President assures fisherfolks of diligent work to halt piracy
Georgetown, GINA, February 9, 2012
A group of fisherfolks from East Berbice, the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara sought an audience with President Donald Ramotar today with demands for justice and security following the recent spate of pirate attacks.
Included in the group were victims of the pirate attack on 15 boats in the Pomeroon River on February 3 which ended with fishermen being beaten, bound, robbed and abandoned at sea in sunken vessels.
President Donald Ramotar speaking to a large contingent of fisherfolks in the presence of Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Alli Baksh and Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn
A broad-based discussion on the best way forward was held during today’s meeting that also included Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn and Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Alli Baksh.
Although acknowledging that curbing the issue of piracy at sea is challenging, several proposals were made including heightened policing at sea and a helicopter reconnaissance.
After reports of the incident surfaced, Minister Benn activated the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC), a unit comprising a joint effort by the coast guard, and the police to conduct the search and rescue and commence investigations into the incident. The intervention led to the rescue of three persons.
President Ramotar had met some of the victims of the attack on February 7 and had promised intervention at the level of the Cabinet and assured today that no stone will be left unturned to “put an end to this lawless activity.”
His assurance came with a request for the fisherfolks to cooperate with the various agencies.
In an invited comment to the Government Information Agency (GINA) President Ramotar said, “We are putting a response in place, a response to what is taking place and I hope that this will be implemented immediately because this thing (piracy) we have to stamp it out immediately,” President Ramotar said.
The issue of firearms was also brought to the fore during the meeting as the fishermen spoke of reprisal during an attack and in this regard an urgent need for expeditiousness in the review of applications made for such weapons.
President Ramotar lent an ear to the requests expressed but noted that it is an issue that requires careful examination and conveyed to the fisherfolks that it would be a careless act if “firearms are handed over the counter” at random.
Some requested interventions in the release of boat engines that have been seized pending court cases but, given the law, the fishermen were told that government’s hands are tied when it comes to litigious issues.
Meanwhile over the next few days the MRCC will continue visits to the Pomeroon in continuing their investigations into the pirate attacks.
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REPSOL commences offshore drilling
-CGX to begin by next week
Georgetown, GINA, February 9, 2012
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud today announced that offshore drilling activities by REPSOL commenced on February 7, while CGX, another oil giant is set to start its operations by the end of next week.
The Jaguar-1 is a deep well which is being drilled by REPSOL’s Atwood Beacon Jack-Up rig could take up to six months to reach the targeted depth; while the CGX’s Eagle well is being drilled by the Ocean Saratoga Semi-Submersible rig and is expected to be completed in two months at about 14, 200 feet.
Minister Persaud said that based on the most recent reports, all activities are proceeding according to plans. He explained that the Jaguar 1 is approximately 107 miles offshore; and is being drilled a depth of 6,500 meters to test the turonian geologic zone. Meanwhile the Eagle operation is within the same vicinity but at a safe distance away.
From left: Chief Operations Officer, CGX Drilling, Mike Stockinger, Manager, Petroleum Division, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Noel Dennison, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud and REPSOL Country Manager, Jiancarlo Ariza at the Natural Resources Ministry’s boardroom
With regards to measures to safeguard against spills and other such mishaps that could affect the environment, the Minister said that, “we have put a lot of emphasis on the issue of safety and safeguards, when the representatives of the companies met with the President, it was an issue that was flagged and we have been assured that there is a robust plan in this regard.”
Chief Operations Officer, CGX Drilling, Mike Stockinger assured that his company has an emergency response and oil spill contingency plans that will be activated should the need arise.
Moreover, a workshop will be held on February 14 to bring all relevant stakeholders update with the issues, implications, measures and precautions with regards to this new development.
The drilling process is a very comprehensive and costly programme. In the case of REPSOL, nearly US $52M has already been spent on its operations thus far with an envisaged overall expenditure of US $180M. CGX on the other hand, is expected to expend about US $55M, as their well which will be much shallower.
Minister Persaud said that once oil is found, Government will be guided by the legislative framework that is in place with regards to the next step. However, at present, the focus is primarily on exploration and technical capacity building.
To this end, a team from the Commonwealth is expected to arrive in Guyana shortly to share technical expertise and a workshop will be held by the US Government to look at revenue streams and other mechanisms.
In a release today, CGX President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said that this will be the deepest well drilled to date in the Guyana Suriname Basin.
CGX Energy is a Canadian-based oil and gas exploration company. It is managed by a team of experienced oil and gas and finance professionals from Guyana, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
REPSOL on the other hand, is an integrated Spanish oil and gas company with operations in a number of countries. It is the 15th largest petroleum refining company; employing over 40,000 people worldwide.
Last year, former President Bharrat Jagdeo approved an extension to its deadline for drilling of the Jaguar Well.
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CDF partnering with Guyana Gov’t on country assistance programme
Georgetown, GINA, February 9, 2012
An assistance programme that will see an inflow of technical support, loans and grants is being conceptualised by the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) in partnership with the Guyana Government.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CDF, Ambassador Lorne Mc Donnough discussed the idea with President Donald Ramotar during a meeting at the Office of the President today. Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, CDF Senior Advisor of Corporate Governance and Development Fay Housty and Regional Development Director Lenox Forte were also present.
President Donald Ramotar meets CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CDF, Ambassador Lorne Mc Donnough
There is not much that can be elaborated about the assistance programme as it is still in the early bird stage and as part of the establishment criteria the CDF must make the proposal at the CDF board level.
Nevertheless Ambassador Mc Donnough remains hopeful that the country assistance programme will be completed shortly, clearing the way for the disbursement of funds before September of this year.
He said the Guyana Government has been very supportive of the CDF and is optimistic that the country’s new President will perpetuate the patronage.
President Donald Ramotar and CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CDF, Ambassador Lorne Mc Donnough speaking in the presence of Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, CDF Senior Advisor Corporate Governance and Development Fay Housty and Director of Regional Development, Lenox Forte
The CDF is a cohesion fund that provides assistance to countries within CARICOM that require contingency assistance to address any disparities that may arise in the Single Market and Economy (CSME). It was modelled after the European Cohesion Fund.
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Minister Anthony, Chutney Convenor to attend T&T Soca/Chutney Monarch competition
Georgetown, GINA, February 10, 2012
Successful collaboration between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T& T) has resulted in the three finalists of the local Mashramani Chutney competition participating in the twin-island republic’s Chutney Soca Monarch competition.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, centre; Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Chutney Monarch Competition producer, George Singh (left); and Convenor of the Soca Chutney competition, Neaz Subhan in a recent flash back photo
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and Chutney Convenor Neaz Subhan will be in the audience at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain to cheer them on.
The three locals who will compete in the February 11 contest are Mash Chutney first place winner Haresh Singh, second place winner Terry Gajraj and Fiona Singh. They will be competing against some of the top names in chutney/soca on the twin island republic.
The three finalists of the local competition that attracted 17 participants, automatically qualified to participate in the T & T competition.
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NDIA working toward enhanced drainage and irrigation
Georgetown, GINA, February 9, 2012
Agriculture’s success is premised on an efficient and effective drainage system and, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture has been steadfast in ensuring that drainage and irrigation structures are built across the country, more especially in the agricultural belts.
Under the Authority’s 2011 Capital and Current Works Programme huge sums were spent to improve drainage, enhance competitiveness and increase productivity.
While most of the work has been completed, NDIA’s, Chief Executive Officer, Lionel Wordsworth said that the roll-over projects such as the Cottage Sluice , Region Five and Greenfield Pump Station, Region Four are being fast-tracked and will be completed shortly.
A total rehabilitation of drainage and irrigation structures in agricultural areas was completed under the Agriculture Support Services Programme (ASSP) for the benefit of residents in Crabwood Creek and East Black Bush Polder- Region Six; Golden Grove and Victoria - Region Four and, Vreed-en-Hoop, La Jalousie, Canals Polder, Dem Amstel, Vergenoegen and Naamryck in Region Three.
“We also have ongoing the Conservancy Adaptation Project. This is a study that looks at data and development of long-term solutions and recommendations for improved drainage, both for the East Coast system as well as the entire linkage to the conservancy and this is progressing well,” he said.
While a new sluice is being constructed downstream of the Abary, the NDIA, has also completed another in Black Bush Polder, Region Six and is in the process of digging a canal to give additional drainage to the entire area, known for its large-scale agricultural production.
“There is a problem in Canal No. 2 whereby 1400 acres of farmlands which have accumulated water during the rainy season and this found itself in the Canal No. 2 drainage and complicated the entire drainage system. We have designed already an additional outlet. This project was already discussed with the farmers and residents on February 5,” Wordsworth said.
This additional project which will significantly aid the area’s drainage capacity will encompass a canal, pump station and drainage structures that would cost the Government approximately $450M.
Based on the amount of D&I work to be embarked upon countrywide, the NDIA is oftentimes forced to rent equipment and this costs the Government significant sums.
“The last time I checked it cost the Government $30M, but I don’t foresee such a big cost this time because I have seen some improvement in the weather. The intervention in renting these equipment is necessary because we want to bring quick relief to the affected areas,” the NDIA, CEO stated.
In 2011, a budgetary allocation of $4,441,696 was approved for the NDIA for the completion of its work programme. Of the sum $3,441,000 was for capital expenditure, while the remainder was for current expenditures.
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Secondary schools step-up with extraordinary dance performances – as Mash competitions continue
Georgetown, GINA, February 9, 2012
The National Cultural Centre was filled to capacity, on Wednesday, with secondary school students from Georgetown, many of whom came out to support their respective schools participating in this year’s children’s mash competitions. Just under 100 dance pieces were presented by individuals and groups (11-13 and 14-17 age groups) in the traditional, legends and traditions, religious beliefs, interpretative, social commentary and masquerade categories.
East Ruimveldt Secondary’s piece, Lights of Hope
The participating schools stepped-up their game as they took the audience through a cascade of colours and up-beat sounds which induced the Mashramani vibes in everyone in the NCC.
It was clear that the participating schools were prepared to give full support to their respective performers as each item was welcomed with loud applause.
With regards to the results for the 11-13 individual pieces in the Religious category Charisma Charles of Richard Ishmael copped first followed by Saprano Hendricks of Tutorial High and Anthony Lloyd of David Rose Secondary.
In the Interpretative category the first position was achieved by Tatyana Rock of Christ Church, while Amena Lovell of East Ruimveldt Secondary and Sheneka Oxford of Tutorial High secured second and third respectively.
Karisma Charles demonstrating her skills
Shivani Persaud of North Georgetown Secondary attained first place in the Legends and Traditions category. This entry was the only one for this age group. Meanwhile in the Masquerade category the top spot was attained by Kevon Roach of Tutorial High followed by Jamel Brooms of Winfer Gardens Primary and Akeem Giddings of David Rose Secondary in the second and third positions, respectively.
The group dances were memorable particularly since they were kicked off with a lively performance by a group of boys clad in red from St. John’s College with their dance ‘We Movin’ which earned them third place in the Interpretative category. First and second spots were attained by Richard Ishmael (Flair and Frolic) and North Georgetown (Mash Feva) Secondary schools, respectively.
In the Social Commentary category the first position was gained by Christ Church Secondary (Sanity Cry) followed by Chase’s Academic Foundation (Accept Me). For the Religious category, East Ruimveldt secured first with its dance entitled ‘Lights of Hope’ while Queen’s College came in second with their dance entitled ‘Victory’.
St. John’s College dancers
Richard Ishmael placed first for its dance ‘African pride’ in the Legends and Traditions category. That entry was followed by East Ruimveldt Secondary’s piece entitled ‘Celebration after Emancipation’ and Charlestown Secondary’s ‘Passion of the Drums’ in second and third place respectively.
In the individual 14-17, Social Commentary category Tiana Codrington of St. Winefride’s Secondary got first place followed by Tiffany Fausette of the Business School in second and Tawana Heywood of David Rose Secondary in third.
In the Religious Beliefs category, Yulanda Geer of St. Josephs placed first followed by Raynicka Griffith of North Georgetown in second and Ruth Moore of David Rose Secondary in third places, respectively.
The Business School’s Leon Marks placed first in the Interpretative category followed by Shimane Hutson of Christ Church in second and Akita Henry of Dolphin Secondary in third place. Meanwhile for the Legends and Traditions category, Petula Christian of Chase’s Academy Foundation placed first, Latisha Crandon of North Georgetown second and Colleen Neblet of David Rose Secondary third.
Due to the large number of entries for the group dances the competition had to be stalled and continued today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall where the Costume Competition was also held.
Students being entertained during the competition
In the Social Commentary category East Ruimveldt Secondary got first followed by St. Josephs and Christ Church in second and third place, respectively. St. Josephs, the Business School and David Rose secondary schools placed first, second and third, respectively, in the Religious Beliefs category.
In the Legends and Traditions category, Richard Ishmael, Tutorial High and St. John’s College placed first, second and third, respectively. Meanwhile in the Interpretative category, Tutorial High, Richard Ishmael and Chase’s Foundation Academy placed first, second and third, respectively.
The competitions will continue tomorrow at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the physical display. The competition is being celebrated under this year’s Mashramani theme “Mashing with pride, keeping we traditions alive”.
Following the end of the competitions in the city and those in the 10 administrative regions the finals for the poetry and calypso, dance, costume and physical display finals will be held.
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Dreams brought to life in costume competition
-Cliff Anderson comes alive
Georgetown, GINA, February 9, 2012
Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools flocked the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Homestretch Avenue today, for the continuation of the Children’s Mash Competition for the Costume component where students showcased ensembles individually and in groups.
Winfer Gardens Primary ‘A Royal Infusion’
The costumes brought to life dreams of heavenly beings, carnival kings and queens and water creatures in the categories of Fantasy, Topical and Traditions.
In the 5-7 Topical individual showcases, St. Angela’s Primary secured the first position while Ketley Primary came in second. Meanwhile in the Topical group presentations, St. Angela’s Primary came in first again, with Ketley Primary and South Road Nursery in the second and third positions.
Students gathered at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for the children’s costume competition
In the 11-13, individual Fantasy category, Winfer Gardens copped the prize as it was the entrant in that category.
In the 14-17, individual, Topical and Fantasy categories, St. John’s College and Richard Ishmael were the winners respectively as they were the only entrants.
St. John’s College’s ‘Beauty Eldorado’
In the group presentations, St. John’s College came in first followed by Charlestown Secondary in the Topical category. In the Fantasy category Richard Ishmael came in first.
Alexander Village Nursery school’s ‘Charged up for a brighter future’
Thus far the dramatic poetry, calypso, dance and costume competitions have been completed and tomorrow the competitions in Georgetown will culminate with physical displays.
Head Start Nursery school’s ‘Angel of Righteousness’
All of the competitors who have secured first in the various categories, from all the education districts, will contend for the top stops at the finals.
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Local Gov’t Ministry continues to play its part in flood intervention efforts
Georgetown, GINA, February 9, 2012
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Ganga Persaud said that Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) continue to provide the ministry with daily reports about areas affected by flooding and this serves to guide the ministry’s flood intervention efforts.
The Minister also reported that the RDCs have all intensified their monitoring of the works of the pump operators and sluice attendants as fitting the necessity of the situation. Similarly the Neighbhourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are also providing twice daily reports to the ministry.
“We have been feeding those reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and we are working closely with both ministers, (Minister Ramsammy and Minister Baksh) and the ministry in terms of responding to the situations which require immediate and urgent attention,” Minister Persaud said.
“Much of what we have been doing met have with a lot of appreciation from citizens in affected areas,” he said.
While there has been fair weather over the past few days, Government continues to monitor the water levels in areas such as, Pomeroon, Region 2, Canal Polders, Region 3, East Coast Demerara, and the East Demerara Water Conservancy, Region 4, and in Black Bush Polder and parts of New Amsterdam and the Corentyne Coast in Region 6.
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Efforts doubled to remove encumbrances-Public Works Minister
-police and other authorities to assist efforts
Georgetown, GINA, February 8, 2012
Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn along with members of the National Commission on Law and Order (NCLO) on a recent live call-in programme on the National Communications Network (NCN) expressed their concern over the rapid rate at which encumbrances continue to become a fixture on Governments reserves, and access and public roads.
Minister Benn said that the encumbrances can be seen almost everywhere and are becoming eyesores.
“Among the items and activities that contribute to the unsightly scene both in the city and its environs are sand, mixing of cement, aggregates on the road, vending stands, shops, builders’ waste, garbage, old vehicles, machine shops, double parking and liming spots,” Minister Benn said.
Minister Benn said that coupled with these encumbrances; there is also the active and continuous building of permanent structures on the roadways without the permission of the Chief Works Engineer of the Public Works Ministry.
“Violations are constant and these exercises usually occur at weekends when it is felt that authorities are not on the road…in the first instance on seeing an encumbrance the local authorities and police ought to react to it…it is the Ministry of Public Works’ responsibility to act on those encumbrances…the law allows for the keeping of the obstruction (whether it is a vehicle and the auctioning there of, or the seizure of other obstructions with the owners being made to pay fines)…outside of areas usually which are not public roads but access roads, it falls to the NDCs to take action, but it has been a hard role in terms of many of the agencies to get their acts together to cooperate on the issue,” Minister Benn said.
NCLO members who were part of the programme, Mark Bender, Ramesh Sugrim and Taajnauth Jadunauth all agreed that some of the ongoing occurrences along the reserves and roadways are economic and income earning activities for some persons, nevertheless the act of encumbrance remains unlawful and places the lives of all road users, including the very persons involved in carrying out the act at risk.
“The NCLO will continue to speak out about encumbrances…it is a lot of lawlessness as persons are of the belief that they have the right to do so,” Sugrim said.
Members of the NCLO also believe that encumbrances not only violate the law but, most importantly contribute to traffic congestion as when they occur along the shoulders of the roads and pavements, they force pedestrians to utilize the roads, thereby interfering with the sightline and making it difficult for traffic to move freely.
Minister Benn said that while the law is clear on the steps that his ministry can take, efforts will be increased.
“We will have to try to re-double our efforts in this area… step up our programmes in this new year… as was said it is anarchic…it is lawless, it poses tremendous ongoing risk to life and limb and costs heavily,” Minister Benn said.
In 2010 the Ministry of Public Works embarked on a campaign to remove all obstructions from government’s reserves countrywide which was met with unwelcoming reactions by many who were of the view that the ministry’s actions sought to deprive persons of livelihoods.
Because of the successful execution of this exercise, the massive expansion along several roadways across the country, particularly along sections of the East Bank and East Coast Demerara can be expanded to accommodate four-lanes of traffic.
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Guyana joins Amazon tourism sector - Manual of Amazon/Caribbean Tourism Trail launched
Georgetown, GINA, February 9, 2012
Guyana was today formally presented with the Tourism Circuit Manual of the Amazon Tourism Trail during a forum at the Guyana International Conference Centre that was organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO), after which a workshop to discuss the manual’s uses, applications and the next steps forward was held.
The formulation of the manual resulted directly from the involvement of ACTO’s move to develop integrated tourism for the Amazon region, and focuses on Guyana, Suriname and Brazil.
Minister of Tourism (ag), Irfaan Alli, said the manual offers the opportunity for Guyana’s tourism sector to proactively and aggressively enter and expand markets. He explained that while Guyana is behind in pushing the local tourism package forward, the country is now strategically positioned as a part of Amazon tourism.
Minister Ali recieves Circuit Tourism Manual from Mr. Donald Sinclair
Minister Ali added that it is time for the sector to lobby and move the integration process forward to link Guyana and the Caribbean with the Amazon.
Pointing out that the manual comes at a critical time in the three countries; he said steps already taken by Guyana will speed up the process of the Amazon link. He referred to the links among Brazil, Suriname and Guyana which have already begun to open up tourism opportunities.
The Minister urged that members of the private sector should invest as they will be motivated into the right direction for potential profit and benefit, especially if the rest of the Caribbean agrees to join with the Amazon tourism link.
Minister Ali said that this aspect of world tourism will include the offering of sustainable products to tourists. He pointed out also that the manual offers products that go beyond Guyana and which can compete effectively in international markets.
Members of the local tourism sector pay attention to the AmazonCaribbean link of which Guyana has now become a part
Director, GTA Indranauth Haralsingh, explained that ACTO is a regional body created by treaty to promote cooperation among eight member countries, Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru, to advance sustainable development of the Amazon region.
Regional integration of tourism circuits is part of the strategic action and priorities for the tourism agenda for the Amazon region. This, Haralsingh explained, will help in promoting and boosting multi and geographic destination travel, to all of which Guyana is totally committed and
will soon become a part of the Caribbean tourism circuits
ACTO Consultant Karola Tippman noted that while 2011 saw an 11% increase of tourists in the Amazonian regions, the Amazon/Caribbean tourism trail which includes Guyana, Suriname and Brazil will now present a new image of the Amazon to the world. Where the Caribbean meets the Amazon and biodiversity and cultural aspects of the regions are transmitted to the international market.
She stated that the tourism circuits are an invitation to create new tourism frameworks and for political and private sector commitments.
From left to right ACTO Coordinator Donald Sinclair, Minister of Tourism AG. Irfaan Ali and ACTO Consultant Karola Tippmann
This manual is an information guide for all countries and shows how globalization and travelling need new countries. It also expresses a change of thinking, moving from national to regional contexts.
In March, there will be an official launch in Germany, Berlin at the International Tourism Fair, where Guyana, Suriname and Brazil will be placed on the Global Tourism Market.
Donald Sinclair – Coordinator of Infrastructure, Tourism, Transport and Communication for ACTO, stressed the importance for full political and private sector support. Sinclair pointed to the fact that the manual is a tool for use by the public and private sectors and communities.
Its current information can provide for guidance and informed decisions about product development and infrastructure, and to stimulate public sector responses.
Itinerary designs and modification information can be found in the manual, along with information on climate, infrastructure, and socio economic data from the three countries.
Providing services such as transportation, accounts, food, and banking transfers are all covered in the manual.
Sinclair also urged that the lines of action prompted by the manual need to be supported at all levels, with marketing opportunities seen and seized.
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