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Harbour Bridge to retract at midnight
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic this evening as there will be an unscheduled closure to facilitate ocean going vessels.
General Manager, of the Bridge Rawlston Adams said that the unscheduled retraction which will take place from 12 midnight to 02:00 hrs. Due to technical difficulties the scheduled openings were not done, he said.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation apologizes to motorists for the inconvenience that this closure may cause.
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PM signs book of condolence for late Deputy Mayor
 Prime Minister Samuel Hinds signs the Book of Condolence for the late Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Robert Williams
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Natural Resources Ministry meets stakeholders in Region 9
Georgetown, GINA, February 01, 2012
During a recent visit to Region Nine, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud and other officials of his ministry met with residents of Lethem and St. Ignatius where issues pertaining to forestry, mining, land extension and the environment were discussed and addressed.
The outreach is part of the Ministry’s initiative of improving the quality of extension services being offered by agencies within natural the resources sector, and the environment throughout the 10 administrative regions.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud addressing stakeholders at Lethem during a recent outreach to Region 9
“We want to touch all the communities in Region 9… so we are starting here in Lethem and will be heading into the South to cover the entire area because this area is very important because of its wealth of natural resources,” Minister Persaud explained.
Minister Persaud also used the opportunity to outline some of the many sub sectors that his ministry holds responsibility for including, forestry, mining, oil and gas, land and the environment.
These very activities, he said can impinge and affect the lives of people in the hinterland areas and more particularly the Rupununi. The ministry will be striving to ensure that the lives of citizens in these areas are not hindered but instead they will see greater advancement in their communities and livelihoods.
The region, he said more specifically Lethem, is under the microscope as more persons and businesses have been expressing interest to invest in the potentials that exist, including for oil drilling and large scale mining and agriculture. “There is renewed interest in the area in terms of mining, oil and gas and large scale farming…so we are looking at all these different facets. It’s our task to ensure that they are managed in a way that they do not affect people’s social and economic status but, also environmental conditions of the region,” Minister explained . Region 9, Minister Persaud said, possesses some of the richest biodiversity in Guyana and, “when we pursue the various activities be it mining or forestry we must ensure it is done in an environmentally friendly way”.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud interacting with residents of Lethem, Region 9
With particular focus on the mining sector, Minister Persaud said there are some unique features of the Rupununi, and as such mining will have be done in a manner that takes into consideration the area’s vulnerability, topography and social dynamics.
With regard to illegal miners, Minister Persaud, “the sector will not be a free for all in terms of how we plan to pursue its development …the Ministry will continue to work closely with miners and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that sector is regularised,” Minister Persaud explained. Government, he said will continue to be tough on illegal mining and miners who are operating in the sector.
In addressing the issue raised by miners about the difficulty of travelling to Georgetown to have their gold sold to Guyana Gold Board, Minister Persaud said that his ministry will be working with the entity to establish an office in their region.
In addition, he said the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission will be establishing an office at the cross-border point between Guyana and Brazil to prevent smuggling of gold and other minerals.
Minister Persaud told the stakeholders that the PPP/C Government is committed to continuing the progress in their Region in all the sectors, noting that the decision-making policy of government is done through a process of listening and engaging beneficiaries and stakeholders.
Recently the Ministry also met with miners of Bartica to address issues relevant to the sustainable harvesting of natural resources for social and economic good of the present and future generations of Guyana.
Minister Persaud launched the Community Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (C-MRV) Project in Annai, on January 27, which will involve 16 villages of the North Rupununi.
Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) is a key component of Guyana’s Readiness Preparation Proposal to the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility and it was done so that Government could have presented to the international community the information that showed Guyana stuck to its commitment of being among the leading countries that promote development of environment in sustainable manner.
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Military women providing greatest form of public service
-First Lady at Women’s Army Corps 45th anniversary thanksgiving service
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
The Women’s Army Corp (WAC) of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) today kicked off its 45th anniversary celebration with a thanksgiving service at the auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands.
Delivering her first official address to the Army as the country’s First Lady, Deolatchmee Ramotar said that women serving in the military provides the greatest form of public service; something that she feels passionately about.
First Lady, Deolatchmee Ramotar addressing the Women Army Corps on the event of its 45th anniversary at Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands.
She noted that the WAC has come a far way since its establishment in 1967 and said that this milestone must be used to remember and applaud the contributions of the past batches of female army officers, whose bravery and determination have withstand the test of time as well as to assess how women can continue to play an integral role in shaping the military in its mission to defend Guyana’s territorial integrity.
“Women must be a part of this defence; they must be an integral part of our armed forces. The military must aspire to give them gender balance and since the women form a significant segment of our population, increased participation in the military will lead to enhanced public interest in the armed forces,” the First Lady said.
The formation of the WAC arose from humble beginnings; inspired by the need to ensure an increased participation of women in national institutions, and was infused with grand ambition that was fired by the exuberance of an independent Guyana.
Female ranks of the Women Army Corps.
Mrs. Ramotar recognised that the early recruits of the WAC were the forerunners of greater inclusion of women in all spheres including the disciplined services.
“We should all be proud of those women who stood shoulder to shoulder…they demonstrated that our women do not have to settle for being second-rated, we have what it takes to make this,” she posited.
She urged the women not to sell themselves short as they are not second to any other and they are capable enough to achieve just as much as their male counterparts.
She added too, that since independence, Guyanese women have made considerable progress in all facets of human development; making reference to Colonel Windee Algernon, who, only recently, was promoted to the rank of full colonel, making her the first female serving member to attain such a rank in any of the armed forces in the Caribbean.
Mrs. Ramotar also called on the female ranks to see themselves as role models and special mentors for potential recruits, as this would encourage more young women to pursue a career in the military.
She also called on the management of the Force to devise programmes that will help to expand the horizons and skills of women in the military.
Chief of Staff, GDF, Commodore Gary Best, in his remarks pointed out that as a body, the members of WAC continue to excel in areas such medicine, accounting and finance, logistics, law, administration, and information technology and exhorted them to commit to greater involvement at the combat level.
Chief of Staff, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Commodore Gary Best, First Lady, Deolatchmee Ramotar, ranks of the Force and army wives at the thanksgiving service at Base Camp Ayanganna.
“I challenge the leadership of this body to look ahead into the future and have a vision of how the WAC should evolve. You must examine where you are, where you want to go and what you need to get there, you must produce a strategic plan for your vision,” Commodore Best said.
The WAC was also urged to enhance their image and collaborate with other women’s organisations.
The Chief of Staff emphasised that, “your commitment to serve must include honesty, integrity, fearlessness, and selflessness.”
In the year of Guyana's Independence, the GDF had barely established its first battalion of less than 500 men when it was forced to deploy troops to Eteringbang on the country's western most frontiers to confront Venezuela's aggression.
The sudden removal of such a large number of men from such a small force resulted in a huge loss of manpower deficit. Soldiers had to be found quickly to secure the borders and others had to take their place in the camps. The GDF's solution was to recruit women.
The WAC was established in February 1967, with strength of 60 female ranks.
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President takes firsthand look at North Ruimveldt drainage woes
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
The Government is continuing the campaign of closely monitoring the precipitation and its effects on sections of Guyana including the North Ruimveldt in the city, where President Donald Ramotar visited today.
The area has been one of several in Georgetown and its environs vulnerable to inundation during heavy rainfall and, after touring sections of the district today, President Ramotar concluded that there is need for work on internal drains and the main canal.
President Donald Ramotar being escorted by residents of North Ruimveldt for a tour of their district to check on the drainage situation (OP Sandra Prince Photo)
It was observed that squatting along the reserve of a main canal in the area is one of the factors responsible for the state of affairs in the area every time there is heavy rainfall.
Prolonged periods of rainfall left about six to eight inches of water on some streets and today pockets of water still remained when President Ramotar visited Well Road, Kaikan and Christiani (Last Entrance) streets during his tour of the area and interaction with residents on their plight.
He was accompanied by Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn, Technical Advisor Walter Willis, Presidential Advisor on Community Development Odinga Lumumba, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase Green, Town Clerk, Yonette Pluck and Technical Engineer Gregory Erskine.
President Ramotar spoke of the urgent need to work in close collaboration with the City Council to remedy the issue.
A North Ruimveldt resident makes a point to President Donald Ramotar during his visit to the area (OP Sandra Prince Photo)
“This is such a beautiful city, except that we have all of these problems… some of them are more difficult than others… with the help of the community, if we clean the drains and keep it that way I think we can bring out more of the beauty of the city,” President Ramotar said.
Last year the Ministry of Public Works outlined a drainage plan that would bring medium- term relief to the district during the period of heavy rainfall but with improper disposal of garbage, parapets and bridges built to the wrong standard and negligence in the clearing of drains were seen as major impediments.
The City Council made some efforts in the past to clean drains in the area but were not enough to mitigate the effects of the rainfall experienced.
During the period January 28-29, parts of Guyana experienced more than 240 millimeters of rain affecting some communities in Regions 2, 3, 4 (particularly the East Coast), 5 and 6.
President Donald Ramotar makes his way across a dam in North Ruimveldt after checking on the drainage situation (OP Sandra Prince Photo)
President Ramotar on January 29 visited communities in Region Five after hearing of reports of inundation in Blairmont, Cotton Tree, Ithaca, Waterloo and Experiment Housing Schemes and other communities.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s monitoring efforts are being supplemented by those at the level of the Local Government Ministry and other local organs including the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs).
Hourly weather forecasts have been guiding the Agriculture Ministry’s monitoring and intervention efforts. Meanwhile mobile pumps were deployed along the East Coast and excavators for some areas to facilitate the easy flow of water from the land.
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Guyana abhors religious stigmatisation – President assures at Interfaith Week -
Religious channel to be prioritised
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
The Guyana Government for the second year in succession has responded with loyalty to the United Nations (UN) global call for countries to host a suite of activities in early February to mark the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Today, members of the different religious faiths converged at the National Cultural Centre to launch Guyana’s programme of activities.
The launch, which was attended by President Donald Ramotar featured prayers and reflections from the Hindu, Rastafarian, Christian, Muslim and Baha’i faiths, singing of the national song, “O Beautiful Guyana” and remarks on the occasion.
President Donald Ramotar addresses attendees at the Interfaith Service
Guyana holds the reputation as a country highly tolerant of religious diversity and, according to President Ramotar, is setting the precedent for other countries where devotion to faith comes at the cost of persecution.
The Head of State took the firm stance that Guyana rejects the notion that “any person or any people can be stigmatised or prosecuted because of religion,” and that the Government will repudiate any government, organisation or person to subject people to policies that restrict the pursuit of their faith.
Similar sentiments were expressed by United Nations Representative Dr Beverly Barnett who ranked Guyana’s reputation a prime example and a perfect opportunity for citizens to work together.
World Interfaith Harmony Week follows a clarion call by King Abdullah II of Jordan on September 23, 2010 for the global community to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at promoting virtues such as respect for all human beings, irrespective of religion, race and the prevention of vices, among them intolerance and racism.
President Ramotar in his keynote address reiterated the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration’s policy on religion.
Cabinet Members and members of other sections of society at the Inter Faith Service at the National Cultural Centre
“Our people have absolute freedom to observe and celebrate their faith. That freedom is not only guaranteed by our constitution but there is a genuine respect for religious freedom on the part of the government,” President Ramotar said.
Since 2005 the idea of an Inter-religious Television (IRTV) channel dedicated to the broadcasting of religious programmes on a 24 hour basis, was conceptualised under the auspices of former President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Members of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) met on several occasions during last year to discuss the resources necessary for the setting up of the channel including funding and equitable distribution of air time amongst the various bodies. Today, President Ramotar assured that the initiative is still a priority of the Government.
“I will pursue the promise of my Predecessor former President Bharrat Jagdeo that the interfaith television station will be up and running as soon as possible and, that the regular engagement of faith communities and leaders will continue,” President Ramotar said.
On the roster of activities for interfaith week that will be held during the period February 1 to 7, are an interfaith symposium, exhibition and a harmony walk that will culminate with a cultural programme.
President Donald Ramotar poses with religious leaders following the interfaith service at the National Cultural Centre
Sharing his reflection on harmony from the Hindu perspective was Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud who recited and interpreted excerpts from the Hindu scriptures with evidence that God is universal.
He explained that religion is all about service to people and in so doing; a service to God and even addressed some of the stereotypes about Hinduism.
Brother Bacchus of the Muslim Youth League called for an end to the media propagation of religious hate and religious tolerance at the political and community level.
His closing words were as follows: “No one is a believer until he/she desires for others the same as he/she desires for self.”
Dr Vindiyha Persaud of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha quoted famous words of Mahatma Gandhi, “All religions of the world, while they differ in other respects unitedly proclaim that nothing lives in this world but truth.”
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President to deliver inaugural address to Parliament on February 10
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
Guyana’s 7th Executive President Donald Ramotar will deliver his inaugural address to the tenth Parliament on February 10 and ahead of his keynote address, he was visited by Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman.
The meeting followed a correspondence of congratulations which the President had penned to the new Speaker that came with an invitation for the two to meet for a one-on-one discussion.
President Donald Ramotar greets Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman
Trotman was on January 12 installed speaker of the National Assembly by a majority vote that went in favour of the opposition parties, holding the combined majority and People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Member of Parliament Deborah Backer was named Deputy Speaker.
In an invited comment to the Government Information Agency (GINA) after today’s meeting the Speaker said that it is his interest to ensure that the President’s inaugural address comes off smoothly and get the business of the parliament going.
“It’s good that the Parliament and the Office of the President can meet and work out details… I’m happy that we have been able to meet as has promised,” Trotman said.
President Donald Ramotar in meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman Also in photo is Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon
The selection of Speaker of the National Assembly was high on President Ramotar’s agenda since taking the Presidential seat last December.
Discussions began at the tripartite level but were stymied after the opposition parties locked themselves away in talks and arrived at their own accord on a speaker.
The President had said in a statement that such a move squandered an excellent opportunity for enhanced political cooperation and consensus but believes nevertheless that the business of parliament must continue.
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President signs book of condolence for late Deputy Mayor
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
President Donald Ramotar hailed the contributions made by the late Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Robert Williams to the public service and politics in Guyana after he affixed his signature to the book of condolence at City Hall today.
Williams who was also the Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Georgetown City Council died on January 31 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was undergoing medical attention.
President Ramotar in his remarks to the media said that although he and Williams were on two opposite sides of the political spectrum and differed in opinions on many issues, he recognized that he was a good manager.
“He has done a lot for Guyana, he has given a lot of service to Guyana and that is why I’m here today to pay my respects,” President Ramotar said.
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Submarine cable, 69 kv sub-station switches arrive
- As part of massive infrastructural development project
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated today received another shipment of equipment at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) Wharf, Lombard Street.
Speaking to the media, Chief Executive Officer, GPL, Bharrat Dindyal explained that four vessels have been chartered to bring in all the equipment for the massive infrastructural development on which the power company has embarked.
This project includes seven new sub-stations, 100 kilometres of 69 KV transmission lines, a fibre optic network, and a new control center with a state-of-the-art scanner system. On board one of the vessels too, was a submarine cable, weighing over 100 tons for the crossing from West Demerara to Kingston.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds speaking to media operatives at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation Wharf, Lombard Street. Also in photo is Chairman of GNIC, Glen Khan, and Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc., Bharrat Dindyal
Additionally, nine power 69 KV power transformers are already on their way. The CEO noted that a lot of the equipment will be arriving between now and mid-February, by which time another vessel is expected to arrive.
With regards to the submarine cable, GPL is working with a separate contractor to dredge the crossing where the cable will be buried so as to keep it out of the way of ship anchors and also catering for the future dredging of the much-talked about deep water harbour.
When asked about the durability of the equipment which are being supplied by a Chinese firm, Dindyal explained that in the specifications of the project, North American and European construction and testing standards have been used, with which China has come a very far way in terms of compliance.
Supervising engineers from Canada will be arriving in Guyana shortly to overlook some field tests that will be done with the equipment before installing them for service, so as to determine whether there are any shipping damages.
Contractually, the Chinese Company has until September 2013 to complete the project; however, by the end of this year, most of the work will be well advanced. The West Demerara and Edinburgh sub-stations as well as the laying of the cable across the Demerara River are all expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Containers on the Guyana National Industrial Corporation’s wharf, that contain the 69 KV sub-station switches
“This project is aimed at dealing with our ability to deliver reliable power to consumers; it will improve dramatically, the quality of supply and enable us to offload almost all of our large feeders which are pretty close to their thermal limits…the new sub-stations are going to regulate voltage automatically, so the quality of supply is going to go up, the frequency of outages will reduce, quality of voltage will improve and people will see an dramatic improvement in supply” Dindyal said.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who is responsible for the electricity sector said that this is a step that was contemplated a long time ago when it was recognised that the country’s electricity supply system was still at a very elementary stage.
“We have grown quite a lot since then; we have improvised and making the best use we could with the resources that we have had…we still need to contemplate improving the secondary distribution system; configuring it so as to tackle the commercial losses,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that the power company has suffered its share of technical losses that resulted in a reduction of investments such as this US $42M project.
Chairman of GNIC, Glen Khan said that from the private sector standpoint, the development that is taking place in Guyana is indeed welcoming.
The project was financed under a Chinese loan amounting to US $42M which will cater for the construction of substations and improvements in the transmission lines.
The seven new substations will be constructed in Georgetown, D’urban Backlands, Diamond, Good Hope, Mahaica, Versailles, and Edinburgh. There will be upgrades to Onverwagt and Sophia, and on transmission lines from Kingston, Georgetown to Versailles, West Bank Demerara via submarine cables, Sophia to Georgetown, Sophia to Onverwagt, and overhead cables from Versailles to Edinburgh.
Last month, GPL welcomed the arrival of a new the 5.5 megawatt unit Wartsila generator for the Garden of Eden power station.
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Human Services Ministry to assist Buxton family whose house collapsed after being hit by a tree
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster today met with the Buxton family whose home was destroyed when a plum tree fell on it on Tuesday last.
The Minister invited the family to her office in an attempt to determine what possible ways the Government can assist in this situation.
The family is seeking accommodation temporarily at the Guyana Relief Council which also provides free meals and clothing. All of the family’s possessions have been destroyed.
Lorlene Baird, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry and Whentworth Tanner, Director of Social Services along with Lorna Glenn and her daughter Lisa Bardon and Minister of Human Services Jennifer Webster
“I want to let you know that His Excellency read about it in the newspapers and he is concerned that we should find a way to assist you because we are a government for all the people …we will try to assist you in whatever way we can… we will work out possible solutions as to how we would help you overcome the difficulties that you have just encountered,” Minister Webster told the family.
Lorlene Baird, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry and Whentworth Tanner, Director of Social Services are evaluating the family’s loss and what can be done to assist them.
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Gov’t gives monetary support to families of missing cargo boat crew members
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster and Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn today met with the spouses of the missing crew members of the cargo vessel the Oliver L.
Minister Webster presented $20,000 each to the three women at the Public Works Ministry, Kingston and committed that such a sum will be provided for three months.
Minister Benn interacted with the women to find out if they were getting any assistance from the operator of the vessel, Johnny Ramdass and was told that they had not received any support.
Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn and Minister of Human Services Jennifer Webster interacting with the wives and other family members of the three missing crew members of the cargo vessel MV Oliver L . Staff of the two ministries are also in photo
Minister Webster said that the matter is of great concern and there are interventions at the level of government to assist the families. The wives will be put on the single parent database and for those who are not employed they will benefit from public assistance depending on the ages of their children.
They were also offered the opportunity to be trained under the single parent training programme so that they can eventually assist in taking care of their families.
Sherry Hartman wife of Captain Wexton Andrews took up the offer of being trained in cosmetology and the Minister promised to register her for the training immediately.
Shelly Hartman, wife of Captain of the cargo vessel Oliver L, signing to receive monetary assistance from the Ministry of Human Services
The vessel registered in the name of Raymond Lord, which has been missing ostensibly, since December 25, 2011 was manned by Wexton Andrews, and two seamen ratings, Ramdat Roopnarine and Clad Burnett. The Oliver L left Trinidad on December 21 destined for Port Georgetown, Guyana, and was expected to arrive in Guyana on Christmas Eve Day. They did not arrive. Additional time was allotted because of bad weather and a new arrival time was calculated to be latest December 26, Boxing Day.
After learning of the vessel missing, Minister Benn and officials of other agencies initiated a search with the assistance of the Trinidadian and Venezuelan Coastguard.
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ICC was fed one-sided information-Sport Minister
-as he responds to the council’s statement on IMC
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, in response to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) statements condemning the Government of Guyana for dissolving the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) said the ICC was fed “one-sided’ information.
Minister Anthony made this remark this afternoon in the ministry’s boardroom on Main Street, where he was joined by Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Permanent Secretary Alfred King and Chairman, Interim Committee (IMC) Clive Lloyd at a press briefing aimed at clarifying some of the misconceptions that have been peddled in the public domain surrounding the formation and constitution of the IMC for the management of cricket in Guyana.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony with Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Permanent Secretary Alfred King and Chairman, Interim Committee (IMC) Clive Lloyd at the press briefing
Minister Anthony said that the persons from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) would have issued to the ICC what they feel the ICC needed to hear and this would have subsequently resulted in the ICC issuing such a statement.
“It is unfortunate that the ICC would have issued a statement without listening to the other side of the story,” Minister Anthony said and added, “when you want to have objectivity, its only fair that you have both sides of the story.”
The minister said that the Government will be chronicling all that would have transpired in Guyana with regards to the administration of cricket prior to the formation of the IMC and, will send that to the ICC so that these matters will be taken into consideration and inform future discussions of the ICC in this regards.
Minister Anthony said the WICB was well aware of the state of cricket administration in Guyana prior to Government’s involvement and took no part in resolving these issues. He said that some of the stakeholders involved in the cricket administration would have sent a dossier to the WICB seeking their assistance and added that the same dossier was sent to the ICC but both entities turned “a blind eye” to the situation.
Minister Anthony said Guyana has certain problems with the administration of cricket and the WICB as the parent body should come in and work with the country to fix these problems.
“We do not really want to get caught up in the larger cricketing as it relates to regional cricket and international cricket or sport politics, the country has specific problems at the home level that we are seeking to solve and we cannot understand the reluctance to fix these problems,” Dr. Anthony said.
Minister Anthony said that with regards to the Government and the WICB meeting which was lead by himself and Minister Nandlall, several issues were put up for discussion. The WICB had and the Government of Guyana each had their positions but that “they had a discussion with the aim of fashioning a solution whereby everybody can be satisfied with an agreement.”
He said that as they were doing so, on the second day there was a draft paper which was not agreed to. He said while the two sides were still in discussion, the WICB team unfortunately had to leave the country, as they were late for the airport, and at which point the discussions were stopped and it was agreed that the consultations would continue.
Dr. Anthony said that he was then surprised to see the circulation of a document in the press purporting to be the agreement from the meeting and vigorously said, “There is no agreement, it is still under active consideration, and discussion.” The Minister added that he could not see how persons could use a working document and state that an agreement had been reached between the WICB and Guyana. “How can we reach an agreement, if there is no agreement?” the Minister asked.
Dr. Anthony said that he also noticed in the press that the WICB had issued a statement on January 28 saying that they had requested of the Guyana Government its concerns with the document and they (WICB) had not received any answers.
“I don’t know if they did not see our reply but on January 27, I wrote on behalf of the Government team to the CARICOM Secretary General pointing out that we (the Guyanese team) had engaged after the meeting in consultations and having had those consultations, we identified parts of the working documents that we feel were still objectionable to the Government.”
The Minister indicated that he had explicitly stated in the letter the Guyana Government’s side and that it was desirous of continuing the discussions with the WICB, with CARICOM facilitating these discussions so that some agreement could be reached as to how to proceed with regards to the formation of the IMC and Government’s concerns with the state of Guyanese cricket.
He added that the WICB’s stand is that the government must ignore the court’s decision and that they must take the stand of the WICB that is, that the GCB is the only recognized body and that if Guyana fails to accept this position then the WICB will remove matches from Guyana.
Minister Anthony reiterated that the Government wants to fix the state of Guyanese cricket and will work with ICC and WICB in this regard but, no threat of removal of matches from the country will stand in the Government’s effort.
The removal of these matches will not solve the state of cricket in Guyana, Anthony said.
A recent recommendation by the Chief Justice that, "there may be immediate need for the minister responsible for sports to impose his executive will in the national interest" resulted in the Minister of Sport forming the IMC lead by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd.
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Drainage system managing with heavy rainfall-Minister Ramsammy
-inspects drainage pumps and structures along East Coast
Georgetown, GINA, February 1, 2012
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy during an inspection of drainage and irrigation pumps and structures along the East Coast of Demerara today, reported that they were coping with the unprecedented rainfall.
“Today we had a break in the weather, brilliant sunshine and therefore, we had a change of moving a significant amount of water off the land…and I have been monitoring all the regions that are affected by the heavy rainfall to ensure all the drainage and irrigation structures are operating at their best,” Minister Ramsammy said.
Victoria pump station in operation
While updating on the situation, he said that Region 6 is out danger since most of the water has already drained off, expect for a few remaining areas.
However, Minister Ramsammy said close attention is being given to Regions 2 and 3 since several areas are inundated as a result of constant and heavy rainfall.
“My major concern, given the fact that Georgetown has drained is the East Coast of Demerara and a part of East Bank of Demerara, including Diamond and Grove,” Minister Ramsammy explained.
Some villages on the East Coast of Demerara, including Beehive and Clonbrook, Minister Ramsammy said “are still under water because the flood water is moving slowly as result of the non-functioning Greenfield pump station drainage structure which was put out of operation in the 70s,” Minister Ramsammy explained.
However, he explained that his Ministry has invested in the construction of a modern and state-of-the-art pump station at Greenfield which is expected to become operational by March.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth and head of Civil Defence Commission Ret.Col Chabilall Ramsarup interacting with residents of Beehive, east Coast Demerara
“So right now my major focus with our technical support staff is to ensure that we get the water off the land…this will become even more critical because the forecast for the coming days is not an encouraging one, and therefore we are working to get the water off the land before the rain comes again,” Minister Ramsammy said.
In addition to this, Minister Ramsammy said all the technical officers, including the veterinarians were mandated to spread across the various affected communities to give support to farmers and owners of livestock.
“So I do not want people to think that we are only working with the drainage system alone…we have livestock and crops’ officers working with farmers and communities to see how best they can keep crops and livestock out of harm’s way,” Minister Ramsammy said.
In relation to additional relief and support for farmers, Minister Ramsammy said that the People’ Progressive Party Civic has always been and will continue to support farmers in whatever way it can.
While Government, he said cannot replace all the losses that farmers and other citizens would have endured “the various officers in the Ministry will be out distributing seeds, fertilizers, chicks and other forms of relief to farmers.”
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy inspecting livestock at Erick Anderson s residence at Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara
In addition, he said that the Ministry and other agencies are working around the clock to bring relief to affected communities, farmers and residents as well as have a role to ensure that their drainage structures within their respective communities are not clogged with garbage and other obstacles.
“People could help by ensuring that they do not dump garbage in the drains and alley ways…if we all recognize that we need to pay attention as citizens in terms of maintaining our drainage structures in front of our homes, this could help to even curb or prevent future recurrences,” Minister Ramsammy urged.
Accompanying Minister Ramsammy to several areas including Greenfield, Beehive, Hope, Victoria and Bachelor’s Adventure were Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth and head of Civil Defence Commission Ret.Col Chabilall Ramsarup.
The weather phenomenon is expected to continue until the end of March, and for the next several days the country will experience similar weather pattern.
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