Plan of Action being developed – to offer orphans, vulnerable children protection
Georgetown, GINA, March 13, 2007
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is currently designing a National Plan of Action in an attempt to provide supplementary measures to protect orphans and vulnerable children from all forms of abuse.
Children without the guidance and protection of their principal caregivers are often more vulnerable and at risk of becoming victims of violence, exploitation, trafficking and discrimination or other abuses.
Five inter-linked strategies will be employed to achieve the objectives of the National Framework and will assist in ensuring that the rights of the vulnerable are maintained - the right to survival, development, protection and participation.
These strategies include; strengthening capacity of families to care and protect orphans and the vulnerable by prolonging the lives of parents/guardians, providing economic, psycho-social and child-care support, promoting children’s participation in gainful activities and helping young people acquire skills.
UNICEF states that an estimated 300 million children worldwide are subjected to violence, exploitation and abuse including the worst forms of child labour in communities, schools and institutions and during armed conflict. They are also affected by harmful practices such as child marriage and millions more, not yet victims also remain without adequate protection.
The Human Services Ministry will be instrumental in establishing mechanisms to ensure information exchange and collaboration of efforts with the relevant agencies through adequate monitoring and evaluation.
The National Commission on the Rights of the Child will also be strengthened.
In 2004, a rapid assessment conducted by the Ministry found that HIV/AIDS is a danger to the increasing vulnerability of children and that the loss of both or one parent is the highest contributor.
TOP
Region One experiments with bio-diesel
Georgetown, GINA, March 13, 2007
Government’s thrust to explore alternative fuel sources in light of fluctuating world market prices have led to the development of a pilot project to produce bio-diesel in Region One (Barima/Waini).
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Ganga Persaud, during a recent visit to the area disclosed that the region has started to use bio-diesel in an experimental way.
The Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited and the National Edible Oil Company Limited (NEOCOL) are partners in the production and promotion of bio-diesel.
The process involves the production of a liquid fuel source largely compatible with petroleum-based diesel fuel including palm oil, coconut oil, used edible oil and animal and plant fats.
The National Edible Oil Company Limited (NEOCOL), Wauna Palm Oil Estate, produces the fuel which is being used to operate the generator at the Mabaruma hospital and in the community.
The plant at Wauna was launched last July to produce bio-diesel for commercial use and increase production to provide fuel for the entire region.
Bio-diesel has proven successful in Germany, where the commodity was produced from canola (rapseed), giving consumers the option of either using vegetable oil or pertroleum-derived fuel.
In 2006, President Bharrat Jagdeo had said that Guyana, like many other nations, continues to battle the global problem of increasing oil prices, noting that the effects of high oil prices can be felt at every stratum of society, threatening progress and economic development. Guyana has been saddled with a huge fuel import bill and with studies showing that petroleum resources are being depleted, government began pursuing alternative sources of energy.
Guyana has a large acreage of arable land and suitable climatic conditions which allow for the cultivation of coconuts and other oilseed crops.
TOP
Bed and Breakfast programme achieves target
Georgetown, GINA, March 13, 2007
The Bed and Breakfast programme established in January 2006 to complement accommodation and hospitality services for Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 is officially closed.
The facilitating body, the Guyana Local Organising Committee (LOC) has recorded in excess of 2030 registered rooms, some extending as far as Linden (Region Ten) and Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, surpassing the initial 2000 target.
These are registered in different categories, ranging from double or twin bedroom with air-condition, television and other amenities; locations within prime zones and reasonable proximity to the stadium or those shared by the visitor and the proprietor. All locations must however, provide breakfast.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the LOC, Karran Singh, noted that since the inception of the programme, the LOC made substantial input, to create the link between the proprietor and the visitor.
He said that all accredited rooms have been inspected by assessment teams from the Bed and Breakfast secretariat and a website was created to showcase them to visitors.
Proprietors also took advantage of the loan system provided by Scotia Bank and have remodelled their homes. Others have prepared their rooms in anticipation of family visitors. Scotia is the official bank for CWC.
Proprietors who are still uncertain about the programme can make contact with the Bed and Breakfast secretariat or check its website for clarifications.
While offering a comfortable environment for visitors in Guyana during CWC, the Bed and Breakfast programme is also intended to allow Guyanese to share their hospitality.
The LOC facilitated the overall planning and execution of various facilities for CWC, including accommodation and hospitality, public relations and marketing, local government and civil society, transportation and communication, security, health and emergency services.
TOP
Rest of CARICOM to determine membership in Rio Group
- SG Carrington
Georgetown, GINA, March 13, 2007
Guyana’s Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo at the recently held 19th Rio Group Summit declared his intention to seek full membership in the Group for Guyana outside of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) umbrella at the end of its term in the Troika.
This has left unanswered what will be CARICOM’s involvement in the Rio Group when Guyana branches off.
Secretary General of CARICOM Dr. Edwin Carrington said, “We have started talking with Central America. Guyana is going to apparently represent Guyana on the Group, this means that the rest of CARICOM have to look towards whether they will all be on the Group in their individual capacity.”
Touching on Guyana’s chairmanship of the Rio Group, Dr. Carrington said the country has effected a ‘new lease of life’ in the Group and CARICOM is looking forward to the Dominican Republic building on that structure.
“In terms of reactivating and dynamisming the group that’s what Guyana has done. If you compare this Summit with the Summits which preceded it, there is no comparison,” Dr. Carrington said.
The Secretary General said the interests and views of the Caribbean Regional body were adequately represented by Guyana during its chairmanship of the Rio Group’s Pro Tempore Secretariat in 2006.
Guyana has represented CARICOM in the Rio Group since 1998 and its chairmanship was lauded for its role in cementing the links between Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Summit which concluded on March 3 was deemed a success by President Jagdeo and many others involved in the historic Summit, the first ever held in an English speaking Caribbean territory.
TOP
Dr. Jagan’s NGHO receives RIO Heads support
Georgetown, GINA, March 13, 2007
The New Global Human Order (NGHO) crafted by the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, has been given impetus by the support of Heads of State of Latin America as principles enshrined in the document can prove useful in enhancing the social prosperity of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Declaration of Turkeyen issued at the conclusion of the 19th Rio Group Summit outlines the reaffirmation of the Heads of their adherence to the principle of multilateralism.
The document states: “Heads of State and Government expressed their support for initiatives aimed at establishing a new global partnership that would provide practical and effective responses to the quest for a new paradigm to promote human and social development. In this regard, they agreed to advance consideration of Guyana’s proposal for a New Global Human Order,…”
In the communiqué, the Heads urged favourable consideration of the resolution on the Role of the United Nations in promoting a NGHO which is currently on the Agenda of the United Nations General Assembly.
At the opening ceremony of the Summit at the National Cultural Centre on March 2, Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo said, Guyana has for many years advanced the concept of a NGHO in the relations among states in the quest for a more just and equitable world.
He continued, “It is an idea whose time appears to have come. Although admittedly the cause of development has benefited considerably from our pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals, it is clear as the United Nations itself has recognised, that we need a more comprehensive and holistic strategy to achieve our full potential for development.”
The NGHO according to President Jagdeo, embodies an approach that holds the potential to propel development.
The document has been accepted by many countries including members of the Non-Aligned Movement, CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), and MERCOSUR.
President Jagdeo revealed that a further resolution calling for the creation of a new system of international cooperation, based on equity and social justice, is again before this year's General Assembly.
He noted that many of his colleagues such as Chile’s Michelle Bachelet and Brazil’s Luiz Lula Inacio da Silva, have promoted initiatives to tackle global problems such as hunger and poverty, social cohesion and funding for humanitarian development.
The President said, “Our objectives are very similar if not the same. Let us therefore come together to pursue our common cause- the end to poverty and the beginning of fresh hope for our people.”
The Late Leader Dr. Jagan on May 1, 1994 wrote to world leaders appealing for their support for the NGHO.
He wrote, “This post-Cold War period has stimulated our hopes that a new world order can be established on the basis of mutual respect, equal opportunity for all peoples, the consolidation of democracy and human development...I am convinced that with coordinated international effort, poverty and hunger can be eradicated in our lifetime. What is required is the international collaboration to define a framework for action buttressed by the resources from the ‘peace dividend’. To this noble end I seek your support.”
TOP
NDCs and municipalities to get subventions shortly
Georgetown, GINA, March 13, 2007
Disbursement of subventions for 2007 to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) and the municipalities will commence shortly.
The NDCs and municipalities use the subventions to complement their capital works programme such as repairs to culverts, cleaning of drains and beautification of the environment.
Over 60 NDCs from regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Seven have had their subvention programmes either partially or fully approved. At present, Regions One, Nine and Ten are under consideration.
Georgetown has been allocated, the largest amount of $20M. Last year, it was allocated $16M and was later given an additional $4M.
Subventions for 2006 and 2007
|
Municipalities |
2006 |
2007 |
1. |
Georgetown |
$20M |
$20M |
2. |
New Amsterdam |
$10M |
$10M |
3. |
Anna Regina |
$7M |
$9M |
4. |
Corriverton |
$7M |
$8M |
5. |
Rose Hall |
$7M |
$8M |
6. |
Linden |
$9M |
$10M |
The municipalities receive subventions in addition to their fiscal budgets and the collection of rates and taxes. They presented their 2007 budgets to the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall, last year.
A five-year development plan to enhance the financial independence of the municipalities was crafted by the consultants from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) employed by the Urban Development Programme (UDP) in consultation with the municipalities.
This plan seeks to make municipalities financially independent by improving the operations of the revenue structures, including rates and taxes collection, markets and recreational facilities.
TOP
Erection of traffic lights starts tomorrow
Georgetown, GINA, March 13, 2007.
Casting of concrete blocks and installation of poles to erect traffic lights at critical junctions around the City are expected to commence on March 14, according to Engineer of the Work Services Group (WSG) Kadri Paris.
This is being done under a US$2.1M project that entails installation of approximately 50 traffic lights in Georgetown and its environs. It is being carried out by CMS Traffic Systems Limited, an Indian firm and local contractors.
Preparatory civil works by GAICO Incorporated, a local firm, have been ongoing for several weeks.
According to Paris, priority will be given to completing critical intersections before Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 to make the roads safer and easier for travel during the busy period. However, the project was never intended to be completed for CWC and has a completion date at the end of April, he said.
Paris explained that there was a delay in the shipment of equipment from India but at present all materials have been procured to complete the project on schedule.
Traffic lights will be installed at the junctions of Camp and Lamaha streets, Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue, Church and Main streets, East Coast Highway and Courida Street, East Bank Highway and Eccles access road, Mandela Avenue and Hunter Street and Ogle Air Strip and the Railway Embankment road.
The contract for these works was signed last November between the Ministry of Public Works and Communications and CMS Traffic Systems Limited. The project is an initiative of the Governments of Guyana and India.
TOP
Soil tests in Pomeroon to begin this week
- to help boost agricultural production
Georgetown, GINA, March 13, 2007.
The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) will commence soil tests in the Pomeroon, Region Two, during this week as part of its ongoing project to help farmers boost production by engaging in suitable crop cultivation.
This will be done under the soil characterization project, which started last July and which is funded at a cost of approximately US$30, 000 through the Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP). The project is being done in Regions Two and Three.
Director of NARI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth said soil tests have already been completed in all areas of Region Three. The process involves site visits and collection of soil samples, which are taken to NARI’s laboratory for analysis.
The soils tests in Region Two are scheduled to be completed within the next month. All information collected will be fed into a database and analyzed. The technical information will then be provided to farmers to aid cultivation practices.
Soil maps will also be developed and made available to interested stakeholders, including investors, since the information will advise them on the feasibility of proposed cultivation activities.
At present, there are other activities being pursued by NARI, including the promotion of advanced technology such as drip-irrigation (the slow application of water to soil through small openings) and tropical/green house which creates the ideal conditions for cultivation.
The institute has been involved in promoting the cultivation of crops which are in demand on the international market including bull-nose pepper and a variety of squashes. These activities are being carried out in collaboration with the new Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC).
These are all part of Government’s initiatives to further develop the agricultural sector which currently contributes more than 30 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
TOP
CWC security Bills tabled
-will make provision for visiting security forces
Georgetown, GINA, March, 13, 2007
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee on behalf of the Government today presented to the National Assembly three security Bills that have to be enacted before Cricket World Cup comes to Guyana on March 28.
The Security Assistance (CARICOM Member States) Bill 2007 will provide for the implementation of the Treaty on Security Assistance among CARICOM Member States and other related matters.
The Bill will allow the implementation of the regional security plan during CWC, in accordance with decisions made at the recent CARICOM Heads of Government conference.
The second Bill, Visiting Forces Bill 2007, will make provision for the Armed Forces of States visiting Guyana and for related purposes while the Status of Visiting Police Officers Bill 2007 will provide for the presence, activities, privileges and immunities of members of foreign police forces and civilian personnel during the period of CWC 2007 and for matters connected therewith.
It will also give the Defence Board the authority to order the arrest of a member of the visiting force or a dependant at the request of the officer in command of the visiting force.
The Bill when enacted, will give members of a visiting force in Guyana the same police powers they have under the service law of the designated State to which the force belongs.
The third security Bill, Status of Visiting Police Officers Bill will allow forces moving from one country to another during CWC to have special legal standing in those jurisdictions.
The status of visiting policing officers relates to the position of forces connected to the CARICOM Operations, Planning and Co-ordinating Staff ‘COPACS’.
The three Bills will be read for the second time on Thursday and Parliamentarians will begin debating after which the Bills are expected to be passed.
On January 31, four Bills were passed by the National Assembly to ensure that Guyana is legislatively prepared for the event.
The Caribbean Community Special Visa Agreement Bill, Pre-Clearance (ICC/CWC 2007) Bill, Immigration (Amendment) Bill and Customs (Amendment) Bill, collectively provide legislative support for enhanced security and hassle-free travel for Inter-Regional movement within the newly established Single Domestic Space.
Guyana has been demonstrating its commitment by ensuring that all aspects of preparation for hosting CWC are in place.
TOP
Bill to regulate export of pesticides, toxic chemicals passed
-all exportation will have to be certified by P& TC Control Board
Georgetown, GINA, March 13, 2007
The pesticides and toxic chemicals control (Amendment) Bill 2007 that amends the pesticides and toxic chemicals control act 2000 was passed in the National Assembly this afternoon after full support from members of the House.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said the amendments to the Bill are to provide regulations to regulate the exportation of controlled products by extending the functions of the Chemicals Board.
“This will provide the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board with the responsibility for making arrangements and providing facilities for controlling the export of pesticides and toxic chemicals. All pesticides and toxic chemicals that are to be exported will have to be certified by the Board. It will also give the Minister the power to make regulations for carrying into effect its purposes,” Minister Persaud said.
GAP/ROAR Member of Parliament Everall Franklin said though his party supports the amendments to the Bill, it must be noted that there is need for more work to be done to educate stakeholders and farmers on the export of chemicals. He also said there is need for government to take seriously, the dangers of some of these chemicals.
Minister Persaud said government is committed to protecting the people of Guyana and noted that there are several chemicals that are prohibited, citing the establishment of a $150M laboratory to be completed within two months.
The laboratory which will be located at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara is being established with assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It will have the capacity to conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of pesticides and toxic chemicals.
Minister Persaud also noted that there are works being done to educate persons on exportation of chemicals.
The amendments to the Bill will also provide basic requirement for Guyana to assent to the Rotterdam Convention and enable implementation of the obligations of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade.
“One reason why Guyana needs this is because it represents an important step towards ensuring the protection of citizens and the environment. It will save lives and protect the environment from the adverse effects of toxic pesticides and other chemicals,” Minister Persaud explained.
Early January, Minister Persaud disclosed that a training manual to advise farmers on the safe use and management of pesticides is now available. The manual, compiled by the Pesticides and Toxic Chemical Control Board, provides information on other options available other than the use of pesticides.
During 2006, the Pesticides Board approved the establishment of a database for pesticides in Guyana while vending premises throughout the country were inspected and licenced. A list of prohibited pesticides was approved, signed by the Minister, gazetted and published in the newspapers.
Government has been committed to developing strategic policies to promote the rational use of pesticides and established the Pesticides and Toxic Control Board with the approval of Parliament in 2000.
TOP |
