Cabinet gives no objection to two contracts
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
Two major contracts in the Works and Education sectors have been given the go ahead by Cabinet at its Tuesday, November 13 meeting.
This was announced today by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon during his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President.
The first contract is for consultancy services for economic analysis, environmental assessment and design studies for the Transport Infrastructure Rehabilitation Programme which will cost US$ 375, 755.
The second contract given Cabinet’s green light falls under the purview of the Basic Education Access and Management Support (BEAMS) Programme and will see the hiring of cluster trainers at a cost of US$267,000.
The Cabinet Ministers led by President Bharrat Jagdeo will on Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 be visiting Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) where numerous meetings will be conducted with residents as part of Cabinet’s outreach programme to examine how its policies and programmes are being effected in the areas.
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National Commission on Law and Order supports traffic campaign
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
The National Commission on Law and Order (NCLO) at its committee meeting last evening gave full support to the ongoing traffic campaign which is netting results.
“I must say that this campaign is good. There are also very good public relations by the Force. The question is if the police will sustain it. I also believe that with regard to speeding they should install governors on the vehicles which will control the speed limits. It has been implemented in several countries,” said People’s National Congress/Reform member Deborah Backer, a member of the NCLO.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee who is the Chairman of the commission, informed members about a meeting held earlier in the day with the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) which welcomed the campaign.
“It was noted that speeding has been reduced significantly except for Berbice and Moleson Creek route; more ranks on the road, a number of amplifiers removed from mini-buses and more persons are seeking to procure licence and correct papers for their vehicles,” Minister Rohee said.
The issue of more educational programmes to inform citizens about the traffic laws and regulations was also raised at the meeting.
The Minister also announced that government will be providing the traffic department with more motorcycles shortly.
Minister Rohee along with the Commissioner of Police (ag) Henry Greene will be approaching Chief Justice and Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh for the implementation of a traffic night Court to address the increasing number of cases before the Magistrate’s Court.
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Parika packaging centre to be completed next month
Georgetown, GINA, November 14, 2007.
Efforts are being made to ensure that construction of the modern storage and packaging facility at Parika, Region Three, is completed before the end of this year, in keeping with Government’s plan to support advanced agricultural diversification.
The $89M facility, which will cater for washing, cleaning, waxing and cool-storing of agricultural products before they are exported, is intended to further promote the non-traditional crop sector. The contract for the project was signed last April with scheduled completion within seven months.
At present, the project is more than 60 percent into its work programme and the contractor has completed the building’s basic foundation and walls. The roof and other internal works are to be completed.
The facility is being built under the Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP) and will seek to encourage advanced agro-processing of produce from Regions Three and Two since Parika is the hub for agricultural activities.
It will be supported by more than 10, 000 acres of arable land, directly benefit 3000 farmers and will be the first modern agro-processing centre in the country. There are plans to construct a concrete wharf to complement the pack house since this will be advantageous for shipping directly to available markets.
This will create an opportunity for farmers to develop sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards since it will be geared to accept the best quality of produce. A certification programme will be developed, and farmers who are certified will be given preference.
Under the PRCSSP, major improvements have been done to ensure that efficient drainage and irrigation and other key services are available to support farmers in Regions Two and Three. In this regard, a large number of projects were implemented including construction of all-weather roads at Riverstown/Onderneeming in Region Two and at Vreed-en-Hoop/La Jalousie in Region Three.
Construction of water control structures, excavation of drains and D&I works have been done at Parika back, Naamryck, Western Hogg Island and Bonasika in Region Three while similar activities were carried out at Bethany, Supenaam Creek, Region Two. These works will ensure that farmers expand cultivation of mainly fruits and vegetables that form part of the non-traditional crop sector and are on demand at the export level. At present, Guyana exports fruits and vegetables to several Caribbean countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Grenada and to extra-regional markets in Canada, France, United Kingdom (UK) and Switzerland.
Focus is being placed on advancing production and securing more markets to ensure increased income of farmers and revenue for the country while at the same time utilising modern technology such as agro-processing to add more value to the agricultural products.
This is in keeping with Guyana’s poverty reduction strategy which gives recognition to the need for improved infrastructure, support and technical services and a vibrant private sector to ensure increased agricultural development. Increased value added production and advance processing of raw material for exports are clearly outlined in the strategy.
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Systems in place to avoid floods
-Agriculture Minister meets MMA Farmers
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
All systems are in place to reduce the possibility of flooding along the coastland during the upcoming rainy season, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said during a meeting with farmers of Mahaica and Mahaicony yesterday.
The meeting was one in a series planned by the Minister to alert farmers on preparations for the December rainy season.
Four additional excavators have been deployed in that area to supplement the routine drainage maintenance works done by the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA). In addition, the waterways are to be sprayed to remove weeds and other vegetation that may hinder drainage.
“We can’t do anything about the rains,” Minister Persaud said, “but what we can do is to work together to ensure that we take the necessary precautions and that the systems we have are working and the support that we provided before, during and after, continue.”
The Minister further stated that over US$100M is needed to address all the problems in the area, “some of which” he said, “were around forever.”
The works in the Mahaica/ Mahaicony area are part of the national programme in preparation for the expected prolonged rainy season. Besides the excavation works in progress, Government will spend a further $40M to ensure the integrity of the drainage system.
Farmers reported that some dams were breached while some kokers needed repairs to keep water off the land. The Minister advised that The MMA/ADA’s equipment be used to effect the necessary repairs. Four drainage tubes valued at about $1M are to be sent to the Mahaicony area to assist with the drainage programme.
Residents were informed that an excavator will be made available to assist with drainage work for their homesteads to protect their homes from flooding.
Some of the recommendations put forward by farmers could not be immediately entertained because of budgetary constraints and the availability of equipment to complete the works before the rains begin. However, the Minister said that their suggestions will be noted and the feasibility of these works will be examined.
A project to improve the drainage for the areas between Hyde Park and Bara Bara in Mahaicony, estimated to cost about $20M is to be budgeted for next year.
Residents of Mahaica expressed gratitude to the Minister for the road which is now completed.
The Minister assured residents that Government would do everything possible to make life comfortable for them.
The Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Scheme was developed particularly for agricultural purposes. The main agricultural activities are rice, cattle and cash crop farming. The major problem affecting the community since its establishment over thirty years ago has always been flooding.
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Minister Lall highlights urgency for Local Government elections
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
Government is in discussion with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on whether or not new identification cards will be issued for the upcoming Local Government elections.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall said there is much urgency for Local Government elections to proceed, noting that it is not necessary at this time to issue new ID cards and that this should not be an issue to delay the Local Government elections.
The process is further delayed Lall said because GECOM is in discussion with the relevant political parties to determine whether or not to proceed without the issuance of new ID cards.
Minister Lall said GECOM needs to surmount the stumbling blocks that are delaying the process.
Besides the financial aspect, it has been decided that GECOM will not be allowed to use teachers to conduct the registration process since the Government is concerned about children receiving a full day’s teaching.
Minister Lall noted that GECOM needs to change gear and focus on employing and training unemployed persons especially those who have just completed High School and University.
He said the delay in the Local Government elections process is hindering development and is creating a lot of problems since statuary bodies are not working effectively and there is need for renewal.
Lall said whatever decision is to be made should be done expeditiously so that the registration process can pursue and be completed in time to have Local Government elections early next year.
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Minister Baksh stresses importance of science laboratories
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
Minister of Education Shaik Baksh stressed the importance of fully equipped science and technology laboratories in schools which will help to promote science and technology education in the country. The Minister was at the time speaking at the opening of science and home economics laboratories at St. Rose’s High School earlier this afternoon.
The Minister pointed out that this area has been neglected for a number of years but that the Ministry is currently working on a policy document on science and technology education to promote in schools across the country.
The laboratories were refurbished through financial assistance from the Alumni Associations of New York and Toronto, which held fund-raising activities in their respective countries to raise funds. The work was effected by K.P Thomas and Sons Inc. The home economic laboratory was refurbished at a cost of $6.4M and was completed on August 30, 2007, while the Biology, Physics and Chemistry Laboratory was refurbished at a cost of $7M and was completed on October 5, this year.
The Ministry has worked in partnership with the School to refurbish it to enable students to learn in a comfortable environment.
Minister Baksh also pointed out that there is a shortage of trained science teachers and that the Ministry is embarking on several initiatives to change this since many students do not get to sit the examinations for those subjects.
The Ministry is currently training 300 teachers through an 18-month distance education programme at the end of which the teachers would be provided with a certificate. The Ministry is also working to rehire retired teachers to lend assistance in critical areas including science.
Minister Baksh also pointed out that the Ministry is working to develop incentives for students who sit the science examinations. There is also a proposal to have science coordinators in the Regions who would work with the schools to develop that area, the Minister said.
The plaque was unveiled by Minister Baksh and representative of the Toronto Alumni Association Maureen Webb. Others present at the ceremony included Vice Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the school Ms. Cathy Hughes, Member of the Board of Governors and Chairman of the Building and Works Committee Dr. Nicholas McLean, and Representative of the New York Alumni Association Mary Ferreira.
Immediately after the opening of the laboratories the school also hosted its annual prize giving and graduation exercise.
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Deeds Registry Authority (Amendment) Bill passed
- Judicial Service Commission to appoint Registrar, Deputy Registrar
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
Members of the National Assembly at today’s sitting fully supported government’s Deeds Registry Authority (Amendment) Bill 2007 which seeks to amend the Deeds Registry Authority Act of 1999.
Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Doodnauth Singh in whose name the bill was tabled said the amendment to section 5 (2) is simply to bring the section into conformity with the constitution by vesting the power to appoint the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of Deeds in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Under the 1999 Act it is stated that the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of Deeds shall be appointed by the Minister of Legal Affairs which according to government is in conflict with Article 199 of the Constitution which states that “the power to make appointments to the offices of the Registrar of Deeds and Deputy Registrar of Deeds and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over those persons holding or acting in such offices is vested in the Judicial Service Commission”.
The Deeds Registry Authority Act of 1999 was enacted but not brought into force.
Section 4 of the proposed amended Bill seeks to remove the functions of the Registrar of Deeds in relation to the Land Registry Act.
If passed, the amended Bill will come into operation on a date set by the Minister of Legal Affairs.
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Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2007 passed
-allows for over $8B in additional finances
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
The National Assembly today approved a total of over $8B dollars for supplementary budget which was initially approved by Cabinet.
The sum was put forward through the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2007 which covered both Financial Papers No. and No.2.
Financial Paper No. 1/2007 in relation to Supplementary estimates (Current and Capital ) totalled $1,668,232,435 for the period April 17, 2007-November 7,2007 and Financial Paper No.2/2007 totalled $7,011,179,821 for the period ending December 31,2007.
Prior to the approval government received several queries from the Opposition Parties which included the $54M dollars which was proposed for government’s Youth Empowerment programme.
“If youth development was so important to this government then why wasn’t this money asked for in the national budget? Why is it now that you are trying to sneak it through the contingency funds?” People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Member Winston Murray questioned.
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir said government’s continued committed to youth development is evident with the many initiatives that have been implemented and the Youth Empowerment programme should not suffer from mere speculations.
“This programme will allow for persons who have not completed secondary education an opportunity to develop themselves. Sixty four have already been taken in the first batch while 500 are to start from December into next year. So this is more than the contingency funds; their future cannot wait until next year again to go through another process,” Minister Nadir argued.
The other areas which received most additional funds in the current budget included: the security, education, agriculture, health and legal affairs sectors.
Meanwhile, in the capitol budget the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) received $206,888,782 and Office of the Prime Minister Electrification programme-$1.2B which will be use to meet additional local resources for the unserved areas electrification programmme.
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Piracy may have trans-border involvement
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon today announced that the Administration has cause to re-visit its concern about piracy following a number of piracy attacks on Guyanese fishermen recently. Some of the fishermen have also been murdered during the attacks.
The Cabinet Secretary said Government has been very concerned also about the impact of these attacks on the families of the victims.
“Cabinet recalled its provision of $15M funding to Law Enforcement Agencies to implement a new surveillance and interdiction programme within the sea and the fishing areas,” Dr. Luncheon said, as he contended that during a recent review some informal statements of trans-border involvement were considered.
Dr. Luncheon noted that these statements were not made formally to the Law enforcement agencies, but nevertheless cannot be dismissed.
He said that Cabinet has therefore concluded that it is possible that the pirates involved in the brutal attacks may not all be Guyanese and thus, Government has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to approach Guyana’s neighbouring countries to enlist support in grappling with the scourge.
He added that Cabinet has also noted that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, along with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Fisheries Division are working to provide support for the affected families.
“We are not really that much happy about the way information flows are taking place from those who are directly affected to the police or to the law enforcement agencies. We don’t know why this is so, but it is so. And it is probably not the first category of crime where you hear anecdotally that crimes have been committed and the law enforcement agencies are waiting for someone who is affected…to come and say this happened,” Dr. Luncheon remarked.
He reiterated that Government’s sourcing of information is not based on formal reports that have been made by those we have been affected or by specific submission or reports tendered to the police.
“So, much of it is anecdotal but you cannot dismiss it, and we are hearing that it is apparent that the pirates are not necessarily operating from Guyana or they are not only Guyanese. We are hearing that the language is not only Guyanese English (language spoken by the pirates during attacks),” the HPS pointed out, noting that it can also be concluded that the pirates are not only attacking Guyanese seamen.
On this note, he stated that this has led to specific intervention.
“This may very well be something of trans-national importance and it is in that context that we are making moves to enlist the support of our neighbours,” Dr. Luncheon concluded.
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Preparations advancing for year-end rainy season
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
“Minister Persaud presented Cabinet with details of the sector’s preparations for the upcoming year-end rainy season. His submission revealed considerable expenditure being made in the coastal regions to do a number of things.”
This was the announcement made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing today as he outlined Government’s activities as preparations are being made for the upcoming rainy season with respect to the drainage and irrigation system. This is to ensure that the system could withstand any heavy rainfall during the period.
He noted that substantial expenditure has been allocated toward ‘rendering the serviceable, the mechanical and electrical machinery and installations in the drainage and irrigation sea and river defence sectors, to rehabilitate the flood control structure and devices, sluices and the pumps, to de-silt and de-weed canals and trenches in the coastal villages, to de-silt outfalls and to create necessary stockpile of supplies needed or likely to be needed during any ontoward consequences’.
Dr. Luncheon pointed out that Cabinet received a submission from Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud during its last meeting which focused particularly on the conservancies and ‘recognised that aggressive maintenance work was being done, both within the conservancies and also in discharged channels and canals leading to the Demereara River on the West and the Atlantic Ocean on the North’.
“His submission also highlighted the major earth moving works done in building levees, in raising the height of levees and empoldering vulnerable areas, and emphasised that these works are ongoing,” the HPS said.
As it relates to the persons coordinating the activities, Dr. Luncheon disclosed that
Cabinet has re-appointed the two task forces appointed previously and paid particular attention to the Cabinet task force or oversight body which would once again be chaired by the Prime Minister and whose members would include Ministers Persaud, Benn and Lall and a Representative from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.
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Government concerned about GPL issues-Dr. Luncheon
-Power Company assures rectification in 24-48 hours
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon today said that Cabinet’s most recent discussions at its meeting on November 13 about the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) woes is the second time in a month that the Government has had to focus on the issues facing the power company.
The HPS said that in this light it is obvious that Government is very concerned about the recent predicament of GPL and ‘the fairly acute deterioration in the supply of power by GPL to its customers in its main areas of operations’.
“Cabinet, of course, noted the frequency of the resulting power outages. Cabinet was provided with information details of the two main systems involved: the Berbice and Demerara grids,” Dr. Luncheon explained.
He stated that in Berbice, shortfalls in power generation were related to both systems’ failure in generating plans, generating equipment as well as generation projections not being met.
“Projections to have power, new power in the system in Berbice were not met. That was attributed to short falls in planning, financial constraints and such problems and that led to the power outages. In the Demerara grid, again, systems failure in the generating system, this is at the Garden of Eden complex, was identified as the main reason for the power outages,” the HPS stated.
He noted that Cabinet was critical about the GPL and its management in the context of these developments and has called on the management to take all necessary steps to restore normalcy in power supply to customers as soon as possible.
“Cabinet was reassured that both the Berbice and the Demerara grids ought to be powered up to meet peak demands within twenty-four to forty-eight hours,” Dr. Luncheon added.
Asked about rumours of fuel shortage being the reason for some of the Power Company’s problems, Dr. Luncheon said that the issue of fuel shortage was not related by the Power Company as the reason for the power outages.
The HPS explained that at the Berbice grid, specific generating facilities became unserviceable and had to be taken out and as a result ‘they lost some amount of generating capacity. That, as I said, was the basis of their outages and that GPL said would be remedied and restoration to peak demands made within 24 to 48 hours’.
As it relates to the facility at Garden of Eden, the HPS noted that similar reasons were given.
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President Jagdeo leads Cabinet’s Region Six Outreach tomorrow
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
Head of State, Bharrat Jagdeo will tomorrow lead his Cabinet to a two-day outreach to Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) where a number of meetings will be conducted with residents of various areas.
The Outreach is to specifically get a first-hand examination of the manner in which Government’s programmes and policies are being implemented in the Region and to solicit the views of the grassroots and residents on the ground.
On his way to the Region, the Head of State will stop to examine the ongoing works on the new Berbice River Bridge before proceeding to State House at New Amsterdam where a press conference will be conducted.
During his visit to the Region, the President will meet with residents of a number of communities including Skeldon, New Market, Albion, Hampshire and Tain.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Ministers will be fanning out to areas such as Sandvoort, Angoy’s Avenue, Fort Ordnance, Housing Scheme, Canefield, New Area, Canefield West, Sea Well, Crabwood Creek, Little Africa, Scottsburg Housing Scheme, Fishermen No. 66 Complex, Cattle Farmers No. 63 Village, No.19 Village, Chesney, Belvedere, Bound Yard, Free Yard, Ankerville, Hogtown, No. 52 Village Eversham Village, Cromarty Village and Kildonan Village.
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Hydropower under consideration for Region One
- foreign investors to play significant role
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
Hydropower is at present a major future investment under consideration for communities in Region One, Barima/Waini and foreign investors have committed to help make this a reality.
Jailing Forest Enterprise from China and Essar Steel from India are two of the major foreign companies in the mining industry which have sought enquiries from Prime Minister Samuel Hinds about the possibilities of developing this alternate source of electricity in the Region.
The Eclipse and Towakaima Falls on the Barama River are the two main potential areas cited for the hydropower initiative. The Eclipse Falls which has a 4-megawatt capacity is suggested for Jailing while the Towakaima Falls which has a six-megawatt capacity has been earmarked for Essar Steel.
Both locations were identified following a survey by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in the 1970s and considerations are being taken for a combined grid.
During a recent three-day visit to the region, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and representatives from the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) led the investors on a tour of the Eclipse Falls and several other areas cited for economic development of the Region.
Jailing, which is under the new management of Seapower, is one of the major foreign investors in the region’s forestry sector. The company was offered a mill site at the Four Mile area near Port Kaituma.
Essar Steel plans to restart manganese mining and processing at locations in the vicinity of Port Kaituma area by mid-2008. The company which is primarily interested in ore, intends to occupy a storage and shipping facility at the wharf in Port Kaituma.
The companies have also taken under consideration, indicative development plans for Port Kaituma. Essar Steel for example is looking to restore and develop canals and waterways.
The two companies were joined by other foreign and local investors in the agriculture, handicraft, aquaculture and tourism sectors who met local entrepreneurs from Port Kaituma and other parts of the region.
Prime Minister Hinds during the meeting said hydropower is an important necessity particularly in the face of rising oil prices worldwide. Hydro along with solar power and bio-energy has been among the many renewable energy initiatives pursued by government.
He lauded the idea of partnership which was highlighted during the 2006 Presidential summit on a National Competitiveness Strategy that outlined over 240 initiatives to strengthen Government and private sector partnership.
“We are not closing the door to partnerships because we want to be part of the world on an equal footing with others. I am glad we have foreign investors who are coming in to region,” the Prime Minister said.
The necessity for hydropower, he added will also be necessary for Port Kaituma which is presently under consideration for township.
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Labour Minister warns cooperatives to conform
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir is again warning that cooperative societies need to get their acts in order, not only with their books but in terms of democratic management.
He said that his Ministry will be more vigilant with regards to the functioning of Cooperatives, noting that the Chief Cooperatives Officer is authorized by law to take control of any cooperative that is not functioning in keeping with the laws of Guyana.
There are close to 1100 registered cooperative societies in Guyana with over 350 of these being Schools’ Thrift Societies while 45 are Credit Unions.
While some are functioning efficiently; others are not complying with cooperative regulations. Some are even on the books but are defunct, Nadir said.
The strengthening and revitalization of the cooperative movement was one of the manifesto promises of this Administration during its 2001 election campaign.
Some problems were identified with the manner in which some cooperatives function, the Minister explained.
“Some Cooperatives are run by a few persons alone. Many of their members may have migrated and they are now being run like a family business. We have some complaints about those and we are taking the relevant action under the law. We have some cooperatives that are not functioning at all and are sitting on valuable state land for which they hold leases.”
Nadir said that some societies such as housing cooperatives have now outlasted their usefulness as home owners pay their rates and taxes directly to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.
“We need to de-register those and hand over the transports to the persons so that they can acquire loans from the banks to develop their properties.”
However, Nadir pointed out that some cooperatives function as good business enterprises to the benefit its members.
Cooperatives in Guyana date back over 150 years with the purchase of Plantation Northbrook, now the village of Victoria, by freed slaves.
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Parliament receives timely donation from China
-10 laptops, a 30 seater-bus
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
In keeping with the long-standing relations between Guyana and China, today China’s Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Jungao presented Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran with 10 laptops and one 30 seater bus on behalf of his country.
“It is my honour to handover these things to your Parliament and I am sure that it has come in a timely manner. This is another example of our good relationship,” Ambassador Jungao said.
Expressing gratitude for the donations, Ramkarran said, “We will give these laptops to the Members of Parliament for their lounge…some 12 years ago China had donated a 15 seater bus which has been over used now. They saw the need for another bus and they have contributed this bus which will come into good use… we are grateful.”
In July, China’s Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the People’s Republic of China’s Parliament, Her Excellency Madame Gu Xiulian, met Members of Parliament and had promised to donate the laptops and the bus.
In 2004 a delegation from the National Assembly of Guyana headed by Speaker Ralph Ramkarran visited the People’s Republic of China where discussions were held with His Excellency Hu Bangguo and other officials
Guyana and China have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1974 and among the benefits of the partnership are increased trade relations and social.
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Prime Minister urges PC graduates to focus on sciences
Georgetown, GINA, November 15, 2007
President’s College, recognised among the top performing schools in Guyana, was today the venue for the 18th graduation exercise for over 80 students of the 2006/2007 academic year.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who delivered a feature address and presented certificates and trophies to valedictorian and General Certificate Examination (GCE) top performer Fizal Hussein and Caribbean Secondary Education Council (CSEC) Ijaz Raffik.
Recognition was also given to Valline Ramotar, who was top performer at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination.
The event was considered a special occasion for the school as it coincides with its 22nd anniversary. Among those in attendance were representatives of the Board of Directors, the Parent Teachers’ Association and the Ministry of Education.
The Prime Minister who attended on behalf of Minister of Education Shaik Baksh congratulated the graduates of the institution for their successful and impressive performance at the 2006/2007 academic year.
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The school gained 100 percent passes in agriculture, biology, food and nutrition, geography, social studies, electrical technology, technical drawing and visual arts.
He highlighted the important role which school and education play in the teaching and nurturing of the next generation who are considered potential leaders.
“You can well be proud of the areas of improvement over last year and I call on you to do even better next year,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister said there is still need for a more emphatic focus on the core subjects as well as the sciences.
“I call on you to pay particular attention to the areas of mathematics, physics and chemistry since science and its application pervades modern life, and while we need not know more than a fraction of all the science we encounter in our daily life, it think everyone should have basic mathematics and science to CXC level,” the Prime Minister urged.
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Guyana is a country which the Prime Minister noted can be developed through knowledge, skills and productivity and which can be achieved through strengthening the teaching and learning capacity which is one of government’s commitments.
He used the occasion to underscore government’s position of universal education which is reflected in the increased allocations towards education over the last 25 years.
“From 1992 to now the allocations for education in the national budget has moved from some $1.7B to $14.9B,” the Prime Minister said.
President's College which was opened in 1985 is located in Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara.
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