Farmers and residents continue to compound drainage situation
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
In wake of the heavy rainfall which has affected several regions namely Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10, Government has been working extensively to drain the water off the land as quickly as possible.
However, according to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the lead agency for drainage and irrigation, farmers and residents are not adhering to its call not to compromise the drainage and irrigation structures.
In Region 3 it was reported by the Regional Chairman, Julius Faerber that farmers were removing the boards of the intake at the Parika / Ruby area and this resulted in flooding. The boards have since been replaced and the water is receding. He added that the rains would be continuing and persons must be on the alert for such incidents.
Recently it was reported that a dam was breached at Black Bush Polder, Region 6, which caused water to flow into the residential area. Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud has had to intervene to bring the situation back to normalcy. Zulfikar Mustapha, Region 6 Chairman had also called for farmers not to breach drainage and irrigation structures since there have been 18 breaches of dams by residents and farmers.
In Region 4, Minister Persaud had noted that on the Victoria Crown Dam there were 22 cuts and there were reports of persons removing the inlet structures as well as objects being thrown into the pump area. According to the Minister, this has resulted in one-third of the drainage capacity in the area being reduced. It was also reported that seven pumps had so far been damaged as a result of vandalism. This had resulted in heavy accumulation of water in Victoria and Golden Grove.
In the Greenfield / Dochfour area earlier, there were reports emanating of a winch being removed by person or persons which had compounded the situation in the community and had led to flooding in those areas. The NDIA also had to ask private estate owners aback of the same area to take care of their drainage and irrigation structures since water was overflowing from their land into the community. Additional pumps were deployed to the area and a dam was cut to drain water.
At Paradise, East Coast Demerara, the removal of the dirt from a dam which was sold by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) had led to water remaining on the land since the area has now become a basin.
The NDIA also cleaned and cleared drains which were the responsibility of the NDC. Areas such as Dazzell Housing Scheme were severely affected as a result. The NDIA has since deployed two pumps to the area. Water is now receding.
The Minister of Agriculture has consistently called for farmers and residents to desist from such actions since they would compound the work of the NDIA.
TOP
Corriverton hostel benefiting Orealla/Siparuta students
-several hostels constructed over the years in Regions 1,2,5,7,9
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
The Government in its quest to provide Amerindian students with equal access to all levels of education throughout the Regions has constructed several hostels and dormitories in various Amerindian communities.
At present, 17 students from Orealla/Siparuta, the only Amerindian communities in Region Six, are benefiting from the Amerindian Hostel at Corriverton. The students attend Line Path Secondary, Skeldon High, and the Corriverton Primary (tops).
Caretaker of the hostel, Pamela Chaka told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that many of the past beneficiaries have done well at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam and are now employed as teachers and other professionals.
The hostel was constructed six years ago at a cost of approximately $8M and provides accommodation for 30 students.
“We all thank the Government because before we had the hostel for the students there was no other place where they could stay. Even now staying with people in their homes is difficult and expensive. The Government also provides their meals everyday, free of cost,” Chaka said.
Over the past years a number of similar establishments have been constructed including at Matthews Ridge, Moruca and Port Kaituma in Region One, Suddie in Region Two, Mahaicony in Region Five, Kamarang and Bartica in Region Seven, and Annai and Aishalton in Region Nine.
The main Amerindian hostel in Princes Street, Georgetown has evolved into an institution which gives educational support to Amerindian students attending, not only secondary schools, but also the University of Guyana.
TOP
Good turn out of students and staff at schools throughout Regions
-as school reopens
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
The Ministry of Education today indicated an overall good turn out from both students and staff at various schools throughout the Regions as schools reopened for the Easter Term.
Following a visit to 23 schools by the Minister of Education Shaik Baksh, and a team of education and regional officials on January 3, it was announced that public schools would reopen today with the exception of a few which have been affected by the heavy rainfall.
Among the schools visited by the Minister and his team were: Enterprise, Victoria, Ann’s Grove, Clonbrook, Cane Grove and Virginia Primary Schools, Strathavon and Clonbrook Nursery Schools, Lancaster Secondary and Ann’s Grove Community High School.
The Minister had stated that that all schools in Regions Four and Six will be re-opened today with the exception of Bohemia Primary in Region Six and that nine schools in Region Five would have remained closed. These were: Augsburg and Abary Primary Schools in the Abary Creek; Gordon Table, Karamat and Esau and Jacob Primary Schools and the Mora Point Nursery in the Mahaicony Creek, and Little Biaboo, Grass Hook and Number Ten Primary schools in the Mahaica Creek.
According to the Ministry’s report today: in Region One, all schools were reopened expect Waramuri Primary Annex and there was a good pupil and staff attendance.
In Region Two, all schools were reopened except for Lilydale Primary with good pupil attendance and very good staff attendance.
All schools in Region Three were reopened and there was very good turn out by both pupils and staff.
All schools were also reopened in Region Four with good pupil and staff attendance.
In Georgetown, all schools were reopened except for St. Agnes Primary and part of St. Roses High with good pupil turn out and very good staff turn out.
In Region Five, schools along the Mahaica, Mahaicony, and Abary River along with Mortice Primary were closed due to flooding. All other schools were reopened. There was a fair turn out of pupils and very good staff turn out.
In Region Six, all schools were reopened except for Bohemia Nursery and Primary with good pupil turn out and very good staff turn out.
In Regions Seven and Eight, all schools were reopened with very good turn out by both pupils and staff.
All schools were also reopened in Region Nine with excellent pupil and staff turnout while in Region Ten all schools were reopened with good turn out by both pupils and staff.
The Ministry of Education will continue to ensure that the environment is safe and conducive for the students before the remaining schools are reopened.
TOP
Mash 2009 preparations advancing
- calendar of activities to be rolled out soon
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
Since its official launch in October 2008, preparations for Mashramani 2009 have gone a far way. Regional committee members are already at work and very soon the calendar of activities both regionally and nationally will be rolled out to the public.
This was disclosed by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony while speaking to the media at a recent press conference on plans and preparations for Guyana’s annual event.
The calendar will identify the variety of events being hosted, as well as the time and venues for these activities.
Mashramani 2009 will be held under the theme “One dream, One celebration, One design in 2009” and will feature a wide spectrum of activites such as the calypso, chutney and children’s competitions, masquerade band and illuminated buildings competitions, and the grand costume band and float parade in Georgetown on February 23.
During the launching Minister Anthony announced some new additions for this year’s event, some of which include an inter Neighbourhood Democratic Council competition for the best aesthetics, a child art and essay competition and an exhibition at the National Museum tracing the history and showcasing artifacts of the festival.
Mash participants during 2007 celebrations.
Calypsonians are already busy at rehearsals for the calypso competition and some have already submitted their lyrics and accompanying sound tracks, according to Minister Anthony.
Corporate sponsorship for Mashramani has been described by Minister Anthony as fairly good but this year, companies will be playing a more integral part in aspects of the activities.
In recent years, the Ministry of Culture, through the Mash Secretariat fulfilled its commitment to decentralise the activity by including it in all regions of Guyana.
In 2007, the initiative was successful but was held with moderation the following year after Guyana was thrown into a state of mourning after the Lusignan and Bartica killings.
Despite the challenges and mixed reactions in the public domain about hosting the festival, Mashramani 2008 was held and attracted coverage from a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) team which used it in one of their documentaries.
TOP
Cultivation areas in Regions 2, 3 not significantly affected.
- Regional Chairmen
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
The abnormal climatic conditions experienced over the past weeks have affected several regions. However, to date, cultivation areas in Regions Two and Three have not been significantly affected, the Regional Chairpersons have confirmed.
Region Two’s Chairman, Ali Baksh, said that out of the 32,500 acres of land under rice cultivation, only 220 acres are affected. Earlier, he had said that rice farmers in that Region were waiting on the present rainy season to be over before sowing. Region Two is primarily an agricultural area with rice being the main crop and provides most of the export for international markets.
The Chairman also added that a significant amount of work was done in the Pomeroon River which included excavation to clear the outfall leading to the River and the internal drainage system at Cozier.
Region Three’s Chairman, Julius Faerber, stated that not more that 30 to 40 acres of cultivation land have been affected in comparison to the 2000 acres that were under cultivation. The situation is being misrepresented by the People’s National Congress /Reform’s member, Mervyn Williams who created an impression that over 800 acres of rice was damaged as a result of flooding, Faerber said.
He said work is being carried out in the Windsor Forest / Blankenburg area to deal with heavy siltation and pumps were also deployed to the area.
According to the Hydrometeorological office, the rains are predicted to continue into March and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will continue to make the necessary interventions to provide relief to areas affected by heavy rainfall.
TOP
New Bartica Secondary opens
-above 75% turnout
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
Students turned out today to the newly constructed $380M Bartica Secondary School located at Three-Mile, Bartica-Potaro Road in Region Seven as Government continues its drive to increase access to secondary education throughout the regions of Guyana.
Regional Chairman Holbert Knights told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that student turn out was above 75% today and that the school has been not been affected by the present rainfall situation.
Knights said that there are however, some problems with the access roads to the school and that the dorm for the new building has not been completed. He said that the students are still using the dorm of the previous building in Seventh Avenue but transportation is being provided for them, and by the end of the week the current works on the new dorm will be completed.
The school was built to accommodate 1000 from central Bartica and various parts of the Region including Mazaruni. The new school boasts an industrial arts department with all the modern equipment, a fully equipped computer and science laboratory, a home economics department, an auditorium and a dormitory. A new transformer was installed by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) while there is an adequate water supply.
A section of the new Bartica Secondary School.
The new school will be used as a senior institution while students who were unsuccessful at the National Grade Six Assessment will remain at the former secondary school building.
Construction of the school was delayed by two years mainly as a result of landscaping.
The construction of state-of-the-art schools across the country is part of Government’s interventions to secure universal secondary education by 2013.
The school was constructed under the Ministry’s Basic Education Access and Management Support (BEAMS) programme which facilitated the rehabilitation and construction of other schools including Bladen Hall, North Ruimveldt Multilateral, Lodge Community High, Charlestown Secondary, Tutorial High, Aurora Secondary, and Diamond Secondary.
The new Bartica Secondary will be commissioned shortly.
TOP
Regions continue to experience receding waters
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
In wake of heavy rainfall affecting several regions on the coastline, technical teams and equipment have been deployed to affected areas. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has been working extensively to bring the situation back to normalcy.
Crops and veterinary officers from the Ministry of Agriculture had been deployed to various regions to aid farmers and extension officers have also been working with regional officials.
Water has been receding in the majority of the regions.
Regional Update
Region 2
Regional Chairman, Ali Baksh, said that there was good weather and that the water was receding. Six pumps, he noted, were deployed to Andrews, Perth, Charity, Unu Creek, Lima and Anna Regina.
In the Pomeroon River, he stated, excavation work was being carried out at the Cozier sluice and clearing of the outfall channel leading to the River continued. He added that the internal drainage ways in Cozier were being cleared.
The Regional Chairman remarked that out of 32, 500 acres of cultivation area only 220 acres were affected.
Region 3
Regional Chairman, Julius Faerber today said that water was receding but as a result of heavy rainfall over the weekend areas such as Ruimzeigt, Windsor Forest, La Jalousie and Blankenburg were affected. In these areas, he stated, excavators were being deployed.
Excavation was continuing at Canal No. 2 Polder main drain.
However, the Regional Chairman remarked that farmers were removing boards from the intake at the Parika / Ruby area which was creating flooding in those areas. The boards have since been replaced.
He said there was heavy siltation in the Windsor Forest / Blankenburg area and pumps were deployed. Farmers too were also assisting to remove silt.
Region 4
According to the Regional Chairman, Clement Corlette, he said the situation could be described as normal since they were few complaints with respect to flooding. One minor complaint was at Buxton where water was overflowing from a dam but NDIA and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) were moving to have it resolved.
Region 5
According to Vice Chairman, Karran Persaud Deokarran, water was receding from the residential areas. Within a week, he said, the water in the Mahaica / Mahaicony Creek areas would recede.
Clearing of two outfalls at Now or Never and Dantzig were continuing and at the moment he added 12 outfall channels are working well. The sluice at Bellamy is also working.
In the Mahaicony Creek, he noted, that four pumps were operational in areas under rice cultivation.
Region 6
Regional Chairman, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that water was receding rapidly but in No. 19 there was some amount of water. A sluice and pump were operational at Seawell and some of the water was pumped into the GuySuCo canal.
Four excavators were also working in the area which was diverting the water to the eastern end through the Borlam outfall. A pump was also placed at the eastern side of the village.
The Regional Chairman said that the water was receding but because of some 3.5 inches of rainfall recorded yesterday this had prevented the water level from lowering.
He stated that health teams as well as extension officers from the Ministry of Agriculture had visited the area.
In the Belvedere area, he said, excavation work was being carried out since it was affected by heavy rainfall.
At Black Bush Polder, since the breach was sealed, water has been receding while in the Manchester / Alness areas excavation work was done to the internal drains.
The Regional Chairman remarked that an area of concern was Angoy’s Avenue and the town council was not addressing it, as such he had deployed technical personnel to assess the situation.
At the moment, he said, 11 irrigators along with eight hydroflow pumps with a drainage capacity of 18, 000 to 35, 000 gallons a minute were deployed to the region. He added that all the sluices were operational.
Region 10
Regional Chairman, Mortimer Mingo, confirmed today that no area in the region was affected by accumulation of water from heavy rainfall.
TOP
Toll charges for Berbice Bridge reasonable –Bridge CEO
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) Omadat Samaroo said toll charges for the bridge are just about 10 percent higher than the ferry crossing.
He was at the time responding to questions during an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), about concerns expressed by some sections of the public that the charges are high.
Samaroo said the toll formula for the Bridge was conceptualised based on operations, maintenance costs and several other factors.
The bridge was officially opened to vehicular traffic by President Bharrat Jagdeo on December 23, 2008 but the policy stipulates that heavy duty vehicles such as trucks are restricted. These vehicles will be using the ferry until the access roads are completed sometime in April.
Passengers are not required to pay a toll but minibuses, cars and other light vehicles are required to pay $2,200 which Samaroo said equates to just a few hundred dollars more than crossing with the ferry.
The toll system is intended to generate sufficient revenue to cover all of its operating and maintenance costs.
The new Berbice River Bridge.
The 1.5 kilometre bridge, which rests on 39 pontoons is the sixth longest floating bridge in the world and stretches from D’Edward Village on the Western bank of the Berbice River to Crab Island on the eastern side.
The Berbice Bridge is closer to the Atlantic Ocean than the Demerara Harbour Bridge but is narrower in width and makes no provision for foot crossing. Its initial toll operation will be controlled by the BBCI for a period of 21 years before it is handed over to Government.
On the western side, the access road connecting the bridge with the main highway network is approximately .8 kilometres long while on the eastern side, the access road is approximately 3.5 kilometres in length.
The edifice was constructed by Botch Retrox and Mabe Johnson under a contract with the BBCI.
This bridge is seen as a dream realised for many Guyanese and is a fulfilment of the current’s administration’s programme. It is expected to significantly boost trade.
TOP
NBTC calls for urgent blood donation
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
The National Blood Transfusion Centre (NBTC) is issuing an urgent appeal for blood donors as the centre has a very low count of blood units in stock.
The release stated that in December 2008, it collected just 228 units of blood. This was less than the 50 percent target for December.
This it stated is a challenge they need to overcome as many regular blood donors tend to wait after the month to donate blood, given that it is a holiday period. It added that, the problem has been compounded this year by the inclement weather as many communities have to deal with flooding situation as a result of heavy rainfall.
“We need all kinds of blood and we are urging Guyanese to assist to ensure hospitals have adequate supplies of blood for those who might need blood at this time,” the release stated.
The centre collected almost 7,500 units of blood in 2008, and in spite of the record amount of blood collected, 2009 began with a shortage.
“We are at least 60 percent below the stock level we need for normal services,” the release stated. Lives are therefore at risk and the Ministry of Health is encouraging persons to donate blood.
Person can visit the following institutions to donate blood:
- National Blood Transfusion Centre, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Lamaha Street, Georgetown.
- New Amsterdam Regional Hospital
- Suddie Regional Hospital
- Linden Regional Hospital
TOP
Eighteen more medex complete training
-to be deployed in various institutions across the country
Georgetown, GINA, January 05, 2009
The Ministry of Health in enhancing its primary healthcare system has trained 18 medex who are now equipped to deliver quality healthcare services throughout the regions.
The medex have completed an 18-month training programme conducted in various regions across Guyana. Among those trained were nurses with over five years’ experience.
Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran during an acknowledgement ceremony at Ramphal House, New Garden Street said the group was trained not only from the health sector but also from the private sector, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Prison Service and the municipalities in an effort to strengthen other sectors in health care delivery.
“We’ve had a large influx of final year medical students who are trained in Cuba; they’ve come back to train and continue their final preparation under the supervision of Cuban doctors,” Minister Ramsaran said.
From left Chief Medex, Ministry of Health, Morris Jeffrey, Director, Helath Sciences Education, Noel Holder, Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, Class representative for Medex Programme, Maria Jeffers and Coordinator Medex Training, Wilton Benn at the acknowledgement ceremony of the graduates
Some health care workers, the Minister noted will be dispatched to the Guyana Defence Force, the Prisons and the municipalities.
Minister Ramsaran added that due to the introduction of the new batch into the health system some medex such as those who are in the cervical cancer programme will be placed in other positions to develop their skills.
Class representative of the Programme, Maria Jeffers said the programme was quite challenging but with encouragement, togetherness and support they were able to overcome to celebrate this achievement.
She said the Information Technology course which was integrated into the programme benefited the students despite it was a challenge.
“The medex programme has given us a lot of information and knowledge…We will work towards reading more and putting our knowledge that we had attained into practice so that we can carry out our efficient approach to health care in Guyana,” Jeffers said.
Coordinator Medex Training, Wilton Benn challenged the new batch to make a difference in their work in the fields and in their communities.
He told them of the many challenges they may face but inspite of these they must use them as stepping stones to learn, share and grow.
“As you go out in your practice be honest, objective, open and determined to many things. You must also be punctual and respect people’s time. Be kind to our people and treat them with dignity and respect that they deserve. You also need to pay attention to your continued education because you need to keep learning… Try to make each centre a learning environment… so that we can truly benefit from the services you offer,” the Coordinator asserted.
Minister Ramsaran (center) and the new batch of medex, Ramphal House, New Garden Street
Chief Medex, Ministry of Health, Morris Jeffrey during his charge said a medex is the foundation of the primary health care system and is being depended on to make a difference.
He told them that their duties will be manifold and that they have an important role to play in living up to the challenges in the work environment.
“You will have to be able to detect all the different diversity of people’s need and fulfill those needs, so you have a very important part to play when you get out there as early as tomorrow. The same dedication that you had displayed in the classroom, you will now transfer that into your work,” the Chief Medex emphasised.
Over the past two years remedial courses were introduced to provide computer training for health workers. These workers were drawn from nurses aides, stats clerk and community health visitors.
TOP
Consultations held with Trade Union bodies
-prior to reading of Trade Union Recognition Amendment Bill
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir today held discussions with delegations of Trade Union organizations in Guyana to reach a consensus on the Trade Union Recognition Amendment Bill, which will be read for the second time in the National Assembly this week.
In an invited comment after the meetings concluded, Minister Nadir explained that the interaction with the President and a delegation of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) had to be postponed.
“We did not get the chance to go into the details of the Bill, because the GTUC said they wanted more time so we have rescheduled the meeting with the GTUC for tomorrow at 3:00pm,” he said.
The Labour Minister explained that he had a meeting with the President and a delegation of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) where the Bill was discussed clause by clause.
“They have signalled their comfort with the amendment which we intend to table; we had a pretty decent meeting with FITUG.”
Indepth discussions were also held with the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI), “and they are proposing that we make a very slight amendment to one of the clauses, which I am going to be considering with the legal persons tomorrow and I will also bring it to the attention of Cabinet.”
The Administration would be moving to have the Trade Union Recognition Bill which is currently before Parliament further amended to ensure that the GTUC has a say in the representation of workers.
Government tabled the Trade Union Recognition (Amendment) Bill 2005 in Parliament in 2006 and it was greeted with outcry from the GTUC, even though the Union did not make any significant contribution to the Trade Union Recognition Board, established under the Act.
Even though the Act was passed in 1997 the Board was not established until 2000 as the TUC frustrated the appointment of a Chairman. Even after the Board was established, the TUC boycotted the meetings and the Board did not have its first meeting until May 16, 2000. For the Board meeting to be convened, at least a member of the TUC has to be among the quorum.
The amendments in this Bill are intended to give workers more freedom in selecting a union of their choice without being frustrated.
TOP
GWI working to ensure safe water in flood affected areas
-gets “jerry cans” to aid distribution of water
Georgetown, GINA, January 05, 2009
The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) today received a donation of 1200 jerry cans from the Guyana Red Cross Society to help with the distribution of safe water to communities that have been affected by flood.
Secretary General of the Guyana Red Cross Dorothy Fraser presented the donation to the GWI’s Chief Executive Officer and Head of the Flood Preparedness Committee Karan Singh at the Company’s shelter belt, Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.
The CEO said that the donation is timely and extended thanks to the organisation for its contribution. Guyana has been experiencing abnormal rainfall over the past month which has resulted in flooding in some areas including Regions 2,3,4,5 and 6.
The jerry cans are very durable and allow for water to be transferred safely, without being contaminated. This contribution, Singh said will speed up the process of getting safe water to residents.
However, he pointed out that it will only be distributed to critical areas that have been identified by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). The Committee was also given 50 black tanks courtesy of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which will also be placed in areas recommended by the CDC.
Ms. Fraser said that they hope to donate another set of the cans by mid-January. A set of 4000 cans is awaiting shipment into the country. She noted that the organisation is always happy to collaborate with GWI and said that they will continue to work together to provide clean and safe water and to promote safer lives.
Singh said that the Committee has been working with Regional Authorities to bring relief to residents in affected areas. Meanwhile the CEO pointed out that the GWI is taking other measures to ensure that water mains are not contaminated. The Red Cross has started distribution of bleach to treat water in areas affected.
He pointed out that monitoring mechanisms have increased. When asked if there have been reports of areas where there is contamination of water, the CEO said that, even though they have not received any reports, they are still encouraging residents to boil the water and use chlorine.
The Flood Preparedness Committee comprises the CEO and other officials from the Pan- American Health Organisation (PAHO), Guyana Red Cross, Ministry of Health, Guyana Citizens Initiative, UNICEF and Oxfam.
TOP
Budget preparations well underway
- focus on building infrastructure to maintain growth and create economic opportunities
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2009
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh said that preparations for the 2009 budget are ongoing and focus will be on maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Minister Singh pointed out that the budget process is usually a long one and said the Ministry has received submissions from the various Ministries and Government departments and reviews and discussions are ongoing on the submissions.
Given the difficult global economic circumstances prevailing and especially the importance of maintaining stability in such an environment, Minister Singh said that, “we are going to certainly see a continued emphasis on macroeconomic stability and on sustained growth.”
In recent years, the Minister explained that Government has been placing a lot of emphasis in promoting social development and said that it will continue.
More than $1.1B was budgeted in 2008 to improve and provide more social services, targeting especially the most vulnerable group in society.
While continued focused will be placed on priority areas, the Finance Minister said that much attention will be on other areas. “There will also be emphasis in new sectors that have emerged over the years noting that in recent years the security sector has been featured very prominently,” Minister Singh said.
In the 2008 budget, approximately $13.7B was allocated to improve the security and justice sector. “Government has been investing significantly in that sector and we want to continue,” Minister Singh highlighted.
While there was no definite announcement on what is going to be the specific focus, the Minister said that emphasis will be placed on creating the enabling environment conducive for growth. These include the physical infrastructure, sea defences, drainage and irrigation and other infrastructure critical to maintain growth and creating economic opportunities.
On February 22, 2008, Minister Singh presented a record $119.3B in the National Assembly,a reflection to the administration’s ongoing work in the various sectors targeted at improving living standards and further enhancing the physical and institutional infrastructure required to promote growth, create wealth and generate employment.
In addition, two supplementary budgets were passed by the National Assembly totalling in excess of $19M during the year.
There have been progressive increases in the budget over the years. In 2007 the budget was $100B. $102.9B was budgeted in 2006, reflecting a 19.1 percent increase over 2005. In 2005, total budgeted expenditure was $86.4B, representing a 14 percent increase over the $75.6B for 2004, this reflected a 5.3 percent from the $72.9B of 2003 and a 15.9 percent increase from the 2002 budget of $68.9B.
TOP
Medex training programme to be raised to Associate degree level
Georgetown, GINA, January 05, 2009
In its continued effort to expose students to medical training and increase the staff complement within the health sector, the Ministry of Health will be expanding its medex training programme from 18 months to 42 months. This was disclosed by Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran at an acknowledgment ceremony for medex at Ramphal House, New Garden Street today.
Dr. Ramsaran said the Ministry has been steering a new pathway medex training programme which will ensure that the Ministry would not draw nurses from the nursing core but rather high school graduates with a science bias from mostly rural and hinterland areas as these persons can serve their communities after.
Meanwhile, Director of Health Sciences Education within the Ministry of Health, Noel Holder, while giving an update on the division said there are plans to open training programmes in bachelor and master levels for persons who have graduated as medex.
He said the new groups for the pathway medex training programme will be utilized to take up challenges at universities.
The necessary documents for the introduction of the programme, he said are being prepared with the University of Guyana to ensure that the group receives an associate degree level of certification at the end of the programme.
“We are working feverishly with the University of Guyana to raise certificate level from a Medex programme to the Associate Degree Level since we are now training this group for 42 months,” the Director said.
TOP
$3B to be allocated to construct new EDWC outlet
- $100M also to be provided for post-flood relief for farmers
Georgetown, GINA, January 5, 2008
President Bharrat Jagdeo during a visit today to the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Creeks disclosed that government would be allocating $3B to construct a canal from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) to the Atlantic Ocean that is to serve as an alternate outlet for the drainage of the conservancy.
The Head of State said that the land has already been identified and that half of the money would be allocated in this year’s budget with the remainder to be provided next year.
He told farmers that a further $100 M will be set aside for post-flood relief for affected farmers across the country.
President Jagdeo interacting with residents of Perth, Mahaicony
The drainage intervention would see a canal being dug from the EDWC, through the Hope area and two control sluices installed at either ends.
This would reduce the volume of water in the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks when it is necessary to discharge water from the conservancy.
The Head of State visited several communities where he assessed the situation and explained to farmers and residents the reasons for discharging water from the East EDWC into the Mahaica/Mahaicony Creeks.
The three communities were affected as a result of the water released through the Conservancy’s Maduni outlet.
President Jagdeo speaking with farmers and residents of Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice outside the MMA/ADA Office
The President explained that prior to the rainy season the conservancy was taken down to 52 GD (Georgetown Datum) but because of the amount of rainfall experienced it had increased to 59 GD and this had endangered the conservancy dam. This made it inevitable that the discharge was done because, had the water from the conservancy not been released, it could have caused the conservancy dam to break, emptying the over 100 billion gallons of water it contains onto the coastland creating devastation.
Questioned by farmers as to why the conservancy was not reduced to a lower level before the rainy season, the President said that the dam could have collapsed inwards causing other problems.
He told residents and farmers in the Abary Creek that arrangements would be made by Government to provide excavators to assist the farmers to empolder their land free of cost as was done in the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Pomeroon areas.
 President Jagdeo at a meeting at Mora Point, Mahaicony Creek
He said that the long - term solutions to this problem for which studies have been done, revealed that some US$400 M was required to develop adequate infrastructure in Regions 4 and 5 to cope with the excessive rainfall being experienced.
The Head of State informed that Government is looking for short - term measures that could bring relief to citizens and the canal through Hope is one of them. He, however, said that the allocation of funds to construct the canal would require that some other infrastructure programmes would have to be put on hold as the resources available to Government is limited.
Abary Creek farmers explained that the drainage system was coping adequately with the rainfall until the water from the EDWC was released into the creeks. This caused an overload in the drainage system that spilled over into Abary creek.
The Head of State in the Mahaicony Creek after having completed a visit to some of the creek’s communities to assess the situation
Farmers voiced their concerns to President Jagdeo about their inability to pay their drainage and irrigation rates for lands in the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary /Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) area when they lose crops due to the heavy rainfall. The President then instructed that the authority examine each case and make arrangements for waivers where necessary.
President Jagdeo said that that the Government was prepared to support the MMA/ADA with the cost and would aid farmers by providing seed material and fertilizers to help them return to their farms.
These Perth, Mahaicony residents greet President Jagdeo
The issue of private farmers damaging dams and not maintaining their drainage canals on their property was again highlighted.
The President was accompanied on his visit by Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, officials of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, and Region Five and the MMA/ADA.
Areas the President visited included the MMA/ADA office at Onverwagt, Onverwagt 27 Creek, Washclothes, Mora Point, and Perth Mahaicony and Baiboo and Broken Water Land in the Mahaica Creek.
TOP |
