An Appeal to All Men to Support National Men's Week activities
Georgetown, GINA, January 19, 2009
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, performing the duties of Prime Minister has issued an appeal, urging men to participate in the week of activities to mark National Men’s Week.
The text of his appeal is as follows:
I wish to encourage all men of all ethnicity, religion or age to come out to the events organized for National Men's Week by the Men Empowerment Network and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. This initiative recognizes the importance of men in contributing to the well being of families, communities and the Nation at large.
Men's positive role in the family can contribute to the successful future of the children and the well being of the family and our country. However, increasingly we are seeing single mothers having to take the sole responsibility of this role; seeing violence against the women folk on the rise and many men are not gainfully occupied.
I encourage my fellow men to join the activities including the National
Leadership Summit on Friday, January 22 at the National Cultural Centre at 16:30 hrs under the theme: "Global Positioning: Guyana's Opportunity" and on Sunday January 24 there will be a National Men's Rally at the National Park at 16:00 hrs under the theme: "Men as Nation Builders."
We must see this as a great opportunity to meet and interact with such an
influential public figure, Dr Myles Munroe, Leadership coach and Spiritual leader, that will help us to overcome our challenges in taking a strong leadership role in the development of our nation.
All men must take some time off your busy schedule to participate in this
week of activities and to encourage your friends, relatives, staff and colleagues to participate with you. I hope to see you all at these events and may we all commit ourselves to developing our nation by playing a very active role in every way possible.
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RUSAL/Bauxite dispute…
Labour Minister responds to PNCR
GINA, Georgetown, January 19, 2010
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir has dismissed claims in certain sections of the media that the labour department has not done enough to intervene in a dispute between RUSAL workers and the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU).
The minister said the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) hinted to having written him on the issue but he is yet to receive such a dispatch.
Responding to a statement that the ministry was mandated to intervene, Minister Nadir explained that the department had done all in its power to assuage the situation.
“Looking at an interview in the electronic media, the Leader of the Opposition makes mention of the possible failings of the ministry in terms of the RUSAL/Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) dispute. I must say that the ministry has been involved and has taken the matter to its farthest point,” Minister Nadir noted.
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir.
He said there is a stalemate as it stands, and not much left to be done to unite the parties except continually urging them to meet.
“If the union claims that the Collective Labour Agreement is invalid, then there must be some terms of resumption and the ministry again has been urging them to meet under its auspices…The union says it has a legal position on the Collective Labour Agreement.”
Minister Nadir added that no company can unilaterally decide to derecognize a union since this falls under the purview of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board.
Over 100 members of the union had applied to the Board, requesting that the union be derecognized.
However, the Labour Minister explained that once a union has been certified as the bargaining unit, the employers must deal with the union.
He mentioned that the union has been levelling spurious accusations against him including that of racism which the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has been handling.
“Our job at the ministry is to ensure the labour laws are observed and enforced within the laws and intervene on behalf of workers. We have been doing that and quite successfully too.”
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Finance Minister stresses importance of maximizing effectiveness
- At launch of three-day BNTF training workshop
Georgetown, GINA, January 19, 2010
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh today reiterated Government’s emphasis on ensuring value for money and quality of work to ensure that citizens derive maximum benefits.
The Minister was at the time addressing the launch of the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) 6th Programme – Management for development results training workshop at the Princess Hotel. The three-day workshop which commences tomorrow precedes a national training programme which will be held on January 25 and 26.
“We believe as a Government that the objective of maximizing the effectiveness of our development effort must be paramount, we have increased our expenditure in the social sector in a very dramatic fashion; we have constructed educational facilities throughout the length and breadth of this country to the extent that we have achieved now universal primary education. We are making rapid progress toward the achievement of universal secondary education. We have brought basic health care services through the construction of at least a health hut in every village in Guyana so that every citizen in Guyana has access to the most basic of health care,” Minister Singh said.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh addressing participants at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Basic Needs trust Fund (BNTF) Workshop at the Princess Hotel today.
At the same time in the main population centres services that are offered have been upgraded and expanded.
The Finance Minister pointed out that having extended the effort, Government is mindful of the need to ensure that these facilities are used and managed in an optimal fashion. “Guyana is no different from any other country in the Region, resources continue to be extremely scarce indeed more so now perhaps than ever before in recent memory and its absolutely essential that every dollar spent is spent as effectively as it possibly can,” Minister Singh said.
In commenting on the theme of the workshop “Management for development results”, Minister Singh quoted from President Bharrat Jagdeo’s New Year speech to illustrate how strongly Government feels about the delivery of service.
“In the social sector, emphasis will continue to be placed on improving quality of service, value for money and greater accountability to the public. In education, on top of previously recognized priorities such as literacy, special attention will be paid to science and technology, and the expansion of technical and vocational education. We are also working on a major project to computerize all secondary schools in Guyana. We are keenly aware that sustained concentration within the classroom maximizes learning. Cognizant also that good nutrition plays an important role in improving concentration; my government will be spending some $800M on a country wide school- feeding program. This is all part of our efforts to improve performance within our educational system.”
The Minister further noted that in the health sector, all of the new hospitals will be made operational and audits, including clinical audits, will be introduced for all public health institutions while all public hospitals will be required to enter into a service contract with the Ministry of Health, and will be held accountable for the provision of quantifiable and verifiable standards of health care deliverables. He also spoke of the additional thousands of houselots to be allocated.
Participants at the launch of the three-day workshop at the Princess Hotel.
Minister Singh pointed out that under the BNTF 5, Guyana benefited from US $13.4M which was augmented with Guyana’s contribution of US $3.3M making a total of US $15.6M which was used to effect projects in the areas of education, roads, health and water. Projects constructed under this programme were the water projects in Agricola and the Diamond/Grove well, the Minister said.
The Minister acknowledged the contribution of the CDB and the Government and people of Canada and noted that Guyana, under the 5th BNTF qualified for a US $3M mid term bonus for which eligibility was based on portfolio performance.
“The Bank has been, certainly in Guyana and throughout the Region, a good example of the responsive and relevant development partner. Indeed responsiveness and relevance have been outstanding characteristics of the CDB,” Minister Singh said.
Project Manager (ag) of the BNTF Michael Singh pointed out that work under the programme is motivated by a good track record and noted that work will continue to ensure effectiveness and timely completion of projects.
“We welcome the new funding from the CDB for the BNTF 6 and understand the additional responsibilities, challenges and enormous tasks ahead of us to commit all the funds and implement sub projects in a shorter time compared to BNTF 5. For us in Guyana we would be venturing into new areas according to our Poverty Reduction Action Plan (PRAP) where we would implement sub projects in the sectors namely day care centres and vulnerable groups,” he said.
Portfolio Manager, Social Sector Division of the CDB Mrs. Denise Noel-De Bique explained that coming out of the 2000 UN Summit in New York an agreement was reached on the Millennium Development Goals after which international financial institutions met to decide how the effort would be financed.
She noted that the 5th programme was challenged with greater effectiveness and the Government of Canada provided Cdn $22M and technical assistance for the programme.
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280 Siriki residents benefit from housing, water and sanitation
-$88.8M project completed by Food for the Poor, Roetheli Lil’ Red Foundation
Georgetown, GINA, January 19, 2010
Government’s relentless efforts to improve water source, sanitation and housing for citizens continue to materialize as it strives towards achieving the targets set in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Towards this objective, Food for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated has once again committed its support in assisting the needy by collaborating with the Roetheli Lil’ Red Foundation, an organisation based in Michigan, United States, to complete an $88.8M Lil’ Red Village II Siriki-New Haven Project to benefit 280 residents of Siriki, a small village located along the Pomeroon River, Region Two.
The houses which were constructed by Food for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated and Roetheli Lil’ Red Foundation, Sand Top, Siriki, Region Two.
Recently, Executive Director, FFP, Leon Davis along with founder of Lil’ Red Foundation, Joseph Roetheli and Region Two Chairman, Ali Baksh visited the area to formally open the new community.
The Lil' Red Village II Siriki - New Haven Project entailed the construction of 70 wooden houses with 70 sanitation blocks, a school (School of Hope), a community centre (New Haven Community Centre) and a store house (New Haven store house). It also included the construction of a well and provision of a submersible pump to distribute potable water to residents.
The project commenced on October 6, 2009 and was completed on November 28, 2009.
According to a release from the organisation, residents of Siriki will benefit tremendously from the project since the community is comprised mainly of poor farmers and boat builders who live in low land areas that are prone to floods.
Founder of Lil’ Red Foundation, Joseph Roetheli and Region Two Chairman, Alli Baksh Region Two, untying the ribbons to officially opened the new Siriki housing area. Witnessing the event are members of the community.
FFP said the highland of Siriki Sand is less susceptible to flooding than the lowland areas which will in turn result in the reduction of certain diseases associated with flooding.
In addition, to the new well, the organisation has constructed a piping system to ensure that residents have access to potable water during a specified time of the day. This will further ease the strenuous activity of residents carrying water considerable distances.
To further improve and foster better relationship, the FFP will be collaborating this year, with the Housing and Water Ministry to enhance housing and water standards in communities.
The organisation is encouraging other charitable Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) to come on board and assist communities that do not have access to housing and water services
Since its establishment in 1991, the organization has been serving the needs of Guyanese by extending its reach to several communities including rural and interior locations where assistance is most needed. The FFP has also ventured into areas such as skills and vocational training and housing.
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Russian bikers using Guyana as starting point for South American tour
Georgetown, GINA, January 19, 2010
The Russian Harley Davidson Club Bikers who for years have been traversing the rough terrain of several countries around the world have decided to test Guyana’s soil and continue their journey to neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and Permanent Secretary Alfred King at a press conference with representatives of the Russian Harley Davidson Club Bikers.
The group of eight bikers today outlined their plans about the journey which begins tomorrow, during a press conference today with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, Permanent Secretary Alfred King and Director of Sport Neil Kumar and representatives from the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC).
This is the team’s first tour to Guyana which will hopefully conclude in Suriname. Team member Dimitry Rhitrov viewed Guyana as a perfect transit point for other aspiring tour bikers’ journeying to Central and South America.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony, Permanent Secretary Alfred King and Director of Sport Neil Kumar with representatives from the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club and the Russian Harley Davidson Club Bikers.
He noted however, that it will also present an opportunity for the group to enjoy the country’s scenic beauty which they have been hearing about for such a long time.
“It’s a perfect route to Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia, Suriname, French Guiana, crossing some rainforests, savannahs and all this pure and fresh nature, something that we can’t find anywhere else in the world,” Bhitrov said.
While welcoming the bikers, Minister Anthony highlighted some of the striking flora, fauna and prominent nature-loving sites which they are likely to encounter during their journey.
He encouraged them to use this time to strengthen the partnership with the GMR&SC which is more involved in racing.
The team at the end of their journey plans to stage a photo exhibition.
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Mangrove regeneration successful in Mon Repos
Georgetown, GINA, January 19, 2010
Government has embarked upon the regeneration of mangrove as a natural form of sea defence against the rising sea level. This is part of the Administration’s efforts to strengthen Guyana’s capability to prevent or mitigate floods.
In January 2009 the Ministry of Public Works and Communications commenced the mangrove regeneration pilot project in Ann’s Grove and Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
The project has been successful in Mon Repos where 140 meters of tropical shrub were cultivated. The project was less successful in Ann’s Grove because of unfavourable conditions to foster growth. Areas that have high foreshores will have a greater advantage of growing mangroves.
Mangroves are sometimes the only line of defence but are mostly used as buffers to man made structures. The plant’s massive roots assist in dissipating wave energy.
“The man made structures that are being constructed cost approximately US$2500- US$4500 per meter. If we can more or less encourage or assist the regeneration of mangroves it will cause the Government less money in protecting the coast,” Ms. Agnes Dalrymple, Chief Sea & River Defence Officer noted.
Dalrymple emphasized that mangrove regeneration will be implemented in other areas once the conditions are favourable. She noted that one area identified for the regeneration is West Coast Berbice.
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National Committee for Haiti relief receives more donations
- commercial banks, police give over $15.5 M
Georgetown, GINA, January 19, 2010
The Government and people of Guyana continue to give support toward the Haiti Disaster and today the National Committee for Haiti Relief received funds from the Guyana Police Force, commercial banks and a private citizen totalling $15,515,000.
Some enterprises have made contributions in kind towards the relief effort for Haiti which was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on January 12. Estimates are that over 200,000 people have died. Citizens have also been contributing food and clothin, Chairperson for the Committee, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Minister Priya Manickchand noted.
Chairperson of the National Committee for Haiti Disaster Relief, Priya Manickchand receives cheque from Guyana Bank for Industry and Commerce worth $5M.
To maintain transparency of funds being received, the committee will be publishing and maintaining a website where information related to contributors, amounts donated and status of the committee will be provided. In addition, information concerning the amount of funds in the account at Republic Bank will also be available on a daily basis on the website, Minister Manickchand stated.
She noted that all donations will be given to the Government and people of Haiti.
The committee is determined to continue works to aid Haiti as long as the island needs it. The first shipment leaves later this week for Jamaica and will then be transported to Haiti.
Chairman of the Guyana Association of Bankers John Tracey noted that the banking society saw it necessary to assist a sister CARICOM state. He noted that the decision to assist was not complex since the scenes from Haiti revealed the level disaster.
Similar thoughts were expressed by the Assistant Commissioner, Krishna Lekraj. He highlighted the Guyana Police Force held a meeting yesterday and among the ranks the funds were raised to make the donation.
Chairperson of the National Committee for Haiti Disaster Relief, Priya Manickchand receives cheque from Assistant Commissioner, Krishna Lekraj, Guyana Police Force.
Those who contributed to the effort today are: Guyana Police Force $2 M, Citizens Bank $1 M, Republic Bank $5 M, Bank of Nova Scotia $ 1M, Bank of Baroda $500,000, Demerara Bank $1 M, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry $5 M, Citizen $15,000.
Other recent donations were: Fiber Tech Industrial Plastics- 200 kitchen sinks, Beharry Group of Companies- 1 container of food supplies, Howard Bulkan- 1 container of lumber, International Pharmaceutical Agency and Demerara Distillers Limited 1 container of bottled water each, Just Water- 100 cases of bottled water, Pomeroon Oil Millers Incorporated- $500,000 worth of refined oil, and New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation- $6M worth of pharmaceuticals.
Additionally BK International has agreed to the use of one of its vessels to transport aid to Haiti.
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