Guyana’s goal is to have the best quality laboratory service
-Health Minister
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007
Government is committed to ensuring that Guyana has one of the finest laboratory services in the world and it hopes to achieve this through training health personnel, improving infrastructure and keeping abreast with technological advancement.
These remarks were made by Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy at the opening of a two-week training programme by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) at the University Of Guyana, Faulty of Health Sciences.
“I want to first express my gratitude to ASCP for coming here to offer training. I do hope that it will be mutually beneficial. We in Guyana are committed to ensuring that the quality of our laboratory services continues to improve and in fact, become one of the best,” Minister Ramsammy said.
The Minister, after charging participants to comprehend and improve on their personal qualities which will eventually be revealed in their work, said Guyana has come a long way in the area of improving testing.
“Looking at where we came from to where we are today, it is not impossible for us to produce one of the best quality service. We must continue to improve on our training, infrastructural and technological advancement,” Minister Ramsammy said.
The Minister also made reference to the National Public Health Laboratory that will add to the infrastructure development. Construction is slated to commence shortly.
The participants will be trained by representatives from ASCP in the areas of Haematology and Chemical Pathology in an effort to improve the quality of laboratory services provided in Guyana. At the end of the training on June 6, participants who receive over 70% will obtain a certificate.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) was founded in 1922 and is recognised as the largest medical laboratory organisation representing the entire medical laboratory team-pathologists, medical technologists, and all other medical laboratory professionals.
The ASCP enhances the quality of the profession through comprehensive educational programmes and materials.
Annually, more than 500 workshops and seminars are conducted for medical laboratory personnel, in addition to other educational programmes including tele-conferences, self-study exercises and skills assessment tests.
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Overexploitation of forests a myth
-Minister Persaud
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud has rejected the view that Guyana’s forests are over-utilised, as statistics from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) indicate that extraction is a little above 20 percent of the acceptable rate.
The Minister made the remarks at the Skeldon sugar estate during a meeting with Region Six forestry stakeholders on May 27. Commissioner of GFC, James Singh, Chairman of GFC’s Board of Directors, Tarachand Balgobin and Director of the Forest Products Marketing Council (FPMC), Luvindra Sukhraj were among those present at the meeting.
“So this notion that we are over-foresting, over-exploiting and chopping down logs while the Guyana Forestry Commission and nobody is doing anything, is just a myth because the records are there for us to see,” the Minister told the gathering.
He said there is great potential for further advancement of the forestry sector, which is increasingly becoming a major contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This sector creates employment for thousands, generates income, earns foreign exchange and is an asset to mitigate the effects of climate change, he added.
In this regard, Government has been undertaking initiatives to address some of the challenges facing the sector. Critical to its sustainable development is the need to ensure compliance with standards and requirements at both the local and international levels which must be brought about by changes in forestry practices and principles.
In the upcoming months, the GFC Bill and Act will be taken to Parliament for amendment. In addition, a log export policy is currently being developed to ensure that: Guyana gets maximum return on all logs exported, exploitation of endangered species is controlled and lesser used species are promoted.
Consultations on log-export have been held country-wide and a position has already been taken.
Government has also been encouraging value-added and other processing activities. There are attractive incentives for investors and manufacturers in this regard. Measures are being implemented to deal with companies/investors who have failed to meet their commitment for processing, manufacturing or down stream activities outlined in the initial agreement.
“There are mechanisms that once you are unable to honour your commitment or your obligations, we will work with you to get some sort of arrangement. This goes both for the local and foreign investors but, once these opportunities are given and have been exhausted, we’ll take action,” the Minister said.
Balgobin highlighted the difficulties facing small loggers and emphasised the need for the formation of groups to assist these individuals to attain success and further development of their activities.
He assured that the GFC and its associates, including the FPMC are committed to working with the loggers to develop clusters through which there will be significant progress.
Minister Persaud presented certificates to 17 persons of Region Six who recently completed timber grading courses held by the GFC from March 21 to 27. This was done as part of the Commission’s country-wide programme to ensure that all the necessary requirements are fulfilled prior to timber being exported.
According to Commissioner Singh, initial evaluation is done by the timber graders while the final verification is done by GFC and if there are continuous inconsistencies in the assessment done, the grader’s licence may be revoked.
A similar training session was done in Essequibo where approximately 10 persons were certified and another is planned for Georgetown where 35 persons are scheduled to participate.
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Minister Prashad pledges continued support for Moruca Expo
- encourages early preparations for next year
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad has pledged Government’s continued support for the Moruca Exposition while encouraging residents and members of the Moruca Expo Committee to start preparing for next year’s event and ensure that a wider range of exhibits are prepared in advance.
The Minister pledged Government’s continued support for the event saying that the event is getting better every year.
“The tourism sector is earmarked as one of three new and emerging sectors to rise to the challenge of contributing to the development and growth for a prosperous Guyana. My focus is to examine the tourism potential of this and all other regions, and provide support to events such as the Moruca exposition which is considered vital for the furtherance of the integration of the productive capabilities of the region,” the Minister posited.
In hailing the significance of Guyana’s 41st Independence Anniversary Minister Prashad said, “Today our nation stands proud as we celebrate another milestone as an independent state. Post-independence experiences and the freedom to govern our own affairs took tremendous efforts to move the process of development forward and create greater opportunities for our people.”
Chairman of the Moruca Expo Committee Victor Ferreira said the event is held on the last Saturday in May to allow persons to travel to the Region on Friday and enjoy the different activities and then return to their respective areas on Sunday. He said that each village from the Moruca Sub-Region will be asked to form a committee to start preparation for 2008.
Village Captain of Santa Rosa Alysious Daniels said there is a great sense of pride and satisfaction in being able to host the Moruca Expo since 2005. This year’s theme is “Moruca Expo – the gateway to our development”.
He noted that the previous Minister of Tourism Manzoor Nadir had visited and held meetings with the residents when the idea was discussed and the committee was formed to spearhead the activities there. The event gives a chance to showcase talent and culture.
Minister Prashad said the Ministry is working to encourage other areas in the country to get involved and stage similar events to showcase their talents and cultures which will help to promote their respective areas and give them more exposure. He pointed out that Government has embarked upon several initiatives to help the Tourism sector.
“Our Government has pursued policies that stimulate growth in all sectors of the economy. Increased annual investments in our ten administrative regions have resulted in commendable levels of transformation in the social and productive infrastructure in all communities,” Minister Prashad stated.
“The Ministry is currently educating small entrepreneurs about the Small Business Act which presents incentives for support to the small business sector. Work is ongoing on the formulation of a policy for a Government loan guarantee programme aimed at supporting small businesses which will improve income generation and increase the opportunities of self employment,” he said
“Options to promote tourism must complement agriculture, fishing, mining and forestry – the traditional industries in this region. The Ministry will encourage investors to seek out the tourism potential in the region. Growth in the sector can boost national and local employment and development.”
The event culminated in the Miss Moruca Beauty Pageant which saw six beauties vying for the coveted crown. Ms. Santa Rosa was crowned Miss Moruca 2007 by Minister Prashad.
Moruca Expo was first held in 2005 after discussions between the then Minister of Tourism Manzoor Nadir and residents of the Moruca Sub-Region. A Committee was established and work commenced for the hosting of the Exposition that year which was successful.
Villages participating in the events included Waramuri, Warapoka, Assakata, Kumaka, Santa Rosa, Kwebanna and Santa Cruz. Several activities were held as part of Moruca Expo including boat races, boat tug-o-war, archery contest, volleyball and football penalty shoot-outs. The event showcases local products, skills and resources. Patrons and visitors are exposed to potential investment opportunities and are made aware of what can be found in the Region.
Tourist attractions in the region include Shell Beach which is known worldwide as a nesting area for the leatherback turtles. This holds important significance for the sustainability of the turtles while offering a unique tourism product.
Eco-tourism, indigenous cuisine and sport events are possible activities that can be developed as tourist attractions within the region.
This year, the event attracted visitors from Regions Two, Three and Four. There were also overseas visitors from Scotland, Canada and the United States of America.
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Moco Moco Village celebrates Independence
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007
Guyana’s 41st Independence anniversary was celebrated by Moco Moco village in Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) with a day of sports.
Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt during a visit to the region interacted with some of the participants.
He congratulated them for their involvement in such activities and encouraged them to continue with these events.
The activities included teams from Hiowa participating in volleyball, football and cricket at the Moco Moco Community Ground.
Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt listens to a resident of Moco Moco during his visit to that community.
Toshao James George, said that such events are organised by the village council and it is a regular feature in the community which targets the involvement of all.
The village has a school, health post, a wind-mill operated water distribution network and community centre, which was constructed under the President’s Youth Choice Initiative two years ago and facilitates several community–based activities.
Moco Moco was the site of the hydro power plant which was set up by Chinese engineers a few years ago, through a joint arrangement between the Governments of Guyana and China.
In July 2003, a landslide caused by heavy rainfall put the Moco-Moco plant out of operation.
Moco Moco is located at the foot of the Kanuku Mountains which is home to the endangered Harpy Eagle.
The community is sparsely populated and farming is its main economic activity.
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Possible review of Police crime fight strategy
-Home Affairs Minister
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) may have to re-examine its crime fighting tactics to arrest the present increasing criminal activities.
“It appears to be a resurgence of high profile robberies. Though Commissioner Greene has assured me that the present crime fighting posture is vigorous, there may be need to revisit that posture to determine if there is any additional new tactic to be implemented,” Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee said at a press briefing today.
The Minister commented on the recent attack by gunmen on the privately-owned Kaietuer Newspaper.
“The brazen act by the gunmen must be seen as a psychological attack on society by persons who are obviously bent on rekindling an atmosphere of terror, fear and trauma, which within recent times had receded significantly due particularly to the aggressive posture by the law enforcement agencies,” the Minister said.
Government is working to ensure that the capacity of the Police is increased mainly in intelligence gathering.
“There is always room for improvement and the overall approach by the government is holistic. Soon the capacity of the Police intelligence gathering will be boosted with the building of a forensic lab under the Police Reform programme,” Minister Rohee said.
The Guyana Police Force has within recent months manifested itself with greater results as it relates to convictions.
“When we look at the prison population, and I am not talking only about the remand prisoners, I am talking about the population in general, the successes which are being scored by the law enforcement agencies are bringing in a large number of persons involved in one criminal activity or another,” Minister Rohee said.
The Home Affairs Minister during his presentation on May 24 before the Firearms (Amendment) Bill was passed said it is the duty of the State to protect its citizens. The Bill will provide stiffer penalties for persons convicted of gun-related offences.
Meanwhile, Minister Rohee expressed concern over the recent spate of accidents that has been occurring over the last months.
“I think the traffic department must be more aggressive in their patrols. I am closely examining a draft of the traffic legislation which is coming soon to the Parliament…I have noticed that most of the accidents lately involved mini-buses,” Minister Rohee said.
The new legislation will address several pertinent issues affecting road safety, including drunken driving.
“It will address the use of breathalyzers, testing to ascertain alcohol in human bodies, use of cell phones whilst driving among other offences,” Minister Rohee explained. There will also be the issuance of a new set of traffic tickets.
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Work progressing on Takutu River bridge
-Brazilian Ambassador
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007
Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt over the weekend visited the construction site of the Takutu River bridge and observed that progress is being made on the structure.
Construction of the Takutu River Bridge which will interconnect Guyana (Lethem) and Brazil (Bonfim) is one of several programmes designed to propel growth and development through improved infrastructure and income generating mechanisms.
Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana Arthur Meyer said the bridge is on schedule in both physical and financial components as all the necessary resources have been appropriated.
Ambassador Meyer expressed hope that the bridge’s construction will be completed by January next year.
About two weeks ago, a meeting was convened with the bi-lateral technical commission at the Chamber of Municipal Council of Bonfim to exchange ideas and information on the bridge’s construction. A visit was also made to the site, Ambassador Meyer said.
He stated that the commission decided that there should be regular meetings between the two sides and in principle, it was agreed that the next meeting will take place either at the end of June or early July.
He also indicated that plans are in train for the Brazilian authorities to construct a building that would house the Brazilian Internal Revenue Services to facilitate trade transactions that are anticipated upon the completion of the bridge.
The group comprised personnel from the Ministry of Public Works, the Brazilian Ambassador, officials from Brazil and members of the constructing firm and engineers.
A rotating disc will be placed on the structure to facilitate the conversion from left-hand driven traffic from Brazil to right-hand driven in Guyana.
The bridge is being constructed by a Brazilian firm, Arte Leste of Curitiba under the supervision of the 6th Engineers Battalion of the Brazilian Army.
The 14-metre wide bridge will be built of reinforced concrete, supported on four piers with pedestrian walkways on both sides. Funding for the project was undertaken by the Brazilian government at a cost of US$3M.
The Government of Guyana has committed $38M to build a multi-purpose complex at Lethem to facilitate movement of persons between the two countries.
It will provide accommodation for Immigration, Customs, Police and Quarantine offices.
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Contractor confident of completing Skeldon factory early in 2008
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007.
Senior Site Representative of China National Technology Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC), Andrew Jin has is confident that the new Skeldon sugar factory in Region Six will be completed according to schedule.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud while on a visit to Region Six on May 27 visited the project site and was updated on the factory’s progress. The structure is scheduled for completion by February 21, 2008.
The Minister said his visit was intended to compare written reports with on-site progress, adding that, both the project manager and contractor have given assurance that the project is on schedule with the possibility that the current weather may have a negative impact.
However, Minister Persaud noted that weather is not a warranted factor for not meeting the deadline. A major benchmark that the contractor is currently working toward is the start-up operation of the diesel generator by August/September of this year.
The Minister pointed out that the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project (SSMP) under which the new factory is being constructed along with a co-generation plant is critical to preparing the sugar industry to withstand the price cuts being instituted under the reform of Europe’s agricultural policy.
The factory, which has a proposed capacity of over 120, 000 tonnes per annum is estimated to cost US$110M while the co-generation facility is expected to generate 10 megawatts for Berbice. Overall, the modernisation project is part of the administration’s activities to increase the industry’s competitiveness and bring the cost of producing sugar between US 11 to 13 cents per pound. At present, the cost of production ranges between US 17 and 18 cents per pound.
“We hope with this investment of close to US$170M, we’ll attain this because the factory, which is the jewel of the industry, will have that effect across all the estates,” Minister Persaud said.
He noted that the factory will be the most modern to lead diversification within the sugar industry with construction of the co-generation plant to produce power using bagasse. There are plans to develop a refinery and distillery at the Skeldon estate.
“So if we put all those together with the packaging facility at Enmore and other investments we’ll be putting in at all the other estates, this will definitely bring about a new, vibrant and modern sugar industry,” the Minister noted.
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Guyanese must assume greater social responsibility- President
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007
The fulfillment of citizens’ social obligations is critical to bolstering Government‘s efforts to fast track and maintain the country’s socio-economic and infrastructural development.
Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo in his address to mark the nation’s 41st Independence Anniversary from colonial domination conceded that promises cannot be made to remedy society’s faults overnight as the resources do not allow for this.
“Your government will ensure that it plays its part to ensure that living conditions improve. However, I also expect that every citizen would equally honour his or her social obligations.”
President Jagdeo said, as citizens of an independent nation it must be appreciated that whilst government has many duties, there is a concomitant obligation on the part of citizens to assume greater responsibility within society.
Citing an example the Head of State said, “While government will continue to take steps to reduce road fatalities on our roadways, the users of our public roadways have an obligation to use the roadways in a safe manner.”
He made reference too, to the multiplicity of initiatives being pursued to bolster drainage and irrigation systems to avert the recurrence of flooding.
“At the same time, while a great deal more can and is being done to reduce flooding in Guyana, all our efforts will be compromised if we do not desist from the indiscriminate dumping of rubbish, and commit to keeping our surroundings and communities clean and free of litter,” the President said.
The Head of State has constantly called on Guyanese to do their bit in maintaining the aesthetics of the country and creating a safe and healthy environment.
To kick start this, government earlier this year embarked on an improvement project which saw parapets, road shoulders and drains enhanced and garbage on the streets removed.
President Jagdeo said the enhancement initiative has no life span but is intended to be a continual exercise which should be strengthened by citizens’ assistance in keeping the environment clean and sprucing up their immediate living environment.
The President continued in the same vein pointing out that social responsibility of citizens must extend to the payment of taxes, a national obligation. Taxes, he maintained translate to enhanced and increased expenditure in providing social services which benefit all.
Though Government in January introduced Value Added Tax, a non- discriminatory and broad based taxation system, which should in most cases reduce the cost of goods, the benefits are not trickling down to the consumers.
President Jagdeo noted with disappointment that, “whilst taxes are now more transparent and in most cases lower, it has not been matched by a corresponding responsiveness on the part of many businesses to allow consumers to benefit from reduced taxes and excise the cancer of tax evasion.”
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Mahaica continues to be under flood watch
-Minister Westford visits creek communities
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007
Government continues to monitor the present situation closely as the May /June rains intensify, threatening vulnerable areas.
Today Minister of Public Service Jennifer Westford visited several areas along the Mahaica Creek to have a first-hand look at the situation in the area.
The Minister said that the creek has risen about three feet and is overflowing on farmlands. At Joe Hook, a community at the further end of the creek, farmlands are inundated as a result of the overflowing creek.
Residents told the Minister that their livestock are now threatened and they have begun taking the necessary precautions. Minister Westford will return to the area on Wednesday to determine what interventions are necessary.
President Bharrat Jagdeo also visited areas in the South Georgetown today while Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud visited the Mahaicony Creek.
Minister Persaud and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chief Executive Officer Ravi Narine on May 26 carried out inspections at several villages along the Mahaicony Creek.
Residents were assured that technical personnel will continue to visit the Mahaica and Mahaicony areas everyday to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) have indicated that constant monitoring and feedback are being conducted to ensure that the regions are prepared.
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Gov’t will continue to maintain vigilance with rainfall effects – President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007
President Bharrat Jagdeo today disclosed that Government will be implementing measures to avert possible flooding while maintaining vigilance with the rising water levels experienced over the past few days, particularly on the coastland and riverain areas.
He made these comments while inspecting the Liliendaal Pump Station where a new submersible pump owned by OMAI was in the process of being installed to help intensify the city’s drainage capacity.
The President noted that Government is concerned about the possibility of inundation in some areas following the accumulation of water in several areas on the coastland after heavy rainfall.
He said however, that operational kokers in several of the affected areas have contributed to a fairly decent degree of water flow-off with the exception of persistently problematic areas closer to the conservancy.
The President received encouraging reports that all pumps and sluices in the capital city are effectively operational and these have contributed to the rapid drainage response.
“We have to remain vigilant and city engineers are taking precaution against any possibility, including developing the pumping capacity at Liliendaal and other areas,” President Jagdeo said.
The President however, expressed concern about the hinterland and forested areas where significant amounts of rainfall are experienced, pointing out that water from these areas is usually channelled to the Atlantic Ocean and impacts significantly on riverain areas.
“We are experiencing some difficulties in places like Lethem, Moraikobai and several other reverain communities. We have already started experiencing difficulties in the Mahaica, Mahaicony areas as water comes from the backlands to the coast,” President Jagdeo said.
With continuous rainfall, these occurrences are likely to intensify but government has already done preparatory works to strengthen the water conservancy with monitoring and stockpiling of sandbags.
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has been instructed by President Jagdeo to undertake a number of tasks in this regard including preparing a report on the situation to determine the need for possible interventions in other communities outside of those overseen by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).
“I am urging people to take all the necessary precautions because with that volume of water flowing down the rivers, some overtopping may be experienced in the embankments along the sides of the river, President Jagdeo said.
He is optimistic about the assistance provided by government to farmers in the Mahaica-Mahaicony area but is urging residents of these areas to be watchful of rising water levels.
A strict monitoring programme has been implemented in the Mahaica -Mahaicony Abary (MMA) creek where engineers are stationed to oversee the situation.
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Guyanese UK Minister of Culture calls on President
Georgetown, GINA, May 28, 2007
President Bharrat Jagdeo today received a courtesy call from Guyanese Minister of Culture in the British Parliament, David Lammy at State House. Mr Lammy is on an official four-day visit to Guyana.
The Minister, who has known President Jagdeo for several years, noted that Guyana has always been near to his heart and this has prompted him to engage President Jagdeo in several discussions on ways he can represent Guyana in the UK.
“Guyana matters to me and my family and it was good to see the President again and to talk about this country that we all love,” Minister Lammy said.
At the completion of his official visit to Guyana, Minister Lammy who is accompanied by his wife Nicola, will travel to Venezuela to discuss official matters pertaining to the United Kingdom (UK).
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