Rehearsals in progress for 43rd independence activity
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
The National Park Thomas Lands, will, for the next five nights be a hive of activities as performers for the 43rd independence activity scheduled for that venue, go through the final paces to synchronize their presentations.
Stilt dancers from the masquerade bands in rehearsal at the National Park
This annual activity held on the evening of May 25, will see cultural performances by the National School of Dance which is coordinating a grand cultural presentation as part of the main presentations.
They would be joined by representatives of several private dance schools and students from the Ministry of Culture’s Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme at Kuru Kuru.
Additionally, there will be performances by persons who had placed in the various Mashramani competitions, including calypso and masquerade, held last February.
An address by President Bharrat Jagdeo and fireworks display by the Guyana Defence Force are some of the other actives slated for the evening.
A visit to the venue last evening revealed that over 500 youths from various regions of Guyana going through their paces while teachers of the National School of Dance and students of the Burrowes School of Art preparing costumes for the grand event. Parent and relatives of the performers also congregated at the venue awaiting the completion of the rehearsals to escort their charges home.
The independence flag raising ceremony has been an annual feature anticipated by all Guyanese. Thousands flock the National Park in Georgetown to view the various cultural performances and listen to the presentation by the President.
It also provides an opportunity to bring hundreds of youths form different areas and backgrounds to work together in a national performance. It is a time when all Guyanese forget their differences and gather in one place to share with pride the memory of the first independence activity.
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Brazilian Navy on good-will visit
GEORGETOWN, GINA, May 22, 2009
In continuing its good-will trip around the Caribbean, the Brazilian Navy docked three of its naval patrol vessels; the Bracui, Goiana and Guanabara at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard wharf today.
The Brazilian Navy is involved in a yearly operation called Caribbean Exercise or CARIBEX which aims to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the armed forces of Brazil and Guyana.
Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana, Arthur Meyer said that in forging greater ties with Guyana two GDF officers, Lieutenant Andre Cush and Able Rating Kenroy Fraser will be returning with the Brazilians as a part of the training cooperation programme between the two countries’ Armed Forces.
“This is the first time they (the officers) will be doing this trip and we are very glad that two representatives of the GDF will take part in this training exercise now,” he said.
The Bracui docks at the GDF Coast Guard wharf
The Navy ships will be sailing at 2:00 pm this afternoon for Port Natal, Brazil which is expected to take 7-10 days. The GDF officers will be participating in instruction activities through to the ships’ final destination in Natal on June 9, after which the officers will return to Guyana by air.
The Ambassador added that similar missions are likely to continue as the two countries share a “very fruitful cooperation between the armed forces.”
Commander, Franciso Dantas informed that the three vessels have a total of 116 crew members.
Apart from Guyana, the Brazilian Navy has visited Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Venezuela.
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Drugs procurement, distribution significantly improved
Georgetown, GINA, May 19, 2009
Government has been making ample progress in developing the health sector over the years and has been investing significantly in modern health infrastructure, drugs and medical equipment. Health is one of the underpinnings of national development.
Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran told the Government Information Agency that the procurement and distribution of drugs and medical equipment have significantly improved over the last few years.
Minister Ramsaran noted that storage facilities are much more advanced. He pointed out that the facility at Farm, East Bank Demerara is totally computerized and the micro climate is well controlled. This will ensure that the drugs are stored appropriately.
Voluntary organisations operating in Guyana in Regions One and Nine, have been aiding with the distribution of drugs in those areas, the Minister said.
Dr. Ramsarran noted that often, when there are reports that there is a shortage of drugs, that is not usually the case; rather it is because of logistical and managerial problems, which the Ministry is working to resolve.
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Local Gov’t Elections Bill for next Parliamentary sitting – President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
President Bharrat Jagdeo today announced Government’s intention to move ahead with local government reform legislation by tabling a Bill in the National Assembly when Parliament reconvenes next Thursday.
Addressing the media at the Office of the President shortly after assenting to the Evidence and Motor Vehicle and Road traffic (amendment) Bill 2008 the President said, “We plan to take at least one of the four pieces of legislation, the one that is critical for the elections in the latter part of this year…, to the Parliament on Thursday, 28th May. We would have enough opportunity, there in Parliament, for debate to take place and consultation and maybe a short period of two weeks or so to when it would go into the select committee. In the absence of me meeting with the Leader of the Opposition directly we can do those discussions in Parliament and in the select committee.”
He explained that the consultations between himself and the Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin, was at a stand still because of the absence of the Corbin who recently underwent medical treatment in the USA. “What they are saying is that the Leader of the Opposition is ill and we should wait,” he explained.
But, President Jagdeo said, eight years was long enough for any consultative process and that in the absence of agreement between the parties outside of the National Assembly the way to go was a public debate in Parliament. He posited that a local government election was vital to the functioning of any democracy and that Government could not prolong the process in order to satisfy the ‘whims and fancies’ of the opposition.
“It’s time to bring an end to all of these concerns and hold a local government election. The people of this country deserve no less. We can’t claim that we are a democracy and then not have local government elections held after so many years,” he explained.
Local government election was last held in Guyana in 1994. Following calls for reform of the local government structure, a taskforce comprising members of the Government and Opposition was established, to examine the changes needed and make recommendations for the necessary reforms.
The taskforce was able to reach agreement on two of the four areas identified for reform however, a halt was called to the talks by People’s Progressive Party representative and co-Chairman Clinton Collymore after it was found that agreement on the other two areas was not in sight.
Recently, Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert Ramdin, responding to a question at a press conference held during his visit to Guyana, said that he believes that local government elections in Guyana should be held early and that the legislation heading for Parliament, is a very open and transparent way of having local government elections held within the stipulated reforms.
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally has indicated that most of the preparatory works for the hosting of the elections have been completed, including National Identification Cards, the National register of registrants and the finger print cross-matching exercise and said that the Commission was ready to host elections as early as November.
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Gov’t refutes Trinidad newspaper report
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) has refuted claims that the Guyana Government has sold one million acres of land in Rupununi, Region Nine to one Mr. Simpson of Barbados.
A release from GO-Invest stated that a reporter for the Trinidad Express Newspaper claimed that a Mr. Simpson of Barbados said that he owns one million acres of land in Lethem, Region Nine.
The release stated that the Government would like to make it explicitly clear to the general public that it has never leased or sold to any person or company one million acres of land in Rupununi, or any other part of Guyana and has no intention of doing so.
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We have decided to act – President Jagdeo says
Signs Evidence and Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill into law
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
Assenting to the Evidence and Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill which was approved by the National Assembly on July 25 of last year, President Bharat Jagdeo today outlawed the act of driving under the influence of alcohol. In a rare event, the President signed the Bill into law at a public ceremony held in the Cabinet Room at the Office of the President.
President Bharrat Jagdeo signs the Evidence and Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill into law – from left are Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, Minister of Transport & Hydraulics, Robeson Benn, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, PPP MP Bibi Shadick and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand
“I’ve departed from the standard practice where I would normally sign the bills that come to me into law in my office, a private kind of setting. I did so today largely because of the importance that I attach to this particular piece of legislation,” the Head of State explained.
The Bill places restrictions on the amount of alcohol a driver is allowed to consume while driving. The limit is a breath alcohol concentration of 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath and blood alcohol concentration of 80 milligrams in 100 milliliters of blood or the equivalent of two beers.
“Between 2004 and 2008, we had 731 accidents resulting in 835 deaths and some 329 of those deaths were determined to be caused by people driving under the influence of alcohol. That’s more deaths in five years than all the murders that we have had over the comparable period. This is one of the biggest causes of death in Guyana – accidents; road fatalities and one of the largest contributors to those fatalities is alcohol,” President Jagdeo noted.
President Bharrat Jagdeo assents to the Evidence and Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill at the Office of the President on May 22
He explained that the legislation is not meant to be draconian but rather to get people to act responsibly.
“We have decided to act and we hope that there is a public understanding that this is not a punitive piece of legislation. This is to force people to act responsibly,” he said.
The President also urged persons who have been guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol to desist from the practice.
“I want to urge all of those people who have done this in the past to find a new way…I want to say to people, if you have to drink then find someone else to drive you home or get a taxi…we have to be tough on enforcing this law. You’ve heard the numbers. You’ve heard the statistics. We can make a difference.”
Before the President assented to the Bill, the chairperson of the proceedings, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Angela Johnson, had noted that the Bill was not signed into law immediately. President Jagdeo explained, “As the chairperson mentioned, I declined signing the legislation into law although it was passed in July of last year largely because I wanted to give the Ministry and the Police the chance to sensitize the public. They have done a public awareness programme and this is why I chose today to sign it into law.”
President Bharrat Jagdeo addresses audience after signing the Evidence and Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill into law. To the right of the President is Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force, Henry Greene
The President encouraged the persons in attendance to inform their constituents of the importance of the legislation. The media was also challenged to get acquainted with the legislation and inform the public of the precedents it will establish.
“I would urge everyone here because most of you represent constituencies, that you carry this message to others too. If there isn’t enough done by the authorities, then you should be part of the process to tell people what’s in the legislation,” the President said. “I want to urge the media to ensure that they understand this legislation so that they can then, in turn, inform the public about its implications.”
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Will to tackle climate change does not exist only in prosperous times – President Jagdeo
- Responds to US Energy Secretary’s statements urging compromise on emission targets
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
Asked to comment on statements by US Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, urging compromise on emission targets, President Bharat Jagdeo, during a press conference at the Office of the President, stated that he was disappointed and noted that the will to tackle climate change should not only exist in prosperous times.
“I was a bit surprised this morning when I read the position of the (US) Energy Secretary (Steven Chu). What he said seems to be a back down from a very progressive position that the US government had. It seems as though they are leaving the leadership on this issue to whatever happens in Congress and to whatever is politically feasible,” the President said.
President Bharrat Jagdeo addresses the media during a press conference in the Cabinet Room of the Office of the President on May 22. In the background is Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon
Chu told the BBC that political considerations would have an impact on the US’s attempts to cut carbon emissions, arguing that environmentalists should be willing to compromise to get climate change legislation passed quickly. While acknowledging that climate change awareness has increased significantly, he said that there was a risk that the US Congress would reject targets that require deep, short and medium-term carbon emission cuts.
President Jagdeo has been a strong advocate on behalf of the climate change movement and has offered Guyana’s pristine, standing forests as a carbon capture and storage mechanism in exchange for development aid. He has travelled extensively and has been widely recognized as one of the leading proponents on the topic. Recently, the President was the only Head of State invited to address the 17th session of the United Nations’ Commission on Sustainable Development in New York.
“What you need is strong leadership,” President Jagdeo said. “They need to send a signal that the will to tackle climate change does not exist only in prosperous times, that it has to be there even in difficult times.”
He noted that this is important to secure the assistance of developing countries in the climate change fight.
“If they don’t send that clear signal, developing countries that have to be part of an agreement that has to work, they’ll say, ‘why should we be part of the agreement?’ We have poorer people. We don’t have social safety nets so if people lose their jobs they don’t get unemployment relief and stuff and yet we are being asked to make commitments, and rich and prosperous countries, simply because they have some problems now, are unwilling to make tough commitments,” the Head of State said.
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ERC Chairman warns against those who seek to create conflicts
- again refutes UN Minority Report
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Bishop Juan Edghill, yesterday during a discussion with regional officials and councillors of Region Five appealed to persons to be wary of the things that are written and said about Guyana, some of which tarnish the country’s image.
The Chairman was commenting on the Gay McDougall Report on Minority issues which painted an obscure picture of Guyana. While emphasizing that he was not speaking on behalf of the government, Edghill said he had some serious concerns since the report was unbalanced and unfair.
The ERC, a constitutionally formed body, was not even on McDougall’s schedule as an organisation to speak with, Bishop Edghill said.
When the UN Minority Expert arrived in Guyana the ERC gave her reports pertaining to economic opportunities, land distribution, scholarships and the awarding of contracts. Later, a meeting with held with this expert. The ERC Chairman said that in her report there was no reflection of anything said in those reports.
ERC Chairman Bishop Juan Edghill meeting with regional officials and councillors
Bishop Edghill said that often times Guyana’s image about race relations is damaged internationally by the things irresponsible Guyanese say, referring to the McDougal Report where local sources are quoted. He explained that the ERC which has done extensive consultations was not quoted.
The ERC Chairman questioned the Minority Report which said Afro-Guyanese trade unions existed when this was not the case and that the Critchlow Labour College was established to educate Afro-Guyanese but in the institution’s manifesto there is no mention of this.
Bishop Edghill expressed his disappointment that her report has become an official document that was given to United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR). He noted that Guyana’s Ambassador to Brussels, Patrick Gomes, who attended the Human Rights Commission in Geneva, was only given three minutes to rebut the report which was inadequate.
The ERC Chairman stated that it was Guyanese who had caused these things to be put into the report since they wanted to paint a different picture of the country.
He encouraged persons to be responsible when they speak about Guyana, even when making political points since they could be quoted.
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President inspects enhancement work around City
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
President Bharrat Jagdeo accompanied by Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn and Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran today inspected work being done by the Ministry of Public Works to improve Mandela Avenue and Sheriff Street.
President Jagdeo chats with Headmistress of Winfer Gardens Primary Ms. Jennifer Cumberbatch as students look on
Georgetown is an integral part of Guyana’s economic development and government continues to show its support by investing significantly to develop its infrastructure and beautify its landscape.
The President also examined the works being done by the City Council along Carmichael, Quamina and East Streets. The City Council has begun clearing parapets, avenues and walkways, trimming trees, desilting drains and carrying out minor repairs to roads after having signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Government for the provision of $120M.This is being distributed in tranches of $10M.
President Jagdeo, accompanied by Minister Benn of Transport and Hydraulics and Minister, within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran inspects the parapet along East Street
President Jagdeo also checked on the progress of the groundwork being prepared for establishing a new modern health care facility at La Penitence to benefit residents in the area and its environs, another step upward as the administration seeks to elevate access to health care.
The President stopped at the Winfer Gardens Primary school, East Street where he interacted with the students and encouraged them to take their school work seriously.
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Petroleum Fund account established – President Jagdeo
…funds not yet disbursed
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
At a press conference today at the Office of the President, Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the account in which the US$15M that he was able to secure from the Petroleum Fund to meet some of the liabilities of CLICO Guyana has been established at the Central Bank.
“The CARICOM Secretariat has written to the Trinidadian Government and they have sent a bank account to the Central Bank,” President Jagdeo stated.
However, the funds have not yet been disbursed, the President said.
Guyanese was first informed of the President’s success in securing money from the Petroleum Fund when he returned from the 5th Summit of the Americas which was held in Trinidad & Tobago in April.
“Before I left Guyana, I said at the press conference that they were putting US$50M from the petroleum fund into a special facility to deal with OECS countries that had problems with British American (Insurance Company), because they have some issues which are related to the CL Financial Group. I said, I thought it’s unfair…this is a regional problem and requires a regional solution…I argued for an additional US$15M to come from that fund and to come to Guyana, and they have agreed that US$15M will come from the petroleum fund to Guyana to assist with CLICO,” the President had said.
On April 14, CLICO Guyana was declared insolvent, with its liabilities exceeding its assets by $1.611B on a going concern basis. However, should the company be wound up, the gap between liabilities and assets could rise to $11.9B in a worst case scenario.
The President had noted that despite this, Government would be taking a number of steps to reduce the liability-asset gap.
The measures include raising more funds from related party sources that Nizam Ali & Company, the author of the report on the local company, expected to recover, paying policyholders by cash and withholding payment to the parent company in Trinidad.
Other interventions include attempting to secure an injunction against BOSAI Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. from making payments on an outstanding loan of US$15M to First Citizens Bank Limited of Trinidad and Tobago and challenging the classification by the liquidator, Craig Tony Gomez, of CLICO Bahamas that Guyana’s investment there was an inter-company advance and not a policy. Such a classification would reduce the likelihood of investment being reimbursed.
With the injection of the US$15M from the petroleum fund, this would reduce the gap further and with other interventions, the gap could be completely eliminated, negating the need to use taxpayers’ money.
“That’s $3B! That was what I was doing, working on behalf of people in this country when I was in Trinidad and Tobago. It wasn’t the summit. I had an agreement among the Heads of Governments of CARICOM that we will get an additional US$15M to help offset some of these problems… if we do all the things that I had spoken about at the press conference, I could conceivably see a time when we would not have to use a cent of taxpayers’ money to deal with CLICO,” President Jagdeo had stated.
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GINA to host open-air pictorial Independence exhibition
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
The Government Information Agency (GINA) will be hosting an exhibition on the lawns of Guyana Stores Limited on Church Street on May 25, as part of the observances to celebrate Guyana’s 43rd Independence Anniversary.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 9:00 h to 16:00 h (4:00 pm) showcasing photographs of events in the pre and post-independence eras.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony will be among those in attendance.
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CARICOM’s ICT festival focuses on developing children’s capabilities in ICT application
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in collaboration with the European Union and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) hosted its first Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Festival today at the Guyana International Conference Center, Liliendaal.
Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh at the opening ceremony of the ICT Festival at the Guyana International Conference Center
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day was observed on May 17 under the theme “Protecting Children in Cyberspace” and today’s event was hosted under the same premise.
As part of the day’s activities, five workshops were held that targeted children between the age groups of 9 and14. The objectives of the workshops were to: develop the capabilities of children in the application of ICT for creative and innovative activities;
teach children to use ICT for effective and appropriate communications; and educate teachers and parents on how to teach children about the benefits and risks online.
School children at the ICT Festival
The Festival was declared open by Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh, who expressed his gratitude for the partnership between CARICOM and UNICEF.
Minister Baksh said that the Ministry of Education has a clear vision of its goals in terms of technology and is working assiduously towards achieving them.
“Within the next five years all secondary, as well as post secondary schools must have fully equipped computer laboratories, along with 50 percent of primary schools.”
Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo’s vision is to provide each household with a computer and related to this vision, Minister Baksh said that recently he presented a document to Cabinet and had discussions on the way forward in operationalising this dream.
Minister Baksh also said that funds are being procured to make this quantum leap into the digital age and that the Ministry has a direct objective to use technology as a teaching tool and promote Open Distance Learning (OPL) in schools and at the University of Guyana (UG).
School children at the workshop facilitated by the University of Guyana
CARICOM Secretariat Official, Jacqueline Joseph noted that ICT “opens up a world to young people but at the same time opens young people up to the world.”
She stressed the need for parents, educators and policy makers to understand and identify the risks and benefits involved in the technological age. Joseph disclosed that on a popular website a significant number of sex offenders were cited and taken off in the last two years, and she reiterated her appeal for young people to seek the positive aspects of technology.
Among those participating in the festival were the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company, Digicel, UG, Pressy’s Enterprise, Guyana Net, the Government Information Agency (GINA) and Starr Computers.
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Barbados’ treatment of CARICOM nationals despicable –President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
President Bharrat Jagdeo today while addressing questions posed by the media at a press conference at the Office of the President, urged that Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) must persuade the Barbadian Government to change its policy towards nationals of other CARICOM States living and working in Barbados. “Unless we can change their position on the issue then I expect that many the nationals of many countries will continue to be subjected to this treatment in Barbados … treatment that doesn’t reflect the spirit of what we are trying to build in this Region,” the Head of State said.
The President said that he will be attending the extra ordinary summit in Barbados over the weekend and will address the issue of the treatment of CARICOM nationals by that country.
“In light of the recent situation in Barbados where Guyanese and West Indian generally are treated in a despicable manner by the Barbadian Government I think I will attend the meeting even only for that reason to ensure that the rights of Guyanese are protected,” he assured.
He noted the calls from the opposition for long-term solution to the issue and said that Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon has been mandated to meet with them to get their ideas for solutions to the issue with a view of bringing an end to the situation.
“Dr. Luncheon would be engaging them to see if they have any specific initiative that we could pursue. Right now there is very little that we can do, except to express solidarity with the people …. because these actions are done unilaterally by the Barbadian Government,” he said.
On the substantive agenda of the summit the President said that it was difficult for him to understand the urgent need for this summit given that the scheduled meeting is slated for July in Guyana.
He said that his call last year for a special summit to discuss the implications of the global financial crisis was unheeded and being that there were no new developments in that area he found it difficult to understand the urgency being attached to this extra ordinary summit given that the Region already had a position on the crisis.
“We know what our position is, what our position should be at this meeting. We want a seat at the table when the new global financial architecture is created. I doubt whether we are going to create the architecture in Trinidad and Tobago. That is all that we have to advocate for at the UN conference.”
An extraordinary summit was called by the Barbadian Government in preparation for the June meeting of the United Nations in view of the global economic situation.
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Berbice River Bridge to close from June 1 to 5
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009.
The Berbice River Bridge will be closed from June 1 at 07:00hrs to June 5 at 12:00hrs to facilitate the upgrading and testing of ramps and retractor spans.
The Berbice River Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) said the structure will be closed for vehicular traffic and marine vessels transiting the retractor spans, however vessels will continue to transit the high span.
The Transport & Harbours Ferry Service will be in operation during the period of closure.
BBCI’s management said it regrets the inconvenience the closure will cause.
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GPHC conducts two kidney transplants tomorrow
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
Two kidney transplants are scheduled to be conducted at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) tomorrow, following the successful operation done for the first time last year and another earlier this year at the institution.
The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Khan during a Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services meeting today, told of the impending operations. The transplants represent a tremendous step towards a stronger health care system.
Jairaj Singh and Mohamed Shariff who are currently resting in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) are scheduled for surgery tomorrow.
The surgeries as with the previous two will be spearheaded by an overseas medical team headed by Dr. Rahul Jindal. The five-member team comprises transplant surgeon of the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre Dr. Edward Falta, Dr. Arthur Womble attached to the Athens-Limestone Hospital, Alabama, Dr. Melanie Guerrero, Pulmonary Care Physician and Dr Laura Owens Transplant Coordinator. They will be assisted by local doctors and nurses.
The first transplant was done on July 12, 2008 on 18-year-old Munesh Mangal of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara who received a kidney from his mother.
Mangal was followed by former army major Winston George who received a kidney from his daughter in January last.
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Sectoral Committee on Social Services meets on GPHC services
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
At the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services meeting today, Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Michael Khan addressed concerns by the committee which had visited the GPHC’s admissions, pharmaceutical and out patients facilities on April 24.
The committee on that day interacted with patients and administrative staff on the services being offered at the institution. It comprised Clerk, Oscar Moore, Assistant Clerk, Savitah Samaroo, People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) members, Volda Lawrence, Cheryl Sampson and Amna Ally who is the Chairperson of the Committee, Members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Philomena Sahoye-Shury, Albert Atkinson and Shirley Edwards, Alliance for Change (AFC), Member Latchmin Budhan-Punalall and Research and Documentation Officer, Michael Munroe.
CEO GPHC Michael Khan addressing the committee
Today’s meeting was based on various concerns raised during the interactive sessions which ranged from patients being given priority based on race, duration of time spent to receive services, the distance to the pharmacy, unsanitary conditions at the out patient ward, doctors and nurses working at private hospitals, treatment meted out to children and the number of nurses and doctors at the institution.
One of the issues raised related to lack of dismissal letters for employees who were not doing their work properly. Khan said that there were disciplinary procedures involved before a person could be dismissed and that every complaint made is investigated.
Addressing the issue of persons having to wait in the Accident and Emergency Unit, Supervising Officer, Dr. Navin Rambarran said that persons waiting were put into three categories namely: immediate, urgent and non-urgent upon which basis they receive services.
He stated that this Unit was unlike the out patient ward where non-urgent cases were looked at. Rambarran said that the unit looks at 205 patients on a 24- hour basis and 75,000 patients each year. Because of the small number of doctors and nurses this often causes ‘burnouts’, and attrition added to the difficulties.
Members of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committeee on Social Services meeting with GPHC OFFICIALS
Director of Medical Professional Services, Dr. Madan Rambarran answering a question from Norman Whittaker, PPP/C Member of Parliament as to whether he was satisfied with the services offered said that he was aware of what was happening at the hospital and there was scope for improvement. As such, training programmes are being planned to boost the capacity of the hospital. He said among plans are to introduce an emergency room physician.
Government through the Ministry of Health has developed diagnostic centres around the country to deal with the large number of persons who show up at the hospital. However, the CEO said that persons still continue to seek treatment at the hospital.
Whittaker said that the hospital should consider having health workers to aid doctors and nurses.
PNC/R Parliamentarian Cheryl Sampson recommended that the GPHC consider a public education programme to raise awareness of the health centres around the country while PPP/C Member of Parliament Albert Atkinson recommended that communication be improved at the regional level.
The hospital’s CEO promised to look at the manner in which children receive treatment.
Chairperson Amna Ally said that all the recommendations will be documented and made available for the hospital’s consideration.
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On World Bio-diversity day …
Environmental protection must start in schools-Education Minister
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
The Education Ministry intends to promote environmental awareness and to sensitise children on the importance of bio-diversity and how it can contribute to sustainable development. To this end, the Ministry of Education is collaborating with the Guyana Office for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and its Associated Schools Project Network (ASTnet) to celebrate World Biodiversity Day which is being observed today.
Minister of Education plants a tree at the National Park in observance of World Bio-diversity day
Minister of Education Shaik Baksh said as world bio-diversity day is observed the importance of protecting the environment to ensure sustainable development in Guyana and the rest of the world should be remembered, noting that the school system should be included in the efforts to protect the environment.
“It has to start in the education system. I want to see the nursery and the primary children making efforts to protect the environment, and trees which breathe life to the planet,” he said.
A section of the students present at the tree planting exercise, organized by UNESCO at the National Park
The Minister noted that just last week several schools participated in the programme ‘schools in action against climate change’, a programme sponsored by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in collaboration with the Ministry and the Environmental Community Health Organisation (ECHO).
To mark the observance of World bio-diversity day Minister Baksh planted the first tree at a tree planting exercise organized by UNESCO at the National Park.
Minister Baskh said the gesture of planting a tree would send a strong message across Guyana to students and their parents.
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Greater ties to be forged between Guyana and Brazil
- with signing of new cooperation agreement
Georgetown, GINA, May 22, 2009
Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana, Arthur Meyer has stated that Guyana and Brazil share fruitful cooperation between the Armed forces and in fostering greater ties the two countries are expected to sign an Agreement of Cooperation on Defence Method shortly.
He explained that the agreement “covers a whole range of issues: cooperation and training of staff in military exercise, exchange of information and also in defining common policies regarding methods that affect not only both countries, but the entire South American Region.”
The Ambassador added that the signing of this agreement is expected to be done at the official opening ceremony of the Takutu River Bridge which links Lethem to Bon Fim in the State of Roraima, Brazil.
The Takutu Bridge has been completed; however an agreement is yet to be concluded between the two governments on a mutually convenient time for its opening.
“It has not yet been possible for them to find a suitable date for the Heads of States (President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana and President Luiz Inacio da Silva of Brazil) to attend the opening ceremony due to their busy agenda,” Ambassador Meyer said.
He noted that he has been in contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to try and find a provisional opening for the bridge as he noted that the people from the State of Roraima are very keen and anxious to have the bridge open.
In April, the state Government of Roraima prematurely opened the bridge, without the prior approval of the Brazilian federal government and the Government of Guyana.
“I would also like to point out that the bridge while it is not formally opened for vehicular traffic is open to pedestrians and cyclists who can move about freely. We now just have to find a date for the provisional opening which will allow for the free movement of traffic,” he said.
On April 27, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett announced that the Takutu Bridge had not been opened and the Government of Guyana remains in consultation with the Government of Brazil with a view to finalizing the arrangements for the opening of the bridge to traffic and its subsequent inauguration.
The Brazilian Government, with full agreement from Guyana, has built the Takutu Bridge across the river. It is reported to be one of 335 projects identified by the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IRSA), an initiative by 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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STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA
ON ISSUES RAISED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION
ON BUDGET SUPPORT GRANTS WITHHELD
The Government of Guyana has noted with concern certain public pronouncements made recently in relation to the European Union (EU) sugar accompanying measures and general budget support grants, and wishes to state the following:
GuySuCo Business Plan
In relation to the GuySuCo Business Plan, the condition that is stipulated in the 2007 Financing Agreement states as follows: “The Business Plan 2007-2016 containing a detailed time-bound investment plan for the GNAP sugar component is prepared by GuySuCo and endorsed by the GuySuCo Board of Directors by 31st December 2007”. This deadline was subsequently extended by the EU Ambassador to 31st March 2008.
The undisputed fact of the matter is that GuySuCo did prepare its business plan by the extended deadline and the plan was approved by its Board on 29th March 2008. This fact was communicated to the EC Delegation by the Government in its application for the release of the variable tranche. Upon the request of the Delegation, Government subsequently submitted further evidence that the business plan was approved by GuySuCo’s board via a letter of certification from the Company Secretary of GuySuCo. There is, therefore, absolutely no doubt that the condition as spelt out in the financing agreement was met.
In response to the EC Delegation’s indication that they also required a copy of the plan, Government explained that the plan that had been approved by the GuySuCo Board of Directors was under review by Cabinet, to ensure consistency with national macroeconomic objectives. Following completion of the Cabinet review, the plan was provided to the EC Delegation in June 2008. The EU subsequently took the position that the submission of the business plan in June 2008 rather than by 31st March 2008 constituted non-achievement of the indicator.
Government challenged this interpretation of the EC that the indicator was not met at the level of the local Delegation as well as the EU Headquarters via letter from the Ministry of Finance and through our Ambassadorial representation in Brussels. Government made the case for the reversal of the Commission’s decision to withhold funding since it is the Government’s considered position that the conditions as described in the financing agreement were met.
Government’s assertion in this matter is simple. The fact that the EC Delegation received the plan in June 2008, after Cabinet had completed its review, does not alter the fact that the condition was met by virtue of the plan having been approved by the GuySuCo Board of Directors by 31st March 2008. The EU continues to disagree and has withheld the funding.
PRSP
On the matter of the PRSP, Government wishes to state categorically that there is absolutely no requirement in the sugar accompanying measures financing agreement for a PRSP to be submitted for the purpose of qualifying for sugar sector budget support. The PRSP cannot therefore be used by the EC as a basis for withholding sugar sector budget support.
There is, however, a requirement related to the PRSP under the General Budget Support Programme, which states as follows: “Satisfactory progress should be made in the establishment of a second generation poverty reduction strategy drawing from lessons learnt from the first PRSP”. Clearly, from this language, there is no requirement for the PRSP to be completed and approved by Cabinet or by any other authority for satisfactory progress to have been made and for the condition to be met.
Nevertheless, for the purposes of supporting Government’s application for disbursement under the general budget support programme, the Cabinet-approved draft of the PRSP was submitted to the EC Delegation with a confirmatory letter from the Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon. The fact therefore is that, with regards to the general budget support programme, Government has submitted a second generation PRSP approved by Cabinet and has therefore demonstrated satisfactory progress. At the same time, Government shared the document with the joint donor group for their consideration and comments. Because of this further consultative process of the Government, the EC Delegation has determined that this indicator is not met and that the Delegation is not in receipt of the “final version’ of the PRSP. Government has consistently reaffirmed that there is no requirement for a final version, and that the requirement of satisfactory progress has been adequately demonstrated by the submission of a draft approved by Cabinet to the Delegation.
There are, therefore, three simple points to be made in this matter. Firstly, there are two separate financing agreements, one for general budget support and one for sugar sector support. Secondly, the PRSP is not a prerequisite for the release of the sugar sector support because it is not a condition in that financing agreement. Thirdly, in any event, satisfactory progress has been made on the PRSP and this progress is in fully compliance with the condition stipulated in the general budget support financing agreement.
Conclusion
It should be added that these developments on the part of the EC represent a fundamental departure from the principles of the budget support mode for delivering aid. The understanding has always been that budget support emphasises the achievement of certain specified results, and is disbursed when these results are achieved. If the results are achieved early, i.e., before any timeline that might be specified, then the disbursement is made early. If the results are achieved later, then the disbursement is made at that later time. The current position of the EC on this matter, suggesting that funds are lost because certain deadlines were not achieved in their interpretation, departs significantly from this principle.
Government will continue to assert that the conditions discussed above were achieved, for the reasons outlined above, and that the disbursements should be made to Guyana as soon as possible.
Government has noted also that during the early rounds of provision of budget support by the EU to Guyana, disbursements were made promptly and in full. It is a striking coincidence that most of the difficulties encountered in the implementation of EU budget support came shortly after Government adopted a position that was critical of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that was concluded between the EU and negotiators for CARIFORUM. Government would hope that the difficulties currently being experienced in securing delivery of promised budget support is not somehow connected with the critique of the EPA, and will continue to argue that the anticipated budget support must be delivered in accordance with the financing agreements.
May 22, 2009
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