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New system introduced to speed-up pension applications

Georgetown, GINA, August 15, 2007

In an effort to modernise the pension and public assistance system Government has introduced new measures to expedite the application process.
            This new system will enable pensioners and public assistance recipients to receive their benefits earlier and in a timely manner. There have been complaints of persons waiting for months for their pension books and this prompted the Ministry’s intervention.
            Probation and Social Services Officers of the Ministry have agreed at a bi-annual review of the Ministry that the processing of an application for pensions should not exceed six weeks.
            It was also agreed that in the event the process exceeds the stipulated time, the officer who is handling that particular application would pay the pensioner for the additional months the applicant would have to wait.  
            Arrangements have also been made with the Management of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) for the early payment of pensions. Post Offices are now equipped to make payments on the first working day of every month.
            As it relates to public assistance, the application process would take no longer than three months. The Ministry is urging persons who may be aware of an instance where a Post Office claims that there is not enough or any money to pay to report same to the Ministry.
            There are close to 36,000 persons on Government’s Old Age pension database while approximately 18,000 persons are benefiting from public assistance. Pension and has increased significantly from $290 in 1992 to $3,675 currently. Public assistance is $2,675.  

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Ministers meet to expedite progress of diagnostic centre

Georgetown, GINA, August 15, 2007

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall and Minister in the Ministry of Health Bheri Ramsarran today, checked on the progress of the work at the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre housed at the Leonora Hospital one of the four institutions being built to improve health care delivery.

Minister Lall said that work has progressed and hopes the facility will be up and running shortly to the benefit of the surrounding communities.
The centre will contribute to easing the pressure on the West Demerara Regional Hospital.
The other diagnostic centres are being built at Diamond, Suddie and Mahaicony and each of the facilities will cater for general surgery and intensive care.

They will include units for laboratory, ultra sound and X-ray.  The centres will also accommodate both in-patient and out-patient services.

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Guyana continues to record improvement at CAPE
- Minister Baksh

Georgetown, GINA, August 15, 2007

Students sitting the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) are continually improving each year, scoring higher marks in various disciplines.
            Minister of Education Shaik Baksh today expressed satisfaction with the recently released CAPE results which were recorded at a 90.5 percent pass rate. This year’s results, he said, compares favourably with the previous two years when 86 percent was recorded in 2006 and 84 percent passes was achieved in 2005.
            The Minister voiced his satisfaction at a media conference held at his office earlier this afternoon. He however, expressed concern over the low grades attained in the Pure Mathematics examination and pointed out that the Ministry is looking at ways of improving these results.  
            Minister Baksh pointed out that some single unit subjects are offered which include Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, Information Technology, Statistical Analysis and Electrical and Electronic Technology.
            Students are also offered double unit subjects which are done in two modules. These include Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Science, French, Food and Nutrition, Geography, History, Law, Literatures in English, Management of Business, Pure mathematics, Physics, Sociology and Spanish.
            Five hundred and twenty-one students from nine schools and one private institution sat the examinations in 22 subject areas. The schools include Mackenzie High, Berbice High, New Amsterdam Multilateral and Adult Education Association, President’s College, Bishops High, Queen’s College, St. Joseph High, St. Rose’s High and St. Stanislaus College.           
            The results for the CAPE examination are reported on a seven-point scale – Grades 1 – VII. Candidates attaining Grades 1 – V have attained an acceptable standard with Grade One representing an excellent performance, while Grade Two to Three represent very good and good standards of performance.

The table above represents the number of students who sat the examinations at the various levels and the percentage passes attained at each level.
            In 13 units candidates obtained a 100 percent pass rate which includes Biology Unit Two, Food and Nutrition Units One and Two, History Unit One, Literatures in English Units One and Two, Management of Business Unit Two, Sociology Unit Two, Spanish Units One and Two, Electrical and Electronic Technology Unit One, Physics Unit Two and Computer Studies Unit Two.
            A 75 percent pass rate was recorded in the following 20 units: Accounting Unit Two, Biology Unit One, Caribbean Studies Unit One, Communication Studies Unit One, Chemistry Unit Two, Computer Science Unit One, Economics Units One and Two, Environmental Science Units One and Two, Geography Units One and Two, History Unit Two, Information Technology Unit One, Law Units One and Two, Management of Business Unit One, Pure Mathematics Unit Two, Sociology Unit One and Statistical Analysis Unit One.
            In three subject areas students obtained a pass rate of higher than 50 percent with Grades One to Five Passes. These include Accounting Unit One, Chemistry Unit One and Physics Unit One. However, the pass rate in Pure Mathematics Unit One was 45.3 percent.
            Minister Baksh is hopeful that similar results will be released for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). He noted that Government recognises challenges in the sector and is working to address these which include a shortage of suitably qualified teachers. One of the initiatives being implemented is the rehiring of retired teachers who will serve to bolster the system and improve the results.
            A Distance Education programme is also on stream for which 60 modules have already been developed in the areas of English and Mathematics and the Ministry is working on developing others for Information Technology and the Science subjects. There are also plans to have television programmes when these modules are completed.

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Minister Prashad meets airline operators
 - discussions focus on improved services

Government, GINA August 15, 2007

In the wake of passengers’ complaints that several airlines operating international flights out of Guyana are not providing efficient services to the travelling public, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad today convened a meeting with their representatives to determine what measures need to be put in place to address the concerns.
            At the meeting at the Ministry on South Road, Representatives from Caribbean Airlines, North American Airlines and Travel Span Inc were informed of the complaints that the Ministry’s Consumers Affairs Division has received.
            Lost baggage, overbooked flights which result in confirmed passengers being denied travel as scheduled, unfriendly and unhelpful customer service and check-in agents, frequent delayed departures and poor in-flight service are some of the concerns lodged.
Persons reported in some cases that duty-free items such as rum and perfumes leaving the country are being held in Trinidad and Tobago since passengers are not permitted to travel with more than three ounces of fluid.  
“Guyana is ripe for tourism and poor services from travel agencies do not contribute to the development of the sector so we have to find ways to solve existing problems and explore how we can improve,” Minister Prashad said.
            He noted that there has been an increase in the number of arrivals during August and with the new tourism initiatives being planned improved travel services are critical.  

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Gov’t continues to support Traffic department
-Home Affairs Minister

Georgetown, GINA, August 15, 2007

The administration has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure that law and order is maintained on the roadways.
            “I want to make it clear that there is no lack of political will. This government is committed to supporting the traffic department to help reduce the road accidents on our roadways. This is exemplified by the Bills taken to the National Assembly and the Bills to go before the Assembly shortly,” Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said.

            The Minister was speaking at a meeting held with Executive members of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) at the Home Affairs Ministry Boardroom this afternoon.
            Despite several interventions by government, there continues to be a disregard where drivers are not adhering to traffic laws primarily mini-bus drivers.
            “There is some gross disregard for traffic laws by mini-buses. There is still that sub-culture of mini-bus drivers that has to be worked on. The problem that we are also faced with is the enforceability problem but we (government) always say police cannot do it alone and an organisation like this (GNRSC) is important,” Minister Rohee said.
            Members of the Council were urged by Minister Rohee to ensure that they seek to have the profile of the council raised to a higher level which can only be done through more activities. The GNRSC was resuscitated in January 2006 by former Home Affairs Minister Gail Texiera
            The traffic department recently expanded its night operations to arrest the current spate of accidents.
            During the night of July 27 the police conducted a traffic campaign throughout the country resulting in 679 charges against offenders. Unlighted bicycles dominated the offences with 308 cases. 
            Traffic Chief Roland Alleyne has urged that pedal cyclists ensure that their cycles are fitted with lights and brakes. Drivers were also urged to drive within the speed limits.
            There has been an increase in road fatalities this year compared to the corresponding period last year. From January 1 to August 14, there were 117 fatalities from 99 accidents compared to 86 last year from 72 accidents.
            In April, forty-nine drivers were fined over a two-day period for the offence of ‘Breach of the Rules of the Road’ during a heightened Police traffic campaign.

The Department said it will continue to take action against defaulting drivers as part of their efforts to reduce the frequency of deaths and accidents on the roads.           
Government over the years has ensured that the department’s resources are boosted. Earlier in the year the department received 13 more motorcycles valued $21.4 M to assist in its patrol programme.
            Meanwhile, Minister Rohee through the Council, handed over a prize of $25,000 along with a trophy to Ronald Prince for winning the GNRSC logo competition. The signs depict the use of traffic lights and other traffic signs that will contribute to safety on the roadways.

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QC gains nine of top 15 places at CAPE
- Education Minister expresses satisfaction with results

Georgetown, GINA, August 15, 2007

Minister of Education Shaik Baksh said Guyana continues to excel in the education field as was shown in the recently released results of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations. 
            Nine students of Queen’s College placed in the top 15 while President’s College and New Amsterdam Secondary each copped two places. Mackenzie High and St. Stanislaus College gained one place each.
            Queen’s College top students were Valencia Bailey, Danielle Alleyne, Mekisha Naughton, Devendra Hira, Thengeta Luncheon, Najuma Nelson, Shirvanie Persaud, Bonita Roopnarine and Nazana Weeks.
            Two of the top students drawn from President’s College included Valline Ramotar and George Hercules while Naomi Christie and Janelle Williams were the high achievers from the New Amsterdam Secondary. The other two students were Jewel Chester from the Mackenzie High School and Sarawatie Bharrat from St. Stanislaus College.
            The top students secured Grades I, II and III at the examinations in various disciplines including Biology, Chemistry, Pure Mathematics, Environmental Science, Food and Nutrition, Accounting, Caribbean Studies, Sociology and Law among others.
            Valencia Bailey gained four grade ones in Biology, Chemistry, Pure mathematics and Statistical Analysis and a grade three in Communication Studies.
            Danielle Alleyne gained three grade ones in Environmental Science, Food and Nutrition Units One and Two and a grade two in Chemistry.
            Mekisha Naughton copped grade ones in Caribbean Studies, Food and Nutrition and Sociology and grade two in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Information Technology.
            Valline Ramotar scored three grade ones in Statistical Analysis, Accounting and Pure Mathematics and grade two in Communications Studies.
            Naomi Christie gained grade two in Sociology and Law, grade two in Communication Studies and grade three in Literatures in English and Management of Business.
            Janelle Williams gained grade one passes in Communication Studies and Sociology, grade three in Law, Literatures in English and grade four in Management of Business.
            Jewel Chester gained grade ones in Communication Studies and Environmental Science and grade five in Biology.
            Devendra Hira copped two grade ones in Caribbean Studies and Environmental Studies, a grade two in Biology, grade threes in Chemistry and Statistical Analysis and grade five in Pure Mathematics.
            Thengeta Luncheon gained grade ones in Chemistry and Communication Studies and grade two in Biology.
            Najuma Nelson scored grade ones in Communication Studies and Statistical Analysis, grade twos in Biology and Chemistry and grade three in Pure Mathematics.
            Shirvanie Persaud received two grade ones in Chemistry and Biology and grade three in Communication Studies.
            Bonita Roopnarine gained two grade ones in Caribbean Studies and Statistical Analysis, grade two in Economics Unit one and grade three in Economics unit two.
            Nazana Weeks scored grade ones in Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies, grade two in Environmental Science and grade three in Communication Studies and Pure Mathematics.
            Sarawatie Bharrat gained two grade ones in Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies, three grade threes in Literatures in English Units one and two and Management of Business, and a grade five in Computer Science.
            Meanwhile, George Hercules gained grade one passes in Communication Studies and Environmental Science and grade three passes in Statistical Analysis and Geography.

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Gov’t exploring initiatives to address rice farmers’ problems

Georgetown, GINA, August 15, 2007.

Government is exploring several initiatives that will address the high cost of production in the rice industry, including the increasing price for fertilizer and spare parts for machinery used in the industry.
            Over recent months, the cost of inputs in the rice industry has increased significantly, creating grave concerns among farmers. Government has since explored various ideas that could address the issue and while some of its interventions were successful, the cost of fuel and fertilizer remained a problem. On August 13, rice farmers highlighted their plight to President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and sought further assistance from the administration. The farmers were represented by the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA).

            Minister Persaud during his meeting today with farmers of Leguan island, Region Three, said Government is looking at an arrangement that will cater for the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) from spare parts for machinery used in the rice industry. However, stern consideration is being given to the manner in which the initiative will be implemented to ensure that persons do not exploit the system. Prior to the implementation of VAT, a Consumption Tax of 25 percent was charged on spare parts. Although VAT has reduced the taxation to 16 percent, the prices have been increased by some commercial agencies.
            Another issue engaging Government’s attention is the high cost of fertilizer, which is one of the items that do not attract VAT. Under the financial facility established through the Rice Competitiveness Project, there is collaboration with the RPA to source fertilizer in bulk, so that it can be made available to farmers at a reduced cost. Government has been encouraging other persons to become suppliers of fertilizers as another mechanism to address the issue.

Additionally, there would be discussions with the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) to ensure that the price of fuel does not increase during the sowing and harvesting seasons. Farmers have claimed that prices are mostly increased during these periods. One of Government’s previous interventions in this issue is reduction of the Excise Tax to keep fuel prices down.
Minister Persaud assured rice farmers that the administration recognises the challenges facing the rice industry and remains committed to providing the necessary assistance to ensure that the sector develops. A current investment of approximately $8B in the industry under various initiatives funded locally and with international support is evidence of Government’s strong support to the sector, he added.
In response to farmers’ request for revision of the rice farmers’ security Act, Minister Persaud said, the process has started with drafting of the proposed legislation and farmers will be consulted for their input. Farmers also spoke about the need for greater involvement in the appointment of persons on the Rice Assessment Committee. They were told that this has been acknowledged and former Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick was recently appointed as new Magistrate of the Committee based on their proposals.

Arrangements will be made for the new Magistrate to convene a meeting with Leguan farmers shortly to resolve issues relating to payment of rates by landlords since most lands are rented to farmers for agricultural activities on the island.
The need for improved drainage and irrigation (D&I) was another issue highlighted by the island’s farmers. Minister Persaud said significant investments are being made in this area with focus on the purchase of additional equipment used to carry out D&I work in the various communities. There are plans to purchase more machinery for D&I purposes and it is intended that farmers will do the work instead of contractors. This system will allow more work to be done and there will be saving of resources that can be used to purchase more equipment. At present, there are three excavators working in Region Three, one of which is based at Leguan.
Farmers spoke about the need for enhanced veterinary services. Arrangements will be put in place to have the veterinary officer visit the island two days weekly instead of one while a long term plan will be developed for such services to be provided under a special programme for the area since the officer which currently serves the island is a part of the entire Region’s team.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Officer (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth, Head of the Guyana Rice Project Management Unit (GRMPU) Nigel Dharamlall, Project Manager of the Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP) Sasenarine Singh and Regional Chairman Julius Faerber were among those present at the meeting.

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