First Bauxite Corporation looking to net funds for Bonasika mine
-officials call on President
Georgetown, GINA, February 24, 2012
After sealing a historic mineral agreement with the Guyana Government, First Bauxite Corporation is now looking to secure funding for the development of the Bonasika mine along the Essequibo River.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Hilbert Shields who accompanied a team of bankers met Head of State Donald Ramotar today, to update him on the latest developments with the company.
Shields told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the company will be looking to its existing shareholders who have committed US$40M to the project and a bank loan of between US$50M and US$60M.
It is also hoped that capital markets will source the remaining funds to reach the target of US150M to finance the project.
President Donald Ramotar speaking with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First Bauxite Corporation Hilbert Shields (clad in blue shirt) and a team of bankers, in the presence of Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon
First Bauxite Corporation was awarded the concession to develop the vastly under-explored bauxite minerals in Bonasika along the Essequibo River after signing a deal with the Guyana Government on November 24, 2011.
The area located close to Timehri, has a life span of 44 years and can yield bauxite production of 100,000 tonnes on an annual basis. The company is looking to a schedule of 18 months for the mine’s construction.
“We’re still hoping to stay on that schedule which is to start construction of the mine sometime this year, be able to finish construction by the end of next year and be in commercial production in the early half of 2014,” Shields explained.
The company plans to construct a plant designed to promote environment sustainability, with the use of vertical shafts that have zero emissions thereby averting dust and other pollution.
First Bauxite Corporation has completed a feasibility study and at present there is ongoing exploration on the ground
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Chairman of the Board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Major General (retd) Joe Singh were signatories to the mineral agreement with the Canadian company last year.
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Malali gets tractor to boost economic activities
Georgetown, GINA, February 24, 2012
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai today in the company of Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall and Principal Regional Development Officer Anil Roberts, presented Toshao of Malali, Region 10, Wilbert Hall with the keys to a new $10M Holland 8030 four-wheel drive tractor.
The procurement and provision of the vehicle to the village forms part of the Government’s effort to support the economic activities and services of the Amerindian communities.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai hands over the keys to the tractor to Toshao of Malali, Wilbert Hall
“The tractor will be used to support the development of the village’s main economic activity which is logging and, will also be used to support the diversification of the village’s economy by promoting greater agriculture production,” Minister Sukhai said.
The Ministry has been purchasing equipment and tools to assist the economic and agricultural efforts of the many Amerindian communities.
“The ministry has given support for the development of agriculture in Amerindian communities over the years to promote food security and to develop agriculture enterprise,” Minister Sukhai said.
Since 2009, the ministry has expended a lot of money to support this initiative, to the benefit of more than 25 villages including satellite communities with agriculture machinery such as tractors, ploughs and trailers.
The purchase of these equipment was funded under various programmes and commitments including the National Toshaos Council conference, the ministry’s capital budget and the Presidential Grant Fund, the Minister said.
“It’s a pleasure on behalf of the Government of Guyana to hand you over the keys to the tractor, so that you can now aid in the development of your community in a much more efficient pace,” Minister told Toshao Hall as she handed him the keys.
The tractor given to Malali, Region 10
The tractor was purchased with the village’s Presidential Grant of 2008 and 2009 with the village council funding the difference of $6M.
Earlier this week the village of St Deny’s, Region Two was presented with a $3M Toyota Hiace, fifteen-seat minibus that will be used to transport farmers’ produce to the Anna Regina market and villagers, including school children of the various surrounding communities along the St Deny’s, Tapakuma and Mainstay route.
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There is much to celebrate on Republic anniversary – Finance Minister at Region 3 flag raising
Georgetown GINA, February 24, 2012
Mashramani 2012 is an important landmark in Guyana since it also depicts the 42nd Anniversary of Guyana’s Republican status.
This view was expressed by Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh when he delivered the feature address at the flag raising ceremony held at the Regional Democratic Office in Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three last evening.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and Region Three Chairman Julius Faerber and other officials at the flag raising ceremony in the Region 3 RDC compound
Minister Singh gave a review of the circumstances surrounding 1970 when Guyana became a Republic and then turned to Guyana’s present day status. He noted that there was no doubt that during the 42- year period, Guyana and its people have had many experiences and had confronted and overcome many challenges. These led the nation to become mature as it survived for all Guyanese to become proud today of what they have achieved.
“There is much to celebrate,” the Minister observed, pointing out that Guyanese can be proud of democracy, a rule of law to protect all citizens and a Constitution that is progressive for the good of the nation.
A Police officer about to raise the Golden Arrowhead at the RDC compound, Region Three
Minister Singh stated that the fact that the current Legislation serves to protect the rights of all people makes it easy to be taken for granted. He urged persons to cherish, guard and protect Guyana’s legislation. This he said would lay the foundation for tomorrow which all Guyanese are working towards.
He noted that the range of achievements that Guyanese have made together makes Guyana different from what it was 42 years ago when the country became a Republic. With new legislation came Constitutional and Parliamentary Commissions before which all leaders and officials have to appear to justify their actions or pay the penalty.
Entering into the financial arena, Minister Singh compared the 1970 Guyana economy to today’s and reviewed the industries that exist currently, some of which were already in place then. Pointing out the new industries that have developed since then, the Finance Minister posited that manganese, hydrocarbons and oil have placed Guyana on the verge of a most exciting period where large transformations will occur.
He noted that the Gross Domestic Product and economic growth of the country is not only the result of Government’s efforts, but the private sector, households and individuals. The Minister said the growth that Guyana has achieved over the past 42 years should be celebrated by all.
Students from a West Demerara school doing a cultural presentation during the flag raising ceremony on Republic’s eve.
Minister Singh urged all Guyanese to focus on the future and not to be diverted from working together to build the Guyana of tomorrow.
Meanwhile Regional Chairman of Region 3 Julius Faerber after reviewing the Region’s progress, urged all persons to work together for a better region and a better Guyana.
The flag raising ceremony was attended by residents from Region 3 who were entertained by performances from the regional choir and students from schools in the region. The military parade and the hoisting of the National Flag were done by ranks assigned to the region.
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Health Ministry, Digicel launch annual schools debate
-will promote research skills
Georgetown, GINA, February, 24, 2012
In an effort to make youths more aware of their sexuality and reproductive health, the Health Ministry’s Adolescent and Young Adults Health and Wellness Unit in collaboration with telephone company Digicel today launched an annual debate competition engaging secondary schools from Regions 1, 4, 5 and 7.
Some of the Students who will be involved in the debate competition
These include Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Santa Rosa and Hosororo Secondary schools, Region 1; Plaisance, Friendship, Golden Grove and Bladen Hall Secondary schools in Region 4; Belladrum, Bygeval, and Rosignol in Region 5; and Three Miles, Bartica, and Waramadong secondary schools in Region 7.
Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran expressed appreciation to Digicel and the Ministry’s Adolescent and Young Adults Health and Wellness Unit for collaborating to initiate the debate.
He noted that Digicel is a very aggressive company, working with two of the largest government ministries, namely Health and Education.
The debate will see students conducting research so that they can be well informed and adequately represent their respective schools in the competition. Technical support is being provided by the Adolescent and Youth Adults Health and Wellness Unit to ensure participants have enough information.
Minister Ramsaran emphasised that participating in the competition provides the basis for the students to pursue the science subjects. The participants were urged to make use of the available materials some of which will be available online.
Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran engaging students at the launch of the Ministry’s and Digicel’s debate competition
The Health Minister explained that the debate zooms in on reproductive health since as the youths get older and their hormones begin to act-up they must be in control and exercise due diligence and leadership. He challenged the participants to be good ambassadors of their respective schools.
The Minister took the opportunity to promote the Ministry’s technical and clinical training programmes which offer youths the opportunity to pursue higher education and a job in the long run.
Director, Adolescent and Youth Adults Health and Wellness Unit- Dr. Marcia Paltoo gave a presentation on the importance of sexual and reproductive health.
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Minister Whittaker calls on Lindeners to work together for nation’s development - at Flag raising ceremony
Georgetown, GINA, February 24, 2012
Undoubtedly, Guyana has seen much development and is a nation on the rise in spite of challenges, and for that reason, Guyanese must cooperate for the good of the country, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development told Lindeners on Wednesday night at the region’s flag raising ceremony in commemoration of the country’s 42nd Republic Anniversary.
Minister Whittaker said that even inspite of the challenges; Guyanese are experiencing a better standard of living today than two decades ago. The economy has grown on all scales as Guyanese now enjoy increased per capita income, reduced interest rate and inflation among other social, economic and cultural advancements.
Progress can also be viewed in line of the extent to which Government has propelled the country towards attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Poverty Reduction Strategy and the goals set out in the political manifesto, he said.
The foundation has been laid for rapid growth and development, and Guyana can continue to move forward but, only as long as the country works as a collective force towards this aim, he said.
“We are still a land of opportunities but, there are push and pull factors which threaten to erode these opportunities,” he said.
“Help us to build this nation…cooperation brings common development,” he urged and told the crowd that Government stands committed to upholding its moral, social and economic responsibility to the people and will keep the wheels of progress turning.
Speaking specially to the Ministry’s effort at continued delivery of service, he said that the ministry continues to work towards the staging of the local Government elections to bring much need reinvigoration into the local government system. The ministry also continues its effort of building greater capacity within these entities towards more effective delivery of quality services to the residents.
“Let us work together to provide more services, more goods and more opportunities for our people, he urged even as he reminded that development is the responsibility of not only the government but, the entire nation.
Republic Day is day of great revelry and excitement and whilst nothing is wrong with this, Guyanese must not forget the real reason for the celebration, Region Ten’s Chairman, Sharma Solomon told the gathering.
The celebration is of that day, 42 years ago when Guyana finally established itself as a self governing nation and formally committed to working cooperatively to ensuring the success of the nation, he said.
The Regional Chairman urged that residents, like their forefathers recommit to “the idea of working together to ensuring the success of Region 10 and Guyana”.
Region 10, Solomon said, has a bright future with opportunities for economic growth which can be realized with residents’ cooperation.
“We must unite, this region’s development is dependent on the residents’ ability to work together,” he said.
Solomon added that to move forward, the region must set aside political and racial differences, never allowing these to stymie its quest for progress.
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India is committed to assist in Guyana’s development-outgoing High Commissioner
Georgetown, GINA, February 24, 2012
Outgoing Indian High Commissioner Subit Kumar Mandal today paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at his Wight’s Lane, Kingston Office.
In an invited comment High Commissioner Mandal said that when he first came to Guyana, the country’s cordiality was noted, and now that he is leaving, he can say that this warmth has deepened.
The outgoing High Commissioner also said that India remains committed to Guyana’s advancement and will continue to share its development experiences with Guyana.
Outgoing Indian High Commissioner Subit Kumar Mandal pays a farewell call on Prime Minister Samuel Hinds
“We are really happy that Guyana is taking increasing interest in the local and regional affairs…we hope that our friendship with Guyana will get better and will help us to have better relations with other countries of the region…Guyana is showing a very high growth for the last few years and now that Guyana is on the path of being the main explorer of energy which is oil and gas and hydro electricity, we think that there are lots of opportunities for India and Guyana to work together,” High Commissioner Mandal said.
Prime Minister Hinds said that Guyana has been pleased to host the High Commissioner and is satisfied with the significant strides that have been made under his tenure.
Guyana and India have a long history of bilateral cooperation which includes the establishment of the Guyana/India Joint Commissions which are held biennially, and which give effect to the agreements between the two countries.
Several recent projects which have been successfully financed with supported from the Indian Government, including the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
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Natural Resources Ministry meets stakeholders in Mahdia
- as it charts the way forward for the sector
Georgetown, GINA, February 24, 2012
Miners and residents from across Region Eight on Wednesday were given the opportunity to voice their concerns, as well share their knowledge on improved mining and logging practices to move those industries forward during a visit by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud and a team of officials.
The meeting was part of an ongoing outreach programme by the ministry to have all stakeholders integrally involved in the development of the natural resources industry.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud addressing stakeholders at a meeting in Mahdia, Region Eight
The extension of mining blocks, poor road infrastructure, illegal mining and unfriendly mining practices were among some of the issues raised by stakeholders at the meeting.
Minister Persaud told stakeholders of the mandate of the new Ministry and the sub sectors that his ministry holds responsibility for including, forestry, mining, oil and gas, land and the environment.
“The President decided to establish the new Ministry so we could consolidate all the sectors under one umbrella that is associated with natural resources….our task at the Ministry is to look at ways to maximise our potentials in terms of natural resources in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way,” Minister Persaud explained.
Matters raised at the meeting, he said will be given priory attention.
Minister Persaud told the stakeholders that the PPP/C Government is committed to continuing the progress in their Region, noting that the decision-making policy of government is done through a process of listening and engaging beneficiaries and stakeholders.
 Stakeholders at the meeting in Mahdia, Region Eight with Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud
Land for mining
The Ministry, he said has started a position paper on support for small miners, which will be looking at the availability of more land for small miners.
This, he said will be done is a systematic and transparent manner so that small miners will no longer have to compete with large scale miners for land in mineral rich areas.
“So far the committee has met and we have identified particular areas that will be made available for small and large scale miners…this will help to reduce the disadvantage that large miners have over small miners,” Minister Persaud explained.
On March 13, he said the Ministry through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will be holding a lottery for land.
The requirements and applications for the lottery, Minister Persaud said will be in full circulation once all the preparations are in place so that miners could be knowledgeable about the availability of land.
The Ministry is also pursuing training for miners.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud and Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Karen Livan interacting with GGMC officials in Mahdia, Region Eight
Infrastructure
In addressing matters concerning infrastructure within mining communities, Minister Persaud said it is a priority area for Government.
This, he said has resulted in the establishment of a roads committee, since GGMC annually expends a substantial amount of money in upgrading and supporting infrastructure developments within mining communities.
“This committee was established to ensure that the work we do are substantial , that we are responsive when there is work to be done and that we get quality work for the money invested,” Minister Persaud pointed out.
Government, he said is committed as much as possible to supporting development and infrastructure within mining areas since, “it is our interest in making mining communities more viable”.
The perception of mining communities being termed haphazard areas must change, he stated.
“We will be working with other agencies to bring better organisational structures…so that miners and the mining communities get their due respect…so when people come to Mahdia they must feel proud that they are in a very developed and organised place,” Minister Persaud said.
Extension services
With the aim of improving the quality of extension services within the Region, Minister Persaud that Government will be reviewing their functions.
“We have to improve the way we work….since we all can do a better job in servicing the public,” Minister Persaud said.
The ministry, he said will be striving to ensure that the lives of citizens in these areas are not hindered by unfriendly mining practices and as such will be stepping up enforcement services within the mining communities.
This responsibility, he said must not only be on the shoulders of the agencies but, citizens themselves and all stakeholders.
“If you want the agencies to function you have to follow the regulations…people cannot go and breach the regulations and then say that the agencies are not functioning, so people will also have to comply,” Minister Persaud explained.
Following the meeting the Minister and team also walked about in the community meeting and greeting residents.
In January the Ministry also met with miners of Bartica, Region Seven and Lethem, Region Nine to address issues relevant to the sustainable harvesting of natural resources for social and economic good of the present and future generations of Guyana.
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Miners training school to be established at Linden Technical Institute
Georgetown, GINA, February 24, 2012
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment will be working with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to provide training for small miners and to determine how best the Commission and the miners can work collaboratively to address environmental issues.
One way through which this can be achieved is training for the miners and already this is being pursued, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud told residents of the mining community of Mahdia, Region Eight on a recent visit.
“Government is pushing for the establishment of the mining school….we have started work with our partners in Canada in terms of establishing this in Linden at the Technical Institute…we are also looking at the facility at Omai for the practical demonstration aspect...so we want to start training our miners in a way so that they can better perform their activities,” Minister Persaud said.
“We want to work with the small miners, giving them the capacity so that they can be engaged in their livelihood activities in an environmentally friendly way,” Minister Persaud said.
In addition, he said Government has been looking at new technologies for the mining industry, so that miners can have better recovery of minerals, while putting less pressure on the environment.
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