Traffic lights a symbol of South-South Cooperation
- Prime Minister Samuel Hinds
Georgetown, GINA, July 21, 2007
Months after the completion of Guyana’s National Stadium at Providence another project, the new traffic lights system has been completed solidifying the relations between Guyana and India.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds this morning flicked the switch of the traffic lights at the junction of Main Street and Avenue of the Republic signalling the formal commission of the modern system.
He said, “The accomplishment of these projects resides not only in their presence and effective functioning for the uses intended, but, also in the representation of the significance of south-south co-operation between the Government and People of India and the Government and People of Guyana.”
The Prime Minister said the proper working and maintenance of the new and modern traffic signal system will undoubtedly, improve traffic management and safety. It is also expected to prevent accidents, injury, deaths and property loss.
“In committing to and executing this project, Government is fulfilling its vision for enhancing the lives of all citizens by improving public safety and security, and providing an enabling environment for the growth of Guyana’s economy that is unfolding, while regularising the way we commute and conduct ourselves daily,” he posited.
The Prime Minister also highlighted a few of the significant infrastructure projects underway which will continue to improve the country’s highway infrastructure. These include: the New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek Highway, the Berbice River bridge and access roads, the Takutu River bridge, the East Canje road and a significant section of the Linden Soesdyke Highway are intended for repairs in the short-term.
He expressed Government’s gratitude to the Government and People of the Republic of India for extending monetary support and service in realising for Guyana, the accomplishment of another significant project
India’s High Commissioner to Guyana Avinash Gupta in his remarks said the ceremony is the culmination of events initiated with the visit of Vice President of CMS Traffic Systems Limited Krishna Kumar to Guyana in September 2006 during which a presentation of the state-of-the-art traffic signal system was made to the government.
The project was later given impetus with the signing of an agreement for installation of modem traffic signal systems during the visit of the Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, to Guyana in November last year.
High Commissioner Gupta said, “CMS Traffic Systems Limited is a well-known company in India and is responsible for installing more than 60 percent of traffic lights in the country. This was their first international project, but they came with wide experience of executing similar projects in India.
He explained that CMS is the only organisation in India that has ISO 9001:2000 certification for its complete operation including installation, commissioning and maintenance of traffic signal systems
The High Commissioner said, “The successful conclusion of this project demonstrates, beyond doubt, our strong intention of becoming a reliable partner in the economic development of Guyana.
The High Commissioner said his remarks would be incomplete if no mention is made about the growing relations between Guyana and India.
He said, “Since the two state visits of President Bharrat Jagdeo to India in August 2003 and January 2004, the relations between our two countries have been put on a smooth road which does not have any traffic signals; if there is one, it always remain green.”
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn in addressing the gathering said the new traffic light system replaces the collapsed Eagle 30-year old traffic light system in Georgetown and its suburbs, with a new system connecting 50 modern controlled intersections.
He said the project was intended to have a life span of one month but due to unforeseen and unavoidable challenges the project had a four month delay.
Minister Benn elaborated on the status of the project, “Forty-eight of the intended fifty intersections have been activated, and 45 of these have been put in service. Two intersections – one at High and Croal Streets and the other at High and Regent Streets await the relocation of the two minibus parks.”
He said the light was not installed at one of the intended location because of the continuing presence of encroaching structures at the Brickdam and Water Street intersections. Diamond on the East Bank Demerara is being considered as an alternative site.
The Minister said the new system, installed by CMS Technologies, a world leader in traffic system management and instrumentation, boasts significant features which include solar powered backup to main electricity supply, digital, remote programmable electronic circuitry, route and intersection synchronisation, large light emitting diode and digital countdown displays, directional arrows and pedestrian sequences.
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications has established a traffic management unit which has been trained by CMS Engineers in the maintenance, upkeep and operation of the new system.
He called on motorists and road users to exercise patience and responsibility and to accept that “the law of averages” still exists and that with judicious use of the system, unnecessary fears, anxieties and intimidation at major intersections of the city are now things largely of the past.
The project was made possible through a US$2.1M Line of Credit from the Indian EXIM Bank. Physical work on the project commenced on January 21 2007 and was completed on July 11.
CMS Traffic Systems Limited of India, engaged the services of local Sub-contractors Gaico Construction Inc, Civ-Tech Construction & Contracting Services, Godfrey Bovell Construction Services and Novad Consultants & General Contractors for the execution of the project.
The lights also feature a pedestrian push button feature which allows pedestrians to make a demand on the system to cross the street. Vehicle Activated Signals are located at the following intersections:
- Rupert Craig Highway and Courida Street
- Rupert Craig Highway and UG access Road
- Rupert Craig Highway and Conversation Tree
- Rupert Craig Highway and Sheriff Street
- Vlissengen Road, Carifesta Avenue and Clive Lloyd Drive
- Vlissengen and Thomas Road
- Lamaha and Albert Streets
- Brickdam and Louisa Row
- Durban and Haley Streets
- Eccles and East Bank Public Road
All other intersections have fixed time signals most of which were placed along particular corridors namely: Camp Street, Main Street/ Avenue of the Republic/High Street, Vlissengen Road and Mandela Avenue / Sheriff Street.
Also present were Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, His Worship the Mayor Hamilton Green, Commissioner of Police Henry Greene and Traffic Chief Roland Alleyne. 
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Amerindians: integral to national development
A GINA Feature by Rekha Budhna & Romella Dasratt
No longer a forgotten people, the Amerindians are now truly better off than before following numerous interventions made over the past decade or so, and as they adapt to the changes wrought by development they have been preserving their culture which forms a very important aspect of their lives.
Amerindians have been enjoying enhanced services in all the social sectors and are now able to fend for themselves and take up their respective places in today’s society alongside other ethnic groups. Under this administration, there has been great advancement in Amerindian development in several areas including education, land allocation, health and water supply.
Education - key to development
Every year, more education opportunities are continually being afforded Amerindian children. This is complemented through government’s collaboration with other countries in securing scholarships.
Many students in hinterland communities, prior to Government’s ascension to office, did not have any hope of secondary education much less of studying at prestigious higher institutions. Today, they are qualified in all fields including nursing, journalism, technical, medicine, security and teaching.
Microscopist at work at a regional health institution
In 1992, government started the Hinterland Scholarship Programme that was later adjusted to cater for Regional scholarships. About 300 persons are currently benefiting from the scholarship in various disciplines and scores of them graduated recently from various institutions, having attained 81.7 percent passes in Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations during the academic year 2005/2006.
Over 100 students are currently at the University of Guyana and about 50 others are abroad studying medicine.
Hinterland scholarship students who recently graduated
The majority of Amerindians live in Regions 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 and secondary schools are found in these regions complete with dormitory to cater for hundreds of students including those from far-off communities. In Region One, three secondary schools were built; Port Kaituma, North West and Santa Rosa; in Region Seven there are the Bartica and Waramadong Secondary schools, in Region Eight, Paramakatoi and in Region Nine, Annai, Aishalton and St. Ignatius Secondary Schools.
Port Kaituma Secondary school, Region 1
The opportunities for development do not end there as Cabinet recently approved the construction of a dormitory to house students studying at institutions along the coastland. This will provide for more students to study in the City.
Land ownership - astronomical
In many South American countries, Amerindians are not granted ownership of the land they occupy, but are given leases in most instances. However, Government in an effort to ensure that the indigenous people enjoy rights just like all others, has been granting them titles to the land they occupy.
“We have increased the land owned by the Amerindians in just 14 years from 6.5% to somewhere in the vicinity of 14%,” according to Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues.
Today, Amerindians account for just over 9% of the population, owning about 14 % of the national territory, a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to Amerindian development.
Approximately 90 land titles have been issued over recent years and at present titles are being processed for several others.
Amerindians pose with their land titles
Land titles give them the rights to fish, farm and hunt on the land as well as utilise timber on reserved lands and occupancy rights. In addition, the forestry reserve under the sole control of Amerindian communities is considerable, and if harvested sustainably could support the indigenous people for generations.
Amerindian Act
After an exhaustive process spanning successive PPP/C Administration, the Amerindian Act was successfully piloted through Parliament by Minister Rodrigues in 2006.
The Act reflects what is current in Guyana and embraces the obligations to Amerindians that the PPP assumed in its 1992, 1997 and 2001 Elections Manifestos. The revised act regulates indigenous life, including local governance.
Minister Rodrigues and participants of an Amerindian Act forum
The document now serves as a guide for Toshaos to better manage their communities and it has influenced many of them to initiate demarcation of communities prior to being given land titles.
Sustainable use of forest resources
More Amerindians are benefiting through the sustainable use of natural resources including the forest.
In Kwebanna, Region One, residents have worked out an arrangement among themselves to harvest their forest resources and find buyers for their product which allows them to negotiate prices.
Government has introduced loan programmes in Region One and in Orealla, Region Six which have now been expanded to the North Rupununi so that small scale loggers can benefit from these activities.
Amerindians are considered as protectors of the environment and Government is working in collaboration with the numerous communities to ensure that forest resources are properly managed. There are some communities that are actively engaged in forest preservation and conservation and are teaming up with the administration towards this end.
Since many communities now have legal ownership to their land, Government is continuing its efforts to find ways of diversifying income generation, in order to lessen the dependency on farming and logging.
While these are some of the main areas of advancement for Amerindians, several other programmes are ongoing to develop communities, create greater opportunities for personal development and upping the living standard of the descendants of Guyana’s first people.
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Berbice Expo 2007 surpasses expectations
-attracts thousands
Government, GINA July 21, 2007
Expositions and trade fairs and similar events were introduced by the Government to celebrate and promote pride in industry and entrepreneurship, and over the past few years, they have served to boost the tourism sector.
The first major event for this year, the Berbice Expo opened yesterday afternoon at the Albion Community Centre Ground under the theme ‘The ancient county where opportunities beckon”.
Minister Prashad congratulated the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) and the planning committee for the outstanding work to successfully host the event that has been gaining great momentum since it was first initiated in 2005.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, President of the CCCC(ag),Adrian Anamayah, Region 6 Chariman, Z. Mustapha (to Minster Prashad's right) and Chairman of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce Daniel Gagee
“This exposition will afford the business community in Berbice the splendid opportunity to showcase their talents, innovations, entrepreneurship and industry. Your fervent response is a demonstration of your commitment to showcase what Berbice and moreso what Guyana has to offer while it assures that the private sector has the ability to grow and prosper,” the Tourism Minister said.
A number of entities participated in the exhibition including businesses that were present for the very first time.
He said such activities are looked forward to not only by Berbicians and the business community, but by tourists as well.
“The purpose of any trade fair is to promote local products and services not just locally but also regionally and globally. Trade fairs do this by bringing together manufacturers, traders and buyers. In addition, it generates new ideas, new markets and new opportunities,” Minister Prashad noted.
The Berbice Expo and Trade fair is now a calendar event of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and part of Government’s plans to boost the tourism sector while creating a more vibrant trade industry.
“Ongoing initiatives to promote trade liberalisation are based on the concept that an unrestricted flow of trade in goods and services will create healthy economies or generate income, growth, investment and employment through expanding markets, facilitating greater competition, lowering prices and disseminating knowledge,” the Minister said.
Minister Manniram Prashad inspects an item
Acting President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Adrian Anamayah expressed his gratitude to the Government of Guyana for the tremendous support that is being given for hosting such events noting that it has a positive effect on the private sector in Berbice, and the people as well.
“Over the past two years, Guyanese especially Berbicians have benefited enormously from this event as many bridges were joined in trade and our local manufacturers and business community were exposed to competition and a variety of new products,” Anamayah said.
He noted that the Berbice Expo is becoming self sufficient and requires little help from Central Government.
There were approximately 200 exhibitors and this number is expected to grow in coming years. The three -day event will conclude on Sunday, July 23.
Some of the participating entities are Edward. B. Beharry and Company, Banks DIH Ltd, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and several government agencies including various ministries, the new Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO).
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Global pressures impacting on price of local commodities
Georgetown, GINA, July 21, 2007
Guyana, like other countries in the Caribbean and other parts of the world, has been experiencing price increases for certain commodities which is a direct result of global changes.
The price increase for certain local commodities is being blamed on the Value Added Tax (VAT) which became operational in January this year. However, many of the items which have had price changes are zero-rated and hence do not attract the 16 percent VAT. This is a global phenomenon as countries are being affected and Governments are working to find ways of ensuring that consumers do not feel the full brunt of the problem.
This situation is not unique to Guyana, since other countries are facing price increases for various essential food items including flour. Consumers in Caribbean countries have been affected by the rising flour prices which is due to the increased cost for wheat on the international market. This has led to Government exploring ways of reducing the burden on consumers.
Prior to the introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) bakeries had to absorb a 10 percent consumption tax which was passed on to them by their suppliers. However, with VAT at 16 percent, bakeries that are VAT-registered and compliant are able to recover the additional cost which was not possible prior to the introduction of VAT.
Some of the zero rated items are:- plain bread made with white or whole wheat flour and tennis rolls, raw white or brown rice, raw brown sugar, cooking oil, cow’s milk and milk powder, cooking salt, fresh fruits but not including apples, grapes, dates, prunes, peaches, plums and strawberries, fresh vegetables including onions, garlic, potatoes but not including olives, carrots, radishes, broccoli and cauliflower, dried split peas, uncooked fresh, chilled or frozen chicken, locally produced uncooked fresh, chilled or frozen pork, beef, shrimp, mutton, fish and salted fish, but not including canned products.
The Value Added Tax (VAT) was instituted from January this year and involves a cycle of different transactions including payment of tax, claiming of input credit, and payment of refunds.
In May this year, there were complaints that the price for milk and potatoes had risen but this was due to world market changes. Milk is a zero-rated item. A shortage in Australia and Argentina, due to a prolonged period of drought, caused the price for this item to increase.
The price of wheat has hit an 11-year high on the world market amid tightening world supplies, and this has led to increases in the price of flour not only in Guyana but in other parts of the Caribbean. Consumers in countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica are facing greater increases for flour and associated products when compared to Guyana.
Consumers in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this week complained that the price of bread and baked products had increased, since there was a 15 percent rise in the price of flour. Milk prices in those islands have also risen due to international factors.
Barbados also reported that the price of flour is likely to be increased for the second time this year while in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; there are changes in the prices as well. Also, last month in Dominica, consumers were grappling with an increase in the cost of food and other goods.
Corn prices in other countries have also risen, and doubled in some places. The food price index in India has risen 11 per cent in one year, and in Mexico in January there were riots after the price of corn flour went up four-fold.
Corn, a staple animal feed is also in demand as an ethanol base in Canada, but the price increase for this commodity has helped fuel a 4.6-per-cent rise in the price of meat and a jump of 3.7 per cent in the price of milk, ice cream and cheese.
The price of corn in the United States of America has doubled over the past year. This is attributed to the promotion of bio-fuel in that country and corn plays a greater role in this industry.
In the United Kingdom, many of the same problems have been experienced with consumers paying more for flour. Bakers pay 40₤ more per tonne of flour. But bread is not the only staple food that has been increasing, since the price of milk has gone up 11 percent, while eggs have risen by almost 18 percent.
In China, the price of eggs and meat has quadrupled in the middle of a sharp shortage while there is an acute shortage of milk and drinking water in India. Sugar is used to manufacture ethanol based alternative fuel to gasoline.
Indonesians are eating their rice boiled instead of fried in oil because high biofuel demand has made palm oil unaffordable. Palm oil futures in the region have surged 80 per cent since the beginning of last year.
Italian pasta makers fear that the industry is on the brink of a crisis with a rise in the price of durum wheat which rose 30 to 40 per cent this year. Drought and the demand for wheat for use in biofuels has pushed international prices to their highest in a decade.
Also, Germans are paying more for their favourite beverage, since Barley prices have doubled in two years as German farmers abandon the grain in favour of crops that can be used in biofuels.
The fast-growing corn-based ethanol sector has caused the price of corn to double in the past year as more of the grain is diverted from food and into biofuel. The cost of fuel has been rising in the past few years and this has a heavy impact on the cost of other goods and services.
The Government of Guyana, in the face of these global pressures and development, continues to be proactive in exploring ways of mitigating the impact of these changes on domestic consumers. This is reflected in the recent moves to open the market to the importation of flour and chicken to force prices down.
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