Process of building modern economy well underway – Finance Minister
…transformation of economy spurring private sector development
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
At the launch of the 2009/10 telephone directory today at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company canteen, Hadfield Street, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Sigh, delivered the feature address where he indicated that Government’s policy seeks to lay the framework for the development of a vibrant private sector.
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, addresses the launch of the 2009/10 telephone directory at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company canteen, Hadfield Street on January 22, 2010.
He also stated that the process of building a modern economy is well underway and stressed that this transformation is spurring private sector development.
To illustrate his assertions, the Minister pointed to the significant physical infrastructural developments taking place across the country such as road and bridge projects, including the Berbice and Takutu River Bridges, improved social services, especially in education and health, and the great strides made in the non-traditional (new and emerging sectors) of the economy, especially in services.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company, Major General (ret'd) Joe Singh, hands over the ceremonial first copy of the 2009/10 telephone directory to Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.
Minister Singh noted that these developments have come through tangible, demonstrable investments by Government, and its commitment to maintain a strong, stable macroeconomic environment.
He highlighted that the maintenance of a sound macroeconomic framework is much desired by the private sector as it reduces the amount of economic uncertainty that is faced when making business decisions.
This framework, the Minister said, is one of the principal reasons for the rapid growth in the private sector over the years.
He reiterated that Government remains committed to the modernization and transformation of the country, and urged his listeners to avoid taking all these developments for granted as it takes significant work and a deliberate and concerted effort by a number of parties to realize this progress.
Dr. Singh indicated that Government will continue to invest in developing the physical infrastructure of the country, and provide the legislative and macroeconomic framework to spur private sector development, as this has always been a deliberate policy and was not achieved in the past through luck.
The new 2009/10 telephone directory.
He signalled that growth in the telecommunications industry is reflective of the effort of Government to transform the economy, pointing to the growth of land-line subscribers from 13,000 in 1991 to around 150,000 at present.
However, the Finance Minister remained unsatisfied, noting that universal access to service is imperative.
“We will continue working towards a fully liberalized and competitive telecommunications sector,” he stated, noting that it will make Guyana’s economy stronger and more resilient.
The new 2009/2010 directory, a more compact document, recognizes the Suriname-Guyana Submarine Cable System (SG-SCS) which is expected to significantly resolve Guyana’s bandwidth issues. According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the telephone utility, Major General (ret'd) Joe Singh, the cable will become operational in June of this year.
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Stabroek Market area to get street lights, traffic light
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications will be erecting street lights, and a traffic light and clearing encumbrances in the Stabroek Market area this year as a means of enhancing safety and security in that area.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn revealed that the Ministry had earmarked this project a few years ago but owing to set backs was unable to see it through.
He noted that the Ministry was successful in clearing encumbrances and illuminating some areas around the market. It was emphasized that the Ministry sees the installation of street lights around the mini bus parks in the market’s vicinity as critical.
In 2009, Government installed street lights along the Providence to Timehri district, Region Four, West Bank Demerara, Region Three and Anna Regina, Region Two. Currently, 358 street lights are being installed from Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika. This project is 70% complete and will conclude within a few months.
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Culture Minister wants more public involvement in Mash
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony today made an appeal for Guyanese to become more involved in the celebrations of the country’s 40th Republic Anniversary, which is being celebrated this year under the theme “Embracing our Diversity, Celebrating our Heritage.” The Minister was at the time speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry’s boardroom, to update the media on preparations that are being made for the event.
Minister Anthony said that all the preparations are coming on stream as was envisaged. He noted that the Central Mashramani Committee has been working extremely hard to co-ordinate the activities of the sub-committees. “We have made substantial progress over the last week,” he said.
Regional Mash Committees have also been established in every region. These Committees are responsible for the planning of Mash events within their regions.
The Ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company and the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) carried out inspections along the parade route to ensure that there are no impediments to hinder the movement of the floats.
A special safety and security committee that comprises members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other organisations was established. This committee has been making recommendations to the Central Committee on measures that should be incorporated to ensure that the parade is held in a secure environment.
(From right) Head of the Mash Secretariat, Lennox Canterbury, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony , Head of Sales and Marketing, Banks DIH, Carlton João and Convener of the Chutney Competition, Neaz Subhan at the press conference at the Ministry’s boardroom.
In keeping of with the spirit of the festival, Minister Anthony disclosed that the Committee received a proposal from a private company in relation to the decoration of the parade route. This proposal involves a number of other companies and organisations. He said that the Central Committee is in the process of considering the said proposal and if accepted, the company will be given the green light to implement it.
A special appeal was also made to owners of homes and other commercial buildings along the route to decorate their buildings in commemoration of the event. “We want people to participate, Mash is not just about this Ministry putting things together, it requires the involvement of thousands of people. The more people that come out to participate, the better the parade would be,” the Minister said.
Minister Anthony called on persons who have given verbal commitments to start registering so that the Committee can be able to effectively plan its activities. Companies and other organisations are asked to uplift their registration forms as early as possible. The Committee has established the week before the event as a closing date for registration.
A target was set for 40 floats and so far 30 organisations including several religious groups, social service organisations, government bodies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), have given indication of their participation.
With respect to the competitions, calypso rehearsals have started at the Carifesta Sports Complex. The semi-final is set to be held at the Blairmont Community Center Ground on February 13, where 25 persons will be participating at that event. There also will be the HIV song competition, whose finals will be held at Thirst Park.
Minister Anthony emphasized that while the events will be competitive, efforts are made to ensure that they are enjoyable as well.
This year, the junior calypso competition has the participation of 12 contestants. The Culture Ministry is partnering with the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Department. This collaboration will see the participation of a number of children at the competitions taking part in dances, dramatic performances and poetry among other activities, in addition to the calypso competition.
An entrance fee will be charged at this competition, which will be held at the National Cultural Center (NCC) and the proceeds will go towards the efforts being made by the National Committee for Haiti Relief.
“This would be children performing for children and donating to a generous cause, it’s a good gesture when children can be mobilized to give to such a good cause,” the Minister said.
The masquerade competition, which will be a one-off competition, will be held at the National Park. The Steel Band Competition, sponsored by Republic Bank, will be held on February 14. The categories of this event include; Solo-Junior, Solo-Senior, Small Bands (minimum of 10 players) and School Bands.
Additionally, after the competition, the Ministry will be working closely with Republic Bank to hold various workshops; one of which will be a pan tuner workshop. The Minister said that this is all part of an ongoing development programme to enhance steel band music.
School competitions which will consist of dances, poetry, dramatic pieces and physical displays will be held from February 16-19. The children’s parade will be held on February 20.
The Minister said that a special prize will be awarded to the building that is using renewable source of energy, in keeping with Guyana’s direction of a low carbon pathway.
Efforts are also being made to organize a parapet competition in collaboration with the City Council and a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) competition as was held last year.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King highlighted that the celebrations also have to reflect patriotism. He also stressed on the importance of getting the City Council’s involvement in the celebrations.
King disclosed that the Culture Ministry which is tasked with coordinating the activities will also have a large contingent of about 300 persons. They will also be making their own costumes, reflecting a low carbon theme.
Convener of the chutney competition, Neaz Subhan disclosed that the auditions concluded last week and 15 contestants were short listed. The finals will be held on February 19 at the Albion Community Center Ground.
Loaknauth Singh from King’s Jewelry World, has facilitated the request to assist in mentoring the 15 contestants. Subhan said that they have incorporated some new ideas in an effort to re-invigorate chutney.
He said that interventions are being made to give overseas artistes a chance to participate in the competition. Their participation, he said, will help to motivate the local singers to raise their standards. Three overseas contestants are expected to be part of the competition.
The service of a leading Trinidadian artiste, Rishi Guyadeen was sought also in an effort to assist the singers, as five of them are very young and could benefit from such expertise. The services of this artiste will be available from February 8-10.
Apart from the chutney competition, there will be a Curry Festival that will cater for meat and vegetables. Five entries have been received thus far.
Head of Sales and Marketing of Banks DIH, Carlton João in sharing some of the company’s plans for the celebrations said that Banks has a significant history in being part of Guyanese celebrations. This year, the Banks mash camp will be celebrating under the theme “Our country, our life, our beer.”
João said that their band will have all the major attributes of the festivity including fully costumed revellers. He added that attempts are being made to keep the music as local as possible. They are currently working with Kross Kolor Studios to get some of their members onboard the Banks camp.
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New prison arrangement for first offenders-Home Affairs Ministry
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in keeping with the desire to place greater emphasis on correctional services within the prison system, has directed that all young first offenders, between 18 and 21 years, particularly those charged with the possession of or trafficking in narcotics and who are on remand, be relocated at the Lusignan Prison.
The objective of this new arrangement is to avoid incarcerating young offenders with recidivists and hard core criminals.
Previously, young offenders who were remanded at Lusignan and elsewhere had to be taken to Georgetown to attend court.
Consequently, the Chancellor of the Judiciary was approached and it was agreed that a Court be established at Lusignan to hear the cases of first offenders only, since this would avoid having to transport them from Lusignan to Georgetown on a daily basis, for their cases to be heard.
The Ministry expressed its satisfaction with an advertisement posted in the Guyana Chronicle on January 13, by the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), which stated that a courthouse will be established at the building that is currently housing the Lusignan Prison Officers’ Sports Club.
This decision was also applauded as a positive approach, by the members of the National Commission on Law and Order at a meeting of the Commission on January 13.
In November last year, the Home Affairs Ministry made a call to civil society to critically examine and make recommendations on a report drafted by the Public Service Ministry, to aid in the modernization and enhancement of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).
The report outlined precise issues (such as overcrowding) that are affecting the GPS, as well as alternative proposals to counteract and to some extent eliminate some of the issues.
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Lumber production increased considerably in 2009
-Agri Minister
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
There has been a significant decline by 33 percent, in log exports attributed to the implementation of the National Log Policy which sought to channel primary productions in areas where value is added.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, at a press conference hosted by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) at the Commission’s office, Kingston, said, “The fact that we have seen significant decline in log exports and especially since the log export policy came into effect from January 1, 2009 it tells us in fact that this policy is working and value added sector within the country is growing,” Minister Persaud stated.
He noted that there was a 9.2 percent increase in lumber production in 2009 as compared to 2008. The production in 2009 was 73, 118 cubic meters while 66, 968 cubic meters were produced in 2008.
Minister Persaud noted that the global economic meltdown has affected the housing sector in the United States and other countries where construction had declined.
He said the purchase sector was not totally cushioned from the effects of the global economic crisis since Guyana’s dependence is on its markets in the United States, CARICOM and further afield.
“Overall we have seen that there has been an increase in extraction, there has been an increase in value added activity and certainly the local construction sector has been growing,” he said.
There has also been significant improvement with the introduction of computerized bar coding which has enabled the sector to track timber extraction.
As it relates to forest monitoring, the Agriculture Minister said that the commission during last year increased its capacity.
Continued investments are also being made in staff through training at the post-graduate level, he said.
The forestry training center has done much training and Guyana has been recognised as one of the countries that practices sustainable forest management.
In 2009 the commission trained over 340 persons and is planning to expand the programme in 2010.
With the replacement of forest bill legislation, the forestry sector has been modernised, the Minister said.
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29 more Guyanese doctors to graduate this year
-as focus continues to enhance country’s developmental thrust
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
Twenty-nine young trained Guyanese medical students will enter the health system as full practitioners this year. These returned to Guyana last year and are doing their final rotation at the Diamond Hospital, the Leonora, Mahaicony and Suddie Diagnostic centers and at the New Amsterdam Hospital and Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The initiative to allow students to do their final rotation in their homeland will ensure faster integration into the local health system.
Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran said a further 300 Guyanese students are scheduled to return from Cuba in 2011 to complete their final rotation. This period of training is being done under the supervision of Cuban medical and faculty members and professors at the health institutions.
“We are going to stretch that over five years and a minimum of 500 to 700 persons will be trained….and complete their final training in the country,” Minister Ramsaran said.
The Cuban Scholarship Programme started in 2002 when the Cuban Government offered Guyana 350 scholarships. It was extended in 2006 when a further 965 scholarships were offered over the period 2006 to 2010.
The scholarships are offered in various disciplines including Medicine, Engineering, Technology, Agriculture and Telecommunications.
Diplomatic relations between Cuba and Guyana were established on December 8, 1972. From this period, the relationship between both countries has been strengthening for the mutual benefit of the peoples of both countries.
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Public Works Ministry’s new asphalt plant producing 900 tonnes weekly
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications’ thrust to utilize the Ministry’s resources to complete certain key project has resulted in its acquisition of a new asphalt plant from India.
This new equipment will enhance the machinery capacity of the Force Account Unit within the Ministry.
The plant which is located at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara began operation last year. It provides approximately 900 tonnes of asphalt per week and has been satisfying the many road projects around the country.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn noted that Government acquired the plant for US$153,900 which is approximately 15 to 10 percent below its initial cost.
The previous plant was a major pollutant in the area and would malfunction causing delays in completing projects promptly. He noted that the implementation of this new plant has saved Government more than 50% in cost as compared to the old plant.
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Finishing touches being done on Pigeon Island bridge
-Minister Lall checks on progress
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
Residents of Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara, will soon benefit from a newly established bridge which is currently under construction at a cot of $18M.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Seewchan, today inspected the construction work being carried out at the bridge.
It is being built to a dimension of 54-feet by 17-feet, with a 14-foot carriage way and a three-foot walkway.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall , Permanent Secretary Seewchan and members of the Regional Democratic Council inspecting the almost complete Pigeon Island Bridge.
Residents are grateful for this new bridge which will be completed by mid-next month. The previous bridge was erected at a low level and proved problematic during the rainy periods.
The old bridge was also unable to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles while the new one will be able to facilitate heavy-laden vehicles carrying a maximum of 25 tonnes.
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Local Gov’t Ministry establishes relief committee
- all funds to be channeled to National relief Committee
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has joined other organisations in offering assistance to Haiti by establishing a relief committee in its effort to support the other disaster committees while collecting information and giving guidance where necessary.
Chairperson of the National Relief Committee for Haiti, Priya Manickchand fully supports this venture since all organisations will be working in collaboration with each other to bring assistance to Haitians.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Seewchan stated that this committee will be open to the public for donations as well as for staff members.
Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) throughout Guyana are apart of this committee to ensure that persons from all areas can make contributions if they so desire.
New bank accounts have been created and will be managed only by the Regional Chairmen and Regional Executive Officers.
Co-ordinator, Hinterland Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta who is also the designated head for the relief committee posited that all records for staff contribution will be managed by Regional Executive Officers.
He said that there will be proper monitoring and accountability of all cash and cheque donations and that 65 NDCs and five of the six municipalities will be collecting cash donations for the Haiti Relief Committee.
Nokta also added that periodic reports of fund collected will be recorded and publicized so that members of society will be aware of what progress is being achieved.
Other members of the committee are Permanent Secretary, Seewchan, Mahendra Ishiri, Isha Barrow and Joan Callender.
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Forestry sector records significant development
- greater emphasis placed on value added products
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
As the agriculture sector continues to diversify to include non-traditional crops and focus on aquaculture, significant emphasis is being placed on enhancing the capacity of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the resources for which it is responsible.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who is also performing the duties of Prime Minister, accompanied by GFC officials today participated in a press briefing to highlight developments, changes and adjustments within the forestry sector. The briefing was held in GFC’s Lower Conference Room, Water Street.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud (center) flanked by officials of the Guyana Forestry Commission during press briefing at the Commission’s Water Street office.
The objective was to highlight ongoing initiatives to make the sector more competitive and responsive within the framework of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
Minister Persaud noted that the Commission recorded great strides during 2009, producing a recorded increase in exported value-added timber extracts and wood products.
“This is as a result that the commission looked at more holistic ways in the role and rich contribution that the forest plays in not only national development, but also if we look within the context of climate change.”
Forests provide environmental services to the Commission to meet new and emerging responsibilities which also have given rise to the Forestry Bill that was passed in the National Assembly, focusing specifically on promoting forest conservation.
The Bill seeks to provide for sustainable management of the forest sector while at the same time ensuring preservation of the nation’s forest.
The National Resources Sub-committee will also be presenting to the National Assembly, its functions and activities and clarify speculations relating to interventions taking place in the national and international settlements with links to Guyana’s forest.
Production
Minister Persaud said that the Commission has recorded a decrease of 3.3 percent in log production for 2009, which amounted to 266,198 cubic meters compared to 275,319 cubic meters in 2008.
“Our policy in terms of value-added and the national log export policy is already showing positive result. Importantly log export decreased by as much as 33 percent and as you know the policy channels out primary production in areas where there are local value added and the fact that there was a decline in log exports it tells us that the policy is working,” the Minister said.
With regards to lumber production, 2009 showed an increase in production at 73,118 compared to 66,968 for 2008; a 9.2 percent increase.
Log and plywood production at the end of 2009, fell below 2008 by 3.31 percent and 8.5 percent respectively, however there was a reasonable increase in the other products including sawn wood, round wood, and split wood by 44.28 percent.
Minister Persaud noted that the continued increase in the production of round wood occurred primarily from larger volumes of wallaba poles which were being extracted for use by utility companies.
Marketing
The Forest Products Marketing and Development Council since its inception in 2009, has embarked on a number of activities which included the compilation of a 2009/2010 strategic plan work plan which highlights value-added production, effective use of “Lesser Used Species”; linkage to Amerindian communities and outreach visits to observe the operation of stakeholders.
Referring to the use of outreaches to communities, the Agriculture Minister noted that the interactive sessions are aimed at impediments to improve production in the sector. Some of the pertinent issues raised are: kiln drying, getting produce out to market and consistent markets for produce.
The Council is also on a drive to encourage marketing and promotion of comparable properties of Lesser Used Species (LUS) to other commercialized species in Guyana; exposing stakeholders to information on the significant benefits to be derived from utilising kiln drying facilities and manufacturing more value-added products of lumber.
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Takutu Oil and Gas Inc to drill for oil in Takutu Basin
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
For decades, the Government of Guyana has been soliciting various investors to test and drill for crude oil within Guyana’s territorial border. The Takutu Oil and Gas Inc which will be drilling for oil in Guyana has opened office in Georgetown.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud and Office Manager, Dilorece South of Takutu Oil & Gas Inc share a light moment.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud who is performing duties of the Prime Minister, Office Manager of Takutu Oil & Gas Inc, Dilorece South and other officials in the mining sector attended the opening ceremony for the entity at the company’s office, Peter Rose and Church Streets.
Minister Persaud indicated that the possibility of finding oil in Karanambo, Takutu Basin exists since oil was discovered in its vicinity, but owing to difficulties, exploration ceased.
Oil exploration will not affect Guyana’s low carbon path, in fact the Low Carbon Development Strategy provides for such activities, Minister Persaud noted. He added that Guyana is rich with many resources and the addition of the “black gold” will lead to increased economic growth.
Sample of oil found in 1982 at Karanambo, Guyana.
The Takutu oil and Gas Inc was established by Groundstar Resources Ltd, a Canadian company and is in partnership with Canacol Energy Ltd.
Currently the company is certifying airstrips, water wells and mobilizing other resources to commence drilling in May 2010 at Apoteri. Following the evaluation of the drilling and testing results, the entity will decide as to where the second well in the basin will be drilled, South noted.
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Secretariat gives update on regional relief efforts in Haiti
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
As Guyanese continue to make good on financial pledges and tangible donations to the victims of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Edwin Carrington, met with the media to formally provide an update on continuing relief efforts by the regional body in Haiti.
Dr. Carrington was joined by Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Colin Grandison, Jeremy Collymore, coordinator of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and Lynn-Ann Williams, Executive Director of the Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), who shared the reality of the situation gained through first hand experience since they witnessed the after effects. The briefing was teleconferenced across the region with media representatives from almost all member states.
The Secretary General noted that it was a sad time for all and that the Community has been trying to put the best foot forward in the crisis. He applauded the media coverage that has been given to this issue over the past few days.
Dr. Carrington indicated that after several consultations and meetings with as many heads as were available and the various persons on staff, the body has devised a three-pronged approach to Haiti, consisting of search and rescue, recovery and reconstruction.
A detailed outline of CARICOM’s response was given to inform persons of the efforts that have been put in place, beginning with a press release being issued on January 13 and the initiation of mobilizing an emergency response through CDEMA.
Jamaica immediately sent out teams consisting of the Jamaican Defence Force and consultations were held with the current chairman of the regional grouping, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica and thereafter, a full statement was issued.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Bruce Golding of Jamaica met with President Rene Preval and the prime minister of Haiti to further assess the critical needs of the situation. Leaders proceeded in this regard in Barbados and Jamaica. On Friday, a large contingent of senior regional officials left Jamaica for Haiti but was unable to land due to extensive congestion at the airport.
As a result the flight was redirected to Barbados and the mission aborted. This situation was also faced by the French who sent support teams as well, due to the size of the airport ramp and the lack of facilities which were destroyed. On Saturday, a large group of CARICOM officials was allowed to enter Haiti.
Thus far, four CARICOM personnel are unaccounted for, one each from St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago and the other two from the Netherland Antilles.
On Monday, five CARICOM heads and the Secretary General participated in an international donors meeting that included Haiti, the United Nations, Spain, the European Union, the Organisation of American States, Mexico, Chile, the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank.
This was a large meeting to address the damage and the way forward in Haiti. The result of this meeting is that there will be a major international conference to be held in Montreal on Monday to deal specifically with the reconstruction of Haiti and the creation of a Strategic Plan that must contribute to Haiti’s long term development and stability.
An internal coordination committee has also been established at the Secretariat. Importantly CARICOM has maintained an office in Haiti for the past two years. The role of that body will be evaluated and revised in the wake of this disaster.
Infrastructural reconstruction and security support and the development of a four -pronged operational approach and the provision of logistical support as part of a holistic in coordinating a strong relief effort and support response. The challenges that are faced in Haiti include limited access to the airport and damage to the seaports.
Thousands have received medical assistance, more than 400 children have been delivered with 30 amputees. Critical has been the provision of medical supplies, water and blankets to the affected. Collectively, member states have contributed US$4M (Guyana: US$1M, Trinidad and Tobago: US$1M, Suriname: US$1M, Grenada: US$100,000, St. Lucia: EC$500,000, the Virgin Islands: US$80,000, Antigua and Barbuda: EC$100,000, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: US$100,000 and the Caribbean Development Bank: US$200,000.) While Jamaica has not made any monetary pledges, that country’s first response and ongoing support was lauded by all at the Secretariat.
Based on consultations, the decision was taken that CARICOM’s main focus of support will be in the area of health, through the coordinating committee in Barbados.
On the matter of whether Haiti will still assume the chair, the Secretary General indicated that a final position of this will be shared with the public when it becomes available.
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Human, social development form bedrock of a healthy, prosperous nation-Minister Rohee at opening of National Leadership Summit
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2010
The principles of human and social development form the bedrock of a healthy and prosperous nation. It is these principles that form the core values of the Government of Guyana.
This point was emphasised by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee who is performing the duties of President during his address at the opening of the National Leadership Summit under the theme “Global Positioning: Guyana’s Opportunity through Human Development” at the National Cultural Centre, this evening.
The National Leadership Summit is a collaborative effort of the Men Empowerment Network (M.E.N) and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
The engagement between the MEN and the Ministry of Human Services, seeks to bring focus to the issue of violence in families and the role of men in the mitigation of domestic violence.
“As an administration we continue to place emphasis on the well-being of our most valuable resource-our citizens. This commitment is evidenced in the fact that our budgetary allocations for the social sector for 2009 represented some 40 percent of the national budget, focusing on the provision of social services so that more of our people can have access to better homes, improved living and health conditions, and a greater level of security and economic opportunities,” Minister Rohee told the gathering at the event.
He said the high level of investment by Central Government in the social sector has been a consistent policy of the administration over the years resulting in marked improvements in the living standards of its people.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee who is performing the duties of President addressing the gathering at the opening of the National Leadership Summit at the National Cultural Centre.
He told the gathering that they are assembled at a time when the tragedy of Haiti is still fresh in the minds of persons and efforts of government and its people to sustain a collective response, remain a priority.
“Tragedies in any form or magnitude always remind us of our own vulnerabilities. But even in this crisis, we are reminded that nothing is unachievable or impossible if there is a common commitment to a single purpose. If there is one thing we can be certain about it is that leadership is the province of all, not just a privileged few,” he said.
The Minister said the societal disease of time is short-term, myopic thinking that does not challenge the mind to think beyond the boundaries and status quo of present realities.
For many persons the temporary and immediate are the parameters of their hope and aspirations and they allow their lives to be bound by the world within their grasp and sight, he said.
Minister Rohee said there needs to be a paradigm shift in how persons view themselves and opportunities and how Guyana as a small developing economy is positioned in a global context.
“It is not just leadership that is being sought therefore but visionary leadership. In every crisis, the demand will always be for strong, clear, decisive leadership. Guyana has demonstrated time and time again that we can respond in critical times, in a strong confident and decisive manner, to any call for help from any of our sister countries within this region. Our People are a resilient, hard working people, who despite our several challenges, continue to dream and aspire to a greater Guyana,” he stated.
The Minister pointed out that as a government the dreams and visions of its people are the ingredients that fuel the policies of the administration, adding that it is his belief that the summit will help to situate the country’s unique circumstances within the global context, in recognizing that its people, its most valuable resource holds the key to the continued health and prosperity of the country.
The Minister noted that one in five person in the world- more than 1 billion people – still live on less than $1 a day.
More than 40 percent of the world’s population constitutes, in effect, a global under class, faced daily with the reality or the threat of extreme poverty, he said.
The Minister said it must be borne in mind that this does not by any means suggest only the absence of economic and financial resources but Poverty must also be understood as the dearth of fruitful thoughts, ideas and vision.
A section of the gathering at the National Leadership Summit.
“As citizens, we are encouraged to cultivate fruitful, rich, thoughts and ideas. These ideas must be nurtured and cultivated in the spirit of nationhood and patriotism. When we dream, we must dream Guyana. When we plan for our future, we must plan with Guyana in mind,” he added.
It is in this context, Minister Rohee noted that the summit is a welcome initiative since it seeks to address Guyana’s opportunities in the global economy and the role of leadership in the process.
Experience has shown that leadership is an inter-active process in which leaders and followers engage in mutual inter-action in a complex environment to achieve mutual goals. In this regard, leadership occurs at all levels of society and engages all humans, he said.
He said further that the Guyanese society is unique in that it comprises of people of various religious and ethnic persuasions and background.
“The issues with which we grapple must of necessity be understood and addressed in a unified, non-partisan way. The commonality of our humanity must be central to our efforts in addressing the many social challenges we face. Rather than permitting religious differences to weaken our efforts, let us use our unique Guyanese cultural diversity as the springboard to propel us as a nation into a future of never-ending possibilities,” the Minister urged.
Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) member Kwame Gilbert said the Men Empowerment Network (M.E.N) is an organisation that engage and help men function effectively in their various roles and responsibilities within the families and the wider community and is made up of men drawn from various strata of society including religious, political and ethnic background.
He said since its establishment the organisation has been collaborating with the Ministry of Human Services Domestic Violence Unit address to address domestic violence.
Gilbert said the national week of bringing focus to men is historical since it is the first in Guyana.
He extended appreciation to government in assisting in making the programme possible in uniting the role and responsibility of men in their support and involvement of the programme.
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