Consumer protection legislation for Parliament by year-end – Minister Prashad
…as Gov’t commits to facilitating regulatory reforms, addressing public policy issues
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
Opening a workshop on competition law and policy in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) today, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad indicated that his Ministry is currently drafting consumer protection legislation that will hopefully be tabled in the National Assembly by the end of the year.
This, the Minister said, is part of Government’s commitment to facilitate regulatory reforms and address public policy issues even before they arise.
He linked the relationship between competition and consumer protection, noting that with more companies supplying the market, the public can enjoy greater choice, better service and lower prices. There is greater efficiency in the allocation and use of resources, he said.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, opens the workshop on competition law and policy in CARICOM at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC)
Speaking on the Competition Commission, he noted that, while the name may not reflect it, it will play an important role in the protection of consumers’ interest, as the institution becomes more active.
“I want to assure participants at this workshop and the Guyana public that this is not the case. The (Competition and Fair Trading) Act is very explicit on the mandate of the Competition Commission in respect of consumer rights and representation,” he stated.
To this end, Minister Prashad said that he will seek to have the Competition Commission renamed the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
Government has submitted an application to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) under the Caribbean Aid for Trade Fund (CARTE) for US$600,000 to establish the Competition Commission Secretariat and fund its operations.
The members of the Competition Commission are Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo, Patrick Dial, Keith Burrowes and Adrian Amanayah.
The workshop was sponsored by the Guyana and CARICOM Competition Commissions and the Ninth European Development Fund (EDF) and was held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal.
Some of the participants of the workshop on competition law and policy in CARICOM at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC)
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GPL urges consumers to conserve electricity
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is urging all consumers to make an extra effort to reduce their power consumption, as they have confirmed that this is one of the main reasons why consumers in Demerara have been experiencing an inordinate level of unscheduled load shedding.
GPL in a press release noted that invariably more load shedding is done than what is published in the print media every Sunday. The weekly load shedding guide is based on forecasted generation availability, which generally varies between 63 and 66 Mega Watts (MW). This would normally allow all circuits to be powered during the day but requires about 4 MW load shedding during the evening.
In actuality however, over the past two weeks, the demand during business hours has exceeded 65 MW also necessitating load shedding, the release stated.
Due to the unusually high demand, it is not possible to undertake maintenance during the day and return service for the evening peak, without the imposition of load shedding.
The release also noted the regular power interruptions on the West Coast Demerara, which were due to the increase in demand.
GPL is appealing to consumers to conserve electricity use, particularly during the evening peak period from 18:00h -21:00h.
Meanwhile, construction of the new 20.7 MW plant at Kingston is moving apace and commissioning is expected to commence in late September. Upon its completion, the plant will have the capacity to meet the current demand.
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Guyana Power and Light – improving generation capacity
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
During his presentation of the 2009 national budget in Parliament in February, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh had indicated the imminent plans to improve the operations of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).
The plans included reducing production cost, in light of the resultant reduction in dependence on diesel, rehabilitation, upgrade and linkage of substations at prominent locations in the country, the installation of a fiber optic network and supervisory control and data acquisition systems for telemarketing and protection.
A view of some of the poles being erected on the Lamaha railway embarkment for the 69KV line.
These initiatives will serve to integrate all major load centres along the coast to permit centralised generation using cheaper fuel.
He also disclosed the plan to reduce technical and commercial losses this year, with the installation of prepaid metres.
Additionally, about $41M has been budgeted for the purchase of a generating set and transformer for the Lethem Power Company to improve electricity supply within the area.
New Kingston power plant
In February construction of the new Wartsila power plant at Kingston commenced and by May the foundation was about 70 percent complete.
Also in May, the three Wartsila 16-Volt, generators, each with a 6.9 megawatt capacity, that were procured by the company, arrived and were immediately shipped to the site and installed.
The Kingston powerhouse under construction at the new Wartsila power plant site.
The site, located just adjacent the old power station on Water Street, will include a powerhouse, which stores three Wartsila generators, switch gears, control rooms and a few offices on the top floor; radiators that serve as coolants to the engines and fuel and a treatment house where all the offloading and treatment of fuel for the Wartsila engines, will take place.
The operational cost of the plant to GPL will be significantly reduced given that it will be powered by Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) which requires only 55 gallons to produce 1000 units of electricity as against diesel which requires 60 gallons.
Once operational, the new plant will add 20.7 megawatts to the existing grid, thereby increasing its generation capacity, and at the same time, significantly reduce the cost of operations.
Chief Executive Officer (GEO) of GPL Bharrat Dindyal had indicated that the new plant is expected to achieve commercial operations by the third quarter of this year. Dindyal had noted that this would add much needed base load capacity to Demerara, allowing adequate and reliable generating capacity to meet both peak and reserved requirements.
A view of the radiators aback of the wartsila Kingston powerhouse.
Moreover such an improvement will solve the many problems associated with unreliable electrical supply.
Moreover, the Kingston plant is part of a major project to integrate all operating systems in Demerara and Berbice.
A US$39.6M was secured through an agreement between the Guyana Government and the Chinese Exim Bank that will be invested by GPL in the interconnection drive.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in September 2008 when President Bharrat Jagdeo accompanied by Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and Chairman of GPL Winston Brassington visited China and met with the Governor of the Import-Export Bank (Exim-Bank).
Workers inside the power house of the new Wartsila power plant under construction at Kingston.
Upon approval of this proposed project, GPL will develop and expand its transmission and distribution system with the construction of 110 km of single circuit 69 kilovolt sub-stations, the expansion and upgrading of two existing 69/13.8 kilovolt substations and installation of a fiber optic network and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for tele-marketing and protection.
The MoU preceded the signing of a framework agreement which will enable the Guyana Government to access a Chinese Governmental Concessional Loan to finance the development.
The agreement follows closely behind the design and supply of the co-generation plant under the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation agreement which was signed on January 25, 2005.
The expansion of the transmission and distribution system will encompass Skeldon, Berbice and Edinburgh in West Demerara.
The three Wartsila generators resting inside the powerhouse of the new Kingston Power plant.
In Berbice, a link will be established from Skeldon to the Number 53 substation on the Corentyne coast which, when complete, will link Number 53 to the Onverwagt station on the West Coast Berbice and from Onverwagt to Sophia. By that time, the connection between Sophia and Kingston will be established, using 69 kilovolt transmission lines, covering approximately five kilometers via the Lamaha railway embankment.
In July, GPL commenced the upgrade and frequency conversion of its network in parts of Queenstown and Durban Street, between Camp and High Streets and embarked on a campaign to upgrade conductors and install new transformers.
The distribution network in those areas were constructed over 40 years ago and operated with limited capacity. GPL also proposes to construct a new substation at Diamond, which is a rapidly developing village on the East Bank of Demerara, earmarked for township.
Hydropower
With the unprecedented move by President Bharrat Jagdeo to steer Guyana onto a low carbon trajectory, the establishment of a hydropower station in Guyana is seen as pivotal.
Despite the effect of the global financial crisis on major investments, President Jagdeo is determined to build a hydropower plant in Guyana.
He cited cheaper electricity as vital for industrialisation and an answer to the problem of high fuel costs
An arial view of Amaila-falls.
The Amaila Falls, located along the Kuribrong River, some 60 miles up the Potaro River in Region Eight was identified as a site with the capacity to produce some 140 megawatts of electricity and which can satisfy 70 percent of Guyana’s electricity needs.
Prepaid metres - reducing technical and commercial losses
In May, the company made headway in its 2000 prepaid meter installation pilot project which targeted sections of Kitty, North Ruimveldt, Bourda Market and Black Bush Polder in Region Six.
Representatives of the company embarked on a number of community engagements to discuss the initiative which will one day replace the traditional meters. The prepaid meter is the latest in prepaid service and it allows customers to carefully manage their electricity.
GPL and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) are required to have some supporting infrastructure in place, all of which should be ready prior to the installation of the meters.
The technology also has a wide range of features such as a built in alarm mechanism, an electricity duration indicator and other services that would update the customer on a timely basis.
Hunt for oil
CGX Energy Incorporated, the Canadian-based oil and gas Exploration Company searching for petroleum in the Guyana Basin will commence drilling for oil as early as 2010.
The company was given the green light to commence operations uninterrupted, after Guyana in 2007 won the Maritime Arbitration Award, with neighbouring Suriname.
Since then the CGX Energy Incorporated has done substantial work to commence drilling.
A study in June 2000 concluded that Guyana is the second most attractive under-explored basin in the world with a potential of 15.2 billion barrels of oil.
An overhead view of the CGX Energy Inc oil rig.
Were an oil discovery to be made in the Guyana Basin, production targets would be estimated at 50 million barrels per year which would be equivalent to 140,000 barrels per day.
Additionally Government would be receiving a cash flow of 53 percent, and the oil company 43 percent. This share was considered favourable to the government when compared to other countries such as Norway, the United States of America, Canada and Argentina.
It was also predicted that the impact on Guyana’s development would be phenomenal as 650 people per year would gain employment.
The discovery will have a dramatic impact on the region’s business opportunities, revenue, employment and training while providing leading edge exploration technology and many oil companies.
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Gov’t committed to liberalization of telecommunications sector – Finance Minister
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
During his opening presentation today at a workshop on competition law and policy in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) jointly organized by the Guyana and CARICOM Competition Commissions and the 9th European Development Fund (EDF), Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, stressed that Government remains committed to the liberalization of the telecommunications sector in Guyana.
He referred to the local monopoly provider, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), when he noted that firms occupying dominant positions in their respective markets, and potentially abusing those positions, have been the subject of much discussion domestically and in the Region.
Such practices hurt customers, and Dr. Singh explained that the valuable benefits to be had from liberalization have been demonstrated amply by developments in the mobile or cellular sub-sector, where the introduction of competition resulted in immediate benefits to consumers.
“The Government is firmly of the view that liberalizing the telecommunications sector would result in increased access to and cost of information and communication technologies and, specifically, reduced cost of bandwidth to businesses and final consumers,” the Finance Minster said.
On July 9, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, in questioning the motives of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) for opposing the sale of Government’s 20% stake in GT&T, had stated that the liberalization of the sector would result in “the ability to exploit the social and economic benefits of ICT (information communication technology). He had stressed that such benefits have been hamstrung by the monopoly agreement that GT&T was able to secure in 1991.
President Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that liberalization could also lead to the provision of employment for 25,000 young, tech-savvy Guyanese.
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Competition policy must protect consumers and promote growth – Finance Minister
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
Competition policy must protect consumer and public interests, and promote economic growth and development in the domestic and regional space, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh said today.
He, was at the time, making the opening presentation at a workshop on competition law and policy in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) being held at the Guyana International Conference Centre.
The Finance Minister noted that the revised treaty of Chaguaramas has already laid the foundation, and Government’s policy as articulated in the National Competitiveness Strategy (NCS) seeks to mimic this at the domestic level.
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, delivers his opening presentation at the workshop on competition law and policy in CARICOM at the Guyana International Conference Centre
He explained that the workshop is timely as Guyana is now embarking on the process of bringing into operation its own Competition Commission, which was established by the Competition and Fair Trading Act of 2006, and assigned to it functions such as:
- Keeping under review commercial activities with a view to ascertaining practices which may adversely affect the economic interests of consumers;
- Conducting investigations and inquiries to determine whether any firm is engaging in business practices in contravention of the Act;
- Taking such action as it considers necessary with respect to the abuse of a dominant position by any enterprise; and
- Eliminating anti-competitive agreements.
The Guyana Commission is also assigned important powers, which include the power to:
- Declare certain business practices to be abuses of dominant positions;
- Prohibit the withholding of supplies;
- Order the termination of an agreement;
- Prohibit discrimination or preferences in prices or other related matters;
- Require the publication of transparent price lists;
- Order enterprises to cease and desist from any form or conduct that has or is likely to have as its object or effect the lessening of competition.
The Act also prohibits the abuse of dominant market positions, and establishes offences such as price fixing, misleading advertising, and sale above advertised price.
Dr. Singh stressed that the Competition Commission, along with the consumer protection legislation that the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is drafting, and other initiatives reflect the explicit recognition in Guyana’s NCS of the importance of competition and consumer protection policy in promoting national competitiveness.
Some of the participants of the workshop on competition law and policy in CARICOM listen attentively to Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh
To support his point, he quoted from the Strategy which state, “Like exposure to international competition, local competition can be an important factor in providing incentives to our local enterprises to invest in improving their competitive capabilities; the greater the competition that our firms face, the greater the incentives provided to gaining cost and quality competitiveness quickly… international evidence shows a positive relationship between competition and productivity, and between competition and the rate of productivity growth, which in turn is one of the main sources of economic growth. Moreover, whilst the existence of competition in national markets is not all that is required to achieve international competitiveness, a lack of domestic competition greatly reduces the prospects for domestic producers successfully entering export markets.”
This competitiveness will lead to a spiral of economic growth as Guyana would be able to compete in a globalized marketplace for resources, be able to offer its products and services at internationally competitive prices and attract and keep the human resource expertise that is so vital to development.
The workshop was jointly sponsored by the Guyana and CARICOM Competition Commissions and the Ninth European Development Fund (EDF).
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Housing and Water Minister visits Berbice riverain communities
- addresses moving forward housing and water sector projects
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
Several interventions by the Housing and Water Ministry will assist in the improvement of Amerindian communities situated along the Berbice river bank.
These major interventions will significantly aid the communities in terms of enhancement of water supply, sanitation and housing needs which will be realized shortly. The interventions are expected to bring further benefits to the communities of Hururu, Sand Hills, Kimbia, Wiruni and Wikki/Calcuni.
Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali and Team addressing Hururu residents. In photo are GWI’s CEO (acting), Yuri Chandisingh Yuri Chandisingh, Hinterland Manager, Akram Hussein, Scientific Services Manager, Savitri Jetoo and Toshao Herman Williams
Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali accompanied by several officials from his Ministry travelled to the riverain communities on August 9 and 10 to propel the Ministry’s thrust of implementing programmes to enhance the lives of the communities.
Residents raised several concerns as it relates to potable water supply and urged the Minister and team to provide interventions since the water they utilise is contaminated as a result of mining and other activities.
Hururu residents
Construction of new wells
The Ministry will be spending more than $200M to improve incremental housing development, water supply and sanitation in hinterland and riverain communities. These include the installation of solar pumps, construction of sanitation blocks and provision of wells to benefit residents in the areas.
“This meeting is to assess your requirements and to look at various options and provide resources to improve your access to safe water supply,” Minister Ali said.
The Minister outlined that given the many issues as it relates to potable water supply, his Ministry will be exploring the possibility of constructing new wells and installing solar systems for the areas.
He assured residents that technical staff from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be mobilized within three weeks to conduct assessment and feasibility studies while rigs will be deployed within three months for the drilling of wells.
Minister Ali and team inspect storage tanks at Hururu
In communities where there is infrequent water supply as result of old infrastructure, inspections and assessments options will be examined to ensure better quality water supply.
GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (acting), Yuri Chandisingh said despite the water challenges facing the communities, he is confident that the GWI will try its best to resolve the water issues.
Meanwhile, GWI’s Scientific Services Manager, Savitri Jetoo outlined several household hygiene practices to residents to prevent waterborne illnesses while Hinterland Manager, Akram Hussain updated the communities on water sector plans for the areas.
Over the years the Housing and Water Ministry has placed tremendous focus on hinterland communities by providing support to ensure residents have potable water supply.
Under the Ministry’s Hinterland Water Programme remote communities such as St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Region Four, Paruima, Region Seven, Monkey Mountain, Region Eight, Aishalton, Kato, Sand Creek and Yupukari in Region Nine among others have benefitted from infrastructural development.
Hinterland Housing Development
Residents were further informed about the Hinterland Housing Development programme which is being examined under the Second Low Income Settlement Programme (LIS) by the Housing Ministry.
They were told by the Minister that the Ministry will be improving the livelihood of residents since it has budgeted $200M for the construction and development of houses in indigenous communities.
The LIS programme which is being executed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will improve housing needs of residents of several regions across the country.
The programme will finance the upgrade and rehabilitation of infrastructure and services while improving approximately 4900 lots on eight sites in Regions 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10.
It will further finance a package of technical assistance and provision of materials for beneficiaries for the improvement of physical conditions.
Minister Ali addressing Kimbia Residents
The Housing and Water Minister said the administration will continue to invest in the improvement of social welfare for hinterland communities by providing basic access to homes and other amenities.
The Ministerial outreach was a follow-up to the various housing and water issues raised by Toshaos at the recently concluded National Toshaos Conference held during 27 to 31 July.
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Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS education taken to hinterland
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Education held a two-day workshop in the Kamarang, Upper Mazaruni, Region 7, with multipurpose objectives.
These objectives included providing participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively plan Sexual and Reproductive Health lessons
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai speaking at the opening of the workshop noted that it presented an opportunity to meet the teachers and interact with them. She pointed out that the Ministry has a very active focal point person and activities in the Amerindian villages, with the aim of narrowing down and targeting the high-risk villages including Kamarang due to the activities in its mining and transient areas.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai addressing teachers at the joint effort HIV/AIDS and Sexual Reproductive Health workshop in Kamarang, Region 7
Minister Sukhai noted that villagers have a tendency of gravitating towards visitors and this can put the entire village at risk. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has been one of the first ministries that has included sexual reproductive health, drug abuse, domestic violence and HIV/AIDS in its package to hinterland communities.
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Donald Ramoutar in his address to the teachers said it was important to have such workshops, noting that teachers are the best people as they are more equipped and best to inform the people about issues.
He pointed out that people in rural areas need to be warned about strangers who may visit their villages since they can bring in the disease.
Ramoutar noted that the incidence of HIV/AIDS is slowing down as people become more aware. He said the best way of dealing with such diseases is to have a system of prevention and that people must first be convinced before they can convince others and to achieve this there is the need for them to become educated.
Participants of the Sexual Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS workshop held in Kamarang
Autry Haynes, Focal Point person, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs along with Janell Sweatham, Focal Point person, Ministry of Education and Ruthel Spencer, Lecturer of the Cyril Potter College of Education whose main focus is the integration of these issues into the curriculum are the persons who conducted the workshop with the hinterland teachers.
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Sand Hills residents claim discrimination by Region 10 administration
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
Residents of Sand Hills, a community located along the Berbice river bank, have expressed concern that they are being discriminated against by the Region Ten Administration.
Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, on a visit to the area recently was apprised of the situation by the residents who expressed their frustration.
Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali addressing Sand Hills residents
They said it has been perceived that since the community is in support of and has been won by the People’s Progressive Party Civic administration, residents including children have been victimised.
“We have been facing a lot of challenges and disadvantages from the Region Ten administration, these people treat us lower than dogs…we have been down trodden and have been treated as the worst type of human beings under the hands of the PNC guys,” Leon Lindie a resident of the Sand Hills community said.
The community also called spoke of unequal distribution of resources by the Region Ten Administration.
Sand Hill residents
“They are neglecting us. I don’t know if it is because of political reasons…we have children who want to attend the Kuru Kuru College but it appears as though the people in the administration (Region Ten) have ‘ducked’ the children’s papers …something needs to be done,” Medan Lindie, another resident said.
Some residents claimed that although medical personnel would visit the area many persons are left deprived of medical attention. They said other communities would receive health services while health care workers would depart without assisting members of the community.
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Climate change conference for youths set for August 14
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
Guyanese youths will be adding their voices, through consultation and mural painting to the climate change debate.
The consultation is billed for the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) on August 14 and will continue with the involvement of 400 youths in a mural relevant to climate change.
The exercise will be undertaken through a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport with support from the Office of Climate Change.
The Ministry will also embark on training several youths in Region Six and Georgetown in edutainment, a strategy which will allow for the use of the performing arts to inform the masses on contemporary social ills existing in society.
With financial assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) the Ministry is at present providing training for 45 youth representatives from Regions Three, Four and Five in good governance, human rights and democratic practices.
Additionally, through collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, the Ministry was able to establish 10 Adolescent Youth Friendly Spaces in Regions One, Three, Four, Six and Ten to strengthen national support for youths in areas of emotional health and well being, HIV/AIDS prevention and control and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Today marks the 9th annual United Nations International Youth Day, a day set aside by the United Nations to focus on key issues relevant and important to the social, cultural economic and political rights of youth.
This auspicious day is being held under the theme “Our Challenge, Our Future,” with the recognition that youths are an excellent source of energy, creativity, and initiative and should embrace the challenge of sustainability in its fullness as they help pave the way forward in the 21st century and beyond.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport joined in International Youth Day celebration, highlighting the importance of creating avenues for youth involvement in every aspect of the development process, particularly at this time when Guyana is at a crucial point in its development.
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New La Penitence Health Centre for September commissioning
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
Construction of the new health centre that will serve La Penitence and surrounding areas is almost complete and the Ministry of Health has already selected eight staff including two doctors to man the facility which will be ready for commissioning on September 9.
Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran in discussion with New Horizons officials at the new health centre at La Penitence.
Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, along with members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) today visited the construction site and after inspecting the facility, the Minister was satisfied with the progress made.
The New Horizons Guyana, a U.S Southern Command, is constructing the health centre in collaboration with the GDF. Medical and other furnishings will be provided by the Ministry of Health.
This is one aspect of the New Horizons work. Services are being offered in the medical field including dental examinations, extractions and optometry.
The almost complete health centre.
The team’s services will be offered at the Linden Hospital from August 18 to August 26, to facilitate residents of Linden and surrounding areas.
The Centre has rooms allocated for a pharmacy, two examination rooms, three rest rooms and one large reception room.
Lieutenant Colonel Marvin Todd, Chief Medical Officer stated that from August 10 to 13 and from August 15 to 20 at the Timehri Nursery and Secondary schools respectively, New Horizons will be offering services in general medicine for adults and children.
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Mahdia to host first ever expo
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad convened a meeting today with the Mahdia Expo committee to discuss plans for the upcoming Mahdia Expo 2009 which will be held from August 14 to 16 in the mining community under the theme ‘Celebrating our Potentials.’
The expo which is the first of its kind to be held in Mahdia, Region Eight is a collaborative effort of the Mahdia Expo Committee and the Tourism Ministry.
Minister Prashad while addressing media operatives lauded the committee for its efforts to host the three-day event.
“Our aim at the Ministry is to promote trade throughout the length and breadth of Guyana and as areas become self sufficient, like for instance the Rupununi and the Berbice expos and other areas we shift our focus into areas that were not serviced before, hence Mahdia.”
He said that it is the Ministry’s vision to make the expo a calendar event which will showcase some of Guyana’s most attractive arts and crafts.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad in discussion with members of the Mahdia Expo Committee. To the right is Coordinator of the Committee Daniel Fraser.
The Guyana Tourism Authority will also have a booth at the expo which will be showcasing some of the country’s tourist attractions, while promoting domestic tourism.
Attendees will also be given the opportunity to be exposed to mining activities which will be demonstrated.
Coordinator for the event Daniel Fraser acknowledged the Ministry for its support in the event, which will see a seven a-side football match sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Banks DIH to commence the activity, followed by a Brazilian night.
On August 15, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will host a mini Porknocker’s day which will give participants a chance to win valuables, followed by the sashing of Miss Mahdia 2009.
On Sunday there will be sports and games for the entire family the event will conclude with another football match sponsored by GT&T.
Persons attending the event will be allowed into all the activities free of cost except the football matches.
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In wake of El Nino conditions… – Agri Minister meets with Mahaicony farmers
Georgetown, GINA, August 12, 2009
El Nino like conditions are affecting many areas across the country and lead by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, the Ministry’s officials have been reaching out to affected farmers to make necessary interventions.
Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary, Agricultural Development Authority Chairman Rudolph Gajraj, Regional Chairman Region Five Harinarine Baldeo, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and MMA/ADA General Manager Aubrey Charles addressing concerns of Mahaicony farmers
This afternoon, Minister Persaud met with farmers of Mahaicony who are being affected by a lack of fresh water and promised that within the next two days, the Ministry will be finalizing plans to ensure farmers have access to water.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary - Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA)) are working with the region to address the issue.
Over the years emphasis has been placed on drainage and irrigation and the Agriculture Ministry is looking to open the sluice at Abary. “We need to ensure that we spare no effort in providing irrigation for the farmers,” the Minister said.
Mahaicony farmers
Recently two excavators were deployed to the Region and the farmers were informed that only persons who have transported land will be accommodated.
Minister Persaud appealed to farmers to desist from littering the canals as this contributes significantly to blockage. It was noted that if this situation is to continue the Ministry will have to take legal action against guilty persons since the practice is becoming a nuisance.
A farmer raising his concern
Some of the farmers expressed an interest in aquaculture and the Minister assured that the Ministry is looking at inland fishing policies. He further reminded those present at the meeting that a ban on fishing in the Abary is in effect.
The Agriculture Minister is expected to meet with farmers of Regions Nine and Ten shortly.
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