I want results – President Jagdeo tells new GDF COS
- Head of State pledge Executive’s continued support
Georgetown, GINA, September 28, 2007
“I want results. You have the full support of the Executive in carrying out your duties. We have never been stingy with our security forces. If you look at the phenomenal growth in resources provided through the Budget to the security forces, you would see a huge spiral so you will continue to have my support, but I want from your side a focus on results.”
This was the order passed down from the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo at today’s swearing in ceremony for new Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Gary Best at the Office of the President.
He said already, benchmarks to measure the progress and results delivered by the Chief-of-Staff and the hierarchy of the Force were laid out to determine whether, “We are getting the job done”.
He congratulated Best, reiterating his confidence in his ability to lead the Army and to execute his duties in a professional and efficient manner.
“I know he is a very capable person and I am sure he will lead the Army in an adequate way. We are very fortunate that in the transition, we have four very bright young people at the top in leadership of the army and I think that their leadership over the next ten years can help transform the Army into a professional body to address all the challenges that we face in the country,” President Jagdeo remarked.
The Head of State reminded that security challenges have changed and require a different approach to confront them.
“Internal security is just as important as security on our borders because we have a bright capable Force that is there and well trained of course I think they can adequately help us address issues of law and order, maintenance of internal security.”
President Jagdeo made mention of the collaborative efforts to maintain peace and security in the country.
“I know the army has been working to adjust to this new role provided for by the Defence Act and I hope the Chief-of-Staff and other Officers from the leadership of the army will pursue aggressively in collaboration with the other forces, especially the police force.”
The Commander in Chief recalled the meeting with the hierarchy of the GDF when he frankly reeled out his expectations.
“They know my thinking on some of these matters; I think they better understand the reasoning behind the Executive’s decisions on various issues. We can look forward to an era of good working relationship, and to rebuild the Army as a solid professional army operating in a changed environment.”
The Head of State a few weeks ago, promoted Commander Best to Commodore and three other to substantive Colonel; Andrew Pompey who moved into the Deputy Chief of Staff position, Officers Bruce Lovell moved to Colonel, General Staff and Mark Phillips now heads the force’s administration.
He asked the new Chief of Staff to convey to the officers and ranks, that they would always have his support and the administration’s support provided they keep the focus on the objectives outlined.
The Defence Act gives the President the sole authority to choose the Chief-of- Staff from among officers of the Force. Article 169 of the Act states that, “the President shall appoint an officer who is a member of the Force in whom the Commander of the Force shall be vested and subject to the terms of such appointment.” The Act also states that “the power to grant commission to the Force shall be vested in the President”.
TITLE 6A, DEFENCE AND SECURITY 197A (1) states that The State’s defence and security policy shall be to defend national independence, preserve the country’s sovereignty and intergrity, and guarantee the normal functioning of institutions and the security of citizens against any armed aggression.
(2) The Defence and Security Forces shall subordinate to national defence and security policy and owe allegiance to the Constitution and to the Nation. The oath taken by members of the Defence and Security Forces shall establish their duty to respect the Constitution.
(3) The Guyana Defence Force established under the Defence Act shall in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities function in such a manner as to earn the respect and enjoy the confidence of citizens
Witnessing Best’s swearing in were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Government Ministers and officials, Acting Commissioner of Police Henry Greene and collegues of the Guyana Defence Force and family members.
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Health Ministry focuses on reducing deafness
Government, GINA, September 28, 2007
As the world observes Deaf Awareness Week, Guyana’s Ministry of Health has embarked on a special campaign to highlight facilities in the country which provide services to those with hearing impairment.
“Hearing impairment is a problem that affects persons of all ages, but is most common for persons who are older. I think that it is important for people to know that deafness results from progressive loss of hearing,” Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said.
The Minister yesterday visited the Audiology lab at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Carmichael Street and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Diagnostic Lab for Hearing to highlight some of the services offered at these institutions.
“Early diagnosis can assist. Not many people know that the GPHC has a modern diagnosis lab for hearing test and know how to make use of these services. The Ministry of Health is also planning to establish a mobile lab with the intention of improving access for hearing loss diagnosis,” Minister Ramsammy added.
One of the interventions currently available for persons who are suffering from hearing problems is the use of hearing aids. The hearing aid lab in Guyana has a capacity of producing about 100 hearing aids per month but only makes about 15 since not many persons know of the facility.
The lab is operated on a cost-recovery basis. The hearing aid cost varies from $30,000 to $50,000 which is a fraction of the cost overseas.
“Government recognises that this cost is sometimes difficult for some citizens and every effort is being taken to assist these persons by the Ministries of Health and Human Services and Social Security.”
Recently, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand said that all public programmes conducted and facilitated by her Ministry will have an interpreter.
The Minister who has overall responsibility for the social welfare of Guyanese said that society needs to appreciate persons with disabilities since history has shown that they make significant contributions to the development of their country.
The theme for this year’s observance is “Talking Hands”, which refers to Guyanese Sign Language, the primary language of many deaf persons. The observances will conclude on September 30 with a church service and Fun Day at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) building, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.
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Sport Minister opens police annual athletics championships
Georgetown, GINA, September 28, 2007
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony officially opened the 53rd annual athletics championships today at the Police Sports Club ground Eve Leary. The event culminates a calendar of activities organised by the Force.
Participants of the event were drawn from the Tactical Services Unit, the divisions of the Guyana Police Force, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Central Immigration and Passport Office, the Felix Austin Police Academy and representatives of the Disciplined Services from Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.
Among those in attendance were Police Commissioner Henry Greene, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer George Vyphius and Director of Prisons Dale Erskine, who joined other members of the service in witnessing the March Past and the symbolic torch lighting to commence the day’s activity.
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of a trophy by Minister Anthony to participants of the Central Immigration and Passport Office who were adjudged the best uniformed group.
Minister Anthony lauded the Force for maintaining a standard of discipline and noted that competitive sports are among the many activities that promote rigorous discipline.
“The combination of police and sport is bound to produce standards of quality and in turn, the result of disciplined exercise, training, concentration and determination, Minister Anthony noted.
He also called for recognition of members of the Force who were successful while representing Guyana in football, athletics, cricket, hockey, boxing and other disciplines over the years. Marian Burnett was one such person.
“I hope that this noble trend continues and that you continue to nurture Guyana’s finest. I would also like to extend a personal welcome to the athletes from other Caribbean territories and help our local athletes to strive for excellence…There is no doubt that the international rivalry will produce a sharper competitive edge,” Minister Anthony said.
Speaking in his capacity as a medical expert, Minister Anthony used the occasion to highlight the importance of sports in the promotion of healthy lifestyles, as well as the Ministry’s Fit for Life programme which requires 30-minutes a day of exercise.
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Education Ministry/CARICOM to host Spanish workshop for teachers
Georgetown, GINA, September 28, 2007
The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat will be hosting a Spanish training workshop for Primary School teachers.
The two-day workshop will be held from October 1 to 2 at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Battery Road, Kingston.
The opening ceremony will be held at 09:00 h and Chief Education Officer (ag) Genevieve Whyte-Nedd is expected to deliver the feature address.
This workshop is in keeping with Government’s thrust to continually train teachers to deliver a better quality of education across the country and to ensure that students learn at least one foreign language in school.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs launches website for CFMM
Georgetown, GINA, September 28, 2007
To aid in the preparations for the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Meeting (CFMM) to be held in Guyana from October 15 – 17, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a special website.
The website can be accessed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website at http://www.minfor.gov.gy/ or directly at http://www.minfor.gov.gy/cfmm/index.htm
The website allows foreign media personnel to register for accreditation for the event which will be held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
Information on the member countries can also be accessed on the website along with links to the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government Information Agency (GINA).
Meanwhile, preparations have intensified as the event draws nearer and confirmation from many of the member countries has been received.
Guyana has been a member of the Commonwealth since 1966 and has been highly committed and involved in the organisation. Government continues to promote and maintain the values and principles of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth has been in the forefront in promoting respect and understanding in matters dealing with culture and ethnic diversity and the work of the organisation is inexplicably linked to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
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Response from Commonwealth countries for CFMM positive
- Minister of Finance
Georgetown, GINA, September 28, 2007
Preparations for the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Meeting (CFMM) scheduled for October 12 to 17 in Georgetown have intensified and many countries have confirmed their attendance.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds met members of the Prime Ministerial Oversight Committee at the Guyana International Conference Centre yesterday when matters pertaining to Guyana’s readiness to host the event were addressed. The Prime Minister and team toured the facility to ensure that the groundwork is progressing smoothly.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh in providing an update, stated that confirmation has been received from approximately 200 delegates, observers and 36 national delegations. There have also been indications of interest from CARICOM nations.
Others present at the meeting were Minister within the Ministry of Finance Jennifer Webster, Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elisabeth Harper, Ambassador Rudy Collins, and representatives of the Ministry of Public Works, Mayor and City Council, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, Presidential Adviser on Community Development Odinga Lumumba, Director of the Government Information Agency Neaz Subhan, and Assistant to the Head of the Press and Publicity Unit in the Office of the President Kwame Mc Coy.
The event brings together the Finance Ministers of the Commonwealth countries to discuss issues of shared interest and arrive at common positions that will then be advocated globally, in a unified manner.
The preparations for the meeting commenced earlier this year when a secretariat was established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by Director-General Elisabeth Harper and Ambassador Rudy Collins. The meeting, to be held at the Guyana International Convention Centre (GICC), will bring together ministers and delegates from 53 member countries.
By tradition, the meeting is set so that the Commonwealth Finance Ministers would meet immediately before the Boards of Governors meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
There will be a number of related events during that time including meetings of the Macro-economic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa from October 12 to 14. There will also be a meeting of Commonwealth Central Bank Governors and a meeting of the Commonwealth HIPC Ministerial Forum.
The technical theme to be discussed this year is 'Climate Change: The Challenges Facing Finance Ministers.' This is of special relevance since some Commonwealth countries are among the most vulnerable with respect to exposure to climate change.
Guyana’s coastland is especially vulnerable since there is a high concentration of economic and administrative activity along the coastal belt and as such the issue is one which is of great concern to Government.
Guyana has been a member of the Commonwealth since 1966 and has been highly committed and involved in the organisation. Government continually strives to promote and maintain the values and principles of the Commonwealth in its efforts to fashion a Commonwealth society. The Commonwealth has been in the forefront in promoting respect and understanding in matters dealing with culture and ethnic diversity and the work of the organisation is inexplicably linked to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
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More improvement for ferry service
-part of transport modernisation plan
Georgetown, GINA, September 28, 2007.
Continuous improvement of the country’s ferry services remains an important activity of the Government to ensure that passengers’ safety and comfort are heightened. In this regard, investments continue to be made to upgrade vessels, stellings, other infrastructure and general operations.
At present, focus is being placed on maintenance of the MV Torani which was servicing the Rosignol/New Amsterdam route. Arrangements are being made for the vessel to enter dry-dock shortly for important rehabilitation.
Interim arrangements have been put in place for the MV Makouria and MB Sandaka to operate at the Berbice crossing while the MV Torani is under repairs for a period of about one month.
Recently, major repairs were done to the New Amsterdam stelling at a cost of about $8M to improve operational efficiency at that crossing while plans are underway to install a point-of-sale ticketing system shortly to further aid operations at the Rosignol and New Amsterdam stellings.
Other improvements planned include repairs to the Adventure stelling in Region Two and installation of televisions aboard the MV Torani and the MV Malali. The latter was repaired this year. Efforts to improve ferry services offered in the country include modernising the wharves and stellings and restructuring the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD).
Earlier this year, the Morawhanna ferry stelling in Region One was upgraded while various aspects of the ferry service to the North West were addressed including improvements to seats and decks, toilet facilities, documentation of passengers travelling on the vessel and the provisions of first aid kits.
In addition, the boarding point for the vessel was relocated from Stabroek to Kingston, where better facilities are available.
Government will be acquiring two new ferries under an agreement with the Government of China that will mark the first phase of a plan to retire the existing ferries which have been in operation for more than 70 years. The two new roll-on roll-off ferries were initially intended for the New Amsterdam/Rosignol crossing but with construction of the Berbice river bridge, the vessels will operate at the Parika/Adventure crossing.
Under Government’s Community Services Enhancement Programme (CSEP), construction of a modern stelling at Supenaam/Good Hope is currently ongoing while upgrading of the structure at Parika structure has been completed to cater for the operation of the two ferries.
Ferry services in Guyana are heavily subsidised by Government and are available from New Amsterdam to Rosignol, Parika to the Essequibo Islands and Adventure, Essequibo Coast. The services include transportation of passengers, vehicles and cargo and are beneficial, particularly to farmers and business persons transporting goods and services.
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More Region 7 students to benefit from school feeding programme
Georgetown, GINA, Georgetown September 28, 2007
Students in Kurupung, Cuyuni/Mazaruni district, Region Seven will soon benefit from Government’s school feeding programme which has been successfully piloted in several hinterland regions.
The Education for All Fast Track Initiative EFA/FTI is executing the programme.
On a recent visit to Kurupung, Region 7, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall said Government will continue to embrace every opportunity to provide for the children’s education.
According to the Kurupung community representative Anita Maxius the programme is expected to start next month coinciding with the provision of electricity to the school. The kitchenette has already been constructed to facilitate the programme. At present the children are receiving milk.
The programme is already ongoing in several schools in the Region.
It is hoped that all schools which submitted a proposal would be able to offer the hot meal programme by the end of 2007.
Government’s school feeding programme was piloted in Region Nine in communities such as Annai, Karasabai, Aranaputa, St. Ignatius and Kootanarib.
A daily nutritious snack of cassava bread, peanut butter and fruit juice was a success with the children and the hot meal project was later implemented.
School children in Regions One and Eight are also benefiting from the school feeding programme.
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New Chief-of-Staff promises better relationship with government, stakeholders, citizens
Georgetown, GINA, September 28, 2007
The Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) new Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best has promised a better working relationship with the government and to elevate the level of public trust in the force.
The Chief of Staff made this comment during his presentation at the Assumption Parade held for him at Camp Ayanganna.
“I as Chief of Staff must work towards improving the working relationship with our government and also lead in enhancing public trust between the Defence Force and our people. Our expectations of our nation have always been high and our response has always been incredible, but I believe we can go beyond that,” Commodore Best said.
President Bharrat Jagdeo along with Ministers of the Government, officers and ranks of the force and dignitaries were in attendance at the ceremony.
Best said the Force must be ready and able to respond to internal and external threats in order to ensure a safe Guyana.
“It therefore, means that the GDF must be prepared to act in a manner consistent with a total Defence framework for our country leaving no sector, no institution or geographical area exposed. Indeed new and evolving treats to our nation demand new and evolving initiatives to counter them. The charge of the Defence Force remains but its execution must now be tailored to meet these new and evolving threats both internal and external so change is necessary,” Best asserted.
Officers and ranks were urged to keep in mind that there must be one command belief in the force which will be the driver and the trigger in meeting the threats.
Commodore Best said that the GDF is committed to being a professional organization, to defend and maintain order in Guyana.
“We, the defence force must work toward ensuring that we define aggression on our borders and together with our sister services and other stakeholders provide a safe and secure environment for our citizens. And so doing we will watch, pray and guard zealously this nation and citizens,” Best said.
The new Chief of Staff used the opportunity to dispel rumors that there have been problems within the force over the recent appointments made by President Jagdeo.
“I close by saying that the GDF continues to be stable. There are no internal shocks as a result of changes. The officers and ranks have responded professionally. As your Chief of Staff you can count on me. I know that God is with us and he will continue to be with us,” Best explained.
Commodore Best joined the GDF in 1980 and is the first officer in the Guyana Coast Guard to be promoted as Commodore.
Best is the seventh Chief of Staff and Brigadier General Edward Collins’ successor. Collins served as Chief of Staff from June 2, 2004.
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Guyana reiterates ACP’s position that no country should be worse off
-in wake of EU’s denunciation of Sugar Protocol
Georgetown, GINA, September 28, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, today said the European Union (EU) unilaterally denounced the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) – EU Sugar Protocol which has been in existence since the first ACP-EEC LOME Convention, signed on February 28, 1975.
Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Henry Jeffrey in his capacity as CARICOM’s Ministerial Spokesperson on Sugar reiterated the ACP’s position that the EU must “take into account the sensitive nature of the sugar sector and the multifunctional role the sugar sector plays in the economies of ACP sugar producing countries, that the market access should build on the acquis of the Sugar Protocol and that no country should be worse off that at present”.
Under the Protocol, the European Community undertook to import at guaranteed prices, specific quantities of cane sugar which originate in ACP countries for an indefinite duration.
On June 23, 2000 the ACP and EU signed the Cotonou Partnership Agreement which replaced the LOME Convention. The Cotonou Agreement preserved the LOME trade provision until the end of 2007 and commits the parties to negotiate WTO-compatible trading arrangements to be implemented from January 2008, the Ministry said in a release.
“Article 36:4 of the Cotonou Agreement requires the parties to review the Sugar protocol “ …in the context of the new trading arrangements, in particular as regard their compatibility with WTO rules, with a view of safeguarding the benefits derived therefrom, bearing in mind the special legal status of the Sugar protocol”.
The Ministry’s release stated that due to the EU’s persistent reluctance, this joint review under Article 36.4 was not undertaken and on April 4, 2007, the EU unilaterally announced a market access offer for sugar and Caribbean and ACP stakeholders are unanimous in the view that, even within the context of WTO rules, the EU’s offer does not maintain the benefits of the Sugar Protocol.
“To date, many matters remain outstanding and no ACP region has an agreement with the EU as to how the benefits of the Sugar Protocol would be integrated into the proposed new economic partnership agreements. Although it came as no surprise, given the unilateral manner in which the EU has treated this matter, in August 2007, the various ACP regions were informed by the EU of its intention to denounce the Protocol and request that the Caribbean join with it to do so”.
According to the release, “the Sugar Protocol is a standing agreement which offers substantial benefits and here we were being requested by an institution whose tactic was either to delay or to act unilaterally to agree to give it up where there was no other agreement in place”.
According to the Ministry’s statement “the Caribbean has been diligently working to complete an Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU and the move to denounce the Protocol has little meaning if the EU intention is to cooperate to complete the EPA in a timely manner”.
“Therefore, we must conclude that the move to unilaterally denounce the Sugar Protocol is either an act of no confidence in the EPA process or intended to pressure our negotiators or both” the statement read.
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