Ministers Rohee, Persaud acting as President and Prime Minister
Georgetown, GINA, January 15, 2010
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee has been sworn in today as Acting President of the Republic of Guyana while Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud is performing the duties of Prime Minister.
President Bharrat Jagdeo left Guyana on Thursday for the Middle East with a delegation comprising Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues- Birkett, Minister of Housing and Water, Irfan Ali and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Partry, Donald Ramotar.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds also left Guyana for Cuba.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee being sworn in as acting President at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. Looking are Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Commodore Gary Best, Protocol Advisor to the President, Vic Persaud and Chief Justice (acting) Ian Chang.
In keeping with Article 109 of the Constitution, the two Cabinet ministers have been appointed temporarily to perform the duties of acting President and Prime Minister.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud making it official.
The Ministers were sworn in at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport VIP Lounge, Timehri. Witnessing the event were Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Commodore Gary Best, Chief Justice (acting) Ian Chang and Protocol Advisor to the President, Vic Persaud.
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Gov’t to develop 460 more houselots at Fort Ordnance housing scheme
Georgetown, GINA, January 15, 2010
Government, through the Housing and Water Ministry will be expanding several areas to facilitate more houselots in several areas including at Fort Ordnance Housing Scheme, Region Six.
Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali made this disclosure while meeting with residents of Fort Ordnance on the Cabinet outreach on January 12 to update them about planned programmes that will be implemented this year by Government for the community.
The Minister said government will be spending more than $780M in Region Six for the provision of additional housing.
Fort Ordnance will be extended by a further 460 houselots. The sum of $234M will be spent to develop infrastructure in the new areas to benefit approximately 2000 people, Minister Ali said.
The tendering process for the project, he said has been completed and is awaiting the approval of the Inter American Development Bank (IDB).
We are hoping to have this contract awarded by mid February so that we can commence works in this area…this is part of government’s overall plan for the region…the government believes strongly in social and pro poor development,” he stated.
The Minister further expressed the hope that at the end of the implementation of the Second Low Income Settlement Programme his Ministry would have more than 2,000 new houselots available in the region.
In 2009, approximately $1.6B was allocated to the Ministry to implement programmes and expand the housing sector. To date, through the Ministry’s massive housing drive, over 5000 applications have been processed.
Meanwhile, in the water sector, the Housing Minister updated residents about the $1.6B Corriverton water treatment plant which is being constructed at Queenstown.
The construction of the new plant forms part of GWI’s strategy to improve the quality of service for residents from Number 51 Village to Moleson Creek.
Upon completion it will benefit an additional 18,000 residents from Number 74 Village to Moleson Creek and will have the capacity to produce up to 5.5 milliliters of purified water per day.
The first phased of the project had involved the construction of the Number 56 Village Water Treatment Plant, which was successfully completed in 2008 at a cost of $1.1B. The two plants will provide over 33,000 residents with improved water supply. The project is expected to be completed by August 2010.
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Labour Ministry targets 2,000 NTPYE trainees
Georgetown, GINA, January 15, 2010
The Ministry of Labour is aiming to net about 2,000 applicants for the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and 400 participants for its Single Parent Training Programme during 2010.
Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir explained that in order to achieve this goal, the project will require a budget of $150M.
The NTPYE training programme usually receives a budgetary allocation of about $50M annually.
The programmes are coordinated by the Ministry’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT), which was responsible for the successful graduation of over 1,500 persons last year. About 1,083 youths received certification from eight of the 10 regions.
Minister Nadir said government is overwhelmed by the youths’ response to the programme and urged unskilled job seekers to take full advantage of the training opportunities.
Overall the completion rates of the programmes improved from 75 percent in 2008 to 85 percent in 2009.
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir
Government has given the assurance that youths who are unable to complete formal schooling will be given a second chance through skills training and hundreds of youths are now qualified to join the workforce.
The NTPYE graduands received training in various disciplines including joinery, auto mechanic, plumbing, carpentry, welding and electrical and computer repairs.
The Single Parent Training last year exceeded its target with 372 parents, including a male, graduating from an initial count of 412 applicants.
The parents were trained in Childcare, Care for the Elderly, Pharmacy Bond Clerk, Medical Records, Health Care, Cosmetology, Sewing, Catering, Office Procedures and Information Technology. They also received the necessary equipment to begin their trade.
The initiative is part of government’s strategy to reduce the level of unemployment and improve the living standards of its populace.
The need to develop Guyana has also prompted government to equip its citizens with the necessary skills to make quality contributions to both personal and national development.
The ministry has managed to conserve the resources provided by central government for the NTPYE because of its partnership with private sector, faith-based organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO).
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Government to build more roads
Georgetown, GINA, January 15, 2010
During the Cabinet Outreach on January 12, Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh along with Permanent Secretary of the Office of the President, Dr. Nanda Gopaul visited Williamsburg, Reef Sect Somrah’s Square and Port Mourant where residents turned out in their numbers to interact with the officials.
While addressing the residents of Port Mourant, Dr. Gopaul stated that Government has remained steadfast to ensure that the country develops at a fast rate, advancing the education system and creating more job opportunities.
Residents were concerned about the conditions of roads.
Dr. Gopaul explained that Government has allocated huge sums of money towards the construction of roadways between the period of last year and March 2010. This amounts to 400 roads being developed and built.
After the completion of this period, another sum which will be allocated from the 2010 budget will be set aside for the development and construction of another 600 roads throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.
He urged that members of the communities play their part by helping to clean their communities and ensure that they assist in keeping the roadways accessible, functional and most importantly in a good state.
Berbice has benefitted significantly 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 access road being the most significant.
In 2006, the Black Bush Polder road received a facelift with $191M spent to resurface it.
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Region 2 rice farmers encouraged to manage water
-In light of El Nino
Georgetown, GINA, January 15, 2010
Rice cultivation is pertinent to Guyana’s economy and as such in light of El Nino the Ministry of Agriculture has been implementing measures to ensure proper management and equitable distribution of water across the rice farming belts.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, Regional Vice- Chairman, Region 2, Vishnu Samaroo and other officials conducted a meeting at Anna Regina Town Hall, to address water management with respect to irrigation and other issues affecting rice farmers.
The Ministry has improved the drainage and irrigation systems in the Region with the installation of four pumps at Dawa, rehabilitated sluices, canals and other structures, Minister Persaud noted.
Section of rice farmers at Anna Regina, Town Hall
Currently the Dawa pumps are irrigating lands but because of the absence of constant long periods of rainfall water has depleted in the conservancy and the need for water control has been intensified.
Minister Persaud noted that Government will not dictate whether farmers should cultivate their lands or not. He, however, explained that planting now will result in low supply of water while planting late may result in harvesting plants during the rainy season. Nonetheless, he advised that farmers should consult with the Guyana Rice Development Board and Rice Producers Association on possible course of action since the dry spell may last until March.
Many farmers expressed concerns about the late payments being made by rice millers. The Minister emphasized that the Rice Factory Act, Amendment 2009 has provisions for repercussions for rice millers who do not pay 50% of the total amount within two weeks and the remaining within 42 days. In fact the renewal of their licences is dependent upon 95% of all individual payments being made. A summary of the Act will be distributed to the mills as requested by farmers.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud addressing rice farmers at Anna Regina, Town Hall
For the sustainability of irrigation of rice lands the Minister has asked farmers to be more proactive and responsible as it relates to the management of water.
Minister Persaud has been visiting several farming communities in recent months, meeting with farmers to address the situation caused by the extreme dry conditions.
Interventions have been made to provide assistance in the form of pipes, machinery and rehabilitation of structures to various affected areas.
The Minister has also been urging farmers to conserve on water usage and not to tamper with drainage and irrigation structures.
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Agri Minister, CJIA Officials meet with livestock farmers at Timehri
-removal of farmers within six-mile radius discussed
Georgetown, GINA, January 15, 2010
Minster of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, Chief Executive Officer of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir and other officials today engaged livestock and cash crop farmers in a meeting at the Timehri Prison Officers Club, to simultaneously deal with the removal of occupants, primarily livestock farmers from the six-mile radius around the airport and to determine alternative placement for them.
Livestock and cash crop farmers at Timehri, at the Timehri Prison Officers Sport Club
With livestock attract birds in the vicinity and pose dangers to passengers and aircraft, Minister Persaud rationalized the removal strategy by referencing the 2009 incident when a US Airways plane, with 155 people on board ditched into the Hudson River. Investigations showed that one of the possible causes of this unfortunate occurrence may have been that a bird was struck while the plane was in the air, thereby affecting its engine.
The Minister noted that it will be in the national interest that the practice of such farming types cease in that location. He explained that this new development is in keeping with rules and regulations of international flight agencies that have the authority to impede air travel to Guyana, an act that will ultimately hurt the national economy.
The Minister noted that removal from the specified surrounding radius of the airport is the only option.
Government, being cognizant of farmers’ needs, is willing to assist in finding alternative location.
Farmers present at the meeting expressed gratitude for this commitment.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud listens to comments being made by farmers
However, some of them indicated that moving will be costly and the Minister expressed that the Ministry can contribute to the relocation of farming materials.
Those farmers squatting and are so desirous of attaining land legally will be aided by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.
Relocation will not be a set back to the farmers since the Government is looking to open-up large farming grounds. Areas including Dora and Greenfield Farm will be part of the farming corridor envisaged by the Administration.
Ghir expressed similar sentiments with respect to the safety and security of passengers and aircraft being compromised with the presence of birds in the airspace. He also noted that farmers and vendors encumbering the airport’s reserves are in danger in the event of an accident. In addition they are hampering the further development of the airport.
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National Relief Committee for Haiti gets donation from miners association
Georgetown, GINA, January 15, 2010
The Guyana National Committee for Relief for Haiti, which was established following a meeting held with President Bharrat Jagdeo and a wide-cross section of interest groups, today received $500,000 from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA).
The cheque was presented to chairperson of the committee, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand by President of the Association, Norman McLean.
Executive Director of the Association, Edward Shields also made a personal contribution of $50,000. BK International has promised to use one of its ships to ferry supplies to the devastated country.
Minister Manickchand said the committee is pleased to receive the contribution and was especially heartened by the very small donations from some persons.
“I’m convinced that these people are giving all they can afford but I also believe that persons can be much swifter in their reaction,” Manickchand stated.
President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, (GGDMA) Norman McLean hands over the cheque to Chairperson of the Guyana Committee for Relief for Haiti.
Also in photo is Pastor Raphael Massiah (extreme right) Executive Director of GGDMA, Edward Shields. Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn is third from left.
She added that Guyana’s initial response of US$1M is now being matched by countries such as Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations with limited resources.
Manickchand noted that the destruction in Haiti is on a massive scale and so warrants a wide range of assistance.
A team from Guyana is also expected to be deployed to Haiti once the type of support required is made clear.
The telethon held at the National Communications Network (NCN) has since netted $8.7M and another will be held tonight.
“We are encouraging all those who want to contribute to call us regardless of how small the donation is. The Little Rock TV station in Berbice will also have a telethon so you can come in to the CDC which opens all day.”
The chairperson reiterated the committee’s commitment to transparency and stressed that funds are not being spent on management expenses.
The committee is also in the process of establishing a website and will announce the address very soon. The website will provide vital updates on the amount of cash garnered and details of its distribution.
McLean stated that the Association attempted to make the contribution during the telethon last evening but could not connect to the telephone lines.
He noted that this is a positive sign of the overwhelming response of Guyanese to the plight of Haitians.
The GGDMA said other pledges include $500,000 worth of oil from the Pomeroon Oil Mill and $500,000 worth in pharmaceuticals from the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC).
Past President of the GGDMA, Alphro Alphonso is also among those who made similar pledges as well as Omai and Terry Singh from Japarts.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake tore through the capital of the already impoverished nation of Haiti, killing thousands and leaving irreparable damage in its wake.
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Telethon for Haiti nets $8.7M - activity continues
Georgetown, GINA, January 15, 2010
The telethon hosted by the National Committee for Relief for earthquake devastated Haiti held on Thursday evening on the National Communications Network (NCN) has garnered more than $8.7M.
Committee Chairperson, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand disclosed that several other contributions as well as calls received by the committee today may push the sum past the $10M mark.
The telethon continues tonight in the NCN studios and will run for as long as Guyanese are making contributions.
Executive Director of the Association, Edward Shields made a personal contribution of $50,000 and BK International has promised to send a ship which will be used to ferry supplies to the country.
Other pledges include $500,000 worth of oil from the Pomeroon Oil Mill and $500,000 worth in pharmaceuticals from the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC).
Officials of Government, religious organizations, political parties, the private sector, and civil society on Thursday evening alternated in varying panels to discuss the devastating earthquake as the Relief Committee sought to raise funds for the island.
Those on the panels were Ministers of Transport and Hydraulics and Amerindian Affairs Robeson Benn and Pauline Sukhai respectively, Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin, Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Teixeira, GAP/ROAR member Everall Franklin, PNCR members Dr. Faith Harding and Basil Williams and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Gerald Gouveia.
Minister Manickchand urged society to contribute to the worthy cause, since this tragedy can apply to anyone. She noted that individuals and organisations have already donated supplies to the country through monetary donations, food items, fuel and water.
“This gesture is not surprising because Guyana is known for its generosity to give to others and so Guyanese are coming out in their numbers to contribute to Haiti,” the Minister said.
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Government to expedite issuance of property transports
-Dr. Luncheon tells Berbice residents at Cabinet outreach
Georgetown, GINA, January 15, 2010
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon in addressing issues in relation to issuance of property transports within the housing sector disclosed that during a statutory meeting of the Cabinet, Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali made a proposal of having the expertise of a group of Cabinet members to expedite matters relating to the processing and issuance of such documents.
The HPS noted that the housing ministry’s policy is designed to facilitate low and medium income homes at subsidized prices as well as to allow people to access mortgages that will enable them to pay for their lands and homes.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon and Minister of Local Government, Kellawan Lall meeting with residents of Chesney during Cabinet Outreach in Region Six
The residents of Chesney, Guava Bush and Belvedere complained that while the current system is working, it is too slow. To this, Dr. Luncheon explained with the expansion of the housing programme, which has recently been accelerating rapidly to accommodate more home owners, might have contributed to putting a strain on the capacity of the legal system, thereby stymieing the process.
Dr. Luncheon made a commitment that all complaints that were raised by the residents will be queried and communicated to them via the Chairman of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
He added that such communication should not only be done during an outreach; instead there should be a steady connection of information that goes from the citizens to the NDCs to the Government and vice versa.
“You can’t use the isolated outreach and visits by the Ministers to develop a healthy system at the NDC level,” the HPS said.
He said that this outreach is going to offer the first of a new approach that will be incorporated to ensure a closer relationship between NDCs and residents. Further, he urged residents to keep this chain of connection going so as to elevate the status of NDCs and the role of the Local Government Ministry. This will ensure better delivery of goods and services.
Recently the Housing Ministry sought and obtained $4B that will see a massive expansion of the sector to meet the target of an additional 17000 houselots, testimony of a commitment made by the Government in late 2009. Further, the revolving fund will be set up for persons who have difficulties in meeting the requirements of commercial banks.
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