More assistance for forestry development
Georgetown, GINA, August 10, 2007.
Government’s programme to empower Amerindian communities through sustainable utilisation and development of forest resources is gaining further support from the international community.
Under a Sustainable Forestry Management and Hinterland Community Development Project, two communities, Qwebanna in Region One and Batavia in Region Seven will benefit from activities that seek to improve forestry regulation and enforcement of these, and building capacity for sustainable management of the communities’ forest resources. The project, which targets Guyana and neighbouring Suriname, will be undertaken through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with a grant from the British Government.
The agreement for the project was signed today by British High Commissioner to Guyana, Fraser Wheeler and Director of WWF Dominiek Plouvier in the presence of Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud. The signing took place at the British High Commission, Main Street, Georgetown.
According to Minister Persaud, Guyana’s forestry sector received tremendous support from 1996 to 2003 from the United Kingdom (UK) Government through its Department for International Development (DFID) programme. Resources were invested in institutional strengthening of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).
With the support it has received, GFC was able to develop a Social Development Programme that seeks to encourage increased economic growth, alleviation of poverty, equitable geographical distribution of economic activities and diversification of the economy. This initiative combined with GFC’s community forestry project included the implementation of several activities such as the formation of forestry groups and granting of access to state lands.
“The Government of Guyana recognises the important role that community forestry groups can play in poverty reduction through job creation, and the provision of other spin-off benefits to the wider economy,” Minister Persaud said.
The Sustainable Forestry Programme will fund activities such as development of forest management plans and annual operational plans and provision of training and capacity building on key forestry area. Assessment of the communities’ forest resources will also be carried out.
Minister Persaud noted that both Batavia and Qwebanna have tremendous potential for further community development through appropriate support and guidance to utilise their forest resources.
The British High Commissioner noted that the current programme supports the work done over the years by the British Government to help develop Guyana’s forestry sector.
“We recognise the importance of the Guiana shield as the largest expanse of undisturbed tropical rain forest on the planet. Its importance is major and multi-faceted, from the real and potential contributions its forests make to the mitigation of climate change, to its bio diversity,” Wheeler said.
“In this context, the sustainable management of the forest is critical. The regional dimension means that it made sense to focus on more than one country within the Shield,” he added.
The forestry sector in Guyana 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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Work ongoing at La Grange well
Georgetown, GINA, August 10, 2007
Repairs are ongoing to the well at La Grange, West Bank Demerara, Region Three, to ensure that it becomes operational in the shortest possible time-frame.
Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt visited the well’s site on Wednesday and met the residents to update them about the steps being taken to expedite the restoration of service. He also apologised for the inconvenience that they are enduring.
Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt with officials from Guyana Water Incorporated at the La Grange well site. (GINA PHOTO)
Accompanying the Minister was Board member of the Guyana Water Incorporated Dharamkumar Seeraj, Interim Managing Director Sizwe Jackson, Head of Asset Development (ag) Altaf Gafoor, Divisional Manager Dwayne Younge and other officials from the entity.
Minister Nawbatt acknowledged that the residents have been without water supply since last year and noted that several unsuccessful attempts were made to fulfill the deadlines of repairing the well.
The meeting was well attended and residents raised several concerns some of which were addressed by the team and others deferred to August 13 when Minister Nawbatt will return to the area.
Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt with officials from Guyana Water Incorporated at the La Grange well site. (GINA PHOTO)
GWI’s Interim Managing Director Sizwe Jackson explained that after the well’s initial failure in 2006 two strategies were attempted, one to resuscitate the existing structure and the other, drilling of a new well.
The Minister has indicated that regular meetings will be held with the residents to update them on the situation.
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International Youth Day, an occasion to reflect on nation’s future - Minister Anthony
Georgetown, GINA, August 10, 2007
Guyana joins with the international community on August 12 to observance International Youth Day 2007, to be held under the theme “Be seen, be heard, youth participation for development.”
The day which is designated by the United Nations (UN) was set aside to focus on issues relevant to policies and programmes to promote youth development with specific emphasis on socio economic, civil, cultural and political opportunities.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Frank Anthony in his International Youth Day message said government, recognising that Guyana’s youth population comprises 62 percent, has implemented numerous development and empowerment programmes for this sector.
In excess of $1B was spent on the implementation of programmes which would seek to provide youths with various skills for life and enable them to confidently venture into the world of work.
Some of these programmes include the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG), the President’s Youth Choice Initiative (PYCI), the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme and the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment.
The PYCI is the brainchild of Head of State President Jagdeo who in his visit to communities across the country interacted with many out-of-school youths who are desirous of attaining skills or jobs.
Government, through the department of sports in the Ministry also disbursed millions for the provision of sports facilities, equipment coaching programmes and a school curriculum for school youths.
Minister Anthony noted that Government is committed to fulfilling its future obligations for adequate training.
He alluded to a $1.5B training programme which will cater for 25,000 youths at various skills areas and the creation of a job bank which will be established to form a coalition between employers and prospective youths.
The Minister also referred to several other programmes on government’s agenda which seek to foster community collaboration, promote healthy lifestyles through STI and HIV/AIDS education and awareness and encourage active participation in the arts, culture and sports.
Additionally, a National Youth Policy is under revision along with the National Youth Commission.
“We must use occasions such as International Youth Day to plan and embark on profound lasting exercises in the cause of youth. On area even if not popular, could be a serious, analytical review of why some previous youth initiatives failed, in a relative sense. We need to analyse why this happened and learn lessons from these efforts so that future initiatives can benefit from these insights,” Minister Anthony said.
He pointed out that the Ministry is willing to work with youth groups to analyse failures and work to ensure that future programmes succeed.
The Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations will mark the occasion with a preliminary International Youth Day Exhibition and Exposition at the Carifesta Sports Complex. The event will showcase the various talents of Guyanese youths.
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Nominees for Police Service Commission agreed upon
-members will serve well- Teixeira
Georgetown, GINA, August 10, 2007
Members of the Committee of Appointments yesterday reported to the National Assembly that they have agreed on the nomination of four persons to serve on the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Mr. Ivan Crandon, DSM, Mr. Harold Martin, Mr. Franchot Duncan Clarke and Mr. Dennis Morgan, A.A were identified as the Assembly’s choice for appointment as Members of the PSC.
President Bharrat Jagdeo and Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin after consultations will then have to appoint the Chairman of the Commission from the four nominees.
Chairperson of the Committee of Appointments People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MP Gail Teixeira told the House that the decision was made after meaningful consultations with the Police Association, the Association of Former Members of the Guyana Police Force , the National Commission on Law and Order and the National Executive of Community Policing Groups.
Teixeira expressed confidence in the members nominated.
“I believe that these are honourable men who have served the Commission before and therefore, they will do well,” Teixeira said.
The Committee whose members comprised six PPP/C members, three from the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) and one Alliance for Change (AFC) member held a total of 14 meetings from December 2006 to August 7, before arriving at an agreement.
The Committee was mandated by Article 210 (1) (c) of the Constitution in relation to the PSC to nominate for appointment by the President.
The Committee by Resolution No.17 passed by the National Assembly on May 8, 2003 entrusted to discharge functions in relation to the appointment of a member of the Commission established under the Constitution.
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Simulation exercise – a test of Guyana’s readiness
Guyana in collaboration with the international community on August 8, executed an Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Simulation Exercise at Laluni, Soesdyke.
The exercise, the second to be staged in the Caribbean was conducted to test Guyana’s readiness to deal with a possible outbreak of Bird Flu.
Five teams participated in the exercise that was spearheaded by the Ministries of Agriculture and Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO). International observers from other Caribbean countries and the United States of America (USA) were at hand to witness the exercise.
Disinfecting personel
Each team was assigned to a particular activity. Team one was responsible for command and control, team two was out in the field, team three took samples and conducted post mortem of birds, team four was responsible for all quarantine activities while team five was assigned to destroy all materials used in the exercise, assuming they were contaminated.
The farmer who initiated the call that all was not well at his farm was questioned by the veterinary health officers. The area used for the exercise was isolated from the rest of the community. At the ports of entry (buffer zones) members of the army and police, animal health officers and quarantine teams were present.
The samples were then taken to the laboratory which is located in the Ministry of Agriculture Compound for testing. Soon after an alert was raised of a farmer collapsing which tested the response of health team. An ambulance was summoned.
Personnel, who responded to the incident, wore protective gear while all material from the affected person were removed and taken away. The vehicle proceeded to the hospital. Participants, assuming that the results of the blood samples were positive for the H5N1 virus, stated to remove all materials at the site. 
Removing material from farm
The birds were culled, placed in disposable bags and taken to a site for burning along with all objects from the pen including feed, feeding cans, water cans and surface material. The site was evacuated. All persons and vehicles which had access to the area were also disinfected.
Bird Flu is an infection caused by Avian (bird) influenza (flu) virus which occurs naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the virus in their intestines, but usually are not affected by them. The virus is however, very contagious among birds and can seriously affect some domesticated birds including chickens, ducks and turkeys.
It is believed that most cases of Bird Flu infections in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry.
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Bird Flu simulation a success
- St. Lucia’s Chief Veterinary Officer
Georgetown, GINA, August 10, 2007
The recently concluded Bird Flu Simulation exercise conducted by the Government of Guyana through the Ministries of Agriculture and Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) has been deemed a success by the international observers.
Chief Veterinary Officer of St. Lucia Dr. George Joseph said Guyana’s strategy will be used as a model for that country when it conducts its simulation exercise on August 22.
“With the Guyana experience, I can now go back home and fine-tune so as to enhance it from the Guyana perspective,” he said.
“I think that the effort was tremendous and for me the outcome was a success, this is as a result of the collaborative effort on the part on all stakeholders and agencies and I think there is greater awareness on the importance of the disease among the agencies,” Dr. Joseph said.
He is hopeful that Guyana would use this exercise as a stepping stone. Speaking on Guyana’s preparedness he said that the country is 90 percent ready to handle a worst case scenario if there is a possible outbreak of the disease.
An observer group at the Laluni Site
Representatives from various countries including Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Suriname, Belize and Venezuela, observed the exercise which was aimed at enhancing the level of readiness in the Caribbean for responding to a possible influenza pandemic and to strengthen and test the influenza pandemic plans in the region. Guyana is among the first countries in the Caribbean to implement a simulation exercise.
Bird Flu has an implication for the entire Caribbean region and not only Guyana and as such the recent exercise is one that is very important for the region. The exercise, the second to be staged in the Caribbean was conducted to test Guyana’s readiness to deal with a possible outbreak of Bird Flu.
Research shows that Guyana was chosen because of its ideal environment for such an exercise due to its agricultural base and the country’s rapidly developing poultry industry.
At a press conference on August 9, 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.
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.
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Agro-energy seminar showcased Guyana’s potential - follow up actions underway
Georgetown, GINA, August 10, 2007.
The recently concluded seminar on expanding bio-energy opportunities in the Caribbean, allowed Guyana to showcase to investors, its position to develop an agro-energy sector with the availability of accurate conditions, important ingredients such as arable land and water and its work toward developing a policy to lead the sector’s growth.
This statement was made by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud who highlighted the many important outcomes of the seminar which was held on August 6 and 7 at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal. The event was sponsored by the Government of Guyana, the Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM) and the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP), in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Organisation of American States (OAS).
“From a Guyana standpoint, we were given an opportunity to showcase where we are and where we want to go, and one should expect greater interest and more prospects for agro-energy development in our country,” Minister Persaud said.
Additionally, reference was made to the agreement of all participants, both at the regional and hemispheric level, CARICOM, IDB, IICA and the host country, Guyana, to work together on developing a vibrant agro-energy sector.
Minister Persaud noted that the concept of an agro-energy sector is relatively new to the Caribbean and therefore, the need for hemispheric cooperation is essential since there are member states which have already developed the sector which are continually expanding. Commitment has been given by these countries namely Brazil and Columbia, both bilaterally and within the context of a regional or hemispheric framework to support countries such as Guyana in this regard.
Another important conclusion was the signal by the various institutions that subsequent actions will be informed by the potential of agro-energy to transform the region’s agriculture, develop the economy, create jobs and reduce poverty while ensuring that food security is not compromised. Participants were strongly assured that development of feed stock will not affect food supply.
The awareness among the different countries, sharing of experiences, political commitment from several influential individuals who were present and interest demonstrated by the banking community were other notable outcomes. The latter is very important, the Minister said, since most of the activities in agro-energy will be injected by the private sector and private lending institutions, which will provide financing to the various investors.
“So they are on board and are indeed looking for projects to finance,” Minister Persaud pointed out, adding that “Government’s role will come in terms of providing incentives and putting the framework for those investment opportunities to take place.”
He noted that Guyana was very fortunate to have gained the US$850, 000 grant that will be used to develop capacity for an agro-energy sector; provide support in training of skill personnel; work with the institution (s) that will manage the sector and cater for evaluation of the different proposals on board. Government has already engaged the European Commission for Latin America and Caribbean to explore the possibility of ECLAC’s support in terms of working with investors on the proposals.
A task force will be set up to lead regional follow-up actions, details of which will be discussed by Council for Training and Economic Development (COTED) while locally, information has been disseminated among all agencies involved for them to examine Guyana’s position and look at specific initiatives that can be pursued.
The key objectives of the Seminar were: to disseminate the results of recent studies on bio-energy in the Caribbean; initiate a dialogue towards the organization and preparation of a regional agro-energy strategy; to facilitate dialogue among the public sector, private investors, carbon financiers and project developers interested in the Caribbean bio-energy industry.
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Leadership Master’s degree to start September at UG
Georgetown, GINA, August 10, 2007
The University of Guyana in collaboration with the Nova Southeastern University will in September offer students an opportunity to read for a Master’s Degree in Leadership.
This was revealed today by Assistant to the Provost Director, Latin American Leadership Institute Armando Rodrigues of the University’s Fischler School of Education and Human Services after meeting with Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President.
“We have a programme with the University of Guyana and it’s a Master’s degree in Leadership in conjunction with Guyana supported by the Inter-American Development Bank. It has been approved to start in September,” Rodrigues expanded.
“It was an excellent meeting I think the President has a great desire to improve education in the country and we are very enthusiastic and would like to be part of the process of development of Guyana in the new millennium.”
He said during the meeting with the Head of State future ideas and programmes in education, technology and organizational leadership for enhancing the menu of programmes offered at the University were discussed.
Rodrigues said, “We talked about ideas and future plans …that we contribute to the development of the Guyanese people. We are just in initial stage, talking and looking at the possibilities.”
Rodrigues was accompanied by fellow Assistant Pedro A. Hernandez.
Located in Fort Lauderdale, NSU has more than 25,000 students and is the largest independent institution of higher education in Florida. It is the sixth largest independent institution nationally.
The Fischler School of Education and Human Services at Nova Southeastern University has become one of the field's most adept at forging partnerships and cooperative arrangements that help educational systems provide the services that ultimately enable learners throughout the world to meet their goals.
The school has developed partnerships and Initiatives that the Fischler School has developed and advanced in recent years. This includes partnerships with Universities in Venezuela, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
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ERC’s former members to remain until new nomination
- Government calls for speedy appointment of new members
Georgetown, GINA, August 10, 2007
Government is calling for speedy closure to the appointment of new members to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), the body which was established to enforce laws regarding race relations.
The motion for the reinstatement of former members of the commission went in favour of Government during the 31st sitting of the National Assembly on August 9.
Moving the motion on his own behalf at the sitting of the National Assembly Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said the committee’s previous efforts to reach an appointment consensus were not successful.
He referred to the failure of the motion on May 10 to achieve two-thirds support of the house as required by the constitution, following the withholding action of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R).
The Motion in accordance with Article 212 B (1) of the Constitution stated that the ERC should consist of not less than five nor more than fifteen members nominated by entities, by a consensual mechanism determined by the National Assembly.
The committee or Group of Entities responsible for arriving at a consensus for appointment comprise members from the religious community, labour movement, business sector, youth and women’s organisations,
Minister Ramsammy said despite actions by the PNC/R to withdraw support to those recommendations at the May 10 sitting, Government recognised the urgency of closure to the appointment of commissioners of the ERC.
He noted that failure of appointment prompted the administration to seek alternatives which include the retention of former commissioners.
The ERC was established as an important institutional body that will work towards the promotion of a harmonious society by providing legal advice and assistance to claims of discrimination.
The terms of office of the current ERC draws to a close this month however, the Commission under Article 212A continues.
The National Assembly has also taken a two-month recess and will resume on October 10.
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Police reform to be boosted with four-year security plan
Georgetown, GINA, August 10, 2007
An integrated intervention to complement existing programmes and measures in the ongoing police reform that would fight and control crime and build capacity of the law enforcement agency was sealed today between the Governments of Guyana and the United Kingdom.
The four-year bilateral agreement to fund activities to the tune of ₤3M sterling is another demonstration of the administration’s determination to modernise, equip and continuously build capacity within the police force in an ever changing environment of sophisticated criminal activities.
The Interim Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP) was signed by British High Commissioner to Guyana Fraser Wheeler and Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon.
Guyana’s efforts at tackling crime have not gone unnoticed. High Commissioner Wheeler commended the administration for its continued effort to fight crime.
“This is a very exciting development, and I fully congratulate the Guyana Government and particularly the President for making this bold and innovative move, which the British Government is delighted to support financially and otherwise. I firmly believe that this close partnership on security sector reform can make a real difference to the future of Guyana,” Wheeler said.
The far-reaching plan will cater for building operational capacity of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in terms of a uniformed response to serious crime, forensics, crime intelligence and traffic policing.
The Government will have to table in the National Assembly no later than October 31, the Summary of the action plan, and Motions to set-up Special Select Committees on the Disciplined Forces Commission Report and to review the plan’s implementation.
The UK government on the other hand will identify and deploy technical expertise to Guyana to start strengthening the crime intelligence capability of the GPF, and build a uniformed rapid response to serious crime.
The UK will also be bringing experts to conduct further detail work on the implementation and funding process of the action plan.
Dr. Luncheon who is Head of the Defence Board reminded the UK government and security officials of the administration’s renewed efforts in crime fighting and the continued support from that Government.
“President Bharrat Jagdeo in his 2006 inaugural speech highlighted the general policy position to be implemented in the security sector, and among them he identified reform as a major initiative. Minister Rohee has also identified several interventions that are being implemented and being planed….The UK has been highlighted for its long involvement in the security sector,” Dr. Luncheon said.
Government fully supports the oversight role that Parliament will play in the security plan and the MOU is seen as a firm basis for reforming the security sector.
“This interim MOU in the view of the PPP/C administration is solid foundation for reform in the security sector and indeed an indication of the commitment of our bilateral parties to addressing at the national level mutual concerns abut security,” Dr. Luncheon said.
The plan will also cater for strengthening policy-making across the security sector toward more transparency, effective and better coordination and building greater public participation and inclusiveness on security sector issues.
The idea of an action plan began with discussion between President Jagdeo and British Minister Valerie Amos in May 2006 where a Statement of Principle was subsequently agreed with the government on the way forward for such a plan.
In October 2006, a team of security reform experts from Ghana, India and South Africa visited Guyana to draw up ideas for an action plan based on previous studies of the sector, current activities and their engagement with range of stakeholders.
As part of the police reform, Government will be responsible for the establishment of a training centre for the Police Force, building a forensic laboratory, establishing and refurbishing approximately 72 police stations and emphasising community action which will entail working with stakeholders of the respective communities.
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