Construction of GPHC In-Patient unit to commence shortly
- Health Ministry finalises $1.1B contract
Government, GINA, December 19, 2007
The quality of medical care offered at the In-Patient unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GHPC) will be significantly boosted as construction of a new In-Patient department will commence shortly.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Hydar Ally and representative from Roy Bassoo and Sons Construction today inked the agreement for civil works to begin. The signing took place at the Ministry of Health on Brickdam.
Among those present were Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC Michael Khan, Representative from the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB)and other health officials.
“Quality health-care cannot be delivered unless we have infrastructure that is conducive to the skills we have and the commencement of works marks a great accomplishment for us in the Ministry of Health, especially when one is to think in terms of the number of persons that will benefit,” Minister Ramsammy said.
The cost of the project is approximately $1.1B and is funded by the IDB. It will allow for improving the effectiveness, quality and equity in access to health services and includes projects to develop information technology, strengthen the human resources system and the delivery of pharmaceuticals. Particular focus will be placed on improving the organizational and institutional capacity of the health sector.
The project will allow for rehabilitation of several sections of the hospital, including the therapy department, the surgical units containing over 96 beds, nursing administration department, the medical records unit and clinical administrative suites.
Other facilities will include plumbing installation (drain and vent system, hot and cold water system, fire suppression system and fixtures); air injection/extraction installation; medical gases installation; electrical and special installation (fire alarm system, time system, nurse call system, telephone system, computer network and structured cabling system, voice paging system and closed circuit TV system) and a lift installation (two (2) elevators).
The construction firm was urged to complete the project in a timely manner so that the hospital would resume normal services as soon as possible.
The construction of a new In-Patient facility is in keeping with government’s efforts to modernize the health sector. It will enable better access to services and more modern health-care facilities and will mark the commencement of another key project under the Health Sector Reform Programme (HSRP).
Apart from the rehabilitation of the GPHC, the Linden, Lethem and Mabaruma hospitals are under construction and are expected to be operational by the first half of 2008.
The remaining three diagnostic and treatment centres at Leonora, Suddie and Mahaicony are also expected to start operation early 2008.
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EC Ambassador, Finance Minister ink $5 billion financing agreement for sea defence works
Georgetown, GINA, December 19, 2007
Guyana has received an additional sum under the European Development Fund (EDF) which will ensure the protection and sustainability of Guyana’s sea defences.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Guyana Ambassador Geert Heikens today inked a financing agreement which amounts to Euro 17.018 M (approximately $5 billion).
The agreement comes on the heels of an additional Euro 900,000 that was signed for in March 2007, bringing the total support under the 9th EDF to Guyana’s Sea Defence Sector to Euro 17.918 million in grants.
Today’s agreement provides for funding of preventative maintenance and reconstruction as the main components as well as the Institutional Capacity building components, including the expansion of the already existing Shore Zone Management System.
The preservation of existing mangroves and the exploration of possibilities to re-introduce the vegetation where they once formed the natural defence against the sea are additional elements under this programme.
Minister Singh stated that this is part of Government’s commitment of maintaining the integrity of the sea defence and expressed appreciation to the EC for the significant assistance it has provided in that area. He pointed out that assistance from the European Commission is not only in the area of sea defence but also in budget support.
He noted that a considerable amount of work was already done under the 8th and 9th EDF and it is expected that the 10th EDF will be finalised shortly.
In line with the 2002-2007 Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Guyana, sea defences and coastal management is one of two key sectors. Large sections of Guyana’s coastal zone where almost 90 percent of the country’s population and economic activity are concentrated are located below sea level.
A system of sea defences exists to protect Guyana’s coastal settlements and agricultural lands from tidal intrusion by the Atlantic Ocean. While the backlog of rehabilitation of the severely deteriorated sea defences is estimated at about 20 years, the present state of the sea defences is still considered as critical.
The overall strategic objective of the programme will be the improvement of the living conditions of the population by increased confidence against inundation by sea water.
Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Ambassador Heikens expressed pleasure with the government’s course of action for reform and activeness in proceeding with the merger between the Sea and River Defence Division and the Works Services Group.
Although much work remains to be done, Ambassador Heikens further encouraged the Government to continue along this path while at the same time reiterated the EC’s commitment to providing assistance to the sector. A needs assessment as the basis for strengthening measures, for the newly merged institution is pending government’s approval.
Special focus will be placed on assisting Government in developing a Sea Defence Sector Policy, for which Terms of Reference have already been finalised. A sector policy will not only provide the basis required to ensure adequate levels of funding for preventative maintenance, but also for an integrated comprehensive approach under which coordinated and sustainable actions can take place.
Ambassador Heikens noted that the EC is pleased to see that the government has taken an active leading role in supporting the sector’s policy development.
The European Development Fund is currently the only long-term active donor in the sea defence sector in Guyana and has allocated these large financial resources as grants, primarily for the reconstruction of sea defences in Guyana. This is in addition to Institutional Capacity components which are already underway and which have seen much work being done in the areas of surveying, data processing, modelling, structural engineering, mangrove management and strategic planning.
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Relatively calm industrial climate in 2007 - Labour Minister
Georgetown, GINA, December 19, 2007
Government’s commitment to collective bargaining resulted in 57 agreements sealed during 2006 and 2007 leading to a relatively calm industrial relations climate this year.
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir at his Ministry’s end-of-year press conference said that matters brought to conciliation this year were down to 55 as compared to 70 in 2006, while two matters were taken to arbitration as compared to four the previous year.
Guyana also had 20 percent less strikes this year as compared to 2006. This saw a 44 percent decrease in lost man-days and a 40 percent drop in wage loss as compared to last year.
Minister Nadir said that educational seminars for employers, who breach the labour laws, continued during the year.
He acknowledged that only 20 percent of the work force was represented by unions and that the Ministry was forced to be vigilant in protecting workers and ensuring that their rights, health and safety were not compromised. To achieve this, he said 2278 workplace inspections were conducted.
The Ministry was able to successfully settle 921 workers’ complaints and recover $17.6 M in benefits. There was a 20 percent increase in workers’ complaints due to the awareness and education programmes conducted by the Ministry.
He said that many employers are still ignorant of their labour obligations or are bent on workers’ exploitation, and the Ministry, he acknowledged, still has a lot more work to do to effectively educate employers and employees about labour laws.
The Minister said the Labour Department’s performance was very good and that in most areas the targets set were exceeded.
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Disciplined Services to get one-month tax free bonus
-President announces
Georgetown, GINA, December 19, 2007
Much to the delight of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Soldiers, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo announced today that the GDF, Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Prison and Fire Services will receive one month’s tax free salary as a bonus for Christmas.
The Commander-in-Chief made the announcement while addressing GDF Soldiers during their Christmas Luncheon event at Timehri.
President Jagdeo said that he is pleased with the Army’s performance recently and the way it has collaborated with the Police Force and other Divisions of the Disciplined Services especially in the fight against crime.
However, the Head of State reminded the GDF that the bonus is not automatic and is based on performance and noted that he is confident that this performance has increased and that he has seen changes for the better.
President Jagdeo also reminded the soldiers of the integral role they play in ensuring a secure environment especially as it relates to Guyana attracting investment.
Urging the soldiers to not only focus on military skills but also on personal achievement, the President encouraged the Soldiers to develop other skills so that when they leave the Army, they would be able to lead productive lives.
Turning his attention to the Chief of Staff, President Jagdeo said, “I will support your command to ensure that our Officers have alternative training and that the soldiers also can have another skill outside of the skill of being soldiers so that when it comes to your time…I know many of you are young and you don’t think about this at this point in time but when the time comes for you to leave, you can also have productive lives. This is a deep commitment that I hold and one that I am prepared to fund.”
He also urged that they make use of the message of Christmas while on the road to this achievement.
“I hope that you remember the significance of the upcoming season-Christmas-and the religious significance of Christmas…the message of Christmas is universal. It is applicable to every nation and to all peoples, because the message of hope is important in everything we do. It allows us to keep a positive attitude about life. It allows us to work hard so that, at the end of the day, we can create a better life for ourselves, for our families and for our country,” the Head of State emphasized.
The President expressed appreciation for the work being done by the GDF especially as he acknowledged that they work when others are enjoying their holidays.
“As we make merriment in our country, we recognize the important role that our security forces play in supporting these festivities because many of you are on duty and you are providing service to the nation whilst others are enjoying themselves. And I want you to know that the nation is appreciative of this fact,” he said.
Prior to announcing the bonus to the eager Soldiers, the President outlined the economic challenges facing Guyana and the world today, and posited that his Government is attempting to complete a number of age-old initiatives, some of which have already been completed and others in progress, including the construction of the CARICOM Headquarters, the Berbice River Bridge, the University Campus in Berbice and the Hydro-Power project.
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All preparation on stream for Boxing Day
Government, GINA, December 19, 2007
Preparations are progressing for the hosting of the final event in the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce’s calendar of activities, the Main Big Lime.
Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad during a media briefing today urged all stakeholders to cooperate in making the event successful.
“This is as the name suggests, a lime. It is starting at 10:00h so everyone will have the opportunity to come. Parents are urged to bring their children in the morning and in the evening, it will be an adult affair,” Minister Prashad said.
Measures are being put in place to address issues of security and crowd control. It will involve the participation of the Guyana Police Force and several private security entities.
Minister Prashad expressed his anticipation that this year will be the largest event as more than thirty thousand persons are expected to participate in the event.
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Bridging of Berbice River making headway
- Government’s promise being realised
Georgetown, GINA, December 19, 2007.
Construction of the Berbice River Bridge and its approach roads is progressing according to schedule in keeping with the present administration’s commitment to an integrated infrastructural network envisaged in its development programme.
This was highlighted today during an inspection of the bridge and access roads by Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn and a team of technical and other officials of the Ministry and Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI).
“In realizing this project, we will be putting in place one of the significant planks of our development programme that will help to ensure we have sustainable economic activity in our country,” the Minister said.
The 1.5 kilometre structure is being built downstream of the existing ferry route, from D’ Edward on the western side to Crab Island on the east. It will float on 39 pontoons and will be anchored on the riverbed by a sophisticated off-shore tested anchorage system.
To date, 14 spans have been installed on the western side while the contractor is anticipating attachment of another two before the end of the week. This will complete the installation of spans on this side after which such activities will start on the opposite section of the bridge.
The contractor had anticipated installation of 15 spans by December, but instead there will be 16 completed.
Designs for the bridge’s toll station and office have been prepared and estimates are currently being secured.
Minister Benn expressed satisfaction with the installation of the spans and other works to the bridge. The project will add to the transformation of Berbice with implementation of several significant projects such as the Skeldon sugar factory and co-generation plant and re-construction of the highway from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek.
“Bridging of the Berbice River is a desire of all our generations and we would be the generation to actually realise that dream which will improve travel, connectivity between the Regions and the country and which will result in multiplied efforts for economic rise across the country,” the Minister said.
Another spin-off from the bridge will see diversion of vessels from the Berbice crossing to improve such services at other locations including Essequibo and North West.
Chairman of the BBCI Board of Directors Geeta Singh-Knights noted that the project is proceeding according to schedule, and it is likely that it will be completed in a timely manner.
Reference was made to the impact of the Berbice Bridge on the economic development of not only Regions Five and Six, but the entire country.
Singh-Knights noted that such infrastructure often leads to increased business activities and downstream development and will contribute to greater traffic flow between Guyana and Suriname.
It is also anticipated that the Bridge will boost the tourism drive in Berbice since travellers will be afforded with easier and hassle-free access to and from the county.
The bridge is being built under a government/private sector partnership with financial commitment totalling approximately US$38M from several investors including top commercial banks, major insurance companies and several corporate agencies.
When completed, the bridge will be operated by BBCI on a toll basis using the formula that is intended to recover sufficient revenue to cover operating and maintenance costs, return investments and repayment of financing.
Construction of access roads on either sides of the bridge is being done by Government with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at a cost of approximately US$8.7M. The project entails construction of 3.1 kilometres of roadway on the eastern side of the bridge and 700 metres on the western bank of the Berbice River.
The project, which started in April has a duration period of two years but includes a requirement for the contractor to deliver within 18 months, a surfaced roadway capable of dealing with traffic from the bridge, which was initially scheduled for completion within that timeframe. The final six months will cater for works such as road lighting, marking, signs and installation of reflectors.
At present, works are progressing on roads at D’ Edward Village, West Coast Berbice in Region Five and on Crab Island and Palmrya Village, Region Six.
Technical Adviser Walter Willis and Coordinator of the Work Services Group (WSG) Rickford Lowe were among those who accompanied the Minister on the visit.
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Lethem, Aishalton residents consult on “Stamp it out”
Georgetown, GINA, December 19, 2007
On December 15 and 16, consultations on the Sexual violence Paper “Stamp it out” continued in Region Nine by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s team which held sessions in Lethem and Aishalton to garner feedback on the Paper’s proposals to reform the laws on sexual violence.
The Ministry’s team led by Permanent Secretary, Trevor Thomas and Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Haymawantie Lagan met with residents to educate and raise the level of awareness on the seriousness of sexual violence.
Several issues that were viewed as hindrances to victims that wanted justice were raised. Residents said that due to the Region’s outlying location, financial constraints preclude them from attending Court every month.
Thomas said that is one of the reasons the people’s voices are needed so that the laws can be changed. He noted that Preliminary Inquiry is proposed to be abolished in the Paper and instead of a case prolonged for three years it will now be reduced to just over a month.
Welfare Officers will have to be boosted in the area, as well, since help can be given to the victims through the Human Services Ministry, Thomas said.
Residents were vocal on some of the burning issues in their areas such as marriage, rape and incest. It was noted that incest is very frequent in the communities and the victim is left to suffer at the hands of their perpetrators.
Thomas said that incest is a crime and needs to be reported to the Police. He told the residents that the Ministry was not aware of the issue in the Region and said that action will be taken to help the victims as soon as possible.
We will be advocating for a Care Centre in the Region so that victims can be relocated, Thomas told the residents.
Lagan who kept a special session with the women, urged them to report cases of child marriage which will be dealt with seriously, person who are found guilty will be charge for statutory rape.
She noted that men from Brazil and Coastlanders are taking advantage of young Amerindian girls. Lagan told the women that more attention will be placed on the Region and more work will be done to help the women to have a better life.
Consultations on the sexual violence Paper continued in Moraikobai, Region Five, today.
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National Registration (Amendment) Bill 2007 up for debate
-at December 27 Sitting
Georgetown, GINA, December 19, 2007
Members of the National Assembly will on December 27 debate the National Registration (Amendment) Bill 2007 to reintroduce national house-to-house registration into the existing legislation.
The amended Bill which was tabled on December 7 by Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Doodnauth Singh was scheduled for debate during the December 14 Sitting but was deferred.
In 2006, government through the National Assembly removed house-to house registration to facilitate a continuous process as a result of an agreement between Government and Parliamentary Opposition Parties.
The Government in collaboration with the Opposition Parties agreed that a new house-to-house registration exercise will be done and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is currently working on a timetable to commence the process.
On December 14, the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill 2007 that seeks to have the Local Authorities Elections Act amended to provide for the postponement of elections of Councillors of Local Democratic Organs was passed.
Government’s dedication to expedite the Local Government reform process gained impetus with the reconstitution of a Joint Task Force after an agreement was reached between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Leader of the Opposition Mr. Robert Corbin.
The six–member Task Force that comprises an equal number of members from the PPP/C and the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) held its first meeting on May 21.
The last Local Government Elections was held on August 8, 1994 under the administration of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) with the next elections planned for 1997.
Legislation passed by the National Assembly deferred the 1997 Elections to 1998. Since then, numerous obstacles have hindered the holding of Local Government Elections.
Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government Kellawan Lall will also move the Second Reading of the Valuation of Property for Rating Purposes (Validation) Bill 2007 which seeks to declare and validate the valuation of property in the City of Georgetown for rating purposes.
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Youth Ministry spreads Christmas cheer to NOC students
Georgetown, GINA, December 19, 2007
Each year students from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) at Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast are given a special Christmas treat filled with interaction and goodies from Santa Claus.
This year was no exception as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Radio’s Needy Children Fund of the National Communications Network (NCN) hosted its interactive Christmas session and luncheon at the institution today.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony accompanied by Chairman of Region Three Julius Faeber and a team from Radio’s Needy Children Fund headed by NCN’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohamed Sattaur in extending Christmas cheer to the students.
Today was also a special day for Minister Anthony who celebrated his birth anniversary and he was given a surprise gift from students of the institution who were the main hosts for the day.
Numerous strides have been made by the Ministry to improve the facilities and services of the NOC with the intention of creating a better environment for students and change the stigma attached to the institution.
During a tour of the administrative buildings and the dormitories, Minister Anthony and team were impressed with the state of repairs done since the commencement of the $50M rehabilitation programme in July.
He was also impressed with the students’ talent display during the Christmas luncheon and was astounded by the school’s steel pan group which he promised to support with the provision of more instrument.
Minister Anthony acknowledged the efforts to improve training opportunities for students who performed successfully at the Caribbean Secondary Education Council (CXC).
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has been an active partner in the training programmes for parents who often express reluctance to accept their children after their tenure at the NOC.
Minister Anthony lauded the efforts of the Radio’s Needy Children Fund for their continuous programme of bringing happiness to children during the Christmas season.
The Radio Needy Children Fund has its genesis in 1954 following a live broadcast of an event for children. Sattaur, who gave a background to the Fund said the broadcast which was done on radio, prompted several community members to offer assistance leading to a much bigger event the following year.
Since then the Fund has been active in hosting Christmas parties for children and intends to host one in each region this year and distribute over 5,000 gifts to children.
Sattaur is proud of the Fund’s 50 year history in bringing happiness to children who also include children affected by HIV/AIDS at the Genito Urinary Clinic (GUM) of the Ministry of Health and students of the NOC.
“We took the view that even though there is a wide cross-section of children at this institution, they are still children and if we can’t care for children as an organisation then we can’t care for anyone else. We are committed to coming every year and we will be continuing to do that as long as the Radio’s Needy Children Fund exists,” Sattaur said.
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