Kerik to be contracted from February 1-President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
“We are looking to contract Mr. Kerik from February 1 to provide general advisory services to the President and the Minister of Home Affairs.”
This was the announcement made by President Bharrat Jagdeo during a press briefing yesterday at the Office of the President when the media enquired when the former New York top cop, Bernard Kerik would be appointed to assist the Government of Guyana in its security reform programme.
“He will be placed on a retainer, so if we hire him to perform other kinds of duties to the police force, he will be paid separately for those issues, and if he has to come in under the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank) programme, he would have to follow the bidding process for the IDB programme,” President Jagdeo explained.
He pointed out that Kerik’s contract will be for one-year and renewable but reiterated that his contract will be a retainer to provide general advisory services on security matters.
The Head of State had said in his New Year’s message to the nation that an environment where all citizens can feel safe and secure, one that does not deter investments and one in which justice is dispensed fairly and efficiently, is integral to national development.
He had pointed to one of the front burner issues that would be given critical attention by Government as being the reform of the criminal justice system.
President Jagdeo had stated prior to the 2006 Elections that reform in this area was imperative.
“We intend to aggressively pursue a comprehensive reform of the criminal justice system and among the objectives of this reform will be to garner greater community support and involvement in crime fighting, better equipping the Guyana Police Force and improving the delivery of justice within our Courts,” the President said in his 2007 message.
Included in the reform process is Government’s intention to implement police reforms.
The Ministry of Home Affairs also recently noted some of the progress made through various meetings held in preparation for the reform.
In October, 2006, President Jagdeo met with a high-level British team headed by British High Commissioner Mr. Fraser Wheeler at the Office of the President.
The team included Professor Eboe Hutchful, Lieutenant General Vinayak Patanaar and Jonny Baxter, Head of the Department for International Development (DFID).
The meeting stemmed from last year’s request by the Government for assistance from the United Kingdom and the United States to aid in the reform process.
The Head of State had indicated that Kerik would be one of the persons expected to work with the Guyana Government during the reform process along with the Scottish Police and the British Government. He also met with Kerik in August, 2006 and during the meeting, Kerik had pointed to the need for the entire criminal justice system in Guyana to be assessed.
During his year-end press conference in December, President Jagdeo responded in the affirmative when asked by the media whether the Administration still intends to hire Kerik to assist in the reform initiative.
Some of the areas that the reform would cover include: setting up a SWAT team organisation, an anti-crime unit and training in areas such as crowd control and driving.
Government will be responsible for the establishment of a training centre for the police force, building a forensic lab, establishing approximately 72 police stations and emphasising community action which will entail working with stakeholders of the respective communities to bring them closer to the reform process.
Several years ago Government had indicated its commitment to reforming the Guyana Police Force to make it more effective through examining issues such as its crime fighting capability.
Mr. Bernard Kerik was United States’ President George W. Bush’s nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security. He served in several institutions in the U.S.A including the Department of Correction and the New York Police Department (NYPD).
He operated in major narcotics cases and was later transferred as part of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force. The Task Force comprised the drug enforcement administration, the New York State Police and the New York City Police Department.
Kerik headed one of the most substantial drug investigations in New York City in the history of the country. The investigations started on the streets of New York City and took the law enforcement agents to Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Colombia.
Kerik was subsequently placed at the Department of Correction and appointed by New York Mayor, Rudolph Giuliani. He first headed the investigation division, managing the division’s internal affairs and following this, held other positions including Deputy Commissioner, then Commissioner two years later. He held this position for three years and was responsible for the entire New York City.
On December 3, 2004, Kerik was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as the Second Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Kerik’s qualifications for the post span his entire career, but most recently he served as Iraq’s interim Minister of Interior and the Senior Policy Adviser to the U.S. Presidential Envoy to Iraq’s Coalition Provisional Authority. Arriving in Baghdad just days after coalition forces invaded, Mr. Kerik was responsible for beginning the reconstitution and re-instatement of Iraq’s interior Ministry including the national police service and borders enforcement.
Kerik is also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Kerik Group.
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Rice industry gets $1.6B loan facility
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007.
A financial facility that will provide credit for working capital and capital investments for rice stakeholders was launched today.
The facility represents an investment of Euros 6.5M (G$1.6B) and is the most important component of the Rice Competitiveness Project. It will be administered by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) with interest rates ranging from 6 to 11 percent.
The facility is intended to address financing issues of rice producers, processors, input suppliers and other stakeholders in the industry and aims to increase efficiency and sustainability of the rice industry and enhance competitiveness of rice stakeholders.
At the launching ceremony held at GBTI’s Recreational Centre, Bel Air, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said the facility will serve as an impetus to drive production and re-investment which are necessary to enhance competitiveness and ensure sustainability in the rice sector.
He added that this intervention is part of the administration’s committed efforts to attract resources for development of the rice industry, which has suffered considerably over recent years.
Establishment of the facility was done though direct intervention by President Bharrat Jagdeo who engaged the banks in discussions for administering the facility. It is expected that the facility will later become a revolving fund that would bring long-term benefits for the rice industry.
Chief Executive Officer of GBTI Radhakrishna Sharma said the facility will commence operation from January 2007 and expire in June 2008. Loans will be given in accordance with sound lending principles.
Loans will be available to millers and exporters for working capital, purchase of machinery/equipment and repairs or expansion of facilities. It will provide importers with credit for fertilizers, pesticides and machinery/equipment.
General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) Dhanramkumar Seeraj, Charge d’ Affaires, Delegation of European Commission Helen Jenikinson and Coordinator of the Guyana Rice Project Management Unit (GRMPU) Nigel Dharamlall also delivered remarks at the launching.
Under the Rice Competitiveness Project, approximately $3B is being invested in the provision of technical assistance, improved research and extension and water projects mainly in Region Two.
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Rice industry gets $1.6B loan facility
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007.
A financial facility that will provide credit for working capital and capital investments for rice stakeholders was launched today.
The facility represents an investment of Euros 6.5M (G$1.6B) and is the most important component of the Rice Competitiveness Project. It will be administered by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) with interest rates ranging from 6 to 11 percent.
The facility is intended to address financing issues of rice producers, processors, input suppliers and other stakeholders in the industry and aims to increase efficiency and sustainability of the rice industry and enhance competitiveness of rice stakeholders.
At the launching ceremony held at GBTI’s Recreational Centre, Bel Air, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said the facility will serve as an impetus to drive production and re-investment which are necessary to enhance competitiveness and ensure sustainability in the rice sector.
He added that this intervention is part of the administration’s committed efforts to attract resources for development of the rice industry, which has suffered considerably over recent years.
Establishment of the facility was done though direct intervention by President Bharrat Jagdeo who engaged the banks in discussions for administering the facility. It is expected that the facility will later become a revolving fund that would bring long-term benefits for the rice industry.
Chief Executive Officer of GBTI Radhakrishna Sharma said the facility will commence operation from January 2007 and expire in June 2008. Loans will be given in accordance with sound lending principles.
Loans will be available to millers and exporters for working capital, purchase of machinery/equipment and repairs or expansion of facilities. It will provide importers with credit for fertilizers, pesticides and machinery/equipment.
General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) Dhanramkumar Seeraj, Charge d’ Affaires, Delegation of European Commission Helen Jenikinson and Coordinator of the Guyana Rice Project Management Unit (GRMPU) Nigel Dharamlall also delivered remarks at the launching.
Under the Rice Competitiveness Project, approximately $3B is being invested in the provision of technical assistance, improved research and extension and water projects mainly in Region Two.
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Seventy-five percent of upgrading of Guyana National Stadium completed
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
Technical Consultant of the Guyana National Stadium Walter Willis at a media briefing today held at the Stadium, said that more than 75 percent of the upgrading works undertaken by the Government have been completed.
These works include the parking arena, access road, fencing and drainage structures. Willis further added that the list of corrective works include adjustments to the presidential suite and furnishing of the players’ locker rooms and sky box. These are to be completed by the end of February.
The Government is also developing a plot of land between the Stadium and Buddy’s International Hotel, to be used as a park-and-walk facility.
The arena is expected to accommodate more than 2500 vehicles and will be complemented by the Joe Vieira Park and another in Georgetown, serving as spectator parking facilities.
The Guyana Local Organising Committee (LOC) had initially earmarked five locations for the park-and-ride programme, but has now reduced the number to two since the park-and-walk facility is likely to accommodate more vehicles than anticipated.
Works on this location had experienced slight setbacks because of the inclement weather.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony pointed out that the LOC is proposing to have an eligible overseer for the park and the park and ride programme within two weeks.
More than 12 transportation service providers have signalled their intention to join the park-and-ride programme which is designed primarily to transport commuters, mainly visitors from locations to the Guyana National Stadium.
The LOC has already identified and inspected vehicles which are to serve this purpose.
Minister Anthony noted that a traffic management plan has already been prepared and only recently, a trial-run of the plan was undertaken on the East Bank Demerara which had proven successful.
During the exercise a number of bottlenecks were identified in the system and according to Minister Anthony these will strengthen plans for smooth traffic operations during match days.
Volunteers will be among the high level team of traffic officials to maintain law and order for Cricket World Cup.
The volunteers are members of the CWC VIBES and the Guyana Volunteer programme who have already completed training and are now being assigned to various departments including information, hospitality, lost-and-found, traffic and parking, first aid and emergency.
While serving as volunteers, many of the participants are employees of different organisations and would require some time off to undertake their tasks. TOP
Government serious about investment
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
Government’s thrust to facilitate a market-driven economy has seen the establishment of several entities which seek to attract both local and foreign direct investments, and assist in the growth and development of industry.
The Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) has been facilitating this process through aggressive initiatives in Guyana and overseas, resulting in billions of dollars in investments, and the creation of thousands of jobs.
Director of Go-Invest, Geoffrey Da Silva, noting the integral role investment plays in economic growth, said, “Government has been putting in place a number of things to foster investment; these include a new Financial Institution Act and Money Laundering Act, a Small Business Act, and a New Companies Act.”
Over the past several years, significant investments have been recorded in all 10 Administrative Regions, with Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) seeing the highest.
The upcoming Cricket World Cup has given rise to a construction boom in the hotel industry, and promises to significantly boost the tourism and services sectors.
Guyana has witnessed the emergence of a new and dynamic small business culture. This has resulted from the recognition by Government that private enterprise is the medium through which economic growth occurs.
This growth is most notable in Region Ten, where several small and medium sized enterprises have taken advantage of the services being provided by the Linden Economic Advancement Programme and Fund (LEAP/LEAF), along with the Region Ten Business Incubator.
Since it was officially declared open on April 29 last by President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Business Incubator has provided services to several businesses in the Region.
“It is also important to note that a significant percentage of the investments are outside of the mining sector. This is part of the thrust to diversify the region’s economy, with less dependency on traditional sectors such as mining,” Da Silva said.
The other sectors to gain from major investments are; information and communication technology, processed and fresh foods, forestry, services, entertainment and financial services.
Go-Invest has also been working assiduously to have the products and services of Guyanese companies exhibited on the international market, through the Guyana Trade and Investment Shows.
“There is a perception out there that Guyana does not produce anything of quality. Our objective is to change this view of Guyana, and Guyanese products, through these international trade shows,” he said.
The PPP/C Administration continues to implement policies geared towards attracting investment. This trend will further contribute to the positive growth of the economy, thereby elevating the standard of living for all Guyanese.
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President expresses concern over pace of missing AK47s investigation
Georgetown, GINA, January 25, 2007
Commander in Chief and Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed concern over the pace of investigations into the missing AK47s which mysteriously disappeared last year from the Guyana Defence Force Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna.
“I still have some concerns about the pace of the investigation and recovery efforts that are being put into this matter. I have raised this issue with the top leadership of the army. I have expressed some concern of the level of staffing allocated to MCID (Military Criminal Investigation Department) because it seems to be dwindling in seniority, starting off from full Colonel to now a Major heading the investigations.”
This was the concern was expressed by President Jagdeo at the media at a press briefing held yesterday at the Office of the President.
“Given the importance of this, matter, I think it should receive the highest attention and be staffed by very senior people.”
President Jagdeo said the issue of the missing AK-47s remains a concern of his administration and he is pleased with the work done by the Joint Services in other areas.
“I am very pleased with the work done by the Joint Services generally… including the recapture of the prisoners. You heard from the Minister (Rohee) that there seems to be something a bit more sinister behind this jail break; it seems more organised so we are pursing that line of investigation,” President Jagdeo said.
He said the investigations into the missing AK47s include a board of inquiry and the report is before the defence board and over the next few weeks it will be assessed.
Secretary to the Defence Board, and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon had also expressed disappointment with the progress of the investigation, describing it as “a damning indictment” of the way in which the Army and the Joint Services have been discharging this responsibility to Guyanese.
A large quantity of arms disappeared from the Guyana Defence Force Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna, early last year, resulting in a massive operation being undertaken by the Joint Services to recover them and apprehend the perpetrators.
Although several of the missing weapons were recovered, the Head-of-State has implored the military and the security forces to intensify their operations so that closure can be brought to this issue.
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Government serious about investment
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
Government’s thrust to facilitate a market-driven economy has seen the establishment of several entities which seek to attract both local and foreign direct investments, and assist in the growth and development of industry.
The Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) has been facilitating this process through aggressive initiatives in Guyana and overseas, resulting in billions of dollars in investments, and the creation of thousands of jobs.
Director of Go-Invest, Geoffrey Da Silva, noting the integral role investment plays in economic growth, said, “Government has been putting in place a number of things to foster investment; these include a new Financial Institution Act and Money Laundering Act, a Small Business Act, and a New Companies Act.”
Over the past several years, significant investments have been recorded in all 10 Administrative Regions, with Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) seeing the highest.
The upcoming Cricket World Cup has given rise to a construction boom in the hotel industry, and promises to significantly boost the tourism and services sectors.
Guyana has witnessed the emergence of a new and dynamic small business culture. This has resulted from the recognition by Government that private enterprise is the medium through which economic growth occurs.
This growth is most notable in Region Ten, where several small and medium sized enterprises have taken advantage of the services being provided by the Linden Economic Advancement Programme and Fund (LEAP/LEAF), along with the Region Ten Business Incubator.
Since it was officially declared open on April 29 last by President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Business Incubator has provided services to several businesses in the Region.
“It is also important to note that a significant percentage of the investments are outside of the mining sector. This is part of the thrust to diversify the region’s economy, with less dependency on traditional sectors such as mining,” Da Silva said.
The other sectors to gain from major investments are; information and communication technology, processed and fresh foods, forestry, services, entertainment and financial services.
Go-Invest has also been working assiduously to have the products and services of Guyanese companies exhibited on the international market, through the Guyana Trade and Investment Shows.
“There is a perception out there that Guyana does not produce anything of quality. Our objective is to change this view of Guyana, and Guyanese products, through these international trade shows,” he said.
The PPP/C Administration continues to implement policies geared towards attracting investment. This trend will further contribute to the positive growth of the economy, thereby elevating the standard of living for all Guyanese.
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Amicable settlement reached for outstanding GUYMINE bonds-President discloses
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday disclosed that an amicable settlement has been reached in the Government of Guyana/ GUYMINE bonds issue.
The Head of State made the disclosure at a press briefing held yesterday prior to his departure for Russia today.
President Jagdeo said the matter has been outstanding for some time and had become prominent in the newspapers.
“As you are aware, because of Paris Club obligations, we had a situation with these bonds that matured last year and that were held by Citizens’ Bank and some of the pension fund,” he explained.
“So, I have had no less than probably seven to eight meetings with the various groupings and I’m pleased to say that we’ve reached an amicable settlement to the outstanding GUYMINE bonds. Over the next few weeks you are going to see the details of that settlement but it’s a very pleasing thing,” he added.
The Head of State thanked all persons and groups who worked hard to ensure the matter was settled and expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the issue.
The matter involved a US$21.4M worth of bonds issued to the creditors of GUYMINE when the company was restructured in 1992. The matter had been taken to the Courts.
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President in no hurry to appoint acting Police Commissioner
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
“I am in no hurry, but he is performing well. I am very pleased with his performance and he has my confidence,” Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo responded to a question on the appointment of the acting Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene
The answer was one of many given to members of the media during a press briefing at Office of the President ahead of the Head of State’s departure to Russia.
Following the retirement of former Commissioner of Police, Winston Felix, Greene assumed the position of Acting Commissioner.
Initiatives taken by Greene since his appointment, such as the presence of visible armed ranks in the business district of the City, has been lauded by President Jagdeo and the business community.
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Secretariat to execute National Competitiveness Strategy to be created shortly
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
The National Competitiveness Strategy is expected to propel Guyana’s competitiveness in the international economy and place the country on a firmer economic footing.
Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo at a press conference on January 25 said by the end of the month, boards will be appointed to carry out specific tasks documented in the competitiveness action plan.
“We had the first meeting of the Council and we agreed that we would move swiftly to put in place the Secretariat so I have been trying to secure the services of some people, a couple of them from abroad. So we hope that by the end of February when we meet again it would be functioning as well as some of the other boards that would have to lead some of the competitiveness work,” the President outlined.
The National Competitiveness Strategy was launched by President Jagdeo at the Private Sector Development Summit in May last, aimed at giving Guyana the edge on competitiveness in the world economy. The Summit was the Head of State’s brain child.
According to action plan, diversification to achieve international competitiveness, “has to be created through conscious investments in technology, education, training, information search, engineering and research and development to create new skills and technological endowments that can allow the economy to grow by diversifying and deepening the productive base.”
This paper outlines Government’s assessment of progress so far in strengthening national competitiveness and diversifying Guyana’s economy. Importantly, it sets out high-level recommendations on the steps that need to be taken to move the country to the next stage of strengthening competitiveness.
The five ingredients necessary for enhanced national competitiveness and greater economic growth are:
- a stable, macro-economic environment,
- an open market-driven economy,
- a competitive market which supplies the productive sector with all the inputs needed to be productive.
- an accessible and competitive financial sector and
- a modern, practical, forward-looking partnership between the Government and the Private Sector
The Head of State has assured that there is political will for enhancing the nation’s competitiveness and this will continue to remain in the forefront
“As we enter this next wave of enhancing the competitiveness of our economy, let me assure you that the strategic direction of my Government will remain unambiguously pro-business, pro-employment, pro-growth,” the Head of State posited during the opening ceremony of GuyExpo 2005.
Guyana’s productive economy can be divided into nine broad sectors; sugar, rice, forestry, mining non-traditional agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, tourism and information technology, in line with those identified in the National Development Strategy. The focus of the strategy is diversification for future growth and competitiveness:
Already work has begun in several of the mentioned sectors to diversify and make them competitive. A few of the measures instituted and plans put in motion to achieve the overall competitiveness of the national economy are:
- US$169M Skeldon Modernisation plan,
- European Union €11.7M project to support rice competitiveness and to develop a national rice strategy,
- US$25M Agricultural Support Services programme,
- Conservation, protection management and utilisation of the forest resources while ensuring that the productive capacity of the forest for both goods and services is maintained or enhanced,
- Expansion of Aquaculture farming
- Organic farming programmes
- Information, Communications and Technology for Development Strategy and
- Five Year Tourism Development Plan
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has been mandated to work with the Private Sector and other key stakeholders to create and implement this strategic vision of the Head of State that would enhance the country’s competitiveness and support the diversification of economic goods and services.
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Housing Ministry to expedite land title distribution
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
The Ministry of Housing and Water will seek to expedite the issuing of land titles and transports for houselots in squatter settlements and housing schemes countrywide.
Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt said the Ministry is optimistic of distributing about 4000 titles and transports this year.
Minister Nawbatt acknowledged that there has been some problems with the distribution process and that measures have been taken by the Ministry to rectify irregularities.
The Minister recently held a meeting with the staff of the Deeds and Land Registry to discuss problems affecting land title distribution.
The Ministry has already handed over the relevant documentations as an initial move towards establishing the framework for the acceleration of the issuance system. In 2006, approximately 3100 titles were issued.
Government has been channelling significant amount of resources toward the development of the housing sector as evidenced by the numerous housing schemes which have blossomed and scores of squatters settlements regularised.
Over $1.9B was budgeted in 2006 to increase access to improved housing facilities for low-income families. Under the Low Income Settlement Programme Phase 2, the sum of $1.1B was allocated to develop another 5,300 house lots in areas such as Zeelugt North, Hampshire South, and Williamsburg South.
The sum of $500M was also allocated for the construction of roads, drains and other structures and for the installation of water distribution network in squatter settlements in several areas.
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Seventy-five percent of upgrading of Guyana National Stadium completed
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
Technical Consultant of the Guyana National Stadium Walter Willis at a media briefing today held at the Stadium, said that more than 75 percent of the upgrading works undertaken by the Government have been completed.
These works include the parking arena, access road, fencing and drainage structures. Willis further added that the list of corrective works include adjustments to the presidential suite and furnishing of the players’ locker rooms and sky box. These are to be completed by the end of February.
The Government is also developing a plot of land between the Stadium and Buddy’s International Hotel, to be used as a park-and-walk facility.
The arena is expected to accommodate more than 2500 vehicles and will be complemented by the Joe Vieira Park and another in Georgetown, serving as spectator parking facilities.
The Guyana Local Organising Committee (LOC) had initially earmarked five locations for the park-and-ride programme, but has now reduced the number to two since the park-and-walk facility is likely to accommodate more vehicles than anticipated.
Works on this location had experienced slight setbacks because of the inclement weather.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony pointed out that the LOC is proposing to have an eligible overseer for the park and the park and ride programme within two weeks.
More than 12 transportation service providers have signalled their intention to join the park-and-ride programme which is designed primarily to transport commuters, mainly visitors from locations to the Guyana National Stadium.
The LOC has already identified and inspected vehicles which are to serve this purpose.
Minister Anthony noted that a traffic management plan has already been prepared and only recently, a trial-run of the plan was undertaken on the East Bank Demerara which had proven successful.
During the exercise a number of bottlenecks were identified in the system and according to Minister Anthony these will strengthen plans for smooth traffic operations during match days.
Volunteers will be among the high level team of traffic officials to maintain law and order for Cricket World Cup.
The volunteers are members of the CWC VIBES and the Guyana Volunteer programme who have already completed training and are now being assigned to various departments including information, hospitality, lost-and-found, traffic and parking, first aid and emergency.
While serving as volunteers, many of the participants are employees of different organisations and would require some time off to undertake their tasks.
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Lacytown clean-up campaign launched
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
Momentum is definitely being gained from the many enhancement activities that are presently ongoing in the city and its environs.
An initiative launched by President Bharrat Jagdeo to craft and implement a rigorous beautification programme for the country is responsible for the latest campaign.
This enhancement campaign by the administration will be complemented by the activities of the Mayor and City Council which launched its aspects of the beautification campaign today at the Chambers of the Mayor and City Council. It will undertake to clean-up Lacytown which borders High and Bourda Streets and North and South Roads.
Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green announced that from February 1, residents and businesses located in that ward of the city will be required to employ an efficient garbage disposal system.
The Mayor is hopeful that the campaign would inculcate a new culture of cleanliness for a healthy and wholesome environment.
The campaign stipulates that each household or business place must have a proper garbage receptacle outfitted with garbage bags for collection.
He alluded to the terrible practice of some businesses that employ vagrants to remove refuse from their premises and dispose of it in most instances, recklessly.
The Mayor reminded the stakeholders that it is against the law not to have a garbage receptacle, as a result, constables will be deployed to enforce the law and each organisation/person must also police the operation.
The Mayor urged the stakeholder to cooperate in this campaign in order to achieve the desired results.
Also present at the launch were representatives from the municipality, Beepat’s, Citizens Bank, Correia’s Mining Company, St. Andrew’s Primary School and Alleyne’s High School among others.
Government’s enhancement programme seeks to improve drainage and roads, landscaping of parapets, shaping of road verges, rehabilitation of city avenues and effective garbage collection and disposal.
Other plans include manicuring of trees, a campaign to curb stray animals, sprucing-up the National Zoological Park and national monuments.
As part of the programme to tackle garbage problem in the city Cevon’s Waste Management was contracted by the M&CC to remove all refuse from the Bourda Market and clean the surroundings.
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