Criteria for senior Education promotions for 2009 being reviewed
-Education Ministry, TSC, and GTU Officials hold first meeting
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2009
Officials of the Ministry of Education, the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) met yesterday in the Boardroom of the TSC, Brickdam to review the criteria for senior education promotions for 2009.
Chairperson of TSC Leila Ramson, Deputy Chairman Mohamed Khan, and other officials during the meeting
This was the first meeting held to discuss the issue and negotiations among officials are ongoing.
According to the TSC, notices for vacancies for senior promotions for this year and the reviewed criteria will be published in the last week of February.
Officials during the meeting
The TSC is a constitutional body with the powers to appoint, remove and discipline teachers in the system.
TOP
Ministry of Health continues to assist Amerindians
Georgetown, GINA January 28, 2009
The Ministry of Health in its continued commitment to provide and improve the level of health care in Amerindian communities, today donated items to Paramakatoi village in Region 8. Among the items donated was a wheelchair to six-year old Myers Williams, a student of Paramakatoi Primary School who suffers from a neurological disability which hinders his mobility.
The village’s Toshao Noel Thomas received the wheelchair on behalf of the student at the Ministry of Health.
Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran presents the wheelchair to Toshao Noel Thomas while a representative from the Amerindian Department of the Ministry of Health watches on
Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran who presented the wheelchair said that his ministry learnt about the child’s condition through constant communication with the village.
Cuban doctor Amaury Marce who is Paramakatoi first resident doctor is at present caring for the child.
The doctor’s presence will allow the child to have medical attention within his village and will preclude the need for him to travel out of Paramakatoi, Minister Ramsaran said.
TOP
Mashramani Photographic exhibition to be hosted
- interested persons or agencies can assist
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2009
 An exhibition tracing the history and showcasing artifacts of Mashramani celebration in Guyana will be held during the period February 20 to 28 at the Guyana National Museum.
The event is being organised by the visual arts sub committee of the Mahsramani Secretariat, the organising body for this year’s festival held under the theme “One Dream, One Celebration, One Design in 2009.”
The committee is calling on interested persons or agencies to assist in the effort by having their photographs form part of the exhibition.
Photographs can be sent via email; mashsecretariat@gmail.com or sent to the Mashramani Secretariat, 91 Middle Street, South Cummingsburg before February 7. The photos will be scanned by the Secretariat and returned to the contributors.
The photographic exhibition is among the new additions to Mashramani 2009 which will also include an inter-Neighbourhood Democratic Council competition for the best aesthetics and a child art and essay competition.
TOP
Guyana’s aquaculture industry has great potential - DFID
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2009
Guyana’s aquaculture sector has been boosted with a contribution of supermale (this type produces only male fishes) tilapia worth ₤60,000.00 from the British Department for International Development (DFID).
The fishes which amount to approximately 1,700 supermale sets will be given to the National Aquaculture Association of Guyana (NAAG) to be used to stock a planned fish hatchery at Cove and John.
According to a NAAG press release it is expected that the fishes will eventually produce about 82 million fingerlings (juvenile fish) over a five-year period and result in US$ 70.4 M for the industry and create more than 1000 new jobs in the fisheries industry.
The supermale fish, because of its unique feature whereby it produces only male fishes, eliminate the time consuming and costly task of separating the male and female fishes by hand.
The Mon Repos Aquaculture Research Station in 2007 received a batch of supermales from the British High Commission which has proven to be a viable method of breeding. The Station now provides fingerlings to aquaculture farmers.
DFID according to the release stated that it is delighted to provide the supermale tilapia for Guyana’s growing aquaculture industry which has great potential to create income, jobs and exports.
TOP
Public Works Ministry continue clearing exercise
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2009
As efforts continue to ensure safety on the roads, the Ministry of Public Works today conducted an operation to remove vagrants who had constructed a shack in an area on the eastern parapet of the Houston bypass, creating an unsightly picture and encumbering the reserves.
Maintenance Engineer in the Ministry Lloyd Rollins said that the removal of persons occupying State reserves is an on-going operation of the Ministry.
Workers of the Public Works Ministry removing the remains of the dismantled shack from the Houston bypass
In addition to these structures being unsightly, as in this case, he explained, they pose a threat to persons occupying them and to persons using the road. Many of these structures are constructed at busy intersections and block the free flow of traffic.
The operation is expected to continue along the East Bank Highway as it was pointed out that there are several areas where person have erected structures and are doing business on the reserves creating hazards to road users.
Vendor selling used oil drums at the side of the road at Agricola, East Bank Demerara
Specific areas of concern are persons selling used oil drums on the shoulder of the road at Agricola and those conducting businesses at the entrance of the Diamond Housing Scheme.
Government, over the years has been actively making efforts to have persons desist from occupying State reserves. In instances where persons had erected shacks, arrangements were made for them to be allotted land in housing areas. In other areas where vending was being conducted on the sides of the roads, markets were constructed or refurbished to accommodate the vendors.
Erections at the intersection at the Diamond Housing Scheme and the East Bank Highway
During last year squatters illegally occupying lands around the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Timehri, were removed because of the danger posed to the Airport and the travelling public.
TOP
Additional D&I works to commence in Region Six
- Region Six Farmers Assistance Programme Initiated
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2009
Improving the drainage and irrigation systems remains one of government’s main priorities as it continues to implement measures aimed at minimizing the effects of climate change. In this regard a significant amount of resources would be allocated towards improving these systems in several regions including Regions 2,3,4,5 and 6.
During a visit to the Region yesterday, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud told residents of Lancaster / Hogstye that close to $3 M would be used in communities such as Lancaster, Manchester, Hogstye, Liverpool and Alness for excavation work and enhancing drainage structures. This will complement what the region and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) aim to do for the community. The NDC is spending $2M on rehabilitation.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud speaking to residents of Black Bush Polder,
Region 6 residents
Regional Chairman, Region Six, Zulfikar Mustapha thanked the government for the commitment since the Lancaster to Alness communities are vulnerable to flooding. He said the $3M along with a subvention from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
He said, the region would also be using its excavator to conduct major drainage works in the main canals.
Through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), a sluice that was closed for 20 years would be resuscitated at Alness. This would aid in reducing flooding in the area.
Minister Persaud said the Ministry is considering buying a permanent pump for the No. 43 outfall and a total rehabilitation of the Black Bush Polder drainage and irrigation systems would be carried out.
Farmers Assistance programme initiated
During the Minister and team’s visit yesterday farmers also received assistance as part of the ongoing $100M assistance programme.
Mustapha said there were five distribution points including Crabwood Creek, Black Bush Polder and Alness. In the Alness to Lancaster area, livestock and kitchen gardens were lost but residents were satisfied with the help given by the Ministry of Agriculture.
He stated that verification is also being carried out in different parts of the region including No. 19 and Chesney which are targeted under the second phase of aid distribution to Region Six farmers.
Minister Persaud said that his Ministry was giving some permanent fruit trees since it has noticed that in the new housing scheme people are not planting fruits anymore.
Minister Persaud stated that the assistance should be seen as an initial start for those affected and hopes to continue this in a sustained way. In this respect, he said, in the Black Bush Polder area, two excavators were dedicated to the community to work around the clock.
Minister Persaud in discussion with farmers of Alness, Region 6
Minister Persaud encouraged farmers in the Black Bush area to organize a farmers group.
He noted that even though Guyana has been experiencing problems with the weather, opportunities have been presented with the increased demand for food.
He added that even though there was flooding in some farming communities, it did not cause a severe shortage of food and exportation of agricultural commodities is still ongoing. The Agriculture Minister said the outlook is good for agriculture.
In addition, Minister Persaud said he had written to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) for help and the Ministry of Finance will try to tap into a special fund by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to get additional resources.
TOP
Ensigns training tailored to respond to new and evolving threats- GDF Chief of Staff- 39 graduate from Standard Officers’ Course
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2009
Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Gary Best told Cadet Officers who graduated as Ensigns at the Commissioning Parade, Drill Square, Camp Ayanganna this afternoon that they were graduating during a period when greater vigilance is required at Guyana’s borders as transborder criminal activities have become prevalent.
“You are also decorated at a time when the world is experiencing the effects of a financial meltdown and therefore, our resources must be managed exceptionally well by you…It is the very first time that so many of you are drawn from the other services. This I believe is a good thing for us, as it leads to commonality of our training which is intended to offer flexibility to face the challenges of the present security environment,” Best told the Ensigns.
The Ensigns during the parade, under the command of Major Jerrick and being led by best student, Quincy Best
He said that that the training has been tailored to adequately respond to the new and evolving threats and challenges.
Thirty-nine officers graduated from the Standard Officers’ Course # 41 comprising 16 each from the GDF and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), 2 from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), 1 from the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), 3 from the Belize Defence Force, and 1 from St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force.
The Standard Officers’ Course # 41 commenced on March 28 with 60 students from the various disciplines. Twenty-one students did not qualify because of various difficulties. The Course will officially conclude in February when the Ensigns will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants.
The Chief of Staff inspected the Cadet Officers under the command of Major Jerrick. This was followed by the Parade March Past, after which the Ensigns were decorated with Badges of Rank.
Quincy Agard of the GDF was adjudged the Best Student.
The government remains committed to its role in helping the disciplined Forces to execute their duties and in meeting new challenges by allocating budgetary resources and providing training.
The Cadet Course was started in 1969 and evolved into a school in 1981 – the Col. Ulric Pilgrim Cadet Officer School, the only one in the English Speaking Caribbean, in honour of the first local Commander of the GDF – Col. Ulric Pilgrim.
Chief of Staff Gary Best inspecting the Officers
The Standard Officers’ Course was created to provide training for new Army Officers as well as Officers from other Services. It provides a solid foundation for the subsequent professional development of all Cadets entering the GDF. The syllabus of the course includes an intensive programme of military skills and tactics, rigorous physical fitness, team activities designed to promote stamina and group spirit, leadership and command methods, management techniques, military law and national policy.
TOP
Rotary International District Governor visits Acting President
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2009
Acting President Samuel Hinds today met the District Governor of the Rotary International Georges Nouh-Chaia, who concluded visits to Rotary Cubs in the Caribbean and the Guianas.
His tour was intended to assess whether Clubs have been abiding by Rotary International principles. During his visit to the acting President he was accompanied by Rotary Club Presidents of the various regions.
Rotary Club officials speaking with Acting President Samuel Hinds
The Rotary International is one of the biggest humanitarian organisations worldwide. The body is open to all persons regardless of race, colour, political preference and other affiliations.
More than 32,000 clubs are in existence and members referred to as Rotarians amount to over 1.2 million. They are responsible for providing humanitarian services, encouraging high ethical standards and helping to promote goodwill and peace in the world.
Rotary International District Governor Georges Nouh-Chaia speaking with Acting President Samuel Hinds
“We are helping all people who need help, particularly this 20 years, we are trying to eradicate polio in the world and I am sure that we can reach in 2010 the 100% target,” Governor Nouh-Chaia said in an invited comment.
TOP
Two new multi-million dollar schools commissioned in Berbice
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2009
The commitment that the administration made to raise the bar on the level of education offered to Guyanese is being exhibited across the country. During last year 23 new schools were constructed; nine nursery, four secondary and 10 primary schools.
This commitment continues and today Minister of Education Shaik Baksh commissioned the Tain Primary and Nursery school at Tain, and the All Saints Primary at New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six.
At the new state-of-the-art $33M Tain Primary and Nursery school Minister Baksh urged the students and teachers to ensure that they make adequate use of the facilities which are conducive to learning.
A pupil being assisted by Education Minister Shaik Baksh and Region Six Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha to cut the ribbon to commission the Tain Nursery and Primary school
He appealed to the parents present to participate in their children’s education since this is paramount in the learning process. He said behind every successful school is a strong Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) and implored the parents and teachers to ensure that their PTA is active.
The nursery school houses 112 students and seven teachers while the primary accommodates 60 pupils, teachers, a library and a computer laboratory. It serves children from the communities of John’s, Clifton, Tain and Miss Pheobe.
The school was constructed under the Basic Needs Trust Fund and prior to occupying the new building, the students were housed at the President’s Youth Choice Building.
The All Saints Primary School
After the ceremony at Tain Minister Baksh travelled to New Amsterdam where the dream of many parents, teachers and students was realized as the Minister officially declared open the newly constructed $46.3M All Saints Primary school that houses 440 students and 17 teachers.
At this ceremony, the Minister reiterated the need for parents’ involvement in their children’s education. He again emphasized the need for good learning environments and said Government remains committed to educating tomorrow’s leaders.
The Nursery section of the Tain school
Regional Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha who was present at both ceremonies said this is another indication that Government has recognized the need for sound education and modern learning institutions and thanked the administration for fulfilling yet another promise.
The education sector was allocated $15.6B, of the national budget for 2007 and in 2008, $19B towards enhancing the standard of education.
TOP
Many-faceted approach to improve education delivery -Minister Baksh
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2009
The Ministry will embark on a multi-pronged approach this year to significantly improve the level of education delivery and access throughout the country, having recognized that education is the key to avoiding poverty.
Through the collaboration of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), the Ministry will be reviewing the performance of teachers and ensuring that schools use a modern curriculum comparable to any part of the world while the low attendance rate of students in some schools and school drop-outs will be addressed through enforcement methods to ensure there is reduction in the number leaving school prematurely.
The Ministry had implemented the National Assessments at Levels Two, Four and Six, in order that learning deficiencies could be recognized earlier and that interventions could be made accordingly.
During November last, the Ministry had disclosed that the majority of the drop-outs are boys, and that the Ministry will move to place emphasis on subjects that may draw their interest, including the technical subjects.
Minister of Education Shaik Baksh while speaking at the commissioning of two new schools today in Region Six, said that government will continue to ensure that access to education is available to all Guyanese.
The Minister noted that several interventions have been made to improve the education system, particularly at the level of primary education. Because of the aggressive efforts of the administration to create better learning environments and improve on the level of education delivery through curriculum reform, and better teaching methods, Guyana has achieved universal primary education.
The Ministry is now in the process of improving secondary education access and at present new state of the art secondary schools are being constructed. Only recently the new Bartica Secondary School opened its doors to Region Seven students.
Minister Baksh said Welfare officers will become more active and there will be community outreaches in the education sector to ensure that parents are made aware of the importance of education in their children’s lives.
The role of the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) needs to be reinforced since the success of a school depends on parents’ inputs, the Minister said, and urged that parents aspire for their children to acquire university education.
As an incentive for improvement, Minister Baksh said this year the Ministry will introduce awards for the best performing schools throughout Guyana. This will be similar to the National Awards ceremony. Recognition will also be paid to the best teachers. A team from the Ministry is currently working on the rules and other details for these awards.
The Education Minister said nursery education will soon be referred to as pre-primary education and will become compulsory as there is a move to include it in the legislation. Nursery Education is important as it helps build the brain cells of students and without it, success in the primary level is doubtful, Minister Baksh said.
TOP
|
