Take collective action to reduce impact of rising food costs
- Minister Ramsaran tells Kuru Kururu residents
Georgetown, GINA, April 23, 2008
Residents of Kuru Kururu were yesterday encouraged by Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran to come together and buy needed supplies in order to reduce the impact of rising food prices which is affecting people worldwide.
He said Guyana is not greatly affected as other countries like India and Haiti that are experiencing food shortages because there is sufficient food to supply local demand and export.
Minister Ramsaran said Guyanese must take advantage of this situation and utilise the land more.
He reiterated that Government has no control over this worldwide phenomenon but, efforts are being made to cushion the impact of rising food prices on citizens.
Residents were informed of several Government initiatives taken to reduce the impact of rising food prices on citizens. Currently, there are rice sales countrywide to ensure that the public does not pay exorbitant prices. 
Other fiscal measures taken include an increase in the tax threshold and $100 million has been set aside for vulnerable single-parent households, especially those headed by females. Minister Ramsaran said the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has started the registration process to develop the database of such families.
There has been an increase in money given to pensioners and more land will be opened to allow for more farming.
During the consultation residents suggested a number of additional measures to be taken by Government.
Farmers also noted that there is a great need for better access to markets to sell their produce.
The consultation revealed that many persons are willing to plant but require assistance from the Government in the form of seeds and fertilizers since these items are now costly to acquire.
Mr. Ramsaran informed residents that the Ministry of Agriculture currently has a plant seeds distribution exercise. He also told them about the ‘Grow More’ campaign which is aimed at meeting external market demands while at the same time providing in full quantities, affordable vegetables, fruits, fresh meat and fish to local consumers.
The Kuru Kururu community has an agriculture extension service and residents expressed a need for the service to be more user friendly.
At the consultation Minister Ramsaran stressed that the Value Added Tax (VAT) is not the cause of rising food prices rather; the situation is a result of food resources being used for alternative energy, global warming, a higher demand for food by developing countries, and rising fuel prices.
He said current wars in Middle Eastern countries are contributing to the increasing cost of fuel and to this end Government has zero-rated the excise tax on diesel and the rate of tax applied to gasoline has been reduced.
Other efforts made by government include the zero-rating of additional items in the 2008 Budget.
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Take collective action to reduce impact of rising food costs
- Minister Ramsaran tells Kuru Kururu residents
Georgetown, GINA, April 23, 2008
Residents of Kuru Kururu were yesterday encouraged by Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran to come together and buy needed supplies in order to reduce the impact of rising food prices which is affecting people worldwide.
He said Guyana is not greatly affected as other countries like India and Haiti that are experiencing food shortages because there is sufficient food to supply local demand and export.
Minister Ramsaran said Guyanese must take advantage of this situation and utilise the land more.
He reiterated that Government has no control over this worldwide phenomenon but, efforts are being made to cushion the impact of rising food prices on citizens.
Residents were informed of several Government initiatives taken to reduce the impact of rising food prices on citizens. Currently, there are rice sales countrywide to ensure that the public does not pay exorbitant prices.
Other fiscal measures taken include an increase in the tax threshold and $100 million has been set aside for vulnerable single-parent households, especially those headed by females. Minister Ramsaran said the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has started the registration process to develop the database of such families.
There has been an increase in money given to pensioners and more land will be opened to allow for more farming.
Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran addresses residents at Kuru Kururu Primary School during the consultation on food prices.
During the consultation residents suggested a number of additional measures to be taken by Government.
Farmers also noted that there is a great need for better access to markets to sell their produce.
The consultation revealed that many persons are willing to plant but require assistance from the Government in the form of seeds and fertilizers since these items are now costly to acquire.
Mr. Ramsaran informed residents that the Ministry of Agriculture currently has a plant seeds distribution exercise. He also told them about the ‘Grow More’ campaign which is aimed at meeting external market demands while at the same time providing in full quantities, affordable vegetables, fruits, fresh meat and fish to local consumers.
The Kuru Kururu community has an agriculture extension service and residents expressed a need for the service to be more user friendly.
At the consultation Minister Ramsaran stressed that the Value Added Tax (VAT) is not the cause of rising food prices rather; the situation is a result of food resources being used for alternative energy, global warming, a higher demand for food by developing countries, and rising fuel prices.
He said current wars in Middle Eastern countries are contributing to the increasing cost of fuel and to this end Government has zero-rated the excise tax on diesel and the rate of tax applied to gasoline has been reduced.
Other efforts made by government include the zero-rating of additional items in the 2008 Budget.
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National Water Council launched
- to oversee management of water resources
Georgetown, GINA, April 23, 2008
Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt today officially launched the National Water Council which is expected to facilitate the promotion of an integrated water resource management approach in Guyana.
The idea for its establishment emerged during consultations when it was suggested that there should be a merger of the former water companies- Guyana Sewerage and Water Commissioners (GS&WC) and Guyana Water Authority (GUYWA). The idea is to focus not only on delivery of potable water but on management of water resources. The Council was formed with a group of independent professionals who have come together to sit as advisers to the government and to manage water resources.
During the activity held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, High Street Minister Nawbatt stressed that the Council was established to serve as an advisory forum to the Minister of Housing and Water in implementing, developing and amending the national water policy. In addition, the Council will make recommendations on the national water policy and other functions as stipulated under the water policy Act.
Minister Nawbatt said the Council will maintain a neutral position among sub-sectors taking due account of the over-arching issues of sustainable development, social inclusion and equity. It will operate in close co-ordination with all other parties in the sector and will address water policy, domestic, water supply policy, droughts and flood management, public information and awareness activities.
The Council will consist of a Chairperson and seven members who are selected on the basis of technical competence, credibility, professional qualifications, knowledge and experience about the wider work sector.
Among those members selected were Karan Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Water Inc (GWI), John Da Silva, Guyana Consumers Association, Timothy Innis, Engineer, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Dr. Harold Davis, Agricultural Research Director of GuySuCo, Ricky Roopchand, Project Manager, Guyana Rice Development Board (GRBD), Kialas Narayan, Chief Hydro Meteorologist stationed in Barbados and Navin Chandarpal, Presidential Adviser on Sustainable Development. It is expected that the members will support and serve the Council for two years.
Water is a very important commodity and with the establishment of the National Water Council, it is a timely development in Guyana’s history, given the pressing management challenges faced in the water sector in Guyana, Minister Nawbatt noted.
He further expressed hope that the agencies involved would play an integral part in ensuring that Guyana seriously develops an integrative water resources management approach.
Present at the inaugural meeting were representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency, Hydrometeorological Division and the Environmental Health Department.
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Chicken prices reducing – Minister Prashad
Georgetown, GINA, April 23, 2008
The price of chicken has reduced and there is likely to be further price decreases within the next two months as a result of local production increasing, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad has reported.
Minister Prashad said that he intends to work closely with all the stakeholders to make sure that food is available at affordable prices to Guyanese. He made these comments while on a tour of Bounty Farm with the media at Soesdyke/Timehri plant.
The Ministry had promised that the price of chicken would have been reduced once supply was back to normal. The supply of chicken was affected by the importation of hatching-eggs which arrived late in the country causing a shortage.
“We are very happy today to be visiting with Bounty Farm because we feel that they have delivered on what they have said that they would have done,” the Minister said.
Minister Prashad posited that, “The price of chicken will go up as other commodities, however, what we saw in the last six weeks, with the prices skyrocketing to $360 per pound had nothing to do with increase on the world market, but with the demand and supply mechanism.”
The Guyana Poultry Producers Association (GPPA) has stated that by next month the prices may be reduced further since there will be more than adequate chicken on the market based on the numbers that producers are rearing.
Government has been sensitive to the increase of food prices on the world market and as such has zero-rated hatching eggs.
While Bounty Farm will meet consumers’ demand for chicken, another large chicken producer DIDCO is currently not producing.
However, the President of the GPPA and Managing Director of Bounty Farm, Patrick De Groot related that ‘small farmers’ have taken up the initiative to produce chicken and will be filling the deficit.
De Groot asked the Ministry for help in providing accurate information on the amount of hatching-eggs coming into the country by sea. “With this information we will be able to accurately predict up to 8-10 weeks in advance the production of chicken and we will be able to tell you when there will be a glut or shortage of chicken in the market,” De Groot said.
Minister Prashad said that according to the GPPA, the Ministry will monitor the situation carefully as they cannot afford to be complacent. “We have to keep monitoring the situation to ensure that there is an adequate supply of chicken at an affordable price for all Guyanese,” the Minister said.
The Guyanese public consumes about 800,000 pounds of chicken per week or 3.2 million pounds per month.
Last month the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce granted licences for importers to bring in foreign chicken in the short- term to alleviate the shortage that the country was experiencing.
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Role of tourism stakeholders in Carifesta discussed
- at meeting with Tourism Minister
Georgetown, GINA, April 23, 2008
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad today met with tour operators, resort owners and airline companies to discuss their role in the upcoming Caribbean Festival of Arts, CARIFESTA X.
“This (CARIFESTA event) is a challenge for the future. Decisions must now be taken as to how the event will be packaged. Innovative ways will be needed,” Minister Prashad told stakeholders in the tourism industry.
He noted that traditionally Guyana does not have peak or low seasons, and hotels charge one price throughout the year, and as such there is no competition. However, the accommodation sector has to implement pricing and packaging now for this event.
Minister Prashad assured that for CARIFESTA hotels will be fully booked and the top, reputable hotels and those which are now achieving a reputation for service and standard will be booked early.
However, he noted that there is concern about getting visitors to visit the resorts.
The Ministry and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) will be heightening awareness on the issue, however, the Minister encouraged that as a group or individually, tour operators need to decide how they will attract people, how they can work with the Ministry to get customers and how they can position themselves to take advantage of this captive market, not only of persons coming for CARIFESTA, but for those who will come from as early as June/July.
“The very nature of what tour operators and resort owners do is something very new to Guyana. This is a challenge faced in that they don’t get everything that they want and all the assistance needed,” Minister Prashad said.
The Minister said that they need to work together to overcome these problems and pledged the Ministry’s willingness to work with the associations and other stakeholders.
“Whilst people are complaining and being very negative, lots of positive things are happening. That is why we have to work together, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, GTA, and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG),” Minister Prashad said.
He noted that the tour operators and resort owners have individual issues, some of which are complex. Some resort owners have invested a large amount of money and are still experiencing problems in terms of location and accessibility and the Ministry will be looking at these issues, he said.
The Minister lauded the tour operators in Guyana, as they are very friendly and skilled in their field.
Over 40 countries have been invited for the event and to date 14 countries have confirmed and registered their participation with 1,552 delegates. Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Cuba are among the countries that will be bringing the largest contingents, with Trinidad (200), Suriname (150) and Cuba (100).
At present there is an estimated 2,000 available hotel rooms in Georgetown.
The Minister noted that the need for hotel accommodation for CARIFESTA will be bigger than the Cricket World Cup 2007 in Guyana.
A CARIFESTA Secretariat representative, Ohene Koama said that the committee is working to provide the links on the CARIFESTA website to various hotels, resorts and tour operators in Guyana so that visitors will have easier accessibility. The participants raised concerns including media sensitivity to tourism and crime issues.
Some of the participants at the meeting included Wilderness Explorers, Shanklands, Rainforest, Roraima, and Dargon tours, Evergreen adventures, Shell Beach adventures, Splashmin tours, Guyana Tropical Bird Society, Lake Mainstay, Constellation Tours, Caribbean Airlines and TravelSpan Airlines.
Georgetown will be the major hub for CARIFESTA. The events will be held at the National Park, the museums, art galleries, Cliff Anderson sports hall, gymnasium, the National library, the National Cultural Centre, the Theatre Guild, the Guyana International Conference Centre, the Sophia Exhibition Centre, and the National Stadium at Providence.
CARIFESTA will be held in Guyana from August 22 to 31. The Guyana National Stadium at Providence will come alive with a stunning performance by 1000 Guyanese youths.
Each participant from the different countries will play a part in the performing, culinary, literary and visual arts, community festivals, grand market, fashion focus, single events, super concerts, symposia on youth and Indigenous people among others.
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Registration of single parents starts today
-Head teachers, teachers targeted to assist in the process
Georgetown, GINA, April 23, 2008
The promise by the Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo to assist single parent households, especially those headed by females is closer to becoming a reality as the sensitization and registration process to create the database of parents began today in Regions Four and Five.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand is expected to visit Region Six tomorrow to continue the exercise and Regions Two and Three on Friday.
Minister Manickchand held meetings at the Mahaicony and Bush Lot Secondary Schools today following one held yesterday at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School where she discussed the importance of the single parents’ registration process.
The Regions’ Head teachers and teachers of nursery, primary and secondary schools are targeted to assist the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security which has the responsibility to deal with vulnerable groups, to distribute the registration forms.
A sum of $100M was allocated in this year’s budget for the setting up of a fund to provide support to vulnerable single parents. The Ministry also assists children with school uniform vouchers that cost the government millions of dollars annually.
From the registration forms distributed, the Ministry will be able to determine what interventions are required.
Minister Manickchand said the Government recognizes the constraints faced by vulnerable groups due to increasing food prices which is a global phenomenon and sought to intervene to help the single parents.
“It is found that children are not attending school or are limited to accessing quality education provided because their parents are unable to provide for them,” Minister Manickchand said.
She said that due to this intervention single parents will be in a better position to provide for their children.
Minister Manickchand indicated that the Ministry will go beyond the disbursement of funds to registrants and include skills training for those interested that will sustain them for the future.
Minister Manickchand said she wants the single parents’ funds to be systematic and follow the pension system.
During interactive sessions with the head teachers, Minister Manickchand pointed out that not only biological parents will be entitled but other persons who are solely and primarily responsible for the financial maintenance of a child or children.
More than 100 registration forms were distributed to the various teachers. Forms will be given to students to take to their parents and those in need (single parent) are free to apply for benefits.
Permanent Secretary of the Human Services Ministry Trevor Thomas gave a brief explanation to the teachers on how the forms should be completed. This is to ensure that forms do not contain incorrect information and the single parent does not lose an opportunity to be registered.
Single parents can also uplift a form at Regional the Democratic Council (RDC) Office, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office and schools in their respective areas and from Social workers.
All single parents are urged to complete the registration form as soon as possible and return it to the location from where it was uplifted. The closing date for the registration process is May 15.
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Gov’t, security forces working to dismantle criminal enterprise
-Rohee assures Bartica residents, businessmen
Georgetown, GINA, April 23, 2008
The administration and the Joint Services are relentlessly continuing their efforts to dismantle the criminal enterprise which created havoc in January and February this year by killing 23 persons in Lusignan and Bartica.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee who gave this assurance today at a meeting in Bartica with residents and the business community said the government through the Joint Services is engaged in several different activities to restore order; pointing to the increase of ranks in several parts of the country.
Speaking to a large gathering at the Modern Hotel, the Minister said one of the main objectives is to dismantle the criminal enterprise which he said is larger than men running around with guns; citing the harbouring of criminals by certain persons in society.
 in Region Seven.JPG)
Members of Community Policing Groups (CPGs) in Region Seven
“This enterprise is comprised of persons who facilitate the criminals and armed gangs. They provide them with transportation, safe housing, information, weapons and food. In other words they sustain them and that is what this criminal enterprise is all about.”
The Home Affairs Minister against this backdrop took the opportunity to outline ways in which both the administration and security forces are taking to tackle the issue.
“That is why we passed a Law in the Parliament that anyone found harbouring criminals will be subjected to a penalty of imprisonment as well as a heavy fine because we cannot have a situation where persons purporting to be innocent are giving accommodation to criminal elements while they are plotting and planning their activities,” Minister Rohee asserted.
In May last year, the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) (Amendment) was passed in the National Assembly for penalties for those who are engaged in harbouring criminals. The Bill provides for the offenders on conviction to be liable to a fine of not less than $50,000 nor more than $80,000 together with imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee during his address to the large gathering
Minister Rohee pointed out that persons must understand that though every effort is not being shouted from a roof-top, there are ongoing efforts to prevent and make it difficult for criminal gangs to carry out another massacre.
“Is not only to dismantle the criminal enterprise but to contain them, make it difficult for them to execute activities of the types that were executed at Lusignan and Bartica... It’s not about sitting back and waiting for when they will come. One has to take preventative measures,” he said.
Residents and members of the business community were afforded the opportunity to voice their concerns on security-related matters and to offer suggestions on crime fighting.
Several issues were raised including, noise nuisance, youth involvement in drugs and sexual offences in riverain communities.
Members of the Joint Services paying keen attention to the Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee during his address to them
A few suggestions were put forward which included the need for a better community/police relationship and for every passenger arriving by boats to be subjected to security checks at the Bartica Police Station.
Meanwhile, prior to the meeting the Minister addressed members of the Joint Services at the Bartica Police station where he expressed on behalf of the government appreciation for their work.
He reiterated the need for better community/police relations arguing that if there is a disconnection only one set of persons will benefit; the criminals.
Since 1993 government has been investing a lot in the law enforcement agencies to improve their capacity.
In this year’s budget, the security and defence sectors have been allocated $13.7B to improve their capabilities which will enable a safer environment for all Guyanese.
Among other actions that will be taken with collaborative work with the multilateral and bilateral agencies are:
•improving the capability of rapid response systems to serious crimes;
•upgrading communication systems and expanding access to police and other databases;
•improving intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities;
•intensifying training in special operations for selected Joint Services members;
•equipping crime fighting forces with appropriate transportation and technologically appropriate equipment to enhance their capacity on the ground;
•improving the oversight of the sector by strengthening the Office of Professional Responsibility, Police Complaints Authority and Police Service Commission.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has received a Bell 206 Helicopter while another is expected shortly.
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Region Seven CPGs to get more resources
Georgetown, GINA, April 23, 2008
The administration will be making additional interventions to improve the work of Community Policing Groups (CPGs) of Region Seven particularly in Bartica.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, at a meeting held today in Bartica with CPGs members, collected lists of requirements from eight groups in the Region to facilitate this process.
The Ministry will examine the requests and where necessary the resources will be provided.
The Bartica CPG requested firearms, a vehicle, bullet proof vests, communication sets and additional torchlights among other vital items.
A section of the gathering which included residents of Bartica and members of the business community
Subsequent to the Lusignan massacre such a move was made by the government which resulted in members of “C” Division receiving $50M to improve their work.
Sixty five million dollars has been allocated in this year’s budget to expand and equip community policing groups to support the national crime fighting efforts.
There are 211 active groups across the country with 3,967 members. This year marks the 38th anniversary of the establishment of CPGs.
The administration is fully aware of the shortages of ranks in the Police Force and has been pushing for the establishment of more CPGs to assist the Police in crime fighting. The actual strength of the Guyana Police Force is 2,552 while the establishment is 3,570.
CPGs are established on a voluntary basis with support from the government in the form of vehicles and boats and other items.
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Regional cultural industries Task Force to be set up
- to facilitate better incentives for regional cultural artists
Georgetown, GINA, April 23, 2008
The Nineteenth Regional Culture Committee (RCC) meeting which is being held for three days at the Caricom Secretariat, Turkeyen is expected to end with the submission of recommendations for a Regional Task Force on cultural industries.
The call for a task force to examine issues such as incentive packages for cultural workers and artistes was made last year at the 16th Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) and the 23rd Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) meetings were held.
During the COHSOD meeting the difficulties faced by artistes and cultural workers in moving paraphernalia throughout the region were acknowledged and an agreement was made to consider duty exemptions and other concessions for products that are inputs for cultural industries.
The regional task force will comprise representatives from cultural departments, finance and trade ministries, visual and performing arts and the national Customs departments.
During today’s RCC meeting representatives will review the proposed categories of cultural artistes and workers eligible for free movement within the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The RCC will be required to support the Caricom Secretariat in establishing ‘Conditional Duty Exemption’ which is intended to provide culture workers and artistes greater allowances to transport their work within the CSME.
The three-day meeting will also address data collection improvements, institutional capacity building and strengthening intellectual property protection for the culture sector.
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President launches CARIFESTA X amidst pomp and splendour
-announces $30M for pan resuscitation
Georgetown, GINA, April 23, 2008
In the presence of a large number of Guyanese, overseas guests, dignitaries and representatives of various participating Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, the tenth Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) was launched in front of the Bank of Guyana, Main and Church Streets under the theme, “One Caribbean, One Purpose, Our Culture, Our Life”.
Head of State, Bharrat Jagdeo, who proclaimed the festival open, stated that for Guyana to host the festival again is both a responsibility and a blessing.
Urging all Guyanese to take part in the festival, President Jagdeo said he wants Guyanese to understand the magnitude of what Government is trying to do in Guyana, as he recalled how Guyana had taken on the responsibility of hosting the festival for the second time.
President Jagdeo after unveiling the theme and logo for Carifesta X -April 23, 2008 (An OP/Sandra Prince photo)
“When the Bahamas said because of reasons unavoidable that they couldn’t host the programme, I offered Guyana as the host place where this festival would be staged and the reason I did so was because I have full confidence in the strength and ability of my people to put on an event that normally takes two years to stage, to stage it in one year,” the President told the large gathering who responded with loud applause.
“We have a responsibility as a country that initiated the festival …and therefore we want to make CARIFESTA X a festival with a difference. We want to expand it beyond its traditional scope. It is not enough that we meet in the region and share this rich culture that has become our legacy and our patrimony among ourselves. We have to showcase our culture to the wider world and therefore I have taken the decision that we will go beyond the Caribbean,” he added.
He stated that this is because Guyana wants other countries to begin participating in the rich culture and legacy of the Caribbean.
On this note, he said confirmations of participation have already been made by countries such as Venezuela, Brazil, China, Morocco, Austria and a number of persons have already registered for the festival.
“I can assure you that we will have more foreigners in Guyana for the festival than we had for World Cup Cricket. We have also decided that we want to involve all Guyana,” the Guyanese Leader announced.
He said that for the ten days of the festival (August 22-31)Government wants to ensure that everyone has something to do and this is why the festival will include a gospel festival simultaneously with super concerts, in order that religious persons can also take part. There will also be Hindu Bhajans and an Amerindian Village. He added that it is also hoped that the festival will be taken beyond its traditional boundaries.
President Jagdeo and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony with participants following the launch of CARIFESTA X -April 23, 2008
(An OP/Sandra Prince photo)
The President then announced that in order to improve the level of the festival and the legacy of the occasion, Government has decided to resuscitate pan music in Guyana and in this light, has set aside $30M for this venture.
“..So that right across the country young people could be exposed to the pan,” President Jagdeo said. He announced that Government has also decided to grant duty free concessions to musicians who will be bringing equipment into the country during the period.
According to the President, this is being done since Guyana is many times left out where the staging of major international events is concerned.
President Jagdeo said that Guyana’s hosting of the festival will allow it to boost its tourism industry and tourists will get the opportunity to witness all that Guyana has to offer.
He alluded to World Cup Cricket which was hosted by Guyana in 2007 and noted that after the event, Guyana was able to add to the stock of hotel rooms, hundreds of good quality rooms to boost its accommodation capacity.
A Trinidadian Limbo dancer performs during the launch of CARIFESTA X- April 23, 2008 (An OP/Sandra Prince photo)
“We see Carifesta as more than 10 days of events, but as a catalyst that will spur our region into a new vision of itself, to demonstrate that we are more alike than we are different and to search for new ways of linking ourselves together through the arts. This underscores not only the importance we attach to the festival but to the ideal of Caribbean unity,” the Head of State told the gathering.
He welcomed all visitors to Guyana and urged that they come to witness the splendour of the event.
The President urged all Guyanese to ensure that they take part, specifically emphasising that Government and Opposition too need to work together to ensure that the event is a success.
The launching ceremony saw splendid performances by troupes from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname among other participants while visiting delegations received packages on all they need to do to make the event successful.
A Guyanese dance troupe performs during the launch of CARIFESTA X in front of the Bank of Guyana. April 23, 2008 (An OP/Sandra Prince photo)
Some of the participating countries include Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, The Bahamas, Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands and Cuba.
This year’s hosting of CARIFESTA is the second for Guyana. The country first hosted the festival in 1972.
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