Police Force gets communication boost from GT&T
Georgetown, GINA, May 8, 2009
The Guyana Police Force on May 8, received 50 cell phones from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company.
During the handing over ceremony at Police headquarters Eve Leary, Commissioner of Police Henry Greene said that the instruments will assist the force in its fight against criminal activities as it seeks to maintain law and order.
GT&T’s Marketing Manager, Wystan Robertson hands over the cell phones to Commissioner of Police Henry Greene
He said that GT&T has over the years contributed to the Force and has once again extended that binding partnership with one goal of ensuring that Guyana remains secure.
GT&T’s Marketing Manager, Wystan Robertson in making the presentation said that GT&T has been continuing it partnership with the GPF by implementing initiatives to support its work.
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Don’t turn a blind eye to domestic violence – Geer urges
Georgetown, GINA, May 9, 2009
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security recognises the severity of domestic violence and its effects on every aspect of a victim’s and his/her family life, and to this end the Ministry continues its campaign to hold domestic violence awareness sessions so that people can be aware of this crime and how they can receive assistance.
Head of the Domestic Violence Policy Unit, Geetangeli Geer held a session today with 35 women, from different bargaining units of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) boardroom, Kingston, Georgetown. GAWU had requested this meeting.
Domestic violence is a crime and has a direct impact on family life. She stated the person being abused is not the only victim as children who grow-up in an abusive family become trapped in a cycle that this crime is acceptable.
She noted that domestic violence has escalated over the year and it is society’s responsibility if it recognises that someone is suffering from this abuse to not turn its back.
All four local dailies today reported on their front page that a man killed his spouse and hurt her daughter and niece. Geer stated that, “If we turn our backs from domestic violence this is what we will continue to see on our front pages.”
Geer explained that people recognise that violence on the road is a crime, but queried why then must people turn a blind eye when it happens in a home. This, she said is a violation of people’s fundamental rights.
She was adamant that domestic violence is a cycle, because when persons are abused and they refuse to do anything about it, this then empowers their abuser to repeat the crime.
It is reported that domestic violence has severe impact on a country’s economy since women make up a significant number of the work force and as a result of being abused they can no longer contribute to their children’s nor the economy’s development.
The culture of abuse, Geer explained starts when children see abuse in their families and as a result they grow-up to think that this is acceptable and it becomes the norm.
“If we raise persons to accept abuse when they become adults they will not have a lot of sympathy for persons who are experiencing domestic violence… we therefore, need to do a good job as parents,” she said.
Additionally, she noted that men sometimes use verbal abuse to shame women and break down their self-esteem and this is compounded by the economic and social dominance of men. To this end, Geer urged the participants when raising their children to ensure that both boys and girls gain equal opportunities so they may be able to support themselves and not depend on others.
Recent studies have shown that women are afraid to report this crime and some of them still do not understand that domestic violence is a crime. In addressing this, Geer said that it is understandable that women do not want to leave their abusive relationships some because of their children. She said that the Ministry and non-governmental organisations can help persons who are being abused by providing the necessary support needed to get out of this situation.
When persons visit the Ministry they can get counselling, or can make a report if they chose. If they report the matter, the Ministry’s personnel will call the police station to do a follow-up on the matter and they can also attend support sessions with other victims and survivors.
Some of the initiatives undertaken by the government to combat domestic violence include creating an environment through legislation such as the Domestic Violence Act of 1996 which provides for protection, occupation and tenancy orders and for custody and maintenance and providing legal support through its Legal Aid Clinics; providing counselling, working with Non-Governmental Organisations to have massive campaigns around the country to heighten awareness, the National Policy on domestic Violence and the creation of the Domestic Violence Policy Unit to enforce the policy.
Over the last few months domestic violence awareness sessions have been held with hosts/hostesses of entertainment programmes, staff of the Government Information Agency, basketball players from the Pepsi Sonics Basketball Team, members of Zahiff’s Gym, the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players, students of the Carnegie School of Home Economics, women in Linden and Berbice and members of the Guyana Girl Guides Association.
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Indian dance, music troupe perform at NCC
Georgetown, GINA, May 9, 2009
Patrons at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) last evening were treated to an evening of Indian music and dance that featured classical Indian dances by world renowned dancer Mahua Shankar and vocalist Khumud Diwan from India.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Subit Kumar Mandal and other members of the diplomatic community, members of the Indian Arrival committee (IAC) and other guests witnessed the event.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Submit Kumar Mandal, World renowned dancer Mahua Shankar and vocalist Khumud Diwan pose with other members of the Indian dance and music troupe at the National Cultural Centre.
In brief remarks, the Prime Minister while reflecting on the journey of East Indian ancestors to Guyana noted that the world has changed from then and is it is now becoming a global society and urged persons to be part of the country’s rich cultural diversity.
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commissioner said that despite the geographical distance that separates the great nations of Guyana and India, there are many bonds and ties that connect them, culture being one of them.
World renowned dancer Mahua Shankar performing a classical Indian dance at the evening of Indian dance and music at the National Cultural Centre
In the history of evolution of Guyanese identity, the cultural component has played and still continue to play a significant part of the vibrant culture that is distinct to Guyanese, he highlighted.
Economic and social cooperation between the two countries have been fruitful over the years, with both Governments embarking on joint initiatives to foster culture, social and economic development.
The two countries have also jointly formulated a cultural exchange programme that facilitates music and dance troupe to Guyana.
The High Commissioner also took the occasion to express gratitude to the Government and people of Guyana for their cooperation and support over the years.
The Indian troupe has performed at several functions across the country to commemorate the arrival of Indians to Guyana.
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Integrity commission members to be named soon – President
- says consultation with opposition must go on despite Corbin’s absence
Georgetown, GINA, May 9, 2009
The Government has written to the main opposition party the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) expressing the need to continue consultations on the local government reform process.
The party’s leader Robert Corbin was recently admitted to the hospital after complaining of chest pains and had to be flown overseas for further medical attention.
President Jagdeo while speaking to media operatives about the issue recently, said Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon has written PNC member Oscar Clarke about the need for a continuation.
“I don’t think we can await the leader of the opposition. When I’m out the country, the Prime Minister carries on with the consultation. The last time I was out of the country he led the consultations with Mr. Corbin on the Integrity Commission,” President Jagdeo said.
Earlier this year, the Head of State had issued an order for officials in public office beginning with Members of Parliament (MPs) to submit their declaration of assets and liabilities to the Integrity Commission, which is a requirement under the Integrity Commission Act.
The opposition had however, criticized the constitutionality of the Commission and had called for it to be reconstituted especially with the absence of a chairman. President Jagdeo had subsequently announced that consultations would start towards resuscitating the commission.
President Jagdeo said much information has since been shared with the leader of the opposition including the names of the three nominees for the Integrity Commission. He added that there is no requirement which states that the consultation must await the opposition leader and in this light he said he intends to move forward with the naming of members by next week.
The Integrity Commission is still awaiting a chairman and Dr. James Rose whose name was nominated for that position had approached President Jagdeo requesting that his name be removed since a person in the Government service is prohibited from holding such position.
“We still have to find a replacement there but we plan next week to go ahead with to appointment of the three integrity commission members then we’ll continue consultation on the chairman,” President Jagdeo said.
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Modern weather broadcasting for Guyana
Georgetown, GINA, May9th, 2009.
The United Kingdom Meteorological Office’s Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP) is at present supporting the Hydrometeorological Service and National Communications Network (NCN), in its pursuit to modernise the presentation of the weather forecast to the public.
Funding for this project has come from contributions to the VCP programme, which is part of the UK Public Weather Services, provided by the UK Met Office. The estimated cost for this project (software, hardware and training) is approximately £35,000.
Through this VCP, the Hydrometeorological Service has received WeatherEye PC, which is a complete weather visualization broadcasting system. It combines the latest 3D weather graphics software, meteorological data and global mapping capabilities. It has been designed for and with broadcast meteorologists; and the system is fast, reliable and easy to use, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a press release.
Mr. David Robinson, Media Designer/Trainer, from the United Kingdom’s Met Office explains modernized weather forecast format to be implemented, while Ms. Bhaleka Seulall, Chief Hydromet Officer (ag), and Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud look on.
Mr. David Robinson, Media Designer, from the UK’s Met Office, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud to provide an update on the training and other areas in connection with national weather forecast.
Farmers and other stakeholders will get a better understanding of the weather patterns and it will facilitate those living in agricultural and vulnerable areas to take the necessary precautions.
Robinson stated that attempts will be made to ensure that the forecast will satisfy the needs of the Guyanese public, particularly fisher folks, farmers and other areas within the agricultural sector. Information from the forecast will also be used to regulate sowing and harvesting activities.
The Doppler radar system which will be completely shortly will complement the modern weather forecast.
Staff members from the Hydrometeorological Service and NCN are currently undergoing a three- week training programme which commenced on April 29th, 2009. The training is being conducted by Robinson.
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Gov’t still aiming for a liberalised telecommunications environment - President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, May 9, 2009
President Bharrat Jagdeo has reaffirmed Government’s position of maintaining a liberalised telecommunications environment in Guyana despite the “fairly decent” relationship which he said exists with the Guyana Telophone and Telegraph (GT&T) company.
On May 8, Government Representative on the Board of Directors of GT&T Company, Winston Brassington said that Government has formally indicated to the Atlantic Tele Network (ATN) its intention to sell its 20 percent share in the local phone company.
Brassington also disclosed that in the event that ATN expresses no interest in buying, the shares will be sold to third parties. He explained that the sale agreement with ATN and the Government of Guyana stated that management services may be provided by ATN or by its subsidiaries, provided that they are approved by the Board.
In addition to that disclosure, Brassington said that Government opposed the accounts of GT&T for last year on the basis that they did not consider the six percent advisory fee to be a legitimate expense.
Last year, he highlighted, following a number of questions on the advisory fee, Government abstained from voting on the accounts.
The GT&T monopoly has constantly been challenged and only recently Digicel filed a suit against the GT&T monopoly on international traffic to and from Guyana.
A few months ago President Jagdeo met officials of the Caribbean Telecommunications Unit to discuss ways of improving the telecoms sector and a wider scope of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) services.
The officials had pointed out that some Caribbean islands are developing rapidly with the liberialisation of their telecommunications sector and with ICT and this has allowed the governments to bring a better quality of life for their citizens.
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PM attends launch of Life Insurance Law book
Georgetown, GINA, May 9, 2009
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was among the invitees that attended the launch of “Life Insurance Law in the Commonwealth Caribbean”, a book authored by Dr Claude Denbow. The launching took place at the Pegasus hotel, this evening.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Dr Claude Denbow with a copy of the Life Insurance Law Book which Dr Denbow authored
The book which is the second edition of Dr. Denbow’s first book published in 1984 in Trinidad and Tobago. It outlines the principles and concept of life insurance law which, according to Dr. Denbow, are the most important areas to pay heed to when someone takes out a life policy.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the launch of the Life Insurance Law Book. Next to the Prime Minister is Mr Clifford Reis of Banks DIH
The 60-year - old Dr Denbow has been practicing law for 38 years and writing it for 33 years. He graduated with his LLB in 1971 at the London University and in 1976 he received his PhD.
Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Carl Singh and President of the Bar Association Teni Housty were also among the invitees.
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