Finance Minister encourages CDB to continue supporting Guyana’s development agenda
At 39th Board of Governors Annual Meeting
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2009
On May 28, at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Minister of Finance and the Alternate Governor of Guyana, CDB, Dr. Ashni Singh, encouraged his fellow governors to continue to support Guyana’s development agenda.
He highlighted Guyana’s strong economic performance over the past three years with particular emphasis on 2008 and outlined future plans. He also summarized the projects being implemented by the CDB in Guyana and commended the strong performance of the Bank, noting that it has an important role to play in assisting Caribbean countries in these difficult and uncertain economic times.
On Guyana’s economic performance, Dr. Singh noted that 2008 marked the third successive year that Guyana was able to achieve positive growth in gross domestic product (GDP). The 3.1% growth was even more significant given that there were contractions in two of the three traditional industries upon which the Guyanese economy is based – sugar and bauxite.
He also explained that Government was able to keep inflation to a manageable rate of 6.4% despite rising world prices for numerous commodities including wheat and oil. Dr. Singh explained that several initiatives were instituted to combat inflationary pressures from temporary reduction in the excise tax on fuel and subsidies on baked wheat products to more permanent measures such as the National Grow More Campaign which ensured affordable food prices for the Guyanese public.
Looking forward, the Finance Minister noted that the uncertain economic outlook and recessions in the developed economies are threatening the growth outlook for Guyana’s economy.
In light of these changes, Dr. Singh noted, “Key priorities for the immediate and medium-term include the need for further reform to the sugar sector to ensure its competitiveness, facilitating increased private investment in both traditional and new and emerging productive sectors, reducing the cost of energy including by harnessing Guyana’s vast and proven hydropower potential, increasing investment in physical infrastructure, and expanding social programmes rapidly if we are to stand a realistic chance at meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), all within the context of fiscal and debt sustainability.”
The Finance Minister explained that the CDB is a key partner to Guyana and outlined the current projects being implemented here including support to the Skeldon Sugar Modernization Project, the Community Services Enhancement Project and the newer technical and vocational training project that will establish and equip training centres to enhance the skills of young Guyanese.
The support to the Skeldon Sugar Modernization Project relates specially to the agricultural works while the Community Services Enhancement Project finances critical infrastructure, including improving access to markets, schools, health centres and other facilities for residents in several regions of Guyana.
Finally, Dr. Singh noted that the Bank’s continued strong performance was commendable. He highlighted the 65.2% increase in approved loans and grants, the maintenance of the Bank’s AAA creditworthiness rating status, the recent successful raising of $115 million through a bond placement with Regional Central Banks and the conclusion of negotiations for a seventh cycle of replenishment of the Special Development Fund.
He also pointed out that the Bank will be expected to play a pivotal role in assisting its borrowing member countries to confront the challenges before them. Issues such as climate change, a challenge to which the Caribbean, because of its location, is intimately familiar, will require investments in adaptation and mitigation infrastructure and technology which the Bank will have to support.
In conclusion, Dr. Singh noted that as Guyana charts a future that is firmly focused on alleviating poverty, growing and strengthening its economy, and improving lives and livelihoods across the Caribbean, he will continue to count on the support of the CDB.
TOP
Kuru Kururu community enters into apiary programme
- hopes to have greater economic development
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2009
To foster economic and social development in their community, members of the Kuru Kururu Farmers Association (KKFA) will be embarking on an apiary and orchard project with assistance from the Government of Guyana and the private sector National Working Group (NWG) programme, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
This programme seeks to contribute to the sustainable development of communities which will assist in attaining of the UNDP’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The NWG programme aims to foster national partnerships and to promote sustainable development oriented business practices which are being pursued through broad collaboration with stakeholders in identifying sustainable projects and matching resources.
In this regard, government’s collaboration with NGO’s has resulted in the KKFA receiving a supply of equipment and training and the launch of the Honey/Fruit Production project within the community at the Kuru Kururu Extension Centre, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway today.
Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixiera presents saftey gears and equipment to KKFA Secretary, Marlyn Jeffers
Chairman of the NWG, Retired General Joe Singh said that projects of this nature are “very important instruments for developing the kind of working relationships which help people to move themselves forward… we have to be able to guide, mentor and council the young people… so that they see themselves as patriotic Guyanese who are responsible for the forward movement of this country.”
He urged the participants of the programme to adhere to the benchmark to continuously produce quality honey as the NWG will be working to link the producers to markets.
Supporters of the programme would be looking to see that their contributions are used wisely for the enhancement of livelihoods and the achievements of the MDGs. “It must have a multiplying effect and help in the socialization of Kuru Kururu, it must stimulate interest of young people, be part of the education process and whereby people can come see what honey production is all about,” he said.
Resident Representative, UNDP, Dr. Kiari Liman-Tinguiri stated that, “This event is not only timely but demonstrates a needed vision of collaboration if Guyana is to meet it development targets... and the UNDP remains committed to supporting such innovative approaches to solutions.”
IICA’s Representative, Ignatius Jean noted that his organisation is pleased to be a part of this programme which is a practical way to help the community diversify its economic activities and improve its social development.
Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira urged the producers to focus on the local market before they decide to enter the international market. This she noted will help them to develop their product and to brand it as their own, while meeting the needs and wants of Guyanese.
The Kuru Kururu village mainly produces citrus fruits and ground provision. It was stressed that the apiary programme will greatly complement the citrus production.
TOP
President meets Miss Guyana/Universe contestants
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2009
Thirteen contestants who will be vying for the Miss Guyana/Universe crown along with the pageant organisers paid a courtesy call on President Bharrat Jagdeo today at his State House residence.
Among the visiting group were Advisor to the President on Community Development Odinga Lumumba, Pageant Manager Nicolette Lumumba and Artistic Director Derrick Moore.
 and Presidential Advisor on Community Development Odinga Lumumba.JPG)
President Bharrat Jagdeo with some of the delegates of the Miss Guyana Universe. Also in photo are Pageant Manager Nicolett Lumumba (right) and Presidential Advisor on Community Development Odinga Lumumba.
The pageant which is scheduled for July 4 will follow a swimsuit competition and interview segment carried live on television. The winner of the pageant will be representing Guyana at the Miss Universe Pageant in the Bahamas in August.
TOP
President calls for more youth involvement in agriculture
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2009
The growing trend of youths moving away from agriculture in the Region was one of the issues raised at the conclusion of the public/private sector consultation on agri-business hosted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat.
During an interactive session with the representatives, President Bharrat Jagdeo was asked to share his perspective on this phenomenon which he agreed has been of concern to him.
He believes however, that the way in which the agriculture sector is promoted should also be taken into consideration when addressing the issue.
The rural-to-urban migration which many countries have experienced as a result of development was cited by President Jagdeo as a contributory factor to the problem and although in the Caribbean, the rural communities are in close proximity to the urban areas, the trend of youths moving away from agriculture has still been prevalent.
“When we say the word agriculture, the perception is that it involves digging the soil, using the fork and planting. That doesn’t sound very attractive to a young man who wants to wear a tie and wants to go in front of a computer. So we have to make agriculture attractive,” President Jagdeo said.
The sector however, entails more than what is being perceived and according to President Jagdeo, efforts to make the sector more attractive involves spreading the awareness about the demands.
Education, research and development, marketing and Information Technology (IT) are among the main requirements that would make agriculture more productive.
“If agriculture starts generating more opportunities and greater income then young people would follow that pathway so I think this is how we have to approach the matter,” President Jagdeo said.
Taking this approach and successfully implementing it may not be an easy task but according to president Jagdeo it is the right way to go.
While interacting with the participants on May 28, the President called for stronger policy making in the region’s agriculture sector.
TOP
Weak prosecution in cases hampering police success - Minister Rohee
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2009
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee while acknowledging that the Guyana Police Force has been making inroads in criminal activities, having achieved several successes thus far for the year, lamented that the judicial process is hampering the force’s work.
Speaking to reporters after the hand over a vehicle to the Enmore Community Policing Group yesterday at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Minister Rohee expressed dissatisfaction over the court process which hampers police progress and makes it difficult for it to effectively carry out its mandate of providing a crime free society.
Reports have shown that the police had many recent successes, however some cases are constantly being adjourned due to eye-witnesses not coming forward and which eventually lead to the cases being dismissed allowing for criminals to go free.
“Too often the police (are) apprehending suspects in many cases, present reports to the DPP who recommend certain charges and these persons appear before the court and their cases are adjourned … and reasonable time evaporates and their cases are dismissed,” he lamented
Minister Rohee added that too often the welfare of perpetrators is of concern to certain sections of society when apprehended by the police, rather than the victims who suffered.
“What about the person who was affected? …I rarely see persons paying attention to the victims,” he said,
He said that persons need to understand that both parties should have a balanced approached when it comes to human rights and too often persons turn a blind eye when a crime is being committed.
Addressing concerns raised over the condition of the Brickdam lock-ups, Minister Rohee noted that this and other lock-ups are to begin rehabilitation soon. He advised that persons need to keep out of trouble if they do not want to be thrown into the lock- ups. “If you don’t want to go in police lock-ups, stay out of trouble. Walk the straight and narrow line. Once you want to commit an infraction of the law and are apprehended, you have to suffer the consequences,” he said.
Apart from Brickdam lock-ups several new projects are expected to commence soon, including the forensic laboratory, policing training centre and the rehabilitation of several other police stations.
TOP
Two ferries to ply Rosignol to New Amsterdam route
- during Berbice Bridge five-day closure
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2009
The Berbice River Bridge will be closed from June 1 to 5 to facilitate the upgrading and testing of the retractor span and ramps.
During this period the ferries, MV Torani and the MB Sandaka will be operating. According to the Traffic Manager, Transport and Harbours Department, Yurlander Hughes, the boats will operate as long as there is a demand by passengers. The ferries will commence work at 03:00h daily.
The Bridge will be closed to all vehicular and marine vessels transiting the retractor span. Vessels will continue to transit the high span.
The structure linking D’Edward village, West Coast Berbice and Palmyra will close from 07:00h on June 1 until 12:00h on June 5.
TOP
World Bank lauds Guyana’s macroeconomic performance, approves new country assistance strategy
Georgetown, GINA, May 30, 2009
Executive Directors of the World Bank have commended Guyana for its macroeconomic performance over the past decade and recognized the progress made in improving fiscal discipline. In this light the Bank’s Board of Directors has approved the new Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for Guyana for the period 2009 and 2012 to support the country’s development agenda in the areas of improving education and social safety nets and strengthening its ability to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.
The Bank in a press release stated that: “Guyana has made significant progress in laying the foundations for macroeconomic stability and higher pro-poor growth. The Country Assistance Strategy continues this partnership and supports the country in areas where the Bank's support could strategically complement other donors’ areas of engagement,” Yvonne Tsikata, the Bank’s Country Director for the Caribbean said.
The release stated that the institution’s program of lending, technical assistance and analytical work supports the Government’s objective of accelerating and sustaining growth, and was developed in collaboration with the Government.
The Bank said it benefited from consultations with civil society, the private sector and other development partners.
According to the Bank, the two main strategic areas of support identified in the CAS are: Strengthening environmental resilience and sustainability and improving education quality and social safety nets.
Under the first area the Bank will support the Government’s efforts and leadership in this quarter by helping to establish pilot forest areas that are protected and sustainably managed by local communities, and helping to strengthen the Government’s ability to reduce exposure to natural disasters and global climate risk.
The Bank will help Guyana improve the quality of education through reform of teacher training and better service delivery, and help strengthen the capacity of Government to deliver an enhanced social protection program.
The Bank’s Executive Directors emphasized the importance of accelerated broad-based and shared growth in order to alleviate the development challenges of high poverty and inequality, the release stated.
They also underscored the significance of Guyana’s economic diversification through private sector development, and emphasized the need to have the International Finance Corporation, the arm of the World Bank Group that supports the private sector, actively involved in the country, the release said.
TOP |
