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

Old Age pension book distribution ongoing in Demerara

Georgetown, GINA, February 15, 2006

Officers of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security will be on the East Bank and East Coast Demerara to continue distributing the 2006 Old Age Pension Books.

The Ministry is appealing to pensioners not to leave their villages or wards as the officers will be visiting each village.

The Ministry is advising anyone who wishes to obtain information on the location of distribution offices to contact the Ministry on Telephone Numbers 225-6545, 225-6212, 231-6556 or 225-7450 before going to Post Offices.

TOP

Court of Appeal to be renovated

-Work to begin in two weeks

Georgetown , GINA February 15, 2006

A $26 M contract was today signed for renovations to the Court of Appeal building in Kingston, following Cabinet’s approval.

The contract represents part of a $46M allocated in the 2006 budget for general renovation works to be conducted on court buildings during the year.

Signing on behalf of the Ministry of Legal Affairs was Permanent Secretary Mitradevi Ali, while Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance Kamla Outar signed on behalf of the Ministry.

The signing was done in the presence of Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) Deborah Mc Nichols and representatives of E&I Consultants who are overseeing the project.

According to Ali “this contract represents the first phase of work to be completed on the building during this year to facilitate the work of the Caribbean Court of Justice in Guyana.”

The second phase will see the building extended to provide physical accommodation for the Regional Court.

Ali added that renovation works are also currently executed at the Deeds Registry and the Southern side of the High Court building which includes the tower and Chief Justice’s Chambers.

According to Mc Nichols the renovation of the Deeds Registry is being facilitated by the Strengthening System for Property Deeds Registry Project (SSPDRP) which is being executed in three phases.

The initial component deals with strengthening of the legal framework while the second component provides for Deeds Registry renovation and computerisation.

The third phase addresses project management evaluation and end of project summary.

She added that works are also ongoing at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court in Region Five.

Work is expected to commence on the Court of Appeal building within two weeks and is expected to span a period of four months.

The Court of Appeal is the highest appellate body of the local judicature.

TOP

Pomeroon farmers welcome President’s timely response for machinery

• Regional Vice-Chairman

Georgetown, GINA, February 15, 2006.

Farmers and residents of the Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) have expressed their gratitude to President Bharrat Jagdeo for delivering on his promise to provide two excavators for drainage works in the area.

This is according to Regional Vice-Chairman of Region Two, Vishnu Samaroo, who attended a meeting hosted by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Harripersaud Nokta on Monday, February 13 at Charity.

During his visit to the Pomeroon on January 11, the Head-of-State announced that two of the 15 excavators, which government intended to purchase, will be stationed in the area. The two excavators are valued at of about $60M.

Samaroo said the meeting included members of the two committees from the upper and lower Pomeroon, which was set up, as requested by the President to manage and oversee the operation of the two machines.

He noted that the farmers reported that the machines are heavy-duty and taking into consideration the soil texture of the Pomeroon River, it may be difficult for them to operate.

As such, the farmers made a proposal for the two excavators be exchanged for two smaller machines and suggested the Hymac 312, which is lighter.

Samaroo said no mention was made of the heavyweight machinery at the time of the President’s visit.

Subsequent to the meeting, Minister Nokta was scheduled to make a report to Cabinet before a decision is made to exchange the machines.

The two excavators are currently stationed at the Regional Maintenance Compound at Anna Regina.

The purchase of the 15 excavators by government at cost of $500M is among efforts by the administration to improve Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) to alleviate the impact of flooding.

Other interventions include the acquisition of a shipment of heavy duty equipment from Italy under a US$4M loan from the Italian government. Part of this loan will facilitate the repair, maintenance and construction of D&I facilities in the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary area.

A request has also been made for assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to fund dredging of the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary ceeks and the Pomeroon River and to rebuild and repair abandoned drainage structures along West Berbice and Pomeroon at an estimated cost of US$4M.

 TOP

Government considering long-term hinterland access solution

-Lethem- Georgetown road cited as good example

Georgetown, GINA, February 15, 2006

With road and river access to hinterland areas in Guyana continuing to be costly and some being accessible only by aircraft, Government is looking to provide more long-term solutions to the problem. The issue has become more urgent because of accelerating development in Amerindian communities which has increased the demand for travelling by hinterland and coastland residents.

This was part of the focus of Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues’ presentation to the National Assembly recently, when she outlined some of government’s plans in the area of Amerindian development.

The Minister pointed out that government is aware that access to the areas is not only difficult but also costly.

“Cost for transporting one pound of cargo by air is not less than $100. While those who live on the coast have had to deal with the rise in fuel prices, the impact pales in comparison with that on the hinterland communities of Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) and the Upper and Middle Mazaruni of Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), most of which are Amerindian communities,” she noted.

Emphasising that gasoline is sold at a cost of more than $1800 per gallon in some areas while the return airfare to Region Eight is approximately $35,000, the Minister explained that some of the factors impede the delivery of adequate services to hinterland communities.

Constructing roads from the City to the various areas was a decision made by this administration since it commenced its term in office and the Lethem to Georgetown road was constructed primarily to accommodate easy access of goods and people to Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo). According to the Minister, this road has significantly reduced the cost of transportation to these areas. Commuters are also now able to travel to and from Georgetown and Lethem via buses that ply the route weekly.

The Amerindian Affairs Minister explained that government is cognisant that there are persons who do not support the construction of roads for fear of negative influences and this is understood. She, however, pointed out that this was no different when the Lethem road was being upgraded but that the benefits are now being seen.

“Until such time that we can sustain this nation with fuel, we will be plagued with high fuel prices for which we have absolutely no control. We, therefore, have to look at ways of reducing the cost of transportation.”

This year, $30M has been allocated for upgrading roads in Port Kaituma and for continuation of the Matthew’s Ridge/Baramita road link, both in Region One (Barima/Waini). When this is completed, access to Baramita, a remote Carib community and one of the largest Amerindian communities in the region, will be made easier. At present, the community could only be accessed by aircraft.

Meanwhile in terms of transportation assistance for residents of Chenapau in Region Eight, construction of an airstrip started in 2005 and is expected to be completed in another two months. Residents of the Patamona community travel approximately 36 miles to Kaieteur Falls to access a flight to the City.

TOP

Mash camps steaming up for big event

Georgetown, GINA, February 15, 2006

There are heightened activities at several mash camps around Georgetown and other parts of Region Four, as designers and their teams are enthusiastically preparing for the grand event on February 23.

Among the many camps engaged in preparatory activities are Banks DIH Limited, Rayon House of Fashion, Don Gomes, Government Information Agency (GINA), the Guyana Agricultural & General Workers Union, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Giftland Office Max, the National Hinterland Promotion and the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R).

Popular Guyanese designer Don Gomes whose camp is located at Brickdam is busily designing elegant costumes for participants in his contingent.

Unlike previous years, Gomes has decided to put out a relatively small costume band comprising about 50 to 60 participants under the theme “Guyana Today.”

Jimmy Hamilton of Gomes’ camp said that focus will be placed on young individuals with queen, “Mosquito Stella” leading.

“Stella” is presently in the preparation phase but, according to Gomes she will be a mammoth mosquito, performing all the duties of a real mosquito.

“The Message behind her (the mosquito) is that we today in Guyana are some of our own enemies and that we put the mosquitoes to become a queen by our own environmental neglect, failing to clean our gutters and canals and by littering our environment,” Hamilton said.

The ‘Colour of Politics’ is another facet of the band’s portrayal. Participants will be dressed in costumes displaying the symbols of local political parties.

The cellular phone, is the third concept of Gomes’ float, symbolic of the cell phone culture which is common among young people.

Rayon House of Fashion will participate under the theme “Consolidation.”

Designers started work early in February preparing costumes for participants and working on their main float which will be depicting the 15 CARICOM countries.

Manager Lemuel English said Rayon House has completed 50 percent of their costumes and they intend to be ready on Mash day.

Mash promises to be an exciting event this year, since the occasion was cancelled in 2005 due to the devastating floods.

TOP

Rural community projects restart in Regions 2 & 3

Georgetown, GINA, February 15, 2006.

Several multi-million dollar projects being executed under the Poor Rural Community Services Project (PRCCCSP) are moving ahead in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara).

According to Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, PRCSSP, Anya Mahaica, most of these projects, which commenced last year and were delayed by inclement weather, are expected to be completed shortly.

In Region Three, construction of a multi-purpose centre, boat-house and stelling at Aliki at a cost of $21.1M is scheduled for completion shortly, while construction of an all-weather road at Hubu that costs $43.7M is nearly complete.

Works are also progressing at Ruby/Good Hope under a $51.3M project which entails construction of an all-weather road while a drying floor for farmers is being constructed at Vergenoegen at a cost of $11.4M.

At Free and Easy/Maria Lodge, a $74.4M project is ongoing and include repairs to drainage and irrigation (D&I) structures and excavation of drains while another $26M is being spent to construct D&I structures and excavate drains at Lanaballi.

Drainage works are almost completed at Beribisiballi under a $28.6M project while construction of a storage room at Unu Creek for the Fishermen’s Development Association is slated for completion in June.

In Region Two, a farm house and storage bond are being constructed at Good Intent/Lilydale, Pomeroon River at a cost of $5.1M and should be completed soon while an all-weather road is being built at Queenstown that will cost $ 23.9M

Another project costing $3.7M include the supply of furniture for the Siriki multi-purpose building and should be completed by this month-end. This building was constructed last year under the PRCSSP at a cost of $16.8M.

At Middlesex/Pomona, excavation of channels and construction of structures are ongoing at a cost of $27M and should be completed in May while D&I works are also ongoing at Vilvoorden/Fairfield at a cost of $19.6M.

Additional repairs are ongoing to the Mashabo all-weather road at a cost of $10.7M and is expected to be completed soon while excavation of drains and construction of structures are being done at Mainstay/Whyaka under a $12M project.

The PRCSSP is a community-initiated agricultural/rural community development project, which seeks to alleviate poverty and increase rural household incomes in Regions Two and Three.

It is being executed at a cost of US $16.5M and is being funded by the Government, the International Fund for Agricultural development (IFAD) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The project aims to provide efficient and sustainable support services to rural communities, with particular focus on poor rural households, Amerindian communities and households headed by women.

The PRCSSP started in 1997 and was initially given a six-year duration but an extension was granted.

TOP

Innovative math method for schools shortly

- IRI to be implemented next week

Georgetown, GINA, February 15, 2006

The much anticipated programme to teach students through Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) would be implemented shortly according to Communication Specialist of the Ministry of Education, Caroline Kennedy.

“The programme should be in schools in by next week. All the radios, the teachers’ guides and the work books have already been distributed countrywide,” she said.

Kennedy said that there were some logistical problems in the outlying regions of Seven and Eight.

“The distance between schools and the difficult terrain are some problems in accessing each school. Other than that everything is streamlined and ready to go,” Kennedy explained.

The IRI is a numeracy programme geared to teach mathematics through the use of the radio and provides core instruction in numeracy and will be done in all schools.

It emphasises active learning and meaningful interaction through the radio, the teacher and the listening students.

The programme was first introduced in 2004 through the Basic Education Access and Support (BEAMS) Programme.

Teachers from across the country were trained for two weeks in the numeracy programme to improve schools’ performance and make the lessons more relevant to the society’s needs.

IRI was piloted in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and some schools in Georgetown, including St. Margaret’s and Redeemer Primary schools.

BEAMS intends to ensure that all students, through the IRI programme, achieve and demonstrate age-appropriate mathematics skills by Grade Three.

BEAMS is a US$55M project, mostly funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This year the government budgeted $900M for the programme to implement various activities that will promote an alternative pathway to Secondary school education.

TOP

Joint Guyana/ China Business Council to facilitate increased Chinese tourists

Launching of Guyana/China Joint Business Development Council

Georgetown, GINA, February 15, 2006

Guyana’s fledgling tourism industry has been identified to benefit from the movement of Chinese tourists fuelled by initiatives of the joint Guyana/ China Business Development Council.

“This inaugural meeting signals a milestone in the development of relations between the two Private Sectors, a concrete step in seeking to maximise trade and other forms of economic cooperation, whether in areas of investment, tourism or any other field of economic ventures,”

This assertion was made by Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee at the Council’s inaugural meeting today.

He indicated that the joint Council could provide the opportunity for increasing revenue protects for Guyana.

“A number of countries have been listed as official tourism destinations for Chinese tourist, this means that we have great prospects for increasing tourism revenue in Guyana,” Minister Rohee said.

Present at the meeting at the Ministry’s Main Conference Room, Takuba Lodge, was President of the Guyana delegation on the Council, Gerald Gouveia who said he awaited with much anticipation the establishment of the Council and looks forward to fruitful discussions, noting specifically the benefits for the tourism sector.

“There is a lot of Chinese tourists on the move and Guyana is certainly open ready to welcome our Chinese brothers and sisters to visit and discover,” he said.

Chairman of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Brian James also a member of the Joint Council supported: “Chinese tourists now have the highest per capita spending wherever they go than any other.”

Minister Rohee said, “The council will in the future, be a vehicle for ensuring that trade, investment and tourism between our two countries grow from strength to strength.”

The Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Minister expressed his confidence in the ability of Guyana’s delegation in pursuing Guyana’s interest in key sectors.

Minister Rohee encouraged the group: “You have a lot of work to do I believe the prospects are exciting. The opportunities are there for the taking and it is up to you to take advantage of these opportunities and ensure that the people of Guyana and China receive mutual gains.”

People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Shen Quing, indicated the necessity for the role of the Private sector to be highlighted for its importance in economic spheres.

Ambassador Quing, encouraging the Council to increase investments said, “The Chinese Embassy will continue to encourage more mutual contact between the two private sectors and will provide more facilitation of the process and information. I think this would be very helpful towards understanding the practices of each other.”

He is hopeful that the meetings of the Joint Council would augur well for the sustained cordial and mutually beneficial bilateral relations between Guyana and China.

Deputy Secretary-General of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade, Wang Jinzhen and leader of the Chinese delegation said there is great potential in economic trade to be tapped in both countries.

“The development of this Council will be conducive to this economic trade,” Jinzhen said, noting that the establishment of this Council is timely and a necessity in light of economic globalisation.

He said the Council has three purposes:

• to establish the platform for the exchange of information,
• to exchange that information on issues that might present itself as obstacles in bilateral relations to improve business ventures and
• to create increased business opportunities for both Guyana and China.

Commenting on Guyana tapping into China’s tourist market, he said it would be helpful for the Caribbean to be promoted and marketed as a packaged trip to Chinese, whom he agreed have a lot to spend on tourism.

It was noted at the meeting by members of the Private sector that significant trade currently exists between Guyana and China.

At the meeting areas of interest to Guyana was indicated which included: information technology, cooperation in natural resources and development of natural resources, and the exchange and promotion of culture.

TOP

CWC 2007 technical needs being assessed

-South African team arrives

Georgetown, GINA, February 15, 2006

A South African delegation arrived in Guyana on February 14 to conduct assessments geared toward highlighting the technical needs for the successful hosting of Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007.

According to Public Relations Officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) the eight-member delegation, headed by Faith Doreen Radebe, will be examining Guyana’s management plan for the event, which encompasses several factors, including health and security preparedness.

The team arrived following requests from the Governments of Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda, for additional technical support.

South Africa hosted the last Cricket World Cup, held in 2002. Those preparations provided members of the visiting delegation with knowledge and expertise regarding management of such an event.

Also part of the delegation is Dr. Ali Backer, Chancellor Matahidiso Raphadu, and representatives of the Department of Sports and Police Services of South Africa.

Recently, International Cricket Council (ICC) Event Management Manager Trudy Clark, while on a recent two-day visit to Guyana, indicated that, “The quality of service, especially at the airport, is extremely important. What the visitor sees on arrival in a country would leave a lasting impression… I think that planning is on track at the moment from the Event Management side of things…we would be able to deliver the best World Cup ever.”

The team is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Edwin Carrington tomorrow morning, and at 13:00h, they will hold a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Local Organising Committee (LOC) for CWC 2007, and officials of the Guyana Cricket Board.

The delegation is also scheduled to meet CARICOM officials on February 17, to discuss CWC 2007 preparations.