Rainfall affecting mostly low-lying areas - report
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2006.
A report issued this morning by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on the impact of the current heavy rainfall in the 10 administrative regions has indicated that mostly low-lying areas have been affected and necessary measures are being taken to address any problems.
Regions One (Barima/Waini), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) remain unaffected by rainfall.
In Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), the lower Pomeroon river and housing schemes from Charity to Supenaam have experienced minimal accumulation of water due to the heavy rains along with run-off from the backlands. Sluices are opened at low tides.
Heavy rainfall experienced in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) left most areas with minor accumulation while the situation was more serious at Railway View, Meten-Meer-Zorg. However, there was no report of damage to crops or loss of livestock. The level recorded at the Boerasirie Conservancy was 60.50 gd.
A pump at Canal Number 1 Polder, West Bank Demerara was operated for five hours during the tide-lock period while all sluices were opened to facilitate the outflow.
There were reports of constant rainfall in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) which affected all low-lying areas, even though sluices were opened at 9:00 hr.
Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) reported heavy rainfall and high water levels in Hopetown, Fort Wellington and Central Mahaicony.
Regional Officials have since contacted the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) to provide an excavator to clear clogged canals.
Regional Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Kumkarran Ramdass said the region began experiencing heavy rainfall from last evening and this affected mostly low-lying areas.
He noted that areas in Number 19 Village, Corentyne and Nigg/Belvedere experienced minimal accumulation.
The main drainage system leading to sluices at Liverpool, Adventure, Mibicuri, Joppa, Eversham and Number 51/52 villages are effective. Pumps at Liverpool, Eversham, Joppa and Bollam are operational and ready for use should the need arise.
The situation is being monitored with assistance from the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).
Under the region’s capital work programme, drainage projects are ongoing in areas such as Crabwood Creek and Black Bush Polder while the four excavators provided are working in Black Bush Polder, Allness and Canefield. These projects entail clearing of drains and canals.
Fifteen heavy-duty excavators were purchased by government at a cost of approximately $500M for enhancement of the drainage system in the country.
TOP
Another team of Chinese doctors arrive in Guyana
Georgetown GINA, May 30, 2006
A ten-member medical team of Chinese doctors has arrived in Guyana and will be working along with doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The doctors will serve for two years, in areas of intensive care, orthopaedic, plastic and general surgery, pathology, radiology, gynaecology and acupuncture.
The team is the seventh medical brigade to arrive in Guyana. Their cooperation with Guyana is part of an agreement which Guyana and China signed in 1993, for the provision of Chinese medical personnel.
The new group will replace the previous team that completed its mission this year.
On May 29, officials from the GPHC along with Chinese Ambassador Shen Qing paid tribute to the outgoing team and welcomed the new group.
Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC Michael Khan lauded the expertise displayed by the Chinese doctors, especially in helping to reduce the backlog at the GPHC.
The CEO also lauded the friendly relationship which was established between the Chinese doctors and the local practitioners, noting that the local personnel benefited significantly.
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy who is at present in New York at a United Nations General Assembly meeting sent his regards to the outgoing team and welcomed the new group.
Ambassador Qing expressed optimism that the team will strengthen future cooperation with Guyana, and praised the efforts by the Ministry of Health and the GPHC for ensuring that adequate support, understanding and care was given to the outgoing Chinese doctors during their stay in Guyana.
TOP
Amerindian village elections completed- 24 new captains elected
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2006
Approximately 100 Amerindian villages in the 10 administrative regions have completed elections countrywide and the results have revealed that about 24 new captains have been elected while all others have retained their positions.
In Region One (Barima/Waini) elections were conducted in 18 villages: Manawarin, Assakata, Santa Cruz, Waramuri, Chinese Landing, Kwebanna, Waikrebi, Santa Rosa, Hobodia, Hotoquai, Redhill, Barima Koriabo, Kamwatta, Arukamai, White Water, Bumbury Hill, Sebai and Baramita with new captains being elected in Hobodia, Arukamai and White Water.
Of the nine villages in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), four villages elected new captains while the remaining five ( Bethany, Capoey, Mainstay, Wakapoa and Akawini) retained theirs. The new captains were elected at Mashabo, Tapakuma, St. Monica and Kabakaburi.
In Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) nine communities held elections and all have retained their captains as was the case also in Regions Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) where five villages took part in the process and Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) where elections were conducted in eight communities.
The largest area, Region Nine ( Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) saw 47 villages holding elections and 16 electing new captains including Aishalton, Achiwuib, Shea, Konashen and Awarewaunau.
Meanwhile, Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, with a lone Amerindian village each saw only St. Cuthbert’s Mission in Region Four, electing a new Captain, Pierre Andrews.
Of the 100 captains countrywide, approximately eight are females.
TOP
Former Jamaican PM commends Guyana on delivering CARICOM headquarters
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2006
“It is no co-incidence that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) headquarters is here today. I certainly want to take this opportunity to applaud again President Jagdeo and his government for having completed construction of the headquarters for CARICOM that can serve as a driving force of the forward integration movement that we all seek to secure.”
This commendation came from former Jamaican Prime Minister Percival James Patterson, shortly after President Bharrat Jagdeo conferred Guyana’s highest national award, the Order of Excellence, on him for his sterling contribution to regional integration.
At an investiture ceremony to mark the occasion was held at State House last evening,
Prime Minister Patterson retired as Prime Minister and Leader of his Party, the People’s National Party (PNP) earlier this year, bringing an end to his active involvement in politics and the regional movement. He was one of the four Heads of State present at the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, creating the Caribbean Community.
Patterson was among the CARICOM Heads present in Guyana for the handing over of the permanent headquarters building.
The Secretariat headquarters is a promise made by Guyana to the Community through an agreement entered into on January 23, 1976.
February 19, 2005 will go down in the community’s history as one of the momentous days, as the agreement to provide permanent headquarters building, was honoured in its entirety. President Jagdeo handed over the keys to the building that stands tall along the Railway Embankment, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. It is one of the most modern structures in Guyana and significantly adds to the landscape, since it is located nearby the Guyana International Conference Centre.
On October 27, 1997 Cabinet approved the provision of land and the following year the sod was turned. The contract for the design and supervision was given to VICAB Guyana Limited after Cabinet’s approval on September 13, 2000. These were also shared with other CARICOM Heads. The contract for construction was awarded to SA Nabi and Sons at an initial cost of US$6.8M. However, the final cost is US$9M since there were variations to the initial design. The structure was partially funded by the Government of Japan with a contribution of US$3M.
Construction began in 2002 and was completed in 2004, after which the building was furnished.
TOP
President for first Caribbean/American Business Expo and Conference
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2006
Guyanese businesses would be showcasing their products with the aim of increasing trade with North America at the first ever Caribbean/American Business Expo and Conference to be held in Orlando, Florida.
The event, billed for June 1-3, will be attended by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Central Florida Fair and Exposition Park.
The main objective of the Guyanese companies’ participation is to increase exports to the United States and other North American countries, as well as to forge greater alliance with these companies.
Forty-one local companies will be participating in the first Caribbean/American Business Expo and Conference.
Guyana is a major exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables to the Miami market and is looking to increase exports of fresh produce and furniture and to tap into the tourist market with high quality handicraft products and locally-designed garments. The local companies also hope to make inroads into the Orlando market for jewellery.
Companies attending the exhibition will be drawn from various sectors including wood products, furniture, fresh and processed foods, leather and wooden craft, garment, basketry, beverages, jewellery, confectionery, sugar, seafood and eco-tourism.
TOP
Minister Rodrigues hosts luncheon for Moruca senior citizens
Georgetown , GINA, May 30, 2006
As Guyana observed its milestone 40 th independence anniversary, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues visited Moruca where she acknowledged the contributions of the elderly.
“We appreciate what you have done for the society, our community and the country … we cannot pay you for that,” she told them at a luncheon she organised for them where she also distributed food hampers and other items.
Minister Rodrigues distributes gifts to senior citizens of Santa Rosa
(A GINA photo by Ameer Khan)
According to her, this has become an annual event for her that started three years ago. A similar exercise usually takes place in other villages during February.
Minister Rodrigues said that Moruca was chosen for the luncheon as it is the largest Amerindian community in Guyana.
She informed them of some of the programmes that government has undertaken geared at recognising and helping senior citizens including a 75 percent increase in pension.
She does not believe that it is enough but said it is the best that the government could afford at present.
The Minister said more activities need to be organised for senior citizens. “Many times you have activities for young people but you hardly hear about activities for old people,” she said.
She said the perception of older people needs to be changed “as there is so much to learn from you.”
Santa Rosa’s Village Captain Aloysius Daniels said he is happy about the initiative as it “not only brings people together but it shows a great interest at the government level. We care for you,” he told them.
TOP
Neighbourhood Police to boost intelligence gathering –‘B’ Division Commander
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2006
The introduction of more persons acting in the capacity of police officers in ‘B’ Division, will significantly enhance intelligence gathering, according to Commander of ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Assistant Commissioner, Clinton Conway. These remarks follow the induction of 25 individuals who will be acting in the capacity of Neighbourhood Police, after successfully completing a four-week training programme which concluded on May 27.
Representatives from several villages, including Belladrum, Paradise and Number 41 Village, West Coast Berbice, and Portland, Albion and Whim, Corentyne, participated in the programme.
Conway, in acknowledging the potential this new Division of the GPF has in crime fighting said, “The officers will operate in their respective districts and will primarily handle minor reports. They will act as mediator between the community and the Police, thereby enhancing the intelligence gathering mechanism of the Force.”
He said that although the Neighbourhood Police are unarmed, they are endowed with the same powers as Police Officers, such as executing arrests.
The presence of the Neighbourhood Police, Conway indicated, will afford Police Officers more time to handle serious investigations. This, he said, will significantly contribute to the expeditious handling of cases.
Minister of Home Affairs Gail Teixeira at the launching of the training programme on April 27, indicated that “Neighborhood Police play an integral role in tackling crime and violence in society…residents should therefore be encouraged by their various communities to join this programme which aims to reduce crime from the community level.”
Illegal cross-border trade, drugs and the influx of aliens into Guyana are reasons for concern and in this regard, she noted, the concept of the Neighbourhood Police would be introduced to outlying regions.
The programme has already been launched in ‘G’ Division ( Essequibo), and is expected to attract applicants throughout the remaining Districts.
Another batch of 33 persons is expected to commence training on June 5.
Region Six Chairman Kumkarran Ramdass at the commencement of the training programme said “this launching is an indication of government’s commitment to finding solutions to the crime problem…we need to develop new techniques to tackle crime.”
The Regional Chairman pointed out that this initiative can help reduce violent crime as well as minor incidents of civil unrest in Berbice.
TOP
Dr. Luncheon clears air on President’s remarks about Sash’s assassination
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2006
The recent remarks of Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo regarding the identity of the killers of former Government Minister Satyadeow Sawh did not mean that the President could identify the individuals who planned and executed the crime, but rather suggests that leads link to a particular gang.
The President made the comment when he visited West Berbice Region Five on May 21 and subsequent media reports suggested that the President had information on who the killers are.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his last weekly post-Cabinet media briefing refuted these insinuations.
“I think it must be clearly understood what the President was seeking to convey and that was the identity of the grouping. The President is pointing fingers clearly at those who carried out the actual deed, the assassination and I think that information is commonly available and known. All information feeds back into the Buxton gang,” Dr. Luncheon said.
He noted that the task before the investigators, both the domestic law enforcement agencies and the foreign agencies assisting them, is to identify the intellectual authors of the horrendous crime, which also left the former Minister’s siblings and security dead.
“We are utterly unconvinced that the Buxton gang woke up one morning and said you know what, let’s go and kill a government Minister. It is our contention, and we hope to prove beyond any reasonable doubt when information becomes available that there were and exists those who controlled that gang and decided what operations and who would be targeted,” he said.
The late Agriculture Minister was killed on April 22 and since then there has been no real progress in the case, save for the ballistics linking to a criminal gang operating out of Buxton, East Coast Demerara.
TOP
Minister Rodrigues reflects on Moruca’s development at independence observance
Georgetown , GINA, May 30, 2006
Just about 169 years old, Moruca located in the western part of the Barima/Waini Region has evolved into a community of significant standing.
At the flag raising ceremony to mark Guyana’s 40 th independence anniversary at Santa Rosa, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues, a daughter of the soil, reflected on some of the ways in which the community has advanced.
Minister Carolyn Rodrigues among Regional officials at the 40 th Independence flag raising ceremony at Santa Rosa (A GINA photo by Ameer Khan)
She recalled how tiresome it was travelling to Charity, as one had to set aside at least two days to get there and return.
“Today you take about 1 hour, 15 minutes …” she observed noting the dream of many Morucans to own their own boats and engines and to serve their own people with their transportation needs.
Last year when President Bharrat Jagdeo visited, a request was made for the government to assist with clearing the Moruca River. Fifty persons were employed for this activity and the Minister has expressed satisfaction with the level of work that was done.
She lauded the education system which has made Moruca proud with the number of persons that it has produced and who have taken up prominent positions in the country.
The first and the present Ministers of Amerindian Affairs are Morucans. David James the only Amerindian lawyer is from Santa Rosa.
She noted the many young people, who now have the opportunity of gaining secondary education in their hometown – with the Santa Rosa Secondary school which has been in existence for more than a decade.
The dormitory for the secondary school is currently being expanded to accommodate an additional 80 students from various villages in Moruca. It is being constructed at a cost of $16M according to Regional Executive Officer, Ishwar Dass.
Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian Member of Parliament, just before Independence travelled to Britain, to make representation to the Queen for Amerindian land rights.
Forty years later, about 50 Amerindian Communities are legally titled, while others are in the process of attaining this status or are seeking extension.
Minister Rodrigues noted that the land allotted to Amerindians today exceeds that occupied by the rest of the population.
The Minister noted that while there are many challenges that the government faces, especially with the increasing crime, it is not neglecting other areas of focus.
“In Moruca you are fortunate that you do not have to deal with some of those issues,” noting that Moruca has changed and some of its young people are heading in the wrong direction.
She urged parents, “steer your children away from that.”
Meanwhile as efforts continue to improve governance in Amerindian communities, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is providing a vehicle for the administrative office to effectively administer its duties.
“I expect to have fewer complaints about people not visiting,” she said noting that there has already been a considerable reduction in complaints.
She called on the community to work together with the Regional administration and the government so that there can be further advancement.
Toshao Aloysius Daniels urged Morucans and Guyanese as a whole to “grasp every opportunity that lies ahead that could make us more proud (citizens).”
As Guyana observed its 40 th Independence Anniversary a number of special events were held to recognise the struggle its leaders endured and the progress made so far.
Several Government Ministers fanned out to various regions to celebrate with residents.
TOP
Baramanni back in operation at Berbice crossing
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2006.
The M.B Baramanni today resumed services at the New Amsterdam to Rosignol crossing, following repairs last evening.
The MB Baramanni developed a problem with its starter at around 17:10 hrs yesterday afternoon thus affecting services for about two hours, according to Traffic Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Karen Bowen.
Engineers were immediately contacted to effect repairs while the M.B Sandaka provided services until the MV Torani returned from its journey to Rosignol.
At present, another vessel, the MV Makouria is currently docked for its annual maintenance which is part of the T&HD’s agenda to ensure effective operation of the services offered at Essequibo, Berbice, North West and Bartica.
Every year, government allocates large sums of money to fund improvement of the services offered by the T&HD. Over the period 2001 to 2005 more than $2.4B was spent for this purpose. In addition, this year, $356M was allocated for repairs to stellings and ships.
Under a technical cooperation programme between Guyana and China, two new ferry vessels will be acquired to boost the services in Berbice and Essequibo. This will increase the flow of passengers and goods and reduce the time taken to commute to these destinations.
TOP
More Guyanese youths are now using tobacco – PAHO/WHO survey
Georgetown GINA May 30, 2006
Tobacco consumption in the developing countries has been on a record high this year. An increasing number of persons, particularly females, smoke at an early age.
This conclusion was drawn at a Global Youth Tobacco Survey presentation at the Ministry of Health on May 24 by officials from the Pan American Health Organisations, World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) who recently concluded a four-year survey in Guyana to determine levels of smoking among youths.
The survey was conducted in 25 schools in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten and data drawn from youths within the 13 to 15 age group.
Minister of Health Dr. Ramsammy who attended the presentation said that more than 100 million individuals at the ending of the Twentieth Century lost their lives as a result of tobacco use. If this trend continues, especially in the developing countries where more people are embarking on a lifetime of smoking, more are likely to die of the same fate.
The survey shows that cigarette-smoking by females has increased by 5.69 percent over a four-year period.
This trend has been influenced by a number of factors, especially advertising agencies who promote strong tobacco messages. The survey shows that one in seven youths were offered cigarettes as incentives by local tobacco companies during promotional activities.
This is however, not the only agent of distribution. Minister Ramsammy believes that easy access to tobacco is being encouraged by tobacco smuggling.
He said that tobacco smuggling is a practice of small businessmen seeking to increase their markets and corporate entities have complicated the situation by complaining of not receiving support from government.
“The corporate entities see smuggling as efforts by small business people to reduce corporate profitability. In the case of tobacco it is not so. We have no evidence that corporate entities try to work with government to reduce smuggling. In many cases there is evidence that corporate entities encourage smuggling.” Minister Ramsammy explained.
In their efforts to reduce excessive tobacco, use governments have increased taxation on tobacco products and over the years this has proven effective. With respect to access and availability, PAHO’s survey revealed that more 13-year olds access tobacco in stores.
Minister Ramsammy however, believes that as governments increase tariffs on tobacco products, the incentive for smuggling increases and governments are faced with a serious global dilemma.
He said that there is need for a global effort to reduce and eventually eliminate tobacco smuggling.
“Because there is a difference in terms of tobacco products where there might be collusion between small smugglers and small corporate entities, we will need a global effort in reducing smuggling of tobacco products.” Minister Ramsammy said.
Education in the household was suggested as one of the most effective means of reducing cigarette smoking among youths and parents should be effective agents of change in this area. This call was made by Minister Ramsammy after pointing to the PAHO report which shows that three in ten youths live in homes with cigarette smokers.
Minister Ramsammy believes that parents should ensure that education about smoking should be part of a child’s upbringing.
“One of the most powerful tools for education is showing the example. Parents can’t tell children of the ill effects of smoking but they themselves smoke in front of their children.” Minister Ramsammy cautioned.
Over the years the Ministry of Health has made considerable success in placing restrictions on smoking by declaring all public health places smoke-free zones. Minister Ramsammy said that it is his desire for all public areas to be smoke free zones in the near future.
Tomorrow is being observed worldwide as “World no tobacco day.”
TOP |
