesses removing their stores from the Government reserves.
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Kids First Fund launches Heart 2 Heart Campaign - four children to go overseas
Four beneficiaries of the Kids First Fund overseas medical treatment mission pose with Founder varshnie Jagdeo. Looking on are anxious parents ans Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.
Georgetown , GINA September 9, 2005
Kids First Fund in collaboration with the Ministry of Health today launched its Heart 2 Heart, Save a Life Campaign.
The initiative which is aimed at providing children with overseas heart surgery, will have its first fruits borne on September 20, when four children leave for India.
According to the President of the Kids First Fund Varshnie Jagdeo, having compared the prices for surgery in a number of Caribbean and North American countries, India was found to be the most viable alternative.
Trinidad and Tobago which required the lowest airfare from Guyana, offers heart surgery for US$ 15,000 to 20,000.
The United Kingdom is offering similar surgery for approximately US$150,000 while the United States of America is extending the treatment for US$100,000.
India offers the identical surgery, which includes post surgery accommodation for just US$ 3000.
Kids First Fund contacted the Indian and British High Commission both of which immediately pledged their support for the initiative.
The four beneficiaries are Romel Hassan 4, Casey Clifton 10, Premdai Harrichand 12 and Anjani Pritipaul 13 years old.
The parents of the four children expressed sincere gratitude for the assistance without which the treatment would not have been possible.
Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy applauded the move by the Non Government Organisation noting “it is a miracle surgery which gives persons a new life.” He noted that Guyana is slated to offer cardio-health services in the near future, allowing more persons to benefit.
The Ministry of Health through a World Bank Funded Project has been executing a number of projects via the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU). This includes the upgrading of a number of hospitals and other medical facilities countrywide.
The most recent of these was the signing of a contract yesterday for the construction of a $100M state-of-the-art Lethem Hospital which will offer improved health services to residents of Lethem and its environs.
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Guyoil cuts gasolene price
Georgetown , GINA, September 09, 2005
The State owned Guyoil Service Station today announced a further reduction in the retail price for gasoline to $820 per gallon. This reduction was announced by Guyoil’s Manager, Mark Adams today in a statement at the NCN Studio, Homestretch Avenue.
He noted that this reduction in retail price for gas represents a reduction also in the company’s profit margin. He said at the price of US$108 per barrel of gasolene on the last shipment of September 8, 2005 the actual price should have been $886 per gallon.
This price will be effective from 22:00 hrs today.
On August 26 last, the Government reduced the Consumption Tax on gasolene and dieselene
This resulted in the reduction of the retail price of gasolene and dieselene to $788 and $645 respectively at filling stations.
Consumption Tax reduction on gasolene from 40 to 35 percent and 20 to 15 percent for diesel represented a 12.5 and 25 percent reduction on gasolene and dieselene respectively.
Government had earlier removed the Consumption Tax on kerosene and reduced the Consumption Tax on cooking gas.
The recent escalation of prices has resulted from disruption to refineries as a result of recent adverse weather. Political instability in major oil producing nations had also fueled the recent rise in prices.
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Ramsaroop’s Census advertisement, wicked and misleading – Persaud
Georgetown , GINA, September 9, 2005
An advertisement that appeared in the Stabroek and Kaieteur News of September 9, is seen as another attempt by opposition activist Peter Ramsaroop to promote himself and the party he purports to represent by deceiving the population, to the extent that he even inserts his picture.
The advertisement titled ‘Census Data Released – summary census data shows’ is wicked and misleading and it is dangerous for any media house to allow such an advertisement to appear as part of its publication, according to Information Liaison to the President, Robert Persaud.
Persaud added that this is seen as a clever attempt to create confusion in the minds of the people by first stating the false information and then offering a small disclaimer.
Ramsaroop, a PNC/R member ‘on leave’ cunningly attempts a pre-election ethnic count to promote his, and his party’s gain.
Ramsaroop even offers false information of all other regions.
Persaud noted that government has been pushing to have the Bureau of Statistics, the official agency responsible for conducting, compiling and issuing the results of the census, to conclude its activities so it can be released to the public.
The preliminary results of the Census, conducted in 2002, were recently presented to Cabinet.
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BWIA to assist Universal Airlines – following Government’s interventions
Georgetown , GINA, September 9, 2005
Minister of Public Works and Hydraulics, Anthony Xavier has disclosed that Universal Airlines and British West Indian Airlines (BWIA) have come to an agreement to aid passengers stranded as a result of Universal Airlines aircraft out of commission.
After fruitful discussions with parties involved it was agreed that BWIA would accommodate passengers in ‘block seats’ beginning early next week.
“This would certainly alleviate the frustrations of passengers and an inventory is being done to see how many passengers are stranded,” said Minister Xavier.
Cabinet mandated Minister Xavier to review the situation, and to put forward concrete proposals that can be undertaken by the Administration in the event of non-resolution of the Airlines’ problem.
Universal Airlines has been without an aircraft for more than a week, forcing all scheduled flights to be delayed. As a result, many passengers in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, New York and Toronto have been frantically trying to ascertain when flights will resume.
The Airlines commenced operations several years ago following the closure of Guyana Airways 2000 (GA 2000).
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