Minister Anthony salutes Scouts’ Association on 100th anniversary
Georgetown, GINA, August 1, 2007
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony today joined representatives of the Scouts’ Association of Guyana who assembled at the Demerara Harbour Bridge to honour the 100th anniversary of the World Scout Movement.
The Cub, Explorer and Venture Scouts along with adult volunteer leaders, lined the walkway of the bridge and joined in reciting their pledge following the blowing of a conch shell.
The event, which commenced at 08:00 h, was also done simultaneously in over 200 countries by Scouts’ organisations, all of whom renewed their pledge in accordance with the Scout law or commitment.
Minister Anthony, who addressed the gathering from a Guyana Coast Guard vessel in the Demerara River, expressed his privilege to participate with the Guyana Scouts Association in their 100th anniversary.
The World Scout Movement was established in England in 1907 by founder Baden Powell who held the first Scout Camp on Brownsea Island in the United Kingdom.
This movement, according to Minister Anthony, established A dynamic and vibrant organisation that evolved into world-wide proportions.
He noted that scouting in Guyana has had the reputation of being a “fine tradition among youths who experienced the camaraderie of adventure and thrill and who developed into achievers.”
Following the “sunrise observance” the Scouts assembled at their headquarters on Woolford Avenue where a fun day was held. The event also featured a share-a-meal project for the homeless.
More than 20 representatives of the Guyana Scouts Association are presently at the World Jamboree in England which was declared open by the Duke of Kent on July 28. Over 40,000 scouts from around the world are camping at the Jamboree.
In 2009 Guyana will be hosting 100 years in scouting and will be the venue for the 14th Caribbean Jamboree. The event is listed for August 8 to August 16 and will be attended by about 4,000 Scouts.
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Scouts Association of Guyana have been working in partnership to foster youth development and the Minister has promised that this will continue.
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Ministers express disappointment over irresponsible mining in Region Eight
Georgetown, GINA, August 1, 2007
Government’s proactive approach towards challenges faced by citizens, continues as it seeks to propel its developmental thrust.
Ministers of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt and Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall, today visited Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) to address several areas of concern.
Most notably, has been the destruction of infrastructure by the mining community resulting in the lack of potable water to residents.
Minister Benn explained that approximately three miles of the roadway that extends from Mahdia to Salbora were destroyed by mining activity.
Equipment for mining activity lodged in a section of the Mahdia/Salbora Road.
( Keiron Campbell/GINA Photo)
He stated that he was disappointed and shocked with the condition of the road since this action not only compromises the water distribution network but also economic activities in the area.
The Minister said that he and his colleagues who were present on the visit would share perspectives on the issue to find a way out of the present situation.
Minister Benn added that any contemplation of repairs to the road will cost Government a considerable amount due to the actions of a few irresponsible operators.
He said that in the interim he has informed the Mining Officers and will also advise Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, that no mining should be allowed along the road or its reserves because this act is unlawful and the law will have to be enforced.
A section of the Mahdia/Salbora Road that has been completely destroyed due to mining activity. (Keiron Campbell/GINA Photo)
Minister Benn has instructed that mining operations in the area be removed in 48 hours to allow for an assessment to be carried out.
Minister Nawbatt and Lall echoed similar concerns on the issues and have indicated that an urgent collective effort by stakeholders is needed to address this situation.
The Ministers also interacted with several miners and expressed their dissatisfaction with the emerging events.
They were accompanied by officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Water Incorporated and the Regional Democratic Council. A follow-up visit to the area is in train.
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President joins Emancipation celebrations
Georgetown, GINA, August 1, 2007
Multiculturalism is a defining characteristic of Guyana and the Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo continues to impress the importance of Guyanese embracing each other’s culture as each of these constitute the “national culture”.
The Head of State joined hundreds of Guyanese in the National Park today to celebrate 173rd anniversary of African liberation from the reigns of British slave masters.
The event organised annually by the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) was lauded by President Jagdeo as an event that serves to enrich Guyanese understanding of the rich cultural heritage passed down from generations of Africans
“All Guyanese need to learn about the cultures of Guyana. Different cultures make up the national culture and we all owe it to ourselves to learn about these cultures. Festivities such as these … help to create an awareness of what happened to our people and we can use the strength and perseverance of our ancestors to build a better society,” President Jagdeo emphasised.
He applauded parents bringing out their children in large numbers as they will be the ones who carry on the rich cultural legacy of their ancestors.
The President said, “I am pleased to see so many children out. This is very good because they carry within them the seeds to keep the culture alive.”
In his Emancipation message President Jagdeo said, “This day should always be remembered since our ancestors were robbed of their fundamental rights to dignity and respect as human beings; a right that we now enjoy, full and final freedom.”
The message added, “Today, there is much to celebrate; we will focus on the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Trans Atlantic Trade in Captive Africans… I committed my government to addressing the sensitive issues of the trade, captivity and human abuse which characterized the system of plantation slavery by ensuring that the dastardly experience is never forgotten, not just by the affected section of our nation but by all Guyanese. Emancipation was also the beginning of another abominable system, that is, African apprenticeship and indentureship that brought the Indians, Chinese, and Portuguese to these shores.”
The Head of State in his message reiterated his government’s commitment to zealously pursue, both within the Region, at the level of CARICOM and at all international fora, the case for reparations for African slavery.
The contributions to Guyana’s social and cultural fibre of Guyana was also highlighted.
He said, “The African story is one of resilience and strength. But the most important lesson that we as a nation can learn from them is that in Unity anything can be overcome and great gains won.”
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