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Min. Benn interacts with Calcutta residents during Cabinet Outreach to Region 5
Georgetown, GINA, August 28, 2010
Government in its exercise of participative democracy yesterday engaged residents of Region Five to establish their needs and update them on policies and programmes contributing to the growth and development of the country.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn who interacted with residents of Calcutta indicated that residents need to take charge of their development. He highlighted that although Guyana is a developing country there are still many challenges and citizens need to be more productive.
Residents highlighted that those pensioners who are 65 years and above are still receiving water bills although they were exempted from paying the annual rate of $8,899.
Minister Benn highlighted, “everybody receives a bill but you are not charged if you are a pensioner, the bill states that you have an exemption. If you have water meter and they check and you use more than that amount you have to pay the excess.”
Residents emphasised that development is taking place in the community but at a slow pace. They contended that they need improved roads, bridges and drainage.
One resident posited that, “These guys that are doing these works they must do it properly so that in adverse weather condition the road will stand. Even though you don’t have rains when vehicles travel you can see the stone just kicking up.”
With respect to drainage it was noted that the Mahacia/Mahaicony/Abary, Agricultural Development Authority carried out drainage works in the area but owing to encumbrances on the reserves it was unable to continue works.
Minister Benn assured residents that all issues raised during the meeting will be taken to Cabinet for discourse and further action.
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MV Kimbia departs Georgetown for Kumaka
Georgetown, GINA, August 28, 2010
The MV Kimbia departed port Georgetown at 15:05h this afternoon following the successful replacement of the shaft on the steering mechanism of the vessel which had cut, disrupting its journey to Kumaka off Anna Regina on Thursday evening.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn who was monitoring the safe arrival of the vessel which docked at Georgetown at approximately 21:20h last evening noted that reports in Stabroek News are misleading and this was confirmed by passengers.
Passengers noted that there was no shortage of water on the vessel and those who did not have bread accessed food via the canteen. It noted that when the passengers arrived at Georgetown they were given dinner and water.
Mark, one of the passengers noted that he is appreciative of the initiative of the authorities to provide them with meals and water. Minister Benn noted that during the course of the day passengers benefitted from refreshments.
When questioned about provisions for vulnerable passengers including children, Minister Benn highlighted that after interacting with travellers he noticed that a woman had a baby. He requested that a check be made to ascertain the number of children below five years on board and after there were only five, no immediate action was taken.
Captain of the vessel, Gordon Kingston posited that the cut shaft was probably as a result of metal fatigue over a number of years. He noted that the vessel is maintained weekly and gets a general docking every two years.
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Region Five Cabinet outreach…Minister Nadir meets withBritannia residents
Georgetown, GINA, August 28, 2010
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir and technical officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Water Incorporated, on Friday, interacted with residents of Britannia as part of the Cabinet Outreach in Region 5.
The interactive meeting held at the Britannia Village Office was intended to garner inputs from citizens about services provided to them and recommendations to resolve issues affecting them in their community.
Some of the concerns that were raised with Minister Nadir pertained to drainage and irrigation, truancy, stray animals, unemployment and the lack of potable water.
In response to the issues, Minister Nadir said that the Government is committed to improving the lives of its people, and the meeting had been planned to update residents of Central Government’s plans for their community.
Minister Nadir said that Government has expended over half million dollars in drainage and irrigation works which opened more than 10,000 acres of farm lands in the area, creating more jobs.
He also reminded villagers, more specifically youths and single parents, about the Ministry’s National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment; and the single parents’ programme, Women of Worth, recently launched by President Bharrat Jagdeo.
A reminder about the National Training project was made, in which the minister pointed out that 52 single parents were trained and an economic grant of $65,000 given to each of them to commence their respective businesses.
Minister Nadir also made mention of the Government’s school uniform programme, which has attracted full support, and urged residents to take advantage of these programmes which are to enhance the lives of Guyanese.
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Prime Minister assures Foulis, Belladrum residents their concerns will be addressed
Georgetown, GINA, August 28, 2010
During the fourth Cabinet Outreach for the year, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds reassured the villagers of Foulis and Belladrum, Region 5, that Government is working to address drainage and irrigation concerns in communities recently affected by flooding and urged residents to be patient, as the administration continues to make the necessary interventions.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds upon his arrival at Belladrum, West Coast Berbice, during recent Cabinet Outreach to Region 5.
Providing immediate responses and support to the Prime Minister was Regional Chairman, Harrinarine Baldeo, administrative staff of the Mahaica-Mahiacony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority, the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Yuri Chandisingh and representatives of the Guyana Rice Development Board.
The two villages are located along the West Coast Berbice Highway, a naturally low-lying area affected by unusual rainfall and high tides. Cash crop farmers, requested assistance to address drainage and irrigation issues.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, during Cabinet Outreach meeting with farmers and residents of Foulis, Region 5.
As a result of the recurring nature of the problem in that area, where works are currently ongoing, it was noted that there is a need for more kokers, culverts and bridges, to regulate the flow of agricultural drainage going into residential areas. Additionally, and as a response to the call for more houselots in the area, it was further noted that there needs to be a formalization of housing to separate agricultural land from residential areas and that it is important in the construction of homes to make proper arrangements in the disposal of waste water.
Regional Chairman, Harrinarine Baldeo, representatives of the Mahaica-Mahiacony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority, GWI and the GRDB.
The Prime Minister assured that the issue of drainage on the South side of the public road and the disposal of waste water on the North side will be addressed at the Cabinet level.
In relation to concerns regarding farmers planting on reserves and dams (referred to as the middle walk), affecting access to other farming areas in the backdam, the Prime Minister noted that, “The aim must always be to see how to work out good and bad features. Reports have been made that persons are planting on reserves. Based on investigation conducted by the MMA-ADA officials, there will be a resolution. Efforts will be put towards drainage and irrigation and this matter is to be investigated from an engineering perspective.”
Residents of Belladrum village, Region 5.
Meanwhile, residents requested that specific attention be paid towards the provision of sports facilities and employment opportunities for youths. The Prime Minister promised that these issues will be looked into, noting that “We are working on all fronts, we are encouraging you to take up particularly agriculture, and to be self employed.”
Cash crop farmers from Foulis, Region 5.
He also explained and that through the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, youths have the opportunity to sign up for training programmes that will prepare them for employment in a variety of areas. Also available through the Ministry are loans for single parent women interested in starting their own small businesses.
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GGMC celebrates 10th porkknocker day
Georgetown, GINA, August 28, 2010
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, under his portfolio of Minister with responsibility for Mines and Metals, today declared open the tenth Porkknocker Day, at the Regatta Pavilion, Bartica.
Sponsored by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the celebrations, attend by hundreds, brought down the curtains on Mining Week 2010 by placing the emphasis on the people who make the mining industry, the porknockers.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds points to an enlarged photo of a mining operation at a booth at Porkknocker Day 2010, Bartica
Recalling the theme: “Mining our resources, minding our future,” the Prime Minister noted that mining in today’s world comes with many challenges, especially when the impact of sustained mining on the environment is considered.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds shares a light conversation with Region Seven Chairman Holbert Knights (left), GGMC Commissioner William Woolford and two young miners, at Porkknocker Day, 2010.
He pointed to the adumbration of the safe use and the eventual elimination/replacement of mercury especially in medium and small scale mining operations, and the revegetating and/or reforestation of disturbed lands as just two examples.
The Prime Minister said that he is heartened by the “achievements and multifold contributions” that the mining sector has made to the nation.
The Warishi competition at the Porkknocker Day, 2010, Bartica
Chairman of the Board of Directors of GGMC Ronald Webster believes that the industry is “buoyant” and that the future for mining in Guyana appears very bright, with a number of new opportunities in manganese, bauxite, gold and uranium. The chairman pointed out that amidst the many challenges, ‘the greatest challenge and reward would be to project an image of quality and efficiency for the domestic mining industry that other countries would wish to emulate.’
Shovelling competition, Porkknocker Day, 2010, Bartica
Fred Mc Wilfred, President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, noted that despite the stories that romanticise porknockers and portray them as ignorant spendthrifts, the pioneering and hardworking nature of those who work in the hinterland reveal tremendous sacrifice, great resourcefulness and ingenious engineering.
Of no less importance is the contribution of porkknockers to the development of mining communities such as Bartica and Mahdia.
Batelling on the beach at Porkknocker Day, 2010, Bartica
Intrinsic to the celebrations in Bartica today were several competitions depicting the life of a porkknocker. There was a Warishi droghing competition in which the participants had to run several laps around the circumference of the Bartica regatta pavilion, fetching a loaded warishi. There were also shoveling, bahir, batelling, hand jugging, canoeing and story-telling competitions.
A porkknocker is a Guyanese prospector and miner who seeks, extracts and processes gold and diamonds using simple methods
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Gov’t recognises importance of sugar industry
-Minister Singh during Cabinet Outreach
Georgetown, GINA, August 28, 2010
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh on Friday interacted with residents of Ithaca, as part of the Region Five Cabinet Outreach. He was accompanied by technical officials from the Ministry and representatives from the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) and the Fisheries Department of the Agriculture Ministry.
During the highly interactive session residents were engaged on proposed plans related to community development and programmes to be included in the country’s 2011 National Budget.
The Finance Minister while addressing the gathering came in for full praise from residents, as it relates to the many developments in the area; especially with regards to roads. Work on the Andries road has since started, and according to the contractor who was on site; it is expected to be completed by Wednesday of next week.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh during walk-about in the Ithaca community
Minister Singh said that he is pleased that the road is being done; and noted that it is one of hundreds being rehabilitated by Government countrywide.
“We cannot do all the roads in Ithaca at once but we are certainly doing roads in every village countrywide. If you travel from village to village you will see it is evident but this certainly is only one of several projects we are embarking on,” he said.
However, most of the roads in the village are in good condition; with the exception of a few of which are being done by Government and the Region.
Minister Singh indicated that the annual outreach by Government is an approach that involves close engagement at the grassroot level throughout the length and breadth of the country.
“Like every other region, Region Five is a very important one in our economy; apart from the large population, it is important from the point of view of how it contributes to our economic base of food production,” the Finance Minister posited.
Section of the Andries road under rehabilitation
With GuySuCo currently being the largest employer in the Region, Minister Singh said that the feasibility of the industry continues to be one of the major concerns for them; noting that the Administration recognises its importance, notwithstanding the challenges faced.
“Many of you would know that other countries have taken the decision to exit sugar production; we recognised that the industry is an important contributor to our economy and, as such, we invested US$200M to ensure it remains competitive.”
While indicating that much more needs to be done in the industry since there are still challenges faced, he said it is expected that all stakeholders will play their part in ensuring that the industry overcomes the challenges.
This is to ensure that the production level increases since it will contribute in bringing down unit cost and production to a compatible level; to ensure that the profitability and viability of the industry is protected.
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Cabinet Outreach- Teixeira assures Hopetown residents of community development
Georgetown, GINA, August 28, 2010
During the Cabinet outreach to Region Five on Friday, residents of Hopetown informed Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira that they are very much satisfied with the services that are provided by government.
Teixeira assured residents that no effort will be spared in ensuring the community’s development.
She told the gathering that government is still bent on improving the living standards, as various interventions have been made and are still being made to further enhance the lives of Guyanese.
Hopetown residents raised questions about unemployment noting that it is difficult for persons, particularly youths to access employment.
Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira addresses Hopetown residents, Region Five.
Another issue that was highlighted was the lack of a surgeon at the Region’s hospital, which leads to persons having to go to private hospitals and to spend a lot of money on surgeries.
Teixeira, on the issue of unemployment said that persons can attend the University of Guyana, after completing secondary level education and can access loans.
“It is not easy, but it is not impossible,” she emphasised.
The Advisor added that there are skills training programmes that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport offers at its Kuru Kuru and Sophia Training Centres, which provide free meals and accommodation for persons and they are also given a stipend.
The centres cater for persons who dropped out of school from an early age, for them to make themselves marketable and possibly have the opportunity to get a tertiary education, provided that they pass certain subjects.
She highlighted that there is also police skills training available that persons can access and become police ranks.
Residents lauded the government, as school attendance has improved in the Region, as a result of the education programmes that were implemented, including the school feeding and uniform programmes, which have drastically enhanced the lives of Guyanese.
Overall residents of all the communities visited expressed gratitude for projects in the Region from which they have derived tremendous benefits. Developments in the water, housing, health and education sectors were lauded.
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Region 5 Cabinet Outreach…Minister Anthony reaches out to No. 28 Village residents
Georgetown, GINA, August 28, 2010
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony visited No 28 village, Berbice, Region Five, where he interacted with residents at No. 28 Community Development Council (CDC) Office Square, and was told that they were generally comfortable with services provided by government.
However, some of the issues they were concerned about included lack of street lights, improper roads, and insufficient pipe lines, which affect the salt fish and poultry project in the community.
Residents also complained about the high electricity bills from Guyana Power and Light (GPL), school dropouts and lack of jobs for those who have just completed secondary school.
Minister Anthony suggested that children who complete secondary education should pursue tertiary level schooling as well, since the University of Guyana provides a loan system for those who may not be able to afford it.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony addresses No. 28 Village residents, Region Five.
He highlighted that the Youth Ministry also provides a second opportunity for school drop-outs to have another chance to make them more marketable by training them in various skills including electrical works, plumbing, masonry and information technology.
The courses which are being offered at the Kuru Kuru and Sophia Training centres run for ten and six months respectively, and meals, stipends and accommodation are provided.
Government has been committing resources to further develop various sectors including education, agriculture and sports.
Project Development Manager, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Carlos Rodrigues said that the company will use any available resources to extend services to the residents.
He noted that engineers will soon be sent out into the communities to assist in these services.
The Mahaica Mahaicony Abary- Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) vowed that the drainage issues will be addressed, as persons from the community are now being recruited to clean the drains, cut grass and maintain the fields.
Minister Anthony finally assured theresidents that the complaints that were raised will be forwarded to the respective persons who are in charge of fulfilling those responsibilities and the issues will be highlighted at the next Cabinet meeting where solutions will be sought.
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Guyana pushes for Caribbean insurance facility to cover floods
As part of Government's effort to develop Agriculture Risk Insurance and coverage, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) has indicated that it will by year end be able to provide coverage for excessive rainfall.
Currently CCRIF only provides coverage for hurricanes and earthquakes, but
following representation by Guyana and other interested groups, CCRIF has been developing a facility that will assist the country in managing the cost of impact of excessive rainfall facility.
In an effort to ensure a common understanding of the facility, a team headed
by Mr. Todd Crawford from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, CCRIF paid a courtesy call on Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud, accompanied by Mrs. Prema Roopnarine, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance), Ministry of Agriculture at his Regent Street Office on
Friday.
During the discussion, Minister Persaud made a case for urgent attention in
this regard as Guyana mobilizes support for a risk insurance facility in light of the intensifying negative effects of climate change.
Further, Minister Persaud emphasized that the facility will provide a regional tool which can be used to help manage the risks caused by extreme rainfall, as well as droughts, which are being experienced in a number of CARICOM countries currently.
Meanwhile, both parties agreed that the facility will be invaluable in analyzing the impacts of past rainfall (and drought) events and changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change.
This will also contribute a great deal towards efforts by the Government of Guyana in Risk Management and Agriculture Insurance.
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