Home | Government Services | President Speeches | Stories | Crime Update | Documents & Reports | E-Governance | Booklets | Monthly Papers

Mash countdown begins

-Junior Calypso competition billed for Region Nine, tomorrow

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2006

The countdown to Mashramani has begun with a series of events ‘Showcasing a cultural mix in 2006’ billed to take place soon.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport will, for the first time, be venturing into Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), to stage the Junior Calypso competition on January 28, where young calypsonians from Regions Two, Four, Five and Nine will compete for the crown.

Coordinator of the Mashramani Secretariat, Lennox Canterbury, is optimistic that the celebrations will be grand this year, even though there is inclement weather.

“So far we had to cancel the Mash Jamboree in Region Six due to the flood situation. Mash is not in isolation from what is happening in the country but based on projections, I don’t foresee it continuing for much longer,” he said.

Speaking of some of the other activities, the coordinator said that leading up to the grand celebration on February 23, each administrative region would be involved.

“Mash being a national festival, we think that all the regions should at least host and view some aspects of the celebrations,” Canterbury said.

The adult calypso competition quarter finals is scheduled for Blairmont in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) on February 4, while the semi-finals will be held in Wales, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara). The finals will be held at the National Park on February 18.

The masquerade competition will be taken to Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), while the national chutney competition will be held at Anna Regina, Region Two. The National Cultural Centre (NCC) will be filled with the sweet sound of pan music on February 19 and 20 when the Steel Pan competition is held.

With respect to the costume and float parade, Canterbury said there is a fair indication that there will be at least 30 bands and the sponsorship for the activities will largely be financed by the private sector.

“We have been able to acquire a fair amount of sponsorship, with Soca being the official soft drink and Banks the official beer,” he disclosed.

Topco juices and Igloo ice-cream are the official sponsors of the Children’s Mash competitions.

Mashramani 2006, was launched in September 2005.

TOP

Ram’s Budget review … shallow, pseudo-analysis and political diatribe

- President’s Information Liaison

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2006

The analysis of the 2006 Budget done by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram has been marred by political influences and fails to comprehensively address the programmes and policies of the Budget.

Minister of Finance Saisnarine Kowlessar presented the $102.9B budget on January 23, which has attracted Ram’s annual review.

However Information Liaison to the President, Robert Persaud in an invited comment, described Ram’s review published in the Stabroek News Business component of January 27, as being “filled with pseudo-analysis and political diatribe. Christopher Ram, a chartered accountant, has ventured into the deep end of political analysis and found himself going under, unable to grasp that the annual budget is not the economic blueprint of the country but rather, represents the government’s financial plan for the fiscal year 2006.”

This approach has affected his analytical credibility noted in his delirious mirth, particularly against the President of Guyana. In his intervention, the Bharrat Jagdeo’s Presidency has become Ram’s favourite stomping ground and the 2006 Budget has allowed Ram another go at attacking the President. In this respect his analysis of the 2006 Budget breaks little ground; it is shallow and pedestrian.”

Persaud noted that Ram continued his political tirade against the President by once again accusing him of being in violation of the Constitution and specifically Article 13.

“Ram is a law student and would have had exposure to constitutional law. However, in his obsession with Article 13, he seems to have missed the essence of that provision, moreover he seems incapable of differentiating between a provision of our Constitution that is justifiable and one that is declaratory, one that speaks to an intention to govern within the spirit of consultant as against a guaranteed and enforceable right,” the President’s information Liaison pointed out.

He noted that the chartered accountant, at least, recognised the President’s successes in debt relief as well as his overwhelming support throughout Guyana, “something that has grudgingly led Ram to concede that the President will most likely be re-elected to the Presidency this year.”

Persaud said, “For all these shortcomings, Ram still has some redemptive qualities. With some more reading and tutoring in constitutional law, he may even get around to understanding Article 13 of our Constitution,” Persaud added.

In his analysis, Ram found government’s support for football clubs absurd, an opinion, which the many diverse social groups that will benefit form this initiative certainly do not share, but rather welcome.

“Ram, surely then, must be speaking for a politically organised tiny minority when he attacks this financial plan. While not questioning his competence as a Chartered Accountant, Ram is also in no position to question the President’s management style. Ram runs a relatively small miniscule accounting firm and has no experience in running a Ministry much less to even contemplate the responsibilities and demands of the Presidency,” he said.

Persaud expressed optimism that the Ministry of Finance will address, in due course, the many weak analyses contained in the review.

TOP

Prime Minister joins Chinese in observing ‘Spring Festival’

-2006, ‘Year of the Dog’

Georgetown , GINA January 26, 2006

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said the realisation of success by the people of China, is the reward of more than a century of hard work and dedication, and this should be emulated by people in developing countries, especially Guyana.

The remark was made during a reception held in observance of the Chinese New-Year at the Chinese Embassy, D’ Urban Park, Georgetown on January 26.

Among those present at the ceremony were Chinese Ambassador, Shen Quing, Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee, Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff Edward Collins and Information Liaison to the President Robert Persaud.

The Prime Minister said that the presence of Chinese in Guyana should be an inspiration in terms of the numerous achievements.

According to Ambassador Quing, “the New Year gives expression to Chinese people’s desire for a better life, and a year of peace and family happiness.

It is my hope that the friendship between Guyana and China would be further developed successfully, stably and deeply.”

During the Prime Minister’s visit to China last year, two Memoranda of Understanding were signed with regard to petroleum and chemical exploration and the establishment of an economic zone.

The 9 th meeting of the Guyana-China Joint Commission is expected to take place next month when an agreement will be signed between the Chambers of Commerce of Guyana and China to facilitate the establishment of a Joint Business Development Council.

Guyana and China recently established a number of trade and economic relation links. The Skeldon modernisation project, the International Convention Centre, Liliendaal and funding for two ferries to ply the Berbice River are testimony to these links.

The Chinese Spring festival which starts on January 29, marks the beginning of Spring in the continent of China, and symbolises the start of the Chinese lunar calendar.

The festival lasts 15 days and the time is spent ushering out the old year and contemplating on the positive expectations during the upcoming year.

This year is observed as the ‘Year of the Dog’ and is symbolic of the animal’s vigilance, loyalty and willingness to perform duty.

The reception featured a number of cultural performances by Chinese and local groups. The cultural exchange between the two countries takes various forms such as music, karate, judo, tai-chi and other forms of martial arts.

TOP

Awareness campaign on to stop selling blood

-following reports of such practice

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2006

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has embarked on a countrywide awareness programme to educate persons on the dangers of paying others to give blood.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the NBTS, Portia Clarke noted that this practice is usually a private arrangement where negotiations are made among persons to pay a member who is a relative or close friend to donate his/her blood.

She pointed out that the perpetrators would select donors based on their physical sturdiness and overlook the state of their health. This, according to the PRO is one of the critical areas where education is needed.

Prior to giving blood, donors are interviewed and tested to ensure safety.

Clarke pointed out that the NBTS intends to educate persons on the procedures involved before blood can be accepted for storage. She said that testing is done to determine infectious markers, blood count and group. Donors are informed about this procedure at the institution, Clarke said.

The transfusion service intends to resolve the need for persons to engage in this practice by increasing the donor supply at the blood bank to ensure that safe blood is collected and stored.

The PRO is appealing to those involved in the practice to desist form doing so and allow the NBTS to provide safe blood to persons in need.

TOP

Drainage works and pumping ongoing in many flooded areas

• water gradually receding

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2006.

Reports from several regional and drainage officials today indicated that the overall flooding situation is gradually improving even as rainfall is being experienced continually.

Region Two

The following information has been provided by Regional Vice-Chairman, Vishnu Samaroo:

• Situation is gradually returning to normalcy except for Charity and Pomeroon River areas
• Five pumps are operating along the Essequibo Coast and six at Charity
• Pumping at Charity is contributing to reduction in the water level
• The levels at the Ituribisi, Capoey and Golden Fleece conservancies and at the Tapakuma Lake are controllable
• Overtopping at sections along the main canal has stopped while the water level has reduced. The level recorded yesterday afternoon at the Redlock gauge was 58.20.

Region Three

• According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), there are reports of high water within the channels
• The water has receded in Meten-en-Meer-Zorg, and drainage works are ongoing
• There is flooding at Dorn Hogg, Leguan Island but the water is receding

Region Four

• Naraine also reported that flooding continues in Nabaclis, Victoria and Golden Grove but the water is receding
• All pumps and sluices are in operation
• Clearing of outfall at Golden Grove is ongoing
• The levels of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) were recorded as 58 GD at the Lama outlet while it was 55.5 GD at Land of Canaan

Region Five

The Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) today reported that:

• The three rivers continue to be at critical levels while the situation in the residential areas has improved significantly
• There is minimal flooding from Profit to Golden Fleece, West Coast Berbice
• Pumps are in operation at Trafalgar and Belladrum
• Drainage works are ongoing on the eastern side of Number 28 Village
• Heightening of the embankment at Lichfield is completed
• Desilting of the drain in Lichfield is currently ongoing
• There has been a slight reduction in water levels in the Abary River
• Pumps are in operation at Little Abary and all sluices are operating at full capacity
• There is no report of flooding in the coastal areas in Mahaicony

Region Six

• Acting Regional Chairman Kadim Bacchus stated that water is receding gradually in all affected communities in the Region
• Emergency drainage works are ongoing at Number 66 Creek and Yakusari and Johanna in Black Bush Polder
• Pumps are operating in areas including Eversham, Number 43 Village/Joppa and Liverpool
• Rainfall occurring intermittently.

TOP

Preparing youths for the future

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2006.

Government continues to develop Guyana’s human resources, and many young people between the ages of 16 and 25 are benefitting from training provided by government, through the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme.

The YEST programme, established in January 2002, encompasses four centres: Kuru Kuru Training Centre on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, Sophia Training Centre in Georgetown, New Opportunity Corps (NOC) at Onderneeming, Essequibo and the Smythfield Drop-in Centre on the outskirts of New Amsterdam.

The programme’s training director, Sidney Scott, said YEST’s curricula which existed under the management of the former Guyana National Service (GNS) underwent improvement especially with regard to instructors for the various components.

Kuru Kuru

The Kuru Kuru residential programme, allows students to undergo studies in eight disciplines: business studies, carpentry, electrical installation, joinery, motor mechanics, masonry, plumbing, welding and fabrication, and spans 10 months from September through July.

“We inculcate good habits along with the area of study they have chosen. Computer literacy is being taught to every student here also,” Administrator of the centre, Franklin Lynch explained.

Since its establishment in 2003 more than 600 youths have completed training. The present batch has 128 students, 96 males and 32 females, drawn from the 10 administrative regions.

The programme is free and students receive a monthly stipend. Most of the products made during training are sold or utilised by the centre.

“Everything on the campus is made by the students here. The electrical installation and maintenance work is done by the students and the instructor and the grill work for windows and the gates are made by students in the welding and fabrication programme,” Scott proudly explained.

Located in a tranquil environment, students’ creativity is explored through the use of bottle stoppers, leaves, and bottles.

“We have to make the best of the materials we have. There are no shops here and we are not allowed off the campus, so we become very creative,” one student noted. There are four main dormitories on the centre’s campus and students from each dorm usually build and maintain a park for relaxation.

The residential nature of the Kuru Kuru programme also allows for students’ personal, social and physical development.

Sophia

The Sophia Training Centre is non-residential, and two batches of youths are trained yearly with recruitment taking place every six months. Students are trained in catering, office procedures and information technology, refrigeration and air conditioning, straw craft and welding and fabrication.

Students are also exposed to the development of entrepreneurial skills through in-house business opportunity training with the assistance of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) and are involved in a six-week work study component at both public and private entities. This is in addition to tours, discussions on topical issues and recreational activities

Since it began four years ago, 466 have since been trained.

NOC

Full-time training for youths in a correctional setting is the primary focus at the NOC. Electrical installation, handicraft, joinery, office procedures, tailoring and garment-making and welding and fabrication form the areas of training.

Currently, there are 162 students at the centre - 108 boys and 54 girls between the ages of 10-17.

The technical programmes are taught to students over the age of 15, while those below that age attend remedial sessions in classrooms from Monday to Friday.

Rehabilitating and reforming the youths is the major aim of the programme. Other areas of exposure for students pursuing social rehabilitation include small-scale agriculture (crops) and livestock rearing.

The NOC is Guyana’s only Juvenile Correctional Centre and is guided by the Juvenile Offenders Act Chapter 10:01 and the Training Schools Act Chapter 11:01 of the laws of Guyana.

It was established in 1879 as the Government Training Centre for deviant adolescent boys and was renamed the New Opportunity Corps on August 1, 1979. It became co-educational on June 12, 1981, when the Belfield Girls’ School merged with the Essequibo Boys’ School.

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

According to the Scott, the objective of the training is primarily to prepare participants for entry into other learning institutions, employment in private or public sectors and self-employment in their communities.

Smythfiel d drop-in centre

This institution caters for youths from surrounding areas to utilise the facility for organised social and cultural activities during their leisure time.

Volunteers from government and non-governmental organisations impart low level training for youths using the facility.

TOP

St. Mary’s students to re-occupy old building in new school year

• Permanent Secretary

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2006

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education Pulandar Khandai has indicated that students of St. Mary’s Primary school will re-occupy the building in September. “Students occupying the St. Mary’s school at present are preparing for the Secondary Schools Entrance Examination (SSEE), thus creating space for the relocation of the St. Mary’s students,” he said.

This decision came on the heels of a protest staged by the parents of students of St. Mary’s school demanding that their children return to the school because of the dilapidated condition of the St. Phillips school, where they are now housed.

The Ministry has agreed that some emergency work needs to be carried out on the St. Phillips school. It was specifically agreed that a concrete pathway be built for the school, since the students complained of having to walk in muddy water.

It was also decided that a letter be sent to the Mayor and City Council to have the bushes around the school cleared, as these encourage vagrants to loiter there and interfere with the students.

Commenting on the issue, Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, said the issue with St. Mary’s started years ago when the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) objected to the conditions that the students were exposed to.

“The claims – that seems in retrospect justifiable – was that the building was hot, it lacked sufficient natural ventilation; artificially ventilation wasn’t provided, and on that basis were insistent for the students to be relocated,” the HPS said.

He said while the Ministry of Education undertook an aggressive implementation of rehabilitation of the school, they were faced with the terrible disaster at the Sacred Hearts Primary and had to relocate those students to St. Mary’s, which was at the time unoccupied, to facilitate the work being carried out.

“Sacred Heart students moved into St. Mary’s mainly at a time when they had no choice, but definitely into a building that had been rejected by the PTA of St. Mary’s. I am not certain what the entire situation is, that led to the rejection to the St. Phillips, but I suspect that the old St. Mary’s or St. Mary’s as is – is better than St. Phillips,” he explained.

He said the Ministry is working on a ‘win win’ situation to satisfy the PTA, particularly the parents.

TOP

Despite flood challenges tourist arrival second best ever

- Tourism development, a priority

Georgetown, GINA, January 24, 2006

Amidst the economic, social and other challenges presented by the January 2005 disaster, the tourism sector has done well with visitor arrival reaching record highs.

“ In spite of the floods and resultant negative travel advisories, and the collapse of an international airline that serviced the key Guyana/New York route, visitor arrivals through the airport, topped 116,500 persons, the second highest ever,” Minister of Finance, Saisnarine Kowlessar told the National Assembly at the recent 2006 National Budget presentation.

According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) losses from the flood resulted in an estimated 60 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Manzoor Nadir at his Year End press conference said, “While we suffered badly from negative travel advisories in the flood and immediate post-flood period, arrivals have rebounded. September, October and November were record months for arrival while 2005 will just be short of the all-time record year of 2004.”

It cannot be doubted that recently, with the aggressive policies and initiative being pursued by stakeholders in the tourism sector that growth in the sector is occurring.

Threats to traditional products traded at preferential prices, such as sugar, emphasis is being directed towards diversification of the country’s economy.

Government has budgeted $6M for tourism development with the overall budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Tourism, Industry totalling $38.5M representing almost a 20 percent increase over last year’s allocation.

“ Guyana’s tourism product continues to grow and attract significant interest from investors and visitors alike. This augurs well for the future as its potential has long been recognised and its contribution would help to mitigate the impact of lost income arising from the sugar price cut,” Minister Kowlessar said.

Without vision and strategic plan it would be impossible to be guided in a successful direction of achieving goals set to make Guyana a ‘must travel to’ destination.

“Work on a five-year strategic action plan for boosting tourism in the country has started. We have budgeted more resources this year, which will be devoted to exploiting the marketing appeal of the country. New tourism products will come on stream.”

Guyana’s five-year strategic plan, which is supported by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB), will outline recommendations for the development of accommodations in the expansion of the industry with private sector involvement playing a pivotal role.

During a recent tour of Guyana’s major tourist destinations, IDB Official, Dr. Phillip Heneghan, who is actively engaged in formulation of the plan said, “product packaging and marketing is essential to the tourist sector. Tourism properly managed, properly promoted will pay its way. It will be a driver of the economy.”

Developments in the tourist sector are expected to benefit all stakeholders from the tour operators right down to the local craftmaker.

Minister Nadir said, “ Guyana is a small place and has a fledgling tourism industry, but Government is working unremittingly towards its development to make it a vibrant sector. “Government stands ready to make tough decisions to achieve this.”

Minister Nadir reflected on the recent major investments in the infrastructure of Guyana such as the US $16M four-lane road project, US $25M Cricket Stadium, and the improvement of access roads to the airports, which add to the capital investment by government to promote the tourism industry.

“The hotel and hospitality industry will be enhanced and expanded in anticipation of larger tourist arrivals generally, and in preparation for World Cup 2007, in particular,” Minister Kowlessar told the national Assembly.

During a recent meeting with the Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo, Cricket World Cup 2007 (CWC) officials were assured of Guyana’s preparedness to host the big sporting event.

A Bed and Breakfast project has been launched to increase accommodations for the event.

Individuals in the private sector are also injecting millions into the development of luxury hotels to accommodate the thousands of tourists expected next year for the event.

Bolstering the tourism industry remains a priority for government and with increased capital injection into the sector supported by the dedicated stakeholders, the sector will evolve from a fledgling industry into a sustainable one, contributing significantly towards Guyana’s GDP.

TOP

Awareness campaign on to stop selling blood

-following reports of such practice

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2006

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has embarked on a countrywide awareness programme to educate persons on the dangers of paying others to give blood.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the NBTS, Portia Clarke noted that this practice is usually a private arrangement where negotiations are made among persons to pay a member who is a relative or close friend to donate his/her blood.

She pointed out that the perpetrators would select donors based on their physical sturdiness and overlook the state of their health. This, according to the PRO is one of the critical areas where education is needed.

Prior to giving blood, donors are interviewed and tested to ensure safety.

Clarke pointed out that the NBTS intends to educate persons on the procedures involved before blood can be accepted for storage. She said that testing is done to determine infectious markers, blood count and group. Donors are informed about this procedure at the institution, Clarke said.

The transfusion service intends to resolve the need for persons to engage in this practice by increasing the donor supply at the blood bank to ensure that safe blood is collected and stored.

The PRO is appealing to those involved in the practice to desist form doing so and allow the NBTS to provide safe blood to persons in need.

TOP

TUC’s actions mischievous – Labour Minister

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2006

Labour Minister Dr. Dale Bisnauth today expressed his dissatisfaction at the recent statements and actions by members of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on the amendments to the Trade Union Recognition Act which was passed in 1997.

In a latter part of 2005, Minister Bisnauth presented a Bill in the National Assembly to amend the Trade Union Recognition Act. The Act sets out to address claims by unions to represent workers of different enterprises and entities. The TUC has so far opposed the proposed amendments.

The Minister said he is very disturbed that the TUC would take such actions despite numerous exchange of letters and telephone conversations he had with the TUC President, in particular.

“As early as the 25 th July, 2005 the Chief Labour Officer dispatched packages to the TUC and Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) containing the proposed amendments to the eight bits of legislation, including that of the Trade Union Recognition Act.”

He added that CAGI acknowledged receipt of the package, although its head also acknowledged that the body had not considered the amendments until earlier this year.

The TUC at its press conferences accused the government of not consulting with them and describes this as “scandalous.”

“By this, that body seeks to indicate that it has not received our package and when the President of the TUC telephoned me to say that they had not seen the Bill, I gave instructions that a new package be sent that same day,” he said.

The Minister also described TUC’s actions as being “mischievous” and attempts to create chaos in Guyana’s labour sector.

In the letter titled “Where is the Scandal?” that he sent to the media today, the Minister outlined the origin of the Trade Union Recognition Act.

“It was not until 1997, that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) managed to get the Trade Union Recognition Bill passed in Parliament. Although the Act became law in 1997, it was not until 2000 that the first meeting of the Trade Union Recognition Board was held,” he explained.

Minister Bisnauth added that the “initial problems lay with the naming of a Chairman to the Board. The composition of the Board consisted of three nominees by the TUC, three by CAGI and a Chairman to be named after consultation with the TUC and CAGI.”

The TUC went public on the issue by mounting a picketing exercise in front Parliament Buildings.

“I could have gone public on the issue in rebuttal of the TUC’s public utterance but I refrained, because it is not in the interest of healthy relationships in the labour sector for accusations and counter-accusations to fly backward and forward,” Minister Bisnauth explained.

Referring to the full page advertisement in Kaieteur News of Sunday, January 22, the Minister said that, “this advertisement describes the Trades Union Recognition Act as a “scandalous” piece of labour legislation that seeks to divide the Trade Union Movement in Guyana and I find this very mischievous.”

According to the Chief Labour Officer who is also the Secretary of the Trade Union Recognition Board (TURB), Mohamed Akeel, for the last eight months the TUC held only one meeting with the TURB.

He also said that on several occasions Cabinet was forced to extend the life of the Board because the TUC failed to name its representative and when it did, it failed to come up with a nominee for the Chairman’s position, “because of the TUC the work of the Board is stymied.”

TOP

Record breaking rainfall season recorded

Georgetown, GINA, January 27, 2006

Fifty-eight point four inches of rainfall – three times the normal amount accumulated - has been recorded in Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) during the period November 30 to January 26, 2006.

November 30, 2005, marked the commencement of the secondary rainy season, which to date, has resulted in as much as three times the normal amount of rainfall in several regions.

The highest volume of rainfall on November 30 was recorded in Georgetown and Ogle, at 47.6mm and 140.0mm in 24 hours respectively. The rainfall reported on this day contributed mainly to above normal rainfall for most stations in November.

Heavy rains (14.6inches) were recorded for most stations located in Region 2, 6, 7, 8 and 10 during the month of December. The highest rainfall figures ranged from 14.6 inches to 22.4 inches.

Charity, Wales, Georgetown, Ogle, Timehri, New Amsterdam, and Kaeiteur, recorded in excess of 19.7 inches of rainfall in December. An average of 22 consecutive rainy days was observed, with most stations experiencing at least 10 days with rainfall greater than 0.8 inches.

This was followed by a break where no significant rainfall was recorded between December 23 and 29.

January so far can be categorised as very wet to excessively wet. Like December, a similar pattern of above normal and high intensity rainfall has been observed.

Current conditions indicate the possibility of intense convection and heavy rainfall.

Table I: showing rainfall accumulated in inches from November 30 to January 26, 2006.

* Not all daily values were available; hence normal could not be calculated for all the above stations. Normal are taken (in this instance) in most cases as average for the years 1961 - 1990

TOP

These pictures depict vandalism of drainage structures in the backlands of several East Coast Demerara villages, Region Four before and after they were sealed to control the penetration of excess water taken by the Guyana Police Force.

The vandalism of the structures plunged areas between Golden Grove and Noot-en-zuil and at Mahaica into widespread flooding. However, they were quickly sealed by the administration.

TOP

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds addresses gathering at the Chinese Embassy, as part of celebrations to mark the commencement of the Chinese New Year. Also in photo are Mrs. Yvonne Hinds, China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Shen Quing and Mrs. Quing.(Tariq Mohamed photo)

Part of the cultural presentation at the Chinese Embassy, marking the commencement of the Chinese New Year, January 26. (Tariq Mohamed photo)

TOP