More Amerindian inputs for log exportation policy paper
Georgetown, GINA, February 21, 2007.
Residents and forestry stakeholders of hinterland communities will be given an opportunity to contribute to the development of a national policy paper on log exportation which will be facilitated through community meetings with officials of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).
At a National Consultation on log export held on February 17 at Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, the need for more involvement of Amerindians in developing the policy was highlighted. A Ministerial Committee, set up several months ago to lead development of the policy paper will remain in existence to ensure active communication between Government and stakeholders.
The Ministerial Committee comprises representatives of the Forest Products Association (FPA) and the Guyana Manufacturers Association (GMA).
Participants queried about existing incentives to attract investments in manufacturing activities, particularly in the forestry sector. Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud explained that in 2006, inputs in manufacturing would have required payment of 30 percent consumption tax but, with the introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from January 1, 2007, only 16 percent is charged.
Additionally, manufacturers can reclaim their inputs and enter into an agreement that spells out the terms of concession for goods not zero-rated or exempted under the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act.
The policy paper will also have the inputs of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) and other agencies associated with the forestry sector before it is taken to Cabinet.
Regional Representative of the FAO Clause Eckelmann said the general consensus of the consultation was that the percentage of processed timber should be increased.
Log export has engaged the attention of many Governments according to Eckelmann, as he highlighted both the negative and positive effects associated with the long-term position on the issue.
The forestry sector contributes approximately six percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs about 25 000 persons. It has supported the development of many hinterland communities by promoting economic activities.
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Security preparations heighten
- Joint Services ranks in another round of training
Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2007
All preparations are hastening for Guyana’s hosting of the super eight matches of Cricket World Cup and yesterday, the security aspect moved a step further with 124 officers participating in special exercises.
The training sessions at the Guyana Defence Force’s Camp Ayanganna base, focused on ensuring the officers are adequately trained to understand their roles. Security of players and the stadium were among the areas covered.
Several training sessions have already been held by the Joint Services. On January 31, 150 officers took part in a study exercise where they were exposed to disaster planning, maritime security, and intelligence planning and traffic management.
From January 22 to 26 Immigration and Customs Officers were trained in pertinent areas such as the mechanics of the advance passenger information system, trafficking in persons and CARICOM visa arrangements, to recognise illegal activities that may affect Guyana’s security arrangements.
A mock exercise will be staged early in March to test the country’s security readiness. Similar activities will be conducted in the run up to the matches.
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Cricket World Cup obligations met
- President Jagdeo attends opening of Buddy’s International Hotel
Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2007
With the opening of the Buddy’s International hotel yesterday, and the Guyana National stadium completed, Guyana has met the International Cricket Council’s requirements for hosting the Super Eight games in March.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the multi-million dollar investment in the hospitality sector, Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo said, the facility is important in the chain of events required to host Cricket World Cup (CWC) because it will provide accommodation to help Guyana meet its obligations.
According to the President, hosting CWC does not only mean having a stadium to hold thousands of visitors but, accommodation of foreign officials and visitors is equally important.
“We did not just need a stadium to host world cup cricket; it is truly a national effort, and that is why we never made it a partisan issue. We thought that this would be a good opportunity to bring everyone on board. We had to find different things but, the second most important thing was hotel space,” President Jagdeo said.
The 108-foot high structure, standing on a seven-acre expanse is testimony to the dedication, vision, hard work and commitment of the hotel’s proprietor, Omprakash Shivraj, the President said.
He urged Guyanese to emulate and respect these characteristics which are necessary for overcoming hurdles to national development.
The President thanked Shivraj, a longstanding entrepreneur, for his vision to construct the massive facility, noting that government has no regrets in assisting him with the hotel’s completion.
“It is in this context that I am not going to give an apology to any of the critics who have argued about us helping Mr. Shivraj, and I am prepared to help you to do more because what is at stake here is national pride.”
President Jagdeo said the country’s journey to readiness for the hosting of the world’s third largest sporting event has been tumultuous, but it was well worth it.
“In our country we have two generations of people and it has nothing to do with the chronology of life, it has to do with attitude. There is a generation that has buzz words like don’t,… and the other generation speaks about we must, we have to find a way if we are going to develop,” the President said.
Recalling the journey towards preparing for the cricket matches, the President said when Guyana had indicated its interest
in bidding for the games, some people thought the government was crazy and the negative comments started flowing.
“We could have taken the easy road, we could have said why worry with all the work and say let the opportunity pass but we didn’t, we chose the hard route which we knew would bring a lot of hard work but, we knew in the long run it would help to change our country.”
The President said if meaningful developmental initiatives are to be undertaken, then a shift in paradigms must occur.
“We need to move more people into the latter generation because for a very long time the ‘don’t do’ generation has stifled this country; they have made us feel inferior, they find everything about ourselves bad and by the same token everything foreign as superior,” President Jagdeo explained
He said the construction of the hotel in the face of pessimism and cynicism of a section of the society is a contribution to the change needed to propel the nation forward.
Shivraj said it would be remiss of him not to thank the Head of State for the confidence shown in his ability to successfully complete the hotel and for government’s financial assistance.
He said the construction of the facility was not without challenges which at times made the task seem insurmountable.
Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Radha Krishna Sharma said the hotel is a reflection of Shivraj’s vision and creativity to overcoming the challenges that presented themselves during the construction process.
He said GBTI is pleased to be associated with the big venture which is a demonstration of the spirit of enterprise in the country.
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Region 4 is a nucleus for economic development – Minister Webster
Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2007
Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) has been a nucleus for economic development, where the focus of the government continues to be on equitable access to premium education and health services, construction of roads and bridges, and massive investment in the housing and agriculture sectors.
Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jennifer Webster, made these remarks today at a flag-raising and awards ceremony held at the former location of the Regional Democratic Council’s office (RDC), Paradise, East Coast Demerara, as part of the region’s Mashramani observances.
Speaking to a large gathering of students, teachers and regional officials, the Minister said, “Our mandate is to further secure an environment of human and social development, rooted in a solid, growing economy, and this I must add, is within our remit.”
Despite challenges facing the country, the Minister said, the path to success is attainable for those willing to work diligently to achieve this objective. In this regard, she urged students to dedicate themselves to being successful at their studies which would enable them to become productive adults.
“As a government, we are committed to fulfilling every promise made to the Guyanese populace – all we ask is for the collective support of all Guyanese in pursuit of a national dream,” she urged.
Observing the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead, Minister Webster said, “Let us with pride and perseverance; dedicate our energies to the maintenance of the struggle that made us gain Republican status. To build a nation that is free from fear requires that each of us embrace and propagate the spirit of patriotism, the spirit that makes us all proud to be Guyanese, irrespective of class, colour or creed.”
She reiterated that the private sector, public servants, non-governmental organisations and religious groups all have a role to play in promoting and celebrating Guyana’s achievement.
The ceremony included cultural presentations from students of the Swami Purnananda, Golden Grove and Annandale Secondary Schools, Bladen Hall Multilateral School and the Paradise Primary School.
Government Ministers began fanning out to the Ten Administrative Regions since Tuesday, to participate in flag raising events and cultural activities. Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo is also expected to attend the official annual flag raising ceremony at Parliament Building tomorrow.
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Logging in Amerindian communities to be regularized
Georgetown GINA, February 21, 2007
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will be taking steps to regularize logging activities in Amerindian communities, to make the operations more sustainable and to cater for accountability.
Several Amerindian communities are involved in logging as a major source of income generation, including Moraikobai, Akawini, St. Monica, St. Cuthbert, Kwebanna, Assakata and Warapoka.
“Some communities are doing fairly well and they are benefiting from the operation, but in some communities we have been having difficulty with accountability on the part of the councils,” said Minister Carolyn Rodrigues.
Some communities had their royalities suspended due to their council’s inability to account for the amount of wood being removed from their individual communities.
Minister Rodrigues noted accountability encourages sustainability; noting that councillors need training in this respect.
The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has been assisting communities in this respect.
The training started in July and to date, sessions have been conducted in Riversview, Batavia, Kabakaburi, Whyaka, Capoey, Tapakuma, Kwebanna, Moraikobai, Orealla and Siparuta.
Other sessions are planned for Annai, Karasabai, St. Ignatius and Mahdia.
The programme is being funded by the government in collaboration with the GFC while the training component is being sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Amerindian Act makes provision for Amerindians to have exclusive rights over the land they occupy. However, if a community is embarking on commercial operations, it has to inform the Ministry and the GFC and in many cases this is not done.
The Minister also noted that only when problems arise, that these communities would inform the Ministry.
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More development for Region Four
Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2007
Government remains committed to furthering growth and economic advancement in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), and will continue to work closely with regional officials, in keeping with the administration’s vision for national development.
Today Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jennifer Webster, indicated that $130M of the region’s $1.8B budget will be utilised for, among other things, the construction of bridges at Alliance, Cane and Ann’s Grove, and the construction and rehabilitation of several schools and teachers’ quarters.
The Minister was at the time addressing a large gathering of students, teachers and regional officials at a flag-raising and awards ceremony held at the former location of the Regional Democratic Council’s office (RDC), Paradise, East Coast Demerara, as part of the region’s Mashramani observances.
Expanding on other developments in the region, the Minister said, “Work is currently ongoing to ensure the completion of a new state-of-the-art diagnostic centre at Diamond. It is envisaged that these works would be completed prior to the hosting of Cricket World Cup. In the community of Nabaclis, the health centre is currently being upgraded from a centre to a small hospital.”
This will see an increase in medical personnel at the facility, which will include two additional doctors and a medex. Cuban doctors have also been placed at Kuru Kururu, Lusignan, Enterprise and Cane Grove.
The Ministry of Health has also embarked on a medex training programme for 50 participants. Several of these will be deployed within Region Four, following the completion of the training programme.
“The huge budgetary allocations are aimed at propelling the development of this region and providing improved social services for residents,” Minister Webster said.
Several communities have benefited from government’s Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP). These include, Goedverwagting South, Sparendaam, Strathspey Area G, Mosquito Hall, Paradise Area G, Coldingen and Sophia.
A $38.6M secondary school is being constructed at St. Cuthbert’s Mission, the sole Amerindian community in the region.
Other development work highlighted by the Minister includes the newly constructed four-lane highway on the East Bank Demerara, the Guyana National Stadium, and rehabilitation of several roads and bridges.
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, presented the 2007 National Budget in Parliament on February 2. The $100B budget makes provisions for the continuation of government’s development programmes countrywide.
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Contract signed for Haags Bosch project
Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2007
A US$18M loan agreement was inked today at the Ministry of Finance between the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to facilitate the construction and operation of a sanitary landfill facility at Haags Bosch on the East Bank Demerara.
Georgetown and the participating Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) will benefit from the implementation of the Solid Waste Programme scheduled to commence shortly.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh signs the loan agreement for the Solid Waste Management Programme with Inter-American Development Bank representative Sergio Vargas-Olea in the presence of Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall announced recently in the National Assembly that government has allocated about $170M in preparation for the programme which will also budget for the private sector’s input.
The Ministry would soon select an operator to commence work through a competitive bidding process, and in 18 months, the solid waste programme should be realised, the Minister said.
The objective of the programme is to improve the quality of life of the residents of Georgetown and its environs through viable solutions for solid waste management.
Several components of the programme are designed to strengthen the capacity of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Department of Georgetown, to enhance public awareness that would improve management of solid waste among households, industries, commerce and other agents who generate waste.
Resources will be provided to study and define technologies to treat health care and hazardous waste and implement more efficient garbage collection.
Inter-American Development Bank representative Sergio Vargas-Olea shakes hands with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall after signing the loan agreement for the Solid Waste Management Programme with Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh.
Sustainability and cost recovery of the programme will depend on several mechanisms, including the property tax reform to ensure efficiency in rate collection and arrears, enforcement of the illegal dumping legislation and the replication of the Georgetown model in the participating NDCs.
The Haag Bosch site will be equipped with all basic infrastructure including all-weather access road, buildings for weighbridge and reception and administration, workshop, energy and water supply and wheel-washing facilities.
In the interim, a temporary holding site has been established at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.
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Mash King and Queen costumes take centre stage at National Park
Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2007
The leading King and Queen costumes which will take to the streets of the capital tomorrow, were on display last evening in the National Park during the ‘Mash Nite’ competition.
The event was witnessed by hundreds of onlookers as a variety of costumes prepared by some of Guyana’s top Mash designers, were displayed before a panel of judges who will determine this year’s winners.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport showed off its queen, The Mermaid, and king, a replica of the Guyana National Stadium. It will be leading a 300-strong contingent to highlight Guyana’s myths, legends and religious festivals.
The Ministry of Education with its leading Sunlight Queen costume will be out with a medium-size contingent, under the theme, ‘We touch the future’, to promote the impact of education.
In keeping with Guyana’s natural resource development, the Ministry of Agriculture’s 100 revellers will portray “Livestock formation with a cultural invasion in 2007.” The queen’s costume displays all aspects of agriculture including sugarcane, rice, corn and grasses. It is also indicative of the contribution of women to society.
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will carry the theme “VAT equals contribution for greater development;” using the occasion to encourage support for VAT.
A contingent from Region Seven, (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) will be showcasing the legend of El Dorado. The massive, mountainous, queen’s costume will be with waterfalls, trees and the Harpy Eagle.
Carib Beer’s 200-strong contingent will be led by its king and queen costumes representing the Horizon and Sunshine respectively. The King’s costume with a large replica of the Stanford Twenty/20 diamond ring, portrays Guyana’s recent victory against Trinidad and Tobago in the competition.
The highlight of the evening was the display of the two most talked about telecommunications companies, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) and Digicel.
Digicel will be taking its Firestorm band out on the streets while GT&T will be coming strong with Blue Power.
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Minister Lall, M&CC officials discuss city enhancement progress
Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2007
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall was today apprised by officials from the Mayor and City Council on the developmental works currently ongoing. Constraints were highlighted and discussions centred on finding possible solutions to fast-track the city’s restoration process.
The officials and Minister Lall discussed several issues which are impeding progress including containers on roadways, reorganising of the City Constabulary to ensure enforcement of city by-laws, public health, solid waste and drainage.
An elaborate programme was crafted by the several stakeholders under the aegis of President Bharrat Jagdeo to shape verges, clear drains and canals, clean monuments, improve the National Zoological Park and implement an effective garbage disposal and collection system. The Government has spent approximately $200M to enhance the image of the city.
Work has commenced on restoring City Hall, traffic lights are being installed while trees are being pruned and others planted.
The private sector has donated a quantity of bins which are being installed at strategic points in the city to encourage a proper garbage disposal practices.
Government started the city enhancement programme last year which targeted the elevation of six city avenues to the height of the roads and several other aspects of beautification.
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Ambassadors of Finland and Indonesia accredited
Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2007
The Ambassadors designate of Finland and Indonesia, Excellencies Mikko Pyhala and Dr. Suprijanto Muhadi presented their letters of credence to Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo at his Office in New Garden Street.
Ambassador Muhadi is currently the Director of Cooperation of Human Rights Promotion Department of Law and Human rights of the Republic of Indonesia. He is married with three daughters.
Ambassador Pyhala is married with two daughters and speaks 11 languages. He is also accredited to Venezuela.
He was bestowed an award in 1992 for the best non-fiction book Amazonica. Other diplomatic posting of the Finland Ambassador were Chechoslovakia, Mexico, India and Italy.
Also present at the accreditation ceremony was Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rudy Insanally and Director General of the Ministry, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper Chief of Protocol (ag) Esther Griffith and Officers within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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President bids farewell to Benn and Fung-On
-Fung-On remembered as stickler for rules and principles
Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2007
Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo today on behalf of the Government and the People’s Progressive Party bid farewell to friend and colleague George Fung-On at a funeral ceremony at Christ Church.
President Jagdeo in a tribute to the former Chairman of the Public Service Commission said Fung-On’s contribution to his country was tremendous and this is the only consolation that could be taken from his passing.
He said his tribute is not based on research on the life of the man George Fung-On but, from his interactions with him especially during Cabinet meetings.
“I came to know more about George’s character from Cabinet, he was very careful and his interventions based on substance and principle. I recall the time when I saw most his courage, and it was the time when we had a major strike in the Public Service and a lot of people were wavering about where we should go and what positions we should take and I think because we were so anxious to resolve that conflict many people moved away from principle but, throughout George Fung-On stood his ground on a position of principle, he was a stickler for rules and principles.”
The President said people of Fung-On’s ilk are rare in Guyana, and he will be remembered for his dedication, service and commitment to both his party and the people of Guyana.
George Fung-On was born on October 24, 1921 and passed away on February 16, 2007
The President also stood by Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn’s side during the service of thanksgiving for the life of his sister Dr. Monica Benn at the St. George’s Cathedral.
Minister Benn in his eulogy said his sister was the third of seven born to Brindley Benn, longstanding PPP activist and member. He said Dr. Benn was an active member of the Women’s Progressive Organisation and spoke of her love for the artisan genres.
Dr. Benn too, made significant contributions to the country through her service to the Guyana Defence Force.
Also present at the thanksgiving services were Ministers of Government and members of the PPP/C.
Dr. Monica Patricia Eslanda Benn was born on May 30, 1954 and died on February 17, 2007 from cancer. She leaves behind her son Brindley named after her father.
May the souls of George Fung-On and Dr. Monica Patricia Eslanda Benn rest in peace.
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