President hopeful of Obama’s work to resolve issues with Third World
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2009
Following yesterday’s induction of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo expressed hope that he stands by his word to resolve some burning issues which exist between the US and the Third World.
During a ceremony at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) in honour of Obama’s victory last evening, President Jagdeo alluded to the US embargo against Cuba which he described as the last vestige of the cold war in the western hemisphere.
“We hope that he will see the injustice of this embargo and remove it. He has already spoken about easing sanctions,” President Jagdeo said.
In his inaugural speech Obama pledged to work with poor nations to make “farms flourish and clean water flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds…To those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect,” President Obama said.
President Jagdeo said he vividly recalled hearing an inaugural speech where a leader focused on the rest of the world and alluded to Obama’s message about his preparedness to talk even with enemies of the USA.
“We hope that he pursues these engagements because if he does, then the troubled spots around the world could see peace coming to them and we will have less global tension, less money spent on armament and wars and more on development,” President Jagdeo said.
The Head of State however, called for more US cooperation and an end to the usual lectures, particularly in areas where it historically has failed to do better than the third world.
He also alluded to the human rights concerns about inmates at the Guantanamo Bay facility who are about over 700 and who have been detained for over five years without much justification.
In his speech, President Obama turned his attention to the Muslim world noting that a new way forward will be sought, one that is based on mutual interest and respect.
“To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West: know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy,” President Obama said.
Foremost on President Jagdeo’s wish list was an end to the ongoing Palestinian crisis which he said has for too long been a stain on all humanity and compounded recently with the Israeli bombing.
January 20 was a historic day for the US and the rest of the world as the USA received its first black President. Millions around the world witnessed the inauguration ceremony held in the state capital, Washington DC.
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Local Gov’t Minister recommends adjustment to City Council’s budget
- says more money should be allocated for general maintenance and development
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2009
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall today met with Georgetown’s Deputy Mayor Robert Williams and other City Council officials at his Ministry to discuss the Council’s 2009 budget during which he said that the $2.2B budget to maintain the city will have to be bolstered.
He recommended that more money be allocated for general maintenance and development of the city.
The Council plans to expend $2.2B and hopes to collect the same amount in revenues. Minister Lall advised that it institutes mechanisms to collect outstanding rates and taxes and not wait until ‘crunch time’ to do so.
He cautioned that if it doesn’t collect the money then it will have to curtail its work programmes as there would not be enough money for services.
He further highlighted several areas of concerns and recommended that the Council seek to address them to meet its $998M expenditure, particularly the Council’s significant amount budgeted for overtime.
The Council’s employment cost is about 50 percent of its expenditure with overtime taking $5M of that amount.
The idea of contracting persons to do maintenance work such as weeding of avenues while permanent workers focus on the Council’s work programme, was also discussed. Williams said that this is being implemented.
The Minister also proposed that the Council have a volunteering day so that persons can help in cleaning the city.
Centre: Minister of Local Gov’t and Regional Development Kellawan Lall discussing the City Council’s 2009 budget with Deputy Mayor Robert Williams and other City Council officials at the Ministry.
He pointed out that the Council should operate as a business and not in a political mode, as it has a very important task of running the city.
Minister Lall said that the Council should make sure that workers are equipped with necessary tools and not use Government’s subvention to buy such, as that money can be utilised more efficiently. In addition, he said that the Council must strengthen its tender process.
The Minister also advised that there is proper labour advisory and explained that while workers have rights there are some obligations that they have to meet. In this regard, he said that they will be having discussions with unions to encourage a more cordial employees-employers’ relationship.
The sum that was budgeted for security purposes was queried. Williams said that the Council has over 42 areas for which security is provided however, Minister Lall advised that, instead they can have Constabulary Officers patrolling around the city to reduce the amount.
The Minister said that the Council considered programmes for the clearing of several canals in the city and advised that the abattoir be spruced up or privatized. He also urged that market maintenance be a priority area.
On November 17, when the representatives from the six Municipalities presented their proposed budgets, Minister Lall announced that the budgets will be subjected to the 2009 market maintenance programme.
The Minister requested that the Council submit a report on their plans for markets in the city, such as La Penitence, Bourda, and Stabroek.
Making reference to the garbage situation, Minister Lall said that the Council should make a special effort on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to clear the garbage around the city and urged that attention be paid to those areas which have been neglected including Cummings Lodge, Pattensen and Liliendaal.
The Municipality budget was presented under the theme “Revitalizing the Georgetown municipality to develop local communities” and is based on the following assumptions: completion and implementation of a new valuation roll, continuous assessments of properties since 2003, maximum use of Judicial processes, improvements of database, updating tax register to take account of domestic and commercial proprieties, and improved rate collection at markets.
It was also taken in the context to strengthen the building inspectorate to encourage compliance with laws and regulations, to revive the dialogue with Central Government to implement new revenue sources and to initiate measures to seek the cooperation of international agencies to support Council’s activities.
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60 Youths begin training in use of heavy-duty equipment
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2009
In an effort to provide opportunities for youths to acquire technical skills, Government launched the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTYPE) and over the past two years more than 1000 of them have been trained. With the new heavy duty component added, more youths will be availed the opportunity to be trained in skills that are in demand.
The goal of the course is to train 300 heavy-duty equipment operators during the next three years and it will be offered at the Linden Technical Institute and in Georgetown. Currently 60 persons from Linden have applied and will be trained.
At the launching of this component of NTPYE programme at the Linden Constabulary Hall today, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said Government is pleased to be making this investment with the future of young people in mind. He said as Minister of Mining, he receives inquires and requests for operators.
Also present at today’s launch was Minister of Labour Manzoor who told the eager young people gathered that the course was a second chance at doing something positive with their lives and that they should seek out and seize opportunities available and convert them into something of value to themselves, their families and their country. He further cautioned them that delinquent trainees will be cut from the programme as it is expensive and is paid for by taxpayers.
Trainees viewing one of the new Bobcats purchased for their training.
Minister Nadir pointed out that $ 104 M has been earmarked for the second phase of the project of which the heavy-duty training is one component. He said two Bobcats with attachments were purchased as it would have been costly to rent the equipment over the training period.
Minister Nadir added that trainees are provided with a stipend of $4000 to assist with travelling expenses and are also given basic tools and safety wear as required for some of the vocations.
Region Ten Chairman Mortimer Mingo said with dedication and good management the course will not only benefit Region 10, but Guyana as a whole. He extended the support of the Regional democratic Council and echoed the sentiments of Minister Nadir that trainees should grasp this opportunity as it is costly.
The curriculum for the heavy-duty equipment training course includes three months of classroom and practical sessions based on equipment usage and one additional month for remedial English, Mathematics, Information Technology and life skills. The curriculum developed is compatible with CARICOM skills’ certification regime. Attempts will also be made to attach trainees to worksites for two months on-the-job training on other types of equipment.
From left Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, CEOBIT Alana Brassington and Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir surrounded by trainees.
NTPYE targets young people who are not equipped with academic qualifications to gain entry into the Technical Institutes or other post-secondary institutions and are likely to experience difficulties finding gainful employment. It is intended to provide a range of entry level skills in such trades as carpentry, welding, plumbing, surveying, refrigeration and air-conditioning, leather craft and clerical skills. Life skills are also emphasized to ensure that trainees are competent in basic literacy and numeracy skills. In addition to in-plant or on the job training, participants can continue in the formal institution if they so desire.
The programme is executed by the Board of Industrial Training and training is done in collaboration with the private sector.
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Gov’t moving to provide further support to Amerindian communities
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2009
A main focus of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is to further improve the lives of Amerindians by providing support to communities and this year, this will be further expanded through initiatives in the agriculture and tourism sectors.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, in alluding to Government’s tremendous investments in social infrastructure, noted that a major focus is to improve the local economies of Amerindian villages through farming and agro processing activities.
She noted that every community boasts nursery and primary schools, health centres which provide basic health care services, and that there has been much effort to improve roadways and address transportation issues.
“Many Amerindian communities, particularly in Region Nine have already embarked on eco tourism and community tourism and I think that is a very good sign for our country’s tourism sector, and at the same time, it is a very good development path for Amerindian communities since agriculture has been the main source of their employment, their income, and for food security,” Minister Sukhai said.
The Ministry is also moving to provide opportunities for Amerindians to access markets.
Minister Sukhai said that, “One of the plans is that we will aggressively pursue events that will open and provide opportunities for them to showcase their products and their agriculture produce.”
The Ministry will also continue to work with sister Ministries to better improve all the different services that are provided to Amerindian communities including the school uniform programme and old age pension distribution.
Several years ago President Bharrat Jagdeo had promised that his government would be working on creating more income generating activities for Amerindians and as a result, the President’s Grant is distributed to Amerindian communities across the country to help them to establish sustainable projects, thereby improving their economies.
Under this programme which is managed by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, $150M was allocated by the President for Amerindian communities. Small communities receive $500,000, medium communities receive $700,000-$1,000,000, and large communities receive $1.2M.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs was established by the PPP Government to ensure that the welfare of Amerindians is looked after and development takes place in every aspect of their lives.
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Government Ministries donate blood
Georgetown, GINA, January 21 2009
The Ministries of Labour, Human Services and Social Security today responded to the call by the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) to donate blood to boost its low supply.
NBTS earlier this month made a call for persons and organizations to donate blood because of its urgent need. It said that in December 2008 the centre collected just 228 units of blood which is less that 50 percent of its target for that month.
Shameeza Mangal, Manager of the NBTS said that she is pleased with the collaborative effort of the Ministries to support the call and that this donation was very timely.
She urged other Ministries and organisations to follow the lead and together they can all make a difference to someone’s life
She also noted that any organisation desirous of donating blood can contact the centre or visit the office located in the compound of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The centre collected almost 7,500 units of blood in 2008, and in spite of this record amount, 2009 began with a shortage.
Persons can visit the following institutions to donate blood:
- NBTC, GPHC, Lamaha Street, Georgetown.
- New Amsterdam Hospital
- Suddie Hospital
- Linden Hospital
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GGMC, UG sign MoU to continue geological engineering course
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2009
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the University of Guyana (UG) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the continuation of the geological/geo-technical engineering diploma course which recently began at the Turkeyen campus and would cost some $18.7M.
The signing ceremony was done at GGMC, Brickdam by Chairman Ron Webster, Commissioner (ag) William Woolford, UG Vice Chancellor Tota Mangar and Dean of the Faculty of Technology Sherwood Lowe in the presence of staff from both organisations.
The initiative began in 2007 with the aim of raising the bar of professionalism among staff of the GGMC and other stakeholders involved in the mining industry by improving their engineering and technical capacities.
Today’s signing extends the course for another two years and will cater for the sponsorship of the students, acquisition of reading material and payment to a coordinator of the programme and part time staff.
GGMC Chairman Ron Webster and UG Vice Chancellor Tota Mangar shake hands after signing the MOU.
The first MoU was inked in September 2007 and catered for the provision of lecturers and technical resources to start the programme. Applicants were drawn from the GGMC, stakeholders in the private mining industry and even persons with diplomas in the natural sciences.
The GGMC has expended about $40M over the past few years on training which Webster said is a critical aspect of the mining sector because of the highly skilled professionals needed.
“We need geologists, mining engineers; we also need people with skills in other professional areas such as administrations, accounts and the whole gamut of skills,” the Chairman said.
Despite the present global recession, gold, which is an import mineral in Guyana, has managed to retain its value. Nevertheless, Webster said, the method of extracting the prized possession has to be done properly.
 Chairman Ron Webster, (centre) and UG Vice Chancellor Tota Mangar signing the MOU IMG_6575.JPG)
GGMC Commissoiner William Woolford (right) Chairman Ron Webster, (centre) and UG Vice Chancellor Tota Mangar signing the MOU.
He added that the GGMC is responsible for maintaining the legal requirements under which mining operates but with technical training and knowledge efforts to promote sustainable mining can be strengthened.
The GGMC intends to make full use of the opportunity to send its members to UG as against the option of sending them abroad. The training progamme also allows for industrial attachments.
Two students have achieved distinction in the course, and according to Woolford, it is a symbol of the success of GGMC’s investment. The contract clearly states that scholarships can only be granted if the performance level in the course is at a certain level.
The UG Vice Chancellor considers the signing timely and another step in the collaboration between the GGMC and UG.
“It is coming on the heels of only a few months ago; the CGX oil company donated some US$25,000 for the Faculty of Technology to have its own laboratory. It is also more commendable at the juncture of the University’s history, when we are strapped for cash and also it is coming at a time when there is a widening global economic crisis,” Mangar said.
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Ayube Hamid, an inspiration to several generations – President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2009
President Bharrat Jagdeo today expressed sincere condolence to the immediate and extended family of the late Radio Broadcaster Ayube Hamid Ahmad Khan who passed away this morning at age 82.
“Ayube Hamid has become an icon in Guyana. He has served as an inspiration to several generations of Guyanese and his passing is a tremendous loss to our whole country,” President Jagdeo said at Khan’s funeral service held at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO).
Alluding to the role that Khan played in the promotion of Indian culture, the President said, “Many people may not understand the significance of what he has done but this country had a very troubled history, particularly the history of colonialism and the colonial powers sought to refashion societies in there own image and they tended to look down on other cultures if they were not anglicized,” he said.
President Jagdeo recalled it was a struggle for many Guyanese forebearers to maintain the culture that was brought from a very ancient civilization to this part of the world, an active struggle that not only took the form of politics or economics, but more importantly a cultural struggle.
“Our dear brother Ayube Hamid played a significant part in this struggle, particularly in the popularization of music; he instilled in people a sense of belonging and to say to them by his dedication to that art form that their culture was not inferior to any other culture in this world,” the Head of State said.
He encouraged Guyanese to recognise this, “because today in the freedom we enjoy we tend to over look these things but there was a time in our country, particularly before our country was free, that this was a big struggle to maintain, the cultural forms that were brought with us from a different part of the world.” Those cultural forms brought with them a certain type of dignity, he added.
Khan at the age of 17 he became a trustee of the Queenstown Masjid. He was a legendary radio broadcaster who hosted programmes such as Radio Demerara and Sohani Raat. He also introduced the famous Qaseeda Competition to Guyana.
President Jagdeo noted that Khan was a devout Muslim whose strength of faith did not force him into taking views. He reached out across religion and race because for him there were more important things and this is an important lesson for our country that whilst we can be strong in our faith and devout in our religion, we must pursue this with all the vigour we have in our bodies, but we must also realise that we belong to a wider humanity we are part of a value that is bigger, and that value is important for us to move forward.”
In closing, the President said that Khan made a tremendous contribution and he would long be remembered for it.
At the service Khan was described as “a distinguished Guyanese” and a “dynamic individual”.
A memorial service was also held at the MYO later this evening to commemorate the life of Ayube Khan.
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Development plan being prepared for Diamond/Grove communities
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2009
In keeping with Government’s thrust to develop and effectively expand growth in the country, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is at present preparing a community Development Plan for the Diamond and Grove communities, East Bank Demerara.
The need for such plan stems from the incremental and unplanned growth the community has seen over the last few years and the need to effectively manage future development in anticipation of continued growth, the CH&PA stated.
In recognition of these developments, the institution has been preparing a community development plan that includes Grove, Diamond, Samatta Point and Kaneville.
Government has stated that the area can be developed into a town in the near future. Already there are certain ‘township services’ emerging such as the Diamond East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital, a branch of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Busta Packaging Plant and a branch of the Bounty Supermarket. There are also plans on stream for at least another banking institution in the area.
In addition, the Government of Guyana housing schemes in the areas have stimulated other small scale commercial development.
The exercise builds upon previous planning studies of the East Bank Corridor which include: business and residential surveys and the documentation of a community profile.
Included in the plan will also be upcoming activities which consist of community consultations which will take the form of an “Open House” session where residents will be allowed to share their issues, concerns and ideas for the future development of their communities.
Open House sessions would be held on:
- January 24 at Samatta Point Nursery School - 09:00h to 20:00 h
- January 25 at Diamond New Secondary School, Section ‘A’ Diamond from - 09:00 h to 20:00 h
After the consultation exercise, the CH&PA’s planning team will analyse the results to finalize the first draft document has a completion date of March 31, 2009
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Region Three flood-affected farmers receive agricultural assistance
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2009
Government’s assistance programme for farmers who have been affected by the recent heavy rainfall continues and today, officials of the Ministry of Agriculture were in the Canals Polder, Region Three to distribute agricultural materials. The initiative was initiated to help farmers return to the land.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud was at hand to witness the exercise that would be extended to Salem, La Jalousie and Hague, West Coast Demerara. In Region Three, he said about 300 farmers are targeted, but this number may increase based on verification.
Regions Four and Six have also been targeted and over the weekend, farmers of the East Coast Demerara received planting materials among other items.
The Agriculture Minister said that this activity would target legitimate farmers and this exercise would be cutting across the country.
Minister Persaud said it is intended to help those persons who are cultivating and remarked that his ministry would be helping with planting materials for vegetables, fruits and cassava. Initially, he said, they would be starting out with the provision of seeds, plants and some chemicals.
Minister Persaud called on the communities to be honest so as to give farmers the first option and advised that those who wanted to get into farming would be helped.
He said that there would be vouchers for cassava sticks which he is trying to source from hinterland areas.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud speaking to residents of Canal No. 2 Polder.
Minister Persaud reiterated that the long - term work would be done in the area of drainage and irrigation in that behind the ‘C’ Line area, Canal No Two Polder, a separate canal to the Demerara River would be cut and a new pump would be put down in the area.
He indicated that the Ministry has been developing a maintenance programme for the main canal since it faces a problem with shrimp weed. At the moment, he said, a chemical solution is being examined, as well as the option of letting in salt water just before the rainy season.
The Agriculture Minister highlighted that some persons have been cutting dams, and this has been compounding the drainage situation.
Better systems need to be in place, he advised and that the support of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the Water Users Association is necessary for better management.
He said that in the next five to six weeks major rehabilitation would begin in the Canals Polder in terms of drainage structures and earthen work in light of the 1400 acres of cultivation land that put pressure on the existing drainage system.
Minister Persaud called on residents and farmers to co-operate with the agriculture officers in managing the assistance programme and pledged his Ministry’s continued commitment to help farmers.
He explained that the Ministry had some difficulties sourcing plant materials and chemicals since suppliers had indicated that supplies would be provided in the next two to three weeks. He said that he had met with them to determine whether they could fly in some supplies so that more farmers could benefit early.
With respect to broilers he said, these farmers would be given vouchers which can be redeemed at hatcheries while for ducklings, they will be required to uplift those from the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) also through submission of a voucher.
Farmers rearing pigs, sheep and goats, will be put on the breeding programme and given priority, he said.
On January 5, following a visit to the heavily affected communities of the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary areas, President Bharrat Jagdeo had announced that he would be allocating $100M to assist affected farmers across the country to get back on their feet.
The President, prior to that, had earlier visited several East Coast Demerara areas that were affected.
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President attends Chinese New Year celebrations
- Chinese Ambassador lauds Guyana for its support
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2009
President Bharrat Jagdeo this evening attended the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival or the New Year held at the Chinese Embassy, Mandela Avenue.
After being greeted by the Chinese Ambassador Mr Zhang Jungao and wife, the Head of State mingled with the invited guests who included Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Government Officials, Chinese entrepreneurs, Embassy Officials and other invited guests.
Guests being entertained by Lion Dance performed by members of the Chinese Association.
The year which starts on January 26 has been named the Year of the Ox. Its significance dates way back as the animal which is described as patient, tireless and capable of enduring any amount of hardship has been an important part of Chinese life. It is seen by Chinese as a symbol of fortune and hope.
The Chinese medical team performing a song as part of the celebration for the Chinese New Year.
Guests were entertained by cultural presentations such as the famous lion dance, an exhibition of wushu - a martial art form, performances by the Guyana Defence Force band, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the Chinese Medical Brigade and members of the Chinese Embassy.
An exciting part of the evening’s celebration was the drawing of a snap raffle where lucky guests won prizes including televisions sets, juice processors, vases, wine, and bicycles. Guests were also treated to lavish Chinese cuisines.
President Bharrat Jagdeo, China's Ambassodor to Guyana Mr. Zhang Jungao and performers at the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Ambasador Jungao thanked the Government and People of Guyana for their strong support to China during their difficult period in 2008 when that country experienced a devastating earthquake in May that claimed the lives of about 10,000 Chinese including many children in Wenchuan in the province of Sinchuan.
Guests at the Chinese New year Celebration at the Chinese Embassy.
He said that cooperation between the two countries reached a new height last year during October when President Jagdeo attended the Summer Davos forum held in Tianjin and visited Beijing and Chongqing. It was during the visits that agreements for economic and technical agreements were signed.
The ambassador said the cooperation exchange has been fruitful in various fields such as the power sector agreement for the enhancement of the local electricity sector and enhancing bilateral relationships through technical and economic cooperation.
“I am sure through our joint efforts; the friendly relations between our two countries will be continually going forward in the New Year.”
Presdient Bharrat Jagdeo and China's Ambassodor to Guyana Mr. Zhang Jungao and wife at the Chinese New Year celebration.
The New Year also marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
In referring to the hostile economic environment, Ambasador Jungao said that he is confident that China will play a constructive role for the stable and sound development of the international economy to create a prosperous future for all .
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