OPM to launch massive loss reduction campaign
-25,000 defective meters to be replaced
Georgetown, GINA, March 6, 2007
The Office of the Prime Minister has initiated a number of measures to ensure the continued extension of electricity services to more communities countrywide.
Among these is the launch of a loss-recovery campaign which in being undertaken through a number of initiatives among which is the replacement of 25,000 defective meters.
The action follows concerns raised by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which is the funding agency for an ongoing Un-served Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP).
One of the concerns highlighted was the need for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to be more proactive about the recovery of an estimated 30 percent of electricity loss monthly.
According to the Principal Project Coordinator of UAEP Maxine Nestor, tenders have already been issued for the meter-replacement project and Cabinet is expected to approve contract awards today.
While an approximate 30,000 households in Regions 2,3,4,5 and 6 have since benefited from phase one of the UAEP, an even larger amount is expected to benefit from the second phase.
Approval has also been granted for the commencement of the project’s hinterland component which is scheduled to commence shortly.
Other initiatives include the Rural Electrification Programme which resulted in the expansion of electricity service for several communities in Region Six between Line Path and Crabwood Creek.
Additionally, the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP) Electrification Programme and the Government of Guyana Electrification Programme were executed in several un-served communities in Region Four and Six which have been without electricity for several years.
Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office will be purchasing six vehicles to assist with the identification and removal of illegal connections countrywide.
Nestor confirmed that additional tenders have been issued for the drafting of a new billing system, to combat difficulties associated with the current mechanism.
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Government’s continued support to rice industry assured
Georgetown, GINA, March 6, 2007.
Several measures by Government to foster expansion of the rice industry will be pursued this year. Major among these is the establishment of a $1.6B credit facility which is already in operation.
At a meeting with farmers at the Tagore Memorial High School in Region Six on March 05, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud highlighted some of the developments planned for the rice industry which has been allocated over $4B this year.
A US$1M seed processing facility at Number 56 Village, Corentyne will be constructed, and an allocation of over $1B will be used for drainage and irrigation projects primarily in rice growing areas. The Rice Factories Act has already been amended.
The credit facility is intended to provide direct benefits to the rice industry. It offers interest rates ranging from six to eleven percent, which are lower than the average rates being offered at commercial banks. The facility is being administered by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and was set up under the Rice Competitiveness Project.
Farmers spoke of some of the difficulties experienced in accessing loans from the credit facility. Minister Persaud urged the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to work with farmers to help them satisfy the requirements to access loans.
Farmers sought clarification on the amendments to the Rice Factories Act, which were passed in the National Assembly. They were advised that GRDB officials will update them on the amendments during meetings to be held shortly.
The adjustments include a designed format that will specify the date(s) for payments to be made by millers to farmers for paddy. The amendments are intended to address the problem of delayed and non-payment to farmers.
Concerns were raised about the increasing cost of production and Minister Persaud explained that Government has already made several interventions in this regard, including the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) from basic inputs and investments in the sector.
Farmers queried Government’s decision to ban the importation of chemicals from Suriname and were advised that this is part of a process to ensure that food produced is safe for consumption.
The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Board is responsible for regulating the use of safe and effective chemicals available to farmers. Minster Persaud said importers of chemicals from Suriname should meet officials of the Board to ensure compliance with the requirements.
Other issues raised by farmers include a revision of the Pound Act and the availability of pastures for cattle in the No. 52/74 district.
Minister Persaud told farmers that a draft of the revised Pound Act has been completed and will be made available to farmers while the process to have it introduced to the National Assembly will proceed. This is being dealt with by the Ministry of Home Affairs with support from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Farmers were informed that new lands are being developed at Kokerite savannahs while work will commence shortly to facilitate expansion in the Manarabisi pasture.
Commissioner of the Lands and Survey Commission Andrew Bishop, will be invited to the visit the Corentyne shortly to discuss land issues with the farmers and residents, Minister Persaud said.
The Agriculture Minister has embarked on a countrywide outreach to various communities to meet with farmers in a bid to resolve issues and push the growth of the sector. He has already visited communities in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine and Ten.
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PS Gopaul corrects another misleading report in Stabroek News
Georgetown, GINA, March 6, 2007
Permanent Secretary within the Office of the President (OP), Dr. Nanda Kissore Gopaul has stated that Pandit Prakash Gossai is not an adviser to His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo on ethnic or religious affairs, contrary to a letter that was published in the March 6 edition of the Stabroek News.
Dr. Gopaul said Pandit Gossai is a Special Assistant to the Head of State, and he should be referred to as such.
Mr. Gossai performs multi-faceted duties due to his skills, experience and integrity and has brought those qualities to bear, Dr Gopaul said.
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Stadium security officers ready for CWC- stadium safety officer
Georgetown, GINA, March 6, 2007
The 329 private security employees and police ranks who will be providing security at the Guyana National Stadium during Cricket World Cup (CWC) matches have successfully completed training.
“They concluded on March 1, and I must say that it was a success. The officers are now ready to perform their duties on match day,” Stadium Safety Officer Lawrence Duncan said.
The training was provided by British Firm Oriel Solutions which manages safety and security operations at many leading international cricket and football grounds.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) contracted the services of Oriel Solutions, the Security Training Provider for the event. The decision forms part of an arrangement between the nine Local Organising Committees (LOCs) with ICC/CWC West Indies 2007 Inc. and CARICOM.
“There were classroom lectures, demonstration exercises and at the end, all the participants were obligated to apply their skills to a field situation that can occur during the match,” Duncan explained.
Participants also received training in crowd control, preventing fire hazards, and maintaining an internationally acceptable level of hospitality.
At the end of the training, each participant was given a certificate to work during CWC. Only the 329 persons who were trained will be allowed to work at the stadium.
The training was intended to ensure the safety and security of players, match officials, tournament officials, spectators, sponsors, VIPs and all other stakeholders.
Among the participating agencies were: the Guyana Police Force, Kalibur Investigative Security Services, COPS Guyana Ltd, Sentinel Security Services, Neal and Massey Security Services, Strategic Security Services and Safe Security. The majority of participants were drawn from the GPF.
The region has put up US$2M to provide security training for officers who will work during CWC.
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International Women’s Day to be observed on March 8
Georgetown, GINA, March 06, 2007
Guyana will join the rest of the world on Thursday, March 8, in observing International Women’s Day, an annual event.
Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB) Hymawattie Lagan said the empowerment of women in Guyana remains a priority for the administration. She said women are encouraged to participate in the decision-making processes of society, through countrywide gender sensitization campaigns.
This year’s event will be observed under the theme, “Ending impunity for violence against women and girls,” which Lagan said is opportune since Guyana’s efforts against violence in society, particularly domestic violence have been strengthened.
Several activites are planned by the Bureau and its Regional committees. Among these are the traditional message to the nation by the Minister with responsibility for women, Priya Manickchand which will be broadcast on radio and television on March 8, and radio and television programmes featuring prominent Guyanese women, their struggles and achievements. The annual reception hosted by the Minister will be held at Le Meridien Pegasus.
Meanwhile, efforts are continuing by the administration to reduce domestic violence and the WAB is collaborating with women’s non-governmental organizations and other partners, to stop violence against women.
Lagan said that Government intends this year to heighten awareness of domestic violence, its causes and prevention.
“We will concentrate on public education and outreach programmes which will promote awareness of gender issues, trafficking in persons and women’s rights among women and men, especially in the rural and hinterland locations,” Lagan said.
Last year, the Bureau conducted over 30 gender sensitization campaigns in all the regions through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI).
Lagan said the Ministry will continue to train staff members in the areas of gender sensitization, planning and policies surrounding these issues.
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Government respected freedom of speech and of the press
- US human rights report
Georgetown, GINA, March, 6, 2007
The United States (US) Department of State Report on Human Rights, released on March 6, has stated that the Government of Guyana has generally respected the rights of freedom of speech and press.
“The independent media were active and expressed a wide variety of views without restriction especially leading up to the August elections in 2006. International media operated freely also,” the report stated.
Two independent groups monitored the media during the election campaign. The Independent Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) monitored and rated the pre-election coverage of radio, television, and print, while the Independent Refereeing Panel assessed compliance with the Media Code of Conduct voluntarily signed by media houses in January 2006.
Political experts believe that Guyana has come a long way from the dark periods which saw those opposed to the Government enduring state sponsored attacks.
Since the early 1990s Guyanese have been exercising their right to free speech while the press openly criticized the government.
The 2006 US State Department Report on Human Rights described Guyana as a multi-party democracy.
This year’s report stated that there has been no evidence of government restrictions on access to the internet to religious, academic and cultural practices.
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Exxon finalises exploration arrangements with Guyana
Georgetown, GINA, March 6, 2007
Representatives of the Canadian exploration company (ExxonMobil) today met President Bharrat Jagdeo to finalise offshore drilling arrangements in anticipation of a favourable outcome to the ongoing territorial dispute between Guyana and Suriname.
Representatives of ExxonMobil meet President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President earlier today. Also in photo is GGMC’s Manager, Petroleum Division Newell Dennison (OP Photo)
Among those comprising the visiting delegation at the Office of the President were Exxon’s South America Area Manager Jim Flannery, Advisor International Government Relations, Milton Chaves and the Company’s Counsel on Exploration and Development Law Richard Aguirre.
Present also was Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Manager, Petroleum Division, Newell Dennison.
Dennison recalled the interest displayed by Exxon in developing Guyana’s offshore drilling potential and noted that the company is seeking to complete its preparatory work to “hit the ground running” following the resolution of the dispute.
Exxon is one of several international companies which have invested significantly in oil exploration locally.
Other companies include Canadian firm CGX’s ON Energy, United States based Groundstar Resources and SADHNA of Trinidad and Tobago.
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CWC tickets still available, Guyanese urged to purchase early
Georgetown, GINA, March 6, 2007
Enquiries about tickets and their availability for the Super Eight matches for Cricket World Cup (CWC) keep pouring in to the Guyana Local Organising Committee (LOC) from enthusiastic patrons.
Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana LOC Karran Singh, said persons must be in possession of a ticket before entering the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
The situation he noted, will not be the same as the simulation exercise on February 17, where some persons who failed to produce a ticket were granted entry.
Tickets are presently being sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. The purchaser in this phase will be given the opportunity to view the seat allocated for the ticket purchased.
This phase of the process which began on February 1, is a final opportunity for Guyanese to purchase tickets.
Chairman of the LOC, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony and the LOC are urging fans to get their tickets early and avoid the last minute rush.
In an effort to encourage more Guyanese to purchase tickets, a promotion will begin this week to provide ticket buyers with ICC/CWC posters, stickers or the CWC theme song on CDs.
The LOC is also urging the business community to get involved in the process and employers are being encouraged to purchase tickets for staff.
Tickets are being sold for US$100, US$90, US$75 and US$25 in the different categories for the super eight matches.
Singh recently said that all ticket enquiries should be made at the ticketing office instead of the LOC, where several patrons have been calling. Ticket sales have reached 65 percent.
Meanwhile, tickets applied for in the first and second phases are now available at the ticketing centre on Middle Street, Georgetown and applicants are asked to provide identification and confirmation letters to uplift them.
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US Human Rights Report highlights progress in fight against TIP
Georgetown, GINA, March 06, 2007
The United Sates Department of State report on Human Rights, released today, has highlighted efforts by the Government of Guyana to reduce and eliminate Trafficking in Persons (TIP).
“The government continued to make progress in its efforts to combat trafficking in persons, although there were no convictions under the Trafficking in Persons Act during the year.”
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has been actively involved in sensitization campaigns countrywide, informing Guyanese on ways to protect themselves, and what measures to take if they become a victim.
Over 30 TIP sensitisation campaigns were held in all ten administrative regions of Guyana in addition to training of approximately 300 persons to educate communities about human trafficking. Guyana was also moved from a Tier 3 country to the status of Tier 2.
“There was no evidence that government officials or institutions participated in or condoned human trafficking. There were no reports of any cases of police corruption linked to human trafficking”, according to report.
In January the government released a review of its counter trafficking efforts from 2004-05 which acknowledged the need for improved policing and outreach efforts in rural communities. There is a National Plan of Action to combat human trafficking, and the deputy commissioner of police monitors enforcement.
The report which has credited the administration for its efforts said that, “victims identified by the government were removed from the traffickers' custody and provided passage back to their homes”.
There were no reports of societal discrimination against trafficking victims and the government also worked closely with and provided some financial support for the NGOs Help and Shelter and Red Thread, the report stated. The government provided medical attention, housing, and funds to return victims to their home countries.
In June, six police officers and two employees from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security participated in a two-week trafficking-in-persons training programme in The Bahamas, organized by the International Organization for Migration.
A Bill was passed in the National Assembly outlining comprehensive measures to fight this atrocity. The Bill makes this a criminal offence and prescribes the penalties for such an act. These include prison terms, forfeiture of property, and an order to pay full restitution to the victims.
Persons convicted of the crime of transporting person(s) for prostitution purposes are liable to a fine of $2M and imprisonment of not more than 10 years.
TIP is defined internationally as a form of modern-day slavery involving victims who are forced or coerced into sexual or labour exploitation. It entails issues other than persons being exploited by other persons. These embrace sex-trafficking, fraud, recruitment or obtaining a person for labour or other services. It is a global problem and of major concern to all nations, since victims are moved across international borders.
Guyana was initially placed as a Tier Three country by the US. Tier Three relates to countries that are neither complying with the minimum standards nor making significant efforts to so.
However, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security launched a National Plan of Action in April last year to investigate and take measures wherever necessary to reduce the incidence of TIP since it became a national issue.
Guyana is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against National Organized Crime and the Supplemental Protocol to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons especially women and children. The convention also stipulates punishment for perpetrators.
In 2006, the Administration provided approximately $6M to renovate Help and Shelter physical facility to provide protection for victims of TIP.
A programme was developed to provide long and short-term care to victims including medical attention, housing and repatriation allowances to victims prior to their return home. These persons were also counselled.
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No licence granted for casino gambling – Da Silva
Georgetown, GINA, March 6, 2007
Director of Go-Invest, Geoffrey Da Silva, has indicated that to date, no licence has been granted by government for the provision of casino gambling at Buddy’s International Hotel.
This is in response to an article that appeared in the Sunday edition of the Stabroek News, which states that according to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Guyana and the investor, a commitment was made for the granting of a licence to conduct casino gambling.
Da Silva said the article is misleading, since the State’s obligation was to facilitate a request by the investor to apply for a licence to conduct casino gambling. This, he said, does not translate to a commitment on the part of government, for such a licence to be granted. Such a decision, he said, must fall within the laws of Guyana.
A press conference will be held shortly, Da Silva said, to address this issue and to raise concern regarding Stabroek News’ irresponsible and misleading reporting of this situation.
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Global CWC campaign against HIV/AIDS launched
- children and young people targeted
Georgetown, GINA March 6, 2007
Children and young people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS will be the main highlight of the International Cricket Council for Cricket World Cup (ICC/CWC) during the hosting of CWC in the Caribbean.
The ICC has joined with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership (CBMP) to spread the message of prevention, care and treatment to millions of viewers worldwide.
The campaign will begin on March 11 at the opening ceremony in Jamaica and will target an estimated 2.2 billion viewers, with the aim of educating youths ages 15 to 24.
The campaign was officially launched today at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
Present were Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee Karran Singh, Country Representative Dr. Kathleen Israel and Regional Adviser on HIV/AIDS of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Geoffrey Ijumba.
The campaign which is being launched throughout the nine host venues today, will support the Unite for Children Unite against AIDS programme that began in 2005.
During the matches, a series of 30-second public service announcements will be aired featuring several of today’s cricket icons who will be speaking about HIV/AIDS and its impact on children.
In showing their support for the campaign, players will be wearing the HIV/AIDS red and blue ribbon.
Among the prominent figures in the campaign are Guyana and West Indies star Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ricky Ponting from Australia, Raul Dravid from India and Mello, the official mascot for CWC.
The campaign will have as its central focus, Prevention of Mother to child Transmission (PMTCT) methodologies, increased access to antiretroviral formulation drugs for children and educational programmes for youths, including orphans.
Minister Anthony reflected on Guyana’s advancing HIV/AIDS programme which is assisting more than 21 orphanages and facilitated through 90 PMTCT sites across the country.
The magnitude of the disease was highlighted in a 2006 report read by Minister Anthony which estimated that there are 39.5 million people living with the virus worldwide, 250,000 of whom are from the Caribbean.
He noted that any collaboration that will support the global fight against HIV/AIDS is welcome. He is particularly pleased with UNICEF which is highlighting the need for protecting children against the disease and those living with it.
The effort was also lauded by Geoffrey Ijumba as a fitting programme to address the alarming number of children and pregnant women who die from the disease daily. He urged that the campaign should continue after CWC since HIV/AIDS is an ongoing problem.
PAHO’s Country Representative Dr. Israel said the campaign will serve as public encouragement for people to be tested and will also erase the stigma and discrimination attached.
Dr. Israel is optimistic that the participation of world renowned cricket icons will impact significantly on children and young people.
The broadcasting agency operates with a coalition of over 50 broadcasters in 23 Caribbean countries.
A UNAIDS release noted that cricket is popular in many of the countries with high HIV/AIDS statistics, including India and South Africa.
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