|
Guyana at Delhi sustainable development summit
Guyana participated in the just concluded 12th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) in the Indian capital, New Delhi, under the theme `Protecting the Global Commons: 20 Years Post Rio’.
The February 2-4 summit held at the Hotel Taj Palace in New Delhi was opened by Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Other Leaders in attendance included Ms Tarja Halonen, President of Finland; Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of Norway and Member of the UN Secretary General's Global Sustainability Panel; and Colonel James Alix Michel, President of the Government of Seychelles. Former Governor of California Mr. Arnold Schwartznegger was also in attendance.
Mr. Jagdeo spoke about the need for global leadership to address the issue of climate change as one of the critical steps towards preserving the global commons. He pointed out that from Copenhagen, to Cancun, to Durban, the major decisions that are needed, especially on the part of the developed world, are not being made to curb greenhouse gas emissions if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change. In highlighting Guyana’s own efforts, Mr Jagdeo outlined the Low Carbon Development Strategy as an innovative approach to addressing forests and climate change while promoting low carbon development. He emphasised the importance of forests to climate change mitigation and the need to identify approaches that would allow countries to maintain their forests and natural resources for the good of the global community, but at the same time not compromise their ability to promote sustained economic growth at the national and local levels.
Earlier in the programme, former President Jagdeo had a courtesy visit with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
From left: Elinor Ostrom, Distinguished Professor, Indiana University; Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo former President of Guyana; Dr. R.K Pachauri, Nobel Prize Laureate and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)- (backing camera); Dr. Manmohan Singh, Indian Prime Minister; Mr Festus Mogae, former President of Botswana ( being greeted by Dr. Singh);and Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger Former Governor of California.
The DSDS, organized annually since 2001 by The Energy and Research Institute-TERI, is an international undertaking that provides a platform for knowledge exchange and debate on all aspects of sustainable development. Over the past ten years, it has emerged as one of the most important forums on global sustainability issues, with a focus on developing world solutions.
Guyana was invited for a second year to participate by Dr. R.K Pachauri, Nobel Prize Laureate and Director-General of TERI. Former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Shyam Nokta from the Office of the President represented Guyana.
TOP
LCDS institutional strengthening project gets final IDB board approval
-funding balance of US $ 5.94 M being released from GRIF
The Board of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) gave final approval on Wednesday February 1 for the execution of the Institutional Strengthening Project for Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy. The approval paves the way for all remaining funds totaling US$ 5.94 million to flow directly to Guyana from the GRIF for full implementation. An initial sum of US 1.06 million dollars of the total US $7 million project cost was released directly to Guyana from Norway last year for preparatory work to be undertaken.
The project, which gained the approval of the GRIF Steering Committee on November 2nd 2011 will mark the first in a series of LCDS projects submitted to the GRIF, to receive approval from the IDB which is serving as one of the partner entities to the GRIF.
The Guyana REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) Investment Fund –GRIF, was established in October 2010 as the mechanism through which LCDS projects will be funded.
The LCDS Institutional Strengthening Project is aimed at enhancing national institutional capacity in Guyana to address the impacts of Climate Change, ensure the effective implementation of the LCDS, and meet its commitments under interim REDD+ partnerships. These commitments include avoided deforestation measures that translate into the avoidance of CO2 emissions.
Specifically, the project will strengthen the technical and administrative capacity of the principal institutions responsible for implementing Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy and develop and implement a MRV (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification) system on a national level.
The Government of Guyana has identified the need to strengthen the capacity of three key institutions, namely: the Office of Climate Change (OCC), the Project Management Office (PMO) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).
The first component will see the design and implementation of a MRV system and the requisite strengthening of national institutional capacities of the GFC for implementing REDD+ activities, and in particular for implementing the MRV system. This component has a total implementation cost of US3.66 million dollars.
The second component will cater to the capacity strengthening of LCDS Institutions namely, the OCC, the PMO and the REDD+ Secretariat. In addition, the institutional diagnostic of the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency-EPA and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission-GGMC will be financed. The total implementation cost is set at US 3.28 million dollars.
The project being executed by the Office of the President through the OCC, and the GFC, has already seen the laying of groundwork with the development of institutional structures and a post 2012 roadmap for the PMO and the commencement of the recruitment process for new required technical positions within the OCC. Meanwhile, implementation of component 1- the design and implementation of a MRV system, has begun through the GFC. This advance work was made possible through initial project funds totalling US $1.06 million released bilaterally by the Government of Norway to its Guyanese counterpart.
The LCDS and the Guyana-Norway partnership, is the second biggest Interim REDD+ agreement in the world. Since 2009, the two countries have been working to devise a global model for aligning low carbon development with the global fight against climate change. Reporting and independent assessment of Guyana’s performance for 2011 in accordance with the agreed requirements of the Joint Concept Note (JCN) and Memorandum of Understanding between Guyana and Norway will be carried out in the coming months. The level of support depends on Guyana’s delivery of results as measured against two sets of indicators (1) performance against a set of REDD+ Enabling Activities and (2) REDD+ Performance Indicators.
To date Guyana has successfully met the performance requirements for two consecutive years, earning approximately U.S$70 Million which has been transferred by Norway into the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) and which will be used to support LCDS Initiatives. Guyana and Norway are continuing to work in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank on the delivery of GRIF financing to support LCDS Initiatives.
TOP
Massive improvements for Deeds Registry-Attorney General tells Berbice stakeholders
Georgetown, GINA, February 4, 2012
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall on Friday visited the ancient country of Berbice where he interacted with the staff of the Deeds Registry, members of the Berbice Bar Association and residents and informed them of government’s plans to transform the justice system.
Addressing the staff of Deeds Registry, Minister Nandlall informed them that government is in the process of addressing a number of issues which will not only benefit them but, will also see the registry being run efficiently and effectively.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall interacting with the staff of the Deeds Registry during a recent visit to Berbice
“I am aware of the deficiencies that exist in the system as I have received several complaints which have been along the same lines…nevertheless there are several programmes which have started even before I assume office…these programmes were intended to improve the general efficiency in the system,” Minister Nandlall said.
Towards this end, Minister Nandlall said that there is a Deeds Registry Authority which was enacted in 2001 but became operational in October 2011 because of the necessary measures that needed to be in place to make the act functional.
Staff of the Deeds Registry in Berbice pause from their work to have a photo opportunity with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall
“That Act is directed to improving the efficiency and to modernise and restructure the Registry…principally the act establishes a board that will manage the affairs of the registry…there is also a programme under the competitive strategy which is intended to bring about technological changes to the operations of the deeds registry by replacing the manually driven system to one that is computer driven,” Minister Nandlall said.
The successful implementation of these programmes by government will see the Deeds Registry offices being completely modernised with computers being used not only as a means of storage of documents but, also for everyday transactions.
Members of the Berbice Bar Association interacting with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall during a recent visit to Berbice
This, according to Minister Nandlall, will result in an efficient service being offered to members of the public and it will also help with an efficient delivery of justice, as the entire justice system will benefit from similar upgrades.
“The objective of this strategy is to modernise the justice sector and to introduce in a greater way what is being done now so that the quality and efficiency of work done by the registry can be accelerated…a lot of this has started in Georgetown but it has not yet been completed…this move to modernise the justice system will assist tremendously with the record keeping aspect of the registry as it is the repository of official records, transports, powers-of-attorneys as well as the other records which they store,” Minister Nandlall said.
Members of the Berbice Bar Association interacting with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall during a recent visit to Berbice
During the interaction with the staff of the Deeds Registry, it was clear that the issue of having trained and competent staff who would be proficient in the use of such technology would be needed, further there is a need for staff to be professionally trained in certain technical areas of law as it will significantly improve the quality of service being provided by the registry to the public.
“We have recognised that training will be an issue and we have already embarked upon a feasibility study to ascertain which is the best route to take to have staff trained, not only in the use of the new equipment, but also the appointment of staff to the position of notary public which requires extensive training followed by the sitting of an exam…we would love to have persons complete further studies at the University of Guyana. While this route is an area which is governed by the Public Service Ministry, the Ministry will try its best to make representations for persons who are inclined not just to qualify themselves and move on but, to stay in the system and help with its upgrade,” Minister Nandlall said in response to their concerns.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall addressing members of the Berbice Bar Association. Also included in this photo is President of the Berbice Bar Association, Attorney-at-Law Ramesh Rajkumar
Members of the Berbice Bar Association expressed their pleasure when they met with the Attorney General, as he sought consultations with them pertaining to government’s plan on modernising the justice sector and, more importantly on upgrading the deeds registry.
“We the members of the Berbice Bar Association are pleased to have sat and discussed with the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, our concerns of the current operation of the deeds registry and government’s plan of modernising the sector…the continuance of forums as these will ensure the successful implementation of government’s intended programmes in a manner pleasing to all,” Attorney-at-Law Deena Panday said.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall interacting with residents of No. 46 Village Corentyne
In his address to the Bar Association, Minister Nandlall told them that government’s plan of enhancing the justice sector does not only revolve around upgrade of the operations at the registry.
“We have commenced a process which would result in the official gazette being accessible countrywide as it will be available both online and at the offices of the Neighbourhood and Regional Democratic Councils countrywide…there is also a law revision exercise in the process which will see the re-writing of the Laws of the Guyana to include the various amendments to Acts as at December 31, 2011, which will be available in soft and hard copies by July,” Minister Nandlall said.
The Attorney General also assured the Bar Association that his ministry will be placing a lot of emphasis on ensuring the following occurs; the sitting of the Full Court in Berbice, the employment of well qualified, committed individuals to be numbered among the staff of the registry and the continuation and development of a Mediation Centre in Berbice.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall interacting with Albion cattle farmers
Whilst in Berbice Minister Nandlall met with residents of Number 46 village Corentyne and cattle farmers of Albion to hear and address some of their concerns pertaining to legal matters of the state.
“As a government official it is my duty to establish and maintain a working professional relationship with members of the public…as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs I am obligated to listen your concerns and address those that government’s intervention are needed…in addressing your concerns I will engage the attention of Cabinet,” Minister Nandlall said.
Minister Nandlall has embarked on an outreach programme which will see the Minister visiting the outlying regions to listen to, address, and obtain first hand information on the level and type of interventions government can make towards the provision of a better justice system which will benefit all.
He is expected to visit Regions Two and Ten within the coming weeks.
TOP
Prime Minister meets Commonwealth Secretariat visiting official
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds meets Dr. Joan Nwasike, Head of Thematic Programmes Group of the Commonwealth Secretariat while on an official visit to Guyana from February 2-6
TOP
UG administration needs to be more proactive- television panel agrees
-to resolve issues facing students
Georgetown, GINA, February 4, 2012
University of Guyana (UG) Council Member and Attorney-at-Law, Bibi Shaddick said that no one deliberately sets out to terminate Lecturer, Frederick Kissoon’s services at the institution as is being conveyed by certain sections of society and the media.
She was at the time speaking on a special programme on the National Communications Network (NCN) along with UG Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Prem Misir and Professor Calvin Eversley, who specialises in jurisprudence and equity in the Department of Law.
Shaddick explained that Kissoon taught at the university until he reached the age of 60 at the end of December 2010 and, as is normal, he continued rendering his service until the end of the academic year. However, what took place after was contrary to the laws, as Kissoon among others were given a post-retirement contract for a year that was accepted by the Appointments Committee but those contracts were not legal and were eventually deemed null.
“After the age of retirement, there are certain considerations that are taken before persons are re-employed and January 18 (when Kissoon’s dismissal was announced) was the end of a protracted period since August,” she said.
Whenever people are going to retire, the positions that they hold are advertised and other people are invited to apply. In the case of the department in which Kissoon is attached there were eight applicants, four of whom were employed as lecturers at UG.
Shaddick emphasised that according to the principles that are laid down, when re-employing people on a post-retirement contract, the issue of whether or not other people are available to teach the classes has to be taken into consideration and in this case, four people were employed.
Additionally, focus also has to be placed on whether or not the retiree has some special skill or performs a specific function that could be fulfilled by anyone else; in Kissoon’s case this was not clearly established.
A lecturer’s academic/research profile is another important aspect that is taken into consideration; however, in the documents that were presented to the Council, no evidence of independent research was attributed to Kissoon; the last paper that has his name on it was done five years ago in 2007.
“If somebody is going to stay at the university for over 20 years and reach the age of 60 and is still at the level of lecturer one or two then something has to be lacking,” Shaddick said.
Two Appointment Committee meetings were held in October and November last year, specifically to deal with post-retirement contracts and all that were awarded outside of the statutes, all of which were deemed null, were thoroughly discussed.
Traditionally, contracts are offered to professors, readers and senior lecturers since they have already established themselves as persons from whose expertise the university can benefit. The contracts of people in this category which includes Dr. Henry Jeffrey, were eventually accepted and approved.
Four contracts out of the list that was examined by the Committee were referred to the Council for decision, three of which were signed with Dr. Patrick Williams who is employed fulltime by UG as well as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) since 1998; Lawrence Bancroft, a 60-year old Lecturer One who barely satisfies the research requirement, and Kissoon.
Pro- Chancellor Misir pointed out that this matter could have been resolved since September or October last year.
While acknowledging Kissoon’s contributions to the university, he explained that services on an illegal contract (which Kissoon has had) cannot be terminated. Moreover, he is a pensioner and they are not subject to automatic re-employment.
“The university does have problems that are genuine…matters such as a leaking roof, flooded classroom and weak furniture; you don’t need Government to come and fix those things or for the University Council to come and check those things on a day to day basis…I think if you have an active, innovative administration, many of those problems that are now being raised would have been resolved,” the Pro-Chancellor said.
He said that the university’s administration has the funds to address these matters. However, much more resources are needed for bigger projects; this will be made available when certain criteria are met including the finalisation of the strategic plan.
He added too, that the Guyanese public needs to understand that there are short-term, intermediate and long-terms problems, all of which require different levels of funding.
The short-term he said can be resolved immediately through the innovative capacity of the Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Eversley said that the Council has come in for a lot of flak simply for correcting a problem by an egregious error, whereby someone offered and signed for someone who did not have the authority to do so. He added that there was no other option that the Council could have taken.
He clarified that contrary to what has been published in certain sections of the media, classes are still ongoing at UG. He said that while people have the right to protest, it should be done within the confines of the law. Moreover, the rights of people who do not wish to participate in the protest must also be respected.
“My appeal to the protestors, protest all you like, that is your right but please allow other people to exercise constitutional right…the exercise of constitutional rights are based on the mutuality of respect…let us sit down with maturity and civility and solve our problems,” he said.
TOP
Maritime Search, Rescue Centre activated-three fishermen rescued after pirates attack 15 boats
Georgetown, February 4, 2012
In light of the pirate attacks which occurred off the coast of the Pomeroon River, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn has reported that the Maritime Search and Rescue Centre has been activated and with the help of the police and the army coastguard, the centre was able to rescue three persons.
Pirates targeted approximately 15 fishing boats off the coast of the Pomeroon River, in a spate of attacks which started around 08:00hrs on Friday and ended around the same time today.
Minister Benn during a media briefing at the Maritime Administration Department’s Stabroek office said “the Maritime Administration and Coast Guard received reports this morning of acts of piracy off the coast of the Pomeroon River, going up to an area called Kamwata Beach…the reports indicated that up to 15 boats with fisher folk were intercepted by persons who beat them, tied them up and imprisoned them in their boats,” Minister Benn said.
Bharrat Kalicharran and members of his crew who were rescued on a helicopter mission to the area
Minister Benn also said that it was further reported that the pirates stole the boat engines and other materials which are yet to be determined.
“The Maritime Search and Rescue Centre was activated with Harbour Master Skeete, Pilot Tennant and Coast Guard Commander Porter…after an evaluation of the situation and contact being made with some boat owners and the police, a helicopter mission was flown off today to the area in question and it was evidenced that there were sunken boats…sailors were found adrift in the area east of the mouth of the Pomeroon River,” Minister Benn said.
One of the fishing boats which suffered the attacks by pirates and was destroyed
Minister Benn said the police went out this morning to search and to provide help and are preparing for another such mission with additional resources to attempt to rescue those who were still adrift.
Bharrat Kalicharran, Captain of “Ms Davina”, one of the vessels who suffered the attack, and two others who were onboard were rescued after they were seen from the helicopter mission.
Kalicharran told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that he was attacked by six masked men, two of whom came onto his docks armed with cutlasses whilst the others remained on their vessel.
“When we were about 15 knots away…just off the shore of Cozier village…they ordered us to lie face down on our boats…they tied us up and beat us with cutlasses…before they left they bruk (break) up we boat,” Kalicharran said.
Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn flanked by members of the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre briefing media operatives on the pirate attacks.
He also told GINA that he suffered a similar fate in an attack which occurred just over a year ago.
Minister Benn stated that whilst they are not in receipt of all the details the police are treating the matter not only as a search and rescue effort but they are also directing their response to what they consider a criminal attack.
“The Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre will continue to receive reports and provide coordinates for rescue attempts and will continue to lead in the effort to recover those who were affected…MRCC will also help the police to determine who the perpetrators were of this incident…the police, military and others at the highest level have been informed and are working on the situation,” Minister Benn said.
TOP
Sentence Management, Agricultural Development Boards established
-at Guyana Prison Service
Georgetown, GINA, February 4, 2012
The Guyana Prison Service will now benefit from the services of the Sentence Management Board and an Agricultural Development Board that will aid in the proper administration of the various functions of five prison locations (New Amsterdam, Timehri, Lusignan, Georgetown, and Mazaruni) in Guyana.
Sentence Management Board
Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee at a recent press briefing explained that the Sentence Management Board will see the establishment of a database documenting each prisoner along with the skill that he/she possesses, level of academic qualifications, and other peculiarities. This information he said, is very vital for his Ministry as an administrative body.
“There are some prisoners who would be desirous of sitting an examination; through this board, we could know how many prisoners have the necessary qualifications to undertake further studies while serving their sentence,” Minister Rohee highlighted.
This initiative will be especially beneficial to convicted prisoners; it will be a little difficult for those on remand as their situation is more transient; however, they are provided with anger management courses and other forms of counselling while they are pending trial.
This Board will also provide recommendations with regards to how prisoners should be managed in keeping with the laws.
Section 57, Ch. 50:01 of the Prisons Act states that, “the Minister may make rules generally for the good management and governance of the prisons and prisoners and for carrying out the objectives of this Act and without prejudice to the generality of such powers may make rules in relation to inter alia employment, classification, safe custody, separation, treatment and discipline of prisoners.”
Each prison has representatives who sit on the Board, which is chaired by Captain Gerald Gouveia. Other members include Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine, Rev. Faye Clarke, who is also in charge of welfare and corrections, Member of the Parole Board, Sylvia Conway, Member of the Lusignan Prison Visiting Committee, Ayube Mohammed, Representative from the Human Services Ministry, Forbes Munroe, Leon Davis from Food from the Poor and two representatives from the Home Affairs Ministry.
Agricultural Development Board
The Agricultural Development Board seeks to make the prisons more self sufficient; it focuses primarily on the Mazaruni, New Amsterdam and Lusignan prisons, where food production is higher and more concentrated than the other two locations.
The potential for agri-development within the prison system is tremendous and its achievement will make the GPS more self reliant. Prisoners at these locations are engaged in livestock rearing, cash crops cultivation, and aquaculture.
This Board comprises several members including Walter Matadyal, Deputy Director of Prison, Lt.Col Malcolm Mc Andrew, representatives from the Agriculture Ministry, Food for the Poor and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC), along with the officers in charge from the various prison locations. It is chaired by Beni Sankar.
TOP
Fees introduced for marriage licences
Georgetown, GINA, February 4, 2012
Persons desirous of getting married in Guyana are now required pay a fee of $6,000 in order to obtain a marriage licence at the General Registrar’s Office (GRO).
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee at a press briefing said that this new arrangement, which was approved by Cabinet, came based on recommendations by the Ministry.
There three categories under which marriage licences are granted: local to local (two persons who live in Guyana), local to non-resident and non-resident to non-resident.
In the past there was no fee charged for persons who are desirous of getting married.
TOP
More one-way streets in Georgetown
-to alleviate traffic congestion
Georgetown, GINA, February 4, 2012
The Home Affairs Ministry has received an order gazzeting several one-way streets in Georgetown, which came into effect on January 31.
One-way streets are now established at First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Streets Alberttown, Sendall Place North, between Croal Street and Hadfield Street, Robb Street West, between Orange Walk and Albert Street, Albert Street South, between Regent Street and North Road, Light Street North, between Regent Street and North Road, Cummings Street South, between Church Street and Lamaha Street, Peter Rose Street North, between Lamaha Street and Laluni Street, Alexander Street North, between Barr Street and Sandy Babb Street.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee said that this is a matter that members of the National Commission for Law and Order (NCLO) have been discussing for a long time, in light of the traffic congestion that people have to endure on a daily basis.
“It is our hope that steps to establish these one-way streets will help to alleviate some of this congestion in certain parts of the City and through the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), we will be monitoring the responses by the travelling public,” the Minister said.
TOP
GPL 2012 Financial Outlook vastly different from 2010
--Fuel Bill projected to be $9B more than 2010
GPL held its 2010 Shareholders Meeting on Friday last. Selected performance indicators revealed:
- An after tax profit of $ 553 M compared to an after tax profit in 2009 of $1.8 B;
- Reduction in technical and commercial losses of 3% to end at 31.3%;
- Expansion of revenue by 10.82 % to achieve total sales of G$26.5 B;
- Generation costs of $19.9 B up from $15.9 B in 2009;
- Expansion in the number of new customer by 5,795 to end at 151,288 customers.
GPL noted that its profitability in 2010 was further eroded in 2011 by rising fuel prices, leading to a preliminary loss position of $4.4 B for the period of 2011. GPL 2012 projections indicate a further loss of $5.6 B, if current tariffs remain unchanged.
Chairman of GPL Winston Brassington, indicated that as a result of expected fuel prices in 2012 and a financing gap brought forward from 2011, GPL projects an overall financing gap of $11 B for 2012. GPL’s 2012 fuel bill is budgeted to be $ 25.3 B, compared against $16.5 B in 2010 and $22.4 B in 2011. It was noted that compared to 2010, when GPL faced an average fuel price of US$78/barrel, GPL projects an average price of $120/barrel for 2012, representing a 50%+ increase in fuel prices in two years.
GPL has filed with the PUC its calculation that will allow rates to increase by 19.5 % in accordance with its License. GPL has requested guidance from the Government on whether financial support can be provided to cushion tariff changes, in a manner similar to 2008, when Parliament approved a fuel subsidy of $ 3.3 B.
TOP
Guyana Power and Light and 2012 projections
Georgetown, GINA, February 4, 2012
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) forecast an $11billion shortfall for 2012 during its annual general meeting held on Friday, February 3.
Chairman of the Corporation Winston Brassington informed the meeting that the acceptable 2010 performance of the corporation would be overshadowed by the $11billion financing gap in its 2012 budget.
Brassington blamed escalation in fuel prices from a weighted average of about US$80 per barrel to a projected $120 per barrel in 2012 for the major part of the shortfall.
He disclosed that based on its licensing agreements, GPL was entitled to a 19 % tariff increase in 2012.
Government’s spokesperson, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, in signalling recognition of the impact of a 19% tariff increase on the working people and businesses, has disclosed that government intends to rely on a number of interventions to meet the shortfall.
He disclosed that government opted to allow GPL to introduce only bearable tariff increases while seeking parliamentary considerations of subsidies as in 2008.
Additionally GPL would be expected to pursue more aggressive loss prevention practices and debt recovery so as to meet the shortfall without undue hardships on Guyanese.
TOP
Children’s mash competition kicks off with a bang
Georgetown, GINA, February 4, 2012
The children’s mashramani competition is one of the most exciting, exuberant and anticipated events during February – the month when Guyana officially became a Republic in 1970. This event gives school children from nursery to secondary the opportunity to showcase their talents with the stage of the Natural Cultural Centre being the foundation for many who continuously develop their skills in the arts.
The competition commenced yesterday with calypso and dramatic poetry presentations by schools in the Georgetown District. Competitions continue on February 7 and 8 with dance and masquerade 1 and 2 at the National Cultural Centre, followed by costume competition on February 9 and physical display on February 10; both at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Some of the participating schools include Selman Fraser, JE Burnham and East Street nursery, South Ruimveldt, St. Margaret’s, and Anais primary, Tucville, North Georgetown and St. Joseph secondary schools.
This year’s Mashramani celebrations are being observed under the theme “Mashin with pride, keeping we traditions alive”.
Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, in his presentation, stressed that the theme was well thought out since there are some aspects of Guyana’s culture that need to be preserved in the education system and further afield.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Education places a lot of focus on this component of education since it ensures that the students receive a well rounded education. In this regard, Sam explained that the Ministry has often times been criticised for not doing more in this area and as a result the academic aspect tends to override other components.
Sam recalled the days when the arts had a more prominent place in the education system nevertheless, the Ministry’s constant quest is to ensure the education system produces well-rounded students. He added that these events gives students a good learning experience and excites them to learn more.
He commended the students and the Allied Arts Unit for their efforts and stressed that at the end of the day all the competitors are winners.
This competition is a reflection of the Ministry’s goal to promote esthetic education which is included in the Education Strategic Plan (ESP) and curriculum design. Additionally, the Ministry is also encouraging students to get involved in sports and physical education.
This focus has since resulted in hundreds of students sitting sports and physical education at the Caribbean Secondary Certificate Examination (CSEC), with 100 percent passes recorded, and several school grounds have been developed and are being used for physical activity. |
