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Guyana to get drainage and irrigation machinery from Rome

Georgetown, GINA, November 29, 2005.

Guyana will be receiving a shipment of agriculture machinery and equipment valued approximately EUROS 4M from the Government of Italy.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh who recently represented Guyana at the 33 rd session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations Conference in Italy, Rome made this disclosure.

The conference held from November 19 to 26 included the 129 th session of the FAO Council, the 33 rd FAO conference and a special meeting of Heads of State and Government of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

“The objective of all of these meetings is specifically to strengthen the contribution of agriculture, forestry and fisheries to the sustainable development of Small Island Developing States with a particular focus on matters relating to trade and national food security,” the Minister said.

It was during the conference that Minister Sawh held discussions with Italy’s Agriculture Minister on a special soft loan that Guyana has accessed from the Government of Italy.

The machinery and equipment are being provided as part of the loan agreement and are expected to arrive by the end of the first quarter of next year. It would include machinery to assist in drainage and irrigation projects.

In addition, more than 12 project proposals were submitted from Guyana for funding from the FAO among which are shark identification in Guyana under the Fisheries department and the utilisation of lesser known wood species in Guyana under the Forestry department.

“Our forests have more than 1000 species of wood and only a handful of these are commercially exploited. We want to not only know what we have but how best we can use them in terms of production and for export as well,” Minister Sawh explained.

Another proposal submitted for FAO’s consideration is the establishment of a coconut water bottling facility in keeping with Government’s focus on promoting value-added products.

Guyana have been receiving support from the FAO for a number of projects in the agriculture sector including the rice-fish culture which is being promoted in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

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Public Servants wages climbing as economy grows

A GINA Feature, November 29, 2005

The Public Service may not offer one of the most lucrative jobs but in reality, real wages and working conditions have never been better, in a profession that certainly has benefits, despite criticisms that the sector has declined under the current Administration.

Tracing the pattern of public service development can best be explained by the cliché, “You cannot expect a Cadillac lifestyle in a Volkswagen economy,” as is often stated by Head of the Public Service, Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul.

Wages in Guyana had significantly declined and had been seriously undermined during the 1970s and it is against this background that progress in the Public Service can be measured today.

Prior to 1992, Guyana borrowed to pay its wages and salaries. This compounded the debt situation, an obligation which took the country to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic assumed Office in 1992 and at that time the minimum wage of a public servant in Guyana was $3137. The minimum wage in Guyana at present is $23,204.

Public Servants have benefited tremendously in recent years from a deliberate policy on the part of the Government to reverse the steady decline in real public sector wages brought about by the policies of the previous Government.

At the beginning of 1989, the minimum wage in the public sector was $595 or US$59.50 under the fixed exchange rate regime that obtained at that time. The rapid deterioration in the official exchange rate saw the minimum wage fall to US$25.98 by the end of 1990. This further declined in 1991 to US$13.78. This grossly depleted minimum wage of public servants was restored in 1992 to US$25.08.

The present wages are reflective of substantial increases of nearly 65 percent for the years 1999 and 2000.

As explained by Dr. Gopaul, the positive effect of the steady increases in nominal public sector wages on the disposable incomes of public servants is further consolidated by the recent success in bringing inflation under control. He noted that annual inflation has been reined in from consistent double-digit levels in the 1980s to consistent single-digit levels since 1992.

In 2001, the inflation rate through prudent management of the economy was restricted to 2.6 per cent. Inflation between 1999 and 2003 rose by 31.8 per cent, while there was economic growth over that same period of about 4.4 per cent, with negative growth rates on two occasions only. Wage increases for that period was 73.22 per cent, reflecting a tremendous increase in real terms.

According to Dr. Gopaul, the combination of rapid and steady increases in nominal public sector wages and success in restraining inflation and deterioration in the exchange rate has resulted in public servants being better off, relative to their status in the 1980s and early 1990s. These policies and increases implemented by Government debunk the claim of discrimination against public servants.

Another illustration that real wages and working conditions of public servants have consistently increased, is the comparison to the 1980s when Professor Clive Thomas said that ‘Never in the history of the Guyanese workers, was there that extent of devastation to their real wages.’ The Working People’s Alliance, an Opposition Party described the 1980 Budget as ‘draconian.’

Workers’ allowances have also improved over the years. There have been too, technological advances within the public sector that make life easier for employees. With the implementation of the Pubic Sector Modernisation Programme between Government and the Inter-American Development Bank, the Public Sector is being further improved.

Public Servants benefits vary depending on the categories. The allowances paid are for motor car; meals; overtime; away from base; one month leave passage; annual leave ranging from 14-42 days; duty free concessions for public servants with travelling posts; sick leave entitlement, which is being abused by many public servants and special leave to attend to personal business and academic commitments. Public Servants also work less than the average working week of 40 hours – 37 ½ hours per week. They also work up to 15:30 hrs on Fridays.

Given the volatility of the country’s economy, as in any developing country, Government cannot offer super salaries to public servants, but the current package can contest remuneration at some private sector agencies.

The danger also of significantly raising wages and creating expenditure that the economy cannot afford is causing erosion of real wages, as the currency would lose its value.

While there is recognition that Public Servants may work hard and deserve high increases, there are other social factors that could hamper this, as Government cannot borrow money to pay wages. Hence, increases are incremental in relation to the country’s economy.

The traditional public service comprised some 30,000 employees. However, many agencies have been given semi-autonomous status by the Administration and many workers are now employed on a contractual basis. This has resulted in a public service population of 10,000, without mass retrenchment.

Below is table of public servants minimum wage from 1980 to 2004.

1 10.02 percent increase in January 1992 was subsumed in the 23.20 per cent increase in

July 1992

2 10.01 percent increase in January 1993 was subsumed in the 27.30 per cent increase in

July 1993

3 9.50 percent increase in January 1998 was subsumed in the 30 per cent increase in

July 1998

Note: The average year exchange rates were used in the conversions.

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New Schools, Health Centre commissioned in Region Three riverain areas

Georgetown, GINA, November 29, 2005

Government continues its development thrust across the regions with several new buildings commissioned in various riverain communities in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) over the weekend when Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta and a team visited the areas.

On Friday, November 25, the team travelled to Bonasika and Aliki where meetings were conducted, while a new health centre was commissioned at Lower Bonasika. This was in addition to a new Primary school also commissioned in the community.

The Bonasika community had requested the health centre in January, 2003 and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) had engaged Samuel London and Associates to provide consultancy service for the construction project. The centre includes waiting and storage rooms and two wards as well as sanitation, water storage and electricity facilities.

The health centre’s construction commenced on August 09, 2005 and costs a total of $10.4M. Its operation is slated to benefit approximately 2,000 persons.

Meanwhile, the Bonasika Primary School, also funded by the CDB at a cost of $18.4M, was repaired and the upper flat extended. The bottom flat of the building was enclosed to house a Nursery school. Provisions were also made during construction for a Head teacher’s office, a staff room, library, Home Economics and Industrial departments, rest rooms, and a kitchenette with electricity. The building also contains adequate sanitary and water storage facilities.

At Aliki, the Local Government Minister handed over a new brush cutter to the community.

On Monday, November 28, the Minister and team stopped at Makouria and a new primary school was commissioned there as well.

As the team proceeded along the Essequibo River, another meeting was conducted at Lanaballi and yet another primary school was opened in that area.

Minister Nokta’s team included officials of the Region Three administration and Government’s execution agency, Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).

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Board of Inquiry set up to hear complaints of Region Six residents

Minister of Home Affairs, Gail Texeira, speaks to residents of Tain and surrounding communities at Tain Primary School. ( A GINA/Tariw Mohamed photo)

Georgetown , GINA, November 29, 2005

Residents of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) are currently involved in providing information pertaining to allegations of corruption among Police ranks, or other illegal operations being carried out in their communities. A Board of Inquiry has been set up by the Commissioner of Police (COP), Winston Felix.

According to Minister of Home Affairs, Gail Teixeira after the COP was briefed about the allegations made against several ranks of ‘B’ Division, he immediately ordered an Inquiry to hear complaints. The Board of Inquiry comprises four persons from the Office of Professional Responsibilities.

She urged persons to come forward with any information since the team will be at the President’s Youth Choice Initiative building at Tain from 9:00 hours to 17:00 hours.

“This is not the same thing as the Investigating Committee that we have agreed to when we met on November 25. This is an internal investigation for the Police Force,” Minister Teixeira assured a packed crowd at the Tain Primary school on November 28.

On November 25, residents of Tain and surrounding communities including Whim, burnt tyres and old vehicles in protest of alleged corrupt practices by Tactical Services Unit (TSU) stationed in the Region.

After a meeting with more than 300 residents of East Berbice and Tain, with Minister Teixeira, it was also decided that the TSU will be immediately replaced and that every two months the Unit will be rotated.

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Government’s D&I project to provide jobs for unemployed

Georgetown , GINA, November 29, 2005

Persons without a formal education, who are seeking employment, have yet another opportunity to so. They can apply to the Government of Guyana’s Community Drainage and Irrigation Project, which is currently being advertised in the local dailies.

As announced earlier by President Bharrat Jagdeo, Government will launch the programme shortly, which would provide 1,000 jobs for young people in Region Four, who have not completed their secondary education or the formal schooling system and require work. This programme entails maintaining the drainage systems in their respective communities. They will be employed as menial labourers and paid $25,000 after working four days per week.

About 400 persons would be recruited from the City and 600 from the East Coast and East Bank Demerara. They will have at least a one-year contract to help with drainage and irrigation, for which the Administration would provide the tools.

This programme is particularly important as the Coastland prepares for the year-end rainy season, by clearing drains and canals, among other drainage and irrigation works.

Three thousand persons would be hired from across the country to work under this programme. The other 2,000 persons would be hired from Regions One, Two, Three, Five, Six, Seven and Ten.

The menial labourers would be hired to support the work of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and Municipalities to clean and maintain drains and canals, remove solid waste and repair, maintain and monitor D&I structures.

The closing date for applications is December 2, 2005.

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Trained sniffer dogs to boost crime fight – Home Affairs Minister

• Other measures outlined

Home Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira makes a point during a two hour meeitng with representatives from the table( from left to right) are : Regional chairman Kumkaran Ramdass, member of Parliament Zulphikar Mustapha, commander of 'B' Division Clinton Conway and Community Relations officer, Fizul Jafferally. (A GINA / Tariq Mohamed photo)

Georgetown , GINA, November 29, 2005

Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs will be investing over $4M to train several sniffer dogs in an effort to improve the Canine Department of the Guyana Police Force.

“These dogs will be highly specialised and that means their training will be very costly,” said Minister of Home Affairs Gail Teixeira while meeting with representatives of the Private Sector at Albion Training Centre, Region Six on November 28. She noted that this intervention would help the Police Force, especially at the main ports of entry where illegal substances entering and leaving the country can be detected.

“Right now we have several dogs that have served us for more than six years and as old people their sense of smell would diminish,” Minister Teixeira explained.

A ‘crime stoppers programme’ is also being explored and the Minister is hopeful that it will come on stream in a few months.

“This type of programme is very effective worldwide. In Guyana, what we will have is 1-800 numbers which will protect the identity of any informant,” she told residents of Tain.

The programme is an extremely effective crime fighting concept that solves crime and keeps the streets safe.

Statistics show an average conviction rate of 95 percent and tips to ‘Crime Stoppers’ save law enforcement agencies thousands of dollars in investigation time. Calls to Crime Stoppers assist in putting police on the right track by identifying criminals.

“If the information received leads to an arrest, conviction or additional information then a reward will be given,” Minister Teixeira added.

Today there are some 1,200 Crime Stoppers programmes in 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Central America and the Caribbean.

The Home Affairs Minister also noted that the capacity of the Police Force will be further strengthened by a Citizen Security Intervention Programme launched recently by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The US$1M programme funded by the Inter-American Development Bank seeks to reduce levels of violence by strengthening efforts to prevent, counteract and control factors associated with criminal acts.

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Volunteers’ contribution to be highlighted on December 5

GINA, Georgetown, November 29, 2005

International Volunteers Day (IVD) celebrated in more than half the countries of the world would be observed on December 5.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation in collaboration with the national and international voluntary organisations have planned a number of activities, which commenced on November 25 with a panel discussion at the National Communications Network (NCN)

Mobile clinics will make provisions for medical assistance and supplies to the public. The scheduled dates are as follows:

• Georgetown in the vicinity of Guyana Stores, Muneshwar’s building November 29, 2005
• Pomeroon River on December 2
• Corentyne No. 68 Village on December 7
• Linden highway on December 9

Other activities planned include a parade scheduled for December 3, from 6:30 hrs to 8:00 hrs. The parade begins at the corner of Quamina and Main Streets, then moves south along Main Street, east into Church Street, south into Avenue of the Republic, east into South road, north into King street, north into East street, west into Quaminia Street, south into Thomas Street, east into North road, passing the round about by the St. Georges’s Cathedral, north into Carmichael Street, west into Quamina Street and back to the starting point.

Pedestrian Crossings will be painted at the Magistrate’s Court, Brickdam (St. Stanislaus College), Regent Street, (Guyana Post Office and St. Barnabas School) Church Street, Lamaha and Albert Street Crossings. This activity will be undertaken on December 4.

The main event for the actual day, will be held at the Demerara Mutual life Building at Robb Street and Avenue of the Republic. Invitees include Government Officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps and of the various national and international voluntary organisations

The activities are planned with the specific purpose of heightening public awareness about volunteerism.

The day provides an opportunity for volunteer-involving organisations and individual volunteers to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels.

IVD was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/212 on December 17, 1985. Since then, governments, the UN system and civil society organisations have successfully joined volunteers around the world to celebrate the Day on December 5.

Volunteerism is the willingness of people to work on behalf of others without the expectation of pay or other tangible gain.

Sexual misconduct by NOC administrator untrue

- Director of Training, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport

Georgetown , GINA, November 29, 2005

Director of Training within the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Sidney Scott today refuted allegations made by former student Leon Ellis that males are sexually molested by administrators, at the New Opportunity Corp (NOC).

On a privately owned television station newscast aired on November 28, the former student said that juveniles were also beaten.

Scott who has been employed with the NOC periodically since 1979 said the institution has been more than home to the many who reside within.

"There will be the disgruntled few whom the institution has been unsuccessful in reforming," he said.

In the case of Ellis, the director said that he has been sent to the institution on more than one account, and has never been able to conform.

"He was always angry; I spoke with him trying to find out what bothered him. He told me he was not liked by those in authority," Scott said.

He subsequently interviewed the administrative officers on separate occasions after which it was concluded that Ellis was averse to being disciplined.

The director said that Ellis has two other siblings residing at the institution and on one occasion another sibling who paid a visit had to be turned away, because of the age stipulation for visitation.

"She begged to be taken into the institution because she had nowhere to go, unfortunately we had to turn her away because homelessness is not a criterion for admittance into the institution," he said.

Visits to the NOC are welcomed once they are approved by the Ministry.

The director emphasised that there are a number of positive aspects of the NOC and many of its students come out reformed.

In his year-end report, the training director said that for this year, over 160 students participated in social rehabilitative endeavours at the NOC.

Counselling sessions form part of the process. This year voluntary counselling was done by Youth Challenge Guyana.

Recently allegations were also raised that administrators of the NOC had sexually molested a female student. The matter is pending in court.

The NOC is Guyana’s only Juvenile Correctional Centre where convicted unlawful adolescents are sent for training and rehabilitation.

It is guided by the Juvenile Offenders Act Chapter 10:01 and the training schools Act Chapter 11:01 of the laws of Guyana.

The Essequibo Boys’ School (where NOC is located) was the first such juvenile offenders centre which dates back to the 1870’s. The Belfield Girls’ School (BGS) was an institution run by the Salvation Army. In 1979, the Essequibo Boys’ School was handed over to the Guyana National Service to manage, and thus was renamed NOC.

In 1981, the BGS was closed and all female offenders were sent to NOC, which then became a co-educational institution for juvenile offenders.

In 2001, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport was given the responsibility to manage the NOC.

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Guyanese should inculcate volunteerism collectively

- Minister Ramsammy at launching of Mobile Clinic.

Georgetown, GINA, November 29, 2005

Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy today praised the Cuban and Chinese brigade of volunteers who have been rendering their services to Guyanese.

Dr. Ramsammy, at the launching of the United Nations Medical Outreach Programme in the vicinity of Guyana Stores Limited and Muneshwer’s building on Water Street, pointed out that on December 5, International Volunteers Day will be observed but the activities begin one week before and continue one week after.

“Volunteerism allows all of us to be good Samaritans, because all of us can contribute,” he said.

He urged that Guyanese inculcate volunteerism collectively and work together to achieve all objectives, noting that this specific event highlights the contributions made by volunteers on a yearly basis.

Free blood pressure and diabetes testing were availed to members of the public. The Guyana Red Cross Society also demonstrated medical procedures in cases of emergencies.

After the examinations persons needing medical attention were referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for treatment. Medications were issued free to hypertensive and diabetic persons.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Mr. Youssef Mahmoud, emphasised the need for a collective effort in developing Guyana .

He said he is honored to be associated with the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), Guyana Red Cross Society and the Ministry of Health in launching such an important project. He said the UNDP will continue to support these projects and look forward to the support of the Guyanese people.

The GRPA distributed pamphlets that explained to the general public most of the services it provides.

The outreach programme will shift its operations to Pomeroon River on December 2. It will also extend services at No.68 Village, Corentyne on December 7 and Laluni on December 9.

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Ministry of Education seeking alternative accommodation for St. Agnes

Georgetown, GINA, November 29, 2005

The proposed building for the relocation of the St. Agnes students has been found unsatisfactory by the parents according to Principal Education Officer (PEO) Narshulla Khan.

Mr. Khan said that at a Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) meeting held today, parents were informed of the buildings identified by Ministry of Education for relocation.

"We have identified four buildings, the Girl Guides Pavilion, the GNS Sports Complex, the Guyana Legion and the National Sports Development Sports Council," the PEO said.

Of the four buildings only the National Sports Development Council on Woolford Avenue was available.

He said parents asked to visit the location and decided that it was unsuitable for occupation even though it was suggested by the Ministry that it would be refurbished to accommodate the students.

The parents said that it would be preferred if the Ministry organised a shift system, with another school.

The PEO said that alternative arrangements are still being considered.

The relocation is to facilitate renovations of the school's building scheduled to commence at the end of this current school term and expected to be completed by the end of the first school term in 2006.

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Regional and international trade union functionaries for Critchlow’s centenary celebrations.

Georgetown, GINA November 29, 2005

A number of international trade union representatives are currently in Guyana to participate in activities planned by the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) to commemorate the 100 th Anniversary of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow’s struggle for workers rights, in Guyana and the rest of the English-speaking Caribbean.

One of the events planned in observance of the centenary celebrations was a seminar held today at the Le Meridien Pegasus, Georgetown.

Among those present were Acting Present Samuel Hinds, General Secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labour George Peana, Chairman of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Leroy Trotman, General Secretary of the International Transport Federation (ITF) in England David Cockroff, Head of the Trade Union Congress Andrew Garnette, General Secretary of the GLU Carville Duncan, People’s Progressive Party General Secretary Donald Ramotar, Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Dale Bisnauth, former President Mrs. Janet Jagan, Director of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries David Yankana, Distinguished Professor of the University of Guyana, Clive Thomas and PNC/R member Basil Williams.

The PPP General Secretary during his presentation noted that the struggle of Critchlow was neither confined to the cause of better wages nor to the Guyanese context.

He said that what Critchlow fought for was aggregate improvement of all aspects of working conditions for workers in Guyana as well as the rest of the Caribbean.

He added that “the strategic coordination of both sugar estate and stevedore workers illustrated Critchlow’s organizing capacity and ability to bring together persons from all social and ethnic backgrounds under the banner of the Trades Union.”

Head of the GTUC Andrew Garnett pointed out that Critchlow’s struggle for the rights of workers included a fight for the attainment of higher education for employees, irrespective of their status. It was out of this vision that the Critchlow Labour College and the Guyana Industrial Training College (GITC) were established.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds during his address added that “in order to subscribe to the vision of the Trade Union, one must see workers first and foremost as people, rather than part of a class or force….one must recognize the integral role they play in keeping the wheels of industry turning.”

He congratulated the GLU and urged them not just to continue the struggle but take it to a higher level. “On the basis of the victory won by Critchlow we will move to a higher stage where we can confront and overcome challenges.”

The calendar of events for the centenary celebrations continues this evening with a cocktail reception at the National Cultural Centre

The father of trade unionism will be honoured tomorrow during a special sitting of the National Assembly in recognition of his sterling contribution to the struggle of the Guyanese working class.

Leader of the Opposition and President General of the Guyana Labour Union, will move the motion. Following the Parliamentary sitting, there will be a rally on the lawns of the Parliament Building.

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