VAT, Excise Regulations sent to Special Select Committee
Georgetown, GINA, November 10, 2005
The National Assembly, this afternoon, unanimously adopted the motion by Finance Minister Saisnarine Kowlessar for the Valued Added Tax (VAT) Regulations and the Excise Tax Regulations to be sent to a Special Select Committee.
In July this year, the National Assembly passed the VAT and Excise Acts, which paved the way for the regulations of these taxes to be developed.
After extensive consultations with the Public and private sectors, Minister Kowlessar said, “The Government has agreed on a 16 percent rate of tax and on a threshold of $10 M”
This rate of 16 percent and the threshold were determined after a review of the sensitivity study conducted with financial support provided by the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) and a number of proposals put forward by a Barbados firm L.H Consulting Limited which conducted the study.
“It is to be noted that the Rate of VAT proposed in the Regulations compares favourably with what obtains in other countries that operate a VAT system,” Minister Kowlessar pointed out.
He said that the report will be made available to the Select Committee. The eight taxes which fall under the VAT are the Consumption Tax (C-Tax), Travel Voucher Tax, Hotel Accommodation, Telephone, Service Tax, Premium Tax, Purchase Tax and Entertainment Tax.
The Registration threshold means that once the annual earnings of a business is $10 M or above, they are entitled to impose VAT. However, there is also a “criteria for voluntary registration,’ which means that businesses earning less can apply to the Commissioner. He may give his assent providing that the stipulated criteria are met.
The Minister said that the $10M threshold will also facilitate the work of the VAT
Among other areas that the regulations cover are: Sales invoices, form and manner of filing returns, credits carry forward and refund claims, refunds for International Organisations and departing non-residents record keeping requirement, printing and use of tax invoices and financial and medical services.
The Minister said this and other recent moves to reform the Tax System “is a bold step forward to modernise the tax system, in Guyana as it can only bring positive benefits to the people of Guyana.”
Meanwhile, the Excise Tax, which will be implemented at the same time with the VAT will be levied on selected goods, regarded as luxury items including petroleum products, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and tobacco products and motor vehicles.
The Minister said that the tax will be imposed on the importation of, and on the local manufacturing of these goods. However, he noted, “ …items that are both imported and manufactured locally have been assigned different rates of Excise Tax, since different bases are applied when computing the tax.”
He re-emphasised that through the combination of the 16 percent VAT and the Excise Tax applied at varying rates, that the revenue currently collected under the taxes to be repealed, will be recouped.
He said the intention is that:
- where the C-Tax is less than the 16 percent VAT rate, it is proposed that the excise rate be used to collect the same amount of tax that was collected under the C-Tax.
- Where the current rate of C- Tax is above the 16 percent that a combination of VAT at 16 percent and the Excise rate appropriately determined be sued thereby allowing for the price of the commodity to remain the same as it is now, that is, without the introduction of the VAT and the Excise Tax.
He noted that the aim of the VAT and Excise Tax is to create revenue neutrality. Therefore, the rates have been devised to collect the same level of revenues from the four categories of goods as would have been the case if the C- Tax had remained in operation.
The Opposition supported the motions pointing out that it is an “unusual and unique procedure.” Winston Murray, People’s National Congress Member of Parliament said it is obvious that the Government understands the Oppositions concerns and this is a “good thing.” He credited the Government for taking that step.
He said he hopes that the consultations to be spearheaded by the Select Committee will continue to be representative of all stakeholders and Minister Kowlessar assured that the consultations “will be as wide as possible.”
It should be noted that the VAT Act and the Daft Regulations were posted on the Guyana Revenue Authority’s website for public scrutiny and comments.
Minister Kowlessar appealed to the House to expedite the passage of the regulations as these regulations are critical to the GRA, especially as it paves the way for intensifying public awareness and education on the system.
TOP
ERC targets youths to spread message of harmony
Children of Annai Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) enjoy one of the films ERC has been showing countrywide to promote racial harmony.
Georgetown , GINA, November 11, 2005
Youths are the main focus of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) as it seeks to educate the lager population on its roles and mandate in promoting racial harmony.
This was revealed during the Commission’s three-day visit to Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) recently to intensify its campaign against ethnic discord and to promote harmony.
ERC’s Commissioner Cheryl Sampson said youths are targetted, since they are the future generation who will be asked to relay the message.
With this in mind, ERC in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has established a social cohesion project, whereby film festivals are held countrywide in schools and community centres to pinpoint and sensitise persons on racial issues.
“So far, we have held film festivals in more than 100 schools and targetted over 20,000 children who have participated. But at the same time, we are also concentrating on adults as well,” said Ms. Sampson.
‘A Little Red Dot’ and ‘Dinner for Two’ were the two films shown in Region Nine.
According to ERC’s Chairman, Bishop Juan Edghill, racial hatred is a powerful tool that could destroy a country.
“We have to put a stop to it now as that is one of our Constitutional mandates.”
He noted that parents should be role models for promoting racial harmony, adding that while the ERC may not be able to reach every home, there are avenues through which this can be done such as religious organisations, business communities and the media.
“We have to establish partnerships with the civil society,” said the Chairman adding “The religious bodies have influence in communities.”
“While we may not get to every home, once we have garnered your support then the message will go on,” Edghill said during the meeting with religious organisations at Lethem.
Accompanying Bishop Edghill were Chief Executive Officer Christine King; Commissioner Sampson; Administrative Officer Yovenne Langevine and technical officers in which several villages were visited including St. Ignatius, Karasabai, Annai and Aishalton.
Established in May 2003, ERC’s Constitutional mandate is to deal with issues of race and ethnicity countrywide. There are 24 functions under which the ERC operates which falls under Article 212 (D) of the Constitution.
TOP
Improving literacy, numeracy focus of Education Report
Georgetown, GINA, November 11, 2005
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Reepu Daman Persaud presented the 2004 report for the Ministry of Education to the National Assembly yesterday.
The report stated that in spite of many challenges, there were considerable progress in implementing activities to achieve the objective of improving literacy and numeracy.
The literacy standards for Nursery 1 and Grade 2 Primary which the National Centre for Educational Resource Development developed in 2003 were tested by the Measurement and Evaluation Unit, and were used to guide the development of curricula for these levels.
The numeracy standards also guided the development of the Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) curriculum for Mathematics. The first set of Master Trainers and Cluster Advisors for the literacy programme, which is being launched under the Basic Education Access Management Support (BEAMS) Programme were employed.
The IRI programme is being piloted in several schools in Georgetown and Region nine (upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo). However the launch of this programme and the national literacy programme was set back due to the delay in the procurement of the radios for the teaching of IRI and literacy materials.
The second National Grade 2 Assessment was administered in 2004. This programme is part of the Universal Secondary Education programme which assesses pupils at levels 2, 4 and 6 and which gives all students an opportunity to have secondary education and also assesses teachers.
Meanwhile curriculum guides were also developed for Expressive Arts and Spanish at the Primary level.
The Basic Competency Certificate Programme (BCCP) was introduced in six pilot schools in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six.
The schools and practical instruction centres are: Lodge Secondary School and Durban Backlands Practical Instruction Centre, Beterverwagting Community High and Practical Instruction Centre, St. John’s Community High and Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre, Fort Wellington Secondary and Hopetown Practical Instruction Centre, Manchester Secondary and Linden Foundation Secondary schools.
The BCCP is designed to offer secondary students technical competence. It serves as an alternative pathway for the acquisition of knowledge, desirable attitude and skills for continuing education and further training, and the world of work.
Core subject areas of the BCCP are English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Work Study/Work Attachment.
Training of teachers specialised areas teaching of the subject was hampered by insufficient funds in 2004. Training of teachers continued this year and to boost Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) work continued on developing a modularised competency-based curriculum for Tech-Voc at the post secondary level.
A notable achievement the Report mentioned was the TVET Bill that was tabled in Parliament in July 2004.
As efforts continued to qualify teachers, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) extended its Certificate programme through Distance Education. This is now available in seven Regions including Regions One (Barima/Waini) and Nine.
Regional Information Technology Officers were recruited in all the Education Districts to assist in the utilisation of computer technology to assist the administrative process. This is part of the BEAMS Management Information System which aims at connecting all the Regions and Education Districts to the Central Ministry to share and assess information at the various levels.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Pulandar Kandhi, in the Executive Summary of the Report indicated that “The Ministry is particularly proud that it has continued to promote greater stakeholder participation in Education.”
TOP
High Court (Amendment) Bill tabled
Georgetown, GINA, November 11, 2005
Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Doodnauth Singh yesterday tabled the High Court (Amendment) Bill, Bill No. 17 of 2005.
The Bill seeks to amend the High Court Act to relieve the Chief Justice of his duties under Sections 66, 76 and 77 and to confer those powers on the Chancellor.
The powers are to determine the distribution of the business before the Court, to assign any judicial duty to any judge, to direct the sitting of the Full Court in more than one division and to assign a third judge to sit on the hearing by the Full Court on an appeal where the Chancellor thinks there are any special grounds that the Full court should be composed of three judges.
At its Sitting yesterday, the newly appointed Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Harry Narine Nawbatt took the oath of National Assembly. He earlier in the day took the oath as Minister at the Office of the President.
Nawbatt replaces Anthony Xavier who is now Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport.
TOP
Terrorism must be condemned by all - Guyana ’s Honorary Consul in Barbados
Georgetown , GINA, November 11, 2005.
“Terrorism, which targets innocent people, must be condemned by all progressive and democratic opinion, ” said Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Barbados, Norman Faria.
He was at the time addressing a service at the Methodist Church, Paynes Bay, Barbados on October 9 to mark the 29 th anniversary of the Cuban aircraft bombing off Barbados.
Fifty seven Cuban nationals, 11 Guyanese and 5 nationals of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were killed in the terrorist bombing of the Cuban flight CU455.
The Consul said it is sad because of the loss of decent, hardworking individuals in the prime of their lives.
He noted that among the victims of the bombing were young Guyanese going to Cuba to study.
“Such loss must not be in vain because of the intrinsic desire of all humanity for economic progress, good governance and individual well being, there were others who picked up from where they left , who followed in their footsteps,” Faria said.
He added that there were others who reflected on this cowardly act and redoubled their efforts in the ongoing work to deepen such advances and who increased their awareness to prevent further terrorism.
The Consul pointed out that there have been several terrorist attacks since the Cuban aircraft bombing including the blowing up of the World Trade Centre, the Bali bombings and most recently, the bombing of the London transport system.
“The perpetrators of such horrendous crimes against humanity must be held to account and suitable punishment rendered,” said Faria.
He said there must be reflection on the Cuban bombings and all the attempts in the past to hamper progress and democracy in order to prevent such future crimes.
The Honorary Consul also expressed gratitude to the Barbados Government for its generous gesture for designing and constructing a Monument for victims of the Cuban bombing.
“Let it serve as a perpetual reminder that terrorism shall not succeed,” Faria said.
TOP
GDF exhibition, a showcase of versatility
-Staff recruitment facilitated
Georgetown , GINA November 11, 2005
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) today launched its 40 th anniversary career day and exhibition on the Southern lawns of Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands.
A number of exhibits used by the various corps of the force were displayed in addition to demonstrations of their use.
Among these were medical exhibits, which illustrated the performance of primary medical procedures performed by the members of the force.
This included blood pressure testing, blood tests, medical lectures, and information on the wide variety of medical services offered by the medical department.
These services are available both to members of the force as well as their relatives. The team also occasionally provides support to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in the form of personnel as well as medical outreaches and rescue missions.
There were also displays of various military attires worn by respective ranks for various occasions. These include jungle, training and ceremonial wear as well as those used in combat.
Also on display were various forms of communication equipment used by the force in remote locations. These include long-range radios, short wave radio, satellite phones and others.
The air corps unit, had on display a number of instruments and devices used for airborne procedures. These included parachutes, headgear and navigation equipment.
The Coast Guard unit also presented exhibits of various equipment and accessories used for marine manoeuvres. Among these were marine compasses, life jackets, inflatable rafts and radars.
The exhibition also featured various products by the agricultural corps including eggs, fruits, vegetables and feed for livestock.
Staff of the personnel department were also on location to facilitate persons desirous of joining the force with information about requirements.
The exhibition was attended by students from several secondary schools and training centres.
The event is one of several planned in observance of the GDF’s 40 th year of service to Guyana.
The anniversary celebration will continue with a number of other activities, which includes a Remembrance Day parade, fitness competitions and a route march on Saturday, November 12.
The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces President Bharrat Jagdeo will be taking the March Past at the Square of the Revolution at 7:00h.
TOP
Competition and Fair Trading Bill tabled
Georgetown, GINA, November 11, 2005
As Guyana moves closer to implementing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) single Market and Economy (CSME), Government is taking steps to ensure that measures are put in place to facilitate the transition.
Yesterday during the 72 nd Sitting of the National Assembly of the Eight Parliament of Guyana, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Manzoor Nadir presented the Competition and Fair Trading Bill – No. 18/2005.
The Bill, as the name suggests, intends to promote, maintain and encourage competition and to prohibit the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition and the abuse of dominant positions in trade.
It also intends to promote the welfare and interest of consumers, to establish a Competition Commission and connected matters.
TOP
GINA’s publications are not for sale
Georgetown , GINA, November 11, 2005
The Government Information Agency (GINA) wishes to advise the public once again that its publications on Government’s development programmes, policies and related activities in the country are not for sale. They are distributed free of cost.
The publications should not be used to solicit money by anyone, be it in the form of donations or otherwise.
It has been brought to the Agency’s attention by some public-spirited citizens that persons have been going around to various homes on the East Bank Demerara and other areas, distributing publications and collecting funds.
The Agency is therefore, advising the public not to give money for the publications, which may include papers, booklets, pamphlets or handbills.
Some of GINA’s publications are: Development Digest, Hinterland Highlights, Productivity on the Rise, 13 th Anniversary-Return to Democracy, Guyana-Symbols of Nationhood, Combatting Crime and Violence, National Monuments of Guyana, Essequibo (Pomeroon-Supenaam) County on the move, Linden (Region 10) on the Rise, Bartica (Region 7) Moving towards Secondary Township Status, Aqua-culture-A growing industry, National Development Strategy, Towards Greater Inclusive Governance in Guyana, Transforming Agriculture in Guyana and Year in Review 2004, Overcoming Challenges as we Progress and Celebrating African Achievement.
TOP
Tender process to begin shortly for Belvedere Primary School repairs
Georgetown , GINA November 11, 2005
President Bharrat Jagdeo has given the Regional Administration of Region Six (East Berbice Corentyne) the go ahead for the tender process for repairs to the Belvedere Primary School.
The instructions followed the President’s visit to the school this morning. There he met teachers, children and residents.
The President took a first hand look at the deplorable state of the school and has advised the Regional Chairman, Kumkarran Ramdass, to make the project a priority in next year’s budget.
The President told them to go ahead and award the contract so that by early next year construction can begin as the budget is expected to be out by the end of January 2006.
While the school’s foundation is good, the building is in a state of disrepair. Additionally the President assured that the outdoor equipment (slide) for the nursery school will be built.
While at the school President Jagdeo was asked about electricity for certain parts of the area. The President said he would enquire whether the area was included in the first phase of the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP).
Additionally the President’s assistance was sought for teachers at the Corentyne Comprehensive School. One parent at the gathering said that some of the teachers are attending the University of Guyana and as such, teaching is affected.
Member of Parliament, Zulficar Mustafa assured that the matter has been raised with the Minister of Education, Dr. Henry Jeffrey and it is being addressed.
Meanwhile the Regional Chairman and Mustafa will return to the community to address several issues related to roads. The President was informed of substandard work done, as well as the delay in a contract to repair streets in the area. The Head of State promised to address their concerns.
During a walk-about in the Belvedere squatting area, concerns were raised with the President that the Guyana Water Incorporated had denied them potable water because they have not fully paid for their house lots.
President Jagdeo said the matter would be looked into as he would convene a meeting with Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh,. He also said that they should be connected to the pipes, if they can prove ownership to the houselots.
“We would tackle the road, water, electricity and school problem, we can’t do everything now, but they would be done eventually,” the President assured.
Residents also urged the President to visit Mandir Street, Dr. Bush, where they expressed dissatisfaction with works done by contractor, which is valued at G $2M. President Jagdeo instructed Regional Officials not to honour the payment until it is corrective work is done.
The residents also appealed to the President for street lights and were told that Government’s focus is on ensuring that every home has electricity.
“At present that is not a priority and would be done at a later date if funds are available,” the President said.
At Nigg squatting area residents complained of the unsatisfactory performance by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the President explained that there are changes currently being made to that NDC.
They also complained that the NDC has sold the sand from the sea defence and they are now buying dirt to fill the space. These issues are expected to be addressed by the new NDC.
TOP
Debating competition among activities to remember Critchlow
Georgetown , GINA November 11, 2005
The month of activities planned in observance of the 100 th anniversary of the struggle for worker’s rights by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, intensifies next Monday with the launch of a centenary debate by five senior secondary schools and one private school.
These are Queens College, St. Rose’s High School, St. Stanislaus College, President’s College, St. Joseph’s High School and School of the Nations.
According to a member of the Critchlow Centenary Organizing Committee, Jimmy Hamilton, the event, which is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is aimed at creating an awareness of the works and contributions of the father of the trade union movement in Guyana and the Caribbean, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow.
The first round of the debate will be held at the National Centre for Educational Resource and Development (NCERD) Hall, Kingston, on Monday 14, and will feature Queens College versus St. Rose’s High Schools.
St. Stanislaus College will compete with St. Joseph’s High School on Wednesday 16 while President’s College meets School of the Ntaion on Friday November 18.
Semifinals will be held on Tuesday November 22 while the Finals will take place on Monday November 28.
Hamilton said a number of trophies and monetary prizes will be given to competitors.
The presentation ceremony will be held on Tuesday November 29 at the Le Meridien Pegasus.
Each debate will be recorded for national television while National Communications Network will be providing live coverage for the finals.
Meanwhile the essay competition being held in commemoration of the trade union leader received an overwhelming response leading to an extension on the submission date from November 14 to 21.
In addition to the debating and essay competitions there will be a 10km race on Sunday November 20, beginning at Guyana Labour Union’s Headquarters, Camp Street.
A one-day seminar and Cocktail reception will be held on Tuesday November 29 at the Le Meridian Pegasus.
The month of activities culminates with a National Rally and special Sitting of Parliament on Wednesday November 30. This will be attended by international Trade Union leaders.
TOP
Private sector continues to grow
One hundred and fifty projects underway
Georgetown , GINA, November 11, 2005
Approximately 150 projects are set to come on stream, as the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) continues to facilitate the growth and development of small, medium and large-scale enterprises.
Director of Go-Invest, Geoffrey Da Silva, indicated that the projects encompass all the major sectors, and comprise both local and foreign direct investments.
“Thirty-five per cent of the projects are foreign investments, covering several sectors. These include investments in the forestry, agriculture and communication sectors,” Da Silva said.
The investments Da Silva noted include expansion projects by existing companies, re-investments in other sectors, and new investments by both foreign and local parties.
The projected regional investments indicate that Region Four exceeds the other administrative regions, with an estimated $30.4B in investments. This is followed by Region Ten, with $15.6B and Region Two, with $6.5B.
The tourism sector continues to grow, with a marked increase in arrivals. “With the advent of an increasing number of resorts, more tourists are entering the country. They are coming not only from North America, but the Caribbean also,” Da Silva indicated.
Go-Invest is currently working with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to further accelerate and facilitate the growth of industry in Guyana.
A United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) analysis states that Guyana has attracted an average of US$66.1M between the years 1990 and 2003, reflecting huge investments in the mining, telecommunication and forestry sectors.
Go-Invest is the primary contact for investors and exporters. It liaises, on their behalf, with Government ministries and other agencies in an efficient and effective manner. The processing of applications for concessions and other government support is facilitated and expedited by this Office.
TOP
Movement of regional services taking root - Guyana/ Barbados , coalition of service providers first fruits - Minister Rohee
GINA, Georgetown, November 11, 2005
The services sector is the largest of the regional economy both in terms of employment, production and trade. With the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) countries of the region stand to benefit from the integrated flow of goods and services.
Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Clement Rohee at the opening of the Barbados Business Forum at the Cara Lodge recently said the CSME has already begun to bear fruit.
“ The Barbados and Guyana coalitions represent the first fruits of the services harvest,” Minister Rohee said adding, “it is my expectation that this business forum is the first of many to sensitise the stakeholders in the services sector of their role in achieving the goals that we have set for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).”
Minister Rohee giving supportive statistics that the service sector is indeed the largest said, employment data for 1998-2002 indicates that a total of 2.2M persons were employed in the CSME excluding Haiti. Of that amount 1.42M were employed in the services sector. “In other words, the services sector accounted for more than 65 per cent of the total employment in the CSME,” he said.
The trade team from the Barbados coalition presently in Guyana, is here to establish business-to-business contacts between the Barbadian and Guyanese communities and also to form an alliance between the Barbadian coalition and their respective counterparts and complementary agencies in both the public and private sectors.
The Coalition represents the convergence of professional associations and non-organised service professionals in Guyana, the third CARICOM Member State to join Barbados and St Lucia in mobilising citizens to better understand and participate in intra Regional service arrangements under the CSME.
As it stands, countries of the region are busily preparing to meet the December 2005 proposed date for the implementation of the CSME, the flagship of the Community.
The CSME will convert its 15-member States into a single, enlarged economic entity, a single market which is intended to provide an open market without cross-border restrictions and therefore, seeks to facilitate the free movement of final products, goods, labour and services.
Minister Rohee said after much hard work, the Guyana Coalition of Service Providers (GCSP) was launched which though it came some time after the Barbados coalition, technically represents a first of its kind. .
The GCSP was launched in June as a mechanism to prepare service professionals for the opportunities and challenges associated with the Services Regimes of the CSME.
Speaking of both the Guyana and Barbados coalition providers Minister Rohee said “These two models are now the subject of much discussion in the other member States that have not yet launched their coalitions since funding is the major hold-up.”
He said the two existing coalitions must share their experiences with the various regional preparatory committees working on the launch of their national coalition and encourage them to do so as soon as possible.
The Barbados trade mission will include service providers representing the following business sectors: information technology, marketing, accounting, construction, professional photography, soft furnishings, organisation development, communications services and forensic consultations.
The objectives are to promote development and competitiveness of the country’s service sector and to await service providers with export opportunities and activities. The delegation will also visit Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice) to establish similar linkages.
“ A lot more attention must be placed on this sector of the regional economy,” Minister Rohee said pledging his support to assist in this important work.
“If this is done, it would make our journey across the globalised landscape a lot smoother, ” he concluded.
TOP
Minister Baksh consults with Mon Repos vendors on market enhancement project
Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh discussing the market plan with vendors.
Georgetown , GINA, November 11, 2005.
Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh today held consultations with vendors of the Mon Repos market, particularly those selling on the roadside, on the $65M enhancement project which is soon to commence.
The vendors raised several concerns about the design of the project which will include construction of a tarmac, an access road and drainage and irrigation works.
They noted that the area identified for the market’s extension, opposite the existing market, is not suitable for business and recommended that the project be shifted to the other side of the road. They also protested the design for the construction of the road.
Minister Baksh advised that the concerns, as well as the suggestions and recommendations by the vendors will be noted in a detailed report that will be presented for Central Government for review before any decision is taken.
Five markets across the country including Lusignan and Rosignol have been earmarked for enhancement in order to ensure that the conditions are suitable for business operations.
TOP
Housing development moves ahead in Kaneville
Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh addressing residents of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara on the developmental plan.
Georgetown , GINA, November 11, 2005.
Massive infrastructural works have finally started in Kaneville housing scheme, East Bank Demerara, Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) under the Low Income Settlement (LIS) programme.
This project, which is being executed by the Government through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was scheduled to start earlier this year but was delayed when a contractor who had bid for the project protested the tender process.
As such, it was required that the project be re-tendered, a process that took a period of about four months in keeping with IDB’s specifications.
During a visit to the housing area today, Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh informed residents that the re-tendering process has been completed, giving the go-ahead for the works to start immediately.
He said the project include construction of roads, drainage and irrigation works, potable water and electricity supply and will be executed at a cost of $268M.
It entails construction of 12.6 kilometres of road network with a bitumen surface including the main access road, while 10 miles of roadside drainage will be repaired. Forty drainage culverts and one main access bridge will also be constructed.
The Minister indicated that the contract for the project has been signed and the contractor, FALCON Construction Services has started mobilising to construct their site office and stockpiling of material.
The water supply distribution network will also be addressed, as Minister Baksh acknowledged that there are leakages in the pipelines but the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has already moved to rectify the problem.
In addition, electrification of Kaneville will begin with the planting of electricity poles in December under the massive $34.4M Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP) that targets approximately 50 000 households in several areas across the country.
Minister Baksh noted that Kaneville is a low area and urged residents to ‘build up’ their lands to avoid flooding.
He also advised that residents relate the problems affecting the development of the village to the Community Development Council (CDC) who will transfer the information to the Housing Ministry for action to be taken.
Kaneville is one of a number of areas currently benefiting from massive infrastructural works under the Government’s housing development programme.
Other areas benefiting are Belle West and Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, Tuschen and Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo and Enmore/Haslington and Hope Lowlands, East Coast Demerara.
Preliminary figures reveal over 81,000 benefited from flood relief so far
Georgetown , GINA, November 11, 2005
Former Head of the Planning, Recovery and Implementation Secretariat Robeson Benn said today that the Secretariat has distributed 81,471 cheques to persons who had suffered during the January/February flood.
The Secretariat was set up by President Bharrat Jagdeo to oversee implementation of Government’s flood recovery efforts. However, on August 5, the Secretariat was officially closed to accommodate its other functions.
The final figures will be tabulated shortly since the Secretariat is awaiting any returned cheques via the mail.
A breakdown of the cheques distributed is as follows:
Household – 70,580
Rice farmers - 1,674
Small business - 2,322
Agriculture farmers - 6,895
In January, Guyana experienced its worst disaster, flooding, which caused billions of dollars in damage to residents living along the Coastal belt.
Realising the plight of many Guyanese after flood waters receded, President Bharrat Jagdeo on March 18, announced a $2.8B short term recovery package to assist thousands of Guyanese.
The package was funded by Government with partial assistance from the donor community. It was a short-term intervention that spanned a three-month period.
The recovery programme included cleaning and restoration of the physical environment, support for households in restoration activities, improving drainage systems and restoring other infrastructure with mitigation measures included.
It also included restoring pre-disaster levels of public services in education, health and water and assistance for the productive sector.
TOP
Government, private sector collaboration necessary for tourism drive
- Chairman of Kaieteur National Park Board
GINA, Georgetown, November 11, 2005
Tourism month was launched with specific emphasis being placed on the necessary collaboration between government and the private sector to fuel the growth of Guyana’s Tourism product.
This point was emphasised last night by Chairman of the Chairman of the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) Board, Shyam Nokta at the 9 th Friends of Kaieteur Night at the Eagle's Eyrie, Guyana Zoo Cafeteria.
Nokta, an advocate of tourism in Guyana, said that to make popular tourist destinations of the country accessible, there is need for increased government and private sector teamwork to overcome the challenges of the sector.
“The challenge still remains in promoting Kaieteur as a tourist destination,” Nokta said, citing the rising cost in fuel as an inhibitor preventing Guyanese from being able to access the falls.
“We need to look at other innovative ways in promoting our tourist destinations but in order for us to make this jewel (Kaieteur) accessible there is need to partner with the private sector,” Nokta added.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Mr. Yesu Persaud, in his discussion based on "the development of tourism in Guyana from the perspective of the private sector focusing on the Kaieteur National Park reiterated the need for the increased participation between the two bodies.
“Nature tourism is a fast emerging sector in the global community,” Persaud. He added that the success of such a sector is built on an array of critical facets, such as highly disciplined service providers within the country.
Referring to Guyana’s awe-inspiring Kaieteur Falls Persaud said, “it is nature in its finest form, undiluted, virgin, so we do have a product to sell but we have to ensure that the product is properly packaged.”
Persaud applauded the efforts of the KNP on taking on the responsibility of promoting Kaieteur since promotion is key for the success of any tourism industry.
The Friends of Kaieteur night will continue in an effort to raise public awareness in the sector while updating the public on developments at Kaieteur.
The 9 th friends of Kaieteur night marks one year sine the initiative was launched.
TOP
President meets with Adelphi residents
- electrification process to be accelerated
Georgetown , GINA, November 11, 2005
President Bharrat Jagdeo today assured residents of Adelphi, Canje that electrification of their area will begin in December, under the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UEAP).
The community is one of the many areas in Berbice earmarked to benefit under the $34.4M that targets electrification of approximately 50,000 households in some 220 communities in unserved areas across the country.
Adelphi village was earmarked to benefit under Phase One of the project, but was delayed.
However, President Jagdeo today confirmed with Robin Singh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company, that the Company will shift its efforts to Adelphi in December.
Government has already paid $2B to provide electricity to some 20,000 households in the newly established housing areas under the extension of the UAEP.
“GPL is stretched right now, but has already paid them the money to do that work so it is not a matter of the money. The funds have been secured and paid so you will have electricity before March next year,” the President assured anxious residents.
Residents asked that the project be accelerated. The President explained that they will have to depend on GPL, since residents cannot afford to access funds for the programme on their own. He noted that Government is contributing about $60,000 per household in the area for electricity.
GPL has contracted private persons to accelerate the programme. However, because of the large scale of the programme, some delays have been encountered.
The Adelphi housing scheme consists of 130 families and residents called on the President to disband the area’s Co-op Society. They claim that they have already procured a petition from every resident in the area for the Society to be replaced by a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
The Head of State noted that the matter will be looked into following a thorough discussion with residents.
Residents also complained of drainage issues which the Regional Chairman, Kumkarran Ramdass will address later next week.
Meanwhile, teachers of the Canje Secondary school beseeched the President to look into the matter of a missing pay sheet which disappeared in September last and resulted in teachers not being paid for October.
President Jagdeo instructed Ramdass to sort out the matter in a meeting which is scheduled for next Monday. If the matter is not addressed at that level, the Head of State told the teachers they are to contact him for the matter to be resolved expeditiously.
“When people work we have to pay them. We should not let little hiccups and bureaucracies prevent people from receiving the money they earn. You should sort this out urgently with them,” he told the Regional Chairman.
Nineteen-year old Adelphi resident, Rakesh Ramnarine was promised assistance by the Head of State. Ramnarine was injured as a result of an accident which occurred while he was cleaning a nursery school in 2002. The President asked that the youth be given an assessment of his condition at the New Amsterdam Hospital and upon reviewing the report he (the President) will then act.
Another issue raised by Aldephi residents was house lot allocation and the selling of lots. The President promised that Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh will investigate the matter.
He also made an impromptu visit to Rosehall to check on road works which have been halted due to a variation in the specification of the project.
President Jagdeo noted that as long it does not exceed the budgetary sums and the time-frame for the project, the variation could be approved. He urged that the matter be discussed with the relevant Ministry and expedited to ensure that the road project is completed.
As part of a massive road programme, Government is repairing some 16 streets in Rosehall, Region Six ( East Berbice/ Corenytne).
TOP |
