UWI Professor, students hail Guyana’s agriculture strides
-call on Minister Persaud
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2010
University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor, Richard Braithwaite accompanied by eight students of the Masters of Science Degree programme at UWI, today paid a courtesy call on Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud who is also performing the duties of Prime Minister.
The aim of the visit is to get a first hand glimpse of Guyana’s agriculture products, its research and development programmes and how UWI and the University of Guyana (UG) can work together to enhance distance learning.
Professor Braithwaite said that he is impressed with Guyana’s abundance of land and water.
“Guyana has significant potentials to provide food to Caricom. As was noticed during the five days that we are here there is an abundance of farming activities and the country is also known for its rich soil to produce,” the Professor said.
He said he was very pleased to see some of the works of young scientists and researchers who have helped assiduously to maintain the stability and viability of the industry.
The team during their stay in Guyana paid visits to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), the Guyana Rice Development Board and the new state-of-the-art Skeldon Sugar Factory.
Professor Braithwaite while lauding Guyana for its many achievements noted that with the Skeldon sugar factory there will be enhanced sugar production which will in time augur well for the industry.
Minister Persaud thanked the team for their visit and encouraged them to incorporate their abilities into the Country.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud (center) flanked by University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor, Richard Braithwaite and students of the Masters of Science Degree programme at UWI during courtesy call in the Ministry’s Boardroom.
“We (Government) continue to allocate resources to maintain and secure investment towards building an economically strong Guyana,” the Agriculture Minister said.
He noted that investments in Guyana have been propelling rapidly and Guyana is being promoted as a country that offers prime investment opportunities.
Minister Persaud told them that the Skeldon Sugar factory was conceived in 1998 as part of GuySuco’s strategic review, and is the culmination of 10 years of planning and execution.
“The price cut severely threatened the viability of the sugar industry in several countries, including Guyana, but we (Guyana) maintained our commitment to the continued high level of sugar production to supply local and international markets,” he said.
Another issue that took center stage for the University Professor was the viability of the coconut industry.
Minister Persaud said that it is of concern to the administration and as such a revitalization plan is being administered to ensure that coconut farmers’ needs are addressed.
He also stressed that Guyana is currently pursuing support from India, and several South American countries to assist in this effort, especially to obtain new varieties.
The students all expressed gratitude to the government for the hospitality meted out to them during their stay in Guyana, while two students indicated their interest to spend a year in Guyana to share their knowledge.
UWI, UG and the Guyana School of Agriculture will be working collaboratively to share their expertise in the field of agriculture.
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Guyana, Iran sign two MoUs
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2010
According to the Iran Republic News Agency (IRNA), President Bharrat Jagdeo today met with Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran’s capital.
At the meeting, the President welcomed Iran’s active presence in Latin America as well as in the Caribbean region
Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, welcomes President Bharrat Jagdeo, to Iran. (Courtesy of Iran Republic News Agency)
Ayatollah Khamenei, for his part, commended Guyana for adopting an independent foreign policy in dealing with international affairs, and promised his country’s friendship.
“Those nations trying to remain independent and do not intend to trample upon rights of others are regarded as our friends, irrespective of their races or languages,” he said.
Referring to common grounds shared by both countries in various fields such as commerce, industry and mining, the Supreme Leader underlined that Iran is ready to transfer its invaluable experiences to Guyana.
He indicated that the large number of Muslims in Guyana and its membership of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) has prepared the ground for expansion of cooperation between the two countries.
Also present at the meeting was the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and President Bharrat Jagdeo, proceed along the red carpet flanked by one of Iran’s elite military units (Courtesy of Iran Republic News Agency)
Guyana also signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Iran in the areas of political and visa services and Iran’s development assistance to Guyana.
The MoUs were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and her Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki.
President Ahmadinejad also held an official ceremony to send off President Jagdeo today as he is scheduled to leave Tehran for Mashhad to inaugurate a number of development projects in the Khorasan Razavi province of Iran.
President Bharrat Jagdeo meets with Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran’s capital on January 21, 2010 (Courtesy of Iran Republic News Agency)
President Jagdeo is on a trip to the Middle East that has already seen him visiting Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to generate interest is that part of the world for investments in Guyana. In addition to Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, he is accompanied by Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali and President of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), Fazeel Ferouz, among others.
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Agriculture Minister, technical officials on fan-out meetings in Region 3
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2010
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and a team of technical officers from the Ministry and its sub-agencies will be interacting with farmers and members of the public on Saturday, January 23 to discuss agriculture plans for this year.
The interactive session is in keeping with the continuation of the Ministry’s ‘Grow More Food Campaign’. It will also be centered on the El Nino conditions currently facing livestock and cash crop farmers and availability of adequate water supply to farmlands.
The meetings will held as follows:-
- Vive-La-Force Primary School, West Bank Demerara – 09:00 hrs/9:00 am
- Patentia Primary School, West Bank Demerara- 11:00 hrs/11:00 am
- Kamuni/Potosi, West Bank Demerara- 09:00 hrs/9:00am
- Endeavour and the Commons Primary school (Canal No.2 Polder), West Bank Demerara- 13:00 hrs/1:00 pm
- Two Brothers Primary, (Canal No.1 Polder),West Bank Demerara- 15:00hrs/3:00 pm
- Bagotville Community Centre, West Bank Demerara- 09:00 hrs/9:00 am
- Goed Fortuin Primary, West Bank Demerara- 11:00 hrs/11:00 am
- Windsor Forest Primary, West Coast Demerara- 13:00 hrs/1:00 pm
- Den Amstel Community Centre, West Coast Demerara- 15:00hrs/3:00 pm
- Naamryck, Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo- 09:00hrs/9:00 am
- Philadelphia Primary, East Bank Essequibo- 11:00 hrs/11:00 am
- Parika Community High School, East Bank Essequibo- 13:00 hrs/1:00 pm
- Greenwich Park Primary, East Bank Essequibo- 15:00 hrs/3:00 am
- Saint Lawrence Primary, East Bank Essequibo- 09:00 hrs/9:00 am
- Morashee Primary, East Bank Essequibo- 11:00 hrs/11:00 am
- Western Hogg Island - 13:00 hrs/1:00 pm
- Lower Bonasika- 15:00hrs/3:00 pm
- Richmond Hill Primary, Leguan,- 09:00 hrs/9:00 am
- Leguan Secondary School - 11:00 hrs/11:00 am
- Maria's Pleasure Primary, Wakenaam - 13:00 hrs/1:00 pm
- San Souci Primary, Wakenaam - 15:00hrs/3:00 pm
Farmers will also be given the opportunity to interact with the Agriculture Minister and his team of officials on issues affecting their livehood, such as, drainage and irrigation, seed distribution, animal health and land space for agricultural purposes.
Farmers are encouraged to make a special attendance to address issues affecting them.
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Public Works expenditures for 2009 total $11.4B
…95% of voted provision
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2010
At a press conference held today in the office of Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Balram Balraj, stated that the expenditures of the Government agency in 2009 totalled $11.4B, approximately 95% of the voted and supplementary provisions of $12.3B.
He indicated that the voted provision for current expenditures totalled $839M of which $818M was expended by December 31.
The capital works provision for the year, the Permanent Secretary indicated, was $8.6B of which $4.6B came from Government sources with the remainder coming from foreign sources, including international financial institutions.
Additionally, a further $2.6B was provided the Ministry through supplementary provisions to carry on further capital works. Of this amount, $1.7B came from the Treasury and the rest from foreign sources.
Of this total of $11.2B for capital works, the Ministry was able to expend $10.4B, or approximately 92% of the voted and supplementary provisions.
Also, a further supplementary allocation for $200M under current expenditure was given to the Ministry as a subvention for the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), which has seen its revenues shrink by 60% with the commissioning of the Berbice River Bridge, and the resulting reduced traffic through the Rosignol – New Amsterdam ferry crossing.
Minister Benn indicated that during 2010, a review will be done to identify ways of increasing the revenue of the TH&D. However, in the meantime, Government will continue to support the department as it seeks to restructure its revenue base.
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications plays a vital role in the development of Guyana. It is the agency responsible for developing the important physical infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridge and sea defences, that is needed to provide a solid platform for the country’s progress.
This was highlighted by President Bharrat Jagdeo in his New Year’s address as he promised that in 2010, Government will be dedicated to commencing several major infrastructural projects.
Given that the Ministry of Public Works efficiently executed the majority of its expenditures during 2009, the agency will be an asset to Government during its infrastructure development drive in 2010.
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Gov’t will not allow the undermining of our National Sovereignty
The AFC's recent statement captioned "The PPP's unsubstantiated attacks on Guyanese citizens at home and abroad brings discredit to our nation" is another example of that party seeking to get political mileage even if it means treating lightly the issue of our national sovereignty.
Contrary to that small opposition group claims, the Government in no way intends to attack Janet Bulkan; rather, the Government of Guyana has sought to ensure that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of this country is maintained and ensured.
This is a totally justifiable position since although Ms. Bulkan was not physically present at the October 2009 meeting of the FCPF, she did review the Suriname Readiness Preparation Proposal (RPP); this RPP contained a map purported to be representing Suriname's boundaries but which insultingly
included the entire New River Triangle. Further, for an objective evaluation of the RPP to have been done, any reviewer would have had to peruse the map.
Additionally, the letter to the World Bank by Minister Persaud, who has responsibility for the Forestry Sector, could in no way be termed a "clandestine deed". At the October 2009 meeting in Washington, DC, USA the Commissioner of Forests publicly expressed objection to the continued use of
this map by Suriname; further, he expressed disappointment that even though one of the reviewers of Suriname's RPP was a Guyanese, it was unfortunate that she did not see it fit to object to Suriname using a map that included sovereign Guyanese territory. Again, this was done publicly at the World
Bank meeting, immediately after Suriname's presentation.
The Minister's letter to the World Bank was simply therefore to formalize Government's position on this matter.
The Government of Guyana also maintains its position that Ms. Bulkan on a continuous basis, has been publicly and negatively misrepresenting the issues in Guyana's forest sector. She has also accused senior Government Officials including His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo of being incompetent and
corrupt, but has failed to produce any evidence to substantiate her ridiculous allegations.
Undoubtedly, Bulkan does a national disservice by publicly manipulating and distorting facts to pursue her narrow agenda. Many of Ms. Bulkan's statements bordered on political discourse rather than strict technical opinion.
Also the AFC is most incorrect when it tries to imply that Guyana is not being supportive of Suriname's efforts.
Guyana has shared all of its policy and technical documentation inclusive of forest policy documents and sustainable management guidelines with Suriname.
Guyana has also facilitated training in Reduced Impact Logging to Surinamese, both in Suriname and Guyana.
Personnel from the Suriname Forest Service were also hosted by Guyana last year to learn more about the institutional structure and functioning of the GFC as well as to observe the implementation of our policies on the ground.The Government of Guyana welcomes positive contributions and informed
discourses on all matter of national importance. Further, the Government will not sit idly by and allow either any individual or forum to undermine our national sovereignty.
Ministry of Agriculture
January 21, 2010
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Market tarmac under construction at Diamond
-Local Gov’t Minister checks on progress
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2010
Residents of Diamond and Grove on the East Bank of Demerara will soon be beneficiaries of a spanking new municipal market which is currently being established in the Diamond New Housing Scheme.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall along with Permanent Secretary, Seewchan today visited the site to inspect the progress of the project.
The market, which is an initiative by Government to provide an organized and secure vending area for persons who depend on vending as a means of living, will benefit thousands of persons living on the East Bank of Demerara, especially in neighbouring villages.
At present, the tarmac is 75% into its work programme and is scheduled to be completed by the middle of next month. The 4,600-square meter tarmac is being erected between the first and second bridges on the southern side of the scheme.
The first phase entailed earth works and soil stabilization. The finishing touches of putting on asphalt is to commence in a few days.
The construction of the market tarmac is necessary since vending is being conducted on the public road and is seen as a major threat to the free and safe flow of traffic.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development inked contracts for the construction of market tarmacs in Enmore and Golden Grove, Region Four, De Willem and Best/ Pouderoyen, Region Three and Waterloo, Region Five.
All tarmacs are expected to be completed by mid-February, with the exception of Golden Grove and Waterloo, where works began much later than the other tarmacs.
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Minister Baksh calls for Headteacher advocacy on literacy promotion
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2010
Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh today called for Headteachers to be more proactive in the implementation of programmes designed by the Ministry to promote literacy. The Minister was at the time speaking at a meeting with headteachers from the various regions at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Kingston.
The purpose of the meeting was to consult with headteachers on the implementation of the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP).
Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh addressing headteachers at the meeting at NCERD to discuss the implementation of the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme.
The Minister said that the six-year programme was invented due to the weaknesses of the primary level of education. He said that a lot of interventions have been put in place to strengthen the primary school system in the area of literacy and numeracy in particular.
“Many initiatives are in place to the extent that we have also established a National Literacy Unit, staffed with specialists in this area,” he said.
Minister Baksh disclosed that already interventions are made to have literacy specialists visit schools to ensure that programmes are being rigidly implemented as the Ministry is expecting nothing less that success in the literacy programmes in the Primary schools.
He said that even with all the progress made by the Ministry to promote literacy, there is still a lot of work be done. Many teachers are not onboard to the programme because they do not understand the methodology or are not committed to their programme.
There needs to be more effective supervision through the Monitoring Evaluation Research and Dissemination (MERD) Unit, in ensuring that the Regional Education Departments supervise the school systems.
“We will have clear benchmarks, clear indicators that they must look for; we have to leave some of these assessments for the Heads. They must be able to manage without intense or close supervision but we will define six areas which the Regional Educational Officers will have to look for and report on that as part of an overall accountability framework,” he said.
The Minister asserted that the Ministry will start to hold headteachers and principals accountable for their stewardship or lack thereof.
Headteachers at the meeting, at NCERD.
“Improvement in the school system commences with the headteachers and they have to become far more proactive, accountable and results-oriented in the system,” Minister Baksh said.
He asserted that those who are not improving, steps will be taken against them by the Teaching Service Commission. He emphasized that some of the heads are “sleeping on the job” while they should be effectively supervising and mentoring teachers.
A certificate will be introduced at the end of the Grade Four level, which will be issued for those students who meet the standards that must be achieved. He said that will motivate parents and students, since those who do not meet the standards in Grade Four will have another chance to do so in the fifth grade.
Minister Baksh said that failure of the SCCP is not on the Ministry’s agenda.
At the end of the Minister’s presentation, headteachers were given a chance to share their views on the implementation of the programme and other issues that might be preventing them from effectively performing their duties. Many of the heads were in support of the programme as it would go a long way in ensuring that children stay in school and complete their education.
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National Committee for Haiti relief donations top $237M
Georgetown, GINA, January, 21, 2010
The National Committee for Haiti Relief today received more donations as Government entities, religious organizations, political parties, the private sector, and civil society continue to pour-out their generosity towards assisting the devastated island of Haiti.
Eleven donors donated cash and food items to the Committee at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) office, today as efforts continue to support Haiti which was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on January 12. Estimates are that over 200,000 people have since died.
Chairperson of the National Relief Committee for Haiti, Minister of Human Services Priya Manickchand receives donation from a representative of School of the Nations.
Those who contributed to the effort today are: School of the Nations- $724,000, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana- $600,000, the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC)- a total of $8.2M in pharmaceutical and medical supplies, Women’s Political Organisation-300 bed sheets, 600 bags of rice and $100,000, Friends of the Needy -$25,000, the Rice Producers Association (RPA) $100,000 and 500 bags of rice, National Enhancment Committee- $25,000, Cummings Electrical -$200,000, the Alliance for Change- $20,000 and the Guyana Defence Force- $150,000. The Guyana Muslim Mission donated barrels of clothing and other items.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security and Chairperson of the National Committee for Haiti relief, Priya Manickchand said that citizens have been contributing food and clothing also. She noted that the committee is determined to continue its work to aid Haiti as long as the island needs it.
“We are very happy at the committee level with the response of Guyanese thus far. This has shown the generosity of our people.”
Minister Manickchand receives cheque from a representative of Cummings Electrical.
The Human Services Minister disclosed that the committee has taken a decision to have the first batch of relief items leave this weekend for Jamaica and then to be transported to Haiti.
Other recent donations were: Fibre 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 GPC- $6M worth of pharmaceuticals.
Prior to the donations made by corporate citizens the Committee for Haiti relief hosted two telethons on January 14 and 15 on the National Communications Network (NCN).
As a response to the devastating effects of the earthquake on Haiti, the Government of Guyana committed US$1M towards assistance for the island territory and established a multi-stakeholder committee. A cheque representing the fulfillment of President Bharrat Jagdeo’s pledge of support to Haiti and also the first deposit in the relief fund set up for Haiti was also handed over to Minister Manickchand.
A representative of the Guyana Defence Force presents cheque to the Chairperson of the National Relief Committee for Haiti .
Additionally BK International has agreed to the use of one of its vessels to transport aid to Haiti.
The committee which was established following a meeting held with President Bharrat Jagdeo and a wide-cross section of interest groups has received a total of $237,299,255 thus far.
An account has also been set up at Republic Bank as the Guyana Relief Fund for Haiti, Account number 119-900-9.
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Public Works Ministry- Strengthening infrastructure across the country
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2010
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications worked assiduously throughout 2009 to ensure that Guyanese benefit from improved infrastructure and services. The Ministry’s commitment has been exemplified with the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges across the country regardless of challenges, making for a more modern country and improving the transportation network. The Ministry was able to complete 95% of all works planned for 2009.
Roads
The Ministry embarked upon a road development programme across the country to improve the transportation network and link communities. A total of $2.8 B was spent on the various projects, including the New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek Highway. The 2009 budget provided $1.8 B for the road’s completion. The Ministry expended US$35.5 M on the road. Also in Region 6, the Ministry conducted rehabilitative works on the Black Bush Polder Road.
Construction of the Mahaicony Branch Road commenced in April 2009 and was completed this month at a cost of $175M. This road is benefiting approximately 500 residents and rice farmers.
Under the Miscellaneous Roads Programme, 65 roads were repaired. Over 200 roads have been identified to be rehabilitated in 2010.
In addition, under the Urban Roads and Drainage Programme, several roads, parapets and drains in and around Georgetown were cleaned and maintained by the Guyana Prison Services while roads in New Amsterdam, Georgetown, Linden and Anna Regina were repaired.
Hinterland areas are now more accessible through the construction of roads in Regions 1, 8, 9 and 10.
The Santa Rosa to Kwebanna road in Region One that is being constructed at a cost of $160 M is 35% complete and will conclude early this year. Also in the Region, 14.4 miles of road has been constructed from Mathews Ridge to Baramita. The remaining 5.6 miles up to Mora Swamp is under construction. The 26-mile Karasabai to Meterzero road, Region One is in progress and is expected to be completed by April. This project costs $180M.Madhia, Region 8 is experiencing rehabilitative works.
The access road from Linden to Lethem which spans 416 kilometers has been rehabilitated at a cost of $148 M. The completion of this road was essential since it is the only major land link that will be utilized by the heavier volume of traffic expected with the Takutu Bridge.
Road Safety:
The Ministry conducted an engineering study relating to vehicular accidents and to increase the safety on the roadways. As a result it employed several measures including erecting street lights and guidance structures.
Street Lights
A total of 876 street lights were installed across the country at the cost of approximately $158.5M. The Providence to Timehri district, Region 4 benefited from 768 luminaries while 70 were erected from the Demerara Harbour Bridge to Canal Number 1 Polder, Region 3. In Anna Regina, Region 2, 38 street lights were erected.
A section of the newly installed street lights at La Grange, West Bank Demerara.
Three hundred and fifty-eight street lights are being installed along the Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika, Region 3 corridor. The project is approximately 70 percent complete.
Street lights erected on the East Bank Demerara.
Traffic Lights
To curb traffic congestion, the Ministry installed a traffic light system at the Diamond Housing Scheme entrance, East Bank Demerara. The project was executed at a cost of $15M. The East Bank Public Road at the junction of the scheme has been widened.
Guidance Structures
The Ministry employed a five-man crew tasked with highlighting road markings. This was done continuously throughout the year to guide road users on effectively using the roadways.
Road barriers were constructed at critical turns on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara. The East Coast project targeted areas including Coldingen, Hope, Unity, Atlantic Ville, Ogle, Plasiance and Bachelor’s Adventure, while barriers were installed at Craig, Timehri and Friendship on the East Bank. The projects cost $36 M and $44 M respectively.
Clearing Government reserves
The Ministry’s demolition campaign continued with significant strides made with the removal of illegal occupants on Government’s reserves along the East Bank, East Coast and West Coast Demerara corridors. The Ministry has pledged to continue the campaign in 2010 until all reserves across the country are clear of encumbrances.
Weight Control for vehicles
Four fixed platform scales were installed at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Mackenzie Bridge at Linden, the Berbice River Bridge and at the Bridge Crossing at Lethem to monitor the weight of vehicles.
Demerara Harbour Bridge
An average of 6,437 vehicles traversed the bridge daily last year and the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) experienced a 20% increase in revenue. In addition the DHB was contracted by the Ministry to undertake rehabilitative works the bridges along the Railway Embankment and to construct a bridge at Moleson Creek.
Rehabilitative works were expedited on the DHB through a budgetary allocation of $749M. Two major aspects were the successful replacement of a broken transom and the northern lane of the eastern approach deck. Further, 2599 deck plates covering more than quarter of the bridge’s surface were installed.
The fabrication of 100 connecting posts at a cost of $95 M has been completed. In addition, 79 pontoons have been rehabilitated and anchor chains replaced as measures continued to provide an efficient service and enhance the bridge’s life span.
Sea Defence
Cognizant of Guyana’s vulnerability to the rising sea level Government expended approximately $2.6 B on the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of sea and river defences across the country with special emphasis on the coast.
Earthen embankments were raised at Sisters Village, Glasgow, and Springlands, Region 6, Lorenzo, Region 3 and Good Hope, Region 2.
Rip-rap sea defence work began at Belladrum, Region 5 and Line Path, Region 6. The project at Belladrum will see the construction of 900 meters of sea defence, 40% of which has been completed. Sea defence works at Line Path targets 810 meters and 35% is completed. Both projects are scheduled to conclude by mid year.
Rip Rap sea defence at Crane, West Coast Demerara.
In Region 3, 550 meters rip-rap sea defence are being expedited in the Stewartville area. At Enterprise, Leguan, 150 meters of rip-rap work were undertaken.
At La Retraite, Region 3, 300 meters of rip-rap construction were built at a cost of $115 M.
The Ministry also embarked upon the maintenance of sea defence structures. The sluice at Cornelia Ida, Region 3 that underwent remedial works in 2008 saw its completion in 2009. The works entailed 15 meters of construction of concrete slope.
Contracts for the construction of rip-rap sea defence at Zorg, Region 2, Stewartville and Enterprise, Region 3 and Brahn, Region 5 were awarded while river defence works are ongoing at D’Edward Village, Region 5 and Moleson Creek, Region 6.
Maritime Administration Department
The operations of this department have been successful for the year 2009. One of the major achievements of the department was the completion of repairs and maintenance of vessels.
Vessels traversing the Essequibo and Demerara Rivers were requested to use sheds and 93 out of the 205 vessels complied with the Ministry’s request.
Passengers disembark a speed boat with canopy.
Eight hundred and sixty-six ships piloted the waterways. A total of 368,902 metric tons of cargo, 21,591 containers and 3,087 vehicles were imported.
Inspections of various facilities were conducted, replacement of buoys in the Berbice and Demerara channels were expedited, new equipment were achieved for the sector and dredging of the Demerara Channel was expedited.
From an administrative perspective, the department issued 259 licences and certificate to various vessels including those privately owned.
Infrastructural Works
The Ministry launched the Transport Infrastructure Rehabilitative Programme funded by the Inter-American Development Bank. Undeok this programme the Ministry embarked upon the installation of 26 culverts and bridges from Timehri to Rosignol at a cost of US$6.8M. Currently, resources are being mobilized and the culverts are being fabricated.
Under this project the Abary Bridge experienced rehabilitative works to the structure of the bridge. It will be completed early February 2010. Other infrastructural works done by the Ministry facilitated greater convenience for commuters, in general, and automobile owners, in particular, with the construction of a car park at the New Amsterdam Hospital.
New Asphalt Plant- Garden of Eden
A US$153,900 asphalt plant was installed at Garden at Eden, East Bank Demerara. The plant has begun operations and is producing asphalt concrete for use on the roadways.
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