President Jagdeo joins Board of Global Green Growth Institute
-Calls Institute “a new way of helping developing countries”
Georgetown, GINA, June 20, 2011
Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo has accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). On June 19, the President attended a meeting of the Board in Seoul, Korea.
GGGI is dedicated to pioneering a new model of economic growth, known as "green growth” that aligns work to address poverty reduction, job creation and social inclusion, with work that addresses environmental sustainability, such as mitigation of climate change and biodiversity loss and security of access to clean energy and water.
According to its website: “The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) was founded on the belief that economic growth and environmental sustainability are not merely compatible objectives; their integration is essential for the future of humankind…. [It] is a new kind of international organization --- and driven by emerging and developing countries. It has been established by several forward-thinking governments and non-governmental organizations to maximize the opportunity for “bottom up” (i.e., country- and business-led) progress on climate change and other environmental challenges within core economic policy and business strategies.”
President Bharrat Jagdeo with the Board of Directors of the Global Green Growth Institute
The Institute is designed to be an open, global laboratory to support experimentation and collective learning by countries seeking to leapfrog the resource-intensive and environmentally unsustainable model of industrial development pioneered by advanced economies in an earlier era.
GGGI grew out of the green growth experience of the Republic of Korea, and was launched by President Lee Myung-bak on June 16, 2010. The organization's chairman is Dr. Han Seung-soo, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea and distinguished economist. Its Co-Vice Chairs are Lord Nicholas Stern of the London School of Economics, United Kingdom and Professor Thomas Heller of Stanford University, United States.
Other members include Montek Ahlhuwalia, Deputy Chairman of India’s Planning Commission; Ms. Lykke Friis, Danish Minister for Climate and Energy; Trevor Manuel, South Africa’s former Minister of Finance; and Abdoulie Janneh, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations.
Speaking after the Board meeting, President Jagdeo said, “GGGI provides a new and unique opportunity to make green development a positive development option. It was encouraging to hear the views of other Board members, who are global leaders in working out to how to align social and economic development with low carbon and broader green growth. What sets GGGI apart it is attitude and its belief that solutions for the developing world must come from the developing world.”
Joining the Board of GGGI builds on the core vision first set out by President Jagdeo in late 2007, when during a speech to Commonwealth Finance Ministers in Georgetown, the President started the process which culminated in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy. In an article after the speech, the President said: “We must apply the world’s intellect, innovation and resources to solve climate change in a manner which engages people and countries from most of the developing world… Visionary leaders throughout the developed world… are speaking of how the global transition to low carbon economies presents their countries with huge opportunities for jobs, investment and growth. I applaud these visionary leaders who see that there is no incompatibility between future economic prosperity and squaring up to the task of combating climate change. But I also point out that there are leaders and populations across the developing world who are willing to act decisively, and we must create appropriate incentives to engage them.”
Today, June 20, President Jagdeo is expected to join Korean President Lee Myung-bak to open the Organisation for Economic Development’s Green Growth Summit, which is also taking place in Seoul.
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Mexican Ambassador meets with Minister Prashad- discuss forging closer relations
Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Fernando Sandoval on Friday met with Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad to discuss ways in which the ministry and the Mexican Embassy can forge closer ties.
They met at Minister Prashad’s South Road office, in Georgetown and discussed several ways in which they can advance their relationship, and their discourse touched on several possible areas of cooperation such as trade and investment and tourism.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad meeting with Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Fernando Sandoval
They are also exploring the possibility of a visiting delegation from Mexico to showcase what products and services that country has to offer.
The visiting team would have an opportunity to meet and network with the local private sector bodies and other interested investors in an effort to promote trade and investment between the two countries.
The Minister also expressed interest in training programmes offered by the Mexican Government for Guyanese, which can help to boost the local tourism and hospitality industry which is now developing.
Prashad said Guyana with its ecological, nature and adventure tourism can learn from their experiences and use their expertise and advice in the area of tourism and hospitality.
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Guyana renews commitment for sustainable development
-in preparation for RIO + 20
Georgetown, GINA June 20, 2011
The United Nations (UN) Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) RIO+20 Sub Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Caribbean, a follow-up to the second session of the Preparatory Committee for the UNCSD that was convened in March at the UN Headquarters in New York, was held today at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.
The objective of UNCSD is to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assess the progress made to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the Major Summits on Sustainable Development and address new and emerging challenges. The Secretary-General for the Conference is Sha Zukang, while Brice Lalonde (France) and Elizabeth Thompson (Barbados) are the executive coordinators.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud addressing delegates at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development RIO+20 Sub regional preparatory meeting at the Guyana international Conference Centre, Liliendaal
The Preparatory Meetings will see the following themes being discussed and refined; a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; and the institutional framework for sustainable development.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, in his address to the delegation stated that the presence of nations and international organizations is admittance to the need for collective sovereign interaction to attain sustainable development as UNCSD approaches.
He also stated that it is important for countries to recall that the conference on sustainable development known as the RIO conference, held 20 years ago, laid the framework for stronger global political commitment and partnering, with the objective of having a balanced and a more integrated approach for the implementation of the three components of sustainable development; environment, social and economic action. Further the Barbados Programme of action continues to lay road maps for addressing the timeframe for development in the region.
A section of the delegates at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development RIO+20 Sub regional preparatory meeting
Whilst the progress towards achieving sustainable development has been inadequate, the recent Caribbean report of the five-year review and the Barbados plan of action highlighted many of the common inherent vulnerabilities that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face and outlines an extensive list of recommendations.
The increase in weather conditions in all parts of the globe, and the experience of the worst global financial crisis, with other crises, add to the many problems already affecting SIDS.
Whilst the path to sustainable development becomes more challenging, some progress has been made individually and collectively. A number of national plans, strategies and initiatives, along with a plethora of international and political agreements have started to see many states mainstreaming sustainable development in their governance and government approaches.
However, much more is needed in terms of financial resources, technical expertise, monitoring and evaluation and a development of targets and benchmarks, and better regional cooperation.
Minister Persaud highlighted Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which was launched in 2009, and which charts a development pathway of being the stimulating creation of development along a low carbon pathway. The key aspect of the LCDS strategy is that it creates a framework for all development activities to take place using environmental practices in a sustainable development approach.
He further stated that the LCDS presents itself as a pioneering national scale development policy, which can be a useful development model lesson to the world as RIO+20 Summit approaches.
LCDS looks to address the reduction of poverty, diversify the economy and at the same time reduce the pressures on natural resource. To this end Guyana has undertaken a number of initiatives which include a bilateral agreement with the Kingdom of Norway and becoming the first partner to the World Bank’s forest partnership.
Despite delays in honouring commitments of the initiatives agreed upon, focus must remain on priority areas, Minister Persaud said.
Secretary-General for UNCSD, Sha Zukang, addressing delegates via Skype stated that effective cooperation depends on the national and regional preparations made, and Guyana being the host of this Preparatory Meeting has a grand opportunity to work with resident partners and civil society. He said that the UNCSD provides important opportunities for parties of delegations to air their important views, first at a Sub-Regional level, then at an Inter-Regional level.
Zukang stated that in the five - year Caribbean report, the crisis of the global recession and rising sea levels globally have added to the list of vulnerabilities faced by SIDS.
On December 24 2009, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 64/236 agreeing to convene the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or RIO 2012) in 2012 in Brazil. This will mark the 40th Anniversary of the first major international political conference specifically having the word “environment” in its title, the United Nations Conference on Human Environment, which took place in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972.
The UNCSD will also mark the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), which convened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.
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Prime Minister congratulates SOL – for opening another service station
Georgetown, GINA, June 20, 2011
Simpson Oil Limited (SOL), a Barbadian Company today commissioned another service station, this time at the corner of Regent and King Streets.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds performing the duties of President said that the fact that SOL is opening another outlet is evidence of Guyana’s development.
(From left) Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, General Manager, SOL Guyana Inc. Ken Figaro, and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Ramesh Dookhoo at the opening of SOL service.
He stated that the traffic congestion across the country tells that Guyana is developing not only as a country, but citizens are benefitting from that development, to the state where they can afford to obtain a mode of transportation. This he said is an example of things not remaining the same but evolving.
Evolution he said is also taking place in the petroleum sector since SOL is marketing its products not only in this part of the world, but also internationally. This, he believes is linked to integration.
He said that in a period where companies fell victim to the global financial crisis SOL commissioned sites regionally and internationally, evidence that they are benefitting from specialization and globalization.
Newly opened SOL service station Regent and King Streets
Ken Figaro, General Manager, SOL Guyana Inc., in his address stated that the company currently supplies fuels, lubricants, bitumen and LPG through an extensive service station network and through its aviation, marine and commercial operations. It uses the Shell brand under licence across its service station network, and acts as the sole distributor of Shell fuels and lubricants.
Invited guests at commissioning of SOL service station Regent and King Streets.
SOL was formed in February, 2005 with the acquisition of Shell’s Petroleum Distribution and Marketing businesses in the Eastern Caribbean, Guyana, Suriname and Belize
The commissioning of this site falls under SOL’s project of upgrading and rebranding Shell and Esso sites regionally and internationally.
Later this week SOL is expected to open the former Shell Ogle Service Station.
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FAO and GFC sign US$ 50,000 grant agreement- to promote capacity building for small loggers associations
Georgetown, GINA, June 20, 2011
As part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable forest management practices in Guyana, the administration continues to engage stakeholders within the sector on conservation, management and sustainable development of forest resources.
Today, a US$50,000 grant agreement was signed by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for capacity building for small loggers’ associations in forestry-based communities, at the GFC, Kingston Office.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, and Director of Forestry Training Centre Godfrey Marshall, look on as FAO Resident Representative, Dr. Lystra Fletcher-Paul and Muritaro Toshao Lester Fleming signing the agreement for capacity building training, at the Guyana Forestry Commission, Kingston
FAO’s representative to Guyana Dr. Lystra Fletcher - Paul said that the National Forest Programme Facility (NFPF) that was established in 2002 in recognition of the central role of national forest has agreed to support Guyana’s forest programme for three year, hence the US$50,000 grant will be utilized to benefit 10 community -based forestry enterprises in Regions 2, 9 and 10.
Some of the beneficiaries are Rockstone, Muritaro and Aroaima, Region 10, Aranaputa, Region 9 and Capoey, and Bethany, Region 2.
The programme will see stakeholders being trained in several areas including: forestry policies, forest management, tree identification, timber grading, use of computer and agriculture, poultry rearing and handicraft.
“This programme is aimed at enhancing the associations’ ability to meaningfully participate in the national forest dialogue by building their technical capacity in forestry management and, by developing their capacity to undertake community-based enterprises to improve their livelihood,” Dr. Fletcher- Paul said.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud addressing the gathering at the signing of an agreement for capacity building at the Guyana Forestry Commission, Kingston
In addition, she said that since the NFPF’s establishment over 700 small grants were allocated in 80 partner countries and regional organisations with the overall “objectives to assist countries in developing and implementing national forestry programmes to affectively address local needs and national priorities”.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, who was present at the signing ceremony, expressed gratitude to the FAO representative on behalf of Government and GFC for the organisation’s speedy response.
“The FAO is demonstrating itself as a tangible, caring and workable partner and given the track record of FAO in this regard I think is very, commendable,” Minister Persaud said.
He added that FAO’s support will certainly allow Guyana to remain a country where sustainable forest management is perhaps second to none.
As a result of this, Minister Persaud added, “we can boast around the globe in terms of our high forest cover, our low deforestation rate of 0.06%. We are able to receive close to US$70 million in terms of services provided and the other engagements we have”.
This support, he said, will further afford the country’s forestry to fulfill its obligation to its people while being able to stay within the REDD plus framework.
“A decade ago many communities lived within and around forest resources and they saw these resources being exploited... the government took a very firm and deliberate approach to have a social component and that is to ensure that forest communities have direct access to these resources to bring about social and economic development,” Minister Persaud said.
Out of the 431 state forests, Minister Persaud said, in excess of 100 are within community forest organisation.
Minister Persaud said that Government has been working with and engaging stakeholders within the sector and, this additional injection of resources will allow for the extension of that programme, not only the first 10 communities but, others so that they can also enhance their forestry practices management.
“ I think that this will be a very significant boost in forest management and, it will also boost our capacity too, in terms of extraction because there is a growing demand for lumber in Guyana and outside of Guyana,” Minister Persaud said.
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LRO implements measures to simplify licence purchase, renewal
Georgetown, GINA, June 20, 2011
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), in its efforts to simplify the process for purchase and renewal of licences has implemented several new systems at the Licence Revenue Office (LRO), Smyth Street, Georgetown.
Commissioner General of the GRA, Khurshid Sattur during a media tour at the facility today, said that the LRO is one of the key agencies of the GRA which has direct contact with taxpayers, and the assurance of taxpayers’ compliance and satisfaction promoted such interventions.
Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Khurshid Sattaur speaking to the media at the Licence Revenue Office (LRO). He is flanked by the LRO’s Senior Manager, Wayne Austin (right) and Alex Graham (left) of Tagman Inc.
He also noted that the recently implemented Licence Revenue Processing System (LRPS) was designed to track step by step transactions and has thus far proven to be successful.
Sattaur said several discrepancies have been identified.
“Every effort has been taken to reduce the usual congestion at the LRO, including the sale of licences at various offices and designation of a special day for issuing of free licence to yellow cabs,” Sattaur said
Persons being attended to by a Licence Revenue Office staff
In a move to facilitate taxpayers and the purchase of motor vehicle licences in other areas, the Commissioner General noted that the GRA has up temporary locations in Wakenaam and Essequibo.
LRO’s Senior Manager, Wayne Austin said that since the commencement of sale of motor vehicle licences on March 1, several steps were taken to improve the delivery of services and reduce processing time.
He noted that the forecourt of the LRO was fitted with tents and seating accommodation.
Despite these interventions to assist with speedy delivery of service he said several challenges were faced including disruption to its network by lightning that damaged critical communications equipment and created a backlog, Austin said.
Persons waiting on their turn to renew their licences at the Licence Revenue Office, Smyth Street
In ensuring that the issuing of motor vehicle licences continues, several new measures were implemented including, providing two additional cashiers for processing of the documents and the establishment of two help desks to assist taxpayers with immediate information.
These steps, Austin noted, have lead to the reduction in processing time.
He also noted that motorists who are yet to purchase their licences will have no difficulty doing so prior to the June 30 deadline and took the opportunity to urge those who are yet to obtain their licences to do so since it is a criminal offence to operate a vehicle without a valid licence.
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Health Ministry re-emphasises safe motherhood via photo exhibition
Georgetown, GINA, June 20, 2011
This year, marks 24 years since the launch of the Safe Motherhood Initiative (SMI) which is an international effort to raise awareness of the scope and dimensions of maternal mortality and to galvanize the commitment among governments, donors and United Nations’ agencies to take steps to address this public health tragedy.
In an effort to heighten awareness of the components of safe motherhood the Health Ministry today opened a three-day photo exhibition at the National Library. The photos display scenes of safe motherhood in various parts of the world. This follows a regional and national photo competition, also highlighting safe motherhood.
The national competition was won by Amanda Richards who is a maternal health care giver.
Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy noted that in an effort to meet the health needs of the world’s populace, global leaders met in 1978 and promised health care for all by 2000. This commitment encompasses the provision and availability of basic care and continuous care from pre-conception to post natal care for every family, world wide; however the failure to do so paved the way for the birth of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The Minister emphasised that Guyana is committed to and confident of achieving MDGs Four and Five which address the reduction of maternal mortality rates and poverty. However, the road to achieving them is not easy.
Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy presents winner of the photograph competition Amanda Richards with her prize
He noted that in the delivery of maternal care there must be a stronger commitment to ensure all tasks are completed in light of the fact that there are challenges, which must be overcome, in the availability of sufficient human resources.
Dr. Ramsammy stated that he believes that the world recognizes that meeting the human resources requirement is beyond having mid-wives, but there is a need for obstetricians and gynaecologists.
In Guyana there are currently five persons in the obstetrics/gynaecology field however, there is a need for 30 persons. The Minister indicated that in fulfilling the need, an arrangement is currently being concluded to make available post-graduate training in obstetrics/gynaecology and family medicine.
This will create the required manpower that will be able to cater to Guyana’s unique population distribution. Nevertheless, continuous training is needed to ensure there are sufficient maternal health care givers in the system.
PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Beverley Barnette pointed out that the initiative calls for all countries to intensify their efforts to achieve MDG Five which addresses improvement in maternal health.
“The initiative aims to raise awareness of all the issues surrounding maternal mortality and to get the commitment of all the stakeholders, governments, development partners, civil society and others to takes steps to address this public health challenge, and most of the maternal deaths can be prevented,” Dr. Barnette stated.
A maternal health care giver views the exhibition at the National Library
She noted that one of the main achievements of the partnerships is increasing awareness of the many factors relating to improving maternal health which are a part of the progressive realisation of economic, social, cultural and other human rights which include non-discrimination, participation, and the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of health facilities, goods and services.
“The safe motherhood initiative promotes the right of women, mothers and newborns to attain the highest quality of health in support of the human rights approach to development that is so important to the MDGs, which are all related.”
Director, Maternal and Child Health, Dr. Janice Woolford emphasised that the concept of safe motherhood means ensuring that all women receive the care they need to be safe and healthy through pregnancy, child birth and promotes healthy families as well.
Dr. Woolford pointed out the pillars of safe motherhood which include preconception care, prenatal/antenatal, care of high risk pregnancies, clean and safe delivery and postnatal care.
She explained that most women’s first contact with the health system is when they are with child and this gives health care workers the opportunity to address other reproductive health issues.
From 1990 to 2008, the Latin America and Caribbean region has been able to reduce its maternal mortality rate by nearly 41 percent. The objective is to obtain 75 percent reduction by 2015.
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