Issues pertinent to Guyana, Caribbean raised at Conference –President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007
President Bharrat Jagdeo, addressing the media in Washington D.C yesterday at the Organisation of American States Headquarters on Constitution Avenue, said that a number of issues of importance to Guyana and the Caribbean were discussed, and he remains cautiously optimistic.
President Jagdeo and other CARICOM leaders met with the United States (US) President George W. Bush at the White House.
Asked whether he had an opportunity to address the recent alleged JFK International Airport terror plot, with President Bush, Guyana’s Head of State said the matter was raised by the US President. However, it is expected that issues specific to Guyana such as money laundering, drug trafficking, security assistance, the Millennium Challenge Account, investment flows and the question of deportees will be addressed in the follow-up dialogue.
Late yesterday, the White House issued a joint statement announcing that the Presidents and Prime Ministers have agreed to the following:
1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the United States of America and of the Caribbean Community Nations of Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, meeting in Washington D.C. on June 20, 2007, reaffirm our unequivocal commitment to a secure and prosperous region and future for the benefit of all of our citizens.
2. Recalling our shared history of democracy, respect for human rights, social justice, and cultural and ethnic diversity, we highlight the value of our enduring friendship and recommit ourselves to enhancing our partnership to reinforce the development aspirations that guide our mutual priorities.
3. We pledge to continue promoting the consolidation of democratic norms, values, and institutions throughout the hemisphere and to enhance accountability and respect for individual rights.
4. We agree to take steps to expand economic opportunities for our people, to address the threats of terrorism and crime, and to provide the benefits of democracy to all members of our societies, recognizing that democracy will best flourish if our societies are stable and our economies are prosperous.
5. We recognize the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy as a critical element of the growth and development strategy of the Caribbean Community.
6. We are determined to strengthen our existing trade arrangements. We acknowledge President Bush’s announcement to work with Congress to extend and update the Caribbean Basin Trade Promotion Act and the 1991 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. We further commit to the harmonization of customs procedures consistent with global standards and the advancement of technical trade cooperation.
7. We reiterate our support for Caribbean efforts to expand the services sector, and encourage a focus on the international financial services sector to facilitate a competitive means of economic diversification while remaining committed to the maintenance of appropriate regulatory and supervisory practices, consistent with the highest international standards.
8. Cognizant of the spread of HIV and AIDS and the impact on the economic and social development of our people, we pledge to deepen our cooperation in health and welcome the initiative to continue PEPFAR in the Caribbean.
9. Cognizant that more than 95 percent of CARICOM’s energy needs are derived from fossil fuels, we pledge to increase cooperation in this area to achieve sustainable, secure, and affordable access to energy for all our citizens.
10. We agree to increase cooperation efforts in the field of education and workplace training. We commit to strengthen teacher training by expanding the Caribbean Centers for Excellence. We also commit to strengthen human capacity in the Caribbean to meet the demands of a 21st century employment environment through partnering with academic institutions and non-governmental groups as well as through skills training for youth via the Entra-21 program.
11. We declare our intention to negotiate an agreement on cooperation in Science and Technology including Information Communication Technologies.
12. We recommit to our ongoing efforts of cooperation in the area of disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery.
13. We acknowledge the multidimensional nature of the security threats and challenges faced by our countries and pledge to continue to work together in the fight against terrorism, trafficking in persons, drugs and small arms, and transnational crime.
14. We also acknowledge the successful security partnership developed to secure the CARICOM Region during its hosting of the Cricket World Cup 2007. To this end, we agree to continue strengthening the Region’s security infrastructure
15. We recognize the need to work more closely on immigration security issues in a manner respectful of national laws and government services capacity and sensitive to the effects of human displacement. We will jointly work toward the expansion of the pilot reintegration program for deportees in Haiti to include other CARICOM member states. We will develop new ways to facilitate, coordinate, and communicate between our immigration services.
16. We are heartened by the substantial progress in Haiti made by the Government of President Preval, with the support of international partners. We recognize that Haiti will continue to require substantial regional and international support in the implementation of a consistent and long-term strategy of institution and capacity building, and pledge to work together with the three branches of the Haitian Government.
17. On the occasion of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we pay tribute to the generations of Caribbean-Americans who have helped shape the spirit and character of the United States of America and who continue to contribute to the growth and development of the Caribbean.
President Jagdeo was expected to participate in the Final plenary sessions at the OAS Headquarters today. He then moves on to Tokyo, Japan, where he is expected to sign a number of key agreements on Guyana’s behalf.
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Several road rehab projects to come on stream shortly
- BNTF
Georgetown, GINA, June 20, 2007
Government continues in its efforts to improve public infrastructure countrywide and through its executing agencies, Guyanese are able to access better social services.
Through Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), a number of projects have been effected throughout Guyana in the areas of social infrastructure and skills training. These have made a tremendous difference in the lives of persons living in the beneficiary communities.
Recently an advertisement was placed for tenders for several projects and another would be out shortly. This one caters for the rehabilitation of several access roads in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and Four (Demerara/Mahaica).
Three roads will be rehabilitated and these include the Stewartville Road, streets in Anna Regina, and at Sister’s Village, West Bank Demerara.
Five roads in Region Four will be rehabilitated under this project including the Good Hope Sideline Dam, the Beehive Sideline Dam, and streets at Supply Mahaica, South Bachelor’s Adventure and the Sheriga Housing Scheme.
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Ministers assigned to Matters/Department of Government
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, and Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand have been assigned with responsibility within the Matters/Department of Government which falls under the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Rudolph Insanally and Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir respectively.
They were assigned the responsibilities by acting President Samuel Hinds. Both Ministers Insanally and Nadir are currently out of the country.
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Work progressing smoothly on Lethem, Mabaruma Hospitals
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007
Thousands of Region Nine residents will soon begin benefiting from better health care services when the $100M state-of-the-art Lethem Hospital is completed.
According to information coming out of Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), the agency executing the project, the hospital’s deadline of October 2006 was not met due to several factors, however, the structure is expected to be completed shortly.
These include inclement weather, materials shortage and impassable trail resulting in difficulties with transporting building materials. Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsarran who recently visited the region said work on the facility is far advanced.
Dr. Ramsarran said that it is the hope of the Health Ministry to open the facility within the next few months. He said preliminary training for theatre staff was done.
The construction of the Lethem Hospital is part of Government’s overall pan to develop the area and make health care more readily available, in light of the linkage between Guyana and Brazil.
The Lethem Hospital is expected to benefit in excess of 20,000 residents of Lethem and its environs.
Meanwhile speaking on progress on the extension of the Mabaruma District Hospital which is currently being done at a cost of $98.3M, Minister Ramsarran said that the civil works have advanced.
When completed, health care in Region One (Barima/Waini) will be significantly improved. The new facility will include four expanded wards with 36 beds for in-patients, an X-ray department, operating theatre and delivery room.
The Mabaruma and Lethem Hospitals are funded through a loan agreement from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through the collaborative effort of the Guyana Government and BNTF. This is all part of the Government’s thrust to modernize the health sector.
In order to provide increased access and better health services the administration is creating the necessary infrastructure. Apart from the hospitals four diagnostic and treatment and centres and an ophthalmology centre is being built. These will provide modern health care services.
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Normal seasonal flooding expected to continue – Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007
The Hydrometerological Department has predicted that the current weather pattern is likely to continue. Normal seasonal flooding is also expected in most of the Administrative Regions.
This was the advice provided to Cabinet by Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud at its meeting of June 12.
Speaking to members of the media at his post-Cabinet media briefing today at the Office of the President, Dr. Luncheon said, “Minister Persaud identified Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10 where close monitoring and interventions have mitigated the impact on affected communities, especially in the Mahaica/Mahaicony Creeks, Canal Polders, in the upper reaches of the Berbice River and the Takutu River Basin.”
Minister Persaud disclosed that, overall; developments have been managed by State and Government Agencies according to established protocols.
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Tourism Conference recommendations to be made known shortly
- Minister Prashad
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007
Recommendations coming out of the recently held National Tourism Conference are at present being compiled into a report which will be completed shortly. This is according to the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad.
The Conference was held by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) on June 6, 2007 at the Guyana International Conference Centre.
Held under the theme ‘Moving Guyana’s Tourism Forward’, the forum provided stakeholders with an opportunity to brain-storm the way forward for the industry.
One of the recommendations coming out of the conference dealt with the prices for interior travel which is considered prohibitive for locals. Airlines and local tour operators set prices at one ceiling for visitors as well as citizens and this pose a problem. The Minister stated that due to the terrain and the number of persons who normally travel to these locations, cost recovery is necessary.
However, the Ministry is currently working with the airlines on improving this aspect and it is expected that a decision will be made shortly which will benefit all stakeholders.
The Minister noted that with the recently constructed hotels, staff training is being looked at. The GTA has already assisted in this area by training staff from several hotels.
He pointed out that there is need for a hotel management school and the Ministry is looking to have a hotel management class started at the University of Guyana since it was held in the past.
Minister Prashad stated that tourism involves everyone and hence persons involved must work together, along with those in the other related sectors.
As a follow up to the Tourism Conference, the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) will be sending personnel to Guyana to hold another conference in September which will focus specifically on pricing and packaging.
Government is working to install the necessary infrastructure in the sector including the upgrade, expansion and addition of new infrastructure such as the airports, roads, the Berbice River Bridge, new stellings and ferries. These will improve access to the tourism product, as well as enhance social services across Guyana.
Efforts to develop the yachting sector have not gone unnoticed, since Guyana is a main feature in the 2007 internationally acclaimed Yachting Guide by Chris Doyle, who has been instrumental in developing yachting in the Caribbean.
Recently Bartica was designated a Port of Entry, and efforts are ongoing towards improving navigational aids for the Essequibo river to facilitate ease of access.
The Kaieteur National Park, Iwokrama and other key natural sites continue to be enhanced. A National Protected Areas System is being established to include sites such as Orinduik, Mount Roraima, Shell Beach and the Kanuku Mountains are established.
Over the next five years, Government will continue its approach with an investment driven strategy towards supporting infrastructure, improving air access and transport, diversifying and expanding the tourism product, destination marketing, human resource development and making tourism a more attractive sector for investment.
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Utilisation of natural resources done in accordance with necessary practices – Minister Persaud
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007.
Government has invested significantly to develop forestry based guidelines through very transparent and consultative mechanisms to ensure that Guyana’s natural resources are utilised in accordance with best environmental, social and economic practices.
This was highlighted today by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud during his address at the opening of the World Wild Life Fund (WWF) sixth steering committee of the ‘Guianas Sustainable Forest Resources Management Project’. The meeting was held at Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara and focused on the completion of the current project which was undertaken over the past five years at a cost of Euros 6M.
Other focus areas were the new project – WWF Sustainable Natural Resources Management to be implemented over a four-year period and the proposed work plan for the first year.
Minister Persaud expressed gratitude to WWF Guianas for its tangible contribution in supporting Government’s activities, that have been in compliance with necessary guidelines and for which the administration has gained recognition at the international level. In 2003, Guyana was judged one of only six tropical forest producing countries that has taken serious steps to implement Sustainable Forest Management at the level of the Forest Management Unit.
It was also ranked eighth worldwide for Environmental Sustainability using the Environmental Sustainability Index based on a study done by the experts of Yale and Columbia Universities of the United States. The study graded countries using 21 elements including indicators such as forest cover, air quality, biodiversity, natural resource management and ecosystem strength.
The need for more work to be done is recognized, the Minister said, including updating guidelines and making them available to all stakeholders, as well as continued training to promote proper implementation of the best practices. The need for more efficient technology and integrated management structures and strategies was highlighted.
Minister Persaud said the new project’s proposed work plan for 2008 represents a continuation of the activities that were initiated in the previous project including work started with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) in areas such as community forestry, training in Reduced Impact Logging, forest certification, legal verification and educating stakeholders on the revised legislation.
“The Government of Guyana notes that the proposed Work Plan 2008 follows the same strategy of integrating smoothly with the national priorities. I am especially pleased with the regional activities that are planned, particularly the sharing of information and collaborating on common activities,” Minister Persaud said.
He added “under this new project, we will continue to take steps to improve on the management and utilization of our resources, and enhance our regional cooperation. We reaffirm as a country, our total commitment to this project and its success.”
Guyana’s excellent stewardship in Natural Resource and Environmental Management have been recognized internationally. It is mandatory for forest operations above 8,047 hectares to operate on the basis of a Forest Management Plan and Annual operational plans. These would have been prepared using information obtained through an initial management level inventory, subsequent 100% inventory of the commercial species, and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. Guidelines have been developed in collaboration with stakeholders to promote environmental best practices, efficiency and transparency. In addition, Government will soon adopt a national policy on log export which will see an increase in value added activities.
The sector will continue to benefit from numerous relevant training courses and literature that has been put in a very user friendly form. Another achievement is the consultative relations with stakeholders on forestry issues in community meetings, and at other fora such as a Ministerial Committee. This has led to the establishment of strong partnerships between the Government and the private sector.
Over the years, government has been updating policies and laws relating to the conservation, management, protection and sustainable development of the forest resources. In 1996, a National Development Strategy was drafted and provides guidance for the development of the forestry sector by identifying national development objectives and constraints.
Guyana’s forestry sector contributes approximately six percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs about 25 000 persons. It plays a significant role in the country’s development particularly in the rural and hinterland communities where forestry activities generate income for many households and contribute to the national economy.
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Minister Persaud for Region Two
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud will be visiting Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) on June 24 and 25 to meet farmers of several communities to discuss further agricultural development in the region.
On June 24, the Minister will meet farmers at Bethany, Supenaam Creek while meetings will be held the following day at Surndat shop, Devonshire Castle and at the Danielstown Community Centre on the Essequibo Coast.
The Minister will be accompanied by a team of technical personnel from the Ministry to engage farmers in discussions on various agricultural matters.
Over recent months, the Minister has been visiting various farming communities countrywide including Pomeroon and Charity, Region Two, Canals Polder, Region Three, East Coast Demerara, Region Four, West Coast Berbice and the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks, Region Five, Corentyne Coast, Region Six and Kwakwani, Ituni and Linden in Region Ten.
These visits are an indication of Government’s commitment to solving some of the main problems facing farmers and affecting further agricultural development.
In Guyana, Agriculture accounts for 32 percent of GDP, 30 percent of employment and 40 percent of export earnings. Sugar and Rice account for 74 percent of agriculture’s GDP as well as 65 percent of total agricultural exports, including shrimp and timber.
Significant focus has been placed on expansion of the non-traditional crop sector with particular emphasis on the cultivation, production and processing of fruits and vegetables. Non-traditional exports have been growing at an annual rate of six percent since 1993. Today, Guyana earns US$6M annually from these exports of more than 78 different non-traditional agricultural products
Government in recognising the ability of this sector has made substantial investments to provide the necessary infrastructure, technical assistance, training and support to enable farmers to explore the opportunities and develop the sector.
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Finance Minister to deliver address at Insurance Seminar
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) will be hosting a series of interactive sessions with key players within insurance agencies in an effort to provide updates on regulatory developments.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh will be delivering the keynote address at the first Insurance Seminar which will be held on Monday, June 25, 2007 in the Essequibo Room of Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.
The theme of this session is “Understanding the Role of the Board of Directors within the 2007 Regulatory Framework.”
The exercise targets Boards of Directors, Chief Executive Officers, Company Secretaries, Internal Auditors, Accountants, and External Auditors of Insurance Companies to ensure that key persons within the insurance company are aware of their role and responsibilities under the regulatory framework.
Mr. Jean Sarazin from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), Canada, will also be making a presentation.
The OCI was established on December 18, 2002 under the mandate of the Insurance Act of 1998 and is charged with the general administration of the Act and regulation of Guyana’s Insurance Industry.
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More than $325M in contracts to be awarded
-Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007
The Education, Housing, Security, Culture and Public Works sectors are among those which benefited following Cabinet’s no-objection to $325M in contracts during its sitting on June 12.
The disclosure was made by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon during a press brief held earlier today.
More than $201M was allocated to facilitate construction of infrastructure and other services for the low income housing project at Cummings Lodge ‘Y’, Greater-Georgetown, while $36.6M will be used to procure spare parts for two public marine vessels.
An additional $81.9M is being spent for materials and works for the drilling of two potable wells at Charity, and $50M for repairs to the New Opportunity Corps.
The Guyana Police Force’s forensic laboratory will also benefit from $32.3M worth of equipment. This includes replacements as well as acquisition of new equipment for the facility.
Students and teachers of the North Georgetown Secondary School will benefit from rehabilitation works valued at $16.6M, which are expected to commence soon.
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Way paved for political cooperation at highest level
-Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007
Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon said the recent agreements reached by Government and the combined Opposition is a giant leap in the journey towards political cooperation at the uppermost level.
His comment was made while addressing members of the local media fraternity during the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing on June 21, at the Office of the President.
Commenting on the recent landmark agreements reached by the Administration and the combined political Opposition, Luncheon expressed the view that it signals the beginning of a new political culture.
Dr. Luncheon said initial evidence of this was made manifest during the pre and post election period of 2007, noting the ready acceptance of electoral results by all political parties contesting.
Reference was made to two landmark agreements which resulted from recent consultations which included critical appointment for representatives of service commissions and government’s commitment to provide funding for house-to-house registration ahead of the local government elections which are due next year.
Thirteen representatives were appointed by President Bharrat Jagdeo earlier this month to serve in the Public Service and Teaching Service Commissions.
During the consultations, the long debated issue of establishing a new house-to-house register was also resolved by President Jagdeo who agreed to provide all the resources needed to facilitate it.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that “the gravity of the situation was evident during the signing” noting that all parties seemingly acted in good faith.
Dr. Luncheon hailed the recent developments noting that “we will see more political issues of the day being brought on board for resolution.”
The recent action by President Bharrat Jagdeo remains consistent with his address to the opening of the 9th Parliament, when he committed to working toward enhanced cooperation with the Opposition.
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Gov’t maintains commitment to combat TIP- Dr. Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007
Cabinet has examined the standards addressed in the United States Report on Trafficking in Persons and has contended that the report failed to address the specifics of Guyana in relation to convicting and sentencing human traffickers for their crimes.
This is according to Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon while speaking at his post-Cabinet media briefing at Office of the President today.
Dr Luncheon said, “In that regard, the records must show that the Administration has been addressing, in a most comprehensive way, the situation affecting families, women and children in Guyana.”
He indicated that National Consultations are ongoing with regards to Legislation on the Family, Domestic Violence and Children and the planned Legislative interventions are all eminently within the ambit of Government.
“Nonetheless, the PPP/C Administration maintains its commitment to combat trafficking notwithstanding sanctions or threats of sanctions.” the Cabinet Secretary said.
Dr Luncheon said the Executive, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary, all have a role to play in that regard and their engagements on those matters are circumscribed by constitutional and statutory provisions.
Six criminal cases were opened in 2006 against persons who were alleged to have been trafficking in persons.
At President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent press conference, he had said that if the US were to be judged by the same yardstick used to measure Guyana’s performance then that country would have come out at the worst tier.
“We can’t manufacture prosecutions and charges to satisfy the US Government and if the US is being judged on the same standards that we are … they would be on tier three, the worst tier frankly speaking,” he said.
The US State Department's annual ‘Trafficking in Persons’ report which was released on June 12 has placed Guyana on its tier two watch list.
According to Dr. Luncheon, the Administration will work with stakeholders to, in fulfilling its commitment; overcome obstacles in the implementation of Strategic Action Plan adopted in 2006.
The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has teamed up with a ministerial task force headed by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee.
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Region One agri sector continues to benefit from Government’s interventions
-more plans in train for further development
Georgetown, GINA, June 21, 2007
Government has continued to lend support to the development of the various sectors in the regional administration to propel growth and stimulate income-generating mechanisms for sustainability.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Brian Greenidge stated that, “there will always be room for improvement and that it (the Ministry) will continue to work with the farmers and all supportive agencies to strengthen agricultural development in Region One which was once neglected in the past.”
The Ministry has allocated $5M for drainage and irrigation works that will benefit farmers in the Waini River pending the presentation of a work programme by the Regional administration to the Ministry, Greenidge said.
Restructuring of extension services and the Government initiated community approach to agricultural development with the appointment of two extension agents, one at Kumaka and the other at St.Anselmse, are plans in train, Greenidge said.
He added that upgrading of present staff will continue and more Field Assistants and Extension Agents will be appointed at the community level and a Regional Coordinator will be stationed at Kumaka.
Meanwhile, an ICT centre for farmers is being established in the Guyana Forestry Commission building in Kumaka and an Information Technology Officer was appointed a month ago.
This technical support is in addition to the allocation of over $750,000 via warrants for fuel, lubricants, local travel and among other areas for the execution of tasks by the extension officers.
The region has been benefitting from two major projects to boost the agricultural sector, one of which is the $3.8M plant nursery project and cash crop seeds donated by National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). The seedlings are distributed to various farms by the region’s Farmers’ Association.
The other initiative; the Mabaruma/Hosororo Organic Cocoa Project was initiated by the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles.
The project entailed the cultivation of cocoa for exportation to regional and international markets to boost the income-generating aspects of the regional economy.
Regional Chairman Fermin Singh stated that the region has been benefiting from these projects amidst some recent challenges such as the lack of adequate marketing techniques and drainage.
He added that the region is getting support needed to change the strategy of farming and emplodering of the land.
They are at present negotiating with the private sector to assist with the marketing of the region’s produce.
The Regional Chairman reiterated that during the 2005 flood, farmers were given monetary and technical assistance to resuscitate their farmers.
Region One produces pineapples, plantains, cassavas, yams, ginger, eddoes and pumpkins among other crops.
The Ministry of Agriculture has employed a multi-stakeholder approach towards addressing the development of Region One as the Organic Region.
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