Pensioners applaud new pension system
Georgetown, GINA, November 23, 2009
Recipients of Old Age Pension are loud in praise for the new system put in place by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security which now allows for the timely distribution of the monetary payment.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand stated that the new arrangement is a part of Government’s dedication to senior citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society. The initiative evolved from an assessment of previous years when senior citizens were affected by the tardy distribution of pension booklets.
Minister of Human Services Priya Manickchand chats with one of several pensioners gathered to uplift their pension books at the Holy Rosary Church, November 23
“With the old system, books were distributed in January and the distribution period lasted about six weeks which meant that we would not have gotten to some people until March and people need their money…Its our way of thanking pensioners for serving Guyana,” the Minister said.
She told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that distribution began last week at several sites across Guyana and will continue throughout the next six weeks. She expressed delight that pension books can be delivered long before 2010 erasing much of the unnecessary hassle.
Minister Manickchand got a firsthand glimpse of the distribution process when she visited the Holy Rosary Church, the Andrew ‘Six-Head’ Lewis Gym and the Night Shelter today and paused briefly to field questions. She also afforded pensioners an opportunity to highlight their concerns.
She assured them that the government is doing all in its power to replace an inefficient system and ensure pensioners are paid in a timely manner.
The government programme, which assists about 42,000 beneficiaries, is run at a monthly cost of $200M.
Minister Manickchand advised that the old identification card numbers will be used until next year when the new ones are properly recorded.
Each pensioner will receive $6,375 until the Ministry of Finance announces early next year the new amount.
This pensioner steals the attention of Minister Priya Manickchand to discuss a matter of importance during the pension distribution at the Holy Rosary Church, November 23
According to her, once a citizen attains the age of 65 and has resided in Guyana for two years, he or she is entitled to pension.
“We would love to raise the pension but can only do what the budget affords. We still have school uniforms and roads to build as well as the water waiver and other social assistance.”
The Minister explained that government has agreed to waive the water tariff for pensioners once the bill is recorded in the person’s name.
In comparison to the previous government which carried out means testing, Minister Manickchand said that seniors do not have to prove they have no other source of income to access assistance.
A home distribution system will be arranged for bedridden individuals who inform the distribution team of their situation.
Minister of Human Services Priya Manickchand engages in light conversation with pensioners awaiting to uplift their pension booklets
Many persons congratulated the minister on her efficiency and foresight in improving the system.
One pensioner told GINA that the system proves excellent for anyone who is depending on the payment for sustenance.
“Everything is on stream and orderly. You don’t have to run three and four days before you can get your books.”
Minister Manickchand told the pensioners that the payment is just part of the government’s assistance which is given in other tangible forms.
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Housing Ministry expends $657.9M at half year
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh in his session paper No. 2 for the 2009 mid-year report presented to the National Assembly recently has reiterated Government’s committed approach to foster expansion in the Housing and Water sector. This is reflected in a $5.4B allocation budgeted to the sector this year.
The budgetary allocation is aimed at accelerating the provision of accessible and affordable housing and increased coverage of water supply.
Dr. Singh noted that at the end of June, approximately $1.9B was spent in the sector, which represents a 29.6 percent increase in the 2008 mid-year expenditure report. This increased percentage in budgetary allocation has achieved significant benefits attributing to early completion of designs and a more timely approval of projects.
He said that $657.9M was spent for the first half of the year, to increase occupancy and construction rates in existing and new housing areas, improve infrastructure in housing schemes and squatter settlements and to provide security of tenure to several areas including; Parfaite Harmonie, Block 8 Mon Repos and No. 77 Village.
The first half of 2009 saw the revival and expansion of the ‘One Stop Shop’ outreach benefiting communities in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10.
The initiative is aimed at bringing housing services to communities which will drastically reduce transaction time in processing housing application and allocation.
It also provides an opportunity for customers to query water bills, settle complaints and also make reports of leakages.
He said that the One Stop Shop outreaches conducted by the Housing and Water Ministry have contributed tremendously to 1,773 house lots being allocated.
The allocation reflects 88.6 percent of the 2,000 lots targeted and 3,260 land titles granted.
Water
The distribution of potable water supply to residents has been progressing assiduously over the years. This has ensured increased coverage and improved quality of water supply and efficiency and reduction of losses in production and distribution. To this end, a recorded $1.2B was expended in this sector for the first half year
Dr. Singh while lauding Government’s plan, said that it is aimed at having the industry boosted to ensure that residents benefit from adequate water supply.
Citing the need for proper water supply in remote areas the Finance Minister disclosed that the Linden Water Programme (LWP) and the Hinterland Water Programme (HWP) were each allocated $50M.
He noted that approximately $7.9M and $8.3M were disbursed for the procurement of leak repair materials, and the construction of concrete trestles respectively.
The Linden Water Programme is expected to benefit 7,000 residents in Wismar Housing Scheme, Amelia’s Ward and Blue Berry Hill, while the Hinterland Programme will serve approximately 8,000 residents in areas such as Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Ituni, Orealla and Siparuta.
Over the years, the Housing and Water Ministry has been taking its services to several communities in an effort to improve its quality and service provided to consumers.
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Successful response to El Nino conditions
Georgetown, GINA, November 23, 2009
The Ministry of Agriculture has responded to the current El Nino conditions with interventions that have been proving successful. This was confirmed by Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud at a press conference in the Ministry’s Boardroom today.
He noted that a technical committee was formed to engage stakeholders in and out of the sector following a meeting with the Hydromet Department on August 14 and a position paper was taken to Cabinet which subsequently allocated $49M targeting the hinterland communities.
Minister Persaud said his ministry assessed its existing resources and redeployed such to support farmers such as those dealing in the areas of livestock and cattle. He elaborated on some of the interventions which included the installation of irrigation pumps, stricter water management, opening of sluices to ensure water is delivered to farmers, as well as increased vigilance at the East Demerara Water Conservancy, since a lack of water can result in cracks that can create serious problems.
He highlighted the fact that several drainage and irrigation programmes were developed in Regions Five and Six, including a new canal in the latter. Interventions were also taken to the hinterland in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine in the form of food. In these areas a sub-committee was set up to work along with the Ministries of Local Government and Amerindian Affairs.
In response to questions raised by the media, Minister Persaud pointed out that a technical team is in the fields interacting with farmers, with emphasis being placed on boosting their irrigation needs.
Further, he noted, contingency plans such as pumping water into the conservancy and from the conservancy to the Guyana Water Incorporated’s canal are in place.
He said the impact of El Nino on the rice industry is minimal due to the interventions that were put in place. He pointed out that an assessment of losses cannot be done at this time, but they are minimal. He said the worst fear in terms of losses in crops and livestock have not materialized.
Asked about the high prices of vegetables and fruits, Minister Persaud said some of the increases were due to seasonal issues, including marketing and supply. He opined that thus far adequate supplies are available for the local market.
With the market being stable, Minister Persaud said the focus is now on the hinterland and its sustainability. To accomplish this, six additional pumps, generators and cassava mills were recently sent to Region Nine.
He posited that even though $49M was budgeted, with the reorganizing of resources total expenditure will exceed $200M. He assured farmers that drainage has not been neglected since resources will be available to put adequate plans in place, preventing neglect of any area.
A major concern, as pointed out by Minister Persaud, is the management of pest and disease, since these tend to increase with changes in weather conditions.
Chief Hydromet Officer, Bhaleka Seulall pointed out that El Nino condition that persisted until October is currently showing a moderate strength. She noted that a number of regions are about 70 percent below the usual rainfall water supply.
According to Seulall all signs are indicating that the current condition will continue to the end of December. The result of this she noted is a near normal or high probability of below normal rainfall and despite a number of rainy days, the prevalence will be reduced. The usual number of rainy days in December is about 26.
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Minister Rohee cites crime prevention as Police Force’s ultimate goal
- at opening of National Crime Prevention Conference
Georgetown, GINA, November 23, 2009
The rationale of crime prevention is that crime and violence could be an inhibiting factor to the development of a country and has the potential of negatively affecting the welfare of its citizens. It is therefore imperative that prevention strategies be benchmarks for any action to be taken. The current administration considers it essential that the safety of its citizens should gain its maximum attention, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee told attendees at the National Crime Prevention Conference (NCPC).
The Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Inter-America Development Bank (IDB) today hosted the opening ceremony of the two-day Conference, under the theme “Making Our Communities Safe,” at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC), Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
Minister Rohee in his remarks said that this conference is organised at a time when many countries are now emerging from the devastating economic recession, while other countries are trying to cope with the effects of the same. He said that it is against this backdrop of dwindling financial resources, that developing countries have to confront the ever-increasing challenge of crime.
Over the years, the administration has devoted a significant amount of its resources to the security sector to ensure that it is fully mobilized to combat and prevent crime. In excess of $13.6 B was allocated to the sector for this year. Out of this amount, $5B has been allocated to the Guyana Police force (GPF).
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee delivering his remarks at the Conference
Minister Rohee recognised that Guyana and the security sector in particular, has been faced with a lot of threats in crime and criminal related matters. Some he said are externally driven while some are manifested as a result of local complexities. These threats are:
- The international and local drug trade, especially trafficking in cocaine and cannabis
- The violence that accompanies the drug trade
- The escalation of violent crimes including murders and robberies
- International terrorism and it negative consequences for developing countries
- Involvement and exploitation of youths in crime and
- Domestic violence and its negative social consequences
Minister Rohee said that despite the increasing challenges that have been encountered over the years, the GPF has recorded a great deal of success in its investigations and other efforts to combat crime. He said that by the end of October, there was a reduction in murders and other serious crimes when compared to the corresponding period in 2008.
Further, he added that the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) of the GPF, has recorded an increase in seizures of cocaine and heroin and eradication of cannabis fields this year.
Why crime prevention?
Minister Rohee noted that some people might question that when significant successes are recorded in crime reduction and suppression of the drug trade, why is there focus on crime prevention. The Minister said that crime prevention should be the ultimate goal of any police force.
Crime prevention is the anticipation, recognition and the appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of some action to remove or reduce it. Additionally, crime prevention means working in partnership (especially with concerned citizens), rather than in isolation to address ways to prevent crime and its correlates.
Minister Rohee said that Government is conscious that crime prevention is a very effective law enforcement tool that is far less expensive and destructive.
“In these modern times, States must go beyond law enforcement and criminal justice to tackle crime,” the Minister said.
Minister Rohee maintained that investment in crime prevention is the best way forward. He said that if Guyana’s crime prevention strategy is to be effective, there will be the need to: introduce better legislation, reform of the GPF, improvement of the justice sector, reform of the prison service, and the modernisation of the Home Affairs Ministry, all of which have already started as part of the Government’s efforts towards security sector reform.
Government has embarked on a robust legislative agenda, which will provide the Law Enforcement Agencies with more support to combat crime. Thus far a number of Bills were passed in Parliament. These include: Criminal Law Procedures (Amendment) Act 2008, The Summary Jurisdiction Offences (Amendment) Act 2008, Criminal Procedures Plea Bargaining, Plea Agreement Act 2008, Interception of Communications Act 2008, Telecommunications (Amendment) Act 2008, Money Transfer Agencies Bill 2009, Fire Arm (Amendment) Act 2009, Evidence (Amendment) Act, Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act, Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Terrorism Act 2009, Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, and most recently, the Private Securities Bill 2009.
The Minister added that with the passage of these Bills, Law Enforcement Agencies are placed in a much better position to combat crime and violence more effectively in Guyana.
A section of the attendees
IDB Representative, Marco Nicolo, noted that crime and violence slow a country’s economic growth and social development, and with the reduction of crime and criminals, the country would have less expenditure. As a result more resources would go towards the social sector, which will ensure an enhanced quality of life for citizens. “Violence is contagious, it generates violence,” he added.
In order to address crime and violence in a holistic manner, Government has taken a number of initiatives under scrutiny. These are: the placing of more emphasis on crime prevention, capacity building of the key Law enforcement Agencies (the GPF in particular), and the improvement of the justice system.
The Crime Prevention Conference brought together a number of individuals with recognised expertise and extensive experience in the development of strategies to reduce crimes and violence in communities. A group of international facilitators was also present to critically analyze the deliberations and to give their suggestions and views on how to effectively deal with crime prevention.
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Physical works under 9th EDF commences
Georgetown, GINA, November 23, 2009
The Government of Guyana has been prioritizing and adapting measures to guard against natural disasters such as flooding that may occur as a consequence of climate change. One of the country’s strategies to mitigate such occurrences is the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of sea defences across the coast.
Government budgeted $2.2 billion for sea defences and with the assistance of other agencies such as the European Commission, funds have been made available to protect Guyana’s coast where more than 90 percent of its population reside and major economic activities are conducted.
Today a ground breaking event was conducted at Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara between the Government of Guyana and the European Commission to symbolize the commencement of physical works under the 9th European Development Fund. The fund totalling over Euros 17 M looks to reconstruct 1.6 kilometers (km) of sea defence and rehabilitate or maintain approximately 18 km.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn highlighted Guyana’s vulnerability to climate change and emphasized the measures the Government has been implementing to combat and prevent flooding, a primary effect of climate change on Guyana.
He acknowledged that Guyana is a net food exporter in the Caribbean, and beyond and as such it is pertinent that the coast is well protected with strong sea defence systems.
Ground breaking event at Clonbrook, ECD symbolizing the commencement of physical sea defence works under the 9th EDF.
“Our sea defences are very expensive by any stretch of the imagination with respect to heavy construction in Guyana and the Caribbean as a whole. They are unique and holding this line will only be a sustainable process and sustainable activity if we are able to do it smarter, more efficiently and more innovative with respect to techniques that we apply to sea defences.”
Minister Benn also noted that maintenance is an essential part of having effective sea defence structures. In light of the cost attached to sea defence it will be more feasible to maintain the structures than to rebuild after a collapse which will also affect the livelihood of people on the coast.
Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Finance, in his presentation also acknowledged the challenges which climate change poses to Guyana as he referenced the disastrous 2005 flood. However, he praised President Bharrat Jagdeo’s Low Carbon Development Strategy to help combat climate change and stressed that the Government has been making strides in strengthening sea defences.
He noted that Guyana is in a unique “dichotomy”: emphasizing that the country is disproportionately vulnerable to the realities and effects of climate change and disproportionately contributing to global efforts of fighting climate change.
Sharing a light moment Minster in the Ministry of Finance Dr. Jennifer Webster, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Transport and Hydraulic Robeson Benn and Head. Delegation of the European Commission Ambassador Geert Heikens
Ambassador Geert Heikens, Head, Delegation of the European Commission agreed with Minister Benn with regards to the maintenance of sea defences and noted that it is crucial that they be preserved. Ambassador Heikens congratulated Guyana on the efforts the country has been making to combat climate change.
The works under the 9th EDF will last for twenty-three months and are being done by BK International Inc in Regions 2 to 6.
The financing proposal for a further Euros 14,000,000 is currently being developed by the European Delegation for the 10th EDF.
So far, the Ministry has been successful in the completion of several projects which include rip-rap sea defence works and strengthening the capacity of embankments as a defence mechanism along the coast.
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Venezuela to receive first shipment of rice shortly
Georgetown, GINA, November 23, 2009
On the heels of a historic trade agreement between Venezuela and Guyana for the procurement of rice by the former, that has created a market for 10,000 tonnes of paddy and 40,000 tonnes of white rice, the first shipment of 40,000 tonnes of rice will soon be shipped to Venezuela.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud made this announcement during a press briefing in the Ministry’s Boardroom earlier today. He pointed out that due to the nature of the product; technical teams from both Venezuela and Guyana are overseeing the specifications and other areas.
The deal is worth about $3.7B with an initial exportation in November and thereafter 10 shipments will be sent to Venezuela, the last to leave at the end of February. The agreement provides for $330 and $500 (US) per metric tonne for paddy and white rice, respectively. Next week, a three-member delegation is expected to arrive from Caracas to support preparations for the delivery process.
At the signing of the agreement Minister Persaud had pointed out this most important accord was the culmination of two months of work which began with the recognition that there was a surplus in the production of rice, a first in the history of Guyana’s rice industry with the existing need to diversify the rice industry and identify markets in South America and the greater Caribbean region that could provide a good price for rice exports.
The groundwork for the deal was done by President Bharrat Jagdeo who engineered the provision of $400M to farmers and created the thrust to seek market alternatives to those that existed. Thereafter, President Jagdeo and Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, met in New York at the United Nations and discussed the possibility of exporting rice to that country.
This agreement is a representation of government’s drive to enhance the lives of Guyanese throughout the length and breadth of the country.
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