GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA STATEMENT
The Government of Guyana has today, Saturday, January 28 th 2006 declared Guyana’s Administrative Region 5, Mahaica/Berbice, a disaster area as well as the Pomeroon River catchment area in Administrative Region 2, Pomeroon/Supenaam.
Guyana is currently experiencing unusually high seasonal rainfall which has, in the declared areas caused widespread inundation, overwhelming flood control mechanisms in those areas and leading to the suffering of thousands of residents and profound disruption of their livelihood.
An international appeal has been launched with the aim of securing urgent support and assistance in the implementation of the Emergency Disaster Mitigation and Prevention Programme which includes the rehabilitation of vital drainage structures and the dredging of the four rivers that drain into the sea, the Pomeroon, Mahaica, Mahaicony and the Abary.
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Region Five, Pomeroon catchment area declared disaster areas
- Government launches appeal for int’l assistance
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2006
The Government of Guyana has declared Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and the Pomeroon River catchment area in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) disaster areas as a result of the flood situation.
This announcement came from Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon today, Saturday January 28 at the Office of the President.
“Guyana is currently experiencing unusually high seasonal rainfall, which has in those declared areas, caused widespread inundation, overwhelmed the flood control mechanisms, leading to the suffering of thousands of residents and profound disruption of their livelihood” the HPS explained.
Heavy rainfall began in mid-December 2005 and since then many of the riverain areas have been inundated.
The HPS’s announcement was followed by the launching of an international appeal for assistance, financial and otherwise, for these areas.
“The aim is to secure urgent support and assistance with the implementation of the emergency disaster mitigation and prevention programme, which includes the repair of vital drainage structures and the dredging of the four rivers that drains into the sea: Pomeroon, Mahaica, Mahaicony and the Abary rivers,” he said.
The appeal targets both domestic and international support, with the emphasis being placed on the latter group, non-governmental organisations and bilateral partners.
Meanwhile, Dr. Luncheon said on the local scene, the administration would continue to identify the interventions to be implemented to mitigate the impact of the flood situation and possibly avoid further flooding. This he said, would include short-term interventions.
“The Government interventions in the disaster areas is to continue doing assessments of the situation and identifying interventions to be put in place and being wholly responsible for financing these interventions related to the disaster response,” Dr. Luncheon said
In the January 2005 flood, Government declared regions Three, Four and Five disaster areas. However, in the 2005-2006 the flood has affected Regions Two and Five or prolonged periods, while Regions One, Three, Four, and Six have been affected to a lesser extent.
Dr. Luncheon explained that a number of factors were taken into consideration in determining which areas were declared “disaster areas.”
“Here, we want to make a distinction between seasonal flooding that occurred right across the coast from Regions One to Six, but whose resolution and particularly whose development did not go outside of the customary scope and duration, as opposed to those areas where although there was seasonal rainfall that precipitated the flooding, the inability of the flood control mechanisms to handle that amount of water led to prolonged flooding and sustained negative impact on residents and their livelihood.
Government’s reviews of the assessments and reports being collected, Dr. Luncheon pointed out, has made it quite clear that “in some areas there is the proverbial peak and then slow-off effect occurring with gradual but progressive improvement and in the two areas we mentioned (the disaster areas), there has been a plateau.
The impact has remained sustained and there is currently no improvement and we anticipate on the basis of the continuous rainfall that the situation might endure a lot longer.”
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Government examining external sourcing of cattle feed - Dr. Luncheon
- Possibility of evacuating cattle strong
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2006
Government is faced with the dilemma of providing feed for cattle stranded in the flooded areas in the face of an apparent shortage.
“The provision of feed has been high on our agenda and the sourcing of feed has become problematic. The harvesting in the rice sector is virtually over and there isn’t any significant amount of rice bran. We are having difficulties sourcing wheat bran,” Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary said at a media briefing this morning.
“In most of the flooded areas, particularly Region Five, hundreds of heads of cattle have been inundated with floodwaters as a result of the intense rainfall that began in the country since last December. The absence of highland and vegetation has resulted in animals perishing.
“The situation with the cattle remains a rather parlous (full of uncertainties) one. Most of the affected cattle are in the Abary area and to a lesser extent Mahaicony and Mahaica areas. The impact of the flooding in those areas has been sustained and therefore the cattle has been living under water for quite some time,” he said.
Several efforts have been made to source feed; either wheat milling or rice bran, from other parts of the country, but the demand has far outweighed the supply.
“The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Ministry of Agriculture are working on external sources, but the cattle, I am certain, we would have to face the strong possibility of relocating, evacuating the cattle or watching them succumb,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
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Guyana and the Rio Group
- Cementing the links between the Caribbean and Latin America
Georgetown , GINA, January 28, 2006
GINA Feature
Guyana is now the Chair of the Rio Group and Pro Tempore Secretariat. The chairmanship of this prestigious and important group was formally handed over to Guyana at a simple ceremony at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) building on January 20.
Signing the legal documents transferring the chairmanship was Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Rudy Insanally, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, Ambassador Roberto Garcia Moritan and Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, Carlos Morales Troncoso.
Guyana was selected at the 18 th Rio group meeting in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to chair the 20th meeting of the Heads of State and Governments of the Rio Group.
What is the Rio Group Troika?
In January last, Guyana joined Argentina and Brazil as a member of the Troika, which is responsible for coordinating and representing the group's interest and activities.
Minister Insanally noted that Guyana’s position on the bureau will help to cement links between the English-speaking Caribbean and Latin America.
“The Rio Group has at its helm a management team, the Troika, which comprises of the outgoing chair ( Argentine Republic), the current chair ( Republic of Guyana) and the incoming chair ( Dominican Republic).” Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Elizabeth Harper explained.
What is the Rio Group?
The Permanent Mechanism of Political Consultation and Coordination - the Rio Group - was created in 1986 in Rio de Janeiro as an alternative body to the Organisation of American States (OAS) during the Cold War.
The Mechanism is the result of the fusion of the Contadora Group and the Support Group.
The Contadora, comprised of Mexico , Colombia, Venezuela and Panama was formed in 1983 to encourage regional peace, especially in Central America.
A Support group which consisted of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Peru was formed 1985, to search for diplomatic means of solving conflicts. It had submitted a regional peace treaty at the 1987 Presidential summit of the Central American Common Market
At present, the group’s members also include, Bolivia, Belize, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) represented by Guyana, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Purpose of the Rio Group
The major objectives of this organisation, stated in Declaration of Rio de Janeiro in 1986, include
- -expanding political cooperation among the member states;
- examining and coordinating common positions on international issues;
- promoting more efficient operation and coordination of Latin American cooperation and integration organisations.
- finding solutions to regional problems and conflicts and
- exploring jointly, new fields of cooperation which enhance economic, social, scientific and technological development.
The Veracruz Act of 1999 added more details to these principles, specifically pointing to the advancement of democracy, the promotion and protection of human rights, peace, security and disarmament, and actions against terrorism, corruption and the drug problem.
This Act also urged the strengthening of multilateralism, trade relations, regional integration, financial flows and investments, overcoming poverty, and sustainable development.
T hese objectives were re-emphasised and further fleshed out in the Cusco Consensus signed by the Presidents of the Rio Group at their May 2003 summit in Peru.
The Cusco Consensus therefore, gave special treatment to two thematic axis:
- the role of political parties in the strengthening of democratic institutionality and
- the creation of innovative financial mechanisms designed to secure democratic governance and contribute to the alleviation of poverty.
At the meeting it was also deemed indispensable to reinforce the Rio Group's initiative to support the multilateral system for peace, security and development based on strict compliance with international law and firm adherence to the aims and principles of the United Nations Charter.
Guyana Chair of Rio Group 2006
Guyana ’s chairing of the Rio Group will create an indelible mark in history as the first time a CARICOM member will chair the 20-member Latin American body since its formation two decades ago.
Guyana has, since 1998, represented the region, which holds a bloc membership on the Rio Group. Significantly, this new leadership position can help strengthen links between CARICOM and the rest of Latin America.
“This is indeed a historic occasion. The Caribbean Community, which Guyana represents, is privileged to accept for the first time, the Chairmanship of this important grouping. It is particularly a proud moment for Guyana. We are deeply honoured to have been elected to serve as the pro Tempore Secretariat and to host the Summit in 2006,” Minister Insanally said.
Ambassador Moritan said, “We are extremely happy to pass on the chairmanship to Guyana, a special member of the Latin American and Caribbean family,” the Ambassador said.
Confirming Guyana’s commitment to effectively execute its mandate, Minister Insanally said, “we will spare no effort do all in our power to justify the confidence which it has placed in our Chairmanship. We will strive constantly to find common ground from which we can speak with one voice on the issues that are on our Agenda.”
He noted that the task set before Guyana and the Foreign Affairs Ministry is not a simple one.
“One does not have to be clairvoyant to realize that the year ahead will be one of great change and challenge. However, we are encouraged to think that with the understanding and support of all involved, we can and will succeed..”
He said Guyana’s Chairmanship therefore, intends to further the dialogue which has now begun on ways to reduce these disparities, and to build, as other regions have done, a more balanced, integrated and synchronised community.”
Highlighting the agenda for the year Minister Insanally said, “Among the issues which must continue to engage our attention in the months ahead are the consolidation of democracy, the promotion of economic and social development within our region and the strengthening of multilateralisation as the basis of international relations.”
Ambassador Harper, said, “It will be a challenging year as we guide the several activities to be undertaken by the group.”
She indicated that during March, a meeting of national coordinators will be convened followed by a meeting of the Foreign Ministers.
These meetings, the Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry said, “ Will carry forth the agenda for the Rio Group and finalise preparations for the convening of the Summit later this year.”
Ambassador Harper said it has been anticipated that the agenda for the summit’s preparations will be packed and to ensure Guyana’s efficient discharge of its mandate, a special deployment of human and other resources is necessary.
Chairing the Rio group – What benefits to be derived?
Head of State, Bharrat Jagdeo, has continuously heralded the benefits that Guyana’s chairmanship would yield. He said government would continue to work to raise Guyana’s profile in the international sphere.
“Traditionally, we have had close ties with countries in CARICOM, North America and Europe. However, we have begun to diversify our relations while strengthening ties with our traditional friends. I am pleased with our growing standing in Latin America and our expanding economic ties with Brazil, China, Russia and India, the benefits from which will be felt in the economy this year.”
Guyana ’s Ambassador to Venezuela Odeen Ishmael said as the Group’s Chair , Guyana must seize the opportunity to promote initiatives beneficial to CARICOM such, as prioritising on-going discussions on social-economic matters with the EU.
Minister Insanally unequivocally stated that Guyana is fully aware of the obligations attendant upon its burgeoning role, assuring that, as Chair of the group, Guyana would do everything possible to satisfactorily discharge its responsibility.
Dr Ishmael expressed his confidence in Guyana’s chairmanship of the group, “Altogether it will be an interesting year as Guyana takes centre stage in the leadership of the Latin American community. It is certainly not the first time the country has taken on such responsibility. In the past decade it has twice chaired the larger Organisation of American States. Surely, the experience acquired there can also be applied to this new role.”
“We will strive constantly to find common ground from which we can speak with one voice on the issues that are on our Agenda. Admittedly, the task will not be an easy one. However, we are encouraged to think that with the understanding and support of all involved, we can, and will succeed,” Minister Insanally emphasised.
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Water flows again at Mocha/Arcadia
Minister of Housing and Water Shaik Baksh congratulates operations Manager of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Sizwe Jackson at the re-commissioning of the Mocha/Arcadia well. (A GINA Deo Suelall Photo.)
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2006
The water well at Mocha/Arcadia, East Bank Demerara was today re-commissioned bringing potable water to hundreds of residents.
The well has been out of operation for the last 20 months due to technical difficulties which had to be repaired with the help of international engineers. However, water was provided to residents by tanks during this period.
At the re-commissioning ceremony at the well site organized by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) , Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh said that he is very pleased to be a part of the ceremony as he sees it an important occasion.
Minister Baksh explained that, “we were very concerned when the well was not working so we had to get a very expensive Camera to identify the problem, this well now has the capacity to distribute 600 gallons of water per minute.”
The well will serve the areas of Mocha/Arcadia with water up to the top floor of dwelling houses. However, the Minister explained that the GWI has for sometime now been experiencing some problems with the wells in Regions Two and Three.
This he said is being given significant attention adding that there are plans to drill approximately 68 wells this year, bringing a water distribution network to almost every housing scheme across the country.
“GWI is on the move countrywide to provide potable and quality water to residents,” the Minister noted.
The Minister urged residents to conserve water since it is a vital and essential resource to the human life. “It is very costly to produce, so please conserve it,” he said.
According to GWI’s Operations Manager, Sizwe Jackson, the well will be monitored on a daily basis and will be operating from 6:00am to 9:00am and 17:00hrs (5:00pm) to 20:00hrs (8:00pm).
“We have already started maintenance work on all of the connections in the community and this will continue everyday,” says the Divisional Manager, Dwayne Younge.
Housing and Water Minister Shaik Baksh interacting with residents of Kaneville Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara during a visit to the area. (A GINA Deo Suelall Photo.)
The Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Gregory John said he is very pleased that the Well is back in operation after 20 months of waiting, “this will benefit us tremendously,” he said.
Residents also expressed their satisfaction to the GWI and the Minister for restoring the water to their communities.
“I am very pleased, proud and satisfied at the work done by Government to restore the water supply to our community. At least it shows that they take us at heart,” says Lynette Gilbert.
Minister Baksh today also visited several housing schemes on the East Bank Demerara to discuss with residents issues of regularization. These areas included; Higgins Ville (Old Road Land of Canaan), Great Diamond, Little Diamond, Mocha/Arcadia and Kaneville.
Before holding community meetings with residents Minister Baksh toured the communities to have a first-hand look at the situation.
Speaking to residents, at Higgins Ville the Minister explained that Government is presently in the process of regularizing the 165 housing schemes across the country, adding that approximately 5,000 titles were issued in 2005 and it is expected that another 5,000 will be issued this year.
“As Minister of Housing and Water in Guyana I will not rest until every Guyanese who is living in Government housing schemes get their titles.”
Government will continue to develop the housing sector by allocating more house lots, installing more water distribution networks and constructing more roads and drainage structures.
As was outlined in the $102.9B 2006 National Budget on Monday, January 23, over $1.9B has been allocated to increase access to improved housing facilities for low income families.
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Opening of North Ruimveldt shopping mall hold economic prospects
-Prime Minister Hinds
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and members of the Upper North Ruimveldt Community Development Council take a look at the recently unveiled plaque located at the front of the mall (Ameer Khan photo)
Georgetown , GINA January 28, 2006
“Business and earning comes from the needs we have and the arrangements we make to satisfy those needs.”
Those were the sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds earlier today during the opening of the Upper North Ruimveldt Shopping Mall, located at Aubrey Barker and Christiani Street, North Ruimveldt.
Present at the opening ceremony were Chairman of the Upper North Ruimveldt Community Development Council (UNRCDC), Mr. T Sheppherd, Vice chairman Mr. R Blackman and representatives of religious and other community groups in the area.
The mall which was first envisaged in 1996, was the brainchild of the UNRCDC in association with Prime Minister Hinds.
According to Prime Minister Hinds “I am encouraged by the magnitude of work completed by persons in this community in transforming an empty plot of land into a commercial business centre, which holds numerous economic prospects for residents.”
The mall is comprised of 45 stalls and features a variety of services, among which are internet access, hair-dressing, butchery, medical centre and snackette.
The Prime Minister noted that many persons complain about being unemployed or underemployed but when we come together and formulate ideas such as these it can make a difference.
Prime Minister Hinds was also asked to unveil a plaque located at the Christiani Street entrance of the mall, in appreciation of the numerous contributions he made to the realization of the project.
The Prime Minister earlier this week commissioned a new Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Global Systems Network (GSM) site in Tucville, North Ruimveldt.
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