Guyana to benefit from US $6.7M grant
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007
Guyana continues to receive assistance from the donor community to implement projects which will better the lives of citizens. A US $6.7M grant from the United States of America through its Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) will be used to assist Government with the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) system and develop ways to assist and educate taxpayers while at the same time help to better plan and control Government spending.
Funding is being granted under the MCC’s two-year threshold programme with Guyana which seeks to improve the country’s performance on the Fiscal Policy Indicator of the Corporation.
The grant will also help to reduce the number of days and costs associated with starting a business by modernising and streamlining the business registration process.
The components of the programme include the strengthening of the tax administration by preparing a taxpayer assistance programme and developing filing, payment and audit systems; supporting the implementation of the country’s new VAT structure by providing technical assistance to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and supporting the ongoing VAT education campaign; providing training and technical assistance to the Ministry of Finance and the GRA to develop the capacity to conduct tax policy and forecasting analysis; strengthening customs controls in order to reduce import and export tax evasion and reduce corruption in customs operations; and developing systems within the GRA to deter tax evasion.
The programme will improve the capacity of the Ministry of Finance to conduct expenditure policy and planning within a macro-economic framework and increase transparency and improve efficiency in the public procurement process.
Strengthening of the parliamentary judiciary oversight committees by providing training to key staff and assisting with the introduction of reforms will also be included in this programme along with the enhancing of the capacity of the Committees’ Secretariat through staff training and modernisation of research facilities.
The programme is expected to achieve a VAT compliance rate of 82 percent which includes actual receipts to potential receipts. It is also expected to reduce the number of days taken for customs clearance by 50 percent and decrease the average number of days to register a business from 46 to 30.
The programme will be implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on behalf of the MCC.
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Small States development dependent on crime eradication
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007
The effects the proliferation of international and national crimes emit on small States is wreaking havoc on their development as countries seek to advance. Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo highlighted this in a recent lecture at the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo, Japan on the Challenges of Small States in Promoting Development
“The interrelation between development and security is far more enhanced for small countries. Procedures as seemingly routine as a travel advisory - couched in discouraging terms, and the criminal actions of isolated nationals highlighted in the international media, are quite often enough to impact negatively, not only on our tourism, but other sectors of our economy.”
At Guyana’s premier Tourism conference on June 6, the President had made reference to the effects crime has on the burgeoning good image being molded by Government to boost tourist arrival statistics.
He was at the time making reference to the uncovered alleged plot to blow up fuel pipelines leading to the John F. Kennedy Airport involving Guyanese nationals.
President Jagdeo posited that in the post 9/11 world, security concerns were significantly elevated on the international agenda.
“Previously unforeseen requirements must now be factored into the development enterprise both as a response to real or perceived threats, from internal and external sources and as a condition for engagement with major partners,” the Head of State explianed.
He added that these demands place an additional burden on both resources and capacity of small States noting that the level of international assistance necessitated to fight the scourge of crime is not always forthcoming
“For a country like Guyana where there are large expanses of unprotected borders and uninhabited regions, the capacity of law-enforcement agencies is severely stretched. In some instances, it proves difficult to acquire the levels of assistance from bilateral partners and at the international level the resources required to comply with obligations or to meet this challenge effectively.”
The President noted whilst there exists internal and external dimensions of security that are negative; there has been success in the security realm.
He gave the example of the recently concluded Cricket World Cup hosted in the Caribbean.
The Head of State said it, “promoted collaboration among the states of the region in the staging of the third largest global sporting event after World Cup Football and the Summer Olympics. It led to unprecedented levels of coordination of security arrangements within the region.”
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Guyana and China share years of mutual friendship and understanding – Acting President
Georgetown GINA, June 28, 2007
Mutual friendship and understanding have been key tenets of the diplomatic relations that have existed between Guyana and China over the past 35 years.
This was Acting President Samuel Hinds’ appraisal of the two countries’ relations after proposing a toast to Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Jungao during a reception at the Chinese Embassy in observance of the anniversary on June 27.
Mr. Hinds said scores of Chinese nationals have been travelling to Guyana and contributing towards the country’s economic and social development since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1972.
“What we have witnessed since 1972 is a further intensification of our interaction, particularly at the Government level, which has resulted in Guyana being the beneficiary of tangible support in the form of technical assistance and economic cooperation projects,” Mr. Hinds said.
He pointed to the erection of the state-of-the-art Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) at Liliendaal and the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project, which is ongoing in Region Six as the most recent areas of support from China. These have helped significantly in Guyana’s infrastructural development.
The two landmarks, he noted increase Government’s optimism in China as a partner providing the type of infrastructure works needed and allowing Guyana to realise the full potential of its natural resources.
China, categorised as a developing nation like Guyana, was credited by Mr. Hinds as a leader in deepening bilateral relations.
“China is rising and its rapid growth and development is creating numerous possibilities for both the expansion and the deepening of our bilateral relations,” the Acting President said.
He believes that Guyanese are becoming more aware of the social, economic and cultural compositions of China mainly through the airing of China Central Television (CCTV) programmes and the significant number of Guyanese travelling to China.
Government intends to strengthen its bilateral relations with China in the future, since the country has demonstrated its support on several issues affecting developing countries such as Guyana.
“As we move forward, the onus is on our two Governments to continue to seek ways to sustain the positive momentum of our bilateral relations… Guyana intends to fulfill all its obligations in this regard,” Mr. Hinds assured.
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Watch dog consumers’ rights groups needed
- Minister Prashad
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007
There is need for bodies which will monitor the quality of products and services being provided and serve as watch dogs for consumers’ rights. This statement was made by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad earlier today at a seminar for consumer advocates.
The training workshop was organised by the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry and was held at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street under the theme “Promoting Stronger Consumer Protection Advocacy”.
“Consumers all over this country are consistently being treated to regular doses of substandard products and services. They are short-changed by being given less than that for which they have been paid,” the Minister said.
He pointed out that consumer advocates are the ones who will make a difference in the business sector by representing those who have been shortchanged.
Common concerns he noted include: goods not returnable, withholding of a percentage of the cost of goods returned by dissatisfied customers, loud and sometimes obscene music in overcrowded buses, uncouth and uncaring treatment of consumers, when making a complain about inferior or substandard products and services.
In spite of the negatives, there are reports of businesses supplying excellent goods and services, and such practices should be praised and encouraged, Minister Prashad said.
He praised the consumer advocates who are doing an excellent job at lobbying for consumers’ rights, since they are the ones who are working tirelessly to ensure that consumers’ rights are upheld.
The Minister pointed out that in certain sectors, activities that relate to consumer affairs are not well coordinated and lack focus and team spirit. He stated that the involvement of trained advocates in consumer affairs is now more than ever an absolute necessity.
“Based on information received by my office, only a very small fraction of the problems experienced by consumers in outlying areas reach Georgetown. As a result, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will be taking a team to various regions to explore the possibility of establishing some form of consumer protection.”
He said that the Ministry is hoping to create a greater awareness for consumer representation and encourage the formation of consumer advocacy groups.
“While today’s workshop will examine the importance and role of consumer advocates and ways in which they can effectively represent customers, it is my expectation that short and long-term strategies and plans can be designed for the implementation of consumer protection programmes,” the Minister posited.
Minister Prashad challenged participants at today’s workshop to work together towards developing more innovative ways of building the country through consumer protection. “Do not flinch from your duty as consumer advocates but continue to take a bold stand against the abuse of customers,” he said.
In encouraging business persons to be more considerate in their treatment of consumers, the Minister quoted the famous Mohandas Karamchand Ghandi who championed the rights of the underprivileged. “A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so.”
The session is expected to generate short and long-term strategies to deal with consumers’ rights and protection.
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Government lauds SBDFT’s support to small entrepreneurs
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007
Acting President Samuel Hinds and Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud have commended the Small Business Development Finance Trust (SBDFT) for its financial and technical support to small entrepreneurs in Guyana.
Their commendations were made at SBDFT’s fourth Annual General Meeting held at the Tower Hotel today where awards were given to the most progressive, innovative and best male and female entrepreneurs.
The SBDFT is a non governmental organisation that was established in 2002 to micro-finance small and aspiring entrepreneurs. The poor, indigenous people and women are among the main target groups for the Trust.
President Bharrat Jagdeo and Gafsons Industries Limited were among the first to support the SBDFT’s in its establishment and early period of operation.
Managing Director of SBDFT, Manjula Brijmohan noted that 2006 was a successful year for the Trust. It provided 604 small loans valued at $94.7M which created and sustained approximately 1,100 jobs.
The Acting President, while expressing optimism in the operations of the SBDTF, called for the establishment of more micro-financing centres to strengthen support to needy and aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.
He noted that there is much evidence of productivity and growth in the Trust’s small business clients, adding that this will assist them in mobilising small amounts of resources and meet certain needs in particular areas.
He also commended the Trust for being among the non-governmental organisations in Guyana to help the small man develop self-sustainability and job creation.
“I take my hat off to all those who endeavour in the area of creating employment, more particularly small scale employment,” Mr. Hinds said.
SBDFT was successful in assisting 126 rice and cash crop farmers on the East Coast of Demerara and West Coast of Berbice. The Trust’s support policy also caters for individuals in Essequibo and Linden.
Minister Persaud considers the Trust a leader in satisfying and responding to the needs of farmers who have long been seeking financial institutions to cater to their many needs.
He pointed out that his Ministry is willing to work and collaborate with an institution that provides credit and support to farmers, as well as engage in discussions relating to agriculture development.
He noted further that the SBDFT can help the Ministry in its drive towards diversification, and advise farmers on using credit wisely.
“If we can provide a means for farmers to be able to do what they know best, we can become the supplier of agricultural produce throughout the region and further afield,” Minister Persaud said.
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Bill tabled to re-establish Guyana Forestry Commission
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud tabled the Guyana Forestry Commission Bill 2007 today in the National Assembly.
The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Guyana Forestry Commission Act 1979, and to re-establish the Guyana Forestry Commission and provide for incidental matters.
According to the proposed Act the Commission will be the same body corporate as the former Commission and its purpose will be to encourage the development and growth of forestry in Guyana on a sustainable basis.
Under the new Act, the Commission is required to keep proper financial records and submit to the Minister audited accounts for each financial year together with an annual report on its activities.
The Commission is allowed to hire employees and engage consultations and other advisers, but restrictions are placed on commercial operations.
The Commission will be allowed at any time to appoint a committee to examine and report on any matter connected with any function of the Commission.
Under the Act, the Commission may with the consent of the Minister enter into commercial operations with respect to any intellectual property developed in connection with or resulting from the exercise of any of its functions or any land or building of the Commission.
The new Act when approved by the National Assembly shall come into operation on a date appointed by order of the Minister of Agriculture.
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School uniform vouchers being distributed
- exercise to be completed within two weeks
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007
Government’s annual school uniform distribution programme has commenced and according to the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security approximately 20,000 under privileged children are expected to benefit from the $30M allocated.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs was allocated an additional $10M to provide uniforms for a number of children in Amerindian villages.
According to Human Services Minister Priya Manickchand, the programme is born of the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) commitment to assist families in need to better provide for their dependent children.
The programme targets children who are considered to be living in difficult circumstances. Schedules of the distribution are published daily in the media and the exercise is expected to be completed in two weeks.
The schedule for Friday, June 29 is as follows:
Anna Regina RDC Office (Region 2) 08:00 h
Stewartville Village Office (Region 3) 08:30 h
Parika Marketing Centre (Region 3) 08:30 h
Goed Fortuin N.D.C Office (Region 3) 08:30 h
Good Intent N.D.C Office (Region 3) 08:30 h
Rose Hall Market, Corentyne (Region 6) 09:00 h
Parents/Guardians will be asked to present identification cards/passports and Public Assistance Coupon Booklets to uplift the uniform vouchers.
The Minister explained that the categories of children identified to benefit from the exercise are those who receive public assistance and attend school, all children who are housed in orphanages, children living with disabilities who attend school or other learning institutions as well as other Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC).
Last year the Ministries were allocated a total of $77M. From an initial allocation of $31M in 2002, the sum was increased to $34M in 2003 which benefited 7,545 children. A sum of $750,000 was given to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to assist children in the hinterland communities.
In 2004, Cabinet approved an allocation of $40M of which $20M was allocated to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to provide uniforms for Amerindian children countrywide, while the remainder was allocated to the Human Services Ministry. This benefitted 13,028 children.
In 2005, Cabinet approved $40M for the programme of which the Ministry of Labour Human Services and Social Security received $30M and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs received $10M to complete distribution in the regions which did not benefit in 2004. Approximately 13,500 children benefitted from the $30M allocation.
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High Court (Amendment) Bill tabled
- will not take any constitutional power from Chief Justice-HPS
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007
Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Doodnauth Singh today tabled the High Court (Amendment) Bill 2007 which seeks to amend the High Court Act (Cap 3.02) so as to empower the Chancellor to give directions of a general or special nature in respect of the distribution of the business before the High Court.
The amendment will give the Chancellor supervisory power over the Chief Justice in relation to the distribution of work in the High Court.
Meanwhile, a statement issued this evening by Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon said, “the Office of the President wishes to note that nothing in the proposed amendment to the High Court Bill seeks to alter any provision in the constitution that created the Office of the Chief Justice or touches on the powers of that office”.
It further stated “The Bill does not seek to take away any power of the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice is charged with the responsibility for the distribution of the business of the High Court among judges thereof…the Bill merely gives to the Chancellor whom the constitution recognizes as the head of the judges, a supervisory jurisdiction over the administration of the High Court”.
According to the statement there is nothing secret about the proposed amendment and the stalemate between the President and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin on the issue.
“There is absolutely nothing clandestine about this proposed amendment since President Bharrat Jagdeo had signalled to the nation at a Press Conference on June 14, 2007, that he was opting to bring closure to this issue using the intervention of Parliament. It must be pointed out that President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin have been consistently unsuccessful in arriving at an agreement to address the issue of a Chancellor and Chief Justice of the Judiciary of Guyana, as opposed to the Chief Justice in the judiciary of our sister CARICOM countries”.
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Bartica seen as safe haven for yachts
- Minister Prashad
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007
Guyana is now being considered the best destination in the world for yachting since it is not plagued by storms, hurricanes and other destructive weather patterns, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad said yesterday.
The Minister pointed out that 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. In the guide, 46 pages were dedicated to Guyana.
Bartica has been designated a Port of Entry, and efforts are ongoing towards improving navigational aids for the Essequibo river to facilitate ease of access. Facility for customs and immigration has also been established to further develop this area.
The Minister said that Bartica is seen as a safe haven for yachts and he will be visiting the area to have a first hand look at the operations there. He said this development will create more opportunities for residents in the area, since with the influx of visitors there will be more facilities and more jobs will be created.
The Minister said his Ministry is putting considerable effort into ensuring that the yachting sector in Guyana develops.
Minister Prashad said that measures will have to be put in place to safeguard the yachts when they arrive in Guyana.
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Takutu bridge, pivotal to increased Guyana/Brazil trade - Minister Benn
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn has indicated that bridging of the Takutu river will play a critical role in further and heightened trade activities between Guyana and Brazil.
During his address at the “How to Export to Brazil” seminar hosted on June 27 at the Ocean View Convention Centre, the Minister said the bridge’s completion is seen as a welcome development by the Government and people of Guyana since it will also enhance cultural links between the two countries. Construction of the Takutu bridge recently restarted after several years of delay. It is being funded by the Brazilian Government at a cost of approximately US$3.5M.
Government is currently spending $38.2M to construct a multi-purpose complex that will cater for the movement of persons between the two countries. It will house agencies such as customs, security, immigration and health. In addition, the feasibility study for the Guyana/Brazil highway will be updated this year by Government with assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Approximately US$900, 000 is being provided by the IDB while Government’s contribution is approximately US$225, 000.
Over the years, Government has invested significantly to maintain and upgrade the Linden/Lethem roadway. Approximately US$1.2M was spent during 2006 while an additional US$500, 000 has been allocated to continue these works during this year. Other activities are being undertaken by Government to support the Guyana/Brazil linkage. The Guyana Lands and Survey Commission drafted a land use plan for areas along the Linden/Lethem corridor and this is currently being examined.
Additionally, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee is chairing the committee on the Guyana/Brazil International Road Transport Agreement which focuses on issues such as the declaration of Bonfim as an international port of entry, exchange of information on agriculture, transport and security. These activities are intended to support the Guyana/Brazil link and address the infrastructural constraint which creates a challenge for trade between the two states. According to Minister Benn the Guyana/Brazil trade presents opportunities as well as challenges. Exports from Guyana to Brazil represent a very small percentage of the imports from Brazil into Guyana.
Minister Benn further highlighted the timeliness of the seminar in an atmosphere of rapidly evolving Guyana/Brazil trade relations. He noted that the range of Brazilian products that are available in Guyana is contributing to the reduction in cost of living for consumers and manufacturing. Another example of positive results from the Guyana and Brazil trade is evident in the mining sector, he added.
“If one examines the evolution of trade between Guyana and Brazil during the period 2004 to 2006, one would see that imports from Brazil have increased from US$9.7M to US$15.5M in 2006, which is more than 50 percent increase,” the Minister said.
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Intense rainfall recorded over past two days
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007.
Intense rainfall over the past two days has resulted in a slight increase in water levels in the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks, according to Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth.
Over the past week, the situation had normalised and there were no reports of flooding or extreme cases of high waters in the coastal areas of Regions Two to Six. The situation has returned to normal at Canal Number One and Two Polders, West Bank Demerara.
The only areas that continued to experience high water and flooding in some areas are the upper reaches of the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks although the situation had improved tremendously.
“For the past two to three days, what we have seen, is that the water level in these affected areas, basically the upper reaches of the Creeks was receding but it was happening at a slow rate because it still has to drain the back waters,” Wordsworth said.
Recent reports indicated a slight increase in the Creeks’ levels during yesterday and today. However, the Deputy CEO said this has not worsened the situation.
The recent rainfall also contributed to a minimal increase at the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), which currently has an average of 57 gd. Discharge is continuing at Land-of-Canaan, Kofi and Cunia outlets.
Over the next two to three weeks, the NDIA will focus on conserving the water in the conservancy to cater for irrigation purposes.
Monitoring of the drainage and irrigation system is continuing countrywide and engineers are operating in Regions Two to Six and Ten to ensure that sluices and kokers are opened and closed on time and pumps are operated during tide lock periods.
The Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks and the conservancies are still being monitored constantly. In addition, a command communication network has been established to ensure timely transmission of information.
Wordsworth noted that the rainy period is still not over and the forecast of 40 percent above normal rainfall is still being experienced. Forecast for the upcoming days indicates that the volume of rainfall experienced over the past two days will continue into the weekend along the coastland. It is expected that there will be a greater intensity of rainfall near inland locations.
Over the past two years, Government invested $3.8B to improve D&I countrywide with particular focus on vulnerable areas including the East Coast Demerara (ECD), Region Four and the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary (MMA) areas in Region Five. Approximately 30 mobile pumps have been installed along the ECD while more than $790M in equipment was purchased to improve D&I in the MMA areas.
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Upcoming Heads of Gov’t meeting to address new concept
Georgetown, GINA, June 28, 2007
Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr. Edwin Carrington today updated the regional media on the forthcoming 28th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community from July 1 to 4 in Bridgetown, Barbados under the new Chairmanship of Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur.
The Secretary-General said that, “We are all coming out of a busy first half of the year as all of us are aware of a number of activities including, Cricket World Cup and the Conference on the Caribbean.”
He noted that “the new Chair wants to bring a new dimension to the Community’s activities by way of broader perspective and functional cooperation,” Dr. Carrington said.
He explained that the integration process stood on three pillars, economic integration, foreign policy coordination and functional cooperation and recently the Heads of Government decided to add a fourth, security cooperation.
The latter issue, the Secretary-General said, has become more critical across the region.
Dr. Carrington noted that the CSME came on stream in January 2007 with six members and a similar number will sign on in July.
Issues on the agenda will include human resource development, education, health, training, the state of West Indies cricket, developments in the air transport, functional cooperation and the objectives of the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME).
He added that “these things can only be achieved if we have the means, in effect the Single Market and Economy which would be able to deliver and sustain those objectives.”
He announced that the Community is close to making the Caribbean Development Fund operation which involves a US $120M contribution by member-states and US $130M which is being sought from the donor community and friends.
This fund is purported to be used for the transformation of the economies of the disadvantaged countries in the region.
The legalities for its establishment, conditions of access and other related issues will also be the subject of discussion at the upcoming meeting.
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