Government has achieved Parliamentary goals
- to examine failure of Committee System on urgent matters
Georgetown, GINA, August 20, 2007
The governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has achieved its Parliamentary goals projected for the Ninth Parliament. The Parliamentary recess will allow further examination of its programme and implementation for areas which can be improved.
The House went into recess on August 10 and will reconvene on October 10.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his last weekly post-Cabinet media briefing said, “A critical benchmark was the ability of the Executive to legislate in specific Sectors in a timely way. That function was, on the whole, preserved with legislating within the Security Sector coming immediately to mind.”
Though government is pleased with the achievements to date, there are concerns over the failure of the Committee System on urgent matters of the House.
“Another element of the review of the governing party's work prior to the recess focused on the work and the outcomes of the Parliamentary Committees.…here the Governing Party has to examine the continued failure of the Committee System to give effect to important Constitutional obligations,” Dr. Luncheon said.
President Bharrat Jagdeo during his address at the opening of the Ninth Parliament on September 28, 2006 implored members of both sides of the House to give credence to the highest institution of the country.
The President had expressed hope that the Ninth Parliament would have been defined and given greater moral legitimacy by its representative character, openness and the vigorous debates which will be beneficial to the people of Guyana.
The Assembly passed 17 legislations during the period January to August 10. These are as follows:
- Gambling Prevention (Amendment) Bill 2006.
- Rice Factories (Amendment) Bill passed
- Old Metal Dealers (Amendment) Bill 2006
- Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill 2007
- Pesticides and toxic chemicals control (Amendment) Bill 2007
- Security Assistance (CARICOM Member States) Bill 2007
- Visiting Forces Bill 2007
- Status of Visiting Police Officers Bill 2007
- Caribbean Community Special Visa Agreement Bill,
- Pre-Clearance (ICC/CWC 2007) Bill,
- Immigration (Amendment) Bill and Customs (Amendment) Bill
- Guyana Forestry Commission Bill 2007
- High Court (Amendment) Bill 2007
- Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2007
During May, three important Bills were passed; the Juvenile Offenders (Amendment) Bill that will allow for the establishment of holding centres for youths who have committed crimes while they await their court Trial. The Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) (Amendment) Bill will make the necessary provisions to penalise persons who are engaged in harbouring criminals.
The Firearm (Amendment) Bill that received full support from Opposition Parties, will allow for increases in fines and penalties for persons who are found in possession of unlicensed firearms. One of the penalties is the refusal of bail to persons who are charged.
The Minister of Home Affairs is likely to announce the date of implementation of the Act shortly.
Meanwhile, Members of the Committee of Appointments after eight months were able agree on the nomination of four persons to serve on the Police Service Commission (PSC). That committee is chaired by PPP/C Member Gail Teixeira.
When the House reconvenes on October 10, the governing party intends to table legislation in the Human Services Sector which will deal with Family Life, Status of Children, Adoption Bills, Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence. Several other security Bill are also up for tabling.
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Forest stakeholders involved in environmental compliance, enforcement seminar
Georgetown, GINA, August 20, 2007.
Environmental compliance and enforcement is a key component of sustainable forestry growth and focus is being placed on developing a framework for effective strategies and programmes for Guyana’s forest.
This is being done through a four-day training seminar being held at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) with instructors from the United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and which seeks to address principles of environmental compliance and enforcement. It is organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, GFC, the US Embassy in Guyana, US Department of State's South American Regional Environmental Affairs Office and the US EPA and will examine case studies that illustrate barriers to compliance and describe ways to bring about positive changes for environmental compliance.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud at the opening ceremony today, highlighted its timeliness in light of Government’s firm belief that utilisation of State forest resources are vital to further socio-economic development and must be done in accordance with the best environmental practices. Various guidelines have been developed by GFC to promote sustainable forest management with broad national stakeholder consultations.
The Minister noted that Guyana is one of the few remaining countries in the world that boasts high forest cover and low deforestation rates and has been recognised by the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) as one of six tropical forest producing countries that has taken substantial steps to implement sustainable forest management practices at the level of the forest management unit.
“These successes can be attributed to many factors, including proactive approaches to forest management; active collaboration of the GFC with other Government of Guyana agencies/NGO's and other stakeholders; working continuously with many partners to build capacity within the sector, improve practices and promote better environmental compliance,” Minister Persaud said.
Over the years, various initiatives have been undertaken to ensure sustainable forestry development in keeping with environmental compliances and enforcement regulations. These include a Sector Environmental Assessment with information on the minimum acceptable compliance standards for all companies that operate on state forests in excess of 8, 047 hectares. Regulations have been put in place to ensure that all companies that apply for the right to harvest on State forest in excess of 8,047 hectares must complete an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment in keeping with guidelines of Guyana’s EPA. Additionally, an entire division of GFC has been dedicated to monitor compliance with guidelines and procedures and is responsible for carrying out enforcement activities when there are breaches.
“The efficiency and integrity of this division is maintained through continuous training; and oversight by the Internal Audit Division, which actually goes into the field to monitor the work of the officers of the Forest Monitoring Division,” Minister Persaud explained.
The GFC Bill, which was recently approved in the National Assembly, mandates the Commission to continue its allocation of state forest lands through a transparent screening process. Under the new Act, more responsibility is placed on GFC to ensure concessionaires operate at optimum levels of productivity and efficiency on the basis of sustainable management guidelines. It also stipulates that the Commission monitors implementation of Forest Management and Annual Operational Plans and collects revenues on behalf of the state in a timely and more appropriate manner. Additionally, the revised Act addresses multiple use function of the forestry sector such as provision of payment for environmental services.
Charge d' Affaires, US Embassy Michael Thomas noted the seminar’s importance since 75 percent of Guyana’s landmass is covered with natural vegetation where most of the land is classified as state forests, under management of GFC. He noted that the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002 indicated that sustainable development begins with good domestic governance which requires the support of national and local government, local communities and all those who access these areas.
“Effective environmental laws and enforcement, including mechanisms to fight corruption and ensure public participation and access to justice, are essential components of domestic good governance for sustainable development,” he added.
Thomas further stated that effective compliance and enforcement will bring many benefits such as improved environmental quality and public health that result when persons comply with environmental regulations, credibility of environmental protection efforts and the legal systems that support them, fairness for those who willingly comply with environmental requirements and economic benefits to individual facilities and to society.
Commissioner of GFC, James Singh pointed out that polices, programmes and initiatives developed by the Commission have always focused on sustainable development of the country’s forest resources in keeping with best environmental practices. GFC, apart from developing the appropriate guidelines has provided training for various stakeholders to equip them with skills to comply with the regulations.
The seminar is being guided by Director of the Office of Site Remediation Enforcement in the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) at the US EPA Susan Bromm and Deputy Director, Regional Support Division in the Office of Site Remediation Enforcement Karin Leff.
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Health Ministry to host health fair
- focus on women’s health issues
Government, GINA August 20, 2007
The Ministry of Health as part of its awareness campaign to promote healthy lifestyles among women will be conducting a health fair on August 25 at the Stabroek market Square.
The fair will start at 10:00hr and is dedicated to providing education and information on relevant issues to women, and on healthy lifestyles.
The fair will focus on prevention of health related problems of women and will improve access to health care and screening opportunities. Information regarding health issues that would heighten awareness of health needs and issues across a woman’s lifespan would be disseminated.
Some of the activities that are planned include breast and cervical cancer awareness, menstruation and menopausal education, information on pregnancy and contraception, domestic violence and osteoporosis awareness, screening for diabetes and high blood pressure, sexually transmitted diseases infection and depression.
Testing for diabetes, cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI), high blood pressure, eye screening, VIA screening (a test that detects any form of cancerous growth) and dental checks would be done free of cost.
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Key agencies addressing drug trafficking through Postal services
-Home Affairs Minister meets CANU, GPOC, GPF officials
Georgetown, GINA, August 20, 2007
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee today met officials of several agencies to assess and arrive at a common position on security arrangements at postal services in relation to trafficking of illicit drugs.
The meeting which was held with key officials of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) was held in the Ministry’s Boardroom.
“It therefore means that the administration, law enforcement agencies and postal services have to collaborate in order to seek to stamp out and to find all various means to bring an end this activity. This meeting therefore, has been convened with a view to achieving these objectives,” Minister Rohee said.
Government has been undertaking several initiatives to ensure that there is collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the administration.
This is evident with the renewed efforts taken by Minister Rohee who has held several pertinent meetings to find a collective solution to the problem whereby drugs are being concealed through the postal systems.
Drug trafficking through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is also being addressed.
Minister Rohee and members of major airlines operating in Guyana, Cargo and law enforcement agencies held several meetings and are working on a final joint plan to tackle the constant shipment of cocaine through the Airport.
Government has maintained that despite all the efforts being made the issue of the human factor needs to addressed which is one of the main challenges hindering the law enforcement agencies’ progress in the fight against drug trafficking.
The administration has made several interventions to address drug trafficking including signing several conventions.
Guyana is party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs...and the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances and Guyana is also a member of the Organisation of American States’ Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (OAS/CICAD).
In 2001 Guyana signed a bilateral agreement with the U.S. on maritime counter narcotics cooperation, In March 2006 Guyana signed the OAS Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty to which the US is a party, which can be a basis to seek assistance. Guyana also has bilateral agreements to cooperate on drug trafficking issues with its neighbours and with the United Kingdom
In 2005 the administration launched a five-year National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) to foster institutional, participatory and democratic approaches towards the achievement of a crime-free and healthy society, founded on the principles of social justice, rule of law and respect for authority.
The five-year plan involves legislative requirements dealing with the Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Food and Drugs Acts.
Recently the Inter-Agency Task Force on Narcotics and Illicit Weapons was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Its members will share information and intelligence gathering in the fight against drug trafficking and illicit weapons.
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Heavy load on roadway raises concern
Georgetown, GINA, August 20, 2007.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn has indicated that heavily-laden vehicles transporting construction materials on the country’s public roadways are of great concern and measures are being examined to reduce this problem.
Government’s investment in the country’s infrastructure has been significant especially over recent years with construction and rehabilitation of several major highways and bridges. This is part of the administration’s vision to establish a core infrastructural network to support further economic advancement. Maintenance of the infrastructure is important and it has been recognised that overweight trucks traversing the roadways can cause extreme damage along these routes.
At present, a local contractor BK International is funding excavation of the Parika outfall channel to facilitate easier transport of construction material from the Essequibo River to be used for major sea defence works ongoing along the West Coast Demerara under the Eighth European Union sea defence project. This project started several weeks ago and is expected to be completed by the end of this month, after which there are plans to have continuous maintenance for the next six months.
Minister Benn today inspected the ongoing works during which he highlighted the importance of this project to ensure better and more efficient transport capacity for construction materials in addition to improved drainage and irrigation for agricultural activities in surrounding areas. When completed, this project will make it easier for materials to be offloaded from the barges and transported directly to the construction site.
The Minister emphasised the need for more activities of this nature and for the development of more landing ports to cater for transport of materials for sea defence works along the coastal shore.
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) are currently working on a programme to dredge the Demerara outfall of not only mud but wrecks that are causing problems for the passage of barges along this route. Additionally, a weight control programme is being designed and will be implemnted shortly. Currently, there are restrictions to the timing intervals on the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) to reduce damages caused by heavily-laden vehicles transporting materials for infrastructural works. There have also been price increases for these vehicles traversing the bridge.
Over the past five years, several major projects were undertaken, including construction of the East Bank Demerara four-lane road, rehabilitation of the Georgetown to Rosignol roadway and construction of two heavy-duty bridges at Mahaica and Mahaicony. Another major investment in infrastructure is being made in Region Six at a cost of approximately $8B to rehabilitate the highway from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek. At present, Lot I works are being carried out from New Amsterdam to the Tagore Memorial High School, Corentyne while Lot II is being finalised.
At present, government is pursuing construction of a bridge across the Berbice River to link Regions Five and Six. This will also create easier transportation access between Guyana and Suriname.
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Guyana Nite-Fuelling Agricultural Diversification in 2007
Georgetown, GINA, August 20, 2007
Over 50 participants are expected to take part in this year’s Guyana Nite exhibition as the Ministry of Agriculture seeks to promote its diversification policy and strategy to promote local products and services.
The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) in collaboration with the private sector will be assisting the Ministry in promoting and developing this strategy.
Some of the booths will include Banks DIH, Sterling Products, Continental, Sandy’s Manufacturing, Prestige Agro Processing Company, Guyana Forestry Commission, NARI, IICA, and also many local craft producers will showcase their skills and talents.
Guyana Nite is an event that will be hosted to promote and showcase local manufacturers and what the country has to offer to the local and international community.
The two-night activities for August 31 and September 1 will be hosted at the Guyana National Stadium under the theme “Fuelling Agricultural Diversification in 2007.” Today’s press briefing at the GMC’s Boardroom revealed that development and preparation is well underway for a bigger and better Guyana Nite,
General Manager of the Guyana Marketing Cooperation, Nizam Hassan noted that choosing the National Stadium as the new venue is in keeping with the need for constant improvement and upgrading of the event, since other facilities have outgrown their capacity to accommodate the event.
The decision to hold the exposition at the concourse area of the Guyana National Stadium was fuelled by several considerations including the need for a larger venue that can withstand the unpredictable weather patterns, better security and parking facilities, as well as logistical advantages. The Providence, East Bank Demerara venue would provide these facilities Marketing Manager Richard Haniff said.
The two nights of activities will commence with an official opening ceremony to be broadcast on the evening of August 31 at which Minister of Agriculture is expected to deliver the feature address.
The Marketing Corporation staged the first Guyana Nite in 1999, and the event since then is held annually countrywide. It provides an opportunity for Guyanese to showcase ‘home grown’ products, many of which continue to capture the attention of both local and international buyers thereby opening unlimited market opportunities.
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