Research at Kaieteur National Park discovers new findings
Georgetown, GINA, May 20, 2009
Guyana’s premier attraction, the Kaieteur National Park, continues to amaze visitors as it contains one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, the Kaieteur Falls and is the home to endemic flora and fauna including the Golden Rocket Frog.
Researcher Beth Pettitt of the University of Minnesota has been conducting a study on the Golden Rocket Frog, which is endemic to the Park and presented her findings yesterday at the 11th Friends of Kaieteur Night held at the National Park.
The Golden Rocket Frog
Chairman of the Kaieteur National Park Board, Shyam Nokta said that the Golden Rocket Frog is one of the key species that is quite visible and one of the main attractions for persons who visit the falls.
He noted that it is very important that this type of research is done as it helps persons to better understand the species; it gives an idea of the population and habitat distribution and also to learn more about the species and its dynamics so that it can be conserved.
In this respect, he said that the National Parks Commission and the Board will be better able to manage the habitats to ensure that the Golden Rocket Frog’s population remains high at Kaieteur Park.
Additionally, he said, “This research is very important for us… it’s actually very timely because we are embarking on a comprehensive management plan for Kaieteur National Park… This work that Beth has being doing will feed into the management plan; it will also help us to be able to develop more, in terms of our tourism materials, our tourism promotion of Kaieteur Park.”
Researcher Beth Pettitt presents her findings on the Golden Rocket Frog
Over the years, the Park has been facilitating researchers to conduct studies which have proven successful as they have discovered a few new species of herbs that are new to science and several other plants which are only found in the Park.
Nokta also noted that while many visit the Park primarily to see the falls, the biodiversity of the area provides an additional attraction.
The information gathered from the research is also used to educate and inform visitors and tourists about the biodiversity of Kaieteur Park. He added that with the information, management is keen to put systems in place to strike a balance between commercial developments in tourism and maintaining the country’s leading conservation sites, as well.
Pettitt will be collaborating with the Kaieteur National Park to create an arena showcasing the Golden Rocket Frog. The exhibition will last for six months.
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Political dialogue between EU, Government to commence shortly
- On human rights, democracy and rule of law
Georgetown, GINA, May 20, 2009
At a press conference this morning at the offices of the European Union delegation in Guyana, it was announced by EU ambassador, Geert Heikens, that political dialogue between the Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, will commence shortly and discussions will focus on the issues of human rights, democracy and rule of law.
“We have agreed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that in June, July, we will have the first political dialogue, and knowing her (Minister Rodrigues-Birkett), I am quite sure we can discuss everything on the table. The British High Commissioner and myself on the EU side and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on her side (Minister Rodrigues-Birkett) will go over a lot of issues we would like to discuss, and hopefully it is not a one time shot, that we will have these dialogues regularly,” Heikens explained.
The Contonou Agreement will dictates the relationship between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries and the European Union makes provision for such dialogue.
“There is in the Contonou agreement mention of a political dialogue which should take place regularly, at least once a year, on issues such as human rights, democracy and rule of law,” Heikens said.
The press conference was called to outline the assistance that Guyana will receive from the European Union under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) country assistance programme, as well as assistance for the local sugar industry in view of the termination of the Sugar Protocol on September 30.
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IMF commends Guyana on maintaining macroeconomic stability
-despite external shocks and social pressure
Georgetown, GINA, May 20, 2009
Government’s prudent management of the local economy has again been recognized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to a report from the concluded Article IV consultation with Guyana, the Institution has commended Government for implementing several policy initiatives that saw the economy maintaining macroeconomic stability, achieving real growth rates and containing inflation, inspite of the global turmoil.
The consultation is part of the institution’s yearly bilateral discussions with countries to provide an assessment of policy initiatives and reports on a country’s economic progress.
Earlier this month, the World Economic Outlook, which presents the IMF’s analysis and projections of economic development projected Guyana’s economy would grow by 2.604 percent in 2009 and by 3.448 percent in 2010.
The Article IV report stated that despite external shocks and social pressures, macroeconomic stability was preserved in 2008, which the Fund attributed to the administration for actively implementing prudent fiscal and monetary policies.
It is in this regard, the Directors commended the authorities’ commitment to further entrench macroeconomic stability, strengthen the financial system and implement structural reforms.
According to the report, the direct spillovers from the global financial crisis on the banking system have been limited so far. It noted that the banks remain well capitalized and profitable, and the financial system is sound.
Government has been making ample progress in tightening financial legislations with the passage of several significant pieces of legislation. This heightened financial supervision and oversight to limit potential contagion was supported by the institution.
The report stated that the progress being made on the financial sector reforms and on legislation to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism was welcomed, as Government seeks to strengthen the financial sector.
Policy moves by Government in 2008, were lauded, including that of temporarily reducing the excise taxes on petroleum products as that limited the pass-through of higher international fuel prices to consumers and effectively diffused social pressures while helping to contain inflation.
They applauded the authorities for reinstating the excise taxes in recent months in light of the abatement in international oil prices, to protect the fiscal position.
The administration’s commitment to sustain the fiscal consolidation was commended by the Directors, the report stated. They agreed that a more gradual deficit reduction than previously envisaged is justified in the context of the global slowdown.
Directors hailed the progress made in the area of fiscal reforms, including the successful implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT). However, they cautioned against a further expansion of the list of zero-rated VAT items. Despite that, they noted that the VAT is now well established.
Government also came in for high praises for ensuring a reduction in inflation rate, as the institution supported the administration’s continued vigilance and the readiness to adjust monetary policy to keep inflation low.
In addition, it was noted that exchange rates have been broadly aligned with fundamentals which have served Guyana well, as a stable exchange rate is critical to maintaining macroeconomic stability.
The report contended that Government’s plan to reduce the external current account deficit gradually over the medium-term through the growth of non-traditional exports and the development of petroleum and hydropower resources were commended.
Further structural reforms to sustain growth and make progress on poverty alleviation over the medium-term was encouraged, in addition to addressing the high cost of energy, enhancing private sector participation in the economy and to prepare an appropriate legal framework for future oil revenues, drawing on international experience.
The report highlighted that the recently concluded Berbice River Bridge, a major public-private sector partnership bodes well for increased private sector participation in the economy.
The upcoming finalization of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) to underpin Government’s medium-term plans for poverty alleviation, and achieving the Millennium Development Goals were highly praised by the Directors.
Meanwhile, the IMF is projecting higher growth for Guyana in 2009, with a recovery in sugar output that is expected to offset a slowdown in the other sectors of the economy, while lower oil import prices would compensate for declines in commodity export prices.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh commenting on the WEO report said that the projections contained in the outlook suggest that within the halls of those who do the projections, there is the view that Guyana will continue to grow this year albeit somewhat more modestly than what it has been growing in recent years.
Guyana’s economy achieved real growth rate of 3.1 percent in 2008, following rates of 5.1 and 5.4 percent in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
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$23.850B for sugar industry in 2009/2010 – EU Ambassador Heikens
Georgetown, GINA, May 20, 2009
At a press conference held this morning at the European Union (EU) office, Sendall Place, more information was provided on the grant assistance that Guyana will be receiving from the EU during the next five years.
Guyana has been allocated the sum of $14.68B under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) programme which runs from 2008 to 2013. The projects included in Guyana’s programme are:
- Macroeconomic support - $8B;
- Sea Defence/Coastal Management - $3.9B;
- Governance - $265M;
- National Authorising Officer (NAO) Task Force - $265M;
- Technical Cooperation Facility - $265M;
- Land Use Planning - $795M; and
- Emergency Assistance - $1.17B
In addition, the EU will be providing Guyana with $23.850B in assistance to the sugar industry to compensate for the ending of the Sugar Protocol on September 30. Guyana will lose $7B annually as a result of the 36% cut in the preferential price for sugar it received in European markets.
From left – Grampiero Muci, Agro-Economist, Chris Inglebrecht, Head of the Technical Section, EU Ambassador Geert Heikens and Ewout Sandker, Head of the Regional Section at the press conference held on May 20 at the EU office, Sendall Place
According to a release provided during the press conference, “the European Community formulated its overall response strategy following the submission of the Guyana National Action Plan on Sugar in 2006. The Response Strategy embraces all the three main components of the Guyana Action Plan, namely enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of the sugar sector, encouraging agricultural diversification, and measures to support the implementation of the components of the Plan.”
To this end, Guyana has invested in the 110,000 tonne sugar mill and cogeneration facility at Skeldon, technological advancements in field mechanization and expansion of cultivation and focused on value-added products such as packaged sugar, refined sugar and molasses utilization.
The Skeldon factory is one of the most modern of its kind in Latin America. It features modern and innovative implements which surpass the technologies used by other similar facilities in the continent. One dominant feature of the factory is the generation of over 20 megawatts of power, which will double the total electricity demands of the region. To ensure the diversification and viability of the factory, the excess power will be transferred to the grid and utilized by other communities outside of the region. Emphasis is being placed on reducing production cost to about US$0.12 per pound to make it competitive on the world market. The Skeldon Estate will also enhance the international competitiveness of Guyana’s sugar industry, placing it in an appropriate position to exploit higher value-added opportunities. In addition, this project will involve the establishment of a distillery and possibly a refinery.
EU Ambassador Geert Heikens addresses the media during the press conference held on May 20 at the EU office, Sendall Place
The signing of the overall 10th EDF agreement was inked at the Ministry of Finance boardroom on May 6. Also, two projects under the country support programme, namely the Development of Land Use Planning and the Institutional Strengthening of the National Authorising Officer’s office in Guyana were formalized.
The Land Use Planning project will be administered by the Guyana Lands & Surveys Commission (GLSC) and will assist Guyana in developing a sustainable, equitable and pro-poor land development strategy through the development of land use plans that will aid rational decision-making while the main aim of the Institutional Strengthening project “is to continue building the institutional capacity of all the actors involved in the execution of the European Commission development cooperation at the various levels at the Ministry of Finance”.
At the signing of the agreement on May 6, Heikens explained that the focus of the budget support programme will be on assisting Government in completing the second Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PSRP) which is expected in the next few months, and in meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). With the coastal management project, unlike in previous cycles, the focus will not be on building sea defence structures, but rather on their maintenance and rehabilitation, he said.
Guyana will also benefit from regional programmes including the Integrated Programme for the Caribbean Rum Industry, Support for the Caribbean Court of Justice and Support for the Caribbean Rice Industry.
Under the rum programme, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has completed a new bottling hall, and bottling line which is expected to open in June. With regard to the distillery enhancement, the purchasing of a new still and the rehabilitation of old ones is in progress. These two projects have received $980.5M in grants. In addition, they will also receive $646.6M for the new biomethanisation plant as they move towards climate friendly disposal of their waste.
Ambassador Heikens was keen to point out that the EU’s cooperation with Guyana is very good.
“For a diplomat here, it is very pleasant how easy it is to contact people. There is no problem here to call a Minister and talk to a Minister, even President Jagdeo. I have been in other cultures where it took you a month before you get an appointment with a Minister. I must say from my experience here, it’s a very pleasant way of working,” the Ambassador said.
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Gala flag raising ceremony to usher in 43rd Independence observance
Georgetown, GINA, May 20, 2009
Guyana will be celebrating 43 years as a sovereign nation, with the traditional but symbolic hoisting of the country’s Golden Arrowhead at midnight in the National Park on May 25.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the coordinating body for the flag raising ceremony, has planned a five-hour presentation that begins at 19:00 h (7:00 pm).
The programme will be highlighted by performances by Guyana’s National Steel Orchestra, Mashramani 2009 calypso and chutney monarchs, dances, songs and other artistes and groups among which are the Creation Express Band, Apex Dance Troupe, Circle of Love, Quarter, Sandella Craig and the Dance Fanatics.
Other groups scheduled to perform are the Annandale Secondary School Mixed Choir, the Apex Academy Dance Troupe, the Ministry of Culture’s School of Dance and Dance Company and the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force bands.
As is customary Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo will address the nation on the challenges and achievements since May 1966. There will be military displays and drills minutes before the hoisting of the flag.
A dazzling fireworks display will also be witnessed following the hoisting of the flag to culminate the event.
Guyana achieved its independence from Britain officially on May 26, 1966 after a long struggle by Guyanese who are today recognized for their leadership and courage in the face of adversity.
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Human Services Ministry plans to host trade fair for women
GEORGETOWN, GINA, May 20, 2009
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is taking a holistic approach to ensure that while they provide all the necessary services for vulnerable persons, who are mostly women, they also provide them with opportunities to develop themselves.
Towards this objective, the Ministry is preparing to host a Women's Trade Fair which is scheduled to be held at the end of July.
The trade fair seeks to provide a forum for talented women to showcase their locally made products. This event is also being envisaged as an avenue through which women can promote and market their goods.
As such the Ministry is encouraging persons or a group which is engaged in arts and craft and would like to participate in the event to send their information to dvpolicyunit@gmail.com or call telephone number 223-6041.
Persons who are interested are asked to note that the products must be made of locally made or grown materials. Persons are not required to be producing on a large scale as the Ministry’s aim is to garner recognition for talented women who use local materials.
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ERC meets with Region Five women, sugar workers - message of forging racial harmony stressed
Georgetown, GINA, May 20, 2009
In keeping with its ongoing objective to eliminate racial, religious and social discrimination in Guyana, a team of Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) members led by Chairman Bishop Juan Edghill visited Region Five and met with different groups of people.
The team first met with representatives of several Women’s Groups at the Regional Board Room, Fort Wellington. The ERC Chairman said that the Commission’s main intent is to give women a chance to voice their concerns and opinions as it relates to racism and other social barriers.
ERC's Chairman, Bishop Juan Edghill interacting with Region Five women
Bishop Edghill noted that under no circumstance should any Guyanese be subjected to discrimination of any kind and that persons should be assessed solely on their merit not by race, religion, political affiliation or social strata.
He lamented that even though Guyanese have evolved as a people over the years, improving race relations remains one of the biggest challenge. He added that the ERC has realized that women can play a key role in tackling these social conflicts, by exposing the abhorrence of racism in their society.
Bishop Edghill explained that racism in most cases is born in the home and children, who are more vulnerable, adopt what they observe from their parents.
Under the guidance of Ms. Rajkumarie Singh, who was the facilitator of the proceedings, the women were separated in groups to interact with each other and discuss the contributions they can make in society and the factors preventing them from doing so.
Blairmont Sugar estate workers at the ERC meeting, Blairmont
The women said that they could empower and educate themselves in order to make a positive impact in society. Some of the hindrances they identified are poverty, lack of education, disability, low self-esteem, fear, family responsibilities, religious beliefs, race, and status.
Region Five Chairman, Harrinarine Baldeo, lauded the ERC for recognizing the vital role that women can play in eradicating racial conflicts and controversies. He urged the women to put differences aside and work together towards positive development, free of barriers.
The ERC team also met with Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) workers at the Blairmont Sugar Estate, where the discussions on racism and social division were reiterated.
Headteacher of the Cove and John Hindu School Rajkumarie Singh, facilitator of the ERC workshop speaking to women's groups at the Region Five Boardroom
Bishop Edghill expressed the need to improve race relations in the workplace, and urged the gathering to use diversity as a means of unity, not conflict and separation. He also said while they might share different beliefs, they need to respect and be more tolerant of each other’s views.
Tomorrow the ERC returns to the Region where it will meet with youths at the Regional boardroom beginning at 14:00 h.
The ERC is a constitutional body established: to provide equal opportunity for persons of different ethnic groups; to promote good relations and foster social cohesion by promoting the elimination of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, and a sense of security among all ethnic groups to help in the process of nation building.
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Government team visits Mabaruma Sub-Region
…addresses community development and social concerns
Georgetown, GINA, May 20, 2009
Residents of Mabaruma Sub Region were given the opportunity to interact with Government Officials and provide feedback when a team led by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai visited several communities including Hobodia, Hotoquai, Sacred Heart, St. Dominic, Yarakita, Arukamai and Lower Koriabo during the period May 15 through 19.
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai , Government Officials and Region One residents travelling to Lower Koriabo
The team comprising Member of Parliament Donald Ramoutar, Hinterland Coordinator of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Devleopment Harripersaud Nokta and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Hydar Ally addressed various concerns raised by the residents.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and other Government and Regional Officials on their way to visit riverain communities
Minister Sukhai highlighted some of the social developments in those areas which include health facilities and personnel. She also disclosed that the Ministry is in the process of compiling a database of communication means.
Electricity
The Amerindian Affairs Minister told residents of Yarakita that they are among the seven recipients of one of Government’s pilot programme, the Unserved Areas Electricity Programme (UAEP) which provides operating solar system power. Some of the other areas are Muritaro in Region Ten and Capoey in Region Two
The project which was funded by the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB), if successful will influence Government’s decision as to whether they would seek more funding to expand it in the future. However, Government would have to provide financial resources to move the programme forward and as such there is no guarantee as to when it will be extended to all the villages.
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai addresses residents at Hotoquai
Minister Sukhai observed that the communities that benefited from the (UAEP) seem to be enjoying the solar power and this could be examined further as those projects take off.
Residents turn out in their numbers to listen to a team of Government officials, led by Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai at a meeting at the Hosororo Primary School
She added that Government expects to acquire 1000 solar units that would be used to provide minimum electricity to some homes. She said that the possibility of assigning these units to homes in some of the villages will be examined. The units will not be able to power appliances but will provide light for approximately four hours for each community which will benefit the children by extending their study time.
Birth certificates
Addressing the issue of the lack of birth certificates, Minister Sukhai said that approximately 400 were sent in to the Region and these are being checked and collated to be forwarded to the Toshaos for distribution.
Region One residents
Minister Sukhai explained that her Ministry depends on the General Registrar’s Office for assistance where the birth certificates are processed, and the Ministry is aggressively pursuing the issue.
Health
Permanent Secretary Hydar Ally told the residents of the strides made in the health sector. He said for instance in maternal health care, deaths have reduced to such a level that it is even better in the Eastern Caribbean. In Region One the malaria eradication programme is a huge success and these and other developments have all been made possible through the efforts of the Government.
PS, Ministry of Health Hydar Ally speaking at a meeting at the Sacred Heart Primary School, Region One
Ally also visited the Mabaruma Hospital and the nurses’ hostel where construction is ongoing.
Education
Yarakita one of the villages that was visited by the team is also the recipient of a new primary school which contributes to improved literacy among children in that community.
Member of Parliament Ramoutar emphasized that Government has trained a lot of teachers who are occupying leading positions in their schools. However, there are still some difficulties in certain areas where residents complained that some teachers are absenting themselves from school for long periods. He assured that the issue will be raised with Ministry of Education so as to ensure that the children do not suffer because of the absence of teachers.
The new Yarakita Primary school, Region One
The well being of children in hinterland schools will be given more attention as $710M was allocated to the national school feeding programme to benefit students from Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.
The school feeding programme has brought about a marked difference in the attendance rate by about 5 to 10 percent as more children attend school especially in hinterland areas.
Hinterland Agriculture
The team also provided an update on the Secure Livelihood Programme that is slated for that Region.
Minister Sukhai stated that the Ministries of Amerindian Affairs and Agriculture and the Voluntary Services Overseas (VSOs) of Guyana are coordinating with a number of specialists who will be placed in the region to assist the 15 communities in the Mabaruma sub-region to benefit from specialists and experts’ skills.
Member of Parliament Donald Ramoutar speaking to residents of several Region One communities at the Hosororo Primary School
She explained that the specialists will provide services to the 15 communities and even beyond. Services provided by specialists in enterprise development, finance and marketing along with a food technologist will be available to the residents in those communities to enable them to better market their products in a way that they will be adequately compensated.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai speaking with specialists at Hosororo.Among them are a food technologist, a business development officer and an aquaculture specialist
The combined team’s visit covered more than 15 communities in Barima, Aruau, Aruka, and Koriabo Rivers in Region One. They also visited and met with villagers of Kamwatta, Whitewater, Wauna, Wauna Hill/Tobago, Almond Beach and Lower Aruka villages
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs during the visit also convened a seminar at Hosororo which involved community leaders and residents from the surrounding communities.
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