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Developing states need greater influence in int’l decision making

-Prime Minister

Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2006

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said Guyana’s social and economic advancement over the past four decades was largely due to various levels of support granted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He was at the time addressing persons gathered at Le Meridien Pegasus for the observance of the 61 st Anniversary of the United Nations, on October 24.

Among those joining in the observance were Acting UNDP Resident Coordinator Mr. Johannes Wedenig, Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Representative, Bernadette Theodore Ghandi, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

The Prime Minster noted that the Parent Programme (through several agencies such as UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNESCO, FAO and PAHO/WHO), has assisted in many ways which include serving the cause of peace and development.

“With the help of the United Nations, Guyana has made notable strides in its efforts to eradicate poverty and build capacity in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals,” Prime Minister Hinds said.

He added that “the preparation of our reports on the progress made thus far show that we have recorded commendable results in the areas of education and health, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, a pandemic which threatens to rob us of our most precious resource- our young people.”

However, he noted that “the international community needs to redouble its efforts if the objectives which we have set for ourselves are to be reached,” adding that some 50 billion dollars more will be required if further headway is to be made.

“Regrettably, developing countries like Guyana have relatively little say in the decision making on vital issues of peace and development. However, with increasing unity and solidarity, they manage on occasion to summon a strong voice in matters of importance and concern to them.”

It is hoped, he said that with a growing acceptance of the need for global interdependence and partnership, they must seek to enhance their role in the conduct of world affairs to be able to claim a better share of the world's resources for their development.

He said despite its small size and limited means, Guyana has always endeavoured to contribute to the transformation of the United Nations into the model institution which its founders intended it to be.

Wedenig said that “there are many challenges before us that cannot be denied and the credibility of this organisation will be tested by our collective ability to continue to work together in unity and meet the expectations of millions of people of the world.”

“We in Guyana like the rest of the world are looking to the new Secretary General with renewed hope that he would lead the Organisation with credibility, independence and efficiency as he continues the work of reshaping the UN to meet the demands of today’s complex and manifold challenges to the multilateral, Wedenig said.

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon was last week appointed Secretary General Designate to the UN and will replace Mr. Kofi Annan who has served in that capacity for the last ten years.

Mr. Ki-Moon will officially succeed Mr. Annan on January 1, 2007.

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Representatives of the ECLAC mission; Manilo Goviello and Charmaine Gomes today called on Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at his office, Wight’s Lane Kingston (Ameer Khan Photo)

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Cabinet gives no objection to millions in contracts

- first post-elections press briefing held

Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2006

A number of contracts spanning various sectors were given Cabinet’s ‘no-objection’ during Cabinet meetings held on October 3, 17 and 24.

The announcements were made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon during his first post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President following the 2006 Elections.

The contracts are as follows:-

CO NTRACTS

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Arts to get Government support-Dr. Luncheon

Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2006

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon today disclosed that Cabinet, at its October 17 meeting agreed to move ahead with Government’s policy decision for the State to encourage support for the Arts in Guyana.

Dr. Luncheon was speaking at his post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President, his first media briefing since the conclusion of the 2006 Elections.

“A decision was taken to commence work on the design of an Endowment Plan to be called the National Endowment for the Arts. This specific vehicle was adopted and it would facilitate public-private participation financially and otherwise in a national entity to be created and that would be operating under statutory governance principles and guidelines,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

He noted that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport will lead the way in giving effect to the Cabinet decision by hosting the necessary consultations and preparing the anticipated legislation that would be needed for implementing the endowment fund for the Arts.

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Next Sitting of Parliament for October 30

Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2006

The next Sitting of the National Assembly will be on October 30.

“That Sitting should see the conclusion of the swearing-in of MP”s- a task left unfinished at the ceremonial opening of the Ninth Parliament. Also to be sworn in are the two Parliamentary Secretaries who have been appointed by the President, Pauline Sukhai and Mr. Steve Ninvalle.”

This was the announcement made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon at his first post-Cabinet media briefing following the 2006 elections.

According to the HPS, the two Members of Parliament would be representing the Ministries of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Culture, Youth and Sport respectively.

“Prime Minister Hinds, designated the Leader of the House, would be supported by Mrs. Indra Chandarpal who will be appointed the Government’s Chief Whip,” the HPS added.

Dr. Luncheon noted that the October 30 session will be mainly focused on the customary debate on the motion before Parliament to approve the President’s address made during the ceremonial opening of the Ninth Parliament.

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Medical boat for Pomeroom River Communities

Georgetown, GINA October 25, 2006

The Ministry of Health will soon introduce a medical boat in the Pomeroon River (Region Two) to strengthen its delivery of quality health services in the area.

The boat, according to Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, will be administered by staff of the Charity Hospital.

The ‘Medi-boat,’ will be assisting health workers in the provision of general health services with specific focus on malaria.

“Pomeroon is going to be our demonstration site of how a Medi-boat works and eventually we will be introducing others in the Berbice, Corentyne and the Demerara rivers,” Minister Ramsammy noted.

The medi-boat is one of the new public health initiatives and training will be provided to operate the boat. The operators will have a dual role since they would also be expected to assist the health workers.

“It’s an exciting venture that we are moving into and I am glad that I can do this in Region Two. The people in this region should feel privileged that the medi-boat public health concept will start,” Minister Ramsammy said.

The Ministry will also begin the process of training medexes to serve as paramedic assistants working with the ambulance service. Ambulance drivers will be drawn into this pool and will receive specific training on how to use the road.

“At present when we send an ambulance for sick people, we usually have to pull a nurse from the ward but the new ambulance service we are providing would have a team of dedicated staff,” Minister Ramsammy explained.

After being trained, +workers will have the option of working as paramedics in the ambulance service or as mental health workers in hospitals and health centres around the country.

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RDC Chairpersons,Vice-Chairpersons Elections for November 1

Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2006

Arrangements are in place to hold elections for the positions of Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons of the ten Administrative Regions of Guyana.

This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon today at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, the HPS’s first following the 2006 Elections.

Dr. Luncheon pointed out that Cabinet was advised that the requirements have been met and are in place to hold the Elections.

“The Elections are planned to take place during the first week in November to satisfy the statutory obligation and specifically, November 1 has been targeted,” the HPS noted.

He added that upon being elected, the Chairmen and Vice-Chairpersons of the ten administrative regions would then take their oath of office before President Jagdeo at the Office of the President. This would precede an official ceremony to take place thereafter.

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Pensioners to get 5 percent increase effective January, 2007

Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2006

Effective January 1, 2007, old age pensioners will receive a five percent increase in their pension and moves are already afoot to advance the distribution of 2007 old age pension vouchers.

This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon who made the announcement today at his Post-Cabinet media briefing, his first since the conclusion of the 2006 Elections.

“Cabinet at its most recent meeting was updated on the progress with the arrangements surrounding social security benefits to be made available in 2007. Cabinet…had previously authorized a 5 percent increase in the payment of old age pension as well as public assistance, an increase which would be effective from January 1, 2007,” the HPS said.

He added, “That increase would provide $3,675 a month for old age pensioners and $2,470 for those in receipt of Public-Assistance.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand disclosed during the Cabinet meeting that the printing of the 2007 vouchers was organised and work was ongoing by the Ministry to complete data-entry and verification of the list of recipients, according to the HPS.

He noted that the Minister further disclosed that the distribution of the 2007 vouchers would commence soon through a collaborative effort involving stakeholders.

“Of concern has been the role of the Post Office Corporation in the payment component of the scheme and improving the role of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) would remain constant as an objective of the Ministry,” Dr. Luncheon concluded.

In January, 2006 pensioners received a 75 percent increase in their old-age pension.

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Minister of Education Shaik Baksh meets with H.E. Fraser Wheeler during a courtesy visit today.

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Sunset legislation for first reading at next Parliament Sitting

Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2006

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon today disclosed that the next Sitting of Parliament will see the first reading of the Sunset Legislation being done.

The HPS was responding to questions by the media at his post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President, the first since the conclusion of the 2006 Elections.

With November 1 being the deadline for the passage of the Legislation, Dr. Luncheon pointed out that the Bill will not go through all of its stages on that day.

“Parliament we anticipate, would meet a second time during the first week in November and that would allow for us to conform with our obligations. So, Monday and I suspect either Wednesday or Thursday would be the second meeting of the Assembly specifically to deal with the enactment of the Sunset Legislation,” the HPS said.

The legislation deals with the hosting of Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 and was to have been implemented by host countries in the Caribbean. However, only two of the nine host countries had passed the legislation prior to a warning by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC) CWC in the West Indies, Chris Dehring.

Dehring had warned that the Caribbean region was in a position to lose its rights to host the major event if the legislation was not passed by the remaining host countries, which comprise Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Grenada.

The legislation provides for the fulfillment of the host countries’ commitment to ensure that CWC 2007 is efficiently and effectively staged.

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All booth space sold out

-90% of booths completed- Co-chairman of Guy-Expo

GINA, Georgetown, October 25, 2006

As exhibitors fine-tune their preparations for the kick off Guy-Expo 2006 tomorrow, the Secretariat has reported that all slots have been taken and that 90 percent of the construction has been completed.

Keith Burrowes Co- Chairman of Guy-Expo 2006 said that the Secretariat is hopeful that all booths will be completed before the opening ceremony tomorrow.

Guy-Expo’s Secretariat had set October 24 as the deadline for all construction of booths, since in the past they were faced with the situation where booths were still being constructed while the opening ceremony was in progress.

Meanwhile the Guy- Expo Secretariat is working closely with the Guyana Police Force to ensure the safety of all visitors. Security will be strengthened through the services of volunteers who will be working for Cricket World Cup 2007.

This year there will be overseas participation from Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, China, India and Indonesia.

Guy-Expo began in 1995 with the aim of offering local manufacturers an opportunity to showcase their products and services to overseas buyers, investors and local consumers.

Guy-Expo will be held under the theme ‘Exhibiting Excellence’ and will run until October 31.

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There is great potential in the pig industry – Minister Persaud

Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2006.

Livestock farmers have been urged by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud to utilise the opportunities open in the pig industry to improve their livelihoods and increase contributions to the national economy.

The Minister was at the time addressing a Pig Management Forum held at Fyrish Village, Region Six as part of activities to mark Agriculture Month 2006. The event included a mini-exhibition.

According to Minister Persaud there is great market potential for pork in the Caribbean Region. He noted that all CARICOM countries except Guyana, import this product. Other advantages that Guyana enjoys with regard to the pig industry are the availability of land and water resources and local ingredients to produce feed.

The Minister however pointed out that that there are several challenges facing the development and expansion of the industry including lack of quality breeding stock and state-of-the-art abattoir facilities. These are issues which must be addressed.

Inadequate extension services is another issue that must be addressed. Already, the Ministry has embarked on the development of a comprehensive programme to improve this service.

The issue of organisation was also identified. Minister Persaud said plans are in place to transform the National Swine Committee into the National Swine Authority to promote development within the industry.

The Minister assured that government is committed to providing the necessary support and assistance to expand the pig industry.

Minister Persaud noted that the pig industry apart from contributing to food security in Guyana, contributes to the social and economic life of a number of families. Pig rearing is done primarily in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10. A previous census conducted had indicated that there was about 400 000 heads of pig in Guyana.

On October 1 Agriculture Month was launched at West Watooka, Region Ten under the theme ‘Investing in Guyana’s agriculture for food security.’ A number of activities have since been held to highlight the sector.

Additionally, World Food Day on October16 was observed in Guyana with an official ceremony and national exhibition of various agricultural products at the Diamond Community Centre Ground, Region Four.

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Record-keeping, claim-processing engaging attention of NIS Board

-Dr. Luncheon

Georgetown , GINA October 25, 2006

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Dr. Roger Luncheon said a number of concerns raised by contributors countrywide are engaging the Board’s attention.

The comment came in light of criticisms emerging mostly from employees of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) against the Scheme’s seeming inability to maintain records and process claims in a timely manner.

During recent visits to various parts of the country by several government officials, complaints were made by unsatisfied contributors who receive contribution records which reflect inaccurate information.

According to Dr. Luncheon “We’re working on it...an arrangement has been put in place by GUYSUCO, NIS and GAWU and we met as recently as Monday. I am satisfied that progress has been made,” he said, noting that the Scheme is currently converting from a “paper keeping system with poor record keeping.”

He explained that this was the reason for sloth in the system and the high number of appeals.

As fast as the conversion to an electronic system is made then a lot of the appeals, Dr. Luncheon said.

He noted that out of a total 3000 appeals engaging the management of the Scheme in August only 600 remain.

The National Insurance Scheme has in 2002 embarked on a record keeping reform which included the outsourcing of data entry of contribution for weekly as well as monthly employees’ contributions.

Other initiatives included quarterly issuing of contribution records to employees. The Scheme has also for years been battling with defaulting employees who fail to remit contributions collected.

In an effort to combat this problem NIS has commenced the publishing of names and registration number of companies/agencies which fail to remit contributions on their employees’ behalf.

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UG needs to play greater role in promoting agricultural development

– Minister Persaud

Georgeown, GINA, October 25, 2006.

The University of Guyana (UG) needs to play a greater role in the development of agriculture, which is the one of the most important sectors that contributes significantly to the economy.

This is according to Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud during his address today at a Lab-to-Farm Workshop hosted by the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus. “We don’t see much emphasis being placed on natural sciences and on producing the skills to gear our students to make more meaningful contributions to the industries in the various sectors of our country,” the Minister said.

He noted that there are concerns about the direction in which the University has been focusing which is primarily on social sciences. Each university is required to produce what the country needs in terms of skills and to conduct the necessary research and activities in the key areas of the country.

Recently discussions were held between the Minister and officials of UG to develop a programme that would enable the faculties of agriculture and forestry, working with their Caribbean counterparts to play a greater role in coordinating activities that would address some of the issues affecting agricultural development. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will be approached for assistance in implementing the programme.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is currently being drafted to encourage collaboration between the university and the Ministry of Agriculture to develop mechanisms to promote expansion of the agricultural sector.

Minister Persaud commended the organizers of the workshop. He said it is expected that UG, especially the faculties of agriculture and forestry will be more proactive in supporting farmers and meeting the needs of the sector by providing the necessary resources required to develop agriculture.

He also pointed out that there are plans to develop short-term education programmes for farmers to be administered through the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA).

This, the Minister said is essential to ensuring that farmers acquire the necessary knowledge to make changes in their activities, particularly in light of technological advancement and changes on the world market.

He noted that agriculture has great potential. It contributes more than 30 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for 43 percent of the country’s total earning. In addition, agriculture provides employment for more than 70 percent of the population.

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