Agri. Ministry hosts extension officers’ seminar
-to strengthen and build extension services capacity
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2010
Over 100 service providers and stakeholders gathered today at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Mon Repos at a workshop organised by the Agriculture Ministry with the aim of improving the extension services and service providers’ ability to assist farmers across the country while strengthening and building capacity of extension services.
During the seminar agents were given the opportunity to interact with Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud who is performing the duties of Prime Minister and officials from the Ministry on various agriculture initiatives presented at the session.
Minister Persaud while addressing the gathering told them that they are operating in a dynamic sector that is in the throes of a transformation process and that the extension service is a critical element in realizing and successfully undertaking that process and that such a workshop will provide a chance for officers to improve their ability and to interact and exchange ideas.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud who is performing the duties of Prime Minister interacting with extension officers at the seminar, Guyana School of Agriculture, Mon Repos.
“We need to look at arrangements that will allow you to be responsive, to be effective and to be able to get the job done,” he said.
While acknowledging that the agriculture sector is dynamic and growing with expanding needs, Minister Persaud said that officers need be cognizant that the expectations of farmers are changing.
“From the presentations that you will receive today I am quite sure that at the end of the day that understanding would be there…and certainly your recognition of the critical role you play in programmes and initiatives,” he said.
The Agriculture Minister said, despite the changes in farmers’ need, his Ministry has been substantially increasing its investment within the sector.
He said over the past two years, the Ministry has been able to increase the number of extension officers through programmes and collaborative efforts between the Governments of Guyana and Cuba to produce the necessary skills needed for the sector.
The Minister also used the opportunity to provide an update on the livestock authority which has been set to be constituted on July 1 where the Crops and Livestock department will be merged into the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) where the department will fall under the purview of NARI.
Extension officers and stakeholders gathered at the seminar, Guyana School of Agriculture.
He said a decision has been made to put together a professional body to manage the transition process in the creation of the Livestock Authority.
“We are going to do sound technical work that addresses the human resource and institutional issues,” the Minister stated.
The process, he noted, will entail looking at the requisite skills needed and qualification and performance of persons over time.
“Every single position within the new entity will be first offered to people who are already here once you have the right match…this exercise will tell us who we have and their capabilities,” he said.
The seminar also saw presentations made by Project Coordinator, Sattie Sasenarine who provided an overview of the Agricultural Diversification Programme (ADP), Director, NARI Dr. Oudho Homenauth on the Incorporation of Crops Division into NARI and Organizational Strengthening Specialist, Daune Pratt on Organizational Strengthening and capacity building of extension services
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Overwhelming show of support from Guyanese to Haiti relief effort
- over $14M accumulated during two days of telethon
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2010
The ongoing telethon which began on January 14 by the National Committee for Relief for Haiti, on the National Communications Network (NCN) garnered in excess of $14M on Thursday and Friday.
Chairperson of the Committee, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand said that she is very pleased with the response of Guyanese in rendering their support to the earthquake devastated Haiti. The day of the first telethon which accumulated close to $10M was extended due to the tremendous generosity displayed by Guyanese.
The Minister noted that the Committee is unswerving in its commitment to render long-term assistance to rebuilding of Haiti and her people. She urged Guyanese who may have relatives and friends in Haiti, to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and they will make necessary interventions to assist in this regard.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee who is performing the duties of President, posited that the contributions that have been made thus far, speak volumes of Guyanese generosity and he expressesd pride at the overwhelming number of pledges that keeps pouring in. He also made reference to Government’s substantial contribution that amounts to 0.08 percent of Guyana’s GDP.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn said that the relief effort is gathering some strength on the ground in Haiti. He re-emphasized that the forms of assistance that should be rendered will depend on assessments that will lead to the mapping out of strategies for the restoration of the city of Port-au-Prince.
Acting President Clement Rohee with a panel of opposition political party members and other stakeholders during the Haiti relief telethon on NCN.
Presidential Advisor, Indra Chandarpal disclosed that the women’s arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has committed to sewing 200 bed sheets to be sent to Haiti. These would be ready by next week, she said.
Alliance for Change (AFC) Leader, Raphael Trotman noted that the main focus should be on how best political parties, organisations, and individuals can come together to bring relief to the people of Haiti. He pledged the AFC’s support and encouraged other members and supporters of the party to get involved to assist in this national effort.
People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member, Lance Carberry said that the People of Haiti have been living a nightmare for the longest while, which was exacerbated by the earthquake. He stressed the need for Haiti to be rebuilt in order to improve capabilities of Haitians.
A similar activity to garner monetary support has been going on at the Little Rock Television Station in Berbice. During Friday evening’s telethon, several pledges were made. These include from the Community of Lusignan via the Lusignan Masjid, Banks DIH, Saraswatie Vidya Niketan Secondary School and the Nirvana Humanitarian Society among others.
Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy who was also part of Friday’s telethon panel said the situation in Haiti represents a call for all mankind to go the extra mile to extend a helping hand.
The Health Minister alluded to the united effort which Guyanese showed in 2005 following the devastating flood and noted that the same spirit of goodwill should be demonstrated for Haitians.
“They are our children and we need to do something and do it now,” Minister Ramsammy said.
Courts Guyana Limited has been one of the major companies in the business sector supporting the Haiti relief effort.
With a presence in 13 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) territories Courts Guyana Limited will commence a drive on January 18 to collect all unwanted clothing or canned food at its eight locations in Guyana.
Moderator Neaz Suban speaking with Government officials, Opposition party members and religious community leaders at the telethon for Haiti relief on NCN.
During Friday’s telethon the company’s Marketing Manager Molly Hassan appealed to the public to make contributions, noting that all proceeds from the exercise will be added to the national relief effort.
Courts also plans to make a donation of mattresses while its staff will be making contributions to a donation box stationed in a corner of the store.
Maxwell Thom, Proprietor for Wireless Connections who also represented the business community at the telethon made a pledge of $200,000 and an appeal to others in the business community to come forth and donate.
Having experienced a loss in 2009 when his Regent Street business was destroyed by fire, Thom said it is miniscule compared to the crisis in Haiti.
Former Minister of Human Services and Social Security Bibi Shadik pledged $100,000 during her appearance on the telethon, but made a special appeal for persons to contribute some of the much needed aid such as food stuff.
She expressed sympathy to the victims, particularly the children, elderly and other vulnerable groups. She also spoke on behalf of the Muslim community.
Representing the Christian community on the panel was Rev. John Smith who appealed to members of the clergy to make that special effort at their Sunday services to contribute to the relief effort.
The Public Service Ministry gave a generous donation of $240,000 and Minister of Public Service Jennifer Westford who appeared on the telethon called for the involvement of public servants to the effort.
Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have also been putting in their bid since the relief effort began. Director General of the Ministry Elisabeth Harper was happy to report that on January 14 the staff made an out-of-pocket contribution of $635,000. The following day the Ministry’s contributions totalled $720,000.
Operators taking calls of persons making pledges at the telethon for Haiti relief.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is helping the National Committee for Haiti relief in its coordination of the national response and even as we work as a country on this national effort we are also going to be part of the region’s response,” Harper said.
CARICOM is at present working on channelling its resources in a central area for it to be effective. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Assistance (CDEMA) has circulated a list of key areas where member states can indicate their aid and manpower capabilities.
In the immediate term the region’s response will involve the identification of a health facility which they will commission as a central operational centre. Additionally military personnel will also be deployed to help in that effort.
Meanwhile locally, the Hits and Jams promotions organizers intend to host a benefit concert that will see all proceeds going to the relief fund.
Pledges can also be made to the CDC by calling telephone numbers 226-1114 or 226-8815 as well as Republic Bank to account number 119-900-9. Contributions can also be given to NCN on Homestretch Avenue and contributors will be given a receipt as proof of their support.
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Special Unit has been aggressive in tackling plantain/ banana disease
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Musa Disease Management Unit would like to clarify some misconceptions contained in an article captioned “Plantain Farmers count big losses after disease outbreak” which was published in the Saturday, January 16, 2010 edition of the Stabroek News.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s MUSA Unit is disturbed that no attempt was made to get the Ministry’s perspective on an inaccurate report made by anonymous farmers and an opposition politician.
The MUSA Unit which comprises 18 staff was established within the Research Arm of the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Institute on September, 2009.
Musa spp. (plantain and banana) is widely cultivated throughout the world and there are many diseases affecting these crops around the world. Guyana is no different since preliminary reports indicate that there is an unknown disease that is affecting plantain and banana. Government has taken steps to address this concern with urgency.
Since the establishment of the unit, it has been functioning and working vigorously to serve the Musa spp. (plantain and banana) farmers across the country.
Disease samples were collected from all the affected areas and sent to an International Laboratory (CABI) in the United Kingdom for confirmation report using molecular methods.
The survey of all the plantain and banana farmers across the country is approximately 75% completed. Staff of the MDMU, Field and other officers of the Ministry of Agriculture are at present in the field to evaluate the level/severity of the Musa disease(s) and provide farmers with advice on the disease management strategies currently available. Brochures on sigatoka disease and its management are being distributed to the farmers across the country.
Training sessions with all staff and many farmers were conducted in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to enlighten them on the various diseases affecting plantain and banana, how to identify them and manage/control them to prevent the spread.
In addition, the MDMU has established demonstration plots for farmers’ participation in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and will expand to the other regions shortly. These demonstration plots aim to show farmers the strategies that can be employed for the management/control of various Musa diseases.
There are a number of trials established for screening various chemicals (fungicides) across the country as part of the disease management strategies.
Additionally, within the last month the unit has established demonstration sites at the following areas in Region 3 (Parika Back, Ruby Back, Naamryck, Wakenaam and Hogg Islands, and Bonasika), Region 4 (Relief on the East Bank Demerara and Mon Repos), Region 6 (Balchan Scheme and Moleson Creek), and Region 5 ( Mahaica creek). So far the results are positive. Farmers were advised on the various strategies that can be used to manage the disease such as:
Good cultural practice
This includes:
- Regular de-trashing or de-leafing to remove dead and infected portion of leaves as these would contribute to re-infection and high levels of spore inoculums (Sanitation).
- Prevent overcrowding of field by: planting at the correct spacing (approx 2.4 m) , pruning mats at regular intervals
- Establish adequate/ efficient drainage system.
- Good weed management.
- Good nematodes and other borer control.
- Adequate fertilization.
- Proper sanitation of farming tools (i.e., disinfect tools before and after use), etc.
Chemical control
Chemical control is used to complement cultural practices and is essential for the reduction of Black Sigatoka disease inoculum levels. Alternating fungicides with the prevailing environmental condition is vital for successful control.
Recommended fungicides :
Bravo, Manzate, Benlate, Tilt, Carbendazim, Maximo, Bellis, Mancozeb. (It is advisable that these fungicides be used at the recommended rates in a well planned rotation schedule).
Quarantine: The movement of rhizomes, suckers and leaves that could be carrying Musa diseasefrom infested to clean areas should be restricted.
For further information farmers and other interested person are asked to make contact with the Musa Unit at Telephone NUMBERS 220-2842 and 220-2249.
Musa Disease Management Unit (MDMU)
National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI)
Mon Repos
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GSA establishes branch in Essequibo
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2010
The Ministry of Agriculture in its effort to build human capacity in the sector has established a branch of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) at Cotton Field, Region Two. The school was previously housed at the Essequibo Technical Institute and owing to the growing number of students, the Ministry invested $20M to create an agricultural learning environment.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud emphasized that the decision to establish the GSA in the Region is to prevent students incurring expense and leaving their homes to attend the GSA in Mon Repos, Region Four.
In addition agriculture is a major part of the Region’s economy and as such youths should have knowledge and skills with respect to their livelihood.
The school has a student of population 30 and 7 lecturers who instruct courses in the Diploma in Agriculture and Certificate in Forestry.
Opposite the school is the farming ground, however, currently practicals are being conducted at the New Opportunity Corps. There is also living accommodation for lecturers.
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National Relief Committee pleased with response thus far
-calls for pledges to be honoured
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2010
The National Committee for Relief for Haiti this evening made a call for Guyanese to honour their pledges made during two days of telethon held at the National Communications Network (NCN). This call was made at a press conference subsequent to the Committee’s second meeting at the boardroom of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Thomas Lands.
Chairperson of the Committee, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand described the telethon as “huge success”, hosted to raise funds to assist Haiti, devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the island’s capital, Port-au-Prince on Tuesday killing tens of thousands of people.
“We are extremely pleased at the response by ordinary Guyanese, by corporate Guyana, by children who have come forward and really contributed to the telethon being a success,” she said.
The Minister noted that the awareness that the telethon has spread has also been useful in reassuring the population that Guyana’s soul is intact. She said that the Committee is extremely pleased with the response across the board and that the entire Committee has been unanimous that the telethon held on Thursday and Friday was a success.
Pledges that were received from the telethon amounts to $18, 999, 730. Out of this amount, $ 3, 819, 965 has been received thus far. As recent as yesterday, the account set up at Republic Bank amounted to $213, 630, 524. These figures were audited by the Auditor General’s office.
Minister Manickchand said that honouring those pledges has been a remarkable event since most of the money that was deposited into the bank on January 15 was as a result of pledges made the night before. She also said that a bank statement with the names of persons and the amount they deposited will be made public shortly.
(Third from left) Director General, Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Chabilall Ramsarup, Chairperson for the National Committee for Relief for Haiti, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand (center), Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn (fifth from left) and other committee members at National Committee for Relief for Haiti press conference at the CDC headquarters, Thomas Lands
Other activities include a SMS campaign launched by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company. The proceeds of this campaign will go towards the Committee. Additionally, Little Rock Television Station in Berbice has launched a telethon that has so far received pledges that amount close to $9M, out of which $2M has already been received.
Pledges have also been made by the business community to give other items. These will be collected as soon as a mechanism of transport is established.
The Minister urged Guyanese to give freely but cautioned against giving perishable items. The CDC has received a quantity of clothing and other items including perishable goods. Minister Manickchand advised that the donation of perishable items could be made locally to orphanages, homes for the elderly such as The Palms. However, it is not practicable for such items to be sent to Haiti.
Director of the CDC, Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup in giving an update of the situation said that 80 percent of the housing infrastructure has been completely destroyed, affecting over three million people. He said that the major problems that are being encountered are lack of fuel, shortage of heavy-duty machinery to clear the debris, and accessibility into the destroyed city.
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) will be deploying a technical team to Haiti to assess the situation.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is also in the process of mobilizing over 200 military personnel including a number of medical personnel, to be deployed to Haiti.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn while speaking about the delay in the donation of the relief package said that persons ought to be aware by now that the ports which handle containerized materials and cranes in Haiti have been destroyed and that it will take quite some time for the off loading facilities to be re-established to off load at ports.
He said that works are ongoing, from the airport to clear roads so that materials can be transported out of the airport.
Minister Benn noted however, that there has been a shortage of fuel where some aircraft are being told to transport extra fuel then move from Jamaica or the Dominican Republic that have normal return flights.
He stated that it will take some time before the situation is normalized since the roads from the Dominican Republic are congested.
“I think there is still some time before we get in (Haiti) to be able to usefully deliver materials there. We have to collect the materials and then fit in with the arrangements for delivery, whether by sea or by air or even over land,” he said.
Head of Marketing, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Incorporated (GT&T), Wystan Robertson said that its parent company Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN) has a subsidiary in Haiti, Tropical Telecom Incorporated, a wireless Internet Service Provider (ISP) that has been providing a service free of cost to Haitians who have relatives residing out of Haiti.
With regards to some of the initiatives being provided by the private sector, he said that it has stepped forward and made several contributions.
GT&T has made its equipment and facilities available to the National Relief Committee and has been able to facilitate telethons in Georgetown and New Amsterdam, he said.
In addition, the company, he said has been using its Short Message Service (SMS) platform to garner public support. Cellink subscribers are being asked to contribute $100 via a text to 620 GIVE or 620-4483. The proceeds will be handed over to the National Relief Committee, Robertson said.
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