University of Southern Caribbean team calls on acting President
-in Guyana on humanitarian mission
Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2007
Acting President Samuel Hinds today met officials and students of the University of Southern Caribbean, (USC) an accredited Seventh Day Adventist tertiary institution located in Maracas Valley, Trinidad and Tobago.
The team of 15 led by Director of Campus Ministries Linley Beckles is in Guyana on a one-week humanitarian mission to support needy communities.
Beckles said the institution follows a religious philosophy of educating the heart, the head and the hands, with community responsibility as one of its priorities.
Moved by the poor living conditions of a family of three in D field Sophia, the team decided to dedicate their time to rehabilitate the home with materials donated by others around the community.
Following the completion of the work in Guyana, the team will next visit neighbouring Brazil to work on a similar project.
Psychology Professor of the University, Hillman St. Brice said the mission provides the team with first-hand knowledge which is distinct from academic achievements.
During talks with the acting President, the team noted its appreciation of Mr. Hinds’ willingness to help. Counselling Psychologists of USC Marsha Durrant said government’s support is often critical in the promotion of humanitarian work.
Many of the students who are in Guyana for the first time were quite impressed with the country’s imposing landscape.
The USC which is owned and operated by the Seventh Day Adventist Church in the Caribbean has been in existence for about 80 years, offering several degree programmes in the arts and sciences to more than 3,000 students from around the world.
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Criticisms against Parliamentary system untrue
-Speaker of National Assembly
Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2007
Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran has refuted statements being made by some sections of the society that Guyana’s Parliamentary process is undemocratic.
“The government has a majority in the National Assembly and when things are debated if the government disagrees with any proposals of the Opposition, they vote against it. That is what democracy is about. Whether they want to call that rubber stamping I don’t know, but I don’t agree with the criticisms,” Mr. Ramkarran said.
He pointed out that the democratic system is evident through several reforms and input of Opposition parties in the process.
“Roughly 50 percent of the legislations which are presented to the National Assembly go to Select Committees. There are a lot of compromise there, since the Opposition has an opportunity to make its voice heard in detail. Some of the proposals are accepted and some are not,” Ramkarran said.
After the 1992 General and Regional Elections held under major reforms, the functioning of the National Assembly was placed on the front burner of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government to ensure that a democratic system of governance replaced the “Party paramount” system.
“Opposition Motions did not see the light of day. They were not placed on the Order Paper; questions were never answered; Bills were passed all in the same day, and Select Committees were rarely ever appointed by the Parliament. The functioning of the Parliament was completely different from what it is today,” the Speaker of the House asserted.
Under the reform Parliamentary system, Opposition Parliamentarians who give notice are allowed to ask written and oral questions to Government Ministers.
Under Standing Order 41 the President of the Republic of Guyana can also be questioned through Motions.
There has also been the institution of Parliamentary Committees which allow for members and officials of the government and State agencies to be answerable before committees on policy implementation and to justify their decisions.
The administration has also supported studies of Guyana’s Parliamentary system to ensure that it has the best possible guidelines.
During the Sitting of the Eighth Parliament, several studies were conducted by foreign experts supported by the donor community. This was done with the objective of expanding and strengthening the National Assembly.
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Health Ministry issues advisory on children’s cough and cold medicines
Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2007
The Ministry of Health after consultation with technical personnel has issued an advisory on the use of cough and cold medication for children less than two years old. The advisory stems from a withdrawal of some medications in the United States of America.
On October 11, 2007, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) in the US, on behalf of leading makers of over-the-counter cold medicines announced voluntary market withdrawals of oral cough and cold medicines for infants and children over two years.
Over-the-counter branded paediatric cough and cold medicines affected by this voluntary withdrawal include:
- Dimetapp (R) Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops,
- Dimetapp (R) Decongestant infant drops,
- Little Colds (R) Decongestant Plus Cough,
- Little Colds (R) Multi-Symptom Cold Formula,
- PEDIACARE (R) Infant Drops Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine),
- PEDIACARE (R) Infant Drops Decongestant & Cough (containing pseudoephedrine),
- PEDIACARE (R) Infant Dropper Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine),
- PEDIACARE (R) Infant Dropper Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine),
- PEDIACARE (R) Infant Dropper Long-Acting Cough,
- PEDIACARE (R) Infant Dropper Decongestant & Cough (containing pseudoephedrine),
- Robitussin (R) Infant Cough DM Drops,
- Triaminic (R) Infant & Toddler Thin Strips (R) Decongestant,
- Triarninic (R) Infant & Toddler Thin Strips (R) Decongestant Plus Cough,
- TYLENOL (R) Concentrated Infants’ Drops Plus Cold,
- TYLENOL (R) Concentrated Infants’ Drops Plus Cold & Cough
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, after consultation with technical personnel and upon the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, recommends that parents do not administer any of the cough and cold medication listed above to children less than two years of age. Parents are advised that single ingredients and cold medication such as children’s paracetamol and children’s Motrin can still be administered.
The Ministry is also advising parents that the following can also be used for children with coughs and colds:
- Plenty of fluids and rest,
- Suction bulbs to gently clear infants’ clogged noses. Saline nose drops loosen thick secretions so noses drain more easily.
- A cool-mist humidifier in the child’s bedroom
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as recommended by a doctor, to alleviate pain or discomfort. Parents should check that they don’t contain extra ingredients.
- Some chest creams can ease stuffiness with menthol or other fragrances, but check labels for age restrictions
Medicines that suppress cough are not recommended for children under two years since coughing is a response that protects the child’s lung against noxious agents.
The Ministry pointed out that the reason the makers of the over-the-counter oral cough and cold medicines for infants are voluntarily withdrawing these medicines is that there have been rare patterns of misuse leading to overdose recently identified particularly in infants and safety if the top priority. The move affects only “infant” oral medicines, not those intended and labelled for use in children age two and older.
The Ministry urges that children under two years of age be examined by a health care professional especially if the child has a fever.
Some medicines may mask underlying serious problems that may lead to child’s health worsening.
Cough and cold medicines may be helpful in treating the symptoms of the common cold such as runny nose, congestion, fever, aches and irritability. They do not cure the common cold. Medicines that reduce fever and treat infections may be needed on prescription by a health care worker.
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Gov’t allocates over $40M for new block at Camp St. prison
-will assist in overcrowding problem
Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2007
Cognisant of the overcrowding problem at the Georgetown Camp St. Prison, government has allocated over $40M towards building a new block at the country’s main penitentiary.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee who visited the facility yesterday expressed satisfaction with the location where the two-storey block will be built.
“This will help to ease the pressure of the situation with respect to overcrowding at the prison. The visit this morning was mainly to have a sense of where this block is going to be constructed and together with the authorities of the Georgetown prison, we identified the place. It’s going to be well secured,” Minister Rohee said.
The Home Affairs Minister during his visit to the penitentiary on September 26 had promised that government would pursue the issue.
The Administration has dedicated its efforts to addressing overcrowding in several areas and is also looking at ways to have alternative sentencing.
Government has also been working on several reform programmes to ensure prisoners are re-integrated into society to make a meaningful contribution to the development of the country.
A literacy programme for prisoners in addition to training in various skills, craft and agriculture will be undertaken shortly.
There is a Prisoner Rehabilitation Programme which was launched in 2006 to provide training in masonry, carpentry, tailoring, music, shoe-making, barbering and electrical technology and these are being facilitated through government agencies in collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations.
Inmates’ work was recently displayed during Prison Service Week observed from September 30 to October 6.
Meanwhile, Minister Rohee also visited the Georgetown Magistrate lock-ups to check on the process to and from the Camp St. prison.
“I wanted to have a first hand look at the situation to establish the extent to which they (prisoners) make physical contact with persons. I also had a serious talk with Commander Paul Slowe and the ranks because there have been talks about them facilitating these things. It is unfortunate,” Minister Rohee asserted.
“The Georgetown Magistrate court is a very important lock-up because when prisoners leave the Georgetown prisons they are thoroughly checked to ensure that they have nothing on them like a cell phone, instrument, weapon, drugs or anything of that type…the strange thing is when they return to the prison they are found with these said things. So we have to address this issue,” Minister Rohee assured.
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Guyana committed to UN partnership – acting President
- United Nations observe 62nd Anniversary
Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2007
The United Nations (UN) since its initiation through the signing of a Charter in 1945 has satisfied several mandates in the pursuit of international peace, and respect for equal rights and fundamental freedoms.
Acting President Samuel Hinds made these remarks while toasting to the United Nations 62nd anniversary. He was joined by other government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
The call for international peace and security has always been a mandate of the UN through its missions and operations, despite the many conflicts around the world.
The arbitrary work of the UN in many of Guyana’s pending issues with its neighbours was highlighted by the acting President. He referred to the Arbitral Tribunal of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea which definitively brought an amicable ruling on the Guyana/Suriname maritime issue.
Commitment to partnership with the UN was also highlighted by Guyana being a member of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote the economic and social welfare of States. The Guyana Government intends to utilise this and other memberships to seek new forms of governance and advance the global agenda of peace and development.
According to the acting President, Guyana has benefited significantly from several of the UN’s development agencies which have aided Guyana’s rapid advancement to most of the plans outlined in the Millennium Development Goals.
Such agencies are the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and several others.
Mr. Hinds used the occasion to extend gratitude to the UN Resident Co-ordinator in Guyana for his invaluable support in development efforts.
The climate change phenomenon which has been engaging the attention of world leaders is also high on the agenda of the UN. The organisation according to the Secretary General is a forum for building consensus on this pressing issue
“The Government of Guyana wishes to commend the Secretary General of the UN for his initiative in the convening of a high level debate on climate change last month and the recognition of the impact of the overwhelming danger of climate change,” Mr. Hinds said.
He reaffirmed Government’s fervency in advocating for renewed mechanism for recognition and compensation for the contributions of standing forests towards climate change mitigations.
The initiation of the UN marked the end of World War II and the use of force in resolving conflicts, according to the UN Resident Co-ordinator.
“This date marked the time when the world came to its senses and affirmed multilateral action to maintain world peace through the recognition of the equality of nations and the rights of people to live in dignity, free from violence, hunger and the threat of persecution,” the UN Coordinator said.
Reading from a message prepared by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Coordinator noted that the organisation faced daily with the demand of fostering will continue to do all it can to promote global and decisive actions.
In his message the Secretary General also offered his willingness to work with member states and civil society for timely action in events of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Maintaining international peace and security, the development of friendly relations among nations to cooperate in solving international, social, cultural and humanitarian problems, promotion of respect for equal rights and fundamental freedoms are some of the core mandates of the UN.
The General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice and the Secretariat are the six principal orders of the UN. Guyana became a member of the UN on September 20 1966.
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Charges for forestry breaches based on concrete evidence – Agriculture Minister
Georgetown, GINA, October 25, 2007.
The charges instituted on three companies found guilty of breaching guidelines for sustainable forestry development were specific and based on concrete evidence which is available for scrutiny by all stakeholders.
This was emphasized by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud at a press conference today during which he stated that “threats of protests or other unbecoming stance will not change Government's position on the matter.”
Commissioner of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) James Singh was present at the press briefing.
On September 25, Minister Persaud announced that a detailed investigation was launched by GFC into the breach of forestry laws by several companies. This was done based on preliminary findings by GFC’s Internal Audit Unit which suggested that several companies may be guilty of (a) under-declaration of forest products harvested, to the GFC and (b) giving false declaration as to the origin of forest produce harvested.
Subsequently on October 22, a press statement was issued in which the GFC outlined the investigative process followed, specific breaches and clauses under which the charges were being made. Barama Company Limited, Barakat Timber Limited, A. Mazaharally and Sons Limited and N. Sukhul and Sons Limited were listed as the companies involved in the breaches. The release clearly defined the charges and the stipulated compensation to be paid in accordance with established procedures of GFC.
Minister Persaud said immediately after the investigation was concluded, discussions were held between GFC and the companies to alert them of the findings relevant to their individual companies. Subsequently, letters were sent to three of the companies outlining the identified breaches and requesting individual responses.
“The responses of the companies did not provide a satisfactory explanation for the breaches identified by the GFC,” the Minister pointed out.
He advised that the fourth company was not written to because the GFC has not been able to identify any individual(s) legally authorized to represent that company following the death of the Managing Director earlier this year.
The companies involved in the breaches can appeal the charges and sanctions imposed, according to Minister Persaud. However, this must be done in a manner that is acceptable and not through the use of coercive tactics that seek to blackmail GFC and Government to reverse its position, he added.
The Minister further noted that “contrary to a news release issued by Barama Company which states that the GFC penalties impose were severe, unclear and arbitrary, the GFC maintains that the charges instituted were specific and based on concrete evidence which is available for scrutiny by all stakeholders, including internationally-recognized auditors, forestry consultants and other experts.”
Government has constantly placed emphasis on enhancing monitoring of forestry operations to ensure compliance with the necessary regulations and guidelines set by the State and enforced by the GFC. In this regard, more forest stations have been established at areas such as Port Kaituma, Charity and Annai while another is being set up at Kwebanna. At present, there are 21 forest stations across the country that are staffed with GFC officers to conduct 24-hour monitoring of forestry operations within the respective location.
Additionally, various regulations have been developed to ensure better operations by all stakeholders including loggers, saw millers and holders of concessions. GFC has been working with these stakeholders to ensure compliance and capacity building through a series of workshops, consultations, training sessions and field visits.
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