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Mangroves deliberately set afire at Hope Beach
-public reminded that mangroves are a protected species
Georgetown, GINA, March 21, 2010
With Government’s Mangrove Action Committee (MAC) about to embark on a mangrove protection and management project, members were alarmed by the deliberate setting of fire to a mangrove area at Hope Beach on Saturday at 13:30hr.
The burnt area was approximately 72,000 square meters. Several black mangrove trees which appeared to be over 20 years old were badly damaged, and 24 were completely destroyed.
Annette Arjoon–Martins, Chair of the MAC said, “We are very disturbed at this incident, and it confirms how much work we have to do to educate the public on the important role that mangroves play in our sea defences. We have to believe that these fires were set through ignorance and not for vindictive reasons.”
Arjoon-Martins noted that, “This is a terrible act; it is akin to my taking a sledgehammer and breaking the sea wall. Mangroves are nature’s protection from the sea: when we destroy them we are putting ourselves at serious risk.”
Firemen at site.
The MAC spokesperson also referred to the practice of people using mangrove areas to dump garbage which is then set afire, and highlighted the need for this activity to end.
The MAC stressed that the public needs to be informed that all mangroves have been declared a protected species by Minister Robert Persaud whose Ministry has the portfolio for Forestry. Because of their value to our sea defences, it is now illegal to destroy mangroves, and persons found doing so will be prosecuted.
The fire was reported by an official of the Ministry of Agriculture and a prompt response by the Guyana Fire Service resulted in the fire being brought under control and the prevention of more damage.
Arjoon-Martins expressed her concern for the vital role the public has to play in the successful protection and management of mangroves. A national awareness and education campaign targeting every Guyanese will be a first step in this regard. This will be complemented by a programme which will focus on getting the local communities that live near mangrove forested areas directly involved in the protection and monitoring of this invaluable resource.
Mangroves are vital for the important role they play in reducing waveenergy and protecting the coastline from erosion. They also act as breeding grounds for the reproduction of marine life which benefits
the fishing industry and food supply.
The main role of the mangrove protection and management project is to enhance Guyana’s defence against the sea. It is being funded by the Government of Guyana and the European Union, and is being executed by the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI).
Under NARI, the MAC was set up and is comprised of key stakeholders including the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the River and Sea Defence Commission, and the University of Guyana, among others.
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President urges State House fun day patrons to remember Dr. Jagan
Georgetown, GINA, March 21, 2010
The lawns of State House were today packed as many responded enthusiastically to the invitation by the People’ Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) to be a part of the grand family fun day.
As the name suggested there were numerous activities to choose from to make the day full of fun. These included face paintings, photo taking, tattooing and the main highlight, live performances from the Shakti String bands and talented chutney dancers from some of the popular performing groups in Guyana
President Bharrat Jagdeo greeted by a visitor to the State House fun day in honour of Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
Amidst the excitement however, President Bharrat Jagdeo who was part of the fun day, appealed in his remarks for the patrons not to forget the reason for the grand event.
“Thank you for coming once again to enjoy yourselves but also to participate in something that is very dear to all of us, that is the celebration of the life and work of Dr. Cheddi Jagan,” the President said.
The role which the former President and PPP founder played in Guyana’s development from independence to the return to democracy was described by President Jagdeo as unmatched and unique.
He made a special appeal for his memory to be passed on to today’s youth who need to understand how his role in the past is relevant to today.
President Bharrat Jagdeo speaking to the large gathering at the State House fun day.
Dr. Cheddi Jagan born on March 22, 1918 was the founder of the People’s Progressive Party and was elected President of Guyana on October 5, 1992.
He has been recognised as one of the great thinkers of his generation. Dr. Jagan passed away on March 6, 1997.
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President bowls off softball cricket final match
- Trophy Stall emerge victors
Georgetown, GINA, March 21, 2010
The first ever nationwide softball 10/10 cricket tournament which was launched on January 7, came down to the wire this evening after President Bharrat Jagdeo bowled off the first ball to start the exciting event at the Everest Sports Club Ground, Carifesta Avenue.
President Bharrat Jagdeo bowling off the GT&T 1010 Softball competition .
A large gathering of patrons turned out to the venue to witness the Crabwood Creek Unstoppable and Trophy Stall XI go head to head for the $1M prize and bragging rights as the first ever 10 over softball underhand 10/10 cricket Champions. Trophy stall emerged the victors.
The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company which spearheaded the inaugural tournament sees it as an auspicious event that will coincide with its 19th anniversary celebrations this year and Guyana’s 40th anniversary as a Republic.
President Bharrat Jagdeo meeting members of the Crabwood Creek Unstoppable team minutes before their match up against Trophy Stall .
The 10 over knock-out competition bowled off on February 6 with attractive cash prizes ranging from $1M to the winner, $250,000 for the runner up, $50,000 to the semi finalist, and 20,000 to the quarter finalist.
Several corporate sponsors will be on board for the competition, giving several prizes from the preliminaries to teams and spectators. Among them were Impressions, Guyana Times, Cellphone Shack, Gizmos and Gadgets and Survival Supermarket.
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