Clement Rohee launches book
GINA, Georgetown, May 16, 2011
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee last evening launched his book, ‘In Those Days’ which is a collection of articles written by him in the 1970s and 80s in the fight for free and fair elections.
Written from his early days as a youth activist and a leading member of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), the book recounts some of his experiences overseas and in Guyana.
Minister Clement Rohee addressing the crowd at the launching of his book “Those Day’’.
The compilation of articles gives readers a picture of the sort of tone and feeling in the period covered and in the rest of the world and the great effort suffered by the PPP members in their struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana.
Giving a case in point illustration of the position of the country at that point in time, one article in the book, recounts an unpleasant incident when Rohee was harassed, beaten, jail and denied access to a doctor for daring to protest in front of Parliament Building in support of free and fair elections.
Speaking on the importance of the book and the articles contained, PPP Member and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall said in the 70s and 80s there were struggles for independence from the various colonial powers and that the articles in the book, convey on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) some of its more pronounced views.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall browsing through a copy of the book.
Lall commended persons like Rohee who in those days galvanized support and solidarity for all the people of the world in the struggle for independence by means of writing and publishing their articles.
Rohee said the book’s intention is not only to set the tone of how it was in those days but to give in particular, young people an idea of the sort of background that was Guyana then, as opposed to now, and the important length of time and strides taken to get Guyana from the suppressive control of the then government.
In his effort to reproduce in all facets the state of affairs of those days, Rohee gives details about the kind and basis for articles chosen for inclusion in his book.
A section of the crowd at Minister Clement Rohee’s book launch at Red House.
The book contained articles in such categories as international issues, for the reason that the PPP party was strongly influenced by international development. The Jagans, he said, were strong internationalists and it was only fitting that under their tutorship he be influenced by the international issues. He also said that a lot of articles in the book dealt with ideology because of the party’s orientation.
A copy of Minister Rohee’s book “Those Days”.
He said he owes a great debt to Mrs. Jagan for his initiation to and passion for writing and that under her guidance, he moved from being a line and type operator at the New Guyana Company to writing under the pen name Borretto in a newly created youth page column in the Mirror Newspaper in the 70s.
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Low Carbon Development Strategy investments take shape
As Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy moves beyond its start-up phase, the Government is leading efforts to advance work on the six priority investments for this year. The six investments will accelerate Guyana’s transition to a low carbon economy by deploying the US$70M earned by Guyana for the provision of Forestry Climate Services under the Guyana/Norway Agreement.
The six 2011 investments are:
Amerindian Land Titling (US$3.9M)
The objective of this investment is to facilitate and accelerate the process of titling of Amerindian land, upon request of the village. It involves the demarcation and granting of communal land tenure rights to Amerindian communities, a process that is already underway. It will include the issuance of Grants, surveying of boundaries, and subsequent issuance of Title to communities and village extensions. In 2011, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs aims to title 13 untitled Amerindian communities that have submitted requests, as well as to demarcate 12 titled villages and to address 10 requests for village extensions. Further titling and demarcation will take place in the following years, with the aim of addressing all requests for titling, demarcation and extension by 2014.
Hinterland Electrification Project (US$4.25M)
This investment will involve installing solar home systems in every Amerindian household that has not yet received one through a previous initiative - approximately 10,500 households. The tendering process has begun, and it is anticipated that bids for the provision of the solar systems will be open shortly after the deadline of May 31st.
Amerindian Development Fund for Village Economy Development (US$4 M)
The Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) will be established to support the socio-economic development of Amerindian communities and villages, through the implementation of their Community Development Plans (CDPs). A CDP, which is developed and agreed upon by the community, outlines the projects that the village identifies as priorities in order to meet its social and economic development objectives. Most CDPs aim to address challenges such as enhancing food security, creating employment, promoting equality, and building skills and capacity. Emphasis is placed on low carbon development, preservation of cultural heritage and sustainable use of natural resources.
Small and Micro Enterprise Development (US$3M)
This project will aim to address two of the major bottlenecks that constrain the development of small and micro enterprises (SMEs) and the ability of vulnerable groups to build alternative livelihoods in Guyana, which are i) limited access to finance; and ii) limited technical and business skills. Access to finance will be addressed through a grants programme and a mutual guarantee fund that enables SMEs to obtain a loan at an affordable rate. Lack of skills will be addressed through a training voucher scheme which will enable SMEs to obtain the training they require at existing institutions.
Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity Project (US$45M)
Amaila Falls hydro-electricity plant is the top infrastructure priority of the Government of Guyana (GoG) and will provide a majority of Guyana’s electric power needs cleanly, efficiently, and economically starting in 2014. It will involve constructing a hydropower plant with 165MW peak capacity, as well as a 270km high voltage transmission line. The project site is located 250km southwest of Georgetown, at the confluence of the Amaila and Kuribrong Rivers. The project will be executed by project sponsor Sithe Global, which has formed a special purpose company in Guyana called Amaila Falls Hydro Inc. Principle financing will come from the Inter-American Development Bank and the China Development Bank. GRIF funds will be used to buy equity in Amaila Falls Hydro Inc., thereby reducing the annual electric capacity payment that the GoG makes to the project sponsor.
Institutional Strengthening (US$7M)
This investment will involve strengthening some of the key institutions involved in the implementation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) in order to ensure the smooth and timely implementation of the LCDS and related processes and to ensure that Guyana is able to meet its commitments under the agreement with Norway. The Government of Guyana has identified the need to strengthen the capacity of three key institutions in the first phase: the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) including the development and implementation of a national Monitoring, Reporting and Verification System, the Office of Climate Change (OCC), and the Project Management Office (PMO)
Implementation of each of the six priorities is being led by the relevant Government agency, after multi-stakeholder consultations.
Release of funds is also contingent on the approval of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) Steering Committee, which consists of Guyana and Norway. The GRIF Steering Committee was established as part of the Governments’ joint work to explore how a future UNFCCC REDD+ mechanism might combine nationally led investment plans with meeting globally accepted financial, social and environmental standards.
The Guyanese and Norwegian Governments have recently taken significant action to accelerate the disbursement of the funds from the GRIF after expressing their belief that the intermediation of GRIF funds is taking longer than it should. As stated in the Joint Concept Note which governs the Guyana-Norway forest partnership:
“For global efforts on REDD+ to function well, it is critical that effective financial intermediation functions are available to forest countries and the broader international community. Existing models of ODA-financing are not designed for this purpose. Since 2009, significant progress has been made in understanding the global channels inherent in the establishment of such mechanisms to channel results-based finance for REDD+. The experience gained in the setting up and implementation of the GRIF has been valuable in this context – although its establishment was challenging and took far longer than Guyana and Norway expected. In 2011, Guyana and Norway will work with the Trustee and Partner Entities of the GRIF to identify how the GRIF mechanism can function in a way that is fit for the purpose of channeling results-based international support to the implementation of Guyana’s low carbon development strategy in an effective, efficient and equitable manner.”
Further details about each of the six 2011 investments will be issued over the upcoming weeks.
May 17, 2011
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Pomeroon Women’s Agro Processors Association to attend rural innovative project contest in Barbados
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud today met with members of the Pomeroon Women’s Agro Processors Association (PWAPA) to discuss important plans for the upcoming rural innovative project contestant which will be held in Barbados on June 15, 2011.
The contest which is organised by the Caribbean Regional Unit for Technical Assistance (CARUTA), with funding from IFAD and the United Nations Development Project (UNDP), is opened to rural groups and associations in countries which fall under the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States including Barbados; Guyana; Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister Persaud said that the association has contributed significantly to agriculture production under the Agriculture Diversification Programme and as such, the Ministry saw it fit to enter the group in the contest which will showcase some of the products, generated by the association.
It is aimed at identifying projects that promote rural enterprise and innovation at the grassroots level with the potential of replication and expansion at the regional level.
“Your group has been significant in mobilizing and organizing projects from an agriculture standpoint and we would want to not only showcase you but to prepare you adequately for this undertaking,” he said.
Former Chairperson of the Association Velma DaSilva assured the Minister that the group has been working assiduously, since its inception and has been expanding its production base over the years.
At present, DaSilva said that there is an adequate supply of pepper and achar to supply the market demand, however, the issue of bottle shortage remains.
Minister Persaud indicated that under the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the Ministry will look at importing the bottles, since it is costly for the group to import a container of the commodity.
Financing will also be given under the US$6.9M Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Development Project (READ), with the aim of further assisting the group on a large scale basis. Minister Persaud also urged the Association to think on a longterms basis if this it to be achieved.
The theme for the competition is ‘microenterprise development, income generating activity and innovation’. It will focus on youth rural enterprises; microcredit and innovation and transformation of agriculture.
The Association will also be participating in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s first ever Women’s Expo to be held on May 27-29 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
The Expo which will be held under the theme “Feminition” will seek to promote women’s empowerment through stimulating entrepreneurship, showcasing women’s artistic talents and professional occupations.
After the meeting, the group presented the Minister with a hamper which contained locally manufactured produce made by the association.
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Health sector modernization continues -more rehabilitation ongoing at West Demerara Regional Hospital
Government’s efforts to decentralize the health system has resulted in the construction of several state-of-the-art health institutions including the Leonora, Suddie, Mahaicony and Diamond Diagnostic centres and the National Ophthalmology hospital at Port Mourant, Region Six.
Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and the new administrator of the West Demarara Regional Hospital, Dr. Rajendra Singh discussing the progress thus far.
These continued endeavours are signs of dedication on the part of the Government to ensure all Guyanese have access to quality health care within their Regions and is reflective of the Health Ministry’s mandate to ensure the availability of health care within proximity of citizens’ homes thereby reducing the patient load on major institutions.
Over the years numerous health facilities have been established in communities, throughout Guyana, with significant investments being made in their preservation. One example of such work is currently being carried out at the West Demerara Regional hospital where another wave of rehabilitative work has commenced.
This is in light of the challenges faced at the institution earlier in the year where patients were experiencing discomfort due to the existence of dogs, cats and a leaking roof. Patients were transferred to a rehabilitated surgical in-patient building located in the compound of the said hospital, which costs the Health Ministry and the Regional Administration $47M.
The work in progress on the out-patient ward at the West Demarara Regional Hospital, Region Three.
Key and critical facilities
Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran visited the institution to inspect the on-going rehabilitation recently.
While there he reiterated that only a few months ago $37.1M funded renovation of the inpatient ward. Work has already started on another in-patient ward at a cost of $17M.
The availability of adequate space in the out-patient department presents the opportunity for better care to be provided, particularly when addressing emergency cases.
Dr. Ramsaran highlighted that other massive works are on-going on the pediatric department, which was in a derelict condition. This is being converted into a specialized TB centre that will deliver care to patients with special needs.
This effort is in tandem with those of the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Chest Clinic which has been steadfast in its fight against Tuberculosis. The institution recently secured a digital X-ray machine which will further enhance screening. A piece of land has been identified in the GPHC’s compound for the construction of an in-patient ward for TB patients.
Enhancing capacity
Dr. Ramsaran emphasised that while the hospital’s image is changing, more doctors are being appointed to the institution.
He disclosed that within the last year five Cuban trained Guyanese doctors and a new medical superintendent were appointed to the hospital. Its surgical capacity will also be increased with the addition of a new Guyanese surgeon who was a part of the last batch of surgeons trained in Guyana.
The Administration has long recognised that with the existence of health facilities there is need for a well skilled work-force as such many Guyanese have benefited from medical training in Cuba, and in technician and nursing programmes. These opportunities not only allow personal development but ensure the health care system has caregivers with a variety of abilities.
Fibroid surgeries at West Demerara
This effort targets those persons in the Region who need surgery, particularly for fibroids, and will also ease the burden off the GPHC.
Dr. Ramsaran indicated that already there is a list of 80 gynaecology patients who are expected to be screened for fibroid surgery at the West Demerara Regional hospital. Dr Rajendra Singh is tasked with this administering this project.
The work on-going on the old pediatric building which is being converted into a TB centre.
New Administrator
The new administrator of the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Dr. Rajendra Singh noted that with the completion of the rehabilitative work there will be a high patient load since there will be an extended medical service and the availability of a 24 hour service.
A house in the hospital’s compound will be renovated shortly for Dr. Singh to ensure the institution is effectively managed at all times.
The West Demerara Regional Hospital is one of two hospitals in Region Three which provide services to Guyanese within that region. In this regard it is important for it to be up to standard thereby ensuring the provision of adequate services.
In 2010 a $37M contract was signed to facilitate upgrade of the in-patient area, theatre and the maternity ward.
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Home Affairs Minister launches prison service agri-development board
- aims to make prisons more self reliant and sufficient
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee in continuing efforts to improve and make the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) more self sufficient, today launched the Guyana Prison Agricultural Development Board.
Minister Rohee at the launching ceremony at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Brickdam said that the potential for agri-development within the prison system is tremendous and its achievement will make the GPS more self reliant.
“Two of the advantages the system has at its disposal are the manpower and land, and in any type of large scale development, the hands to do the work and the availability of land are the two most important factors,” Minister Rohee told members of the board.
The Home Affairs Minister said several stakeholders have been brought in, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Food for the Poor and other entities and is optimistic that the programme will also significantly benefit the prisoners as well as officers within the service.
He said the Ministry from time to time had to think outside of the box to find creative and innovative ways of moving the system forward and “with this in mind we drew up a business plan for GPS and not because the bill budgeted for dietary supplies for prison service was high, but a move to also keep inmates gainfully occupied”.
The Minister also mentioned similar projects being undertaken at the New Amsterdam prison.
He also noted that Ministry has an open door policy, and it welcomes anyone wanting to make a contribution to the project or any other initiative being undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Minister Rohee also said that over the years, Government has placed major emphasis on reforming prisoners through various training programmes, so that they will be able to make meaningful contribution towards the development of the country.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Angela Johnson said that the plan was developed to ensure self sufficiency in the GPS to the extent that there is less and less dependence on the Guyana Government in the terms of expenditure for dietary supply for prisoners for which Government allocated $195M this year.
Deputy Director of Prisons, Lt. Col Malcolm Mc Andrew welcomed the move by the Ministry to establish the board and agri-business plan.
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Gov’t gives GuySuCo $300M for Diamond sugar workers severance pay
Sugar workers of the Diamond estate, East Bank Demerara whose services were severed feels justice has finally been served after President Bharrat Jagdeo met them today and announced government’s rescue plan of transferring $300M to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to cover severance pay.
The announcement came after the Head of State met the workers at the Diamond Secondary School for an important meeting that also included Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) Komal Chand and officials from the sugar company.
President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing sugar workers of the Diamond sugar estate.
“The reason I intervened is because I didn’t want this to last forever… and secondly because I feel people should not be kept against their will,” President Jagdeo said.
The workers for months had sought intervention at the level of the government and the Union as they opposed a decision that resulted in severance pay being denied to them when their services were terminated at the end of the sugar estate’s last crop.
GAWU had challenged the decision after filing a court case against GuySuCo on behalf of the field workers but, the snail’s pace at which the process progressed was a source of concern and doubt.
During today’s meeting President Jagdeo told the workers that he wanted to determine whether severance pay was the preferred option of the overwhelming majority of workers on the estate but more importantly to ensure there is worker satisfaction.
“I am more concerned about keeping people to work. When they are dissatisfied you don’t really get the best of people and we want our people in this country to be able to work freely, to accumulate wealth freely, to have choices where they work,” President Jagdeo said.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud speaking to workers of the Diamond sugar estate during a meeting at the Diamond Secondary School.
Within one week Government will transfer the $300M to GuySuCo but, President Jagdeo reminded the workers of the much needed work still remaining and encouraged the labourers to return to the estate.
“You can form yourselves in smaller groups, we hope that we can contract labour too and I would like GuySuco to have a seminar with all those people who receive their severance to talk about how you can participate in the industry in multiple ways,” President Jagdeo said.
The modernization plan for the sugar industry catered for viable operations of estates along the East Coast of Demerara to correspond with the US$12.5M packaging plant at Enmore.
In the process, special arrangements were put in place for workers to be accommodated at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) sugar estate which, according to Minister Persaud, costs the company $2M on a weekly basis.
President Jagdeo however told the workers that GuySuCo is in ‘deep financial trouble,’ which could have led to the company’s complete failure, had it not been for Government’s intervention.
“We have had to transfer billions of dollars to GuySuCo. In the last 10 years or so we spent over $50B in this industry from the public treasury,” President Jagdeo said, dismayed that critics would claim there is no government support to the industry.
Sugar workers of the Diamond Estate raising an issue with President Bharrat Jagdeo during a meeting at the Diamond Secondary School.
The sugar industry in Guyana remains alive in a period when industries in the rest of the world including in the Caribbean are failing such as St Kitts, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, as a result of the volatile global economy.
The industry contributes 16 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is the means of livelihood for about 17 percent of Guyana’s population which directly or indirectly depend on the commodity.
In November last year the Government came to the rescue of the 274 workers of the Barama Company that were laid off when the company’s operations were affected by a damaged water boiler. The offer was a $25,000 stipend for three months and computer taining.
The following month government gave GuySuCo $720M to cover a five percent one off payment to sugar even as the impasse in wage negotiations between GuySuCo and GAWU continued.
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President’s water tanks promise to River’s View, Batavia fulfilled
-residents express gratitude
Residents of River’s View, and Batavia, Region Seven on Monday received a much welcomed gesture from Government, as the April 17 promise by President Bharrat Jagdeo to provide water tanks to the two communities was realised.
Seventy- four, 500 gallons water tanks were earmarked for residents of both communities to help enhance their livelihoods. River’s View with a community of 700 is earmarked for 37 with 21 of the tanks already delivered with the remainder to reach the community later this week.
Batavia has received its full quota of 37 that will benefit 300 residents.
Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali hands over the water tanks to Toshao of River’s View Melena Pollard as residents look on.
On the President’s recent visit to Region Seven, residents had shared their concerns; one of which was accessing potable water.
The handing over of the tanks was done by Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali who pointed out that their delivery is part of the Government’s programme where they will be providing tanks for hinterland and riverain communities.
“Government is making this investment on behalf of you the residents because we believe strongly in ensuring that all of our people regardless of where you live, social status or religious persuasion, we believe that everybody should benefit equitably and fairly from the revenue and development drive of the Government so we are happy to bring this facility here to you”.
In addition, the Minister anticipates that very soon, with the assistance of the Ministry of Amerindians Affairs, phase two of the initiative where additional tanks will be made available will be achieved, followed by phase three by the end of the year.
For several years, residents of the two communities were dependent on the water from the river; however, because of mining activities, chemicals have been contaminating the water.
With the provision of the tanks, the residents said that they will take advantage of the rain water.
Raquel Jeffery, a Batavia resident, said most of the land dredges around the area flush their water into the creek which would then flow into the Cuyuni River rendering it unhealthy for use.
“I am happy that the Government is able to do good for us in the Cuyuni River. The whole community is grateful that our Government is helping us,” Jeffery said.
Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali hands over the water tanks to Toshao of Batavia, Vincent George, in the presence of residents and Region 7,Chairman Holbert Knight (third from left).
Agley Smith, another resident of Batavia, said he is very proud to have the tank since he cannot afford one and assured that he will take good care of it.
A mother of a two –year- old was moved to tears, as she expressed appreciation .She pointed out that the water from the river would cause rashes on her baby .With the water tanks, she noted that she can store clean water to cook and take care of her baby.
River’s View toshao, Melena Pollard expressed profound gratitude to the Government for the timely intervention.
She noted also that delivery of this promise is evidence that Amerindians are not forgotten.
Region Seven Chairman Holbert Knight also expressed appreciation for the much needed intervention and urged the residents to use the resources for their intended purpose.
Toshao of Batavia, Vincent George, remarked that it was a blessed day for the community as they have been relieved of a major problem.
Meanwhile, Minister Ali along with a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the Guyana Water Incorporated, inclusive of Permanent Secretary, Emile Mc Garrell, CEO, CH&PA, Myrna Pitt, Land Allocation Manager Denise Tudor, Hinterland Water Manager, Akram Hussain, Public Relations Officer, GWI, Timothy Austin and Rawle Edinboro Chief Development and Planning Officer met with residents and listened to their concerns.
Also present at the meeting were the Regional Chairman and the Regional Executive Officer, Peter Ramotar.
Several of the questions raised related to land demarcation, One Laptop Per Family project, and recreational facilities.
Residents of Falmouth, located some miles from River’s View requested a nursery school since their children have to attend the school in the latter community.
Minister Ali pointed out that, while Government would to love address their concern; it would not be feasible to build a school for 10 students.
Several of the 500- gallon water tanks that were handed over to Batavia residents.
He advised that they can train someone in nursery tutoring in Falmouth to teach the students, a suggestion that found favour with the residents.
As it relates to the OLPF, the Minister told them that laptops require electricity, however, Government has embarked on a special strategy for hinterland residents.
“If you don’t have basic energy then you would not be able to use the laptops. The President has made this very clear that we are going to look at the riverain and hinterland communities and to build small centers to start with and we are going to try and power those centers with solar energy and then put computers in that center so that the communities can benefit as we come up with the more elaborate programme of having solar panels in every home and laptop in every home”.
Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali addressing concerns River’s View residents.
Meanwhile immediate intervention was made for the residents to again benefit from health outreaches since they pointed out that health workers would not visit their community often.
The Minister also assured them of Government’s commitment to the hinterland residents in acquiring their lands.
“Amerindian land titling, the Toshao can tell you she is working the Ministry of Amerindians Affairs, there are challenges and there are a lot communities that have to be addressed and part of the Low Carbon Development Strategy is to have money that would be derived out of that strategy going towards the titling of lands because we believe that all Amerindians, all of our people in hinterland must be empowered with the ownership of this land,” Minister Ali said.
River’s View residents at the meeting with Minister Irfaan Ali and team.
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