Finance Ministry working to strengthen supervision of money transfer agencies
-tables Bill in parliament
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
Economic activities in Guyana are increasing as the economy continues to expand with new and emerging sectors evolving, adding to the development and the stimulation of economic growth countrywide.
In light of the increasing numbers of Money transfer agencies, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh tabled the Money Transfer Agencies (Licensing) Bill 2008 in the National Assembly. Minister Singh said that the Bill seeks to establish a legislative and regulatory framework to govern licensing and regulating of money transfer agencies.
In moving that the bill be read a second time in the National Assembly last Thursday, Minister Singh referred the Bill to a Special Select Committee for more detailed consideration.
Money transfer is defined by the Bill as the making of any payment by a person in the scheduled territory or for the credit of a person outside the scheduled territory, or to a person in the scheduled territory by order on behalf of a person outside the scheduled territory, where the scheduled territory is Guyana and where Money transfer agents mean any person carrying on the business of money transfer on behalf of a licensee.
The process of becoming a certificate holder to operating a licensed agency must first apply to the Bank in the prescribed form along with the prescribed fees for a license. A licensee under the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act 1989 or any related party, holding company, subsidiary or other affiliate such a licensee is ineligible for the grant of a licensee under this act.
The Bank, after consultation with the Minister based on the experience, character, soundness and feasibility of the business plan and financial resources of the applicant for a licence may grant or refuse to grant such.
In keeping with the regulations specified in the Bill, where a licence is granted, it should be displayed at a conspicuous place at the business premises and the implicit conversion rates applied and any applicable charges in Guyana dollars be displayed.
With regards to the terms and renewal of a License, it expires on the last day of December of the year in which it was granted and renewals should be made no later than January 15 in every year.
In the interest of the public and financial system, if the holder of the licence upon renewal was found in breach of any provision of the Act, after giving the holder a fair hearing, renewal may not be granted.
For a person to qualify for a license, there are specified requirements which must be met. The person must supply the name and address and must be registered with the Bank, make an application, and pay the prescribed fee. Before the person is considered the bank will make a complete assessment.
The conditions of license and certificate of registration are clearly specified by the Bill. Every License agency and money transfer agent will be subjected to the provisions of the act and the conditions from time to time, be prescribed by regulations or specified in the licence or certificate of registration.
It is compulsory under the act that all licensed agency and agent act in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 2000 and any subsequent legislation replacing or amending that Act.
Suspension and revocation of license or certificate of registration will be applicable where the agency has ceased to carry on the business for a period of not less than six months, has been convicted of felony or of any offence involving fraud, dishonesty or breach of trust and is discharged or an undischarged bankrupt, or where there has been asymmetric information to obtain the license.
To ensure no irregularities, the agency or agent is required to keep and maintain proper records and accounts. From time to time, the Bank will visit the business to examine the records.
Failing to abide with the law, the agency or agent is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $250,000 or six months imprisonment. However, this act does not apply to a licensed financial institution under the Financial Institutions Act 1995.
TOP
40 lights arrive from Barbados for airport
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
Night flights from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport will resume from this evening following the arrival of 40 portable solar-powered lights from Barbados.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn said that back-up batteries have also been provided.
These lights will complement the 30 additional lights that will power the runway area.
Minister Benn noted that discussions were ongoing with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co. (GT&T), Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and Cummings Electrical for a solution to the damage caused and for an adequate ground system at the airport. He said that the complete repairs for the airport will take some months.
The Civil Aviation Authority and the Control Tower communication equipment were damaged also as a result of severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes on July 29 and August 11 which led to the shutdown of the airport.
Engineers testing Portable Runway lights.
The estimated cost for the replacement of a single light is US$400.
The government budgeted $660M for this year to upgrade the systems at the airport but with the additional cost incurred, the budget will now be inadequate and thus more funds will have to be sought.
Meanwhile Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon said that the matter was addressed at the last Cabinet meeting where it was agreed that approaches be made to CARICOM members for assistance.
Dr. Luncheon noted that apart from the portable lights, Guyana is trying to procure its own system but that the process will take some time since the lights are not off the shelf commodities. “They have to be manufactured according to specs and then brought here so the move that Cabinet endorsed in going to regional airport authorities was indeed to borrow off the shelf back up concomitantly to procure our own. So hopefully by the time our procurement would have been executed and equipment installed we would have been able to return the loan,” he said.
TOP
$7M being spent on Plaisance Market upgrade
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
The Plaisance/Industry market, East Coast Demerara is at present undergoing rehabilitation funded by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development at a cost of $7M.
President Bharrat Jagdeo earlier this year made the commitment to fund the repairs and cater for a general facelift of the structure. At present, the roof and other repairs are ongoing.
 Works ongoing at the Plaisance market
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall said that $7M will be spent to repair the roof and as the work progresses more money will be spent for a general facelift of the market.
Permanent Secretary within the Ministry Sewchan said that the market has been overlooked for a number of years and in keeping with the market by-laws to maintain and ensure safe market environment, a maintenance plan will be put in place to collect revenues to aid the development of the market. Revenues collected will be used for repairs and the payment of support staff.
 A section of the market roof being repaired
Meanwhile, the Ministry is working to ensure that all other markets countrywide function effectively so as to provide efficient services to residents.
Within the last month the Municipal Services Division of the Ministry conducted a workshop for the institutional strengthening and capacity building of local government market managers.
 A section of the market roof being repaired
TOP
Extensive health plan for Carifesta
Government, GINA, August 14, 2008
The Ministry of Health has developed an extensive health response that is consistent with the country’s health programme for the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta) X.
Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said the plan is designed to provide health-care needs at crowded venues, taking into consideration that large numbers of persons will be entering Guyana for Carifesta.
One of the critical aspects of Guyana’s health response is that health personnel will be stationed at strategic locations where Carifesta events will be held.
Some of these locations include the National Park, the National Stadium, the Sophia Exhibition Centre and other venues outside of Region Four including Anna Regina, Linden, Blairmont and Albion. Staff at these sites will be able to treat persons who may suffer from exhaustion, dehydration or minor injuries on the spot. The health facilities in the regions where Carifesta events will be held will be complemented by the health booths with adequate staff manning the facilities on a 24-hour basis.
“Besides catering for people who may get sick at events, the Ministry of Health has taken good care to ensure that certain vector borne diseases are going to be problem during Carifesta and should not be a problem at anytime.” Minister Ramsammy said.
The Ministry over of the last several weeks has been more aggressive in the control of mosquitoes to eliminate the discomfort caused by mosquito bites and to reduce the spread of diseases that are transmissible by mosquitoes. Several fogging exercises have been conducted over the last few weeks. This measure is not however restricted to Carifesta but goes beyond. There is also another component of the programme which seeks to control rodents.
“Another element of our health response is that our port health programme, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Moleson Creek exit point, at the Brazil border and at the shipping sites, we will ensure that persons who come into the country are properly immunized. For example it is required that people are vaccinated against yellow fever to enter Guyana of they are coming from certain countries such as Africa,” the Health Minister said.
Minister Ramsammy pointed out that the Ministry is also guarding against water and food borne diseases. Health inspectors and sanitary officers are monitoring restaurant and vending sites while vendors and restaurant workers are being trained to make sure that minimum guide-lines are met. This will be an ongoing process as well to improve sanitary conditions in general and promote better health in Guyana.
One of the important pillars of the Carifesta health response is the surveillance system that is in place. There is an aggressive programme to detect possible outbreaks of diseases such as those with influenza like symptoms. There are being monitored and particularly during this time on a daily basis countrywide. There are daily reports being submitted to the Ministry on dengue and several other diseases that may pose a threat.
TOP
Parliament’s recess restored following agreement between President, Opposition Leader
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon told the media today at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President that the Parliamentary recess which had been slated to commence on August 10 was restored following an ‘understanding’ reached by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Leader of the Opposition, Robert Corbin recently.
Dr. Luncheon explained that the Opposition Leader had requested more time to examine the Bills introduced at the last sitting of the National Assembly which were supposed to have undergone their second reading today had the recess not been restored.
“Those Bills were all intended to contribute to the Government’s programme of reforming criminal legislation and had all been tabled earlier during the session. As a result of that understanding that has been reached about more time being provided to the Opposition for the examination of the Bills, their second reading (the Bills) will take place in late September…but prior to the end of the recess which will take place on October 10,” he pointed out.
Last week, prior to the reading of the Bills, the HPS had announced that Government would be moving to seek an extension of the parliamentary session since Parliament was slated for recess shortly thereafter and the administration wished that the Parliamentary period would be extended to allow for the Bills to be concluded.
The Bills were listed as the Criminal Procedure Bill, the Plea Bargaining and Plea Agreement Bill 2008, the Evidence Amendment Bill 2008, the Telecommunication Amendment Bill, the Interception of Communication Bill (Legislation on wire-tapping etc.) and the Criminal Law Procedure Bill.
TOP
Several infrastructure projects get Cabinet’s nod
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
Among the projects granted Cabinet’s ‘no-objection’ at its meeting on August 12 were several infrastructure ones in the water sector.
The contracts were as follows:
Sector |
Contract |
Amount |
Water |
Procurement of polyvinyl chloride, ductile pipes and fittings and accessories for Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) |
$37.9M |
|
Procurement of water metres and metre boxes for GWI |
$91.2M |
Sea and River Defence |
Procurement of equipment and aerials for the emergency sea defense programme |
Euros $427, 710 |
Public Works |
Procurement of 20.7 megawatts of power plant for the Guyana Power and Light |
Euros 17.5 M |
Health |
Supply of 2.6 million sachets of antenatal sprinkles for the antenatal programme |
US$164,251 |
TOP
Masters of Ceremonies being trained for CARIFESTA
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
The CARIFESTA Secretariat will be training persons to officiate as Masters of Ceremonies at various CARIFESTA events.
The training session which started on August 11, includes maintaining crowd control, voice projection and generating interest and will conclude on August 15. Basil Bradshaw, Sonia Yarde, Simeon Dowding and Carolyn Cummings are among those being trained.
One of the facilitators of the training sessions, Hector Stoute, said “everyone has the potential to be a Master of Ceremony.”
TOP
CARIFESTA receives more financial support
- GT&T, Republic Bank donate $10M each
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
The CARIFESTA Secretariat was again boosted in its efforts to prepare for a successful hosting of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X with more financial support from private corporate entities.
This was highlighted today when the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company, and Republic Bank today handed over $10M each to members of the secretariat.
The telephone company which was the first private entity to support the planning of the festival handed over their 10M checque to Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Keith Booker.
The presentation was done at GT&T’s Brickdam office in the presence of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CARIFESTA Secretariat Nigel Dharamlall, GT&T’s Deputy General Manager Terence Holder and CEO Major General (rtd) Joe Singh.
In making the presentation Holder that it is a demonstration of GT&T’s social responsibility policy which has been ongoing for 17 years.
He added that the company over the last three years has continued this trend by contributing to the Culture Ministry’s 40th independence anniversary celebrations and Cricket World Cup (CWC) in 2007.
The same objective, he said will be extended to CARIFESTA which is aimed at fostering Caribbean integration.
Minister Anthony lauded the support given by private corporate entities to CARIFESTA noting that it has never been that strong in previous festivals.
“GT&T is just a good example of the support that we can get from the corporate sector and I think that with the combination of all these resources, we are ready to host a memorable and spectacular CARIFESTA,” Minister Anthony said.
Marketing and Sales Director Winston Robertson said the dedication of the company’s 2008 telephone directory and its CARIFESTA commemorative C-Point card are just two of the highlights of its commitment.
Managing Director of Republic Bank Edward Gooding presenting the $10M cheque to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony in the presence of officials from CARIFESTA Secretariat and Republic Bank.
He added that in the lead up to the festival, GT&T also contributed to the beautification of Festival City, Brickdam and other parts of the city.
A significant number of CARIFESTA visitors will be using GT&T services during the period and the staff of the telephone company were urged by the company’s CEO to improve customer relations.
“We need to ensure that we put our best foot forward and that we are good ambassadors of Guyana and of GT&T so that Guyanese leave here with a good feeling and a positive impression of what Guyana has to offer,” the CEO said.
Meanwhile, Republic Bank, the official bank of CARIFESTA also donated $10M to the opening ceremony.
During a simple ceremony at the bank’s New Market Street office, its managing Director Edward Gooding presented the checque to Minister Anthony noting that the entity sees CARIFESTA as an event to showcase Guyana.
“It is an opportunity for the country to showcase its rich heritage, our cultural, our life and Republic Bark is honoured to make a contribution in support of this effort…we anticipate an evening of tremendous entertainment and enjoyment, a fitting start to what promises to be a one in a lifetime experience,” Gooding assured.
The opening ceremony named ‘CELEGACY,’ which means celebrating our legacy will be a spectacle, according to Minister Anthony, who disclosed that over 3000 participants will be featured.
Artistic Director attached to the CARIFESTA Secretariat, Paloma Mohamed who was also present said it will be projecting a history of excellence and sensationalism.
TOP
Government gives go-ahead to Micro Projects programme
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
The Ministry of Finance has granted approval for outstanding disbursements to be made under the Guyana Micro Projects programme. This came after pending resolution of the administrative issues, which were identified previously.
Funding for the programme was halted because of administrative issues. On July 1, during a presentation in the National Assembly Minister Singh indicated that when the administrative issues were addressed Government would have given the go ahead. However, the Micro Projects Programme management is yet to satisfactorily address these concerns, the Ministry of Finance stated in a release.
In the interim, programme management and the Board are working with the Ministry to resolve the issue. The Ministry indicated that this decision was taken in the interest of ensuring that on-going micro projects are completed and that beneficiaries receive the anticipated level of support projected under the programme.
The European Union/ Government of Guyana (EU/GoG) funded Micro Project Programme is aimed to reduced poverty and social inequality in urban areas, coastal villages and interior by contributing to the financing of small projects with an economic and social impact on vulnerable groups and communities.
TOP
Minister Benn meets public transportation sector ahead of Carifesta X
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn today met with representatives of the various associations representing public transportation operators in the city. The meeting was called to discuss issues affecting the public transportation operators in the city.
The Minister said that the Ministry is in the process of preparing a list of regulations which will be circulated to the various associations and stakeholders in the public transportation sector, the Police Traffic Department and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce for discussion and deliberation in order to have general guidelines to regulate the public transportation industry in Guyana.
Issues highlighted by the associations included the non-compliance by some operators with the recently implemented parking arrangements for mini-buses plying the number 45 and 41 routes and the failure of some traffic ranks to enforce compliance.
Minister Benn said that responsible behaviour was expected from mini-bus operators especially with the influx of visitors during Carifesta X since it should not be necessary for Government to have to enact laws to control all undesirable behaviour.
Concerns raised included, the disposal of garbage by passengers on the roadways and it was suggested that a public education programme be instituted to assist in correcting this behaviour. The display of suggestive slogans and other art promoting immoral behaviour and the use of illegal drugs were also matters of concern raised.
Traffic Chief Neil Semple, who was present at the meeting, said that the Police Force is examining the possibility of withholding road fitness certificates to vehicles used 0for public transportation that have these undesirable markings.
The Minister commended the route 45 bus operators for instituting the use of uniforms while on duty.
The associations’ representatives also renewed calls for Government to enact legislation to recognize one association which will be the overall representative of public transportation providers in Guyana so that negotiations with Government could be made through that association.
Additionally it was stated that the association could assist in regulating the standard of conduct expected of its members thereby providing a better service to the public.
It was acknowledged by the associations’ representatives that there was some amount of lawless behaviour displayed by operators. They, however, stated this in most instances these operators were not members of any association and therefore, they were powerless to sanction them.
They appealed to the Traffic Chief to ensure his ranks enforce the laws as these errant operators were often ‘associates’ of police ranks, who overlook their behaviour. The Traffic Chief said that any rank found faternalising with mini-bus operators at the expense of their duty should be reported to the Divisional Commanders for action to be taken.
Associations represented at the meeting included the Guyana Public Transportation Association, the General Mini-Bus Association and the United Mini-Bus Asociation.
TOP
“Wild Guyana” documentary launched
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
Guyana’s tourism industry is developing at a fast pace since it is being recognized as a premier tourism adventure destination in the world.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad made this comment while speaking at the launch of the third series of Mike Charles’ documentary, “Wild Guyana” which features the country’s flora and fauna.
Minister Prashad urged that that Guyanese populace support the DVD since much effort, time and money have been spent to produce and showcase the country’s natural beauty.
The Tourism Ministry will continue to support Charles and purchase his DVD’s to give guest and visitors. The documentaries will be distributed to the country’s missions and embassies abroad, Minister Prashad said.
 From Left Mike Charles and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad speaking at the Launch of the third series of Mike Charles documentary, “Wild Guyana”
He noted further that with CARIFESTA just a few days away, the launch is appropriate and timely since the documentary will bring a renewed interest to many Guyanese.
Minister Prashad added that tourism awareness will be promoted throughout the year by the Ministry in making persons aware of the benefits of tourism and preserving the country’s natural resources.
Mike Charles, the producer of the documentary said “Giants of Guyana” a fourth series of the DVD documentary is in process and will be released at the end of 2009. This documentary, he added, will feature the country’s largest animals of the wild.
The documentary will also be promoted in schools across Guyana through the ministry to educate students about tourism and their environment, Charles said.
TOP
Striking Guyana Sugar workers urged to return to work
– GuySuCo losing millions of $ in production
Georgetown, GINA, August 14, 2008
Strike action by workers at the La Bonne Intention (LBI), Enmore, Rose Hall and Wales sugar estates continued into its second day causing the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to lose millions of dollars in production.
Human Resource Director of GuySuCo, Jai Petam explained that if the strike continues tomorrow the company will no longer be meeting with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) since in so doing negotiations will be conducted under duress, therefore the company has to be guided as to whether the strike is injurious to national interest and if the Ministry of Labour concludes that this is the case, it may intervene.
According to Petam, this action by GAWU is in total violation of the existing grievance procedure since the Union gave no indication of its intention to call strike action. He said that GuySuCo had always respected the right of workers to strike but in so doing the procedure must be followed.
Chief Executive Officer of the company Paul Bhim also reemphasized that the strike is hindering GuySuCo’s plans to increase production since it now adds to other problems mainly decreased production experienced by the company. According to Bhim if the strike continues management will be forced to assess its ability to operate eight factories. Bhim said that by October GuySuCo has to deliver 55,000 tonnes of sugar to its European market. This is scheduled to be shipped by September 5, and failure to do so will result in GuySuCo losing US$ 78 per tonne since another price cut in the European sugar market will be effective from October 1.
Chairman of GuySuCo Ronald Alli disclosed that GuySuCo is in the process of developing a programme aimed at making the sugar industry adaptable to a competitive strategy that will allow its existence in light of the price cuts on the European market. This, he said, includes a worker friendly strategy aimed at increasing production. Alli said that the Skeldon factory is slated to begin its commissioning test shortly. He urged workers to resume work so that the canes can be harvested and production continue in a state of normalcy.
Approximately 90% of the field and factory workers at LBI, Enmore and Wales have taken strike action while at Rose Hall 85% have downed tools. According to Petam, the Corporation had met with GAWU for the eighth occasion on August 12 and at that meeting the Corporation’s and the Union’s positions were that an increase of 41/2 percent and 143/4 percent respectively were merited. At the end of those meetings there was no notice that there would be strikes at any locations, and as such adequate amounts of canes were burnt for harvesting the following day. Petam further added that this action is costing the company and these costs are unrecoverable. The strike will cause a loss of 650 tonnes of sugar not being produced and to date production for this crop stands at 24,000 tonnes, 13,000 tonnes behind the original estimate due to inclement weather and a low turnout of harvesters, GuySuCo’s management said.
The Corporation is urging all workers to allow good judgment and sense to prevail and to return to work so that the application of the negotiation and grievance procedure in the current dispute can continue so as to meet an amicable solution.
TOP
Gov’t, City Hall review coordinated enhancement activities for Carifesta X
Georgetown, Gina, August 14, 2008
With Carifesta X set to open in Guyana in the next eight days, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn and Minister of Local Government Kellawan Lall today met with representatives of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) to discuss plans to enhance the city.
The Ministers were updated on the progress being made to complete the enhancement exercise and additional resources needed to facilitate same.
Minister Benn expressed concern that the City Council was granting permission to persons to vend on the pavement and Government reserves, which creates congestion on the streets. He also pointed out that persons were congesting areas in clear violation of the City’s by-laws and no action was being taken against them.
 City Council workers beautifying the avenue on Carmichael Street
Minister Lall voiced his concern with regards to the work ethics of the City Council’s employees. He pointed out that several senior staff members are not at work before 9 00h daily and as a result the junior staff also arrive late. This attitude he said, will cause delays in the work scheduled to be completed before Carifesta.
President Bharrat Jagdeo recently announced that Government would release $15M to City Hall to help finance its $50M enhancement exercise.
Enhancement works identified to be done by City Hall includes improvements to the avenues on East, Thomas, Waterloo and Carmichael Streets and Cemetery Road and clearing of several compounds and parapets. Repairs being done to the Bridge at Mandela and Homestretch Avenues and outside the National Cultural Centre
Repairs and painting of roads and bridges and the replacement of street lights are being done by the Public Works Ministry while the clearing of canals will be done with the assistance of the Guyana Prison Service and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority. Financing for these works are expected to come from the annual budgetary allocation.
Meanwhile during a visit around the city early this morning, Minister Lall inspected work done by city council staff who were at the time busy cleaning the avenues and walkways along Carmichael Street and other areas. This is part of a continuous effort by the Ministry to maintain and keep the city clean.
More works will be done on the southern side of the City, which for some time has been neglected, the Minister said.
To date cleaning of parapets and drains in major parts around the city has been completed. A crew will be deployed to clean the environs of the Georgetown Public Hospital by tomorrow.
TOP |
