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First National Accounts report in two decades released
- report vindicates structural changes since 1988 – Finance Minister
Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2010
A three-year project which began in 2007 to rebase Guyana’s National Accounts from 1988 to 2006 has been completed and compiled in a report entitled “Guyana System of National Accounts.”
The report which benefited from technical support by the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC), was officially launched at the Pegasus Hotel today by Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh during a seminar for users to understand the scope of the National Accounts.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh speaking at the launch of the Guyana System of National Accounts report
In the Minister’s presence were CARTAC’s Programme Coordinator Therese Turner-Jones, and National Accounts Statistics Adviser Paul Austin, Chief Statistician of the Guyana National Bureau of Statistics (GNBS) Lennox Benjamin and numerous representatives from the public and private sectors.
The launching marks the first national accounts report in two decades and underscores Government’s commitment to disseminating high quality data and the Bureau’s role as a catalyst for promoting the culture of statistics in Guyana.
The rebasing is also part of a regional effort recommended by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat for all statistical offices to rebase to a year no later than 2006.
Minister Singh, who preempted today’s launching with an announcement in Parliament at the presentation of the 2010 National Budget, considered the launching a historic accomplishment of the GNBS.
“One of the immediate results of this rebasing exercise has been a revision of the size of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) estimates of market prices by an average of 62.2 percent for the period 2006 to 2009. For the year 2009 the estimate of market prices on the old base of 1988 which stood up at $255.8B now under the rebased framework would stand at $413.1B, a 61.4 percent increase,” Minister Singh disclosed.
CARTAC Programme Coordinator Therese Turner-Jones speaking at the launch of the Guyana System of National Accounts report
The Minister added that the results vindicate the fact that the economy has undergone significant structural changes since 1988. These he said included the economic reforms of 1989 to liberialise the economy, investments in the gold, Information Communication Technology (ICT) related services, private education and health care services and tourism and hospitality.
Commendations were given to CARTAC for being the principal source of technical assistance from the inception of the project. Minister Singh said the Centre has a good track record in the Caribbean Region.
CARTAC is currently providing technical assistance to national accounts rebasing exercises in Eastern Caribbean countries and Suriname. CARTAC Coordinator said her organisation is pleased to be associated with the three-year project which emanated out of commitment, hard work and dedication.
“We in Guyana have directly benefitted from technical assistance provided by CARTAC from all of the functional areas in which the centre works,” Minister Singh said.
Among the many accomplishments of the completed report is its fulfillment to the commitment to improve transparency in government information, an objective for which the CARTAC Coordinator said, the Guyana Government should be applauded.
A view of the newly launched Guyana System of National Accounts report
“This seminar and the launching of the national accounts publication signal Guyana’s commitment to the fundamental principles of official statistics as designated by the United Nations. One of these principles calls for official statistics to be made available on an impartial basis by official statistical agencies to honour citizens’ entitlement to public information,” Jones said.
CARTAC, a donor funded agency, is one of seven regional technical assistance centres of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and has an obligation to ensure that it’s technical assistance interventions result in tangible benefits for countries.
The partnership between CARTAC and the GNBS in the area of national accounts and price statistics was credited by Jones as one that yielded positive outcomes.
She advised however that a well established work programme be formulated to ensure sustainability of momentum which the new national accounts system has engendered.
The Coordinator also advised the private sector to intensify its support for the bureau’s survey initiative.
“Statistics represent the raw material for good and effective decision making weather at the level of the individual, household, firm, industry, Government, Central Bank or external agency. National accounts statistics make the size, composition and development of an economy and its major components visible,” the CARTAC Coordinator said.
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First National Accounts report in two decades released
- report vindicates structural changes since 1988 – Finance Minister
Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2010
A three-year project which began in 2007 to rebase Guyana’s National Accounts from 1988 to 2006 has been completed and compiled in a report entitled “Guyana System of National Accounts.”
The report which benefited from technical support by the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC), was officially launched at the Pegasus Hotel today by Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh during a seminar for users to understand the scope of the National Accounts.
In the Minister’s presence were CARTAC’s Programme Coordinator Therese Turner-Jones, and National Accounts Statistics Adviser Paul Austin, Chief Statistician of the Guyana National Bureau of Statistics (GNBS) Lennox Benjamin and numerous representatives from the public and private sectors.
The launching marks the first national accounts report in two decades and underscores Government’s commitment to disseminating high quality data and the Bureau’s role as a catalyst for promoting the culture of statistics in Guyana.
The rebasing is also part of a regional effort recommended by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat for all statistical offices to rebase to a year no later than 2006.
Minister Singh, who preempted today’s launching with an announcement in Parliament at the presentation of the 2010 National Budget, considered the launching a historic accomplishment of the GNBS.
“One of the immediate results of this rebasing exercise has been a revision of the size of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) estimates of market prices by an average of 62.2 percent for the period 2006 to 2009. For the year 2009 the estimate of market prices on the old base of 1988 which stood up at $255.8B now under the rebased framework would stand at $413.1B, a 61.4 percent increase,” Minister Singh disclosed.
The Minister added that the results vindicate the fact that the economy has undergone significant structural changes since 1988. These he said included the economic reforms of 1989 to liberialise the economy, investments in the gold, Information Communication Technology (ICT) related services, private education and health care services and tourism and hospitality.
Commendations were given to CARTAC for being the principal source of technical assistance from the inception of the project. Minister Singh said the Centre has a good track record in the Caribbean Region.
CARTAC is currently providing technical assistance to national accounts rebasing exercises in Eastern Caribbean countries and Suriname. CARTAC Coordinator said her organisation is pleased to be associated with the three-year project which emanated out of commitment, hard work and dedication.
“We in Guyana have directly benefitted from technical assistance provided by CARTAC from all of the functional areas in which the centre works,” Minister Singh said.
Among the many accomplishments of the completed report is its fulfillment to the commitment to improve transparency in government information, an objective for which the CARTAC Coordinator said, the Guyana Government should be applauded.
“This seminar and the launching of the national accounts publication signal Guyana’s commitment to the fundamental principles of official statistics as designated by the United Nations. One of these principles calls for official statistics to be made available on an impartial basis by official statistical agencies to honour citizens’ entitlement to public information,” Jones said.
CARTAC, a donor funded agency, is one of seven regional technical assistance centres of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and has an obligation to ensure that it’s technical assistance interventions result in tangible benefits for countries.
The partnership between CARTAC and the GNBS in the area of national accounts and price statistics was credited by Jones as one that yielded positive outcomes.
She advised however that a well established work programme be formulated to ensure sustainability of momentum which the new national accounts system has engendered.
The Coordinator also advised the private sector to intensify its support for the bureau’s survey initiative.
“Statistics represent the raw material for good and effective decision making weather at the level of the individual, household, firm, industry, Government, Central Bank or external agency. National accounts statistics make the size, composition and development of an economy and its major components visible,” the CARTAC Coordinator said.
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El Nino affecting sugar production
Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2010
The extended El Nino period has been having severe effects on cane cultivation across the sugar industry, particularly on the East Demerara estates, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) said.
El Nino is a climatic system which influences the weather worldwide and is characterised by irregular warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean in the warm phase and cooling in the cold phase with consequential shifts in atmospheric pressure and changes in wind field.
Guyana had experienced a strikingly similar El Nino phenomenon during the first sugar-cane crop of 1998, the sugar company said.
Average rainfall figures for January, February, November and December across the sugar industry from 1997 to 2008 were 244.7mm, 108.1mm, 92.9mm and 251.6mm respectively.
In comparison, the corresponding figures for January and February 2010 were 48.5mm and 44mm and for November and December 2009 they were 34.2mm and 64.7mm respectively.
The Demerara Estates source their water from the East and West Demerara Water Conservancies, whereas, the East Berbice Estates obtain their supplies from the Canje Creek.
Blairmont Estate obtains its supply from the Mahaica, Mahaicony Abary (MMA) Conservancy but is now forced to use pumps to source water from the MMA system.
At the beginning of the crop in early February, the East and West Demerara Conservancies were bordering on their dead storage levels where water can only be obtained from them by the use of pumps.
For the East Demerara Estates in particular, apart from the negligible rainfall during the months of January and February 2010; evaporation from the navigation and irrigation canals is in the order of a quarter of an inch per day, the GuySuCo release said.
Evaporation losses alone across the industry from November 2009 to present would amount to millions of gallons of water.
The industry is suffering from an enormous deficit of soil moisture for sugar-cane crops on the East Demerara Estates.
The East Berbice Estates are in a better position because they can still source adequate supplies via large fixed pumps from the Canje Creek.
Because of the extremely dry conditions, the sugar-cane crop is generally under severe moisture stress and is compounded by the fact that water supply from GuySuCo’s main sources have dwindled.
Conservancies and Rivers are at their lowest levels and saline water has moved very far upstream.
On the Enmore, LBI, Wales and Uitvlugt Estates, stunted cane growth can be observed in fields in which canes have turned pale yellow.
“It was after we missed the seasonal November/December rains, it was established with a high degree of certainty that the industry would be experiencing an acute water shortage,” the company said.
A water management meeting was held at the Blairmont Training Centre on January 12, 2010 to sensitise all estates about the critical water situation and the need to maintain water management strategies of which the experiences during the El Nino phenomenon of 1998 have been factored into.
Water management strategies adopted by GuySuCo includes; optimum water conservation practices, recirculation/recycling of water, monitoring of water availability, monitoring of water control structures, appropriate harvesting sequence and appropriate crop husbandry practices.
Water Conservation Practices includes recirculation of water from the drainage system into navigation canals for cane transport and irrigation.
Sluice gates are locked and secured to prevent intrusion of salt water and daily water quality monitoring is done in areas where pumps are used for water supply and recirculation of water, the company stated.
The operation of the gates on the Torani canal are closely monitored to ensure that adequate amount of water are released to augment the supply of fresh water down the Canje Creek for the East Berbice region.
Sluices and stop-offs are used to control water levels and water quality within the canal network for irrigation and transport of cane punts. Canes are harvested in sectional blocks to optimise and conserve on the use of water.
Water from canals within harvested blocks are released and pumped out into canals within blocks which are to be subsequently harvested.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) also took action as soon as it was firmly established that the dry period would be prolonged.
They deployed pumps at Maduni to pump water from the Mahaica Creek into the East Demerara Conservancy and at Waramia to deliver water from Bonasika Creek into the West Demerara Conservancy.
Pumps were also deployed to other parts of the country to mitigate the effects of the dry spell.
The MMA has also put water conservation measures in place at an early stage. In addition, the NDIA has released a number of mobile pumps to GuySuCo to divert water into the navigation and factory supply systems for the transport and processing of sugar-cane.
The industry has also utilised its fleet of mobile pumps and irrigators to sustain the supply of water required for the various operations across the industry.
Tractor driven pumps were also hired to re-circulate water from the drainage system into the irrigation system.
GuySuCo stated that it also has large fixed pumps, which are used to re-circulate water from the drainage system into its navigation system across the industry.
However, after several cycles of recirculation during the current dry spell, the water quality has deteriorated and particularly in the front-lands, the water within the navigation system cannot be used for irrigation.
Therefore, canes within the front-lands cannot be irrigated at this point in time. As a consequence, all the Demerara Estates have had to cut back on their replanting programme.
The industry has had to confine irrigation to plant cane for germination and to plant two to seven months old, which are in their boom growing period.
Due to the water unavailability and issues regarding quality and also partly due to insufficient mobile pumps, ratoon cane cannot be irrigated at the current time.
These canes would be dependent on rainfall when it eventually arrives. With careful management of the available water resources and with assistance from the NDIA, the Estates have so far managed to keep their punts afloat for cane transport and to keep their factories grinding during the first crop of 2010.
They have also managed to plant and irrigate an appreciable amount of new canes under the prevailing circumstances.
The industry will continue to put into practice the water management strategies, which it has worked out to successfully carry it through the first crop of 2010.
However, the full effects of the El Nino on sugar production for this year would not be fully known until the end of the second crop of 2010.
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Guyana has lost an eminent daughter whose imprint will forever be felt – Minister Baksh during Parliamentary tribute
Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2010
The contributions of the late Minister within the Ministry of Education Dr. Desrey Clementine Fox towards the development of Guyana, and in the education sector were recognised during a tribute in the National Assembly.
The National Assembly placed on record the shock and profound grief at the great loss to the Government and the Parliament of Minister Fox and paid tribute to her contributions. It also directed that an expression of its heartfelt sympathy be conveyed to her sorrowing children and relatives.
The March 11 sitting of the National Assembly saw members adding their recollections and knowledge to pay tribute to the late Minister Fox who died on December 11, 2009 at the High Dependency Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after suffering injuries to her back and head in a three vehicle accident just outside Camp Ayanganna on Thomas Lands.
Her colleague Minister in the Education Ministry Shaik Baksh in paying tribute said, “Guyana has lost an eminent daughter whose imprint will forever be felt in the countless lives she would have touched. She will be missed dearly.”
The late Dr. Desrey Fox nee Caesar was the eldest of seven children born to Gipson and Anita Caesar on January 2, 1955 and grew up in the Waramadong Village on the Kamarang River, a tributary of the Mazaruni River in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni region.
“The qualities of the late Minister which would be remembered most are her concerns for the plight of others, the caring and considerate ways of dealing with ordinary folks and their children and the representation of their cases for resolution,” Minister Baksh said.
Dr. Fox was an accomplished academic, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Guyana (UG), a Masters Degree in Environmental Anthropology from Kent University in the United Kingdom and a Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics from Rice University, Texas, United States of America.
Before her appointment as Minister, Dr. Fox served as curator of the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Head of the Amerindian Research Unit at UG and lecturer in Linguistics and Amerindian studies.
She also taught special courses at the Universities of Oregon and Rice and was the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships among these were:
- the Presidential Scholarship, Rice University, 1998 – 2003;
- the European Union Scholarship to read for a Master of Arts in Environmental Anthropology at the University of Kent at Canterbury, 1996 – 1997
- the Robert Lowry Patten Prize, Rice University, Texas, 2000
- the Rice University’s Women’s Impact Award, Rice University, Houston Texas, 2001
- the Who’s Who among students in American University Award, Rice University, Texas, 2001 – 2002
- the Dennis Irving Prize, University of Guyana, 1998
- the recipient of the Post-Doctoral National Science Foundation Grant, Rice University, 2002 - 2006; and
- the recipient of Guyana’s 38th Independence Anniversary Service and Humanitarian Award, 2004 from the Guyana Mission, Consulate and the Guyana Tri-State Alliance Inc.
“Dr. Fox, through her extensive research, has measurably enriched public knowledge of the lives of the local indigenous peoples. The focus of her research was cross cultural on a wide range of Amerindian issues and situations in Guyana such as their pre-history, present history, spirituality, demography, geography, rites and rituals, kinship networks, language, music and general aspects of their way of life,” Minister Baksh said.
Just before her passing, Dr. Fox had translated extracts from the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) into the Akawaio language to make it more comprehensible to older folks.
Dr. Fox was appointed Minister within the Ministry of Education in September 2006 after the victory at the polls by the PPP/C. She was in charge of Technical and Vocational Education, Health and Family Life Education, School Welfare Services, School Sports and Physical Education and most importantly the promotion of aesthetic education, cultural activities, music, dance and drama.
“This was her forte. She ardently took on oversight responsibility for the Unit of Allied Arts and worked closely with the staff especially on national occasions such as Independence and Mashramani,” Minister Baksh said.
Minister Baksh in sharing his memory of Dr. Fox’s involvement in Mashramani pointed out that she was distinctly recognised in her indigenous attire and her passion for this area of education led her to take steps to re-activate the National Schools Choir and Steel Orchestra.
“She developed the plans and the programme to roll it out across the school system. I wish to pledge that her work in this area will not be in vain and that I will ensure it is completed as a tribute to her contribution,” Minister Baksh said.
He noted that Minister Fox believed that education is not only about pursuing academic learning but also molding the minds of the children of Guyana by instilling values of nationalism, tolerance, integrity, respect and self-fulfillment.
Having a special interest in Health and Family Life education, Minister Fox headed a Task Team to review the content and methodology of this programme to ensure its effectiveness and that moral education was adequately infused in the curriculum.
The Education Strategic Plan provides for the development of an inclusive education system that provides quality and equitable opportunity to indigenous and hinterland children, children with disabilities, gender equality and equity.
Minister Baksh stated that it is in this area of education that the late Minister evinced keen interest and dedication and attended several international conferences on Inclusive Education.
“She was active in hinterland communities and after her visits would take follow up action on the promises made. At Bartica, Waramadong and Santa Rosa, she linked with UNICEF to address stressful situations for students by organizing psycho-social support and ensured that learning was not unduly affected,” Minister Baksh said.
Additionally, on the East Coast Dr. Fox was active with the professional team in providing support to schools, parents and students in the aftermath of the Lusignan massacre and she was especially interested in special needs education and ensuring that education programmes cater for individual needs and persons with disabilities.
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir in supporting the motion of sympathy, expressed appreciation for the work of Minister Fox stating that it is clear that her legacy will live on and pointed out that she is an example in her academic achievements.
Member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Dr. George Norton, said that Minister Fox was an inspiration and will be a role model for many of the Amerindian people who do not have to look further afield for role models. He noted her academic achievements and stated that she made history when she was appointed Minister in the Ministry of Education.
Member of the Alliance for Change Sheila Holder said “All we have left of her are treasured moments we shared while she was here on earth with us. She lived her life her way, which we must respect and honour. Indeed she was an exemplary personality as a woman, as a member of the indigenous community from when she was born, as a citizen of this country and indeed an honourable member of this National Assembly.”
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GWI warns against wastage as El Nino conditions continue
Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2010
As the current dry season continues to affect the level of the Lamaha Canal, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is reiterating its plea for customers to conserve on the use of water.
Due to the lack of rainfall in the Lamaha Canal, and its inability to replenish its supply to meet the current demands, GWI said its Shelter-Belt Water Treatment Plant is currently delivering five mega litres less than normal, a significant decrease that will affect the supply received by customers in Georgetown.
The water company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yuri Chandisingh said the water level of the canal remains critical despite the assistance received from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).
As a result of the decreased level of the Lamaha Canal GWI has been forced to adjust its water supply schedule for customers of Central Georgetown. During the hours of 4:30 h to 9:00 h normal pressure will be maintained since most customers are utilizing water at this time for domestic purposes.
During the hours of 9:00 h to noon however low pressure will be supplied as GWI utilizes this period to conserve and replenish the supply. From noon to 13:00 h the pressure will be medium and during this time customers are advised to replenish their reservoirs.
At 13:00 h (1:00 pm) to 17:00 h (5:00 pm) there will be no pressure as GWI seeks to conserve its supply when most customers are not utilizing water for domestic purposes while at 17:00 h ( 5:00 pm) to 22:00 h (10:00 pm) pressure will return to normal when most customers are at home.
GWI’s CEO warned that the current prolonged dry season could have dire consequences for aquifers.
“Because of the dry weather there is a significant increase in the amount of water utilized by our customers… this is further compounded by the fact that there is no no rainfall means that the aquifers cannot replenish their supply at the normal rate. This means that our aquifers are currently under tremendous strain with increased demand and no rainfall to replenish their supplies,” Chandisingh.
The CEO warned that the effect of the current dry season on the wells utilized by GWI, coupled with the wanton wastage by customers will yield severe consequences for the nation’s water supply.
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Science, Mathematics and Technology fair begins in Region Four
Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2010
The Ministry of Education’s Science, Mathematics and Technology fair began today at the Diamond Secondary School, East Bank Demerara with 50 schools participating in the two-day fair which is being held under the theme; “Science, Mathematics and Technology for Global Energy Management”.
It was declared open by District Education officer Secondary, Hazel Answick while the feature address was delivered by National Science Coordinator, National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) Petal Jettoo.
Students and teachers viewing the exhibits at the Science , Mathematics and Technology fair at Diamond Secondary School , East Bank Demerara.
The event aims at promoting the teaching and learning of Science, Mathematics and Technology in schools, technical institutions and the wider society.
It is also geared toward developing and enhancing young people’s creativity, self-confidence and team spirit through involvement in various activities.
The exhibits are from primary, junior and senior secondary schools and “out of school” youth organisations and are presented in varying categories such as Agricultural Science, Mathematics, Technology, Social and Behavioural Science, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The judging will be done in three stages: physical presentation (display), oral presentation and written submission as students showcase the results of their research, creativity, enquiry and problem-solving skills.
There were science laboratories by the Diamond Secondary School, exhibitions of plants and photosynthesis by the Mocha Primary School, metamorphosis structures on display by the Clonbook Primary School among other scientific creations. Also there were collages being put on display by various nursery schools.
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National Assembly pays tribute to late Parliamentarian Nazir All-Contributions will be remembered
Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2010
This week’s sitting of the National Assembly saw tributes being paid to the memory and contributions of the late Nazir Ally, Member of Parliament of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) who passed away on November 14, 2009 in the United States of America.
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir pointed out that he got to know Mr. Nazir when he joined the National Assembly after the 2001 elections and noted that Nazir felt that there was need to work hard with the people to respect other’s views.
Minister Nadir stated that Ally felt very strongly that persons are ostracized when they join parties which are dominated by other races and there is need to break down these barriers and respect people’s views and the freedom of association.
Leader of the People’s National Congress Robert Corbin said that Ally was a dedicated party activist committed to national unity and reconciliation and development. He served at all levels of the party from the local groups to the central executive committee and general council.
Born on January 7, 1941 in the village of Bloomfield, Ally spent most of his 68 years using all of his energies in service of the people of his community and Guyana as a dedicated teacher, community worker, party activist, member of the Corriverton town council, and deputy mayor, regional councillor of the RDC of Region Six, member of his masjid and council of Islamic organisations of Guyana and MP, Corbin said.
“Mr. Ally devoted his early years acquiring the necessary education, training and skills to perform in his desired profession and having successfully prepared himself entered the teaching profession in 1963. Despite his many other activities and challenges, he spent his entire professional working life in this profession training Guyana’s youths to face the challenges of the future.”
He was elected councillor of Corriverton Town Council in 1986 and later served as deputy mayor and worked for the development of the town and citizens for several years.
His capacity for giving greater service was recognised and because of his sterling contributions to the party he was selected as candidate on party’s list of candidates for 1997/2001 and 2006 general and regional elections.
He served as a Regional Councillor after the 1997 elections until 2001 during which time he made continued contributions to develop the east Berbice region.
Corbin said that his service resulted in him being extracted from the PNC list of candidates to be a Member of Parliament after the 2001 elections and served from April 17, 2001 to May 2, 2006 when the House was dissolved for general elections.
He served in many schools in Berbice and retired in 1996 after serving as the Headmaster of the Skeldon Primary School.
Corbin pointed out that Ally was last elected as a member of the Party’s central executive committee at the 2009 biennial congress and shortly after election he left for a brief vacation in the US. It was during that time when the party received the sad news of demise. According to Muslim rites, he was buried with haste and members who toiled alongside him for decades were not given the opportunity to bid a final farewell.
Hence, the party will be holding a memorial service on Sunday at 14:00 h at the Corriverton Civic Centre, Corbin said.
Chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Raphael Trotman stated that Ally was the quintessential school teacher, very firm, yet soft in manner and approach, very deliberate and scholarly. He also pointed out that Ally will be remembered as one of the members who did not engaged in heckling and in discussions which were irrelevant and got straight to the point.
Trotman also stated that there is need to change the attitude of waiting until members have passed to honour and pay tribute to them and their contributions.
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Vista Mar Cruise ship docks in Guyana - more ships expected - Minister Prashad
Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2010
The Vista Mar cruise ship docked at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation’s (GNSC’s) wharf today, amidst sweet steelpan music as German tourists enjoyed the view of the Georgetown skyline and cheered appreciatively from all decks. The four-deck ship has a carrying capacity of 400, with 241 vacationers on board.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad presenting gifts, of guyanese arts and crafts, to Captain Mattera, on board the Vista Mar.
Government has been facilitating an enhanced environment, and has been marketing the country as a destination of choice or transit point, offering a unique brand of pollution-free tourism.
The GNSC wharf is fast becoming a popular dock with the Logos II having docked at that location in 2009. More tour operators are independently bringing in cruises to Guyana.
The Vista Mar was brought to Guyana by Dagron Tours, located on Main Street.
Minister Prashad and tourists in the lounging area, on board the Vista Mar.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad said that the Ministry’s officials have been attending the World Trade Market and the ITB in Berlin, the largest trade show in the world, to market Guyana and this has led to the cruise ships coming in slowly.
Minister Prashad said that his ministry would like to see more vessels arriving here. There are about five other cruise ships lined up for the rest of the year.
Guyana’s aggressive marketing is also resulting in other areas of the country being opened up. Yachts are now a regular part of the landscape of the Essequibo River.
The opening up of the tourism sector means that there will be more employment opportunities; there would be spin-off benefits for taxis and local tour operators.
The Vista Mar on the docks at GNSC wharf, steelpa musicians in the foreground.
Ann Hamilton, general manager of Dagron Tours, stated that the marketing of Guyana is being communicated across cruise lines and among tourists in Europe as many people are looking for new destinations.
Hamilton indicated that her entity has always sought to increase client base and bring tourists to Guyana. She hopes to bring another ship next year.
The tourists will be engaged in a tour of Georgetown and a trip to the Kaieteur Falls tomorrow.
The cruise ship will be moving on to Tobago and Grenada and will conclude its journey in Martinique.
The tour originated in Manaus, Brazil and will be sailing for 12 days, to conclude on March 16.
Tourists disembarking the Vista Mar, to take an evening stroll around georgetown.
During a special toast, the Minister formally recognized the efforts of Dagron tours, welcomed the captain, members of the crew, tourists and noted the efforts of the management and staff of the GNSC wharf, which is fast becoming an attraction on the water front.
The captain, Antonio Mattera noted that the Italian vessel is sailing to South America, to the Caribbean and back to the Mediterranean.
The captain indicated that it was his first time in Guyana and looks forward to returning.
Last year the ‘Spirit of Adventure’, docked in Guyana with 203 passengers for a one day visit.
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Aishalton receives supplies to cushion effects of El Nino
-Economic development is major priority of Gov’t
Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2010
The farming community of Aishalton, Region Nine, today benefited from irrigation hoses, chemicals for the eradication of acoushi ants, planting materials and dry-goods, as Government continues to provide relief for areas affected by El Nino. Other supplies including water tanks will be delivered shortly to the community for water storage.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, Officials from the Ministry, Toshao of Aishalton, Hildebrand James and Deputy Toshao, Kid James conducted an interactive meeting with farmers in the community to ascertain their needs and derive possible solutions.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud greets Aishalton Toshao Hildebrand James.
In light of Region 9 experiencing insufficient rainfall last year during its one rainy season there was inadequate cultivation and this occurrence is not unique to the Regions, Minister Persaud noted.
He highlighted that Government has expended under $500M in an extensive programme across the country to bring relief to farmers. Even though the coast is more exposed to the effects of El Nino because of competing crops and livestock, the major concern in Region 9 is food security since individuals depend on farming for a livelihood.
Minister Persaud also emphasised that Government mobilized dry food into hinterland communities and South Rupununi has been benefiting.
To combat the effects of the dry spell Government implemented measures in Region 9 through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Regional Development Council. These measures saw the provision of a number of pumps for irrigation purposes which have proven beneficial in many areas.
Irrigation hose donated to Aishalton, Region Nine.
Minister Persaud further informed the gathering that storage containers were provided so that farmers can preserve cassava and farine. In addition, cassava mills were given to the Region to boost the production of cassava bread and bring technology to the industry.
With respect to technology being implemented in the Region the Minister noted that drip irrigation will help in the boosting of the agriculture sector in the Region.
Responding to a question posed by Kid James, with respect to the allocation an Agricultural Science teacher in the Secondary School in Aishalton, Persaud stated that he is willing to provide personnel within three weeks but the Region will need to provide accommodation.
This will assist in developing proper agricultural practices so that the human capacity will be boosted. He further noted that the Ministry is willing to provide scholarship for students to attend the Guyana School of Agriculture.
Minister Persaud expounded on the fact that Government is working assiduously towards improving the lives of Amerindians. He noted that while there is room for improvements significant strides have been made in developing hinterland communities.
Persaud highlighted that improvements have been made with the social sectors including health and education but Government wants to also further improve the economic wellbeing of villagers.
In an effort to boost the economic capabilities of Amerindians Government implemented several programmes including the National Secure Livelihood Programme. This programme which focuses on agriculture diversification was done through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and commenced last year as a pilot project in Region One. Owing to its successful implementation the programme is now expanding to other Regions including Region 9.
“The Ministry of Agriculture working closely with donor partners was able to commence an important rice and bean project and that is mainly in the North Rupununi area and we want to expand in the South Rupununi area, looking at other crops and other activities that can lead to better socio and economic development and make much more self sufficient and enjoy a higher status of food security,” Minister Persaud said.
Some of the chemicals given to Aishalton, Region Nine.
The opening of the Takutu Bridge has also provided passage for new opportunities in the Region and Government wants Aishalton and surrounding communities to be better prepared to deal with them effectively, Minister Persaud indicated.
Another avenue utilised by Government to develop the lives of Amerindians is the annual Presidential grants that are given in addition to the allocation and support received through the Region through the Ministries of Local Government and Regional Development and Amerindian Affairs. Minister Persaud noted that Presidential grant provides support for developmental projects which improve the village economies.
Minister Persaud noted that Amerindian communities and Guyana as a whole will benefit from resources derived from the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). He further emphasised that the transformation of the economies and way of life will be done in a consultative and participatory way with democratic legitimate leaders.
In addition the Chairperson of the National Toshao Council is currently representing the country at some important discussions with the EU in supporting in developing this framework to look at how we can further develop the LCDS, Persaud noted.
The Administration in its effort to maintain transparency and further enlighten the populace on the REDD+ will conduct more consultations across the country
“Government is hoping to commence additional consultation on the REDD+ because they were anticipating resources from the World Bank for support and some of the resources will go to the Guyana Forestry Commission and some will go to the National Toshaos’ Council,” Persaud stated.
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