Efforts continue at keeping bird flu out of Guyana
- Key personnel undergo training
Georgetown, GINA, December 22, 2005.
Guyana continues to step up the fight against the possible entry of avian influenza commonly referred to as the bird flu, with the latest measure being capacity – building.
The first training seminar for key technical staff of the Ministries of Agriculture and Health was successfully held on December 20 and 21. This follows closely the National Committee on Influenza Preparedness finalising Guyana’s National Preparedness Plan. The sub-committees have each prepared individual strategic plan, all part of the overall National Plan.
At a media briefing today, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Dindyal Permal said the seminar is aimed at outlining the programme of activities that the Ministries will be engaged in to fight the disease.
“The different strategies employed by our Ministry in concert with other stakeholders, in the fight against avian influenza must be applied diligently, stringently and assiduously so as to impart a dynamic impact on preventing the entry of the disease in Guyana,” Permal said.
The Americas remain free of both animal and human cases of the H5NI strain of the avian virus.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the primary role of the Agriculture Ministry is to provide the first line of defense in the fight against the disease that has the potential to devastate the poultry industry and create a negative impact on the human population.
The training seminar provided information on the virus and methods that would be adopted to keep Guyana free of the disease, and if the worst occurs, to contain and control its spread.
Six technical papers were presented at the seminar by staff of the Agriculture Ministry, the Health Ministry and the Wildlife Division of the Office of the President. Some of them dealt with the history, importance, epidemiology and identification of the disease, diagnosis and control measures.
According to Technical Manager of the Training and Communication Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Joseph Mc Allister, 50 such training seminars will be held in various areas across the country within the next five months and will target a number of stakeholders including farmers.
Additionally, Permal assured that the Ministry is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Health to keep avian influenza out of Guyana.
Chief Crops and Livestock Officer, Beverely Summer, Technical Manager of the Animal Services Division, Michael Welch, Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr. Kenrick Elial and Assistant Chief Crops and Livestock officer, Jerrold Joseph were also at the press briefing.
The National in Influenza Plan caters for Quick Response Units in the Regions to react to all suspected cases of the disease while there are surveillance teams to conduct random sampling in the bird population for detection of bird flu.
“We are establishing this surveillance system, whereby if anything happens among our poultry that is unusual, that we would know and therefore test,” Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said in early November.
The Health Ministry issues weekly updates on bird flu and the situation that obtains in countries that are affected.
In the last update issued on December 17, t he number of cases of avian flu in human population continues to gradually rise, with 138 cases recorded. The number of deaths increased from 70 to 71.
Countries with human cases are Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. Countries that have reported animal cases of avian influenza H5N1 strain are: Cambodia, China, Croatia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Romania, Russia, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
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ERC resolved many complaints in 2005
- Others being investigated
Georgetown , GINA December 22, 2005
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has received the highest amount of ethnically based complaints from Region One (Barima/Waini) during the year 2005.
The Commission has received a total of 114 complaints nationally, 71 of which were lodged during visits to respective regions. A number of others were facilitated via regional complaints desks established by the Commission.
According to ERC chairman Juan Edghill, 19 of the 71 reports emerged from Region One followed by Region Five, which had a total of 11 complaints.
Contrary to widespread belief, Regions Three and Four recorded the lowest rate of ethnic complaints with a mere three each.
“Fourteen of the complaints received by the Commission have already been resolved,” he said.
He added that “Some are undergoing further investigations while others were referred to relevant authorities such as the Magistrate’s Court and the police.”
The Chairman noted that a number of factors inhibit the Commission’s ability to have more cases resolved.
A number of the complaints were made during the latter part of the year in addition to which delays in feedback sometimes slow down the processing of investigations.
The Chairman added that some of the complains have to be assessed to determine whether they fall under the ERC’s jurisdiction.
The Commission has concluded an investigation launched into alleged ethnic bias displayed by officers of the Canadian Bank Note, Guyana Lottery Company (GLC).
The investigation followed the attempted dismissal of the company’s general Manager, Sales Manager and Finance Manager.
Additionally there were alleged improprieties relating to the issue of donations and sponsorship.
Following an extensive investigation by the Commission, a number of recommendations were made to the GLC among which were sourcing of management and human resources manuals and reviews by the ERC every six months.
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President unveils $400M assistance plan to boost rice production
President Jagdeo interacts with residents of Mahaicony, at Mortice Primary School.
GINA, Georgetown, December 22, 2005
Government’s recognition of the integral role the agriculture industry plays in the maintenance of economic stability has resulted in a commitment made today by President Bharrat Jagdeo to provide $400M in assistance to boost the rice industry.
Revealing the strategic plan of his Government, President Jagdeo said the provision of this countrywide assistance to step up production of the much sought after commodity was conceptualised prior to the disastrous January/ February flood.
“The last rice production was very small and I want to see a larger production for the next season, so I have set aside $400M to assist rice farmers, actually this is being sent to Parliament today,” the Head of State said at Mortice Primary School, Region 5 (Mahaica/ Berbice) to the resounding applause of over 100 farmers who attended the meeting.
At today’s sitting of the National Assembly, Ministers of Government, members of the Opposition and other Members of Parliament will consider the motion to approve the proposals set out in the Financial Paper for the supplementary budget, 2005.
He said there are over 7500 rice farmers countrywide and it has been noted that over 6000 have less than 20 acres of rice.
President Jagdeo expanding on the developmental thrust visualised to increase production in the industry said each rice farmer would be given $5000 per acre with a ceiling of 20 acres.
“This is critical because we want to support them in the cultivation of their crop,” President Jagdeo emphasised.
He said currently both the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) are in the process of data gathering, to compile a concise database system of rice farmers.
“They have to register every farmer, so please be truthful and cooperate with them. It has to be a clear and transparent process because it is being audited,” the Head of State urged the farmers.
In this respect he made reference to the operation of the Planning, Recovery and Implementation Secretariat (PR&IS), which was audited by the Attorney General’s office.
Farmers are required to make available to the relevant officers their name, identification number, address, current status of land (if transported, leased or rented) and the number of acres of rice they intend to plant for the next crop.
The President said 2005 has been a year of challenges which included dealing with the natural disaster faced in January to which Government allocated $3B to assist affected persons and spiralling fuel prices where Government was forced to reduce the consumption tax on kerosene and gas among others.
Additionally, $1.3B was spent to provide public servants with a seven percent increase for 2005, $250M bonus for the Joint Services and over $800M will spent next year to increase old age pension and public assistance.
The GRPA has already commenced data collection in rice growing areas.
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President Bharrat Jagdeo along with staff from the Office of the President attended a traditional carol singing session at the Office of the President, by the Guyana Police Force’s Choir, on December 22. While there the President reaffirmed his decision to grant the Discipline Services a $250M tax-free incentive.
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Incentive for Disciplined Services is tax-free
Commander-in-Chief, President Bharrat Jagdeo delivering his remarks at the Camp Ayanganna Soldiers Day Christmas lunch. (An OP/ Sandra Prince photo)
Georgetown , GINA, December 22, 2005
Members of the Disciplined Services have more to be grateful to government for as the month’s incentive that was announced by President Bharrat Jagdeo on December 21, is tax-free.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bharrat Jagdeo today declared the tax-free incentive when he joined hundreds of soldiers at the Army’s Headquarters, Base Camp Ayangana, for their traditional Christmas lunch.
“After reviewing my decision yesterday about awarding the Joint Services a month’s incentive I realised that after $20,000, persons’ salaries are taxed 33 1/3, so I have decided that the month’s salary will be tax- free,” said President Jagdeo.
This is in addition to the seven percent across the board increase, announced earlier this month.
Additionally, the Head of State and Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Edward Collins presented monetary incentives to outstanding soldiers and civilians at today’s event. Among those present were Senior and Junior Non-Commissioning Officers and Private Civilians.
In his address, the Commander-in-Chief touched on a number of issues, while pointing out that soldiers should be constantly alert in maintaining the country’s territorial integrity and simultaneously fostering good relations with Guyana’s neighbours.
President Bharrat Jagdeo serves a soldier at the Camp Ayangana Soldiers Day Christmas luncheon. (An OP/ Sandra Prince photo)
The Commander-in-Chief, making reference to State visits by Heads of Governments of Brazil, Venezuela and Chile, said “Next year we will assume the Chairmanship of the Rio Group and it is the first time in the history of such a meeting that an English speaking country will be hosting such a meeting,” the Head of State said.
He also explained his vision for Guyana/CARICOM relations noting that what Brussels is to the European Union, Guyana will be to CARICOM, since Guyana will have the infrastructure to host many international conferences.
“We are looking for a spot in the international stage,” the President said, while referring to the International Convention Centre at Liliendaal, which is almost completed.
Commenting on harmony the President noted that for Guyana to be secure, race and politics have to be placed on the backburner, “ Guyana is our home we must see our country forward.”
The President also acknowledged the challenges faced by the Guyana Defence Force adding, “We still have a long way to go. The Army’s budget has been growing, it is over $3B and that will continue to grow.”
He urged soldiers to expand their horizon beyond their current portfolios. “Don’t be lazy, it will affect you in the future since many of you are still young,” the Head of State noted.
He also commended their support for the Police Force in maintaining law and order in the country.
Upholding tradition, the Commander-in-Chief, served the soldiers their meals and joined them on the dance floor.
Meanwhile, the Chief-of-Staff urged non-indulgence of alcohol and criminal activities as the season progresses.
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President attends South Georgetown Christmas party for children
President Bharrat Jagdeo distributes toys and goodies at the Christmas get-together to hundreds of under-privileged children of Charlestown, Albouystown and La Penitence, South Georgetown.
Georgetown , GINA, December 22, 2005
Spreading Christmas cheer, President Bharrat Jagdeo this afternoon distributed toys at the Christmas get-together to hundreds of under-privileged children of Charlestown, Albouystown and La Penitence, South Georgetown.
The event, organised by the National Community Development Council (CDC), in collaboration with the South Georgetown CDC, was hosted at the Carmel High School and attended by 500 children.
The President also shared goodies to the children.
National Director of CDC Ms. Philomena Sahoye-Shury said the idea is to give back to the children whose parents have worked with the CDC to develop their communities throughout the year. There are 15 such parties being hosted by the CDC and President Jagdeo has contributed, through the Office of the President, $1.5M. Parties will be held in Regions Three and Four. The party at Linden was held last Sunday, while the one in Sophia for 800 children was held on December 20.
President Bharrat Jagdeo distributes toys and goodies at the Christmas get-together to hundreds of under-privileged children of Charlestown, Albouystown and La Penitence, South Georgetown.
According to Ms. Sahoye-Shury, the idea is to give children, “whose parents cannot really afford it. We recognised that the toys are small, but at least they are being given a little treat.” South Georgetown, she said is one of the areas where there are many single mothers and hence, the parties also seek to help them.
This is the fourth year that Ms. Sahoye-Shury is holding the children’s party. Meanwhile, sweets are sent to Regions One, Five, Seven and Eight. The national director works with about 400 CDCs.
Meanwhile, the Office of the President also sponsored several parties on the East Coast Demerara, Region Four through the President’s Youth Choice Initiative (PYCI).
President Bharrat Jagdeo distributes toys and goodies at the Christmas get-together to hundreds of under-privileged children of Charlestown, Albouystown and La Penitence, South Georgetown.
On December 17, a party was held at the Lusignan Primary School for more than 700 children
Last Wednesday, a similar event was held for 1200 children at La Bonne Intention/Success and Pigeon Island, while the party for 700 children at Strathspey/Bladen Hall/Vigilance was held on December 20. Enterprise’s party was held yesterday for 800 children.
The party at Enmore will be held on tomorrow for 800 children.
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Supplementary Appropriation Bill passed in Parliament
Georgetown , GINA, December 22, 2005
The Supplementary Appropriation Bill No.4 of 2005 was today passed in the National Assembly after deliberations and consideration by both sides of the House.
This Bill seeks the provision of funds from the Consolidated Fund to meet the expenditure of Guyana for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005.
Representing Government in the deliberations was Minister of Finance who asked that the Motion be considered by the National Assembly.
The Bill contained Financial Papers No’s. Six, Seven and Eight which outlined a number of major developmental projects in Supplementary estimates.
These include ongoing projects in the Health Sector namely the provision of medical equipment and services which will cost Government $240M.
Questioned on this by the Opposition Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy explained that these equipment and services will be needed in the coming year since there has been rapid development and expansion in the health sector, specifically expansion of services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The Minister explained that over the years Government has been allocating significant sums of money to the health sector to improve the quality and delivery of health care across Guyana, something which the Opposition is not known to have done.
Under the Ministry of Home Affairs, questions were raised about the $195M which was outlined on the Supplementary Capital Expenditure for 2005, for provision of vehicles.
According to Home Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira these vehicles will be a major boost for the Guyana Police Force in the fight against crime in villages across Guyana.
These vehicles according to the Minister will also be used to render a quick response to calls by members of the public. Provisions were also made for Fire Tenders for the Guyana Fire Service.
Leader of the main Opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Robert Corbin asked what the purpose of the $30M outlined in the Supplementary Expenditure for the National Communications Network (NCN-TV and Radio).
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said the money was for developing the capabilities of both entities.
Meanwhile, at the conclusion of the deliberations, the Speaker expressed Christmas greetings to everyone present and their families.
Expressing greeting on be half of Government, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Reepu Daman Persaud urged everyone to put aside all differences and to continue to live as one people.
However, according to Mr. Corbin, despite the major disaster earlier in the year, there was still a successful year for all Guyanese. The main Opposition Leader also urged all Guyanese to live as one during the festive time of the year.
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