Successful Bird Flu simulation exercise indicates Guyana’s preparedness
Georgetown, GINA, August 09, 2007.
The recently concluded Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) simulation exercise has been deemed a success by all participants, both local and international, and represents Guyana’s level of preparedness to deal with a possible outbreak.
At a press conference today at the Ministry of Agriculture boardroom, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said several areas of strengths were identified including the willingness and enthusiasm of all agencies that participated, coordination among the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana Police and Defence Forces, the Fire Service and the role of the international organisations that were involved. These were highlighted during a debriefing session held earlier today and which brought closure to the three-day simulation exercise.
Several recommendations were also made to ensure that the exercise serve as a means of constant enhancement of Guyana’s preparedness such as the need for the data collection sheets to be redesigned, more staff training, continuous training of laboratory and field staff and more integrated management of resources to deal with any disease outbreak. Although the weaknesses identified during the simulation exercise would not impede the situation should there be an outbreak, arrangements are already being put in place to develop a Plan of Action to address the recommendations.
He noted that some areas have been recognised and efforts are ongoing to strengthen these inclduing upgrading of the recently established Guyana Veterinary Services Laboratory and plans to establish a modern veterinary laboratory at Mon Repos under the Agricultural Diversification Initiative.
The Minister pointed out that the simulation exercise will be documented and made available to staff associated with animal health and to farmers so that they can be prepared to deal with an actual outbreak, should there be any.
He further commended the participants in the event and who contributed to its success. The simulation exercise was organized by the Ministries of Agriculture and Health with support from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
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Jagdeo Initiative can lead to realization of new agriculture - IICA’s regional planning and management seminar opens in Guyana
Georgetown, GINA, August 09, 2007.
Challenges currently facing the region’s agriculture can be overcome with guidance from the ‘Jagdeo Initiative’ which seeks to re-position the sector to ensure food security, rural development and further wealth in the Caribbean.
This was highlighted today during the opening of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture’s institutional planning and management meeting for the Caribbean Region. The three-day event is being held at the Buddy’s International Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara and representatives from all of IICA’s Caribbean member states are participating. This is the first time that this event is being held in Guyana.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said there is a huge challenge facing the region’s agriculture but one that can be addressed with strategic planning and aggressive persuasion of the ‘Jagdeo Initiative’ which can help to realise the ‘new agriculture.’ The ‘Jagdeo Initiative’ is an exercise to identify and define critical and binding constraints to agricultural repositioning and development in the Caribbean region. It seeks to implement targeted, focused and practical interventions at both the regional and national levels, to alleviate these constraints.
“We as a region can look within and see this as an opportunity and a window to revitalize agriculture. We must see the escalating food price as an opportunity for us to urgently and aggressively continue to address the binding constraints that were identified under the Jagdeo Initiative,” he said.
Reference was made to the region’s food import bill which is approximately US$3.6B and which is continually increasing. IICA was urged to take up a leadership role in helping the region to address these issues locally by examining joint ventures, opening-up of new markets and learning from the experiences of some Latin American countries.
“Through collaboration, sharing and best maximum utilisation of our resources we can certainly propel our sector forward and the moment is ripe,” Minister Persaud said.
He further stated that the potential exists for a turn-around of the Caribbean’s agriculture, noting that this is being realized in Guyana, which enjoys food security and is now a net exporter to the Caribbean and North America. He noted that Guyana has benefited significantly from the work of IICA which has responded to the needs of agriculture in Guyana.
Director General of IICA Dr. Chelston Braithwaite said changes in the agriculture sector such as the removal of preferential treatment must push the region to look for ‘building blocks’ to realise the ‘new agriculture’ of the 21st century which must support food security, energy availability, competitiveness and job creation.
“The implementation of the Jagdeo Initiative, a proposal for modernisation of agriculture in the Caribbean, designed to remove the binding constraints to agricultural development, led by President Bharrat Jagdeo will help us to achieve these goals,” he added.
Director of Regional Operations and Integration Trevor Murray and Representative of IICA, Guyana Ignatius Jean also addressed the gathering.
IICA’s main purposes are to encourage, facilitate and support cooperation among its Member States so as to promote agricultural development and rural well-being.
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Minister Baksh welcomes VSOs, urges them to persevere
Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2007
Minister of Education Shaik Baksh today welcomed another batch of 36 volunteers with the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) who arrived from the United States of America to take up their one-year stint here.
Minister Baksh told the volunteers, who are engaged with the ‘World Teach’ programme, that he is happy that they chose to come here to contribute to the delivery of education in Guyana which will make a difference in the lives of many children across the country.
The Minister was at the time delivering remarks at the opening session of a programme held to welcome the volunteers at the National Centre for Education, Resource and Development (NCERD), Kingston.
The Minister pointed out that he was approached last year with the request that the batch be increased from 25 to 36 and asked that priority be given to persons specialising in Science, English and Mathematics. These, he said are challenging areas, since the performance level is low and the results emanating from these areas of study are poor.
The Ministry is working to make changes in the education system and is developing modules to supplement the education programme through distance education. In this regard, a programme is being developed to train a large number of teachers. Minister Baksh stated that the highly motivated VSOs will be placed in the outlying Regions considered to be the most beautiful parts of the country, and although there will be many challenges he is optimistic that they will persevere.
Assistant Chief Education Officer (ag) Mrs. Melcita Bovell pointed out that Government recognised that secondary education must be accessible to all primary school leavers and is working to improve its programmes.
She pointed out that the Ministry continues to face the challenges including the difficulty of having adequate numbers of trained teachers in the hinterland areas.
Ms. Bovell said that Government recognises the urgent need to revitalise the education sector and is doing so through the strengthening of management and the rationalising of resources. She also noted that two of the volunteers have Guyanese parents and commended the fact that they were willing to come back to their country to assist in its development.
She wished the volunteers well for their one-year stint and expressed confidence that they will do well in the circumstances, pointing out that it would be challenging since the situation is much different from what they are accustomed. However, she said that it would be an experience and one which will make them stronger.
World Teach Director Ms. Dana Robertie, pointed out that although it would be a challenge having to provide for 36 instead of 25, the increase makes it possible for the programme to reach many more areas than it has in the past. She also expressed confidence that the new batch will do well, since there is much more support being provided to the teams through the Ministry of Education, the Regional Offices and the students and entire communities.
“I urge you to give the commitment, energy and hard work that the children of this country deserve,” she said.
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Use skills to enhance school management system
- Minister Baksh tells master trainers
Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2007
Minister of Education Shaik Baksh has urged that master trainers who are currently enhancing their skills through the Education Management Programme use their expertise to further develop the management system in schools.
The Minister was at the time delivering an address at the fourth day of a Master Trainers’ Workshop held at the National Centre for Education, Resource and Development (NCERD), Kingston.
The Minister pointed out that there are many areas of concern within the education sector and that Government is currently working to address them, but it would take time.
The poor results being generated from the various levels of the education system is of concern to the Minister. He said the trainers programme will build on skills already accrued and allow the personnel to spread out to the various areas to work and find ways of improving the sector and get better results.
A team has been appointed to assess the system at all levels to determine the factors contributing to the low results. The team is being given a two-month period to submit proposals for improvement.
Minister Baksh pointed out that he has advised that the certificate be handed over to programme participants six months after they would have returned to their respective schools and put to use the knowledge they have gained during the course of the workshop. The programme lasts for a period of 18 months after which the certificate is given, but the Minister urged that an assessment be effected to ensure that the skills are being put to use.
A pilot programme was effected for trainers in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and the Minister has urged that NCERD conduct a survey to determine the effectiveness of the programme. This will inform the relevant authorities whether there needs to be any improvements.
He said that the training programmes should not only be designed for headteachers but also for senior managers in schools since they assist in the effective functioning of those schools. He told the participants that with good leadership he is confident that the sector can move forward.
The education sector has been experiencing difficulties in attracting and keeping qualified teachers in the system and as such the Ministry is working to have retired teachers brought back into the system to help build capacity.
Minister Baksh also stated that in some schools there are teachers who are not committed to the job but in others teachers exhibit a high level of commitment. For the system to function effectively, teachers need to be committed, he stressed.
The Education Minister stated that he is working to flatten the bureaucracy in the education system and allow persons to do what they are supposed to do.
The workshop was geared for Regional Education Officers and Headteachers in the various regions who will be given a certificate at the end of the programme.
Education Management Specialist, Stephen Harding, a member of the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) stated that the programme aims to develop training skills already present in the system and provide motivation for future headteachers.
He pointed out that through the programme, they are now looking at the modules used with a view of improving and structuring them to fit into Guyana’s context. He said the future of education lies in the hands of visionaries trained to deliver quality education.
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Japanese Ambassador to Guyana pays courtesy call on President
Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2007
Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo was today paid a courtesy call by Japan’s non-resident Ambassador to Guyana Koichiro Seki at Office of the President.
The Head of State was paid a visit by the Japanese Ambassador on June 11 before his trip to Japan.
President Jagdeo had met Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe whilst in the country for talks surrounding enhanced cooperation in a number of areas the two countries.
The Head of state whilst in Japan on June 25, gave a lecture, “Guyana and CARICOM: Promoting Development, Sustaining the Future”, at the United Nations University (UNU).
Ambassador Seki, based in Trinidad and Tobago, presented his Letters of Credence to President Jagdeo at the Office of the President on November 9, 2006.
Guyana and Japan established formal diplomatic ties in June 1967.
President Jagdeo last visited Japan in 1993 as Finance Minister.
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Amerindian students to get uniforms soon
Georgetown, GINA, August 09, 2007
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs which is responsible for the distribution of school uniforms to hinterland students is currently in the process of procuring them for distribution to the communities.
Students from approximately 55 hinterland communities in Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and Eight will benefit from this year’s $10M allocated to the Ministry. Distribution will be spearheaded by the Community Development Officers (CDOs).
This programme is a collaborative effort between the Human Services Ministry which is responsible for all areas outside of Amerindian communities and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs which is responsible for over 120 villages.
This year both Ministries were allocated $40M for the programme.
Distribution by Probation and Social Services Officers of the Human Services Ministry is ongoing and will see over 20,000 underprivileged children benefiting.This voucher which is valued at $1500 allows parents on the coastland to purchase school uniforms or other items while Amerindian children are given uniforms. Through this assistance thousands of children have been able to attend school.
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PM to represent Guyana at Venezuela’s Petrocaribe Summit
Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2007
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds departed Guyana today for neighbouring Venezuela where he will represent Guyana at the hosting of the third Petrocaribe Summit, in Caracas.
Prime Minister Hinds will join representatives from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in discussion on the initiative with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez at the two-day summit. The Petrocaribe initiative is Venezuela’s response to high oil prices.
Petrocaribe coincides with various aspects of Guyana’s rapid move towards bio-energy which was recently marked by a high-level hemispheric seminar at the Guyana International Conference Centre on expanding its opportunities in the Caribbean.
Of greater importance is the fact that both initiatives focus on the need to reduce the high consumption of fossil fuel and utilise energy that contributes positively to the environment.
The Venezuelan President was the first to announce a Petrocaribe initiative during the first regional summit in Puerto La Cruz in 2005.
Guyana and 12 of the 15 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states along with Cuba and the Dominican Republic were signatories. Venezuela also proposed to satisfy Guyana’s fuel demands by supplying 50 percent of its needs.
Venezuela’s Petrocaribe policy caters only for transaction with other state owned entities. It allows for Caribbean nations to purchase up to 185,000 barrels of oil and in return the nations are obligated to pay part of the cost with other products supplied to Venezuela such as bananas, rice and sugar.
The Spanish-speaking country is the world’s fifth largest oil exporter, producing about 3.1 million barrels a day. Chavez had noted that Petrocaribe is one way of helping the region to cushion the rising cost of fossil fuel.
Government has analysed the important role which agro-energy will play in Guyana and will be pushing ahead with this initiative. Government is however, still optimistic about the likelihood of the country emerging as a major oil producer.
A United States Geological Survey conducted in 2000 had estimated that reserves of some 15 million barrels of oil are located offshore Guyana’s coastline.
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Recall legislation passed
-party members must serve electorates- Minister Rohee
Georgetown, GINA, August 9, 2007
The National Assembly after a six-hour debate and with support from the Main Opposition Party passed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2007 referred to as ‘Recall Legislation’ with 49 Members of Parliament supporting the legislation.
The Amended Bill that was passed with further amendments proposed, by Government will address the issue commonly known as crossing-the-floor or defection.
The Amended Bill will enable representatives of Parliamentary Parties, to ask the Speaker of the National Assembly to declare a seat vacant on the basis that a representative has lost confidence in a party member that occupies that seat.
Under section 156 (2), upon receipt of a Notice of Recall, the Speaker shall declare the seat of the member in the National Assembly vacant, and that seat may be filled in the manner provided by the law.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee who represented Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said the Amendment to the Constitution is long overdue and should be put in place to ensure that Parliamentarians serve the electorate.
“Of late it has come to our notice that certain persons after becoming Members may not adhere to the discipline or do not show faith and allegiance to the list from which their names were extracted and may show allegiance to another list and this act is contrary to the faith reposed in the list of the people,” Minister Rohee said.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic members contended that the issue of crossing-the-floor provokes immense debate and should be addressed and the Amendment will make the necessary provisions in the Constitution to empower the list the right to remove members in the circumstances of possible crossing-the-floor.
“Members drawn from the List are answerable to the trust reposed in them and it is their bounded duty to adhere to the policies and programmes which gave them the berth. A member has thus to safeguard the trust in him and he should be faithful to the list and its policies and programmes,” Minister Rohee said.
Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Robert Corbin pledged his party’s support for the Recall legislation.
“This support is not a decision is not one made by the leader rather a central executive committee decision. This provision is necessary since no one has a transport for a seat in the House and they should be here to serve the people,” Corbin said.
Under the Amended Bill a member may declare in writing to the Speaker or the representative of the list from which his or her name was extracted that he or she will not support the list from which his or her name was extracted.
“The principle is that a member of a legislative body is obliged to resign if he or she changes his or her allegiance to the list from which his or her name was extracted during the life of the Legislature,” Minister Rohee said.
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