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Guyana could be tourism link between Caribbean, South America – outgoing Argentine Ambassador

Georgetown, GINA, December 10, 2009

Outgoing non-resident Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, José Luis Vignolo, today paid a farewell courtesy call on Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President where they discussed several important issues including the resuscitation of negotiation between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR), the Southern Common Market. The negotiations have stalled after their initiation in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in 2005.


President Bharrat Jagdeo welcomes outgoing Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, José Luis Vignolo, to the Office of the President on December 10, 2009.

            Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA) after the engagement, the Argentine Ambassador also indicated that Guyana could be a tourism link between the Caribbean and the rest of South America when asked how the opening of the Takutu Bridge, which provides a land link between the two countries through Brazil, would affect tourism and commerce.
            “I think that the strategic position of Guyana as a linkage point between the Caribbean and South America will to a great extent promote tourism from the southern core coming to Guyana,” he stated.
            “We need to promote and the Guyana Embassy in Brasilia, which is non-resident to Argentina, will do a good job promoting exchanges between both countries.”
            On the milestones of his tenure, Ambassador Vignolo highlighted the handing over of the Chairmanship of the Rio Group from Argentina to Guyana in 2007 and the strengthened bilateral relations between the two countries as the greatest successes.
            “I do hope that my tenure as Ambassador to Guyana will allow Argentines to know Guyana better and to know more about Guyana,” he said.


President Bharrat Jagdeo and the outgoing Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, José Luis Vignolo, discuss the resuscitation of MERCOSUR-CARICOM negotiations among other issues during the latter’s courtesy call.

            On CARICOM-MERCOSUR relations, he indicated that President Jagdeo, during the courtesy call, had urged that the negotiations be restarted at the earliest possible opportunity.
            “Within the first semester of 2010, Argentina holds the chairmanship of MERCOSUR and we are more than ready to strengthen and proceed in order to enhance relationships between MERCUSOR and CARICOM and Argentina in particular,” the Ambassador concluded.
            Ambassador Vignolo, a career diplomat whose tenure had commenced in 2004 and was stationed in Port-of-Spain, will return to the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, before a possible future posting to another part of the world.

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Ministry facilitates 436 more persons access to houselots
- selection exercise for Onderneeming Housing Scheme

Georgetown, GINA, December 10, 2009

In keeping with its mandate to ensure the continuity of an institution that is reliable, competent and transparent, the Ministry of Housing and Water today afforded many more persons the opportunity to have access to their own homes.
            Approximately 436 applicants who were approved for allocation were invited to the Ministry of Housing and Water, Brickdam to select their lot numbers by way of lottery for Phase Two of the Onderneeming Housing Scheme within Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, Region Three.
            The selection of lots for the housing scheme will be conducted for two-days (December 10 to 11). The allocation of the lots is part of the Ministry’s ongoing ‘One Stop Shop’ initiative to reduce transaction time in processing housing applications and allocations.
Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali while addressing the allottees noted the importance of persons securing their own home.
“If you were to carefully work out the economics of moving expeditiously to building your homes by multiplying the amount of money you would have been paying on house rent every month, the investment would have been lost to the land lord…if you are to take that rent money and move towards the construction of your own home, within four to five months your home would be completed and you would be paying back the bank the same rate for rental.”


Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali assists a police officer in selecting her lot for the Onderneeming Housing Scheme Phase Two.

The Housing Minister urged the applicants that as they move towards realizing their dreams they should build homes that they can afford to avoid the burden of having huge loans to repay.
Onderneeming Phase Two has 1029 lots of which 580 will be allocated in the first phase. The lots for the first phase are low-income, sold at a cost of $92,000.
An investment of $400M, the Minister said was expended in the housing scheme for the construction of roads, drains and structures and pure water distribution network. A further $80M will be spent in 2010 for the installation of electricity. Approximately 2500 people will benefit from these investments.
He noted however that his Ministry cannot afford to install electricity in the scheme since it has not been fully occupied and encouraged them to occupy the lots so that they can benefit from electricity supply.
“We need occupancy level; it makes no sense for us to put in electricity and we do not have the occupancy level so the faster you build the faster you are going to push us to get this done. We are hoping to get this done by 2010,” Minister Ali stated.  
Alluding to the targets set by his Ministry for this year in processing 2,500 application and titles, he said that more than 10,000 interviews were conducted and completed in which the allocation department exceeded its target by almost 100 percent.
          “I am happy that they (staff) have been able to deliver the services through their work and through your patience we are able to bring this service to you,” he said.
          To further advance the housing sector, Minister Ali said that the Ministry will be moving forward with new developments for the Tuschen and Zeelugt housing schemes, Region Three and will be expanding Non-Pariel Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara which will come on stream in 2010.
            Land Development and Administrative Manager, Denise King-Tudor told the applicants the service provided by the ministry is an opportunity, not only to have access to a houselot, but to construct a home that they can dwell in with their families.


Minister Ali addressing allottees who have been allocated houselots at Onderneeming.

            Tudor also used the opportunity to enlighten them about the final ‘One Stop Shop’ which will conclude on December 14 where the Ministry will be looking at applicants for the Diamond Housing Scheme.
          “My encouragement to everyone is that you will take this opportunity and make use of it and….construct your buildings within a short space of time,” Tudor urged.
          During today’s exercise allottees were also provided the opportunity to interact with Citizens Bank, Managing Director, Eton Chester who informed them about various services offered by the bank.
            A similar exercise was conducted on December 4 which saw over 100 more allottees having access to a house lot and title for the Non-Pariel Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.

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Second draft of LCDS released

Georgetown, GINA, December 10, 2009

The second draft of Guyana’s revolutionary Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which seeks to achieve the twin goals of combating climate change and promoting Guyana’s economic development, has been released and can now be viewed at the LCDS website at www.lcds.gov.gy or on the Government Information Agency website at www.gina.gov.gy.
            The release follows several months of extensive consultations all across Guyana where all Guyanese had the opportunity to find out want the LCDS was about and to make a contribution on shaping the Strategy.
           

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President to take message of “people of Guyana want to act” to Copenhagen

Georgetown, GINA, December 10, 2009

In an address today to several members of the Cabinet, high-level Government officers, staff of the Office of Climate Change and other stakeholder agencies, and the media at the Office of the President, Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo outlined the message that he, as leader of Guyana’s delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, will deliver to the more than 100 Heads of State and Government that will attend the meeting.
            “I will be going to Copenhagen with a message that the people of Guyana want to act, I will be pointing to the progress we have made so far and the process that is underway,” the President stressed.
            He explained that the goal of the meeting is to stabilize global temperatures but is complicated by the means to achieve it.


A view of the audience that were present to listen to President Bharrat Jagdeo’s address on climate change and the UNFCCC Copenhagen meeting at the Office of the President on December 10, 2009.

            “Never before have science, economics, geo-strategic self-interest and politics intersected in such a way on an issue that impacts everyone on the planet,” he explained, noting that it would be tempting to be daunted by the scale of what needs to be done as a global community.”
            He also stated that, while it would be especially tempting for small developing countries like Guyana to leave it to others to forge the global solution, Guyana has never shied away from the challenge.
            “Over the past four months, the people of this country have taken part in one of the most comprehensive national conversations on climate change to take place anywhere in the world.  Well over 10% of our population attended information sessions and consultations on our Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).  All our media outlets devoted considerable time and energy to explaining and understanding the problem.  From the boy scouts to women’s groups to students at the University (of Guyana) to Amerindian villagers in some of the most remote parts of the country, people across Guyana have engaged with the issue like few others,” the Head of State explained to his attentive listeners.
            “They have started to come up with meaningful, relevant ideas on how we in Guyana can protect ourselves from climate change, help the world store carbon through the deployment of our forests, and move the rest of our economy onto a low carbon trajectory.  I challenge anyone to show me any other country in the world where as large a proportion of the population has engaged in an endeavour as comprehensive as this.”


President Bharrat Jagdeo delivers an address to the nation on climate change and the UNFCCC Copenhagen meeting at the Office of the President on December 10, 2009.

            He thanked all Guyanese for their input and acknowledged the release of the second draft of the LCDS, highlighting that the work starts anew to strengthen the Strategy even further.
            “The members of the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee have started the next wave of review.  It is being sent to all Members of Parliament. Over the next three months, I hope that people will take the time to review the updated version, which reflects the outcomes of the consultations that took place this year.  I hope that Members of Parliament will read it thoughtfully, debate it and improve it in the National Assembly,” President Jagdeo stated.
Copenhagen meeting
            On the Copenhagen meeting, the President noted that the world should not be satisfied with political rhetoric or platitudes.
            “Copenhagen will be a failure unless we leave with a binding agreement including mandatory commitments from developed countries to be codified within an international treaty within six months,” he explained.
            “Copenhagen will be a failure unless it acknowledges that even temperature stabilisation at 2°C above pre-industrial levels is too high. We must put in place arrangements to regularly review the science behind climate change, and find measures to increase our ambition if needs be.  And Copenhagen will be a failure unless it agrees to significant financial transfers from Annex I countries to the developing world.”
            “If leaders leave Copenhagen without these three commitments, history will judge them poorly. Why?  Partly because this is about justice – it is simply wrong to condemn millions of people to misery, and in some cases death, because we could not muster the resolve to save them,”  the Head of State said.

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2009, a year of consolidation of regional integration and development: CARICOM Secretary-General

Georgetown, GINA, December 10, 2009

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat today held its annual year end press conference to review the most salient matters pertaining to the work of the body during 2009.          
            Convened by a high profile panel of distinguished regional integrationists including Secretary-General, Dr. Edwin Carrington, Deputy Secretary-General, Lolita Applewaithe, Assistant Secretary General, Dr. Edwin Greene, Ambassadors Colin Grandison and Erwin LaRoque, and Safia Ali, and in Barbados, Director General of the Office of Trade Negotiation, Ambassador Gail Mathurin, the press conference saw the participation, via teleconferencing, of media personnel in Barbados and Jamaica and persons following the event on the internet.
            The Secretary General extended greetings to all and words of appreciation to the media, for disseminating information of the Secretariat, noting that these efforts will ultimately assist in pushing forward the work of region, especially in the face of economic environment.
            Noting that it has been 20 years since the 1989 Grand Anse Meeting, the Secretary-General referenced that the 2009 CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, held in July in Guyana saw the regional leaders brainstorming and stocktaking on the gains that have been made in the integration movement over the past two decades.
            Dr. Carrington indicated that there have been significant developmental outcomes, reflecting that the free movement of goods and services now being experienced in member states is a reality, with the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the Criminal Court of Justice (CCJ) and the CARICOM Competitiveness Commission, among others, which are all fully functioning bodies. Specifically, the most important developments have been manifested in the area of trade, agriculture, health, security, youth and infrastructure
            Dr. Carrington also noted, importantly, that the profile of the Community has been raised significantly in 2009 with the hosting of two international conferences, held in Trinidad and Tobago. These were the 5th Summit of the Americas, in April, and the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November.
            The Secretary-General also recognized the work of President Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Barrow of Barbados, whose efforts in the field of climate change and finance has significantly raised the profile of the Community internationally.
            He posited that the Community has gone through a year of consolidation in the face of international economic crisis and the efforts of all CARICOM staff, throughout the region, in all departments and agencies will continue the work of supporting regionalism in the Caribbean and implementation of programmes, funding and policies as mandated and designed by heads and ministers of the government of member states.

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National Assembly approves supplementary provisions

Georgetown, GINA, December 10, 2009

The National Assembly today approved Financial Paper Three and Four, presented by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, which sought to make supplementary provisions to various sectors within the Government for the period August 25 to December 31, 2009.
            Financial Paper Number Three makes provisions on the current estimates of $929,474, 000 and capital estimates of $1, 310, 806, 499.
            It catered for expenditure in relation to the Office of Climate Change, which was established in June, for widespread consultations throughout the country, as well as for the printing of the draft documents.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Crops and Livestock Support Services received a provision to support hinterland farming communities affected by El Nino conditions.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud said that there will be equitable distribution of the money by technical officers who are in consultations in areas where assistance is needed to monitor and combat the adverse effects of the phenomenon, which may last until February.  
            The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) received $400M to assist the rice industry affected by global economic developments, while the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) received $25 M and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation received $15M.   
              The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) received provisions to meet expenditure for joint operations and the Education Ministry received $20, 600, 000 to meet expenditure for the provision for the meals for students at Paramakatoi and Mahdia dormitories.
            Under capital estimates, the Office of the President received a provision of $5, 600, 000 for the purchase of office equipment, while the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) received a provision for the purchase of hardware for its computer server.
            Provision was made for the Ministry of Public Works and Communications for the completion of miscellaneous roads. These include 15 roads in Region Two, 29 in Region Three, 133 in Region Four, 29 in Region Five and 31 in Region Six.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn said that the use of this money stimulates the economy, while at the same time improving the country’s infrastructure thereby improving the lives of Guyanese. At present the ministry has a total of 137 contractors carrying out works throughout the country.
 The Education Ministry was also provided for under capital estimates for the purchase of furniture for Paramakatoi dormitory extension.
            Financial Paper Four saw capital estimates totalling $2, 436, 927,906, out which provisions were made to the Ministry of Finance for the provision of additional inflows under the Millennium Challenge Threshold Programme, the Guyana Sugar Corporation for the provision of a packaging plant at Enmore and provision for the completion of project activities under the Linden Economic Advancement Programme.
            The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development received a provision of $96, 954, 919 for the Solid Waste Disposal Programme, while the Ministry of Education received a sum of $68, 510, 665 for the Education for All Fast Track Programme (EFA-FTI).
            The Ministry of Public Works and Communications received $257, 539, 493 and $146, 964, 000 respectively to provide for additional inflows and as a grant to finance extension of the runway and the purchase of equipment for the Ogle Aerodrome.  
            The Ministry of Housing and Water received $36, 130, 829 for the Community Roads Improvement Programme, the Georgetown Remedial and Sewerage Project Phase II and the Low Income Settlement Programme, Phase II.
The proposals were considered and adopted by Members of the House. 
 

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Agri. Ministry to continue scheduled visits to farming communities
-affected by El niño conditions

Georgetown, GINA, December 10, 2009

Following reports by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Service and other International Organisations that an extended dry period would prevail, the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies are continuing their support to farming communities.
            As such, several scheduled visits have been planned to discuss and assess the current El niño conditions to ensure farmers are not adversely affected, the Agriculture Ministry said.
            Several visits have already been conducted to farming communities with much emphasis being placed on the vulnerable ones, especially to deal with irrigation in rice growing areas.
            During the visits, farmers were provided the opportunity to interact and discuss possible interventions. Farmers are advised to take note of the visits as their inputs are essential, the Ministry said.
            The Ministry has identified numerous support measures inclusive of the provision of irrigation water to various farming areas as well as irrigation works being carried out, seeds, planting materials, chemicals and equipment for water have already been distributed to affected farming communities and the Ministry and its agencies will continue to examine additional interventions to support farmers’ activities, particularly in rice, cash crop and livestock growing regions that are being affected by El niño conditions.
            Since the advent of the conditions, government has spent in excess of $250M in infrastructure works to support farmers countrywide with $49M allocated to hinterland locations. Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, will also be joining several of the meetings.
            The Ministry will be holding meetings as follows:

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Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill passed in Parliament
- postpones Local Gov’t elections to 2010

Georgetown, GINA, December 10, 2009

The Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) (No.2) Bill of 2009, which was tabled by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall for a first reading at the December 03 sitting was today passed in the National Assembly subsequent to its second and third readings.
            The Bill seeks to amend the Local Authorities (Elections) Act and to extend the date by which Local Government elections may be held, with a deadline of December 01, 2010.
            It also provides that the Minister may on request in certain circumstances authorize the holding of elections at any time for a Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Chairman of a local democratic body. The amendments will only apply to the next Local Government Elections. 
            Minister Lall disclosed that the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) has indicated that it will be fully prepared for the holding of the election by the first quarter of 2010. He said that the body is currently engaged in the stage of finalizing the National Register.
            The Minister expressed his party’s frustration in the inevitable delay of the holding of the elections. He said that this delay has resulted in the inability to provide communities with services such as fast response to applications for the construction of houses, collection of garbage, and drainage and irrigation.
            Three out of five Local Government Bills that were brought to the National Assembly have already been passed; these are the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill, the Local Government Commissions Bill, and Local Government (Amendment) Bill. The Fiscal Transfers Bill and the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill are currently being reviewed at a Special Select Committee.
            Minister Lall stressed the urgency for the holding of the elections under a reform system.
            The Bill was supported by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP), Bibi Shadick who refuted aspersions by the Opposition that the Government is deliberately trying to stymie the holding of the elections. She affirmed that the Government stands to gain nothing from its postponement.
She also added that the Administration has tried its best to expedite all matters related to the elections. She noted that the last Local Government Bill that was passed in the National Assembly in August was assented to by President Bharrat Jagdeo less than a month after its passage. 
          PPP/MP Gail Teixeira lamented the frequent absence of members of the Opposition at the committee meetings and their lack of interest to engage in meaningful discussions at the level of the Select Committee.
            People’s National Congress (PNCR) MPs Lance Carberry and Basil Williams, as well as Alliance For Change (AFC) MP, Khemraj Ramjattan also spoke on the Bill, which was then passed.
            In July, the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2009, which is one of the four pieces of legislation identified to be amended by the reconstituted Local Government Task Force was passed after being reviewed by the Special Select Committee.
            The Bill is the first major piece of legislation that seeks to set the framework for the holding of the Local Government elections this year under a reformed Local Government electoral system. It was tabled in the National Assembly for a first reading on May 28 and was subsequently referred to the Special Select Committee.
            The legislation was sent eight years ago to the Joint Task Force, led by members of the two major political parties before it was brought to the National Assembly in May.
            After the Task force failed to reach an agreement on two of the four Bills identified for reform, consultations were halted and President Bharrat Jagdeo decided that the Bills would have been taken to the National Assembly for a public debate after being forwarded to the Special Select Committee.
           

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