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Rehabilitation Services Strategy launched
Georgetown, GINA, March 10, 2010
The National Rehabilitation Services Strategy (NRSS) 2009-2013 programme, which was established to provide and deliver equitable access to high quality and consumer-friendly disability and rehabilitation services, was formally launched by Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, today at the Pegasus Hotel.
The strategy, which was developed by collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/ World Health Organisation (WHO), covers all dimensions of disability and rehabilitation services provided in the country by the public, private and voluntary services.
The ultimate aim of the strategy is to improve the level of health and quality of life of persons with disabilities, facilitated in part by improved health and social facilities.
Dr. Ramsaran noted that massive investments were made for training programmes in rehabilitation services since the overall strategic objective is to prevent/ reduce preventable disabilities and to increase the quality of life of persons living with disabilities.
Minister Ramsaran mentioned that various screening programmes are in place and are being expanded in order to address the issues of early recognition and diagnosis. Programmes are in place to address lifestyle-acquired disabilities.
Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran at the launch of The National Rehabilitation Services Strategy 2009-2013 programme.
Treatment and assistance are offered to persons living with disabilities.
In terms of training and opportunity for professional progression, the Ministry of Health has been paying a lot of attention to the University of Guyana’s medical faculty and at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation which evolved into the premier centre for training in the area of health care delivery.
In addition, Dr. Ramsaran said, with support from members within the MOH, the introduction of a Rehabilitation Sciences Degree and an Optometry Degree at the University of Guyana is reflective of the advances that the MOH has made in building capacity to deal with expanded services for the prevention and treatment of disabilities.
This academic development will make persons more marketable and also provide the opportunity to train local persons at higher levels.
The vision of the Government of Guyana is that Guyanese should be among the healthiest in the Caribbean and South America. In pursuit of that vision, the mission of the Ministry of Health is to create an enabling framework for the delivery of quality and responsive health services to improve the physical, mental and social well being of the Guyanese people. This will ensure access to essential services particularly for the poor.
Minister Ramsaran stated that the NRSS 2009-2013 programme is an opportunity to create a tool that will allow the country to get the best of its investment in infrastructure and training, which will be a robust input towards Guyana.
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Think locally, act globally to combat drug trade
-Minister Rohee urges participants at training session
Georgetown, GINA, March 10, 2010
The Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Food and Drug Department and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) today hosted a training session on dealing with narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and other abused and addictive chemicals.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee in his keynote address at the event held at the Customs and Trade Administration Building, Main Street, said that the move to train relevant personnel in the identification and safe handling of precursor chemicals is timely and necessary.
He said that in Guyana, the use and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances gained public notice in the 1970s, while the smoking of cannabis became glamourised in certain sections of society, mimicking the social rebellion of the norm and the musical emancipation that has emerged in the Caribbean. This he said, subsequently led to the passage of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act in the National Assembly.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee and Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur at the training session on narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances at the Customs and Trade Administration Building, Main Street.
The negative outcomes of the drug trade include corruption of institutions and their officials, drug addiction and proliferation of illegal weapons.
“No country is isolated from the onslaught of the drug trade; it is an international problem that requires an international solution, we have to think locally and act globally,” Minister Rohee said.
He noted it was for this particular reason that Guyana entered into bilateral, regional and hemispheric anti-drug agreements through which a cooperative approach is taken in tackling this problem.
“However, there are numerous internal challenges which we must confront and solve ourselves. These are articulated in our National Drug Strategy (NDS) master plan which we have reviewed recently and found that out of the 36 programmes, 17 are completed, 16 are works in progress and three are yet to begin,” the Minister said.
Among the programmes that are to be implemented is one that is requiring measures to be taken to tighten precursors. The task force on Narcotic Drugs and Illicit Weapons, during several of its meetings has examined the system that lends to narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals being imported, stored, distributed, transported, sold and exported.
To address this issue, a system is being introduced that provides the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Customs with an oversight of transactions involving narcotics and precursor importation, sale, use, diversion, records and stock of the chemicals.
Participants at the training session.
The Minister asserted that these measures cannot be implemented when the law enforcement officers are not familiar with the chemicals which they are required to control.
“Training to identify the substances for which import or export permits have been issued and is now an imperative in illicit drug control,” he said.
In concluding, Minister Rohee said that notwithstanding what is being said in some arenas in this regard, Guyana is in a better position to control narcotic trafficking than it was in the past.
GRA’s Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur said that the fight against drug trafficking is gaining momentum globally and that in Guyana it is no different. He lauded Government and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) for taking a proactive role in dealing with this issue.
“This training provides a great opportunity for GRA to fulfill its mandate to promote compliance with Guyana’s tax and border laws and regulations through education, quality service, responsible enforcement and thereby contributing to the economic and social well-being of the people of Guyana,” he said.
The event saw the participation of representatives from CANU, GRA, Home Affairs Ministry, Food and Drug Department, GPF and the task force on Narcotic Drugs and Illicit Weapons.
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Farmers lectured on crop management techniques
Georgetown. GINA March 10, 2010
With much emphasis on ensuring farmers experience minimal loss and maximum output, the Ministry of Agriculture has intensified its awareness programme on crop management techniques to farming districts across the country.
Head of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Dr Oudho Homenauth outlined several techniques used to mitigate the effects of the dry season on crops.
He was speaking at a forum held recently at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and organised by the Guyana Agricultural Producers’ Association (GAPA) to discuss the effects of the El Nino weather pattern on non-traditional farmers.
Dr Homenauth said applying water directly to the roots of the plant would avoid much of the water getting lost on the foliage and result in the plant roots reaching deeper in the soil.
He advised the farmers to build up the organic matter in the plant and irrigate late in the evening when less moisture is lost to evaporation.
The use of drip irrigation and micro-sprinkling techniques were encouraged as against hoses and pumps. Farmers were told to ensure the water is not saline since this has an environmental effect on the plant as well as the soil.
“When the water is salty after a while the soil has so much salt content that it would have an effect on the next crop and you may not get the same quality,” Dr Homenauth explained.
Mulching, which is the application of materials such as dry grass, manure, etc around the soil, can keep down the temperature and avoid the escape of moisture. The plastic mulch can be used in combination with the drip irrigation system, Dr Homenauth said.
He urged the farmers to practice shade cultivation with the use of branches and a special type of mesh to reduce the amount of heat that penetrates to the plant.
Less evaporation takes place under shaded conditions giving rise to significant yield increases. Tilling the soil to irrigate it would also allow the plant to absorb more water.
Dr Homenauth recommended that the farmers monitor the pest population which is known to multiply in dry season and report any threat of an outbreak adding that they should avoid burning since this hardens the soil and prevents ample tillage.
The Ministry of Agriculture has encouraged the widespread installation of drip irrigation and has since handed over 14 water tanks and four pumps to farmers.
Drip-Irrigation is the slow application of water to the soil through small openings on lines which are laid along the cultivation plot.
Through this system, enough water is supplied to meet crop demands and a supply of moisture could be maintained in crops’ root zones during the entire growing season.
Drip irrigation was first introduced in Guyana in October 2006 at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. It has since been applied in several other areas across the country.
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NDIA launches full capacity El Nino response
Georgetown, GINA, March 10, 2010
The government has already launched a full capacity response to the El Nino situation and is doing all in its power to capitalise on limited resources.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth said a taskforce of representatives comprising every agency connected to the response has been formed.
Wordsworth made the statement at a recent forum held by the Guyana Agricultural Producers’ Association (GAPA) at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) Mon Repos, to discuss El Nino and its effects on non-traditional farmers.
He disclosed that regular meetings are being kept where interventions are reviewed and further involvement discussed.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth enlightens farmers at the Guyana Agricultural Producers’ Association on the work being done by the authority to reduce the effects of El Nino.
Outlining some of the interventions, Wordsworth said the NDIA has been monitoring the storage level in the conservancies to sustain gravity flow irrigation.
It has also been pumping water into the Perth-Baiboo Canal to ensure a reliable source of fresh water.
Water is also being pumped from a creek at Boerasirie, East Bank Essequibo, into the primary irrigation channels allowing water to flow to areas such as B-Line and Leonora in Region Three.
“Even the source from which we are pumping is drying out so we have placed an excavator and pontoon to dredge the conservancy,” the CEO explained.
He noted that the Capoey Lake is currently dried out so NDIA has placed pumps at the Dawa Canal leading to the Pomeroon River to distribute water to farmlands in Region Two.
Wordsworth added that there are 28 excavators currently working in specific areas to clean and irrigate canals and waterways in order to ensure that farmers have access to water.
Government will be ratcheting up its responses with nationwide outreaches to address the impact on both cash and livestock farmers.
Intervention for farmers and the entire agriculture sector has been structured for the short, medium and long term as efforts are made to overcome challenges and ensure viability.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud said farmers can be assured that resources will be employed to reduce the effects of the El Nino phenomenon.
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Unconscionable airfares prompt Gov’t to consider state re-entering airline business
Georgetown GINA, March 10, 2010
Deeply concerned about the “unconscionable monopoly” on airfare increases, particularly by Caribbean Airlines on Guyana, the Government may revert to a position of having a state-owned aircraft if the situation remains.
President Bharrat Jagdeo made this disclosure on Tuesday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri during the opening of the Roti Hut, Rituals Coffee, and Nestle Ice Cream Parlour at the airport’s departure hall.
“Today (Tuesday) at the Cabinet we discussed this matter again and this unconscionable monopoly on increase in fare particularly by Caribbean Airlines where you pay sometimes more to travel from Guyana to Trinidad and Tobago than people pay from Trinidad and Tobago to get into the US simply is not sustainable,” President Jagdeo said
The President was optimistic that this plan can work since, it had existed at a time when Guyana was in serious debt and the subsidy of the aircraft operation amounted to about US $10M.
“If the argument by Caribbean Airlines and the others is that they have to charge lower fares from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados into North America because they have competition there then we can operate a shuttle to these two countries so that our people can have cheaper fares there too,” President Jagdeo said.
The Head of State said that for Guyana to benefit from an open economy there is need to ensure that services are appropriately priced and customers get value for their money.
Recently Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad met with a Caribbean Airlines’ official to express Guyana’s concerns and was told that the increase in airfares does not apply to Guyana alone.
The airline is expected to publish an advisory for passengers shortly apprising them of airfares including tax and will be monitoring the situation with the Ministry to ensure that passengers are not exploited, Minister Prashad had stated after the meeting.
The meeting resulted from complaints by passengers that it costs more to fly from Guyana to Trinidad that it does from Trinidad to New York and the Minister pointed out that passengers complained that from New York to Trinidad the price is US$300 and from Trinidad to Guyana the price is the same or sometimes even more.
Caribbean Airlines enjoys a monopoly on this service to Guyana since it is one of the major carriers but Government will be exploring avenues to encourage others to provide services for this route.
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Drug trafficking- hemispheric issue that needs international solution
-Guyana, Suriname security heads agree
Georgetown, GINA, March 10, 2010
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee and Suriname’s Minister of Justice and Police, Chandrikapersaud Santokhi last evening expressed similar sentiments on the drug trade that both countries are plagued with. They were at the time speaking with the press subsequent to the conclusion of the second meeting of the Guyana/Suriname Ministerial Bilateral Meeting on Crime and Security at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston.
Minister Santokhi in responding to a question on the systems adopted by the countries to effectively detect criminal elements criss-crossing the borders, said that there has been information exchange that led to the apprehension of several criminal elements who were subsequently handed over to the Guyanese authorities.
“An agreement was reached to have a constant exchange of information and to update the information on a regular basis to act proactively on the information in Suriname,” Santokhi said.
Minister Rohee added that there have been branches of law enforcement agencies between Guyana and Suriname which have been fine-tuned during the meeting to address gaps and deficiencies where necessary.
The Ministers were questioned on whether or not any agreement was reached as it relates to engaging South American nations, particularly Venezuela, to combat the drug trade, since evidently; it is an issue that is much bigger than Guyana and Suriname.
In response to this Minister Rohee said that “we ought not to miss a very important point, there is no evidence that the trafficking of narcotics by those who are involved in it is something that is easily done, given the aggressive stand many Governments in this hemisphere has taken.
Further, Minister Santokhi added that the drug problem which is manifesting in the two nations is a direct impact of the international problem in the hemisphere. However, he stated that “as a nation we have our own responsibility to tackle the drugs problem by having mechanisms in place such as the appropriate legislation, but we do need to have that cooperation mechanism to have that regional, international and bilateral cooperation.”
He concluded that to effectively eradicate drug related crimes, countries have to foster partnerships and for Suriname, Guyana is one such partner.
The third session of the Ministerial Bilateral Meeting will be convened in Suriname.
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President presents trophy to winners of Hugh Desmond Hoyte Memorial Circle Tennis Competition.
Georgetown, GINA, March 10, 2010
Students of Dora Secondary School receive the Hugh Desmond Hoyte Memorial Circle Tennis trophy from President Jagdeo.
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Sydney Allicock honoured for receiving Anthony N. Sagba Award
Georgetown, GINA, March 10, 2010
The Ministry of Agriculture in a collaborative effort with the Guyana Forestry Commission this evening hosted a reception in honour of Mr. Sydney Allicock for being awarded the Anthony N. Sagba Caribbean Award for Excellence 2010 for his Public and Civil contributions.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud presents a Pen to the Anthony N. Sagba Awardee Sydney Allicock
In January Allicock was selected as a recipient for the award for his continued commitment towards sustainable community development aimed at improving the livelihood of the hinterland residents.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds presenting plaque to the awardee during the reception at Herdmanston House, Lamaha and Peter Rose Sts
He has also proven his dedication as a member of the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee of the Guyana Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). A major component of this strategy is focused on the positive transformation of Indigenous communities.
He has brought firsthand knowledge through his experiences living in the hinterland and to ably represent the LCDS at numerous consultations across Guyana.
Anthony N. Sagba Award awardee for excellence 2010- Public and Civil contributions, Sidney Allicock
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who is performing the duties of President while delivering remarks at the function held at Herdmanston House, said that he was pleased to have the opportunity on behalf of Government to extend congratulations and present the plaque to Mr. Allicock.
He said that the award further portrays that Guyanese now have a chance to be recognised as contributors in the growth and development of Guyana.
He noted that growth and development are essentials for an economy and lauded Guyanese for their contributions over the years, for taking the country along the path of development.
“We in Guyana look toward agriculture development which is one of the main areas for development in the future and in particular as we look to develop traditional areas. So that is why we are very excited about the possibilities of new areas being developed,” the Prime Minister said.
Sidney Allicock and members of the North Rupununi Development Board which he heads
He noted that Government has been work assiduously on the development of its programmes and policies, in particular improving the livelihood of hinterland areas through agriculture and posited that though Guyana is still in the making, “We are working together to build a country where one people, one nation, one destiny is further portrayed.”
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said often times the contributions of prominent Guyanese go un-recognised, and noted that the contributions of Allicock and his organisation is a perfect example of collaboration and support by Government, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and communities. Allicock heads the North Rupununi Development Board, Region Nine.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai while presenting a token to the awardee
While speaking on the issue on consultation on Guyana’s LCDS, Minister Persaud said that the event is one example of collaboration.
“It shows that the interests of Amerindian communities’ are addressed. It also shows development in progress, the development Guyana’s leader is working assiduously to highlight,” he said.
He assured that Government is committed to the development of Amerindian communities, “We stand ready to work with groups which are interested in moving development forward in Guyana.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai on behalf of her Ministry congratulated the awardee. She noted that as an Amerindian leader he has always stood out.
Following the reception ceremony, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds presented a plaque to the awardee. The Ministers of Agriculture and Amerindian Affairs also presented tokens.
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Local Gov’t budget to boost regional educational development
-over $96M to be spent on improving education structures
Georgetown, GINA, March 10, 2010
Over the past few years, Government has been increasing budgetary allocations to the 10 Administrative Regions to ensure that residents receive proper and improved social services. With these allocations, the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) have been able to extend much needed services to residents.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, in the 2010 National Budget has provided over $96M for projects to be completed in the education field in all regions.
Region One(Barima/Waini) will receive approximately $41M for the construction of a sanitary block and cistern at Santa Rosa Primary and Secondary Schools and a technical vocational training centre at Mabaruma. The rehabilitation of Saint Dominique’s Primary School and extension of the Baramita Primary School are also catered for.
Region Two(Pomeroon/Supenaam) has been allocated $25M to construct a school at Martindale and an annex to the Akawani Primary School.
Region Three(Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) will benefit from $41M to ensure that there is construction of sanitary blocks at Aliki and Princess Carolina Primary schools and Belle Plaine and Endeavor Nursery schools. There will also be the extension of Leguan Secodnary School, Vreed-en-Hoop, Kawall and Two Brothers Primary schools.
In Region Four(Demerara/ Mahaica) a significant allocation of $33M will be utilised for rehabilitation of Nursery schools at Grove and Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Primary schools at Hope and Strathspey, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and the Covent Garden Secondary, EBD.
Region Five(Mahaica/Berbice) will be provided with $30M to construct a fence at No.8 Secondary school, West Coast Berbice (WCB) and Headteacher’s office at Esau and Jacob. The Saint Francis Primary school at Moraikobai, Mahaicony creek will be extended and rehabilitation works will commence at the Practical Instruction Centre (PIC) at Hopetown, WCB and Calcutta Primary school, ECD.
For Region Six(East Berbice/Corentyne) $37M will be spent on the extension of Primary and Secondary schools at Port Mourant, Manchester, Kildonan and New Amsterdam and the construction of a nursery school at Port Mourant. Also the PIC at New Amsterdam will be rehabilitated.
Region Seven(Cuyuni/Mazaruni) will utilise $26M on the construction of the teaching block at Waramadong Secondary School and sanitary blocks at Batavia Primary school. The funds will also accommodate the rehabilitation and extension of the Primary school at Two Miles, Bartica.
For Region Eight(Potaro/Siparuni) and Region Nine(Upper Essequibo/Upper Takutu) $31.5M and $18M have been allocated respectively. With these funds there will be the construction of the El Paso Primary school and the teachers’ quarters at Taruka, Mountain Foot and El Paso in Region Eight while construction of the teachers’ quarters at Rupunau, Yupukari and Maruranau will take place in Region Nine.
Region Ten(Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) will benefit with $38.6M which will be used for the construction of a Nursery school at Mabura Hill, water trestle at Calcuni Primary school, incinerator at Amelia’s Ward Primary school and sanitary blocks at the Saint Thomas, Atonement, Wiruni, Gaetry, Maria Henrietta, Malali, Rockstone and 58 Miles Primary schools.
This sum will also cater for the extension for the Sandhills Primary school and education department at Mackenzie.
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