Three airlines to come on board shortly
Georgetown, GINA, May 27, 2008
Government’s initiative to increase air services to and from Guyana is proving successful as Delta Airlines is scheduled to start operations on June 1. TravelSpan resumes flights on June 28 and Skyservices starts on July 1.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad explained that it was becoming very difficult to access flights to and from Guyana and following discussions the ministry held with airline companies to provide air services to Guyana these airlines are now coming onboard.
Minister Prashad said that the airlines have indicated, depending on the demand during the summer season, that they may increase flights.
At present most of the flights coming into Guyana are already booked for the season as such discussions are underway to accommodate persons that will be coming for CARIFESTA X.
“We have to work out an agreement for CARIFESTA; a charter flight because there is competition now coming into Guyana. We have also met with Liat and Caribbean Airlines to have discussions,” Minister Prashad said.
Earlier Minister Prashad had noted that the airlines were asked to be considerate to the visitors and participants who will be attending CARIFESTA.
“We are asking all airlines to give people priority, to those who are coming in for CARIFESTA, especially if they are bringing their flags and other things to exhibit for the festival,” he said.
The Ministry along with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is planning to hold a welcoming ceremony for the first Delta Airlines arrival in Guyana at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Delta Airlines is scheduled to begin with three flights per week in June and in July an additional flight will be added. TravelSpan has indicated that it will have two flights per week. Delta and TravelSpan Airlines will be serving the US-Guyana route while Skyservices will serve the Canada-Guyana route.
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Unique role for youths in CARIFESTA X – PYARG Executive Officer
- more than 60 visiting participants registered
Georgetown, GINA, May 27, 2008
The Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) promises to be another platform for youths in Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean region to contribute meaningfully to their development.
The youth and adolescent forum for CARIFESTA X is among the new innovations which Government has introduced to the festival to add to its regional significance.
Executive Officer of the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme Alfred King who is also a member of a committee focusing on the youth aspect for CARIFESTA, said he is proud to be associated with the upcoming event.
King, while speaking to members of the media recently, referred to an edutainment symposium and a youth village noting that edutainment which is now the catch phrase will be highlighted through a special symposium sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The symposium will facilitate discussions on Caribbean art forms and their values, issues affecting youths and the role of edutainment as it impacts on these issues. Through the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) about six popular edutainment groups from the Caribbean will be in Guyana to participate.
King said Yatica from St Lucia, Barcan from Trinidad and Tobago, Ashe from Jamaica, Sisteren promotion/academy from Barbados, Backlog from Suriname and CARIOM’s youth ambassador Chocolate who recently entertained the Guyanese audience in the promotion of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) will be in Guyana.
Registration in this process is gaining momentum and is likely to surpass expectations. King said the forum was initially projected to attract about 50 visitors but to date more than 60 persons have already registered.
Local groups such as Dance Alive, X-Factor, PYARG, Artistes in Direct Support among others are also expected to participate. Local participation, King said, is expected to be about 50 persons and in excess of about 170 have registered to attend.
“We have to work to see how best we can accommodate most of these applicants because the experience that will be provided through the symposium will be one that is most meaningful,” King said.
The youth village, for which a design has already been laid out, will be constructed in the National Park and will be another arena for youth throughout the Caribbean region.
About 12 centres/huts will be erected to focus on HIV/AIDS education, physical exercise, music and dance lessons, environmental education and the spirit of adventure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Inter- American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Iwokrama and PYARG will be some of the partners in this effort.
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Miners are obligated to lawful operations– Prime Minister
Georgetown, GINA, May 27 2008
The mining sector in Guyana is a contributor to a total export earnings of US$ 680.9M and its population at the small and medium-scale levels and investments in earthmoving capabilities are growing.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who is the Minister responsible for Mining, said this factor is enough reason for stakeholders involved to engage in good performance in gold and diamond mining.
“The sector has been growing steadily over the last decade, heartened by the improved prices, particularly for gold but challenged by the even greater increases in the price for diesel. Miners need to keep an eye on their costs and shrinking margins lest they over capitalise their operations and over expand themselves,” the Prime Minister said.
The influx of miners and the significant growth in the sector have led to the increased capacity of the average miner to move dirt, a fact which the Prime Minister noted calls, for higher levels of operation to reduce and mitigate environmental impacts and costs.
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has intensified its policy of promoting sustainable mining in Guyana and takes a relentless approach to miners who operate against the law.
The Prime Minister called on miners to add new techniques and increase the sophistication of their operations at the small and medium-scale levels now dominating the sector.
“The sector must become better because in addition to the gross effect of increased numbers, the expectations of the sector are being raised. Practices tolerated before will be tolerated no more,” the Prime Minister assured.
Only recently small and medium-scale miners were at the centre of controversy after a few illegal practices earned a bad mark for the sector. The most significant in outrageous practices was the mining the Salbora road from Mahdia, resulting in severe destruction of road and water establishment.
Reports were also made about raids on OMAI’s property, by some miners who were dissatisfied with plots of land legally allotted to them because of the slow rate of returns.
“The mining sector needs to pay attention to being good, cordial partners with all others… as activities in the hinterland increase, miners must be aware of and step up to the changing situation. The hinterland of Guyana must now be seen as no different from the coast: think twice about doing in the hinterland what you wouldn’t do on the coast. Make friends and become partners with all in the hinterland,” the Prime Minister appealed.
In terms of production and export earnings, the year 2007 was considered good for mining. According to figures from the GGMC, gold declared 247,000 ounces, with an export earning of US$160M while diamond declared 270,000 carats with an export earning of US$35M.
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GPL not considering any tariff hike
- continues urging customers to conserve
Georgetown, GINA, May 27, 2008
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company has no plan to raise its electricity tariff but intends to continue the campaign of urging its 120,000-odd domestic customers to conserve on consumption.
This was the assurance given by the company’s Public Relations Officer (ag) Richard Francois who was asked to comment on today’s Kaieteur News article titled, “GPL considering another rate hike.”
According to the article, referring to an anonymous source from the company, GPL is considering raising tariffs once again as the company “finds itself in a bind as it is clear that the US$85M budgeted for fuel this year will not suffice.”
Francois who said he was surprised by the article urged all stakeholders including the media to focus on encouraging Guyanese to conserve on electricity.
He said the appeal by the Company for customers to conserve electricity has not fallen on deaf ears because there has been a reduction in electricity demand this year.
The company has intensified its efforts to urge customers to conserve by launching a “Switch it off, Plug it out,” campaign in December.
While the company commends those who responded to the call, it continues to plead with all customers to join the conservation effort at the level of the home and office.
If each customer were to switch off one 10-watt bulb not in use during the peak period, it would reduce the need for the company to generate about 1.4 megawatts of power, Francois said.
“In order for GPL to continue to provide a stable supply of electricity consumers will have to assist us in this period of record high prices. When you leave on lights and appliances that are not in use, you are contributing to the wasting of fuel that is already expensive to acquire,” a recent GPL release said.
This appeal stems from the severe pressure which the company faces to maintain its present tariffs with the daily increase in fuel prices. Nevertheless, the company is exploring avenues to reduce cost and improve efficiency.
Approximately 3,000 barrels of heavy fuel oil and diesel are utilised daily to generate electricity.
Crude oil surpassed US4100 per barrel at the beginning of this year and at the end of the first quarter the price was in the vicinity of US$117 per barrel. By early May oil prices exceeded US$125 per barrel and by May 21 the price has already exceeded US$130 per barrel. The latest price on the world marked is US$135.
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Minister Sukhai visits Barabina
-promises to continue working on poverty reduction programme
Georgetown, May 27, 2008
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai during her visit to the Mabaruma sub-region, Region One (Barima/Waini) met residents of Barabina and discussed developments in that community.
Minister Sukhai was accompanied by her Liaison Officer Norman Whittaker on her visit on May 25 to participate in the Region’s 42nd Independence anniversary celebrations.
The Minister used the opportunity to interact and familiarize herself with some of the Region’s activities and development plans, particularly in Barabina.
At the meeting held at the Barabina primary school, Minister Sukhai was informed by the residents of the community’s achievements which includes schools, health centre, better roads, water and electricity supply.
Minister Sukhai told the residents that Government’s approach to Amerindian development is a more participatory and interactive one.
“I would like the residents to say what their plans are to further their development. The Government is willing to work with the people to examine the plans and ensure that their requests are realized,” Minister Sukhai said.
Present also at the meeting were the Regional Chairman of Region One Fermin Singh and the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of the Region Mary Williams.
Singh said the administration has brought many developments to the Barabina community and the Region.
However, he stated in some communities residents lack interest in their community’s development. He reminded that they have to take up the responsibilities and continue with the development process.
Minister Sukhai said that while the Amerindian Affairs Ministry is the facilitator for development in the communities, it is up to the Region’s authorities to ensure that developments are initiated in their region.
The Minister listened to residents’ concerns and dealt with several issues at the community level. She told residents that closer interface is needed by the Ministry and authorities of the Region to ensure further developments.
Singh said this is one of the communities that can be used as an example for other communities to follow.
Whittaker reflected on the earlier days when residents were lobbying for a school in the community. He said the dream of the people has been realized with a school with trained teachers and incentives for the children such as hot meals and the uniform assistance.
The former Member of Parliament said that the present Government is committed to the people’s development and Amerindian development has accelerated very quickly under this administration.
Minister Sukhai gave residents a brief background of her scope of work to enhance Amerindian development. She noted that one of her focus will be the continuation is the poverty alleviation programme.
However, Minister Sukhai expressed concern that she has not been seeing many youths participating in meetings and decision-making in the communities. She said it is critical that youths become involved in their community development.
Minister Sukhai urged the residents to co-operate with the government as it strives to further Amerindian development which is already evident in all the sectors of their society.
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WAB educates Regions 5, 6 residents on Gov’t social services
Georgetown, GINA, May 27, 2008
Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau Hymawattie Lagan of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security last week educated residents of Regions Five and Six on Government’s social services interventions to provide assistance for the vulnerable.
In Region Six, Lagan met residents of No. 52 Village and updated them on the several Units of the Ministry that deal with specific issues and provide assistance and support to persons in need.
It was noted that several of the interventions by Government were not well known to the residents as several of them unaware of the public assistance and the Difficult Circumstance services provided to aid persons who are disabled, unemployed and generally in a vulnerable situations and need assistance.
The residents were also informed of the single parent initiative which was initiated to assist single-headed households to cushion rising cost of food.
The Ministry of Human Services also provides support and care for women and street children.
There is also the provision of school uniform vouchers to vulnerable children to boost school attendance.
Apart from the increased pension grants to pensioners, they also benefit from free spectacles, free medical attention and drugs from Government institutions and funeral expenses among others.
The Administrator was accompanied by the Personal Assistant to the President Shri Prakash Gossai who made donations to residents, teachers and school children of Region Five.
Included in the donations were toys, books, calculators, pens and shoes to the teachers and children of Shieldstown Nursery school which were provided by the Bhuneshwar Mandir of New York.
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Guyana can lead the world
-President says of Guyana’s role in climate change
Georgetown, GINA, May 27, 2008
Once again alluding to Guyana’s initiative on Climate Change and its offer of its rainforest in the battle against the worldwide climate change phenomenon, President Bharrat Jagdeo in his speech at the flag raising ceremony to mark Guyana’s 42nd Anniversary as an independent nation, said Guyana has the opportunity to lead the world in this area.
The Head of State noted that Climate change is an increasingly visible reality in the country and that more recently Guyanese have witnessed the devastation on production and lives associated with adverse weather patterns and flooding.
He said the country is facing the effects of the phenomenon though it is one of the problems that originated outside the country’s borders.
“It is estimated by the United Nations that 60% of our GDP was lost in the 2005 floods….Climate change, globalisation, rising global populations and prosperity, and regional development are forces that create challenges, but they also represent a historic opening for our country,” the Guyanese Leader told those gathered at the National Park to witness the event.
The President pointed out that as Guyana forges ahead with its new economy, climate change is one area in which Guyana can literally lead the world and now is the time to use ‘our ability to advance the world’s attempts to avert the worst extremes of climate change’.
Emphasising the importance of the country’s rich asset, its standing rainforest, President Jagdeo reiterated the importance of tropical forests to the world and reminded that they store carbon and are home to a wealth of bio-diversity.
“Tropical deforestation contributes about 20% of the world’s greenhouse gases. Yet, in the Kyoto Protocol there is very little incentive to address this problem compared with other sources of greenhouses gases. We are working to reverse this disproportionality. We are arguing that there should be market-based incentives for the preservation of rainforests,” he added.
On this note, President Jagdeo asserted that if this goal is realized Guyana could garner significant flows and resources could be deployed to protect the country’s people while support could go towards investments in health, education and low-carbon economic activities.
“Key to achieving this is building the necessary arguments for a post-Kyoto climate agreement. We are joining with strategic partners from across the world to do this. As I have publicly stated on a number of occasions, we are open to receiving proposals on how Guyana’s rainforest can be deployed in the global battle against climate change,” the Head of State contended.
The President believes that much has been said about the issue, yet all said of it is not accurate. In this light, he highlighted three positions of his administration: that Guyana’s sovereignty over its rainforest is not up for negotiation; that the legitimate development aspirations of the country’s people will be priority; and that when the time comes to discuss proposals for how the vision will be implemented that all Guyanese would have the opportunity to participate fully in the debate on proposed solutions.
“I am confident that this national debate will show the world that our independent Guyana possesses a capacity to participate with the international community, not as a poor country looking for handouts but as a proud, independent nation with an understanding of how environmental vision can sustain prosperity and the path to social justice,” he concluded.
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Guyana to host ozone officers network meeting
Georgetown, GINA, May 27, 2008
Guyana, through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Service will be hosting for the first time, an annual Ozone Officers Network Meeting for the English-Speaking Caribbean from May 28 to 30.
The network meeting is an annual event funded by the Multilateral Fund, organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the host country, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a release.
The purpose of the meeting is to help each ozone officer within the Caribbean Region to promote the objectives of the Montreal Protocol, tackling issues of phasing out consumption and developing strategies for the prevention of illegal trade of ozone depleting substances.
The meeting will function as a catalyst for improved collaborative efforts and communication amongst the officers and associated agencies and will serve to pool collective contributions as efforts are intensifying throughout the region to utilize the remaining time and possible post-2010 strategies.
The meeting will coincide with the launching of Guyana’s Terminal Phase out Management Plan (TPMP) for chlorofluocarbons (CFCs) funded by the Multilateral Fund at a cost of US $345,000 and will be implemented jointly by UNEP and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Terminal Phase-out Management Plan will enable finalization of the activities for complete chlorofluocarbons (CFCs) elimination in Guyana which will lead to the fulfillment of Guyana’s obligation to the Montreal Protocol of 100 percent reduction by January 1, 2010.
Among the participants at the workshop will be representatives of the Caribbean islands, the UNEP, UNDP and the Deputy Executive Secretary for the Ozone Secretariat, Paul Horwitz.
Guyana is among the 191 countries worldwide to sign on to the Montreal Protocol agreement for substances that deplete the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol is recognized as the most successful international environmental treaty that legally binds world governments to cooperate in repairing the earth’s stratospheric ozone layer.
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