CH&PA holds ‘open house’ consultation at Samatta Point Community
-to garner feedback on future community development plans
Georgetown, GINA, January 24, 2009
The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in its effort to prepare a developmental plan for the Diamond and Grove communities held its first ‘open house’ consultation today at the Samatta Point Nursery School, East Bank Demerara to garner feedback and suggestions from residents as it relates to their concerns and ideas for future development of their communities.
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.
CH&PA Development Planner Fayola Azore said the consultation is necessary since there is need for community participation in the development of the plan for the area.
CH&PA Development Planner Fayola Azore (right) interacts with Samatta Point resident while CH&PA Planning intern Vidya John speaks with another resident of the community
She noted that concerns and solutions were expressed from the residents which include the need for better road and drainage infrastructure, a local market and recreational facilities.
CH&PA Planning intern Vidya John said the open house consultation was chosen since it is more flexible than a community meeting and will allow residents to stop by at any time of the day to interact with staff on a one-on-one basis about their issues, ideas and long-term vision for their community
John expressed pleasure with the response received for the session and added that the planning team will complete the first draft of the analysis by the end of March.
The developmental plan stemmed from the incremental and unplanned growth the communities have seen over the last few years and the need to effectively manage the future development in anticipation of continued growth.
A Samatta Point resident in discussion with CH & PA planning intern Vidya John, Samatta Point Nursery School
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.
The consultation will continue tomorrow from 9:00 h at the Diamond Secondary School, Section A Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
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Special Select Committee to review Protection of Children’s Bill
Georgetown, GINA, January 24, 2009
To ensure that there are stronger legislations in place to protect the rights of children, the Protection of Children’s Bill was sent to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee as a request by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand at last sitting of the National Assembly held on January 22.
Minister Manickchand said that after discussions with several parliamentarians this decision was taken in the interest of having a stronger piece of legislation.
This Bill aims to provide for the protection of children generally, children at risk and children in difficult circumstances outlines the cases in which protection intervention will be applied. Some of these include:
- children who are at risk of being physically or emotionally harmed
- children who are being sexually or emotionally abused or exploited
- children who are being physically harmed or sexually abused by a person and the child’s parent, guardian or person in whose care the child is left, does not protect or seek protection for the child;
- children who are being emotionally harmed by a person; or injury to another person or other living thing or threatened, either with or without weapons, to cause injury to another person or other living thing, either with the parents encouragement or because the parents do not respond adequately to the situation; or is being exposed to drugs, or obscene printed material or objects.
This Bill is one among five pieces of legislation that the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand is championing for the protection of children in Guyana.
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Gov’t collaborating with several agencies to strengthen drainage system
Georgetown, GINA, January 24, 2009
Government is working in partnership with local, regional and international agencies to determine short and long-term support to address the impact of heavy rainfall, in addition to the already ongoing interventions.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) have already been approached to provide technical assistance and other support to supplement the ongoing Farmers’ Assistance Programme.
Government is cognizant of the challenges climate change poses to the agriculture sector and to the coastal regions of Guyana, hence the initiation of short and long - term solutions with the support of local and international experts to determine the way forward. This process has already begun and some agricultural projects will soon be implemented.
Already, several projects are in their implementation stage including the Agricultural Diversification Programme, Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development Project, Agricultural Support Services Project, and a host of others that deal specifically with the long-term transformation and development of the agriculture sector.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will continue rehabilitating the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), works which will complement the US$ 3.8M Conservancy Adaptation Project that is currently underway with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the World Bank.
Under this project, data collection and modelling will be done in order to develop a comprehensive technical foundation for a master plan which will guide actions to improve the EDWC and lowland drainage system. The project will undertake specific upgrading works and operational improvements aimed at enhancing the storage capacity of the EDWC.
In addition, pre-investment studies for the GEF Project will begin shortly toward the goal of providing significant drainage to the EDWC via the Cunha Canal which drains through lands leased to Barama Company Ltd. This outlet is currently operating at 40-percent of its capacity.
All designs and technical specifications for execution of works have been completed and upon conclusion of works, the 1.8 mile Cunha canal will be discharging water into the Demerara River at a much improved efficiency; approximately 500 cubic feet per second.
Barama has already indicated its willingness to facilitate any works necessary for the resuscitation of this drainage canal.
Several weeks ago the Agriculture Minister had enlisted the assistance of four distinguished engineers namely; Dr. Chandra Madramoottoo, Bert Carter, Paul Sarran and Phillip Alsopp to provide technical advice on the current situation and also on long - term solutions.
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Agriculture Ministry debunks GHRA statement
Georgetown, GINA, January 24, 2009
As government continues to intensify efforts to support affected farmers, some entities continue to make false declarations with respect to how government is handling the drainage and irrigation issues around the country with the latest being the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA).
The Ministry of Agriculture last evening stated that the GHRA is out of touch with what obtains in Guyana with respect to its criticism of the government.
According to the Ministry, the GRHA has no place to point fingers and ascribe itself as an agent of the disadvantaged since its press release acts as an attempt to justify the premature release of a report by OXFAM several days ago.
The Ministry said that the intense historic rainfall levels of 2008/2009 recorded and resultant flooding in some communities along the coastline, is a matter of national concern despite what GHRA said in its release.
The Ministry expressed concern that livelihoods have been affected and GHRA was attempting to score cheap political points out of the suffering of the affected households. This, the Ministry stated, is an affront to the people of these communities, many of whom are small vulnerable farmers, dependent on support for their sustenance.
It is evident, the Ministry said, that GHRA was promulgating a political line and using poor judgment and disingeniuty.
The Ministry said that the press statement lacked basic data and serious analytical reality which have become the primary functional characteristics of the GHRA.
For its own convenience, the Ministry said, GHRA did not consider the approaches and interventions that the Government has been pursuing to alleviate the
challenges of those affected by the high rainfall levels.
The Agriculture Ministry said that GHRA’s release fails to acknowledge that climate change is a global problem and has a well-schemed machinery of misinformation.
Further, the Ministry said the GHRA’s claim of inadequate meteorological data is completely false since the Hydromet Department issues daily updates and forecasts for all 10 administrative regions.
In most of the low-lying and vulnerable areas, it said, the Hydromet office has been able to increase its data collection capacity with the introduction of additional gauges and forecasting devices which is supported by farmers and residents of these communities. The soon to be completed Doppler weather radar will significantly increase the Hydromet Service’s ability to provide real time data, the Ministry said.
On the issue of compensation for losses suffered, the Agriculture Ministry stated it is obvious that the GHRA is seeking to discredit the initial efforts by the Ministry and other supporting agencies and the organisation refuses to acknowledge that the it has embarked on a vigorous farmers’ assistance programme through a detailed process of advisories to farmers, technical support through extension services, farmer-led assessments and independent verification, user fees and rate rebates totalling more than $53M, provision of seed and planting material, chemicals and veterinary supplies to affected livestock producers.
The GHRA refuses to take account of the $100M initial assistance that
Government is executing to bring relief to and kick-start the economic well-being of the affected farmers and does not take cognizance of the numerous investments in infrastructural and capital works executed since 2005, including the regular deployment of excavators and pumping units to prevent potential problems resulting from high
intensity rains.
As a matter of fact, the Ministry said, the GHRA’s statement is a total indictment on the position taken by a high profile member of the Guyana Citizen’s Initiative, Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh who stated in the January 16, 2009 edition of the Stabroek News that “the time has come for people to understand that unless we can raise the sea-wall and place a huge umbrella over coastal Guyana we must begin to think seriously about developing infrastructure in areas that are not going to be flooded and where different types of employment and homesteading can be made available.”
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Chinese photography exhibition hosted in Linden
Georgetown, GINA, January 24, 2009
A photographic exhibition showcasing the landscape, people and culture of China was hosted at the Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP) building and the Linden Museum on January 23.
The exhibition titled ‘China’s 30th Parallel,’ was made through a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Chinese Embassy in Guyana. China’s Himalayan mountain range is located along the 30th parallel line which encircles the earth, one-third the way between the equator and the North Pole.
Present at the exhibition were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Chairman of Region Ten Mortimer Mingo, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zang Jungao and International Project Manager of LEAP Kathleen Whalen.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Chinese Ambassador Zang Jungao, Region Ten Chairman Mortimer Mingo and others viewing exhibits at the Linden Museum
The Chinese Ambassador described China’s 30th parallel as one which encompasses many types of geography and which combines the diversity of human culture into a song and provides a living record of China’s ancient history.
In that regard the exhibition showcased the beauty of nature from the land of snow and ice in the Himalayan Mountain to the land of fish and rice in east China. It also depicted the development of China from sky road to the trans-oceanic bridge.
The first such exhibition was hosted in the Guyana National Museum and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony introduced the idea of taking it to other places.
Prime Minister Hinds said the exhibition is appropriate, especially at this time when China will be starting its new year. He reflected on the rise of the Chinese economy which is now today recognised as the fourth largest economy in the world.
The history and development of China can serve as important lessons for Guyanese according to Prime Minister Hinds who noted that much sacrifice was made by the people for China to be where it is today.
“China today is as a result of the sacrifice of the millions of Chinese over the centuries. We in Guyana are at an early stage of development and so it is important for us develop friendships with people around the world and learn from them,” Mr. Hinds said
The Chinese Ambassador said the exhibition is also an important part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up to the outside world.
Chinese photographic exhibits on display in the Linden Museum
He assured that China will remain committed to peaceful development by working hand in hand with people from other countries.
It has been reported that over the past 30 years, the country’s average Gross Development Product (GDP) grew by about 10 percent, while the country’s rural poor decreased from over 250 million to 14 million.
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Public officials urged to comply with Integrity Commission
-PNCR’s call not to comply- poor leadership example- Bishop Edghill
Georgetown, GINA, January 24, 2009
Public officials were today urged to declare their assets to the Integrity Commission in an effort to enhance transparency and accountability and to clear assumptions of corruption which distract nation building.
The call followed a panel discussion comprising, General Secretary of the Guyana Labour Union Carvil Duncan, Head of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Bishop Juan Edghill and Head of the Press and Publicity Affairs Unit, Office of the President Dr. Prem Misir.
The Commission is a mechanism to safeguard the society and as such all must comply, Bishop Edghill said. He noted that often political leaders urge that people comply with the rule of law, but yet when it is being used, those same persons don’t want to adhere when it affects them.
He said that Guyanese from all walks of life expect that there be some amount of accountability and anti-corruption mechanism in place, to ensure that all those who hold public offices, maintain high standards.
“The Commission must be in place and everybody who should declare must do so,” Bishop Edghill said.
“When we have a Commission, it is primarily because persons in society were seeing that there was corruption at all levels and in order to clear the minds of all, people must comply,” Duncan said.
He expressed dismay at the arguments of some political leaders who are questioning the work of the Commission and President Bharrat Jagdeo’s call for persons to declare their assets.
President Jagdeo recently called on Members of Parliament to submit their list of income and assets to the Intergrity Commission, failing which they will be sanctioned by the State.
Opposition leaders have being questioning the President’s call, while Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Robert Corbin has urged PNCR Members of Parliament not to comply.
In this regard, Duncan said that the fact of the matter is that the Commission is here and every public figure should see it as an obligation and responsibility to comply because it cleanses their intergrity.
“People can no longer point their fingers at you because you would have complied and declared. Failing to comply, leaves society thinking of suspicions that there are things to hide,” Duncan stated.
He added that it is a good time when the country will judge the leaders, what they are made of, and will also tell of the political maturity in the country.
Edghill noted that the statements of the opposition could affect the independence of the Commission and urged political leaders to cut out the rhetoric.
He said that the public needs to understand the camouflage that is being presented by the opposition for them not to submit their assets and liabilities to the Commission.
“There must not be no if or but, no political manoeuvering, nobody should use special interest or political consideration, they have to do it,” Edghill noted.
On issues of accountability, Duncan using the example of himself as a trade unionist said that his members demand accountability from him, hence, “If there are Parliamentarians who eat from the Government coffers they have a right to declare what they have done,” he explained.
He advised that those public officers who fall between the parameters of making the declarations, that they do so, pointing out that they should not allow themselves to be tricked by their leaders because in the final analysis, they are accountable.
The commission was formed since 1991, however there were some inadequacies which were subsequently addressed and were done with the objective of enhancing the level of transparency in the country in view of allegations of corruption.
The present composition of the Commission is made up of high standing; religious leaders from the main religious communities. It was recommended in the law that the management of the Commission stays in the purviews of the religious community and for them to be the judge and jury in the matter.
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19 graduate with BSc in nursing from UG
- urged to contribute to national development
Georgetown, GINA, January 24, 2009
Nineteen nurses who have graduated with the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Nursing from the University of Guyana (UG) were today charged to put their knowledge acquired towards national development and to remain and serve their country as the administration has been making massive investments for training to ensure there are qualified persons in the health system.
Government has been channelling huge amounts of resources towards training for health personnel in order that the many new health institutions that are being built will be adequately staffed.
Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran addressing the graduates
Speaking at the graduation of the nurses at a ceremony this evening at the Nurses Association Hall, Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran said that the hospitals being built are state-of-the-art and are equipped with advanced technology, hence they require trained persons to man them.
He said that the health system needs to be made sustainable and congratulated the nursing programme for preparing core health managers and the graduates also as he urged that they elevate their qualifications.
Noting that the Nursing Programme has grown in stature due to the increasing numbers of persons who are applying, he said that it may become more demanding for entrance into such programmes.
He said that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation remains the main training base for health care programmes for all of Guyana.
GNA president Gillian Butts- Garnett presenting trophy to valedictorian Zaheeda Hack
Dr Ramsaran charged that they look beyond working in Georgetown and fill the positions in hospitals throughout the region which will be able to accommodate all those who are being trained. He spoke of the new Lethem hospital which is almost completed, and the Mabaruma, New Amsterdam and Linden hospitals which will create the need for trained nurses. The latter is under construction.
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, UG Dr Emmanuel Cummings in congratulating the graduates for completing a difficult programme noted that nursing is one of the fastest growing programmes at UG having been introduced only five to six years ago.
He said that their training will strengthen their capacity to contribute tangibly to their profession and promised UG’s continued support for the programme’s growth and development. Dr Cummings informed that only recently the university approved the post- graduate course for anaesthesiology for doctors.
Graduates poses with Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran (Seated 2nd left), Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Dr Emmanuel Cummings, Coordinator BSc Nursing programme Gwendolin Tross and GNA’s Chief Nurse Bibi Halfrose
He alluded to accreditation for the institution’s Nursing school which, when it occurs would augur well for the graduates as they can then work freely in other Caribbean territories.
Valedictorian Zaheeda Hack, who worked at the Central Islamic Organisation in HIV/AIDS awareness programme prior to attending UG noted that nursing is indeed a rewarding and noble profession and promised to transform the health sector through her knowledge.
Meanwhile President of the Guyana Nurses Association (GNA) Gillian Butts-Garnett underscored the importance of nurses who are core contributors to the health sector.
The graduates are: Abiola Boucher, Zaheeda Hack, Latoya James and Onica Padmore who passed with distinction; while those who passed with credit are ; Sonita Alexander, Natasha Brutus, Alcena Fanfair, Jennifer Nelson, Ann Prescott and Rhyaan Trotman. The other graduates are: Emelda George, Samantha Gullin, Acusah James, Shondell Langevine, Joan Layne, Antonette Noble, Ashanti Orford, Alexis Reid and Angela Wilson.
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