New Amsterdam prison likely to receive further enhancement
-Home Affairs Minister to study proposal
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee will be studying proposals by officials of the New Amsterdam Prison to enable further works on several aspects of the prisons.
Minister Rohee as part of his outreach programme in Region Six, Berbice yesterday visited the prison for an on-the spot inspection and consideration of the proposals.
“It was necessary for me to go there to get a sense of what these changes were that they are contemplating in order to determine whether they are justifiable or not and then secondly, the visit there was at the same time to see the conditions of how the prisoners both male and female are being held,” Minister Rohee said.
Superintendent of the Prison, Ronald Hazel said that it is hoped that additional resources will be granted to carry out the necessary works.
“He (Minister Rohee) has to take it to Parliament so he has to know what it is we really need for the additional money. We are looking at the extension of the convicted and remand dining hall and the female corridors among other things,” Superintendent Hazel explained.
Minister Rohee said that the proposal is understandable in terms of constantly reviewing the situation but noted that several areas need to be upgraded.
“I think they need to do more work in terms of expanding the room for accommodating the present number of prisoners. Like most of the prisons this one is also overcrowded, not built to handle that large amount of prisoners. So obviously the adjustments that are going to be done are likely to take that into consideration.”
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee speaking to inmates of the prison
The Minister, while touring the penitentiary, interacted with prisoners and listened to their concerns which included the quality of their meals. Minister Rohee said that the dietary and medical attention of the prisoners and the possibility of expanding the trade shops will also be considered.
The prison has 512 inmates with 410 of them being males.
The government has been pushing for prisons to be self-sufficient which it believes will lessen the budgetary allocation for dietary expenditure. The money saved will be allocated to other areas.
Government had promised that it will work towards utilizing the prisons’ estate to cultivate and rear livestock and produce more food.
In this year’s Budget $160M was allocated to the GPS for dietary needs.
In relation to the security measures that were put in place since the jailbreak last year, it was noted that some have already been instituted while other areas are progressing.
“There is provision to build two more watchtowers because we have one in front. We now have a fence at the back…There is also clearing of the bushes around the compound to have a clear view,” Superintendent Hazel said.
Second from left Deputiy Director of Prisons Poshanand Tahal explaining to the Minister the measures put in place since last year's jailbreak
Government has been making several interventions to improve the prison. Last year, $30M was spent to procure equipment, $11M for land and water transportation and $8.2M for agricultural equipment for the Prison.
During this year, the institution will continue to develop the capabilities of the prison through effective training of ranks to deal with the multi-dimensional challenges in the prison environment, developing security capabilities at each prison location and reducing dietary expenditure through self-sufficiency.
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Mathematics teachers undergo training
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2008
Mathematics teachers recently benefited from a workshop held by the Ministry of Education’s National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) in collaboration with Dr. Pier Junorclarke, Assistant Professor at Georgia State University, United States.
The three-day workshop was based on a non-graduate certificate in mathematics education document that NCERD developed for teachers.
Sixteen of them from across the country participated in the workshop which was led by Dr. Junorclarke.
The workshop aims to strengthen the skills of the teachers so they in turn will be the ‘trainers’ for the others.
The Professor noted that it is of primary importance that the teachers have a strong subject content knowledge.
“What we noticed, even abroad is that sometimes teachers would have the attitude of doing mathematics, that is, taking on the exams and getting very high scores but, when it comes to teaching the mathematics that is problematic,” she said.
She introduced a model called the ‘reflective teaching model’, which focuses on teachers not only reflecting on the students’ achievements but, on their own quality of teaching and knowledge based on the subject.
“We did some reflective thinking based on the needs of the mathematics syllabus, the low achievement that was experienced here, as I expressed with the teachers that this problem in not just in Guyana but world wide.”
The Professor is a coordinator of a teacher education programme at Georgia State University which is proving to be very successful.
Based on the response from the teachers, Dr. Junorclarke said she was encouraged to continue this workshop; as such one more is planned for next year. During this time contact will be kept with the teachers that participated in the workshop and the documents derived from it along with additional materials will be provided to all 279 teachers who had applied to undergo the training.
Dr. Junorclarke noted that, “This is important work because mathematics, science and technology are very important skills, a nation without that is in jeopardy. And so it’s very important that we get the teachers of these subjects to get on board with the necessary things to help out children and in fact the ultimate goal will be impacting our children and society.”
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Agriculture Minister visits Linden flood communities
-coordinates immediate response
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2008
In light of recent heavy rainfall experienced over the last four days that resulted in flooding in several communities in Region Ten, and a mudslide in Blueberry Hill. Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud today visited the affected areas to assess the situation and coordinate immediate responses.
The Minister was accompanied by Region Ten Chairman Mortimer Mingo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth and other technical personnel. The areas visited were Linden, Kara Kara, Buleberry Hill and West Watooka.
Over the last several days the Region has been experiencing a lot of precipitation especially affecting the sources of creeks which have been swelling and causing over topping of river banks.
It was observed that the drainage and irrigation system which is the responsibility of the Mayor and Town Council of Linden, is in need of maintenance.
As such, the NDIA was forced to intervene to provide quick relief to those affected particularly farmers who have suffered loss of crops and livestock.
The Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the Town Council’s work and asked the Chairman to interven to alleviate this situation.
Minister Persaud noted that Government, in recognition of the increasing interest by farmers and residents in agricultural activities, has invested significantly through the Regional Administration to continuously upgrade and maintain the D&I system. Approximately $30M is spent annually in this regard.
Minister Persaud said that a $24M maintenance programme is scheduled to start within days in the Region to provide an effective drainage system.
The Minister said that this programme will be implemented to prevent further mudslide in the Buleberry Hill area. It was noted that during this period in the hilly areas water gushes down causing soil erosion.
Additionally those farmers who are affected by the overtopping of the creeks will be assisted by the Ministry.
To bring immediate solution to the Kara Kara problem, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Region are sourcing dredges and excavators to clear the mouth of creek which is silted, along with other blocked drains.
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Information technology being promoted among sugar workers
Georgetown, GINA May 23, 2008.
Government is committed to efforts that will bring sugar workers up-to-date with modern technology by making them computer literate as part of the administration’s vision and ongoing investments to modernise, upgrade and sustain the industry.
This was recently highlighted by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud during his address to workers of the West Demerara sugar estates at a meeting held at the Uitvlugt Community Centre, West Coast Demerara.
The Minister was at the time responding to a request made by a worker for establishment of a library at the Community Centre. It was agreed that management will make arrangements to set up the library with an internet ready computer for workers to become familiar with the technology.
Minister Persaud noted that field workers could visit the centre for several hours in the afternoons after completing their activities and encouraged that they get involved in the system since the computer is very simple to understand and operate.
They were told that this could help them better understand the changes taking place in the sugar industry and the world so they would be more prepared to deal with the issues and events that may arise from such activities.
It was explained that the new factory at Skeldon and its operations are very modern and include some of the most updated technology. While persons are being trained to operate the machinery and systems at the estate, workers from other areas such as the West Demerara will be exposed to the technology through site visits and tours organised by management.
In addition, some of the tractors being acquired by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to boost cultivation and harvesting activities are managed by computer operations and therefore will require basic skills from workers.
Government’s ongoing investment in the sugar industry includes an expenditure of approximately US$200M in the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project (SSMP) that entails construction of the modern factory and co-generation plant and expansion of agricultural activities to supply cane for the new factory.
Additional investments are being made to upgrade the Enmore sugar estate toward establishing a packaging facility as part of efforts to accelerate value-added production in the industry.
These and other investments are aimed at ensuring the industry is well positioned to overcome the current difficulties such as the drastic price cuts, erratic weather conditions and adjustments to the marketing arrangement with Europe.
Overall, the aim is to bring the cost of production down from about 18 US cents per pound to 11 US cents per pound thereby enhancing the industry’s competitiveness on world market.
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Payment of 5% salary increase, other incentives commence
– Finance Minister
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh has indicated that thousands of public servants, teachers, nurses and members of the disciplined services will commence receiving their five percent salary increase and the tax free temporary cost of living adjustment approved recently by Government from this month. In addition, Minister Singh indicated that former Government employees who are in receipt of a Government pension will also receive a five percent increase in their pensions.
After the President’s announcement of these additional measures to cushion the impact of rising food prices on citizens, Minister Singh had urged Ministries to make submissions in a timely manner to the Finance Ministry in order for the appropriate release of these funds. The Finance Ministry had also issued the necessary instructions to Ministries to compute the cost of the increase and to request changes to payrolls and release of the funds.
Minister Singh said the staff of his Ministry are working assiduously to ensure that requests received to date are processed in a timely way and necessary payments are released. Minister Singh also emphasised the importance of the increases being paid promptly so that they could have the desired favourable impact on the disposable incomes of the persons involved.
Government recently granted approval for a temporary cost of living adjustment (TCLA) to be paid to public servants, teachers, and members of the disciplined services earning a basic salary below a specified threshold. This initiative will see a temporary adjustment of $4,000 per month, free of income tax, paid during the months of May to December 2008 to these employees whose basic monthly salary is $50,000 or less, based on April 2008 salaries after taking into account the five percent across-the-board increase. This adjustment is intended to be temporary in nature and will be reviewed at the end of 2008.
Since January of this year Government has been implementing initiatives to lessen the burden of world market developments on Guyanese.
Recent interventions have been aimed directly at increasing disposable incomes. There was a 25 percent increase in the income tax threshold from $28,000 to $35,000 monthly, benefiting all taxpayers with higher take-home pay, and removing some 36,000 workers from the requirement to pay income tax, at a fiscal cost of $3 B; and a 63 percent increase in old age pensions from $3,675 to $6,000 monthly and, an 82 percent increase in public assistance to vulnerable individuals from $2,470 to $4,500 monthly, taking the old age pension and public assistance bill to $3.3 B.
Additional measures were also put in place to reduce or contain the cost of basic goods and services to consumers and producers in the domestic economy. Among these measures were the progressive reduction of the fuel excise tax from 50 percent on gasoline and 25 percent on diesel at the start of 2007, to 17 percent on gasoline then 7 percent in 2008, and zero percent on diesel currently.
Government has also zero-rated the value-added tax on an extensive list of additional items with effect from March 1, 2008, including certain food items and other basic necessities for vulnerable groups. This measure further extended the already very comprehensive list of basic goods and services that were zero-rated since last year, and is projected to cost $1.2 B.
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Crime Stoppers Guyana making headway-Chairman
-to receive connections for operation of lines shortly
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
The efforts of the administration and members of the Guyana Crime Stoppers Programme for the implementation of the programme have come in for praise from Regional Coordinator of Crime Stoppers International, Alex McDonald.
Also of Crime Stoppers Bermuda, McDonald visited Guyana to meet with members of the Guyana branch to assess their successes thus far with regard to implementation and the areas that need to be looked out.
Members of the Crime Stoppers Guyana board during the meeting today
Chairman of Crime Stoppers Guyana Jared Kissoon told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that McDonald in praising the local board for its efforts said that Guyana has everything in place but the only area that needs to be in place to make it an operational member is the ‘up-link’ from the overseas call centre. This is expected to be provided shortly.
Kissoon noted that a number of a public relations campaign will be conducted to sensitize the public about the programme which will be officially launched soon.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee earlier in the year had complained about the lack of private sector support to help kick-start the programme; this Kissoon said is no longer an issue and pointed out that the government has committed to support the initial cost.
Prior to the assessment, McDonald speaking to members of the press, local board and Minister Rohee at the Ministry’s boardroom said that the programme has proven to be successful in almost all the member countries.
Chairman of Crime Stoppers Guyana, Jared Kissoon
“In no jurisdiction throughout the world where this programme works does it ever come to a situation where the Police department knows who gives the information…These countries successfully allow their law enforcement to assist in the arrest of 350 individuals and seize over $1M in drugs…Seize firearms and illegal immigrant.”
The programme facilitates the passage of information regarding criminal activity from citizens to the police, based on anonymity and it has been successful in reducing and preventing crime worldwide.
It works on three components: the community, the media and the police, with the residents forming the foundation. The media’s role is to assist in highlighting unsolved crimes and it can also regularly promote the special Crime Stoppers telephone numbers.
“It does that by going into the community and giving one simple thing, a telephone number where anybody could call, and when they call that number they don’t have to give their names. It’s completely anonymous. There are no asking questions on who is giving that information,” McDonald explained.
How does the Crime Stoppers Programme work?
Regional Coordinator for Crime Stoppers International, Alex McDonald during the meeting today
If you witness or know about a crime, a 1-800 toll-free number will be made available for you to call. You will never be required to provide your name, or to testify in court. A secret code number will be given to you at the time you report the crime, which would be the basis by which you identify yourself.
You will then be given a time period in which to follow-up on the actions taken, based on the information you provided. Depending on the level of action taken, such as an arrest or conviction, or the amount of items seized and their value, the size of the reward you receive will be determined. The reward would then be handed over to you by a Bank manager at a location of your choice. You would only be required to provide your code number.
According to information provide by the parent company in Canada last year, the Crime Stoppers programme has enjoyed great success boasting an average conviction rate of 95 percent on cases solved by Crime Stoppers' tips.
These programmes worldwide have made over 1,000,000 arrests, solved over 500,000 crimes and recovered in excess of $6,000,000,000 worth of stolen property and narcotics, the company stated.
There are about 1,200 Crime Stoppers programmes in 20 countries, including the United States, Australia, South Africa, Canada, the United Kingdom, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.
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Air travel arrangements for CARIFESTA progressing well – Tourism Minister
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad said arrangements by the airline sector to accommodate travel to Guyana for the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X have been encouraging.
The Minister made these comments during a CARIFESTA media briefing today at the Secretariat. Among those present were Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat Nigel Dharamlall and other members of the planning committee.
The Minister said discussions have been held with representatives of popular regional airlines such as LIAT, Caribbean Airlines, Constellation Tours among others which intend to smooth the process of ingress to Guyana for CARIFESTA.
Minister Prashad said some of these airlines have agreed to prioritise delegations coming with equipment and other paraphernalia for CARIFESTA. LIAT for example, has indicated its willingness to bring extra flights to Guyana and to facilitate extra flights for the visiting delegations. The Minister welcomed this move and said any airlines is free to operate.
Beginning from June 1, the Minister said DELTA, one of the biggest airlines in the world, will be coming with three flights weekly to Guyana and has confirmed a special low cost package for travellers.
The Tourism Minister disclosed that beginning on June 28, Travel Span will be returning with charter flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays. He said this move is one which the administration welcomes and the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority will be working to accommodate extra charters.
Beginning July 1, Sky Service from Toronto, Canada will be coming on board and will add to the number of flights provided by Caribbean Airlines to and from New York and Miami.
Twenty-six countries have confirmed participation for CARIFESTA, taking the number to 26. Curacao and French Guiana have been the last two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) territories to confirm their participation. Minister Anthony who made this disclosure at today’s press conference said the response has been heartening since requests have also been made by Puerto Rico, Argentina and Martinique.
Among those confirmed are Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, The Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, the Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica, Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana.
Outside of the Caribbean, countries such as Morocco, Austria and Indonesia and Guyanese from the diaspora in the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom will be participating.
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Minister Rohee emphasizes need for CPGs in crime fight
- drug trafficking, noise nuisance among several issues in Region Six
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee has urged residents of Region Six, Berbice to form themselves into Community Policing Groups (CPGs) to aid the crime fight.
The Minister during a visit to communities in the Region on May 22 held several meetings with existing CPGs and residents to ascertain prevalent crimes facing the Region with a view to possible interventions.
Some of the areas visited were Mibicuri, New Amsterdam and Crabwood Creek.
In Crabwood Creek, it was revealed that drug trafficking is rampant in the area and has impacted negatively on youths. Residents lamented that the persons allegedly involved in the illicit trade are ‘buying over’ some residents whilst others are fearful of speaking out.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee during a meeting at Mibicuri
“A gang exists that is doing smuggling…Some people in the community are afraid to speak because next thing your house might get shoot-up or something…The drug lords are really controlling this place and rum shops are also harbouring criminals too,” one resident explained.
Minister Rohee said whilst he understands the need for a better relationship with residents and the Police, the government and its law enforcement agencies cannot arrest the issue without their support and called for them to make the effort and give the Police specific information.
“For us to be able to tackle this we have to have specifics. You don’t have to call names… We want to tackle this from the grass root level that is why I am here to talk to people,” Minister Rohee emphasized.
Residents in expressing frustration pointed out to the Minister that the Police needs to cooperate more to bridge the gap to tackle the issue and supported the Minister’s call for the formation of more CPGs.
This resulted in two volunteers agreeing to mobilize 30 persons to form two groups to cover the entire Crabwood Creek. Minister Rohee will return on June 7 to meet with the interested persons.
A resident from Crabwood Creek shares his concerns on security matters
Commander of “B” Division Clinton Conway at the meeting emphasized that the division has adequate ranks and weapons to respond to any emergency and echoed the same sentiments by Minister Rohee that the Police needs information.
Meanwhile, at a meeting in Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder existing CPG members complained about the non-cooperation from the Police which is hindering the fight against crime.
“The policy of the government is that CPGs are integral in the fight against crime…The leadership of the Guyana Police Force has recognized this…We are not interested in ‘tug-o-war’… When we recognize a resistance to form CPGs, we go on the ground…There has to be a close working relationship,” Minister Rohee asserted.
Commander of 'B' Division Clinton Conway making a point during the meeting at Crabwood Creek
In a meeting held at Albion Sports complex, the Road Users Association (RUA) called on the Minister to remove private hire cars operators and to address unnecessary harassment by traffic ranks. Minister Rohee promised to address the issues.
The Minister visited the New Amsterdam Prison, the site for the proposed Fire Station and he also appeared on a live programme on the National Communications Network (NCN) where he outlined measures being taken by government to tackle crime.
In this year’s Budget, the security and defence sectors were allocated $13.7B to improve their capabilities in the fight against the changing nature of crime.
Among other actions that will be taken through collaboration with 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 two Bell 206 Helicopter to assist in crime fighting efforts.
The administration has also been placing major emphasis on CPGs. In this year’s Budget $65M was allocated to expand the groups to support the national crime fighting efforts.
CPGs are established on a voluntary basis with support from the government in the form of vehicles and boats and other items.
At present, groups countrywide are occupied in consultations for a new Constitution under which the groups will operate.
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Hinterland scholarship students preparing to take part in CARIFESTA
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
Hinterland Scholarship students are at present preparing to participate in the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) celebrations to be held in August. The students will also be performing at the 42nd Independence anniversary celebrations.
According to Senior Social worker for Education and Culture of the Amerindian Hostel Rosamund Daley, the children are currently rehearsing their cultural pieces such as dances, poems and skits.
The students are from the different Amerindian tribes who reside in Amerindian communities countrywide and because of their unique talents they are selected to participate in national events.
She noted that during the Mashramani celebrations, the children’s talents were recognized by the wider population and they have been asked to take part in the Independence and CARIFESTA celebrations.
At this year’s Mashramani costume competition, the Amerindian contingent won the first prize. It was noted that this contingent will again show-off its beautiful costumes depicting various tribes and culture.
More than 40 children are expected to participate in the events. These students are being choreographed by Linda Griffith of the National School of Dance.
Daley said she is happy the children are able to give something back to their country, especially when the Government has been investing a lot to further their education. She noted it is a good extra-curricular activity which will boost their self-esteem and confidence.
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Region Nine Toshaos introduced to agriculture technologies
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs yesterday introduced various agriculture technologies to Amerindian leaders of Region Nine as the ‘Grow More’ campaign heightens.
The Toshaos were given the opportunity to visit the St. Stanislaus farm located at Sophia to have a first-hand look at some of the farming technologies.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai who accompanied the Toshaos said that the farm represents a good unit of technology that can teach persons how to develop themselves, especially when climate change is evident.
She said Amerindian communities have great agricultural potential which needs to be recognized and developed by the residents.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs,Pauline Sukhai and Toshaos inspecting cow-manure to be used for the processing of bio-fuel at the Saint Stanislaus farm
Minister Sukhai said the Ministry is trying to expose Toshaos and Senior Councillors to the technologies so that they can teach the residents of their communities as they seek ways to ensure sustainability of food resources.
The Toshaos had a look at the production of humus, the process of hydrophonics agriculture and how to produce bio-fuel by using cow and poultry manure.
The Toshaos of Yupukari, Maruranau, Katoka, Rupunau and Shulinab expressed their gratitude to Minister Sukhai for allowing them to have such an experience.
The leaders promised Minister Sukhai to take the initiatives to their communities and make them practical.
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Hinterland scholarship students preparing to take part in CARIFESTA
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
Hinterland Scholarship students are at present preparing to participate in the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) celebrations to be held in August. The students will also be performing at the 42nd Independence anniversary celebrations.
According to Senior Social worker for Education and Culture of the Amerindian Hostel Rosamund Daley, the children are currently rehearsing their cultural pieces such as dances, poems and skits.
The students are from the different Amerindian tribes who reside in Amerindian communities countrywide and because of their unique talents they are selected to participate in national events.
She noted that during the Mashramani celebrations, the children’s talents were recognized by the wider population and they have been asked to take part in the Independence and CARIFESTA celebrations.
At this year’s Mashramani costume competition, the Amerindian contingent won the first prize. It was noted that this contingent will again show-off its beautiful costumes depicting various tribes and culture.
More than 40 children are expected to participate in the events. These students are being choreographed by Linda Griffith of the National School of Dance.
Daley said she is happy the children are able to give something back to their country, especially when the Government has been investing a lot to further their education. She noted it is a good extra-curricular activity which will boost their self-esteem and confidence.
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Region Nine Toshaos introduced to agriculture technologies
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs yesterday introduced various agriculture technologies to Amerindian leaders of Region Nine as the ‘Grow More’ campaign heightens.
The Toshaos were given the opportunity to visit the St. Stanislaus farm located at Sophia to have a first-hand look at some of the farming technologies.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai who accompanied the Toshaos said that the farm represents a good unit of technology that can teach persons how to develop themselves, especially when climate change is evident.
She said Amerindian communities have great agricultural potential which needs to be recognized and developed by the residents.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs,Pauline Sukhai and Toshaos inspecting cow-manure to be used for the processing of bio-fuel at the Saint Stanislaus farm
Minister Sukhai said the Ministry is trying to expose Toshaos and Senior Councillors to the technologies so that they can teach the residents of their communities as they seek ways to ensure sustainability of food resources.
The Toshaos had a look at the production of humus, the process of hydrophonics agriculture and how to produce bio-fuel by using cow and poultry manure.
The Toshaos of Yupukari, Maruranau, Katoka, Rupunau and Shulinab expressed their gratitude to Minister Sukhai for allowing them to have such an experience.
The leaders promised Minister Sukhai to take the initiatives to their communities and make them practical.
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New Amsterdam, Kawkawni ferry service to return by year-end
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
The return of the regular ferry service between New Amsterdam and Kawkawni to service residents of the Berbice River communities should be realised before the end of this year. Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn today said that the return of the Ferry service will be possible as a result of Berbice River Bridge.
The Berbice Bridge is scheduled to be completed in September. When the Bridge is completed, the three vessels servicing the Rosignol to New Amsterdam route will be redeployed, Benn said.
The additional vessels will be deployed to the Essequibo River. The possibility of an additional vessel to service Region One will have to be addressed some time in the future.
He said that prior to the resumption of the service to the area, inspections to the wharfs along the river will be conducted to determine what repairs will be needed.
The ferry service to the community was suspended in the early 1990s. The reason given at that time was that due to the limited number of persons utilising the service, it was uneconomical to continue.
The Ministry, through the Transport and Harbours Department manages ferry services from Georgetown to Morawhanna, Kumaka and Port Kaituma, Region One; from Parika to Adventure and the Berbice crossing from Rosignol to New Amsterdam.
The Roll-on-roll-off ferry project which is being pursued with the Chinese will greatly enhance the river transportation capabilities of the Ministry.
With the renewed emphasis being placed on agriculture, the reliance on river transport will be greater given that many of the lands available for agriculture production could be found in these areas.
Government has placed emphasis on the development of a reliable transportation network to expand the potential of many previously inaccessible communities.
The completion of the Berbice River bridge and the Takutu bridge crossing to Brazil is expected to bring further development to Regions Six and Nine respectively.
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Several developmental projects ongoing in Region Two
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
Several major activities are at present ongoing in Region Two, Pomeroon/Supenaam as the Government pushes to ensure the living standards of the people in this region are enhanced tremendously.
This year, Region Two received $248M for capital works.
Regional Chairman Ali Baksh said the region is concentrating this year on enhancing water transport. All nine Amerindian communities in Region Two have received water transport in the form of boats and engines.
Through Government’s interventions outboard engines were also purchased for health officers who usually have to travel to the more remote communities in the Region to care for persons infected with malaria.
Baksh said because of the distance of some mining areas, it was difficult for the outreach programme to facilitate the people and there was an urgent need for a boat and engine so that the persons can go into the communities to help.
The Amerindian community of Capoey has received 62 solar panels from the Prime Minister’s office which are now providing the residents with electricity for the first.
This has raised the living standard of the residents tremendously as with the availability of electricity, persons are now engaged in small businesses, some persons are now making furniture which has enhanced the potential of employment and the general productivity has improved.
“The health post, schools and the residents as a whole benefit from this service tremendously,” Baksh said.
The Government also works towards ensuring persons in remote areas benefit from its health services and educational programmes and facilities. All nine Amerindian communities in Region Two have at their disposal health posts and schools.
The housing programme in the region has also catered for persons from Amerindian communities and even Venezuela as several new housing schemes were constructed and many persons have left the riverain areas and moved to Charity and other housing schemes.
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Culture Ministry receives $3.5M in musical instruments
-donated by Food for the Poor
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc. today donated 16 pieces of musical wind band instruments to the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport to assist with the formation of a band for the upcoming CARIFESTA in August.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, said the instruments will be used to form a festival band to play live music during some of the Carifesta activities.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony receives a Saxophone from Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc., Public Relations Manager, Michelle Branker
“We are very much grateful for incorporating the instruments into our music programme...and assure you that we would have a very vibrant music programme within the Ministry,” the Minister said.
Among the instruments received were drums, trumpets, saxophones and flutes which cost approximately $3.5 M
Food for the Poor, Executive Director, Leon Davis said that it is always to the organization’s benefit to work with the Culture Ministry because of its thrust toward youth development.
He then urged that Guyanese music be played at CARIFESTA so that it can be revitalized and promoted beyond the event.
Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc. has been serving the needs of Guyanese for the past seventeen (17) years and has been supporting various entities in teaching and development of persons.
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Students call on acting President
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
As part of Guyana’s Independence Anniversary programme students from Alness Primary School, Corentyne, and Little Cottage Play School, West Coast Demerara, paid a visit today on the acting President and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at his Office, Kingston.
Acting President Samuel Hinds sits with some of the Students of Alness Primary School
During the tour the 45 students from Alness Primary School from Grades One to Five and 35 pupils from the Little Cottage Play School learnt about the many achievements of the acting President during his tenure and was given a brief overview of what transpires inside his office.
The students also visited the National Museum, the National Library, and the Zoological Park.
Some of the teachers, parents, and students of Little Cottage Play School sit with acting President Samuel Hinds
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Independence exhibition opens at National Museum
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport through the National Archive opened an exhibition as one of the many activities leading up to Guyana’s 42nd independence anniversary on May 26.
The exhibition titled “The struggle for independence, Forty two years of nationhood,” opened at the Guyana National Museum with a display of photographs, documents and other artifacts of the pre and post-independence era in Guyana.
Present at the launching ceremony was acting President Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony, Ashton Chase and Winston McGowan, two of Guyana’s prominent writers, representatives of the museum and other interested stakeholders.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony viewing exhibits at the independence exhibition
The exhibition also featured a guest presentation by National Archivist, historian and records analyst Hugh (Tommy) Payne who traced the struggle for independence from the era of slavery to the establishment of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) in 1940 and the establishment of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950.
Payne called on Guyanese to acknowledge the critical role Guyana played in the independence struggle which was achieved on May 26, 1966 with the lowering of the Union Jack and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead.
He also called on all Guyanese to remember these proud moments in history to create and build a future.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds examining one of the photographs at the independence exhibition
Minister Anthony in his remarks said the exhibition will enable youths to learn and understand the meaning behind various aspects of Guyana’s nationality such as the National Anthem, the Golden Arrowhead, the Coat-of-Arms, National Bird, among others.
He called for an acknowledgement of the role played by the forefathers who struggled against indignity, inhumanity exploitation and abuse.
He made reference to the vibrant leadership of the PAC, was the predecessor to the PPP.
“From this inception, the agenda of Dr. Jagan and the PPP was to secure political independence for Guyana and despite the machinations that followed the PPP was always unswerving in its pursuit of Guyana’s political independence, which was eventually accomplished on May 26, 1966,” Minister Anthony said.
Visitors of the Independence exhibition
Reflecting on the far journey which Guyana has come since independence, Minister Anthony the nation has grown and developed.
“Our country has certainly has created a proud international image, we proclaim our republican status, we have championed the Non Aligned cause, we have championed environmental sustainability, we have advocated and championed a New Global Human Order and now we are championing the developing world’s cause for standing forest,” Minister Anthony said.
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Guyana delegation for CARIFESTA X in audition mode
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
Guyana is expected to make an impressive appearance at the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X with a delegation of 2000-strong talented participants drawn from various parts of the country.
Artistic Director of the CARIFESTA Secretariat Paloma Mohamed who will be playing a lead role in spearheading activities for Guyana’s performing arts outlined some preparations which will be ongoing within the next week.
Beginning May 28, an all male dance audition will commence at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). Mohamed who was speaking at a press briefing today said the audition will be restricted to dancers.
“If you are an athlete or think you can dance and are interested we want a 50 man dance troupe for the opening ceremony of CARIFESTA and this will be designed by the Classique Dance group,” Mohamed said.
She called for all interested persons up to age 30 to indicate their willingness in the event which she guaranteed will be fun and interesting.
Soon a talent search competition will be launched to discover more of Guyana’s talents from various parts of the country. The CARIFESTA Secretariat has collaborated with the National Communications Network (NCN) to undertake this venture.
The competition which will culminate with a semifinal and final round at the NCC will bring out some of the best performers to represent Guyana at CARIFESTA.
Guyana, being the host for the tenth festival must have a prominent role to play, however working towards this achievement is challenging, Mohamed said.
“One of he challenges that I have been facing is how to include everybody in Guyana, because they are so many who made a contribution and who are important and want to be in the show.”
An interesting aspect of this presentation will be a group performance by all singers at the opening ceremony which is set for August 22 at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence. This idea, she said has only recently been conceptualized and auditions will be staged to facilitate this process.
Auditions will also be held for another exiting feature of the opening ceremony where about 1000 youths will be making an appearance.
Guyana is also gearing to showcase a 100 piece national steel orchestra for CARIFESTA. The Joint Services Coordinating Council spearheaded by Chairman of the Joint Services Cultural Committee, Assistant Commissioner Cecil Bovell will be facilitating undertaking this programme.
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Removal of street vendors need common approach – Minister Benn
Georgetown, GINA, May 23, 2008
Giving an update following his visit to the Mon Repos/La Reconnaisance Market, two Saturdays ago Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn said the removal of street vendors needs to have a common approach to deal with, among other issues, congestion on the roads.
He said that while Government encourages entrepreneurship, persons will have to operate within the law since the way things are being done helps no one. Several of these vendors have occupied places along the sides of roads and in front of legitimate businesses which find it difficult to operate. even though they are paying taxes and contributing to the development of Guyana.
Additionally, Benn said, that there are public health concerns. While visiting the Mon Repos/La Reconnaisance Market it was observed that vendors were reluctant to move to the area which has been prepared to accommodate meat and vegetable stalls and animals were slaughtered for sale on the side of the roadway.
In the city, the Toolsie Persaud land on Water Street was acquired to move vendors off the streets. They were all provided with accommodation but several of them are only using the facility as a storage space and have returned to the streets affecting the free flow of traffic in the down-town shopping areas.
The other issue being addressed is that of the removal of persons occupying the Government’s reserve which is also a matter of concern to the Ministry. The Minister said that many of these persons were issued with house lots and have removed and placed other relatives to occupy the area on the reserve they had previously occupied.
These reserves, he said, are set aside to accommodate utility networks, when they are occupied it is difficult to effect maintenance and near impossible to access for expansion.
The particular areas of concern are Mandela Avenue, areas along the Eastern Highway, Sheriff Street, West Coast Demerara where the sea defence reserve is occupied and in some parts of Berbice.
The Minister said that the Ministry is expecting some equipment soon which will assist in the removal of persons occupying Government reserves.
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