Gov’t will not allow sugar to perish – President
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
At village meetings on Tuesday at Crabwood Creek, Mibicuri and Port Mourant in Berbice, and in an interview at the studios of Little Rock Television Station (LRTVS), President Bharrat Jagdeo sought to reassure all Region Six residents that Government will not allow the sugar industry to perish.
The President indicated that despite the two poor years that the sugar industry experienced in 2008 and 2009, Government remains committed to the industry, recognizing that it is the largest employer and generates more wealth than any other activity in the Ancient County.
He pointed out that the recent 36% price cut by the European Union (EU) on sugar exports from Guyana is one of the main reasons for the present difficulties that the industry faces, as this is resulting in an annual revenue loss of US$40M, or $8B.
President Bharrat Jagdeo outlines plans to upgrade the Black Bush Polder road at a village meeting at the Mibicuri Community Centre, Berbice on January 12
President Jagdeo stated that this price cut has had a significant impact on the sugar in other Caribbean nations such as Barbados, St. Kitts and Trinidad and Tobago, resulting in the dismantling of the industry and the displacement of thousands of people who rely on sugar for their livelihoods.
However, he noted that Government has been doing the opposite in Guyana, increasing its investment in the industry. The President stated that $40B has been invested in the sugar industry during recent years, culminating in the commissioning of the state-of-the-art US$185M Skeldon sugar factory on August 22, 2009, the largest single investment in Guyana’s history.
He indicated further that these investments are starting to reap dividends with sugar production in 2009 increasing by 12,000 to 14,000 tonnes over the 2008 production total. This is in spite of the EU price cuts, industrial relations issues and inclement weather affecting the industry.
However, he stressed that to make sugar and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) profitable, production must rise to at least 350,000 – 400,000 tonnes each year, to which Government will work with all stakeholders to make a reality.
The large gathering of Black Bush Polder residents listen intently to President Jagdeo’s presentation on Government’s efforts to upgrade their road
To this end, President Jagdeo indicated that his Administration invested $5.4B recently into the industry, by purchasing land from GUYSUCO for $4B, which will be converted into house lots, and providing another $1.4B in financing.
He had noted that GUYSUCO needed $10B in financing during to reduce its overdraft and invest in capital projects, and this investment by Government represents over 50% of the money needed.
The President also lamented the contradictory stances being displayed by the opposition political parties. He highlighted when sugar workers were calling for increased pay several weeks ago, the opposition parties were calling on Government to invest more money in the industry.
But when Government tabled a supplementary financial paper in the National Assembly that included $4B for the land from GUYSUCO, the opposition parties walked out of Parliament, stating that they cannot support it.
The President stressed that such fickleness and pandering by the opposition are unhealthy for the development of the sugar industry, and Guyana.
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Opposition parties pandering to base emotions of Guyanese people – Head of State
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
At three village meetings in Berbice and during an interview with the Little Rock Television Station on Tuesday, President Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the main opposition parties, especially the Alliance for Change (AFC), are pandering to the base emotions of the Guyanese people, trying to resurrect ethnic loyalties that could potentially hurt the country.
This, he said, is an attempt to undermine the support of the people for the Government, and win political races.
To illustrate his point, President Jagdeo stated that the opposition takes different messages to different communities using the ethnicity of the community visited to structure the message.
For example, he said in Linden, where the major ethnic group is African, opposition party members would say that Government is not doing enough for the Afro-Guyanese population while pointing out that Indo-Guyanese are benefitting from Government investments.
In Indian-dominated communities in Berbice and Essequibo, the message is reversed, while in indigenous communities, the message is that Indo- and Afro-Guyanese are benefitting from assistance by Government while the Amerindian communities are being forgotten.
The President stressed that this ‘forked tongue’ approach is dangerous and pointed to the misery suffered by all Guyanese as a result of ethnic divisions in the past.
On the other hand, he highlighted that Government has always taken only one message to the Guyanese people, irrespective of their ethnicity, which is one of hope and development
Government has been and will always be a national, inclusive one, the President indicated.
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Black Bush Polder road to receive $1.4B upgrade
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo at a village meeting at Mibicuri Community Centre, Black Bush Polder, Berbice on Tuesday revealed that Government plans to spend US$7M, or $1.4B, to upgrade the Black Bush Polder road.
According to the information revealed, the proposal is currently with the international financing partner, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), for final approval, and it is expected that the request for tenders will be published in February, with vetting of the submitted tenders and selection of the contractor to complete the road works expected to be completed in April. The work would start thereafter.
The President had first revealed these plans in 2005 in a visit to the Ancient County, noting that they were working with the IDB to reach agreement on the proposal. However, at that time, he had indicated that the project was still several years away.
The project, and many other major infrastructural projects, comes at a time when Government is enjoying significant fiscal space to invest heavily in the country. This is as a result of the prudent economic stewardship of the economy by the Administration since assuming office in 1992.
This is most evident in the reduction of the external debt from over US$2B in 1992 to around US$800M today, with the Administration repaying US$1.5B, or $300B. This has resulted in national revenue used to service debt being reduced from 94% to 4%.
Berbice has benefitted significantly from this fiscal space with $5B being invested last year to upgrade the physical infrastructure, of which the completion of the US$35M project to upgrade the New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek thoroughfare being the most significant.
In 2006, the Black Bush Polder road had received a facelift with $191M spent to resurface it.
However, given that Black Bush Polder and the surrounding areas are rice farming communities, heavy machinery frequently use the roadway to move between fields, and to and from farmers’ homes. This has resulted in the deterioration of the road, and the need for a more permanent solution, which is now being pursued.
Additionally, a $500M rehabilitation programme, to be undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, will commence shortly for the area. This will see the establishment of another drainage structure, the desilting of canals and $250M of the funds will be spent to extend pastures to provide more space for cattle farmers to develop their herds.
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Ministers assess needs of residents for 2010 budget preparation
- During Region Six Cabinet Outreach
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
Inclusive governance continues to be at the core of Guyana’s democracy influencing Government’s policy agenda to propel development. During a Cabinet Outreach to the Ancient County on Tuesday, Government Ministers engaged residents across the Region in dialogue to ascertain what the needs of the people are and to assess the effectiveness of Government’s programmes and policies.
The main objective of the outreach to Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) was to find out what the needs of the residents are with a view of ensuring provisions are made in the 2010 national budget which is currently being prepared.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh addresses residents at Bloomfield during Cabinet Outreach to Region Six
Residents of Bloomfield, Whim, Manchester and surrounding areas were given the opportunity to have their issues clarified, offered suggestions and explained their needs to Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran during separate meetings yesterday.
Minister Ramsaran highlighted developments in the health sector over the years with specific focus on the provision of skilled professionals to provide quality healthcare and the construction of state-of-the-art facilities.
The labour force in the health sector has received significant boost with Cuban-trained doctors who have recently returned and have been deployed across the country. Of these, the Minister noted, several of them have been added to the New Amsterdam Hospital and are providing services to residents.
The Health Minister pointed out that two weeks ago the services of an orthopaedic surgeon was procured for the New Amsterdam Hospital while the Ministry is in the process of finalizing arrangements for a specialist general surgeon to be employed and placed at that institution.
Noting the significant improvement in the area of eye care delivery in Guyana, the Minister noted that the state-of-the-art National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean which provides specialized eye care.
The Ophthalmology hospital is one of several projects under the Guyana/Cuba collaboration programme initiated by President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2006, which includes the construction of four diagnostic and treatment centres at Diamond, Suddie, Mahaicony and Leonora.
Minister Singh, in his presentation explained that it is Government’s philosophical approach which is entrenched in its policies of ensuring that residents have a say in the development of the country and that they express their needs so that provisions can be made in the 2010 budget to address the specific needs of communities.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran inspect John’s dam, Bloomfield, Region Six, where residents have requested rehabilitation of the road
Preparations for the 2010 national budget are underway and consultations with residents in the form of a Cabinet Outreach are held annually so that policies and programmes can be guided to derive maximum benefits.
The Minister noted the importance of Region Six to the economy, given the amount of food that is being produced in the Region in the traditional and non-traditional sectors. In this regard, he pointed out that the Region can be considered as the ‘breadbasket of Guyana’.
Referring to the completion of the Berbice River Bridge, a manifesto promise, the Minister noted that it impacts every aspect of life in the Region and pointed out that it was visualized to integrate farm and market and create opportunities for persons to grow more.
Common issues requiring intervention in those areas, related to drainage and irrigation problems stemming from the effects of the present El Niño-like conditions affecting the country; land and infrastructure issues.
The first meeting, held at the Bloomfield Caribbean International Distributors Inc. (CIDI) Square saw residents requesting assistance with the completion of John’s Dam so that school children will not be inconvenienced during the rainy season.
Some work was done on the street earlier, but the entire street was not completed, and Minister Singh who took time to inspect the street, pointed out that officials from his Ministry will be visiting the area to assess the situation and determine what will be needed to complete the street as early as possible.
Some residents raised concerns about their National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions which were not being found when they attained the age of 65 and Minister Singh stated that the NIS is currently in the process of updating their database to ensure that their records are completed. He pointed out that a Bill was passed in Parliament to make provisions for the NIS to submit a statement of contributions to employers which will help in alleviating the problem of missing contributions.
Residents at a meeting at the Manchester Secondary School during Cabinet Outreach to
Region Six
Residents of Whim and surrounding communities explained their difficulties in accessing adequate water for irrigation purposes and pointed out that in some areas water in the drainage canals are tainted with salt water due to seepage.
Programme Director of the National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP) Dr. Dwight Walrond, explained that due to the effects of climate change and the El Nino weather conditions, there has been some shrinkage of structures across the country which has allowed seepage in some cases. He pointed out that under the guidance of the Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, a mobile team has been working across the cultivation areas to test the water in canals where there has been an intrusion of salt water and has been advising farmers accordingly.
He however noted, that there are proposals for new structures in the 2010 budget to ensure that farmers are provided with adequate and proper services.
The issue of stray animals was also highlighted since residents complained that animals would disrupt their kitchen gardens and affect school children on the streets. It was pointed out that a pound was constructed at the Police Station but was not operational. Dr. Walrond explained that issues relating to the maintenance of the pound are being sorted out with the Ministries of Home Affairs and Local Government.
The Ministers urged that persons pay their taxes explaining that this is necessary for services to be provided since Government provides an annual subvention to the Councils but their rates and taxes are expected to supplement that allocation.
The last meeting held at the Manchester Secondary School saw residents requesting a resident doctor or medex at the health centre. Minister Ramsaran explained that Government has been ensuring through collaboration with other Governments the provision of opportunities for persons to be trained in healthcare delivery.
Resulting from several programmes hundreds of Guyanese have been trained to take up posts in the health sector and the Health Ministry has been placing qualified persons at hospitals and health centres across the country. He told residents that a resident doctor will be sent to the area in time, as they become available after training.
Cattle farmers also highlighted problems with adequate pasture lands with proper irrigation to allow their animals to graze and water freely. Dr. Walrond explained that work is currently ongoing to make lands available to farmers and urged that they form groups to make representations since these are more effective.
Overall residents of all the communities visited expressed gratitude for projects in the Region from which they have derived tremendous benefits. Developments in the water, housing, health and education sectors were lauded.
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Truancy, attendance rate of teachers discussed at Cabinet Outreach
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
The Administration, in its commitment to ensuring that citizens benefit from quality services and developments, fanned out yesterday in Region Six (Upper Berbice, Upper Corentyne) and met with residents to address their concerns and allow them the opportunity of having their voices heard.
Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Office of the President, Dr. Nanda Gopaul visited the Williamsburg, Reef Sect Somrah’s Square and Port Mourant where needs of the communities were discussed and concerns highlighted.
Minister Baksh stated that truancy, not only in Berbice is very evident and the Ministry has been working assiduously to monitor this problem. Many parents are encouraging their children to skip classes, since they are aware this is happening and are not dealing with the issue.
Minister Baksh said that the Schools Welfare Department is conducting campaigns once per week to meet with parents and guardians of students to discuss the issue and the importance of students being punctual and regular in classrooms.
Currently, there is a legislation that includes truancy and serious repercussions for persons who encourage and allow students to be out of school during school hours, especially since a majority of students are being sent to do menial jobs at early ages, breaking the child labour rules and regulations.
The Education Minister added that the Ministry is on the move to curb the truancy dilemma and as such has been improving the school welfare service, providing more employment for people in this area and implemented a tracking system for those who are not attending school.
He implored the parents to play a more integral role in their children’s lives, as it relates to school attendance and performance.
Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh
Minister Baksh urged the residents that not only should they ensure that their children attend school, but also guarantee that while their children are obtaining quality education, they should assist by reading to their children at early ages and teach them to write at home.
He posited that their will be no success in the education system if parents do not intervene as well.
Residents of Port Mourant were concerned about the overcrowding of the area’s primary school and Minister Baksh explained that this problem will be dealt with in a timely manner, since projections for a new location for the Nursery School have been made and it is included in the 2010 budget.
He added that it is only a matter of time before this project commences and students from both institutions will be able to learn in a more conducive and comfortable learning environment.
The issue of poor attendance rates of teachers in primary schools was highlighted as many teachers are currently attending classes while teaching part-time and full time at schools in Berbice. This is a problem because class time for students are being restricted and also when teachers are in the class completing assignments and homework for colleges, the students are given “book-work” to do rather than have practical classroom teaching.
Minister Baksh stated that their will be serious actions taken against persons who are found guilty of committing these acts, beginning with a deduction in teachers’ salaries. He added that at present, the school system is tightening up; reprimanding teachers who do not do what has been mandated.
He said that the Ministry is very aware of the fact that students are constantly dropping out of school and to tackle this problem there will be the introduction of a literacy certificate that will show that children are capable of reading and writing at Grade Four. If they are unsuccessful at obtaining the certificate at this stage, they have an opportunity to re-write the examination at Grade Five, to qualify them for the certificate.
Minister Baksh also added that this year, many secondary schools will be benefiting from text books in core subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Social Studies and Science to assist in the availability of learning resources for students who may not be able to afford or obtain the necessary standard text books that will be used constantly in the classrooms.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary, Office of the President, Dr. Nanda Gopaul reiterated Government’s stance of providing quality care and services to its people.
Dr. Gopaul stated that Government has shown its concern and committed itself for the benefit of citizens by ensuring that Guyana records numerous achievements that will result in taking the country a step further in the development arena.
He posited that while richer countries such as the United States of America and Barbados are finding it difficult to pay wage bills for workers, due to the economic hardships they are currently facing and are even subjecting large numbers to retrenchment, Guyana is not following this pattern.
Due to prudent planning and implementation and developing of initiatives, the Administration was able to sustain the country’s position and even allowed workers to receive a salary increase.
He told the gathering that Berbice is a lucky county, a beneficiary to many of Government’s initiatives such as the construction of the Berbice Bridge, which is a relief to commuters and business entities, the State-of-the-Art Ophthalmology Centre that is servicing thousands of people, the upgrading of the Port Mourant Hospital and the New Amsterdam hospital.
Dr. Gopaul also said that there are some technical institutes that are being developed in Berbice which will allow persons to learn trades and skills and develop the ones they already know, that will make them more marketable for the working world and more knowledgeable in their line of duty.
“The Skeldon Sugar Factory is a dream come through,” he finally added. With this factory, Berbice is placed on the map and this will definitely lead to Guyana securing more lucrative prices for sugar on the world market.
The outreach programme saw 10 teams of Cabinet members engaged in discussions with residents of 30 communities in Region Six, which is directed to aid in shaping the 2010 budget.
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Cabinet Outreach…
-Presidential Advisors address minor hiccups
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
During the Cabinet outreach to Berbice on Tuesday to ascertain the level of developmental works needed, residents informed Presidential Advisors Gail Teixeira and Odinga Lumumba that most of their concerns have already been addressed except for minor technical hiccups.
The Presidential Advisors visited Vryheid Brod’s Square, Tucber Park and Angoy’s Avenue where they assured residents that no effort will be spared in ensuring the community’s development.
Teixeira told the gathering that although poverty has been reduced from 67 to 35 percent, government is still bent on improving the living standards.
The advisor mentioned several interventions including, the school feeding and uniform programmes, which have drastically enhanced the lives of Guyanese.
She said too that Guyana performed creditably in terms of growth rate in comparison to other Caribbean countries during the global recession.
Teixeira noted that Guyana is on the move and has made its name being one of the few remaining forested countries.
Lumumba stated that Cabinet is accountable for taxpayers’ money and so has a burden of responsibility to touch base with the community.
He urged those gathered to raise the compelling issues affecting them and to speak out about community development they desire to see.
Lumumba disclosed that government has planned to begin the hydro-dam project this year starting with 60 mega watts of power.
Residents at Vryheid Brod’s Square, raised questions about drainage and irrigation noting that vehicles cannot access the dam and punts cannot navigate through the canals.
A 76-year-old man said he was told to carry in his pension book to GWI and then he would be eligible for the water waiver, however, an official from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) explained that the water waiver process is much more detailed than that.
He pointed out that pensioners must first submit their books, wait for their ages to be verified, their names are then recorded and sent to the commercial department before the actual waiver takes effect.
One resident requested a pavilion for a playfield to provide recreation, keep youths off the streets and off drugs.
Lumumba assured him that efforts would be made to acquiesce to the request but the project requires money that may take time to source.
Some residents, who petitioned for the materials to rebuild roads, disclosed that they had formed themselves into a self-help group.
The regional representative explained that they were distributing road-building materials but were pressed by many other self-help groups who made similar requests.
Lumumba promised to approach the minister in an effort to get such roads into the regular budget.
However, he advised that side streets that turn off the main roads may not be a priority area for government due to limited resources.
One farmer, who said he cultivates passion-fruit on a large-scale, complained about the water level in the canal.
Teixeira congratulated him on his efforts at diversifying and assured him that the drainage would be examined to determine the best possible solution.
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Court injunction hindering development in New Amsterdam
-Gov’t officials tell residents
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
Presidential Advisors Gail Teixeira and Odinga Lumumba on Tuesday explained to residents of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice that a court injunction was hindering the government from carrying out developmental works in the community.
The advisors disclosed that the Cooperative Society has posed a legal challenge to the government against developing lands belonging to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).
The residents said the community needs the basic infrastructure of roads, lights and water and were peeved by the injunction.
Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Teixeira making notes on issues raised by residents during Cabinet’s outreach in Region Six. Listening to residents’ concerns is Presidential Advisor on Community Development Odinga Lumumba
One resident suggested that the matter should not have been entertained by the court and must be overturned.
However, the advisors informed them that any issue engaging the attention of the court is subjudice and off limits to public discussions.
Despite this, they promised to examine ways and means to have the community developed without interfering with the court’s decision.
One resident explained that tiny pipes that are insufficient for the volume of water were placed in a section of the community.
Presidential Advisor, Gail Teixeira making a point to Region Six residents. In Photo also is Presidential Advisor Odinga Lumumba
At Tucber Park, the advisors vowed to examine the possibility of issuing prepaid meters requested by residents to operate their street lights.
Teixeira further urged them to establish community development groups so that certain issues can be addressed more speedily.
One woman complained that utility companies would damage the roads to lay pipes and then abandon them which the advisors said was strongly against the policy of the government.
Lumumba asked that a plumbing problem at the St Aloysius Primary School be rectified forthwith since students are forced to visit a nearby hospital to use the toilet facilties.
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Gov’t commits US$1M for Haiti assistance; establishes multi-stakeholder committee to oversee effort
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
Government has committed US$1M towards assistance for Haiti, which has suffered from a massive earthquake and several aftershocks, and has established a multi-stakeholder committee, chaired by Minister of Human Services, Priya Manickchand, to oversee the effort.
In a statement released today, President Bharrat Jagdeo said, “I was deeply shocked and saddened at the extent of the destruction caused by the catastrophic earthquake which devastated our sister nation of Haiti yesterday. The haunting images of bodies, injured persons and ruined buildings struck a chord of compassion throughout our nation for the people of Haiti.”
President Bharrat Jagdeo and Leader of the Opposition, Robert Corbin, discuss Guyana’s Haiti Relief effort after the multi-stakeholder meeting on the matter at the Office of the President – January 13, 2010
“Haiti as the poorest country in the western hemisphere is now severely challenged to cope with this tragedy. Haiti needs all countries, including the small developing countries to come to its aid urgently.”
As a result, the President organized a meeting of various stakeholders, which included the opposition political parties, religious organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), at the Office of the President to coordinate a national effort by Guyana to render the assistance needed.
The earthquake, a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 on the Richter scale, was centered approximately 15 kilometres from Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, and struck at around 17:00 hours local time on Tuesday, January 12.
Some of the stakeholders involved in the meeting at the Office of the President on Guyana’s Haiti Relief effort
Most of Port-au-Prince's major landmarks were significantly damaged or destroyed in the earthquake, including the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly building, the Port-au-Prince Cathedral, the main jail and at least one hospital, and the Haitian President has said that possibly hundreds of thousands of people have died.
Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA) after the meeting, Minister Manickchand noted that while an assessment of the full impact of the earthquake is still to come, the need to act quickly is critical, noting that all parties involved in the meeting recognized the urgency of the situation.
She indicated that the first meeting of the committee will be held tomorrow at the Civil Defence Commission, and stakeholders will identify the persons who will serve on the committee.
President Bharrat Jagdeo and Leader of the Opposition, Robert Corbin after the multi-stakeholder meeting on Guyana’s Haiti relief effort. Also in photo are Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee and PPP Member of Parliament Donald Ramotar
Several of the participants involved in the meeting praised the President’s leadership and the speed with which Government has responded to the crisis. They have also called on Guyanese to be forthcoming in rendering assistance to Haitians, both in financial contributions and goods.
Minister Manickchand noted that the relief efforts will be two-pronged: immediate assistance will focus on relieving the ongoing human suffering while the long-term effort will seek to rebuild the country.
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Red Cross appeal undermining national relief effort for Haiti
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
Minister of Human Services and Social Security and Chairperson of the Multi-Stakeholder Committee established to oversee the relief effort for Haiti, Priya Manickchand this evening, issued a statement expressing disappointment in a message sent by the Red Cross Association via the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T).
Minister Manickchand said that this entity was present at a meeting convened by President Bharrat Jagdeo and despite the Red Cross signing on to the national effort; it has instead sought to undermine the effort by issuing the text message appealing for help.
“It is disappointing and sad that the Red Cross appears to be departing from this noble, patriotic decision taken today, for aid to be nationally coordinated and appears to be engaging in an attempt to stymie a national effort,” she said.
The Minister urged the Association to be guided by the understanding that divided efforts will hardly realize the level of assistance that can be provided for the people of Haiti. Further, she urged all those who are desirous of contributing to this cause, to do so through the National Committee for Guyana’s Assistance to Haiti by calling telephone number 226-4080.
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Coconut industry under spotlight again
-Workshop on harvesting, handling and processing coconut water held
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
The Ministry of Agriculture through the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) today hosted a workshop to discuss and demonstrate “Best practices for harvesting, handling and processing of coconut water” at the Guyana School of Agriculture, Mon Repos.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud while addressing participants at the workshop said that his Ministry is currently in pursuit of a national effort to revitalize the coconut industry so as to meet the growing demands for the commodity. This industry is part of the Ministry’s Diversification plan.
Minister Persaud said that the industry has been unproductive for the past few years, and that the Ministry is working with farmers to resuscitate their farms. Many countries, he noted, in the Caribbean have resuscitated their coconut industry because of the high level of global demand.
The Minister said that 2007-2008 recorded an increase in the number of persons sourcing coconut and its by-product from Guyana and “that is why we need to secure markets.”
A study which was recently conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization Guyana shows that the local coconut species are among some of the best found in the world, with a balanced sugar and PH component.
Minister Persaud said that there is now competition for coconut on the market since its need has expanded beyond a primary component which can now be used as a base for other products.
“Now even the local company such as the Pomeroon oil mill is complaining about the scarcity of coconut on the market, because a large quantity is being exported,” Minister Persaud said.
When large volumes of raw products are being exported Guyana loses 70 percent of its economic benefits since “the raw commodity is taken to another country where value added products are produced and exported right back to Guyana”, the Minister said.
The essence of the revitalization plan, he said, is to look at how Government can better expose, support and train persons who are involved in the production of value added coconut products.
He noted that the workshop was held with the aim of establishing the commitment of the industry stakeholders.
Government, he said, is ensuring that the coconut farmers’ needs are addressed as it continues to encourage farmers to expand their cultivation and their markets.
He said that Government has pledged $4M for the construction of a coconut water processing plant at Hope Estate, East Coast Demerara and two new coconut nurseries were established there as well. Guyana is pursuing support from India, and several South American countries to assist in obtaining new varieties of the crop.
The Agriculture Minister urged farmers to make maximum use of new farming technologies that are available at NARI.
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Ministers Rohee, Sukhai and Prashad meet with residents of No.54 – 72 Villages
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
As a result of a directive by President Bharrat Jagdeo, Cabinet members on Tuesday, fanned out to meet with residents across Region Six, from New Amsterdam to Crabwood Creek.
Along the coast, villages 54 – 72 were visited by Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad. These interactive sessions saw crop, cattle and livestock farmers, estate workers, civil servants, and in several instances, re-migrants sharing their views with elected officials.
Several issues of concern, common to most of the villagers assembled at various locations during the day, were raised and responded to by the Ministers.
Ministers Manniram Prashad, Pauline Sukhai, Clement Rohee and Overseer of NDC in Region 6, Dananand Chaitram, at Cabinet Outreach meeting in No. 70 Village
One of the most pressing issues was recurring instances of pigs, roaming freely in the communities and causing major damage to private yards, public roads and pavements, farmlands and canals. It was noted that while pig rearing has positive attributes, pigs must not be reared in residential areas.
Minister Rohee referred to Guyana’s Pounds Act, a piece of legislation that was amended in 2009 to give authority to police and Neighbourhood Development Councils (NDCs) to deal with stray animals. He indicated that there is a need to enforce the new laws in the Act and ministries responsible for this matter, home affairs and local government, need to work together in this regard.
Specifically, the provision in place allows for the shooting of pigs, provided that certain steps are followed. Procedurally, persons affected are instructed to approach the law enforcement authority in the community, informing them of the inconvenience. Thereafter, the police must inform the owner that a formal complaint was made about the animal destroying the complainant’s property.
If the problem persists, then errant animal is destroyed and the carcass taken to the owner’s yard. The law addresses the issue of damage to public and private property and empowers the police so that situations can be addressed. The constitution empowers people to take action to protect properties of public interest.
Section of the crowd gathered at Cabinet Outreach meeting in Region 6
It is noteworthy that in Berbice there are six pounds that have been rehabilitated or newly constructed and located at Whim, Springlands, Sisters and No. 51 police stations.
Minister Rohee noted that the critical issue in this regard is one of enforceability.
A resident queried about issuance of a firearm licence because of jaguars terrorizing the neighbourhood and attacking his cattle. Minister Rohee indicated that this matter would be dealt with expeditiously.
Many villagers indicated that the community policing groups needed to be resuscitated, motivated and equipped since there is the need for more security in the particular villages.
Emphasis was placed on that fact a campaign to address the growth in illegal, bottom house rum shops around the country will begin in 2010. This practice has a negative effect on communities, contributing to increased truancy, nuisance and lawlessness. Villagers highlighted that in this regard, NDCs need to work harder.
While villagers were pleased with the continued growth and development of roads along the coast and into the villages, they raised the issue of maintenance.
In the case of drainage and irrigation, concerns were raised about the fact that land in the savannah that is used by cattle for grazing is in need of water, especially in No. 57-59 villages. Consensus was met on the fact that there was a need to increase the volume of water for the cattle in that area.
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PM, Human Services Minister address residents’ concerns
-during Cabinet outreach in Region Six
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010
In keeping with Government’s policy to ensure accountability, good governance and political developments are met, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister of Human Services Priya Manickchand on January 12, held discussions with Berbicians to engage them on proposed plans related to community development.
The meetings held at Nurney/Friendship Ramcharitar square, Kildonan center square and at Eversham Neighbourhood Democratic Council square are in keeping with Government’s Cabinet outreaches held annually.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand speaks with a pensioner at the Nurney/Friendship Ramcharitar square meeting
At Nurney/Friendship, Prime Minister Hinds spoke of some of the developments accomplished in the region. “There are recorded improvements and now we are interested in what are the next steps you (community) would like to see happen to add to the current developments.”
He said that the development of Guyana’s economy is of great importance to Government and as such, the re-shaping and re-modelling of industries especially sugar, rice, bauxite, timber and gold will be significantly enhanced this year.
He noted that the administration is looking at developing a much brighter future one where more job opportunities will be created.
Minister Manickchand (second from right) flanked by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and representatives of the region during Cabinet outreach, Region Six, Kildonan center square
“Much money has been spent in investment in the economy, but while there are still some challenges, I can assure you that Government is committed to ensuring that there is stability.”
Touching of some of the challenging issues faced during 2009, Mr. Hinds noted that there are still some issues that need to be addressed as it relates to making the bauxite and sugar industries more competitive and assured that Government can and will work through all difficulties.
Speaking on the issue of enhanced technology in Guyana, Prime Minister Hinds said that it is one of the administration’s aims during this year to have the area more developed as it is President Jagdeo’s vision to have all schools from nursery to university become fully equipped with computers and internet access.
Government is also looking to access another fiber optic-cable so that there will be a main link across the coast and another from the capital city to the mining town.
Minister Manickchand while stressing that society should cooperate to build a strong and better Guyana, one where there will be more timely developments.
She noted that it is not Government’s view to sit at desks and make policy but rather to interact and be more consciously involved in the lives of its citizens.
“This outreach is to hear your feedback so that we know what else we can do to make your life better. I assure you that whatever issues are raised here today will be dealt with tonight during Cabinet meeting with President Jagdeo.”
She noted that Government is very keen in the delivery of services to its citizens and as such, the issues and concerns of residents will help frame this year’s National Budget.
A resident voicing her concern during the Cabinet outreach, Region Six, Eversham Neighborhood Democratic Council square
She posited that many timely developments have been recorded over the past years, in human services, as it relates to the passing of better laws to protect Guyana’s children. Several children’s bills, launch of the Child Care and Protection Agency, distribution of public assistance and better management of homes and orphanages are among the areas where there have been significant improvements.
“We are committed to making the lives of our citizens better and will continue to invest more to ensure that all our policies are met,” the Human Services Minister said.
Among the issues raised at the meeting were proper irrigation and drainage structures in the Friendship area especially in light of the current El Nino condition, electricity, police use of radar guns, old age pension book, and proper roadways in Limlare Village, garbage disposal, irresponsible animal rearing and inflated water bills. Many of the issues raised were addressed by the subject Ministers.
Minister Manickchand in response to comments on the use of the radar guns by police officers stressed that persons should not be speeding on the country’s roadways. She said the instrument is necessary to ensure that speeding is prohibited; and will result in reducing the number of road fatalities.
The subject Ministers were also accompanied by officials from the RDC and NDC, Ministries of Agriculture and Human Services and Social Security and the Guyana Water Inc.
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