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Another new magistrate sworn in

-to serve in Region Four district

Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton poses after being sworn in by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the Office of the Prime Minister in the presence of Acting Chancellor of the judiciary Carl Singh and Registrar of the Supreme Court Sita Ramlall.

Georgetown , GINA February 16, 2006

A new magistrate was today sworn in by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the Office of the Prime Minister, Wight’s Lane, Kingston.

Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton who will be serving in the Region Four District (Demerara/Mahaica) took the oath in the presence of several legal luminaries among whom were Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh and Registrar of the Supreme Court, Sita Ramlall.

Ms. Hamilton who began working as a clerk in the Supreme Court Registry, has had a career in the judicature spanning over 30 years.

According to Prime Minister Hinds “it is commendable when persons take up the challenge of magistracy, especially since private practice can be much more lucrative.”

He cautioned that the post of magistracy like other senior public offices, is accompanied by a high level of responsibility and public accountability and extended a warm welcome on behalf of government.

Mr. Carl Singh said “much will be expected of the new magistrate, given her knowledge and exposure in judicial service.”

The new Magistrate has previously held a number of other posts among which was Senior Legal Advisor, Office of the Attorney General.

Ms. Hamilton received formal training at the University of the West Indies, Cave-Hill Campus, Barbados and Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad and Tobago.

The recent effort to fill existing vacancies within the judicature forms part of government’s thrust to reform the sector.

A Strengthening System for Property Deeds Registry Project (SSPDRP) has recently been instituted and includes sharpening of the legal framework as well as renovation and computerisation of the institution.

A $26 M contract was yesterday signed for renovations to the Court of Appeal building in Kingston, to facilitate the work of the Caribbean Court of Justice in Guyana.

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Audited accounts for 2005 flood relief to be made public by March

• Dr. Luncheon

Georgetown, GINA, February 16, 2006

The much anticipated detailed account of State funds used during the 2005 flood is likely to be made public shortly.

This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing held this morning at the Office of the President.

“Instructions have been given to have the information collated and presented to the Auditor General for him to do the audit. I now understand that all of it has been collated and would be presented to the Auditor General. I see no reason to doubt that, probably as early as the end of this month or early in March. The Auditor General would be in a position to make an opinion on the use of the funds that had been spent during the 2005 flood,” Dr. Luncheon said.

President Bharrat Jagdeo had earlier expressed concerns about the delay in making the accounts public, especially in light of criticisms that government misappropriated State funds during the flood relief phase.

However, all spending was scrutinised by the State auditors and the relevant accounting procedures were adhered to during the process.

From the inception, auditors were stationed at the support centre at State House and were present when relief items were procured both in and out of Georgetown. Head of the Civil Defence Commission, Col. (rtd) Chabilall Ramsarup had also assured that the flood relief efforts administered through the CDC are well accounted for, adding that an auditor was present at the CDC to oversee its activities.

These accounts would also be made public. The Head of State had also earlier assured that the detailed accounts would be tabled in the National Assembly.

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Financial Institutions’ Act flexible

• Can facilitate farmers’ loan deferment - HPS

Georgetown, GINA, February 16, 2006

Government is confident that the banking sector could provide assistance to farmers who lost their crops in the floods and are indebted to commercial banks, despite the bankers’ claims of being confined by the provisions of the Financial Institutions’ Act (FIA).

This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing. held this morning at the Office of the President.

“I continue to live under the impression that the FIA and the use of the reserve are flexible enough to give countenance to this level of default. This is what I was led to believe…We feel that it can be done,” Dr. Luncheon said.

However, the HPS indicated that it is a matter for the Central Bank and the commercial banks, armed with the provisions of the FIA, to determine to what extent the assistance could be given to the bankers’ clients under these circumstances.

Government had discussions with commercial banks to extend relief to the farmers who lost their crops.

The assistance being sought is a deferment of loan repayments, since farmers are unable to meet the payment dates because their crops were destroyed by the flood, which began in December 2005. Both farmlands and residential areas were affected and most of the rice farmers affected are indebted to the commercial banks and other financial institutions, since their cultivations were financed through loans.

President Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed optimism that the banks would be willing to facilitate their clients, adding that some banks have been more helpful than others. However, farmers have since encountered the excuse at some commercial banks that they are confined by the FIA.

The Head of State, who is the former Minister of Finance and an economist by profession, has emphasised that the FIA provides for situations where there are natural disasters and the commercial banks would find a very receptive Central Bank if they choose to restructure their loans to help the farmers.

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Guyana/China economic, trade prospects great

– 9 th Joint Commission session

Georgetown, GINA, February 16, 2006

The development of economic and trade relations between Guyana and China and the establishment of a channel to promote the contact with the private sectors of the of the two countries will be the focus of the Guyana/China Joint Commission.

High level delegations from both countries met today for the 9th Session of the Joint Commission and Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Clement Rohee lauded the increased levels of cooperation between Guyana and China.

At the Ministry’s Main Conference Room Takuba Lodge, Minister Rohee said, “It is envisaged that fruitful discussions and a work programme for bilateral cooperation for 2006- 2007 will emerge from this meeting. I am confident that the Chinese Government will work expeditiously with Guyana for the successful implementation of projects agreed on.”

Additionally, the first Guyana China Investment Symposium will convene on February 17 at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) building. This Symposium Minister Rohee said, “Will provide the private sectors of both countries with the opportunity to establish closer relations and have relations that would further strengthen our bilateral relations.”

Vice-Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and Leader of the Chinese economic and trade delegation for the meeting, Fu Ziying said much preparation was channelled toward making the meeting successful.

“I have actively prepared for this visit. During the visit of the delegation two tasks will be accomplished, I will Co-Chair the Joint Commission and attend the handing over ceremony of the China-funded Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC),” the Vice Minister expanded.

He said during the meeting of the Joint Commission every effort will be made to achieve positive results that would be beneficial to both countries.

“Focus will be placed on promoting Chinese companies to invest in Guyana to promote economic and trade cooperation… all these efforts are aimed to help Guyana develop its national economy and improve the livelihood of its people,” Vice Minister Ziying said.

The next meeting of the Joint Commission will be held in Beijing in 2008.

Minister Rohee noted that currently a number of projects are in train, with the input of the Chinese. These include: the Skeldon Modernisation Project and another to provide ferries. He expressed Guyana’s appreciation for such assistance.

He unequivocally restated Guyana’s position for the ‘One China Policy’, highlighting the country’s continued support of the People’s Republic of China in the international sphere. Guyana recently supported China’s bid to host the 2008 Olympics.

Minister Rohee noted that the People’s Republic of China has emerged as a significant donor to the Caribbean, earmarking US$1B this year. China is also a member of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) since 1998 possessing a 5.77 percent capital stake.

He said the relations between Guyana and China have been strengthened by a number of high level visits noting Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo’s State visit to China and Councillor Wu Yi’s visit to Guyana, both in March last year.

Also present at the meeting was the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Shen Qing.

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Cabinet gives green-light to key contracts

Georgetown , GINA, February16, 2006

Cabinet at its February 14 meeting gave its ‘no-objection’ to several key contracts that would see works being executed in the agriculture, local government and housing sectors.

This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing held today at the Office of the President. Below are the contracts that received the green light.

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Cabinet members to fan out for regional Mashramani observances

Georgetown , GINA, February 16, 2006.

Several Members of the Cabinet including Prime Minister Samuel Hinds will be joining Guyanese in the 10 Administrative Regions to celebrate Guyana’s 36 th anniversary in grand style.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing today made this announcement.

The celebrations this year will include adult and junior calypso competition, road March and masquerade competitions, children’s costume parade, steel band, and costume and float parade.

Dr. Luncheon said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Anthony Xavier updated Cabinet on the Mash 2006 programme.

“The Minister invited Cabinet members’ attention to the ongoing planned activities moving along to the climax of finals and Mash Day activities. Cabinet welcomed the information about heightened participation on Mash Day Float Parade and display,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has coordinated the participation of Ministers who have volunteered to attend Republic Day celebrations in the Administrative Regions and deliver feature addresses.

The following Cabinet members would join the regional flag-raising ceremonies and Mashramani celebrations:

On February 23 each year Guyanese celebrate the occasion of the country becoming a Republic. Guyana was declared a Republic in 1970, four years after it gained independence from Great Britain.

As usual Government allocates a substantial sum of money for Mashramani celebrations by State agencies and Ministries. Last year more than $10M was set aside.

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New Amsterdam abattoir to start construction next week

Georgetown, GINA, February 16, 2006.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud has indicated that construction work on the New Amsterdam abattoir in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) will commence next week.

The contract for the project valued at $19.1M was signed in December last year and was given a duration period of seven months with a three-month defects liability period.

The initial site identified did not find favour with some residents. They claimed that it was located too close to the roadside.

Persaud said the location was reviewed by the Ministry and adjustments were made. The construction will now take place inward of the identified location.

Works to be carried out as part of the facility’s construction include concrete foundation, hollow concrete block walls, overhead conveyor, five chain hoists and a concrete walkway.

The project was initially intended to be funded under Government’s Urban Development Programme (UDP), but due to flooding in various regions early in 2005, some modifications had to be made to the Ministry’s work programme.

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Health outreaches intensify – hundreds benefitting

Georgetown, GINA, February 16, 2006

Hundreds of residents in outlying communities continue to benefit from medical outreaches conducted by the Regional Health Services Unit of the Ministry of Health.

Last year, thousands of persons benefitted from medical services provided by the Ministry’s teams in collaboration with non-governmental organisations.

For this year, several teams have already been dispatched in the fields advising and extending health-care to residents who are unable to easily access such services.

Dr. Nelson Sinclair is currently on a one-week outreach in Mabaruma, Region One (Barima/Waini) rendering services to the mainly Amerindian populated community according to Medex Harrychan Ramu of the Regional Health Services Unit.

Last week, a team visited Baramita, a remote Carib community also in Region One. There, members conducted malaria and tuberculosis tests.

Residents of Moraikobai, an Amerindian community on the Mahaicony River received medical attention recently when the Ministry’s team and representatives of OXFAM visited the village.

Last month, residents of several East Coast Demerara villages befitted from ‘full fledged’ clinics headed by Dr. Nelson Sinclair. The health team included Dr. Roger Luncheon, Director of the Regional Health Services Unit, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran, Medex Ramgobin, Dr. Bobby Ramsaroop and Dr. Chetram Boodhu and were supported by military and other health personnel. About 150 persons with all types of chronic illnesses were attended to during the period.

Earlier this month, residents of Victoria and surrounding communities were treated. Included in that team were: Dr. Luncheon, Dr Bhairo Harry, Cuban doctors, dental technicians of the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre, nurses and pharmacy staff.

Dr. Ramsarran said these activities will continue indefinitely along the coast and the next village slated to benefit is Nabaclis.

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South African Delegation meets LOC

Georgetown, GINA, February 16, 2006

South Africa’s Ambassador to Jamaica Faith Doreen Radebe, heading a five-member delegation met with Guyana’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) as an indication of that country’s willingness to assist Guyana in preparations for Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007.

According to the Ambassador, the meeting, which is the beginning of a series in the lead up to CWC 2007, is to assess the nature of assistance needed and to convey this to the South African Government.

“We would like to establish what South Africa can do as a government, especially in the area of security, and report to Cabinet. We have a lot of experience in hosting very large events and think we can be very helpful to Guyana,” Radebe said.

The main area of concern at the meeting was security and Assistant Commissioner of South Africa Police Services (SAPS) M.P. Mathongvane, enlightened the LOC on South Africa’s approach.

“Security is an integral part of every area of planning these large events, health & emergency, transportation, accommodation, stadium, each part is intricately linked. We had an overall approach of the tournament, which includes state safety and security,” he told the LOC.

He said there were no major glitches in the security plan of CWC 2003 in South Africa apart from lack of cooperation with some participating teams and that cooperation between the police and private security is integral.

“Any mistake made will impact the entire tournament. It is important to have a threat assessment done. All the sub-committees must work in coordination with each other and have a mandate to deal with emergency eventualities,” Mathongvane explained. The delegation was not allowed to give detailed information of South Africa’s security plan.

However, the Ambassador promised that after the findings of this meeting are relayed to her government, more in-depth meetings will be arranged.

The Assistant Commissioner offered to meet with members on a one-and-one basis to explain what ever else he could.

The delegation includes Counselor South African High Commission, Jamaica, Matshidiso Raphadu, First Secretary South African High Commission, Jamaica Karabo Letlaka and Director Department of Foreign Affairs Pieter Swanepoal.

The team is scheduled to depart on the 18 th and will meet with the CARICOM Secretariat tomorrow.

Radebe indicated that she would soon be South Africa’s Ambassador to Guyana.

The government of South Africa in indicating its willingness to assist Guyana in its preparedness for the successful hosting of Cricket World Cup 2007 delegated a five-member team egation in support of that country’s willingness to assist Guyana in its preparedness for Cricket World (CWC) Cup 2007.

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Amerindian Bill passed – Rodrigues says Amerindian communities awaiting passage for effecting rules, regulations

Georgetown , GINA, February 16, 2006

February 16 will remain in the history of Guyana as a remarkable day for Amerindians. It was the day when the Amerindian Bill was read for the third time and passed by the National Assembly.

Amerindian Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues said, “The Amerindian Bill offers a fair deal to Amerindians.”

“I am proud to pass a Bill that will develop them … I am convinced that this is a good Bill,” she told the National Assembly.

Following months of countrywide consultations and input from the indigenous communities and Amerindian Organisations, the Bill was drafted and presented to the National Assembly.

The Opposition had raised several concerns reflecting those of the Amerindian Organisations, including the name of the Bill and the powers of the Minister.

The Bill was tabled on August 4, 2005 and following the second reading on October 20, Minister Rodrigues asked that the Bill be referred to a Special Select Committee for further consideration.

The Committee comprised nine members namely: Hon. Carolyn Rodrigues, Chairman; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Harripersaud Nokta, Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, and Ms. Pauline Sukhai from the Government, Mrs. Clarissa Riehl, Vincent Alexander and Dr. George Norton of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Mrs. Shirley Melville of the Guyana Action Party(GAP).

According to the Report which details the outcomes and proceedings of all meetings, the Committee invited the public; individuals and organisations to make written and oral presentations.

Public hearings were held on November 22 and 23, during which 53 written submissions were received and seven organisations and 46 individuals made oral presentations. Individuals represented various administrative regions.

According to the Minister, the Committee met in a very mutual and accommodating atmosphere which provided an excellent forum to have closer examination of the Bill and improve it where there was need.

She said while more than 30 clauses were amended, there were two areas one regarding the name of the Bill - “Amerindian versus Indigenous” and the other related to Village Council Elections, on which consensus was not reached. These were put to the vote.

Mr. Alexander had raised concerns with regard to the latter pointing out that since the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was responsible for all such matters that it be responsible for village council elections as well.

However, the Committee was advised that GECOM did not have the statutory authority to conduct elections at the Amerindians locations. The local Regional authority would be conducting elections with the representative of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

During the vote on this matter, Riehl and Norton voted for GECOM’s involvement and Minister Ramsammy and Ms. Sukhai voted against. Minister Rodrigues added her vote against GECOM’s involvement. The same pattern was adopted for the name of the Bill.

Mr. Alexander while commending the work of the Committee said he is not sure whether it has achieved what it intended, noting that the “PNC went into the Committee with reservations”.

Nevertheless, he said, “We think it is a sign that there is a possibility that things can change.”

He said there are still areas of concerns, including autonomy. But Minister Rodrigues pointed out that about 70 percent of the recommendations were adopted and most were forwarded by Mr. Alexander.

Melville said she feels deprived of her right to represent Amerindians since she could not attend all the meetings of the Committee and expressed hope for Amerindians to become “independent enough to make their own decisions.”

Minister Rodrigues pointed out that the Village Council is the body that is responsible for administering the affairs of the village, including making rules and implementing them.

She noted that her status as an ex-officio on the National Toshaos Council (NTC) has been removed and a representative from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has replaced her.

Minister Ramsammy supporting the Motion for the Report to be adopted said, the Bill, while it may not offer what everyone wants or expects, is better than the one presented in its original form to the House.

He said the fact that it was taken to a Special Select Committee and a lot of compromises made, was a good sign of Government’s openness, resulting in “greater comfort levels.”

Rodrigues noted that the Amendments cater for autonomy, untitled communities and recognition of untitled communities, among other things.

She said 16 communities in the North Rupununi in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) have already used the Bill to formulate rules and policies for their communities and are anxiously awaiting the passage of the Act for their implementation.

The revision of the Amerindian Act began in 2002 following calls by Amerindians to update the 1951 legislation that had become redundant.

A task Force was set up with representative from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Amerindian groups, Amerindian communities and the legal fraternity, that carried out extensive consultations.

The revised legislation provides for improved governance and more recognition for Amerindians. Included in it is recognition of Amerindian land rights. Under this provision Amerindians will now be granted lands under the State Lands Act which is “absolute and forever.” The old Act had a number of restrictions on the lands granted.

Other provisions include:

• Communities without titles can now follow a procedure to acquire legal title.
• Amerindians will now be able to lease their land.
• Amerindians will now have veto power in the leasing of land to medium-scale mining, including the rivers and creeks.
• Communities, may introduce fines for breach of any rule and the fines collected would be paid into the Council’s treasury. In the old Act the fines were paid to the government.
• Communities will now determine who is a resident of the community
• Village Councils are now empowered to grant approval to persons entering the community, except for persons conducting official Government business.

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Mahaica Creek in recovery phase

• as government provides further assistance

Georgetown, GINA, February 16, 2006.

Residents of the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary Creeks, Region Five are preparing to return to their normal activities, as flood water is continuously receding and government is exploring possible measures that could assist them to rebuild their livelihoods.

Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford was today part of such an effort to assess the situation in the Mahaica Creek and to ensure that relief efforts are ongoing.

“All and all the situation is improving. People have adapted. Some people have started cleaning their lands, so that when the water is off they can go back to planting,” Minister Westford said.

She noted that the only area still under high water is Joe Hook, which is the farthest community in the Creek. Arrangements have been made to supply this area with dry ration.

With regard to animals, the Minister said there have been reports of minor skin rashes but this will be addressed shortly through a veterinary outreach to the area.

“The animals, I was happy to see. They seem to be better now. There are some of the animals, which their owners say have slight itches but that is going to be treated in the next couple of days by the veterinarians,” she said.

Minister Westford also met residents of several communities and those at the Biaboo shelter. At present there are about 150 persons being provided with breakfast and dinner.

Other efforts ongoing in the area include the provision of potable water, an effort being coordinated by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

On February 14, Head of the CDC, Col. (rtd) Chabilall Ramsarup said an additional four 400 gallon tanks were delivered to the Creek while the eight tanks installed along the De Hoop Branch road were being constantly refilled.

The provision of more potable water was in response to residents’ request. They said their demand for potable water has increased particularly, since the rains have ceased.

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Scenes from the handing-over ceremony of the Convention center

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President Bharrat Jagdeo in discussions with the Assistant Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Fu Ziying, during a courtesy call at the Office of the President on February 16, 2006. Also in photo are HPS Dr. Roger Luncheon, the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana and other members of his delegation. (OP/Sandra Prince photo)

President Bharrat Jagdeo meets the Assistant Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Fu Ziying, during a courtesy call at the Office of the President on February 16, 2006. (OP/Sandra Prince photo)

President Bharrat Jagdeo in discussions with Supervisor of CASA Ambassador Jorge Taunay and Brazilian Ambassador Arthur Meyer during a courtesy call at the Office of the President on February 16, 2006. (OP/Sandra Prince photo)

President Bharrat Jagdeo greets the Supervisor of CASA Ambassador Jorge Taunay during a courtesy call at the Office of the President on February 16, 2006. Looking on is Brazilian Ambassador Arthur Meyer. (OP/Sandra Prince photo)

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President Bharrat Jagdeo interacts with pupils of the Number 48 Village Primary School, Region Six, during their tour of the Office of the President on February 16, 2006.
(OP/Sandra Prince photo)

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Guyana ’s first Convention Centre commissioned…

• Brings Guyana into modern orbit – President Jagdeo

Georgetown, GINA, February 16, 2006

Complementing Guyana’s modernisation thrust, the People’s Republic of China today delivered the multi-million dollar state-of-the-art Guyana International Convention Centre (GICC) to the Government and people of Guyana, bringing a landmark to the country.

President Bharrat Jagdeo unveiled the plaque and cut the ribbon to the new structure.

Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee and Assistant Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Fu Ziying today signed the certificates officiating the handing over of the Convention Centre, located at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, near the CARICOM Headquarters, commissioned almost a year ago. The two edifies have transformed the landscape of the areas, through which a railway embankment once passed.

Sharing the proud moment were President Bharrat Jagdeo, other government and Chinese officials and members of the diplomatic community, among others.

“It brings Guyana into the modern orbit where conference centres are concerned…what we hope to create within this zone is a hub that would allow Guyana to become a fine destination for the hosting of international conferences and meetings. A new hotel will be constructed not to far from this building and the Ogle aerodrome is to be upgraded as part of an organic plan to develop this area into an international conference zone with state-of-the-art facilities and services,” President Jagdeo said in his feature address at the handing over ceremony.

The concept of the Convention Centre was an integral part of the drive to posit Guyana as an investment and tourist destination.

“Now that we have this spanking new Centre, we must make full use of it. I hope that it is occupied 250 days in the year and managed in an efficient manner. Already, arrangements have been put in place for that to happen. A team has been identified and trained and will take over the management of the conference centre,” President Jagdeo said.

He urged persons tasked with the responsibility of managing the centre, to ensure that at all times, the service provided is of the best quality.

The GlCC, which was funded by a grant provided by the Government of the People's Republic of China, was constructed at a cost of approximately US$ 8M. Construction work commenced in September 2004 and was expected to be completed by October 2005. However, due to flooding in January 2005 and inclement weather conditions during the year, the completion date for the GlCC was extended until December 15, 2005, Permanent Secretary in the Office o the President Jennifer Webster said.

The state of the art Conference Centre has a main conference hall with a seating capacity of 372, five smaller conference rooms, a business centre and a restaurant. The main conference hall is ready for use while furnishings for the smaller conference rooms and other facilities will be provided shortly by the Chinese Government.

“We therefore are thankful for the generosity of the people and government of China who have kindly provided the funds for the construction of this building,” President Jagdeo said, thanking persons who also worked tirelessly to have the building completed within 14 months.

The President said government is also working to complement the international zone by improving the road network and upgrading the provision of information technology related services.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China said that his government attached a high level of importance to the project and throughout the construction, there was a high level of cooperation between the peoples and governments of both countries. He also hailed the timely and quality completion of the Centre, built by the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company.

The project was requested by the Government of Guyana in September 2002 and in January 2003, Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation H.E Ma Xiuhong and Minister Rohee signed the 'Exchange of Notes’ on the Construction of the Guyana International Conference Centre Project in Guyana during the State visit of State Councillor of China Madame Wu Yi.

Mr. Fu Ziying expressed China’s satisfaction with Guyana’s macro-achievements, noting that much has been achieved under the leadership of President Jagdeo.

Meanwhile, Minister Rohee said the Convention Centre signals Guyana’s intent to transform Georgetown into the ‘ Brussels’ of CARICOM, for which government has laid the physical infrastructure.

He expressed hope that the Convention Centre would not only be home for many talks, but talks that would actually see economic and social benefits for people across the globe.

The Foreign Trade Minister indicated that a national competition has been launched and entries would be adjudged shortly for the names of the room in the centre. A similar competition would be launched soon to determine the colour of the flag to be used and the emblem to be portrayed by the center.

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Guyana / China bilateral relations intensifying

- US$1.2M to fund growth of national economy

Georgetown, GINA, February 16, 2005

Trust and support have been characteristics of Guyana and the People’s Republic of China’s cordial bilateral relations which form the foundation for the high level of assistance being pumped into Guyana’s economy.

The inking of two agreements today by Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee and Vice-Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Fu Ziying at the conclusion of the 9 th Session of the Joint Commission of China and Guyana, has opened the door for the provision of US$1.2M to fund the development of the national economy and US$30,000 for flood assistance.

Minister Rohee commenting on the magnanimous gesture by the Chinese Government said, “This assistance will go a far way.”

He said the flood assistance will complement Government’s efforts to bring relief to residents affected by the recent flood.

Minister Rohee said since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Guyana has been striving to ensure the continued growth and strengthening of the relations.

“The Chinese Government considers it an important task to provide economic assistance to help the Government of Guyana develop its national economy,” Ziying said before announcing the $1.2M grant.

He noted that the Government of the People’s Republic of China considers developing a national economy with a debt burden an arduous task and, as a result, declared China’s proposal to write off debt accrued by Guyana up to 2004.

“This is a manifestation of friendly relations,” Ziying said.

The Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Minister in response to this said, “The government of Guyana appreciates the commitment of the Chinese Government to write off all debt up to 2004. This is consistent with the international community’s move to write off debt to all countries that are Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPIC).”

Minister Rohee disclosed that during the meeting of the Commission, twelve issues were discussed, three of which are new areas of cooperation, to which the Government of Guyana attaches high priority. These included cooperation in assistance with drainage and irrigation.

This request he said was noted by his Chinese counterparts who indicated that detailed discussion would be under taken with Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo who they were scheduled to pay a courtesy call on today.

An agreement was also signed establishing the Guyana/ China Joint Business Development Council which is expected to facilitate the further development of economic and technical cooperation between the two countries.

Ziying, leader of the Chinese delegation on economics and trade for the Council said it is hoped that the Council will encourage Chinese to invest in Guyana as well as promote development.

He spoke favourably of the bilateral relations between the two countries. “For a long time the two countries have trusted, supported each other. Not only political and economic trade relations have been developing satisfactorily.”

An agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation and the Trade and Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of China was also signed.

Guyana will commit itself to ensuring the mechanism functions effectively and productively between the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation and the Trade Bureau of China,”Minister Rohee concluded.

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China to write off Guyana’s debt as of 2004

• President expresses gratitude

Georgetown, GINA, February 16, 2006

The Guyana Government has welcomed the People’s Republic of China’s decision to extend debt relief to Guyana, which would see Guyana’s stock of external debt as well as debt servicing payments further reduced.

This issue was discussed between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Assistant Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Fu Ziying when they met today at the Office of the President.

Later, at the handing over ceremony of the Guyana Convention Centre built by the Chinese, President Jagdeo expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China.

“I am very pleased today that you (People’s Republic of China) have agreed to write off Guyana’s debt to the People’s Republic of China, up to the year 2004. This would go a long way towards helping us accomplish our goals and to invest in our country and people because at one point in time the debt burden was a drag,” the President said.

President Jagdeo noted that the debt burden undermines any economic strategy and that is why Guyana is extremely grateful for the write-off. As of 2004, Guyana’s bilateral debt, which included China, stood at U$76.8M.

The President explained that at one point in time the nominal debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio was 750 percent.

“I do not think that any country in the world has that kind of debt overhand. Today it is less than 100 percent of GDP, that is, after the G8 initiative, and with you writing off our debt to China, and if the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) debt write off is agreed to, then Guyana’s stock of debt will come down to below 50 percent in nominal terms of its GD, which is a figure that is better than even some developed countries’ in the world, and certainly one of the best figures in our Region,” the President said.

The Group of Eight (G8) agreed in June 2005 to write off impoverished nations’ debt, which resulted in Guyana saving US$336.6M. As of December 2004, Guyana’s stock of external debt was US$1,078,000,000 (approximately US$1.1B). Meanwhile, the bulk of Guyana’s external debt, US$446M, is owed to the IDB and Guyana is working to have the debt written off by the Bank.

Initially, the current administration had to expend 94 percent of its revenues to service the US$2.1B debt inherited. This figure has been reduced to 13 percent and “it will fall further if that were to happen, to something like six or seven percent. If we get these initiatives, this will completely remove that burden from the backs of this and future generations of Guyana, and therefore allow us to spend more on education, health care, housing and water, which are essential for our people, especially the poor,” the President said.

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