Three hinterland communities benefit from government donations
Georgetown, GINA, May 25, 2009
A tractor and a boat engine were handed over recently by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to three Region One villages; White Water, Kamwatta and Three Brothers.
According to Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai the government has invested in one of the best brand of tractors, Massey Ferguson, known for its durability and sustainability. The tractor will be utilized by White Water and Kamwatta.
The Amerindian Affairs Minister said that the tractor will be kept at White Water and a management team will be established consisting of persons from both communities. The team will also look at scheduling of works for the tractor.
The tractor was handed over by the Minister to the Toshaos of these communities. Minister Sukhai said that the tractor is a very expensive piece of equipment that will help in communities as it relates to the agriculture sector, transportation and even emergencies.
The tractor will support the National Hinterland Livelihood Project and as the project kicks off, the communities may have greater need for this machinery, Minister Sukhai said.
Residents expressed their appreciation for the tractor and said the village had been requesting one for years. They noted that the tractor will be assisting in the transportation of agricultural produce and lumber for the community. The two communities will also be able to transport their produce to the market regularly. Previously, transportation of agricultural produce was very costly.
Some residents said the donation will result in the living standards of these communities being improved. The tractor will be used to plough fields for other agriculturally based activities.
Minister Sukhai also visited the village of Three Brothers which is located in the Waini River where she donated a boat engine. She said that it will be utilized for various purposes such as village business and supporting residents’ needs.
Residents said that it was clear that the government was interested in their welfare them even though they were so far away. The boat engine, they said, will assist with transportation and communication.
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CDC National Director lauds President’s EPA foresight
Georgetown, GINA, May 25, 2009
National Director of Community Development Councils (CDCs), Philomena Sahoye-Shury, yesterday lauded President Bharrat Jagdeo for putting Guyana in a better position than the rest of the Caribbean islands with respect to sugar.
President Jagdeo’s oversight in ensuring a review clause in the Economic Partnership Agreement was also lauded at the recent 11th special African-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) ministerial conference of sugar held in Guyana which was based on discussing the future of sugar in light of the EPA coming into effect.
Unlike other nations in the Caribbean, the Government of Guyana had continued to invest heavily into the sugar industry. Close to US$200M Government has invested to modernise the Skeldon factory which is geared at reducing the cost of sugar to make it more competitive on the world market. Government has also put in place a turnaround plan for the industry including improved management. These interventions are based on combating the preferential price cuts that will take effect in September of this year.
President Jagdeo had warned about the Caribbean islands signing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) since it will erode the preferential treatment in the exportation of sugar, among other items.
Sahoye-Shury said that with the new agreement, Caribbean nations and others will have to compete with countries such as the United States, Canada and England that provided subsidy to their sugar cane farmers.
According to the National Director, all the nations present were saying that if there was not a provision for a review every five years, their countries would have been in trouble.
President Jagdeo had asked that a five-year review clause be placed into the EPA which will look at the effects of the Agreement on countries.
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GINA’s Independence exhibition attracts many
Georgetown, GINA, May 25, 2009
As part of Guyana’s 43rd Independence Anniversary, the Government Information Agency (GINA) today held a one-day, open-air, pictorial exhibition on the lawns of Guyana Stores Limited, Church Street.
The exhibition showcased pictures from the pre and post-independence eras and attracted a wide cross-section of society. School children from various schools including, Whim primary school, Berbice, Kamwatta and Port Kaituma primary schools, Region One and Kartabo primary school, Region Seven were also in attendance.
A pictorial display of pre and post independence events at GINA’s exhibition on the lawns of Guyana Stores, Church Street.
There were also exhibits showcasing Former President of Guyana Dr. Cheddi Jagan meeting with other Heads of State and at events leading up to independence.
Dr. Jagan was one of the independence fighters alongside Former Presidents Forbes Burnham and Janet Jagan and others. Guyana achieved political independence from Britain on May 26, 1966, ending more than 150 years of colonial rule.
A pictorial display of recent major developments in the country.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony was among those who visited the exhibition. He lauded GINA’s effort to provide Independence and other developmental information to the people on the streets.
Part of GINA’s mandate is to provide information on the country’s development and one method of doing so is by hosting exhibitions.
The Ministry also opened a similar exhibition at the National Museum, this evening to commemorate the event.
Persons viewing the exhibits at GINA’s exhibition.
This evening there will be the traditional flag raising ceremony at the National Park and also in the various Regions, where several Ministers of Government have fanned-out to be part of the countywide Independence celebrations.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and GINA’s Director, Neaz Subhan at the exhibition.
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M.E.N launched to tackle domestic violence
GEORGETOWN, GINA, May 25, 2009
The Men Empowering Network (M.E.N) was officially launched today in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, to establish a holistic front in tackling domestic violence
This organisation seeks to “engage and enable men to effectively fulfill their purpose in building the nation.”
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand is pleased that men are now organizing themselves to tackle social issues that affect people and will continue affecting society if they are not dealt with.
She noted that domestic violence cannot be seen as simply a set of abusive behaviour; which when examined shows that at the root of domestic violence is the perception that women are not equal to men
Prime Minister Hinds addresses the gathering.
In this regard, Minister Manickchand explained that while significant strides have been made in attaining more equality between the sexes than ever recorded; the world has still not attained true equality which results in many women, especially women in the “out-of-the-home work force”, having to work twice as hard to receive half of the recognition of their capabilities than their male counterparts.
Evidence of this inequality lies in the fact that women continue to be battered and killed. “Until women attain true equality we will never see development as its zenith…we will never see Guyana accelerating at a pace that all Guyanese can be proud of,” she said.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said that domestic violence has become an epidemic. In this regard, he said that focus must be placed on abusers.
“We have been very pleased to follow the lead of Minister Manickchand with bringing in place a series of family laws into place…We are conscious as a government that our laws alone are not enough… and therefore we, are very pleased to see the religious society’s participation,” he said.
Prime Minister Hinds said that for this reason government is pleased to support the initiative in the hope that the holistic approach will succeed in tackling this crime.
Minister Manickchand emphasises a point on fighting domestic violence.
Chairman of M.E.N, Reverend Kwame Gilbert said that the issue of domestic violence must never be seen or treated in isolation as a woman’s issue or a gender issue. “Domestic violence is a threat to the civil liberties and social wellbeing of all. Once one person amongst us is a victim of an unjust act of abuse or violence, we all become responsible for the administering of justice and the mitigation of every form of abuse.”
He suggested that,“What is required is a whole hearted commitment to the giving of our time, our resources, both financial and institutional to fixing this problem. Everyone must become involved. Everyone must speak out. Everyone must extend a hand to change the culture of abuse and domestic violence.”
Rev. Gilbert strongly advocated that the empowerment of one partner over another and in order to maintain that control the dominant person in a relationship suppresses the other by using control strategies such as verbal insults or humiliation, intimidation, threats, economic control, isolation, deprivation of privileges.
“The fight therefore, must be not only to stop the violence, but to arrest and change the culture of abuse that sometimes is overlooked as a private matter between a man and his woman… we have seen an escalation from “buse-out” to a “beat-out” and now the order seems to be-murders in the most gruesome of ways. It is this culture of inhumanity that we seek to arrest, but it begins with us having an understanding of the dysfunctions within the relationships of our men and the women in their lives, and engaging, educating, enabling men to lead in these relationships so that respect, honour, love and dignity is fostered,” he said.
At the launch white ribbons symbolizing the anti-violence activism and which speaks to curbing violence against women were given to participants.
A section of the gathering.
“Onthe behalf of M.E.N, I wish to encourage our religious leaders, that even as we seek to change the culture of abuse and violence amongst our men, we must not be guilty of encouraging our women to remain in situations of abuse and violence, when their lives are in imminent danger,” Rev. Gilbert urged.
Minister Manickchand noted that, “There have been expressed commitments by the government to work to eradicate violence against women and children. This commitment has been evidenced by many tangible actions on the part of the government including ratifying and implementing several international instruments including the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.”
Government recognised that not all are able to afford legal counselling and that many women may not have the resources to access the protection provided under the Domestic Violence Act of 1996, last year expanded legal aid services which can now be accessed in Regions 2, 3,4,5,6, and 10.
There is also the National Policy on Domestic Violence which identifies the principles that should guide any group or organisation seeking to work to eradicate domestic violence and has at its core the transformation of attitudes that condone or normalize such violence.
“Even after collective effort we still see women dying, but it would be unfair to ourselves if we only think that there were in vain, I believe that the increase reporting that we see on domestic violence is directly from the work that is being done,” she said.
Also present at the launch were Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and British High Commissioner to Guyana, Fraser Wheeler.
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Time to reflect on national legacy-Minister Webster at flag raising ceremony at Paradise, ECD
Georgetown, GINA, May 25, 2009.
Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jennifer Webster, today urged that as the Golden Arrowhead is hoisted to mark yet another year of independence, Guyanese should take time to reflect on the national legacy that they all enjoy.
A simple but meaningful flag raising ceremony which was held at the Regional Democratic Council office Compound, Paradise, saw complete, patriotic participation from school children of various schools along the East Coast of Demerara.
Minister Webster stated that Guyanese should safeguard and build from the rich diversity that bears the foundation of Guyanese culture and dedicate themselves towards the maintenance of the struggle that gained Guyana independence from Britain in 1966.
She said that Guyana has come a long way as a nation and that the government remains committed in its oath to work steadfastly towards a brighter future. She also said that Guyanese should celebrate with pride as they look back at the country’s history and achievements.
Clement Corlette Regional Chairman, Region 4, spoke of the national symbols that ultimately led to the construction of the country’s national identity.
The Chairman said that Guyanese should focus on what they have achieved since independence, take cognizance of their many blessings and see how they can contribute to further development.
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Sustainable development in hinterland highlighted at conference for Amerindians
Georgetown, GINA, May 25, 2009
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall at a conference on Sustainable Development for Amerindian leaders in Regions Eight and Nine highlighted the importance of practicing sustainable development in Guyana’s hinterland.
In his address to the sixty-odd Toshaos and community leaders, Minister Lall was critical of countries that use the argument that the rainforest is the lungs of the world and should be preserved while trying to impose restrictions that thwart development in those countries. He said in many instances the same countries exploit the forest to further their development.
The Minister added that though Guyana agrees that the rainforests should be preserved, there is also the missed opportunities for which countries like Guyana should be compensated. “Somebody has to pay for us to keep our forest standing,” he said.
Referring to countries that have been practicing deforestation and are getting assistance from other countries, Minister Lall pointed that though Guyana’s rainforest remains intact through sustainable development “we are not getting anything and we think that it is unfair that those who have already destroyed their forests are getting assistance while those who are preserving theirs are not receiving assistance.”
According to the Minister this is a major issue which President Bharrat Jagdeo has been highlighting in various parts of the world.
Addressing the impact of forest preservation on the country Minister Lall pointed out that in many parts of the world the use of forest products such as hard wood is prohibited resulting in difficulty to market these products.
He added that though this is not intentional, environmentalists sometimes do not understand the circumstances. He cited mining as an example where many people believe that huge sections of the forest are cleared. This, he said, is not so although there are instances where people clear the land for farming but not on a large scale.
He urged the Amerindian community to take the responsibility for developing their communities seriously since the communities that are more vibrant are those where the councils and the communities work together.
On May 8, President Bharrat Jagdeo met with representatives of indigenous Non Governmental Organisations to discuss Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which is scheduled to be launched later this month.
The LCDS will provide the broad framework of Guyana’s response to climate change and will hinge, in particular on Guyana deploying its forests to mitigate global climate change.
President Jagdeo at that meeting informed that at the launch of the Strategy there will be a wide cross-section of stakeholders including representatives from indigenous and forest communities.
The launch will be followed by country-wide awareness exercises using the media with radio and television presentations and discussions, and a web-site dedicated to providing information.
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Good governance issue addressed at Amerindian Leaders conference
Georgetown, GINA, May 25, 2009
Amerindian leaders at a Conference on Sustainable Development in St. Ignatius, Region Nine were urged by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai to carefully examine the issue of good governance at the community level as addressed in the new Amerindian Act.
Section 10:43 of the Act addresses good governance as it relates to the community level which comprises the village council, the national Toshaos council and district councils.
The new Amerindian Act seeks to strengthen the authority and support given to Amerindians in terms of their responsibility to the development of their respective villages.
Minister Sukhai highlighted instances where many governance issues that arise are attributed to a breakdown of collective decision making. She added that in many cases councillors neglect their responsibilities and the pressure and responsibilities of all village issues sometimes rest on one person; the Toshao.
She pointed out that leaders need to consider how they can improve in collective decision making since councillors sometimes fail to pool their resources and their responsibilities to arrive at collective decisions on behalf of the residents of their villages.
The Amerindian Affairs Minister said that her Ministry has been receiving written complaints about Toshaos not holding community meetings or council meetings and failing to update the village about agreements and projects. She said in such instances there is no evidence that collective decision making was present.
The Minister urged the newly elected councils to improve in this area as it would be more beneficial to the people in their villages and would erase issues that speak to a breakdown of governance or a weak administrative system in the village.
This issue, Minister Sukhai said is not specific to Region Nine since in other regions the intensity and dimension of the problems are higher. She said that although Region Nine is one of the model regions because of the ability of its leaders and some residents to contain such issues in those communities, there are still other villages which need to be improved.
The initiative to provide villages with offices was one of the first steps taken to ensure that village councils strengthen their administrative arm by operating and administering from a permanent office or platform. This, she said, was born out of the need to have a permanent office where village matters can be discussed and solutions found.
She urged leaders to use their village offices for that purpose so that new leaders would not have the same governance problems and instead would be able to assume the responsibilities of moving the development of the Amerindian people forward.
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Culture Minister calls on Guyanese to play their part to hasten development
-as country observes 43rd independence anniversary
Georgetown, GINA, May 25, 2009
As Guyana celebrates its 43rd Independence Anniversary, events are being held throughout the country to mark this significant occasion in the country’s history which is a reminder of its struggle for freedom from Great Britain.
To mark the observance, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Walter Rodney Museum today held its Annual Independence Exhibition at the Guyana National Museum under the theme “Building Blocks of Nationhood 43 years after Independence.”
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony was present and used the opportunity to highlight the struggle for independence, as well as the achievements of the country.
The Minister called on Guyanese to work together and play their part to hasten the country’s development.
“What we should reflect on is not only the way we have traveled, but we should also do it in our personal interest of what we have done for our country, what role we have played this far and what role we can play to make our country a better place…if each of us can put our individual efforts together, we can multiply the effect, we can bring progress even faster than it has come,” he said.
The exhibition is a tradition of the Ministry and every year it strives to give people a perspective of the struggle for independence and its happenings.
The Minister stated that it is important for school children to visit such exhibitions as they will help them in understanding the significance of Guyana’s independence as it relates to the happenings in the then British Guiana.
The exhibition showcased some of the major events and achievements of Guyana since it gained its independence.
Advisor to the President on Governance, Gail Teixeira in giving a historical perspective of independence noted that in the 1940s and 1950s, “it was a hard-fought battle, the British did not give independence on a platter, we had to fight for it as a people and it was a difficult fight, an arduous fight and it was at times traumatic.”
The struggle against colonialism had escalated in all the colonies of the British, French, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese governments at that time and there were many anti-colonialism movements in many parts of the world.
With the implementation of the Political Affairs Committee, their first aim was for colonial rule to end and later the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) with its mandate declared its struggle to end colonial rule and make Guyana an independent nation, Ms. Teixeira explained.
In the 1950s, she noted that the situation in British Guiana was near deplorable with people living in “logies” and malaria being dominant.
She spoke of the mass movement for independence led by Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Mrs. Janet Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Ashton Chase and Jocelyn Hubbard. “This movement brought radical change because the British did not give anything. There was tremendous pressure unlike other Caribbean nations which were much easier,” she noted.
Teixeira elaborated on how Guyana finally gained its independence after much struggle. “The struggle for independence was the only way we as a people could determine our past and could set our agenda as a people, we could not continue under colonial rule.”
She added that Mrs. Jagan fought through independence and after post-independence continued this struggle. She said that the struggle was traumatic and when the Union Jack was lowered and the Golden Arrowhead was raised, 43 years ago, it was with passion, pride and love that all Guyanese saluted this achievement.
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INDEPENDENCE ADDRESS 2009
OF HIS EXCELLENCY,
PRESIDENT BHARRAT JAGDEO.
My fellow Guyanese:
Tonight we meet here to reenact that momentous day in our history when the Union Jack was lowered, and for the first time the Golden Arrowhead flew proudly in the night's sky. This symbolic act stated boldly to the world that Guyana had the status of an independent nation.
This annual observance is intended to celebrate the attainment of this important status as a nation, and to ensure that no Guyanese ever forgets the struggle that was successfully waged in the long road to securing the birth of independent Guyana.
For those of you who are old enough to have borne witness to this historic event, and to have participated in the fight for independence, I am sure that the sense of patriotism that was evoked on that occasion will inspire you to spare no effort in cultivating in the present and future generations, the values of struggle and sacrifice for the cause of our country.
It is only fitting that on the anniversary of an occasion of such historical significance, we acknowledge the contributions of those before us who fought valiantly, even dying so that we could live a life of freedom.
This freedom we earned at Independence was not absolute but was one we have constantly had to defend and protect, just as the next generation and the generations to come will have to safeguard and secure the boundaries of true independence.
Indeed, throughout the period since our colonial experience, until today, Guyana has had to overcome adversity in all forms and fashion, both within and without, in order to continue to give true meaning to our independence and to build a nation in which our citizens can realise their aspirations.
In essence, struggle has become a necessary part of the life of Guyanese. We are here today because of the resolve of our forebears to struggle indefatigably for our day in the sun. The theater of our battles has been everywhere-streets, chambers, press, courts and markets. Men, women, and children, believers and non believers have been in the struggle for Guyana. That we have prevailed stands testimony to the righteousness of our struggle and to the commitment and resolve of our fighters.
Fellow Guyanese,
Today the fight is keener and the stakes are higher. The global fuel, food, and economic crises that have unfolded over the past year are perhaps good examples of these adversities and the suddenness with which they have appeared.
Much of last year was characterised by a fuel and food crisis that saw the most rapid price escalation in living memory. Just as the historically high oil prices threatened the viability of fuel intensive industries and impacted on the cost of transportation and food production, so did food prices threaten to condemn millions around the world to hunger and poverty.
In Guyana, my Government’s policy response was swift and focused, and directed at protecting the welfare of the working people and the most vulnerable in our society. Our strategy was aimed at ensuring the continued availability of affordable supplies of basic necessities and restricting the "pass through" of imported price increases.
In direct response to the upward movement in fuel prices, we intervened by reducing the excise tax on fuel , thereby providing direct protection to final consumers of fuel products and securing the continued viability of those productive sectors for whom fuel is a significant input. We also provided a cash subsidy to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), which cushioned the effects of high fuel costs on both businesses and households.
Similarly, to soften the impact of high food prices, my Government provided millions of dollars in subsidies to reduce the cost of essential food items such as bread and wheaten flour, and to ensure continued distribution of staples at affordable prices.
These and the other interventions implemented, came at significant fiscal cost. However, by astute management of the economy, we were able to contain the growth of the fiscal deficit, maintain adequate international reserves and stable exchange rates, and thus safeguard the continued growth in the economy. Furthermore, all of this we achieved while sustaining spending on investments in the social sector and in infrastructure.
This fuel and food crisis was followed by the unparalleled current global financial and economic crisis which has overturned decades of economic orthodoxy underpinned by the neo liberal ideology and characterized by free market fundamentalism . The virtual collapse of the financial markets in the major capitals of the world has led to losses in excess of 50 trillion US dollars, left millions of workers jobless and homeless, and created an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety. The crisis has sapped the confidence of the markets, led to recession in the developed world and a bleak outlook for developing countries.
The collapse of the ideology of unfettered markets and the election of Barack Obama as the President of the United States have created the opportunity and hope for the reform of colonial and post colonial international relations and institutions such as the United Nations, the IMF, the World Bank and the World Trade Organizations, all with their inherent bias towards the interests of the developed world. The challenge remains to reshape global relations so as to make this century the century of the developing world where five of the six billion inhabitants of the world reside.
As Guyana plays its part in advocating for these changes in the reform and restructuring of global international relations and institutions, and as we and as we do so in the context of an unprecedented global financial crisis, we must address the impact of this crisis at home.
While it is inevitable that a small open economy such as ours will feel the effects of this global crisis, the challenge before us is not just to respond to the immediate consequences of the crisis but also to ensure that our responses are consistent with and supportive of our national development thrust to create a new economy.
Fortunately, the application of sound and responsible macroeconomic policies over the past decade and a half has provided us with the policy space needed for crisis management of the economy. During that period, we have built up our foreign reserves, reduced our external indebtedness to sustainable levels, diversified our productive and export bases and strengthened our revenue base. We have also catalyzed emerging sectors such as information technology, aqua culture, tourism and environmental services which will form the core of the new economy. In addition we have fortified the integrity of our financial system by legislating for a stronger regulatory framework. With the enactment of modern anti - money laundering legislation we have moved to become consistent with international best practices. All of these measures are intended to ensure that we emerge from the present global crisis stronger and with a larger economy that is globally competitive. This is as much as challenge for our private sector as it is for the government.
Fellow Guyanese,
A key concern of mine is the preservation and advancement of the welfare gains we have attained through our proven commitment to human development. The government will continue to make investments aimed at enhancing the quality of life of our citizens especially the vulnerable.
In this regard, we will continue to improve access of our citizens to housing, potable water, electricity, education and health care. The strides that we have made in these areas since taking office in 1992 have been tremendous. And our housing drive has made an unenviable contribution towards improving the quality of life of our people. Forthcoming initiatives in our housing policy will further demonstrate my administration’s thrust to heighten the dignity of Guyanese by transforming them into home owners. These new initiatives, calculated to provide our people with the means to overcome the financial hurdles in erecting homes, would see within the next three years the expansion of the hinterland housing drive; the provision of six billion dollars to create new infrastructure and other improvements in existing housing areas, and the establishment of a revolving fund of two billion dollars to assist those who have acquired house lots but who lack access to financing.
Fellow Guyanese,
Our commitment to fostering pride and dignity amongst Guyanese would not allow us to tolerate the abuse of our women and children. My administration remains committed to building a legislative shield to protect our women and children even as we recognize that legislation is just one of many means which are required to end the sickening and tragic scourge of domestic violence.. In this regard, legislative interventions have been made that comprehensively address the welfare of children.. Legislation including the Child Care Protection Agency Bill, the Protection of Children Bill, the Status of Children Bill and the Adoption of Children Bill have been enacted. Work is also proceeding on the Child Care Services and Development Bill and the Custody, Guardianship and Maintenance of Children Bill. In response to the alarming level of domestic violence and the horrific murders, my Administration has intensified its support to victims by increasing the funding for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Legal Aid and Help and Shelter, and caused to be instituted a more sensitive and proactive approach by the Guyana Police Force in responding to the victims.
The constitutional rights commission to protect the welfare of women and children has secured parliamentary adoption and would soon be operational and thus provide another plank of support for our women and children. A Family Court is to be established which would consolidate the handling of all family- related legal matters under its jurisdiction. This action will contribute to easing the frustrations experienced by families in the encounters with the judicial system. In addition, our outmoded laws concerning Juvenile Offenders are being amended since it is recognised that juvenile offenders need to be handled differently from adult criminals. Furthermore, a new Bill on Sexual Offences, to remove archaic laws, is under review.
The legislative tool has also been used to address the difficult situation of crime and violence in our communities. We have revolutionized court rules dealing with evidence and procedures. We have also instituted harsher penalties including identifying non bailable offences such as piracy. We have also enacted laws to provide for mandatory supervision for convicted felons of certain crimes including pedophilia.
Due to the carnage on the road, we have introduced legislation to penalise driving under the influence of alcohol and provide for the use of radar guns to control speeding, two of the most common causes of fatalities from traffic accidents
Fellow Guyanese,
I have so far presented some of the challenges we face and the responses of my Administration. However, there remains one outstanding global challenge and I refer to Climate Change, one that threatens not only economic and financial systems but the very existence of life on the planet.
As all of you are aware, Guyana has not been immune to the effects of global warming. Unseasonal weather patterns and rising sea levels have necessitated increased expenditure to address the consequences of flooding and the overtopping of our river and sea defenses.
However, while climate change presents inescapable threats, it is also offers opportunities for Guyana to develop and market a whole range of environmental services including services linked to tourism, research and development of our eco-system and a center for the study of our biodiversity .
When I spoke on Independence Day last year, I again set out my belief that the people of Guyana can literally lead the world in forging a new low deforestation, low carbon economy where our national development and combating climate change become compatible objectives. I said then that the people of Guyana would have the opportunity to help shape this vision through nationwide consultations and I am pleased that these will start soon after we launch our draft Low Carbon Development Strategy.
The strategy sets out our vision for sustaining our economic progress in light of the new challenges and opportunities presented by climate change. It draws on our Guyanese insights into how existing development objectives can be accelerated to continue our work to create a socially just and prosperous Guyana, but in a way that simultaneously helps the world devise solutions for stopping tropical deforestation, which is the cause of 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
I remain confident that the people of Guyana are ready to play our part – but it is vital that the rest of the world works with us. Our planet is running out of time, and greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2020 at the latest. That is just over a decade away. It will be impossible to do this unless the historic polluters make significant commitments to cut their emissions and provide the incentives for emerging economies to address their emission levels without compromising prosperity. It would also be impossible to stabilize the planet's temperature without urgent action in forestry starting now given the lead time to introduce clean energy and technology transfer systems.
Our strategy sets out how this might be done, and how with the right incentives, Guyana will avoid gigatons of emissions that would have been produced by an otherwise economically rational development path. These incentives can enable us to realign Guyana’s future development onto a low carbon trajectory where we can invest in low carbon economic infrastructure such as the hydro plant at Amelia Falls, open up access to some of our prime non-forested agricultural land such as the Intermediate Savannahs, provide the means for indigenous peoples to access new economic opportunity and protect our people and productive land from the changing weather patterns caused by climate change.
Fellow Guyanese,
We have come a far with since Independence because of the efforts of our people, but much more progress can be made if we have a supportive political environment. Our people's desire for a better life imposes on us the obligation to pursue greater national unity and cooperation
We therefore must seek to implement a framework for improved cooperation between our political parties, particularly the major parties the PPP and the PNCR and to foster engagements that go beyond Parliamentary exchanges and that are more reflective of the enormity of the challenges facing Guyana. While we may not find common ground on every issue and while differences will persist, the need for joint action in response to these challenges must surmount our differences.
Fellow Guyanese,
As we reflect on our successes and challenges of the past, it is important to remind ourselves of the struggles and toils of our fore parents in the fight for Independence and Democracy. They have brought us this far; it is for this generation and the generations to come to continue the journey that would lead to a safe, united and prosperous Guyana, one in which every citizen would be able to hold his or her head proudly and affirm his citizenship to this great land that we call our home.
Love Live a Free and Independent Guyana!
Happy Independence Anniversary!
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We have to constantly defend and protect Guyana’s independence – President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, May 26, 2009
At the gala flag raising ceremony to usher in Guyana’s 43rd Independence anniversary at the National Park, President Bharrat Jagdeo reminded the large contingent of Guyanese gathered that freedom is not free, and the struggle and sacrifice to maintain Guyana’s independence will never cease.
“This freedom we earned at Independence was not absolute but was one we have constantly had to defend and protect, just as the next generation and the generations to come will have to safeguard and secure the boundaries of true independence,” the Head of State noted. He encouraged those old enough to have witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack, to strive to inculcate in future generations the patriotism needed to ensure Guyana remains a truly free state.
“For those of you who are old enough to have borne witness to this historic event, and to have participated in the fight for independence, I am sure that the sense of patriotism that was evoked on that occasion will inspire you to spare no effort in cultivating in the present and future generations, the values of struggle and sacrifice for the cause of our country,” President Jagdeo urged.
President delivers address at the 43rd Independence Flag Raising Ceremony at the National Park.
Government’s proactive approach
The Head of State highlighted that the last year has been very difficult, not only for Guyana, but for most countries around the world. However, with Government’s proactive approach and definitive steps in times of crisis, Guyana was able to weather the storm and actually thrive.
“Much of last year was characterized by a fuel and food crisis that saw the most rapid price escalation in living memory. Just as the historically high oil prices threatened the viability of fuel intensive industries and impacted on the cost of transportation and food production, so did food prices threaten to condemn millions around the world to hunger and poverty,” the President stated.
However, he explained, Government’s response was swift and focused, and directed at protecting the welfare of the working people and the most vulnerable in society. Affordable supplies of basic necessities were ensured and the “pass through” effect of imported price increases was restricted. The excise tax on fuel was pared when fuel prices rose and a cash subsidy was provided to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), which cushioned the effects of high fuel costs on both businesses and households.
Despite all these initiatives, by astute management of the economy, the growth of the fiscal deficit was contained, adequate international reserves and stable exchange rates were maintained, and the continued growth in the economy was safeguarded.
Military Display
Preserving welfare gains
President Jagdeo told the audience that Government’s priority remained the preservation and advancement of the welfare gains attained over the years.
“The government will continue to make investments aimed at enhancing the quality of life of our citizens especially the vulnerable. In this regard, we will continue to improve access of our citizens to housing, potable water, electricity, education and health care. The strides that we have made in these areas since taking office in 1992 have been tremendous,” he said.
The President emphasized the housing drive that will be implemented during the coming period. “These new initiatives, calculated to provide our people with the means to overcome the financial hurdles in erecting homes, would see within the next three years the expansion of the hinterland housing drive; the provision of $6B to create new infrastructure and other improvements in existing housing areas, and the establishment of a revolving fund of $2B to assist those who have acquired house lots but who lack access to financing,” he explained.
Protecting Guyanese
President Jagdeo noted how important it was to foster pride and dignity amongst Guyanese and to stop the abuse of women and children. To this end, a number of legislative measures have been enacted to reinforce the rights of these children while the Administration has intensified its support to victims of domestic violence by increasing the funding for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Legal Aid and Help and Shelter, and caused to be instituted a more sensitive and proactive approach by the Guyana Police Force in responding to the victims.
“The Constitutional Rights Commissions to protect the welfare of women and children has secured parliamentary adoption and would soon be operational and thus provide another plank of support for our women and children,” the Head of State also explained.
Also, action is being taken to curb crime and violence in communities and reduce carnage on the roadways.
Fire works usher in 43rd Independence Anniversary
Climate change
“Guyana has not been immune to the effects of global warming. Unseasonal weather patterns and rising sea levels have necessitated increased expenditure to address the consequences of flooding and the overtopping of our river and sea defences,” President Jagdeo told the large crowd.
He explained that climate change presents Guyana with inescapable threats, but also with opportunities to pursue a low carbon development strategy and to market a whole range of environmental services including services linked to tourism, research and development of the eco-system and a center for the study of Guyana’s biodiversity
“Guyana can literally lead the world in forging a new low deforestation, low carbon economy where our national development and combating climate change become compatible objectives,” President Jagdeo professed. To this end, the consultations on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) will be launched shortly.
“The strategy sets out our vision for sustaining our economic progress in light of the new challenges and opportunities presented by climate change. It draws on our Guyanese insights into how existing development objectives can be accelerated to continue our work to create a socially just and prosperous Guyana, but in a way that simultaneously helps the world devise solutions for stopping tropical deforestation, which is the cause of 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions,” he expounded.
Section of the National Park filled to capacity
Political discourse
The President noted that, despite the long way that Guyana has come, more can be achieved through inclusive dialogue in the political environment.
“We have come a far way since Independence because of the efforts of our people, but much more progress can be made if we have a supportive political environment. Our people's desire for a better life imposes on us the obligation to pursue greater national unity and cooperation,” he stated. “We therefore must seek to implement a framework for improved cooperation between our political parties, particularly the major parties: the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) and the PNC/R (People’s National Congress Reform) and to foster engagements that go beyond Parliamentary exchanges and that are more reflective of the enormity of the challenges facing Guyana. While we may not find common ground on every issue and while differences will persist, the need for joint action in response to these challenges must surmount our differences.”
Children performing at the 43rd Independence celebrations at the National Park
The gala flag raising ceremony was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport which planned a five-hour presentation beginning from 19:00h (7:00PM) and culminating in the fireworks display and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead.
The programme was highlighted by performances by the National Steel Orchestra, Mashramani 2009 calypso and chutney monarchs and dances, songs and performances by other artistes including the Creation Express Band and the Apex Dance Troupe. There were also military displays and drills just before the hoisting of the flag at midnight.
Guyana achieved its independence from Great 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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