Sugar industry modernisation on target
Georgetown, GINA, January 06, 2007.
Completion of the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project (SSMP) according to schedule and implementation of the Enmore Packaging Project remain priorities for government as it seeks to make the industry more competitive.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said the SSMP is moving ahead and is slated for completion in February 2008, a revision of the initial date by 115 days. This US$169M project entails construction of a US$110M modern factory and a co-generation plant in Region Six.
The contract for the construction of the sugar factory and cogeneration plant was signed between the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) and China National Technology Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC) in June 2004.
The factory has a proposed capacity to produce more than 120, 000 tonnes per annum while the co-generation facility will generate 10 megawatts of power for Berbice. The SSMP is government’s response to modernising the sector and overcoming the challenges facing the industry particularly the price cut from the European Union (EU) which was announced in 2005.
The administration submitted the Guyana Sugar Action Plan to the EU in 2006 in which Guysuco proposed the Enmore Project. An initial Euros 5.6M is expected to be made available this year for this project.
Over recent years the sugar industry suffered considerably by various challenges including the floods of 2005 and 2006 which impacted negatively on production. However, there have been aggressive efforts to recover and rebuild from the disasters.
Last year, although sugar production did not reach its projected target, Guysuco met its bulk sugar commitments to the European Union (EU) and the United States of America. Sugar production recorded 259, 491 tonnes.
Supply to the EU was 173, 554 tonnes while 22, 000 tonnes was delivered to the US quota. Sale of packaged sugar and bagged Demerara Gold increased from 3, 857 tonnes in 2005 to 4, 731 tonnes in 2006 while sale of bagged Demerara Gold to the EU increased from 900 tonnes to 1, 777 tonnes.
Two new products were introduced; Demerara Brown and Demerara White which have received favourable responses.
TOP
Public service modernisation progresses – activities to heighten this year
– Project Coordinator
Georgetown, GINA, January 06, 2007
Significant progress has been recorded under the three components of the US$5.56M public modernisation programme. Six agencies and departments have been selected to commence the process of the new human resource structure.
These agencies include the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Home Affairs, Public Service and the Public Service Commission.
The Public Management Modernisation Programme (PMMP) was launched on December 1, 2005 with the aim of improving public management efficiency, transparency and accountability including in government’s semi-autonomous agencies.
Project Coordinator of the Project Execution Unit (PEU), Reginald Brotherson said component two of the programme, which aims at improving accountability and efficiency of semi-autonomous agencies and statutory bodies, was recently launched.
“We have completed sub-component one which is strengthening of Public Service Management and a new human resource strategy was presented to Cabinet’s sub-committee meeting on October 23. That strategy addresses a number of areas including rewarding employees, employment and human resources structures,” Brotherson said.
The project focuses on improving public management efficiency, the initial step of the government’s long-term reform effort, and is intended to be the first in a series to support this process, adopted after the Public Sector Modernisation Project (PSMP).
It entails strengthening public service management at a cost of US$1.9M. Agencies and statutory bodies’ accountability and efficiency improvement will utilise US$1.6M, and coordination of the state reform process will take up US$1M. The remaining funds will be used to support the programme.
The rules and mandates of the Public Service Management and Commission are being reviewed, and this sub-component should be concluded within six months.
“With the rules review, we hope to update and reform the civil service and PSC rules. So far we have had a number of discussions with the major stakeholders, like the public service commissioners, the executives of the Guyana Public Service Union and also a number of Permanent Secretaries,” he said.
In March, several consensus-building and validation workshops for major stakeholders including unions, commissioners, permanent secretaries, heads of departments and senior personnel officers will be held, following which a report will be presented to Cabinet.
According to Brotherson, the process of securing computer hardware and software has begun. This would enhance the personnel departments of Ministries and other government departments in all regions. In this regard, training of the core personnel group is ongoing.
In 2007, there will be the implementation of the Wide Area Network (WAN) which will connect all personnel departments to one major network.
In component two of the PMMP, the inception report and the revised work plan have already been accepted.
“Another aspect of component two is the revision and reclassification of semi autonomous agencies and state boards from a sector perspective. We have to strengthen the management and accountability capabilities of the six pilot agencies and state bodies.”
Part of the plan too, is to design and implement a monitoring and evaluation system for semi-autonomous agencies and State boards.
Component three, the coordination of the state reform process, has commenced and an inception report was adapted by the government and has been circulated to the major stakeholders in the 10 administrative regions.
Brotherson explained too, that 12 consensus-building workshops were completed in the regions, and the comments coming out of these will be compiled and submitted for Cabinet’s review next month.
Institutional strengthening of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), designs for Information Technology Systems for rural development, among several other components of the PMMP, are scheduled to take place this year.
“So I think all in all the Public Management Modernisation Programme is very truly on the way, despite the challenges. We hope that in 2007 activities are going to be heightened; we are calling for much support from the other stakeholders… as we attempt in a very efficient way to complete this programme within the time-frame of the loan agreement,” he said.
According to the loan agreement inked on June 17, 2005 between the government and the Inter-American Development Bank, the PMMP should be completed by June 17, 2009.
TOP
Practice pitch for completion soon
- Improvements noted in other CWC related areas
Georgetown, GINA, January 6, 2007
The practice pitch at the National Stadium at Providence which has been a source of concern over the past couple of weeks is now showing signs of progress and is expected to be completed in a matter of days.
Shapoorji Paloonji, the stadium’s contracting firm has provided equipment for the undertaking which will be completed under the supervision of Technical Consultant for the stadium Walter Willis.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) requires that at least two practice matches are played before the mega event to test-run security and emergency programmes. The KFC and Carib Cup matches are the two earmarked events.
Government has also ordered additional maintenance equipment including tractors and rollers to fast-track the stadium’s completion. According to Chief Executive Officer of the LOC Karran Singh, the equipment should be in by January.
A structured programme has already been implemented for security and parking for the event in March. The LOC has earmarked several locations close to the national stadium for spectators’ parking. One such area is the Providence Community Centre Ground.
An additional ‘park and ride’ programme has been outlined for visiting spectators to be transported from locations by transportation service providers.
About five locations were selected in Georgetown where visiting spectators can be transported to and from the national stadium. The LOC has noted that about eight transportation service providers have signalled their intentions to be part of this programme.
The parking lot within the stadium is earmarked for teams, officials, media and sponsors.
With regard to ticketing, and accommodation persons from the North American Diaspora are seeking information daily in Guyana and according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Local Organising Committee (LOC) Karran Singh the ticket sales will be promoted in Canada and the United States.
Considerable advancement has been made in the area of accommodation and the LOC has already completed the inspection and approval of about 1200 rooms under the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) programme.
The CEO noted however, that Guyanese should also take into consideration extending the courtesy of opening their doors to visitors free of cost. He said this has become the new undertaking of the B&B programme in Grenada.
Accommodation services are expected to be strengthened by “Zoom” an accommodation service provider which intends to set up tented facilities mainly for youths.
TOP
Casino legislation to prevent widespread gambling
Georgetown, GINA, January 6, 2007
The legislation that will be tabled by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee on January 11 to permit casino gambling in Guyana will not allow widespread gambling.
According to the Amendment Bill, it will bar existing hotels and resorts from establishing casinos on their premises. No more than three casino licenses will be issued in each administrative region.
Section 30 of the Bill states that, no person other than workers and guests of the hotels or resorts shall be admitted to the casinos.
Any one who fails to comply with section 30 is liable to a summary conviction carrying a fine of not less than $20M and imprisonment for a term not less than six months and not more than two years.
The Bill gives the Minister the power to set up any administrative body for the administration of the casino legislation, and also gives him the control to prescribe fees payable for the application for a licence and for the issue of any licence.
The Minister under the Act could also prescribe conditions for, and restrictions on, the issuing of any licence.
According to the Bill, the Minister may make regulations to establish a Gaming Authority which could regulate the issue only through specific types of licences to allow casino gambling.
Under section 29 (1) of the proposed bill, the Gaming Authority could issue a casino premises licence authorising any place to be operated as a casino, and further, the body could issue a casino operator’s licence authorising the person to operat a casino.
Concerns were raised by sections of the religious community about the Gambling Prevention (Amendment) Bill 2006. Government already held several consultations with the community.
President Bharrat Jagdeo said Government’s consultative process is an important period. He made it clear that once the Bill is legislated, only tourists would be allowed to engage in casino gambling.
TOP
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Canadian arm arrives tomorrow
Georgetown, GINA, January 6, 2007
A delegation from the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) will be arriving in Guyana tomorrow for a seven-day visit to learn more about Guyana’s parliamentary system.
The group’s members will meet with local parliamentarians, to foster a close working relationship between the two branches.
The delegation will meet the Speaker of the National Assembly, members of parliament, the media, the private sector, and Canadian firms operating in Guyana, and chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of parliamentary committees.
On January 8, they will pay a courtesy call on H.E President Bharrat Jagdeo. The delegation will also pay courtesy calls on Leader of the Opposition and the CARICOM Secretary General.
At the last sitting of the National Assembly, Speaker, Hon. Ralph Ramkarran urged all parliamentarians to use the opportunity to learn more about the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
The delegation will also be visiting the National Stadium at Providence, Kaieteur Falls and the Botanical Gardens. They will leave Guyana on January 13.
TOP
Foreigners, overseas based Guyanese to get VAT waivers
-subject to classification of items
Georgetown, GINA, January 6, 2006
The Guyana Revenue Authority GRA) has disclosed its intention to offer Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions on selected items to foreigners and overseas based Guyanese, subject to satisfactory proof that the items are for use overseas.
Commissioner General of the GRA Khurshid Sattaur said the agency intends to treat purchases by foreigners as exports, hence it is willing to offer exemptions on some classes of items such as jewellery.
He said this will be extended to overseas customers who make purchases which attract VAT in excess of $20,000.
The announcement came as members of the business community surfaced concerns about the merchandising of items purchased by overseas visitors.
Consultations are being held with members of the business sector to determine the most efficient method of effecting the exemption.
One method proposed is the presentation of passports at the point of purchase, while another is to have goods delivered at the point of exit, Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.
The Commissioner General has also assured that exemptions will also be granted to members of Diplomatic Missions, and some charitable bodies. TOP
Forestry sector developing
Georgetown, GINA, January 06, 2007.
The potential of the forestry sector continues to be revealed while government remains committed to ensuring that the necessary mechanisms are in place to facilitate its sustainable development.
Last year, the forestry sector recorded export sales of US$58.7M as compared to US$48.6M for the previous year, an increase of 20.8 percent.
Approximately US$22, 000 was invested in training stakeholders on forestry laws, management and inventory, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The training was done under a Social Development Programme being carried out by the government through the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). It aims to promote economic growth, alleviate poverty and diversify the economy.
Riversview, Batavia, Kabakaburi, Whyaka, Capoey, Tapakuma, Kwebanna, Moraikobai, Orealla, Siparuta, Annai, Karasabai, St. Ignatius and Mahdia were some of the areas that benefitted from the training.
Other training activities were conducted by the Forestry Training Centre (FTC) in Reduced Impact Logging while a US$400, 000 grant was secured from the International Tropical Timber Organisation (IITO) and will be invested in further training initiatives.
The first logging concession was allocated to the Rupununi Timbers Association last year while a forest station was established at Annai with assistance from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine.
Additionally, an audit of the Log Tracking System was conducted and a Legal Verification System established. These are necessary for improved forestry management and utilisation.
Government is also placing emphasis on the exportation of logs. The Forest Products Association (FPA), the Guyana Manufacturers’ Association (GMA) and the GFC are working on a common paper. This will be reviewed during national consultations and aims to advise government on a policy for exportation of logs.
Over the years, government has been updating policies and laws relating to the conservation, management, protection and sustainable development of the forest resources. In 1996, a National Development Strategy was drafted and provides guidance for the development of the forestry sector by identifying national development objectives and constraints.
TOP
Livestock made headway in 2006
GINA, Georgetown, January 6, 2007
The livestock industry showed tremendous improvements last year with interventions from the government especially in the cattle and poultry industries.
Large quantities of beef were exported to two CARICOM states while several other countries expressed interest in importing.
Recognising the industry’s potential, government made several interventions which included:
- artificial insemination services( rendered in Regions 2 to 6 )
- 667milk quality tests
- 101 training and extension activities conducted
- a National Cattle Farmers’ Congress was held
In October, with funding from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), surveillance was conducted in Region Nine in relation to foot and mouth disease.Focus is mainly placed on the upgrading of camps and construction of drive through dips for vehicle crossings at the Guyana/Brazil border.
The Ministry of Agriculture also initiated the Avian Influenza Stakeholders Programme with seminars in all ten regions to educate farmers.They were also given manuals on the Avian Influenza.
The Ministry also distributed veterinary supplies and provided services to thousands of livestock farmers across the country.
In October too, the Ministry launched a $5M programme to deal with the stunted growth in broilers which first surfaced in April.This included a vaccination programme and the distribution of vitamins to those famers who were affected.
An assessment was also conducted by Regional poultry specialists for the development of standards for poultry feed production.
One of the major developments in the livestock sector in 2006 was the commissioning of the Poultry Diagnostic Laboratory at the Ministry of Agriculture by President Bharrat Jagdeo.
This initiative has taken Guyana another step closer to preparation for export of poultry products.
The Plant Quarantine Unit also conducted inspections on agricultural
commodities and other regulated articles for export in keeping with the regulations for
the prevention of the introduction and spread of pests and diseases and the importation
requirements of importing countries.
Farm Certification was also conducted for exports of agricultural products to
other countries with protocol agreements with Guyana.
TOP
City enhancement activities intensify
Georgetown, GINA, January 6, 2007
Government’s initiative to boost the image of Georgetown has moved another level and today several activities were ongoing as government’s community enhancement programme intensifies.
Drain being cleared at East Street
The East Street drain was being cleared while workmen capitalized on good weather to raise the levels of the avenues at East and Thomas streets.
Already there is marked improvement in the City’s outlook as work aggressively continues on rehabilitating road shoulders and clearing drains and parapets.
At Mandela avenue, shaping of road verges is underway to improve the aesthetics of this section of the city which has already been boosted with improvement to the road.
Road verge being cleared on Mandela Avenue
The area around the 1763 monument, in the vicinity of Vlissengen road and Homestretch Avenue is being spruced up. Parapets are being cleared and road shoulders leveled.
Earlier this week, the areas around the National Zoological park and the Ministry of Agriculture were enhanced while similar work has been undertaken in Queenstown and parts of North Cummingsburg.
The Ministry of Works and Communications is overseeing the City’s enhancement as Guyana prepares to host several international events shortly.
TOP |
