Victims of Cubana Air Disaster honoured at 31st anniversary
-monument to be built at commemoration site
Georgetown, GINA, October 6, 2007
At a solemn ceremony to mark the 31st anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster, Acting President Samuel Hinds joined other government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Cuban Embassy, the Guyana/Cuba Friendship Association and several trade unions to honour those who perished.
The ceremony was held at the Cubana Air Disaster commemoration site at the junction of Camp and Lamaha Streets Georgetown, where a commitment was given to erect a monument.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was a wreath laying by the acting President, Cuban Ambassador Francisco Marchante, Ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), General Secretary Donald Ramotar, Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Greene and other public figures. A tribute was made by Jeffery Thomas, brother of Rawle Thomas who was a victim.
The tragedy which took the lives of 11 Guyanese occurred off the coast of Barbados on October 6, 1976 when flight CU455 which was airborne and en route to Cuba from Guyana exploded, killing all 73 passengers including pilot and flight attendants.
Six of the 11 Guyanese who perished were medical students on their way to Cuba on a scholarship programme. Among the victims were 24 members of the 1975 Cuban national fencing team who won gold at the Central American and Caribbean championship and officials of the Cuban government.
Recognition was given to the valiant efforts of captain Wilfredo Pares who alerted base about the situation and attempted to turn the aircraft in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean.
Considered the most deadly air disaster in the western hemisphere, a terrorist attack was later revealed as the motive by two Venezuelans who later confessed to using false identity to plant explosives on the aircraft.
The occasion was memorable for the acting President who knew of an associate in the bauxite industry whose relatives perished in the explosion. He also spoke of a noteworthy experience while visiting a commemoration site in Barbados which listed the names of all who perished.
He said the occasion is a reflection of incidences of violence in human history and our commitment towards the resolution of differences by peaceful means.
“I think of the more recent 9/11 event and some undeclared number of Guyanese who would have perished in that event, some 28 by the most common counts I hear and in a way we in Guyana have lost more in that event than any other country…We urge that there would be closure to this event and the proper steps be taken” Mr. Hinds said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Cuban Ambassador Fransisco Marchante who gave commendations to Guyana for denouncing acts of terrorism.
“The celebration of this anniversary of the sabotage of the Cubana aircraft reassures that humanity will win and that terrorism will be finished… one monument will be built here in honour of the victims of that attack and that attack and this place will be a place to remember that act,” the Cuban Ambassador said.
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Dharm Shala residents benefit from Health Ministry medical outreach
Government, GINA October 06 2007
The Ministry of Health today concluded its week-long activities of International Day of Older Persons. Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy today visited the Dharm Shala, Albouystown where he interacted with residents.
The Dharm Shala was founded in 1921 by the Ramsaroop family. At present it houses about 30 persons who are unfortunate not to have families to take care of them.
Speaking to the media, Minister Ramsammy said the week’s outreach was a part of the activities planned by the Ministry of Health to highlight the role and contribution made by the elderly in society.
“This is nothing new for us; the Ministry has always been providing medical services to persons here. We have a medex who will come and ensure that the health needs of the people are met. For this week, what we have done is to have the staff from the Ministry and the Georgetown Hospital to come and conduct a general medical outreach,” the Minister said.
Today’s activity resulted from not only persons from the home being treated for various aliments but also residents of the of the Albouystown area.
Services offered include blood pressure and sugar testing. Prescriptions for persons needing medical treatment were also done. These prescriptions will be filled by the Regional Health Services.
Similar visits were made to homes for the elderly in the other regions. The Uncle Eddie’s home, The Palms and the Salvation Army were some of the facilities to benefit from the outreaches.
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Ashton Chase’s ‘Arise Africa’ launched
Georgetown, GINA, October 6, 2007
Considered among the best scholarly pieces to be written by a Guyanese, similar to Walter Rodney’s ‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’ the book Arise Africa by author Ashton Chase was launched at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, on October 5.
Attending the historic ceremony was acting President Samuel Hinds, former President Janet Jagan, other government officials and representatives of the education and literary fields, all of whom credited the book and paid tribute to Ashton Chase.
The book which can be bought for about $3,000 targets the African population calling for a unified Africa as the strategy to heal the wounds of underdevelopment which has plagued the continent for several years.
Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana Dr. Prem Misir who chaired the launching ceremony, noted that Chase in his analysis, ventured beyond the usual lamentations of exploitation and delved further into the consequences, the rush for Africa by the British colonialists which led to the formation of 50 different countries within the continent and the political strategy behind the granting of independence.
Among the highlights of the launching was the presentation of a copies of the book to Mr. Hinds, representatives of the National Library, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the University of Guyana library and the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA). Excerpts from the book were also read by Russell Lancaster.
The acting President who perused some of the excerpts from the book, noted that it comes with an awareness of the history of African slavery and the struggle to attain equality.
He believes that it will be an emotional subject for those of African lineage. He noted the book’s reference to India and China which had their periods of consolidation, having gone through similar regimes.
“My experience particularly in Guyana has been that the less we have these experiences posed to us that are so emotional and need some satisfaction, we run the risk of being frustrated,” Mr. Hinds added.
Former President Janet Jagan who has known the author for more than 60 years gave high praises to his work but noted that it has not been given the recognition it deserves.
In her opinion his best book was the publication ‘The History of Trade Unionism in Guyana,” which speaks of the series of events which unfolded in Guyana’s political and trade union history.
The book, published in Guyana was made possible through a joint effort of Sheik Hassan Printery and Hansib Publications Limited, which have printed several books about Guyana in the United Kingdom, Toronto and other parts of the world. It can be purchased for $3000.
Highlighting some of the notable characteristics in the book, former University of Guyana lecturer Pat Dial, noted that Chase’s belief that Africa can emerge in unity is refreshing, convincing and realistic.
“When I read it I felt really convinced because when you often read this kind of literature, you don’t feel that Africa is going to make it, but after reading Ashton’s presentation I was impressed,” Dial noted.
Ashton Chase, a former member of the Political Affairs Committee of 1946 and one of the key players in the formation of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950 is the author of several well-known books. Among these are ‘133 days towards freedom in Guyana,’ ‘The Law of Workmen Compensation,’ ‘A history of Trade Unionism in Guyana 1900-1961,’ ‘Industrial Law,’ ‘Trade Union Law in the Caribbean,’ ‘Industrial Relations,’ Guyana: Nation in transit, Burnham’s Role,’ and ‘Glimpses of the growth of Trade Unions in the Commonwealth Caribbean’.
Impressed with the various tributes given to him and his work, Chase said he first came up with the idea of writing a book after pondering on the underdevelopment of Africa which was in a comparable state to Asia and China that emerged successfully.
He therefore, came to the concept of one Africa, instead of 50 countries making up the continent, as the way out.
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Sound corporate governance will give confidence to private sector
-Minister Prashad
Government, GINA October 04 2007
Guyana’s economy is on the move, presenting opportunities for more businesses to be developed. Modernisation is underway in all the sectors creating an attractive investment destination.
These were the sentiments expressed by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad during the 89th Board of Directors meeting of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) held at Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal on October 4.
“The reality is that we live in an era of globalisation and rapid technology change, which together present a challenge to all countries and enterprises, particularly in developing countries. The challenge is how we achieve competitiveness, both at the national and individual enterprise levels, if we are to sustain economic growth,” Minister Prashad said.
The Government of Guyana is working to further strengthen its economic policies by having stable macro-economic strategies, increased investment in public services and improving the business and investment climate to enhance national competitiveness.
Minister Prashad noted this will require the country in a Single Market and Economy environment has to undertake far-reaching changes in approaches to industry and commerce.
“No longer can we confine ourselves within our own world and expect protection from competitors that our local market would be preserved for us or that we can offer consumers whatever we want and expect a positive response. We live in a world where the consumer has choices and where the array of goods and services available is vast, where information technology opens an array of avenues for shopping,” the Minister said.
In dealing with the challenges, CARICOM’s relationship with the European Union is being redefined along the lines of Economic Partnership Agreements. Heavy emphasis is being placed on the private sector.
Minister Prashad recalled the Caribbean Community’s commitment to the creation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy which resulted in a single economic space where goods, services capital and labour will move freely among member States.
“The opening up of markets will present unprecedented access for goods and services in the short, medium and long term. The challenge that we face is how to position ourselves and our enterprise including small and micro-enterprises to capitalise on these opportunities,” he added.
He emphasised the need for building a vibrant private sector which can be achieved by being efficient, innovative and proactive in business practices. The private sector can address challenges faced by being more competitive through closer business-government partnership, effective networking of key agencies and proper use of available resources.
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Government has handed over five completed housing areas to the NDC
Georgetown, GINA, October 6, 2007
Over the past three weeks the Ministry of Housing and Water and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development have been working towards handing over completed housing schemes to the respective Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) for their maintenance and supervision.
In excess of five areas along the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara have already been handed over. All infrastructural development facilities had to be completed before the schemes were handed over.
On October 4, Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt handed over the Mon Repos/ La Reconnaissance, which comprises of Good Hope Phase1; Good Hope Area X; De Endragt, Area B (Martyr’s Ville); K& L De Endragt, Lusignan, Block XXI; Lusignan Tract ‘A’, Block ‘CC’, Plantation Mon Repos, Mon Repos Block 8 and Annandale, Sand Reef.
According to Minister Nawbatt, Government continues working towards ensuring Guyanese have access to housing.
Systems are being put in place to ensure these communities are maintained.
He said this is with the intention of ensuring that socio-economic development continues in these communities.
The Minister noted that handing-over of the schemes is very significant and a great achievement by the Government.
He emphasized the importance of residents’ support since several procedures are in place for the NDCs to collect rates and taxes.
He noted that the NDC will now be authorized to collect rates and taxes from the occupants in these areas and therefore the responsibility which is now given to them to maintain roads, drainage, buildings and general infrastructural development is very important.
Other schemes that were handed over are the Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme, which is the first completed scheme to be handed over. This scheme comprises nine areas: Section A, B and C Block X, Great Diamond, Sections A and C Block Y, Golden Grove, Block 1 and 2, Great Diamond, Old Grove Housing Area, Plantation Great Diamond and Block Y, Golden Grove/ Kaneville.
This was followed by Eccles/Ramsburg Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara which was developed into three areas: Block ‘AA’, ‘BB’ and ‘CC’.
The Mocha Housing Scheme was the 3rd scheme handed-over on the East Bank Demerara.
On the East Coast of Demerara the NDC of Buxton/Foulis took over responsibility of 24 housing schemes which have infrastructural work completed.
The Minister also noted that Government has invested substantially in the infrastructure development in these areas, coming a long way since 1992 and the NDCs have to ensure that this responsibility is executed properly.
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Fifty-third Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference fruitful
- Minister Benn -focused on democratising parliamentary procedures
Government, GINA October 05 2007
The 53rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in New Delhi, India from September 21-28 was fruitful.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn who led the Guyanese delegation said the conference is seen as beneficial in many ways.
“It brings us more in tune and appreciative of the procedures in democratising ongoing parliamentary procedures, particularly in the Commonwealth and gave us the chance for improvement of parliamentary procedures and practices, Minister Benn said.
The delegation comprised four persons including the Minister,” Assistant Clerk of the National Assembly Hermina Gileours, Mrs Indra Chandarpal from the People’s Progressive Party and People’s National Congress Reform representative Amna Alli.
There were several sessions involving Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians’ issues and the issue of having one-third seats set aside in the National Assembly for women. This, the Minister said is one of the objectives that Guyana has already achieved.
Additionally, global warming and climate change and its effects, especially on small island States were areas which generated many deliberations.
Particular sessions were held relating to recommending benchmarks for democratic legislators in terms of improving governance and accountability of parliaments in respect of delivering what is expected to the people they serve.
The right to recall as a method of enforcing greater accountability of parliament, generated great concern during the conference. Guyana was among four other countries present which have enacted the recall legislation.
Minister Benn said the conference provided the opportunity for greater networking of parliaments and handling parliamentary issues. Participants were also given a tour of some of the historic sites of India.
“India is a very big country with a billion people and one of the largest economies. Guyana stands appreciative of what was done as it gave us a sense of appreciation and encouragement to continue with our goals of building a prosperous nation,” Minister Benn said.
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Health sector growth significant since 1992
Government, GINA, September 06 2007
Guyanese since 1992 have benefited tremendously as the administration continues to improve its delivery in the health sector.
Since 1992 more than 28 hospitals were constructed and rehabilitated to enhance the quality of health-care.
Access to medical care in the hinterland has increased. More health centres were built and more persons are being trained to provide medical care for residents in the hinterland communities.
Government’s expanding programme is reflected in the annual budgetary allocation to the health sector which has increased by over 1000 percent from $500M to $10B.
Bi-lateral relations with other countries have been strengthened resulting in multi-purpose aid including, medical training and expertise to provide services previously not available in Guyana.
The East Demerara Regional Hospital will become operational shortly and the other four diagnostic centres including the $140M ophthalmology centre at Port Mourant are evidence of such co-operation.
The Port Mourant hospital is being transformed to become the first ever ophthalmologic hospital in Guyana and the Caribbean. In collaboration with the with the government of Cuba, the Port Mourant Hospital would be able to provide state of the art eye care not presently available in Guyana. People from all across the country, the Caribbean and Suriname would benefit from the service.
These centres are being built, furnished and manned with the assistance of the Cuban Government through an agreement made between the two countries’ Presidents in February 2006.
China is also assisting in the area of medical-care. The help of the Chinese Government has allowed for the country’s premier health institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to introduce for the first time laparoscopy, which is a new type of heart surgery aimed at reducing the length of stay of patients in the hospital.
An oncology centre has been established at the GPHC. New diagnostic programmes for cancer will includes mammography, pap smear, PSA testing, HPV testing and other DNA- based testing for breast cancer and other forms of cancer. Cancer drugs for chemotherapy will be expanded and radiotherapy will be available.
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cancer, often referred to as lifestyle diseases, will be aggressively fought against to reduce mortality and morbidity. Health promotion programmes will target these diseases. Community Health advocates will be trained and will work in every community to bring public awareness and to enable people to monitor their blood pressure, sugar level and their weight. The National Council on Nutrition and Physical Activity will be promoting good nutrient and physical exercise.
Government is in the process of improving training of 1,000 doctors, 50 dentists, 200 medex, 50 dentex, 250 Community Health Workers, 1,200 nurses and 200 midwives, 30 anesthetic nurses, 100 multi-purpose technicians, 50 Rehabilitation Professionals and more than 25 optometrists in the five years.
In addition, the post-graduate studies programme is being expanded for doctors in surgery, medicine, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and gynecology and for nurses in anesthesiology, mental health, pediatric, midwifery, cardiac care unit and intensive care unit, nursing and neuroscience.
The administration is working with the University of Guyana to improve training programmes for pharmacists, medical technologists and radiographers. New categories of health workers such as operation room technicians and community health advocates are being planned.
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation is being transformed to become equal and competitive as any other hospital in the Caribbean region including those in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. Government’s long-term objective is to ensure that no Guyanese would have to would travel to a Caribbean country to seek medical aid since the GPHC would have the same services available as any other Caribbean country.
New hospitals are at present being constructed at Mahaicony, Leonora, Suddie, Lethem, Mabaruma and Linden, replacing old structures. The Skeldon Hospital and the West Demerara Hospital will be reconstructed.
Major rehabilitation will occur at Charity, Bartica, Fort Wellington, Leguan, Wakenaan, Black Bush Polder and Mahdia.
Government has already begun to develop a modern international standard storage facility, with refrigerated capacity and computerized inventory system.
A new Essential Drug List will be published and reviewed for two years and will include drugs for cancer, HIV, glaucoma and other diseases. The Ministry of Health is in the process of developing an Essential Medical Supplies List to ensure that every level of health care is assured of adequate and timely medical supplies.
Guyana at present send many samples for clinical tests overseas. However, the capacity is being built to increase the number of tests to be done locally. A state-of-the-art public health laboratory is being established that will be equal to or better than any such lab in CARICOM. Improved laboratory services will be introduced. X-Ray services will be improved throughout the sector. Every hospital will be equipped with X-Ray services and MRI services will be introduced in the public sector.
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Construction of the President’s College well starts next week
Georgetown, GINA, October 6, 2007
The Ministry of Education after making representation at Cabinet for the construction of the President’s College well last week has approved $1.5M for the project.
According to Minister of Education Shaik Baksh, he was only informed officially about the condition of the well a week ago and subsequently the Ministry addressed the matter expeditiously.
The Minister noted that the well was not functioning properly and that is why it was not producing water for about three to four weeks.
He said after speaking with the Chairman of the Board, the headteacher and the Parent- Teachers Association (PTA), it was agreed that the school would have been closed for the rest of the week.
Alternative means will be in place to provide water at the college from Monday until the well becomes functional.
The Minister said he is disappointed by the action of the students, who should have expressed their grievances internally and let the Ministry resolve it in the proper manner.
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Youths encouraged to promote chess in schools
-Minister Anthony donates chess materials
Georgetown, GINA, October 6, 2007
Encouraging Guyanese youths to become actively involved in the game of chess to develop their mental capacities has been one of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport’s main objectives in resuscitating the game in Guyana.
Today Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, Director of Sport in the Ministry Neil Kumar and representatives of the chess interim management committee handed over 10 chess sets to students from various secondary schools in Guyana.
The students were participants of a one-day chess clinic and competition organised by the interim management committee at the Carifesta Sports Complex. The students were drawn from various secondary schools in Georgetown, the East Coast, West Coast Demerara and Berbice.
The programme is intended to encourage the participants to promote the game in their schools through the knowledge gained.
The promotion of the game in schools was one of the main thrusts of the interim management committee which was launched in July by Minister Anthony who is Chairman.
“This is something that we want to teach our children, not just the regular academics; you have to teach them to think strategically and analyse and I think the game of chess provides those opportunities,” Minister Anthony told the participants.
The first phase of the programme featured chess workshops on logistic and membership coordination, and fund-raising activities. A major part of this phase was revitalising the former chess federation.
The chess federation of Guyana headed by Chairman/Secretary Errol Tiwari was an active fraternity that became dormant. The Ministry through the National Sports Commission (NSC) hosted several small competitions to help revitalise the game.
The Minister intends to encourage collaboration with the Guyana Chess Association to facilitate more training programmes on the game and is also hopeful of funding the first chess tournament in schools by the first quarter of next year.
Work programmes for schools in different parts of the country including the introduction of electronic versions of the game are among the other areas of focus.
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