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Qatar’s Assistant Foreign Minister calls on President Jagdeo – urges President to attend Summit in Doha

Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2009

Qatar’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Follow-Up Affairs, Mohammed Abdulla M. Al-Rumaihi today paid a courtesy call on President Bharrat Jagdeo at his residence, State House.
         Minister Al-Rumaihi after holding talks with the President said the meeting was to discuss relations between South American and Arab countries.
             “My main mission here is to invite His Excellency to come to Doha on the Summit that we will have in Doha between Heads of Arab states and Heads of South American states on March 31,” he said.
            He added that this will be a “great opportunity to have His Excellency come to Doha and join his friends and brothers of the states. It will be an important chance to promote the relations between the groups and an open chance also for an opportunity to further economic relations between the groups.”
            The Minister stated that the Summit will show how the two regions are related. “I believe that it is a very important opportunity to create a climate of cooperation at the political and economic level.”
            Minister Al-Rumaihi said that he hoped that from today’s meeting that, “His Excellency will come and join the Summit and he will encourage other Head of States to come to the Summit. His presence is very important and we need his wisdom and his support at all the levels.”
            Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad was also at today’s meeting.
            The Summit is a mechanism that has been established between the two regions to promote better collaboration and cooperation in a number of areas such as deepening dialogue in the matters of interest and concerns on the international agenda; fostering economic cooperation; development of South-South cooperation; promoting tourism, trade and investment and in the cultural sphere to sensitise the two regions on each other’s diverse culture. 
            Recently, President Jagdeo visited the region where he met officials in Libya and Greece. He was to continue to Qatar, however, due to the unrest in nearby Gaza was forced to cut-short his visit.           
            Qatar is an Arab nation located in the Persian Gulf, bordering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Its capital city is Doha. The economy of Qatar is dominated by oil and natural gas, which accounts for 70 percent of export income.

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Guyana is ready and open for business….
Minister Prashad- Takutu Bridge soon to be operational

Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2009

The long awaited Takutu Bridge that links Guyana with its southern neighbour Brazil is expected to bring about numerous opportunities for tourism and commerce when it becomes operational.
            Minister of Tourism, Industry and commerce, Manniram Prashad at a media briefing yesterday stated that the Ministerial committee established to manage the Takutu Bridge in Region nine will be appointing a liaison officer in Lethem to deal specifically with tourism in that area. Over land trips can be offered to tourists from Guyana to Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and Columbia as the bridge will offer easy access to Guyana from the entire South America. He said already persons come over to visit the Iwokrama Rainforest Centre.

   Kaieteur Falls.

Minister Prashad reiterated that with important link between Guyana and Brazil, the tourism potential of the Rupununi will be realized since the Kanuku and Pakaraima Mountains, the savannahs and waterfalls will be getting the attention they deserve.

 Orinduik Falls, Region Nine.

Lethem is developing fast in terms of commerce, as more than 200 cars from Brazil visit Lethem on the week-ends. “We feel that this bridge will offer a new corridor of investment,” Minister Prashad said. He added that these investment opportunities will benefit both Guyanese and Brazilians.
            The increase in traffic flow anticipated between the two countries prompted the establishment of a building to accommodate Customs and an Immigration office.

  Schomburgh Peak, Kanuku Mountains.

The Lethem Industrial Estate located opposite the Immigration office is earmarked to house businesses. Minister Prashad disclosed that they have about 20 applications pending for plots but priority will be given to small legitimate business owners in Lethem who may desire to expand.
            Minister Prashad pointed out that they are assessing plans submitted and will allocate plots accordingly. He said Government does not want a repeat of what happened at the Eccles and Coldingen areas where persons grabbed land and did not follow through on the plans they submitted. He said the Ministry will monitor the situation and plots will be repossessed if the need arises.
            The Takutu Bridge is 14 metres wide across the Takutu river and built of reinforced concrete. It will have pedestrian walkways on both sides.

  Takutu Region Nine.

The bridge is one of the 335 projects identified by the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRS), an initiative by the South American governments to construct a new infrastructural network for the continent, including roads, waterways, ports, and energy and communications interconnections.

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City Hall Investigation concludes
- Commission of Inquiry tenders draft final report

Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2009

After six months of investigations into the workings of the Georgetown City Municipality, the Commission of Inquiry was able to produce a final draft report despite a lack of necessary information from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).
The final report is expected to be presented to the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development by mid February before a public disclosure of its findings is done.
The report will address key matters such as financial resource management raised in the Auditor General’s (AG) report and offer suggestions to improve the Council’s operations by maximizing its current resources with technical support and restructuring for efficiency.
According to a release issued by the Commisioner of the Inquiry, Mr. Keith Burrowes, a final set of meetings with senior management personnel and members of both the council and the union is expected to be completed by this month-end.
The Commission was established under Section 307 of the Municipality and District Council Act, Chapter 28:01 to investigate the affairs of the Georgetown City Municipality and comprises a Commissioner and six panelists.
The Commission will heed requests from the public for participation and contribution to improving the city with a final public hearing at City Hall on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 from 7 p.m.  

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Opposition lauds Forestry Bill
- Minister Persaud led in exemplary way - Ramjattan

Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2009

The new Forestry Bill No. 21 of 2007 received full support from the main opposition parties as it was tabled at yesterday’s Sitting of the National Assembly. The Bill sought to replace the existing legislation that was in place for 54 years.  
            Alliance for Change Member of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan, said that the Bill set a “good precedent” with respect to consultation when a prime policy in relation to a prime industry of this land had to be set out.
            He said that Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud led in an exemplary way by involving relevant stakeholders.
The Member of Parliament said that stakeholders were given explanations as to why some of their demands were not met. Stakeholders included the Forest Products Association, civilians and other consultants.
            Every major Bill of this nature, he said would shape the behaviour of the industry and the consultations were necessary to get the input of stakeholders. The MP said that “they must have their piece and their piece was gotten in the context of what transpired in this select committee”.
            Ramjattan gave kudos to the select committee because it initiated and implemented the consultation.
            He also complimented the team members from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) who gave reasonable explanations with respect to the Bill.
            Stakeholders were satisfied that their inputs were noted and explanations were given.
            People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member of Parliament, Lance Carberry, stated that the Bill comes in the wake of the United Nations conference on development which had its final summit in Rio in Brazil.
            He said that the select committee was approached to ensure transparency in the work of the GFC, as well as persons who made submissions.
            The amendments, Carberry said were to induce transparency and to ensure that the Bill fulfilled the requirements of the Convention for biological diversity. He added that it also ensured that the GFC pursue policies which led to sustainable forest practices.
            Carberry said that the PNCR was satisfied that the Bill as amended does in fact capture those issues and as such he had no difficulty in supporting the Bill as amended.
            Minister Persaud had noted that the bill that was passed came about after 10 years of consultation with various stakeholders and the select committee.
            He added that the Bill when assented to would give impetus to Guyana’s initiative being led by President Bharrat Jagdeo in terms of seeking incentives for avoided deforestation.
            The Agriculture Minister also thanked the committee for their work and the various stakeholders who had enriched the legislation. 
            The Bill seeks to provide for sustainable management of the forest sector while at the same time ensuring preservation of Guyana’s forests.   
           

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Inspectors/sergeants must address public’s complaints - Minister Rohee

Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2009

Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee today during his address at the opening of the first Inspectors and Sergeants’ Conference of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reminded the ranks that they are the first line of management of the Force and as such they should pay greater attention to the complaints made at the stations.
“Greater efforts must be made to address issues raised by the complainants at the level of the police station and avoid the resort to higher authority,” he said.     
            The one-day conference, held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annex, Eve Leary, under the theme ‘Frontline management, a catalyst for hastened reform, effective partnership and professional policing’ has for the first time brought together junior managers of the GPF from all divisions, to clarify and resolve issues that may be affecting them.

           
The Minister said that the conference should serve to make the ranks aware of the projected activities for year and what is expected of them as managers. “Junior managers are the critical links in the chain of command of the Force. In many instances you are the ones that are in contact with the public… and are strategically positioned to have first hand knowledge of any discontent in the communities and issues that may affect the welfare of the ranks under your command,” he told the ranks.
He said that it was important that they perform their duties in an efficient and effective manner to enable the Force to achieve its mandate of service and protection.
Reminding them that their duties also include forging lasting relationships between the police and the community, he said, that they should ensure that they have the support of the public in the execution of their duties.
The success of ranks achieving their task, he emphasized, is dependent on the level of training they receive. As a result the Force has been placing much emphasis on training.
The Minister alluding to the dynamic nature of the society said that it necessitates adjustments to the training and methodologies to keep abreast. “Today’s youth displays values that are inconsistent with what obtained years before; junior supervisors must be equipped with the necessary tools to deal with these situations,” he pointed out.
He challenged the junior managers to ensure that the complaints of the public are adequately dealt with at their level by ensuring that the ranks under their charge execute their duties in an efficient and professional manner.

Police inspectors and sergeants at the opening of the first Inspectors and sergeants conference.

In addition to paying attention to issues relating to policing, it is necessary to be cognizant of other issues in the wider environment that may not relate directly to policing but may affect the community which they are required to police and the ranks under their supervision. “Modern policing requires ranks that are firm but aware of the rights of citizens, respect for human rights must be uppermost in his or her mind in the exercise of their duties,” he said.
Minister Rohee expressed concern about a number of issues that affect the proper management of police stations and the thrust of the GPF to forge a better relationship with members of the public. Expressing optimism that more could be done, he said, “You should not wait on notified inspections to clean up the surroundings, this should be an ongoing exercise.”
            Pointing to the need to exercise better supervision over Police lock-up, the Home Affairs Minister said, “too many persons were escaping from police custody and still too many incidents are occurring in the police lock-ups. This situation requires immediate remedial action.”
            He encouraged the ranks to work closely with the Community Policing Groups and the Station Management Committees as they can assist in make the job of the police easier. The Minister also challenged the ranks to encourage the formation of Station Management Committees in communities where they do not exist and to motivate persons in the community to serve as Neighbourhood Police.
            Minister Rohee reminded the ranks that a high level of discipline was required from them in order to set the example for the junior ranks.
            Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene, addressing the ranks emphasised that the idea for the Conference came out of the cognizance of the concerns of government and some Ministries about what was happening at Stations; and concerns about a number of issues including domestic violence and the police response to domestic violence. It was recognized that while the Force was having success in some areas, there were other areas in which it was faltering and it was concluded that most of it had to do with the efficiency of the middle management of the Force – the inspectors and sergeants.
            He posited that their views were vital to the efficiency of the Force, since they stood in the centre, interacting with the ranks below and the officers above, representing the views of the administration to the juniors and the views of the juniors to the administration.
 It was therefore decided that the system of a Conference should be introduced where the Inspectors and Sergeants would be allowed to participate and share views aimed at promoting ideas and increase awareness, consciousness and knowledge.       Commissioner Henry Greene stated one of his major concerns was the lackadaisical approach by some ranks in relation to taking action against persons who commit breaches of the law and issued a clarion call for ranks to take firm action in the execution of their duties.
The Commissioner also expressed the hope that the Conference will result in renewed hope, energy and dedication and the better understanding, sensitivity and consciousness about the issues facing the Force.
           

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Health Ministry concludes schools medical outreach programmes

Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2009

The Ministry of Health’s medical outreach programme in schools concluded today with Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran visiting the St. Barnabas Special School on Regent Road, to check on the progress and findings of the outreach.
            This programme was a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Education and Health. Schools which were most affected by the recent heavy rainfall were targeted for visits by the Ministry’s Health teams.
            The first outreach programme at St. Barnabas Special School saw 113 students being treated for respiratory infections, skin infections, cold and flu.
            Cummings Lodge, South Ruimveldt Secondary, Nursery and Primary andNorth Ruimveldt, Tucville and St Rose’s Secondary Schools were visited by the Health teams.
            Minister Ramsaran said although the Ministry of Health is withdrawing from these schools it will continue to do follow up exercises every month or as the need arises.
             Head Mistress of the St. Barnabas Special School Yonette Chase-Murray, expressed appreciation for the attention given to the students. “I am happy to know that the medical outreach programme could have come here and meet us where we are, because the children got one on one treatment which was very good. They got their prescriptions filled by the Medex, too,” she said.
             The Ministry of Health has also been placing emphasis on affected communities including Mahaica, Mahaicony, Buxton, Bee Hive, Duchfour, Victoria and Enterprise.

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Efforts continue to resuscitate Chess in Schools

Georgetown, GINA, January, 23 2009.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has handed over another set of chess sets for the purpose of revitalising chess in schools around Guyana. Today 100 sets were presented to 20 schools.
Present at the handing over ceremony was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr .Frank Anthony, who expressed pleasure with the collaboration of the Ministry of Education to resuscitate the game throughout schools in Guyana.
Minister Anthony said that he was pleased to witness that the dream inspired three years ago to resuscitate chess in school has been realized with the first school tournament held in December.
He urged students and teachers to make full use of these sets, and to encourage other younger ones to learn the game.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister within  the Ministry of Education Desrey Fox (R) and Director of Sport Neil Kumar (L) with teachers and students who collected Chess sets

The Minister said that later this year the Ministry and Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will be hosting another school championship tournament which will involve more schools.
Minister within the Ministry of Education Dr. Desrey Fox, who was also present at the handing over ceremony, said the Ministry of Education welcomes and supports this initiative to add the game of chess to the school curriculum activities which will assist their process in developing superb minds.
“This game has been proven, scientifically, in developed countries around the world, to improve academic performance in all grades, especially in Mathematics and Science subjects,” Minister Fox said.
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President calls on civil society to speak out on Opposition MPs refusal to comply with Integrity Commission Act

Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2009

President Bharrat Jagdeo today said he was disappointed by the comments from the opposition parties with regards to his caution to Members of Parliament (MPs) to submit their statements to the Integrity Commission within two weeks or face having their names published in the newspapers.
            The President’s caution is in keeping with Article 19 of the Integrity Commission Act of 1997 which stipulates; “where a person who is required to, so fails to file a declaration in accordance with this Act or to furnish particulars under section 18, the Commission or the President as the case may be, shall publish the fact in the Gazette and in a daily newspaper.”
            Following the ultimatum given by the President, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) stated that the President is imposing on the legislative branch of Government. These comments the President said, aim to cast a veil over the real issue which is one of accountability and transparency in public life.
            The Guyanese Leader said that the opposition leaders have a double standard since they talk about corruption in public life and Government circles yet they are reluctant to adhere to the law.
            All members of political parties and Parliament are obligated to comply with the law, whether PPP, PNC or AFC or face penalty, he added.
            President Jagdeo referred to the AFC’s bill promoting a freedom of information act which calls for greater transparency on public life and said he that it is strange that that party would refuse to submit their declarations to the Integrity Commission.
            The Head of State also called on civil society and the international community to speak out on this issue because they often talk about the need to fight corruption in governmental circles.
            He said the Integrity Commission was designed to safeguard the well being of the country and to ensure that public officials lead a clean life. “So if you were to submit a statement then it could easily be audited at a future date, so if your assets grow disproportionately to your income then you have some explanation to do,” President Jagdeo added.
            He stated that although all Government officials including the President, Prime Minister, Members of the Cabinet and MPs are obligated by law to submit statements, many MPs have been unwilling to comply with the law. He added that some of them have not submitted their declarations for over six years but they still enjoy duty-free concessions.
            This has prompted him to issue an ultimatum that if they do not comply within two weeks the police will be asked to intervene because the law states that failure to comply or if false  statements are made then the individual can be jailed for up to one year.
            This is in accordance with Article 22 (a) (i) of the Act which states: Any person who  fails without reasonable cause to file with the Commission or the President as the case may be, a declaration which he is required to file in accordance with the provisions of this Act; or
            (ii)  Knowingly files with the Commission or the President a declaration that is not complete or false in any material particular; or
            (iii) Fails without reasonable cause to attend an inquiry being conducted under Section 21 pursuant to a request under section 21 (2) or to furnish any information the tribunal may request the declarant to furnish under that section, or knowingly gives false or incomplete information in such inquiry, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $25,000.00 and to imprisonment for a term of not less that six months nor more than one year and where the offence involves the non-disclosure by the declarant or property which should have been disclosed in the declaration, the magistrate convicting the person shall order the person to make full disclosure of the property within a given time and on failure to comply with the order of the magistrate within the given time, the said offence shall be deemed to be a continuing offence and the person shall be liable to a further fine of $10,000,00 for each day on which the offence continues.
            The provisions of the 1997 Act which replaced the Integrity Commission Act of 1991 imply that persons in public life are obligated to file with the Integrity Commission, a declaration containing particulars of their income, assets and liabilities of the individual and those of his spouse and children.

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Home Affairs Ministry hopeful acting magistrates would reduce overcrowded prisons

Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2009

Reacting to the recent appointment of two acting Magistrates, Dale Kingston and Judy Latchman, by the Judicial Service Commission, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement in which it expressed its appreciation.
            The statement said that “the Ministry was hopeful that with the appointments, work towards the speedy conclusion of cases and the reduction of the number of persons being remanded, will take place thereby contributing to the alleviation of overcrowding in the prison system.”
            Highlighting the need for urgent action by the magistracy it pointed to the situation confronting the prison authorities. “eight hundred and thirty two persons make up the untried prison population.  This represents 36 percent of the overall prison population of 2,099. The number of remanded prisoners who have not had their cases heard from one to four years amounts to 752 and the number of convicted prisoners awaiting trail in the High Court between one to four years amount to 103,” the statement said.
The statement added that the prison authority has adopted measures to address the overcrowding in the prisons resulting from this situation. These included: Construction of a new dormitory for untried prisoners at the Georgetown prison; the creation of a remanded dormitory at Sibley Hall, Mazaruni prison, to allow for the transfer of remanded prisoners from Georgetown to Mazaruni, particularly those whose trials are set for the Bartica Magistrate’s Court; rehabilitation of a dormitory at the Georgetown prison to house prisoners suffering from tuberculosis; use of double-bunk beds to maximize on space and the granting of special remission ranging from 7 to 28 days, to prisoners who conduct themselves in a disciplined manner.
The statement ended by asserting the Ministry’s confidence that a concerted effort by stakeholders of the criminal justice system would result in improvements in the status quo of Guyana’s prisons and called for swift action, as recognition is given to the basic human rights of prisoners. 
 

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Banks reported no losses in CARICOM bonds investment
-despite global financial crisis

Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2009

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh yesterday supplied a written response to the National Assembly as requested by Alliance for Change (AFC) Member Shelia Holder on issues concerning CARICOM bonds and the effects of the global financial crisis on such investments.
            The Minister was asked to state the value of CARICOM bonds prior to the global financial crisis and the credit crunch.
            The response stated that at the end of September 2008, CARICOM bonds held at commercial banks amounted to $15B, equivalent to US$73.6M which represents 6.6 percent of their total assets.
            All licensed financial institutions (LFIs), with effect from September 2008, were requested by the Bank of Guyana (BoG) to submit monthly reports on their foreign investments, along with a bi-monthly narrative on any developments with respect to those investments.
            With respect to the present value of the bonds by country and whether or not there were significant variations at November month end, the Minister replied that the value of CARICOM bonds amounted to $14.3B equivalent to US$70.7M, representing 6.3 percent of total assets.
            Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados accounted for 86 percent of the total with 34, 30 and 22 percent respectively.
            The reduction in volume for the period was due primarily to the redemption of bonds upon maturity. (CBI redeemed bonds amounting to $525M).
The table below shows the distribution of CARICOM Bonds for each country (amounts in million).

Holder also requested that the Minister state the quantum of CARICOM bonds that each of the local banks invested in and losses incurred, if any, as a result of the global financial crisis.
            The response stated that the Banks of Nova Scotia and Baroda do not invest in CARICOM bonds. Other banks that CARICOM bonds are held in, include Republic Bank Limited (RPL), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) and the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI).
            The bonds in each bank amounted to $14.3B, equivalent to US$70.7M. Total Government bonds equalled $7.6B, equivalent to US$37.9M while corporate bonds totalled $6.6B equivalent to US$32.9M.
            In response to the question as to how the Minister foresees the sector coping with significant losses, should there be such in CARICOM bonds (from investments), the response stated that no losses were reported and that prudential financial indicators indicate that the banks are adequately captialised, liquid, profitable, possess satisfactory asset quality and well managed.
The BoG indicated that it was not overly concerned about the current overall performance and condition of the banking sector, as banks are expected to comply with the requirements of the international accounting standard and where necessary, impairment of assets has to be reported in accordance with the IAS and appropriate treatment effected in the accounts.
            With respect to the remedies, the Minister recommended that the banks continue to monitor developments which could impact on their foreign assets and so advise the BoG periodically.

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Small, medium-scale gold production at record high, bauxite earned US $81.3M in 2008

Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2009

The mining sector for 2008 made a contribution of US$360.3 M to the economy and created employment for over 15,600 people even in the face of escalating fuel prices and the global recession.
Speaking at a press conference today about the performance of the mining sector for last year, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said it has contributed to 50 percent of the total foreign exchange earnings.   
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Commissioner (ag) of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) William Woolford Chairman Ron Webster, and General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) Anantram Balram.

Miner demonstrates the art of bateling for gold.

Increased gold production   

Gold made a record increased in production at the small and medium- scale level, as it reached 260,387 ounces, with export earnings of US$203.7M.
“Gold prices are holding because gold is considered and is being treated as a store of value in these times,” Mr. Hinds said.
 Diamond which has traditionally been on the decline continued along this trend last year achieving 168,925 karats. This according to the Prime Minister represents 100,000 karats less than in 2007. During that year the value of diamond exports totalled US$31.2M.

Large scale gold mining operations.

Petroleum exploration

Oil and gas explorations are expected to continue.  By the end of 2009, off shore drilling is likely to start. Additionally, a new company, GROUNDSTAR is making preparations to drill two wells this year in the Rupununi basin.

Mazaruni granite mining in Region 7.

Promoting sustainable mining

Gold and diamond are important minerals to the mining industry. About 20 years ago the exploration for these two precious minerals was done close to rivers and 50,000 ounces were seen as a high achievement.
The operations gradually developed however with more investments. By 1992, mining for gold and diamond transcended to land operations with land dredging, hydraulic operations and the use of excavation.
Prime Minister Hinds said land operations have grown steadily and have been evolving ever since. He noted however that increased operations have brought about tensions in the sector, especially in the area of practicing operations that reduce negative environmental and social impacts.
“Small and medium - scale miners must be responsible, must learn from each other and evolve their practices even more rapidly to stay ahead of rising expectations, the Prime Minister said.
He commended the GGMC is enforcing the safe use of mercury, campaigning through education programmes to encourage the establishment of ponds so that all water released in streams, creeks and rivers, stay within turbidity limits.

BOSAI

Bauxite, an important mineral in Guyana which is responsible for the manufacturing of the most basic commodities such as pots and pans to the most complicated such as airplanes and cars increased in its export value in 2008.
The Berbice Company Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) in the Berbice River, produced about 1.5 million tonnes of bauxite and shipped about 1.6 million tonnes for the production of aluminium, earning about US$29.3M.
            Stone declarations for the year were about 450,000 tonnes with revenue earnings reaching about US$11.7M. This represents 50 percent above the 2008 target
BOSAI, the Chinese company which took over operations of the bauxite company in Linden under the name BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) produced 232,000 tonnes of calcined bauxite with foreign exchange revenues of US$71M. Additionally, 237,000 tonnes of dried bauxite were exported for non metallurgical uses, bringing in revenues of US10.3M.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds inspecting mining location.

Impact of the global crisis on mining sector

The Prime Minister considers 2008 a good year for the mining sector and he commended miners for contributing to its achievements even as world finances and markets in the global economy collapsed during the second half of the year.
The crisis had led to despair in many mineral markets according to the Prime Minister who noted that aluminium, iron and steel experienced significant cutbacks. Additionally, the pursuit of new deposits of bauxite iron ore manganese has been at a stand still.
“Downstream industries utilizing bauxite products from Guyana, both metallurgical bauxite which produces aluminum eventually and non metallurgical used in the glass and steel industries, have not escaped the fall in demand and prices, hence bauxite production and prices will be under great pressure during 2009,” the Prime Minister said.
He also regrettably noted that several of the major plans including the work started by BCGI, Rusal for a feasibility study to develop the upper Mazaruni hydropower site, the establishment of a smelter and an alumina plant have been put on hold.
BMGGI is however, still in pursuit of the establishment of the alumina plant in Linden. In November, last year the company and the Guyana Government signed a US$1B agreement for the construction and feasibility study to determine the establishment of the plant.
“We are hoping their studies would still prove attractive in their circumstance to proceed with that development,” Prime Minister Hinds said.

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