Celebrating his life and achievements
- Activities planned to celebrate the life of Dr. Cheddi Jagan
GINA, Georgetown, March 04, 2005
(1918- 1997)
To celebrate the life of Guyana’s first democratically -elected President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, a month of activities has been planned and will commence today with Night of Reflection at Freedom House, Headquarters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
March 6 will mark Dr. Jagan’s 8 th death anniversary. Dr. Jagan was born on March 22, 1918, at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. He was the son of an ordinary sugar worker. Dr. Jagan died on March 6, 1997 after being hospitalised at the Walter Reed Military Hospital, Washington D.C.
On March 6 there will be a simultaneous Wreath Laying Ceremony in Karasabai, Region Nine and in Kopinang, Region Eight. There will also be a tribute ceremony at the Play Park, Anna Regina.
The annual tribute will be held on Sunday at Babu John, Port Mourant, at 14:30 hrs and will be addressed by President Bharrat Jagdeo, Mrs. Janet Jagan and General Secretary of the PPP Donald Ramotar. This will be preceded by a cycle race in New Amsterdam. A knock -out soft ball competition will be held at Helena Number Two Ground, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.
A bar-b-que and fun day on March 19 will be held at Lima, Essequibo Coast. March 20 will be the annual State House Family Fun Day. A similar event will be held at New Road Sports Ground, Essequibo. A fitness walk will also be held the said day at the National Park.
On March 22, there will be a number of activities including a video show and lecture at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre.
Dr. Cheddi Jagan will always be remembered for his exemplary moral and ethical standards. His character and principles allowed him to courageously and steadfastly prevail in times of adversity.
He is recognised as a dignified statesman of impeccable integrity whose legacy of incorruptibility should be a guiding light to all.
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More focus on tackling crime in 2005
-acting Minister of Home Affairs
Georgetown, GINA, March 03, 2005.
“The increase in violence and anti-social behaviour are not only problems in Guyana. “They are global issues.” So said Minister of Home Affairs (Acting), Gail Teixeira in her Budget debate presentation in the National Assembly. The Minister explained that these issues are becoming greater concerns in the highly developed countries, even where there is a reduction in poverty.
The Minister pointed out that not all increases in the levels of violence are related to crimes and criminal activity.
According to Minister Teixeira, Guyana was represented at the Sixth Conference of the Ministers of Defence of Latin America, where 32 countries attended, to discuss issues on crime and security. At the Conference, hemispheric cooperation was discussed to address issues such as drugs, arms and ammunitions trafficking.
“This programme will have special impact on small States which because of their size, require special assistance to increase their technical and human resources,” Minister Teixeira noted, adding that financial institutions were encouraged to support the programme.
Meanwhile, the Minister noted that there are changes taking place in terms of crime and security. She pointed out that the Guyana Police Force has emerged over the last three years a stronger, better trained and equipped force.
Minister Teixeira reported that there has been willingness on the part of the Force to improve community relationship, stating that there is greater discipline in the Police Force.
Additionally, more Police have been recruited and this will continue to ensure the presence of Police in all parts of the country.
Minister Teixeira reported that there has been an increase in murder, kidnapping, robbery with violence and robbery with aggravation over the 2003-2004 period. However, an overall increase in serious crimes outside of those showed a two percent increase.
Minister Teixeira said there are areas in which the Ministry will be focusing this year, particularly the rise in rape and violence against young girls and women. She also noted that the rape record also includes boys and men.
Giving figures on the top thirteen crimes from 1995-2004, the Minister said that there were 4,577 for 2003 and 4, 661 in 2004, while the main increases being in larceny, rape and break and entering.
Meanwhile, there has been an increase in the seizure of cannabis and the number of persons in possession of cannabis and cocaine.
In terms of road accidents the Ministry is working to complete the draft legislation to bring Breathalyzer tests into the country and another legislation to introduce wire-tapping.
In the area of road accidents, Minister Teixeira said there have been an increase in accidents but a decrease in the number of fatalities.
With regards to training, over 525 officers and other ranks were trained locally and overseas while there was training of officers in areas of domestic violence, money laundering and Trafficking in Persons. Additionally, 721 officers were trained in various areas in 2004.
Under the capital budget a several pieces of equipment were purchased to better equip the Police and fire service, while work has commenced on police stations. The Bartica police station has started and is expected to be opened soon. Preparation has started for the Sophia police station will continue this year.
Strengthening of Community Policing Groups continues to receive huge emphasis. There have also been plans to establish a Citizens Security Unit, which will be coordinated through the Policing Groups.
Fire service equipment was also purchased in 2004. A supplementary budget of $154M by Government was given to buy equipment for the fire service, police and prisons. These included transport vehicles and water hoses for the fire service and for the first time breathing apparatus and protective suits to protect firemen.
The Police Complaints Authority received 214 complaints in 2003 of which 168 were investigated, 235 were presented to the Police Complaints Authority of which 43 were investigated.
Meanwhile, Minister Teixeira said that the world is now threatened with new kinds of social behavioural patterns and responses that will continue to be a challenge.
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Guyana High Commission in UK continues its flood relief efforts – more than $13M raised
Georgetown, GINA, March 4, 2005
To date, $13.77M has been raised by the Guyana High Commission in London, since the Commission launched its flood disaster appeal on January 25 last.
One of the major events, a concert televised live on NCN television on February 20, raised more than 7,000 pounds sterling.
The concert was also aired in North America, Europe and the Caribbean and for two hours the audience was thrilled by renditions, dances, poetry and satire from renowned Guyanese performers.
Laleshwar Singh, Guyana’s High Commissioner extended his profound gratitude to the organizers, hosts, performers and others who helped with the success of the concert. The Guyana Flood Disaster Fund-Raising Co-ordinating Committee was praised.
The Guyanese diplomat noted that the Committee should be thanked for organizing a concert of such magnitude in such a short space of time.
The committee’s next major fund-raising event is a grand dance which will be held on March 12, in Wembley London. The efforts will then move to Birmingham on April 9, where another major fund-raiser will be held.
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TIP training continues this year- first session to be held in Essequibo
Georgetown, GINA, March 4, 2005
The Trafficking in Persons training programme, which started in 2004, will continue this year. The first programme for this year will be held in Essequibo on Monday March 7.
Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick will be the main speaker.
Minister Shadick said Trafficking in Persons remains one of the main the priorities on the Government’s agenda.
The Ministry has also established an anti-trafficking in persons Unit.
Minister Shadick noted the unit is specially designed to combat TIP. It will house all the information including criminal activities, adding that TIP training will also be done with some funding from United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Thirty persons were already trained in implementing ways to combat TIP. The programme aims at training 300 persons from all ten administrative regions of the country.
In 2004, the Government through this Ministry implemented a TIP campaign, which was taken to all the regions in the country. The National Plan of Action to combat TIP was also established. A Trafficking in Persons law was also passed in Parliament.
On this campaign public consultations were held on domestic violence, the age of consent and other social problems, which are, earmarked contributors to TIP.
According to a recent report from the Government of the United States, it accepted and recognizes the efforts by the Government in combating TIP.
The report said, “The Guyana made appreciable progress in devoting more resources to anti-trafficking in persons efforts, cooperating with the international community, modernizing national laws to sanction traffickers and keep minors out of prostitution, rescuing and protecting victims and taking preventative measures.
Government provided training for community leaders on how to use existing laws to address TIP and co-sponsored with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), training for community leaders on how to identify TIP and assist victims.”
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Minister Nokta to visit Region Six
Georgetown, GINA, March 04, 2005
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta will be making a two-day visit to the East Berbice/ Corentyne, Region Six beginning tomorrow.
The Minister is scheduled to meet with the Crabwood Creek Interim Management Committee as well as the Macedonia/ Joppa Neighbourhood Democratic Council.
Community Road Grant 1780 and the Old Road at No. 36 Village will be commissioned during the visit. While there, the Minister will visit Babu John for a wreath laying ceremony to mark the death anniversary of former President, Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan.
In addition, there will be a cycle race from Freedom House in New Amsterdam. The Minister is scheduled to attend.
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No contract awarded for machine readable passport – Dr. Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, March 4, 2005
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon said that reports circulating in the media that a printery has been identified to print machine readable passports are baseless speculations.
He was speaking at his post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday.
Recently, Government had announced that it will be replacing the current Guyana passports with machine readable passports. The move is in keeping with Regional/International norms and promotes convenience and security.
The new passport will contain features that will allow the bearer to be uniquely identified via access to an electronic master data base.
However, there were rumors that a printery in Kenya was contracted by Government to print the passports. Dr. Luncheon told reporters that three companies have been invited for pre-bid meetings.
“I want to reiterate that we have not contracted any firms to print machine readable passports. We still have to look at certain aspects before we proceed,” added Dr. Luncheon.
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International Women’s Day- observed on March 8
Georgetown, GINA, March 4, 2005
“Women- Creating through their vision and coping strategies a prosperous, a just humane Guyana,” is the theme under which International Women’s Day 2005 will be observed in Guyana.
The Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB) within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security along with other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) representing women in the country have planned several activities in observance of this day.
Some of the activities, which have been planned for Georgetown and Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Eight and Ten include address to the Nation by the Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social security Bibi Shadick, viewpoints, rallies and workshops focusing on women issues.
Administrator of the WAB, Hymawattie Lagan said, “I would like to call on all women, wherever they are to bond themselves together to face the challenges confronting our society today.”
She went on to say that girls are becoming increasingly vulnerable in our society today and as Guyanese we need to ensure that this is not being tolerated in society any longer.
Administrator Lagan said, “we know that there is much to be done let us rededicate ourselves for all Guyanese, women and face our difficulties positively in unity and conviction. What is needed is positive concrete change that will give more power and confidence to women and girls and transform relations between men and women at levels of society.”
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Guyana’s Memorial with Arbitral Tribunal
Georgetown, GINA, March 4, 2005
On February 22, Guyana submitted its Memorial to the Arbitral Tribunal set up to hear the case of the Guyana-Suriname Maritime Boundary Dispute.
Proceedings to have the dispute finally and peacefully settled commenced on February 24, 2004 when Guyana submitted its Statement of Claim to the International Tribunal under the Law of the Sea Convention.
In March the same year, Suriname responded to Guyana’s notification.
Now that Guyana has submitted its Memorial, Suriname will have up until October this year to submit its countr-memorial and until August next year to submit a rejoinder.
In a process that could take a few years, but which will irrevocably settle the centuries-old dispute, hearings should take place around October – November next year.
Though there is no time limit on the hearings, it is expected that this part of the process will take about two years.
Six months after the closure of the hearings, the Arbitral Tribunal shall endeavour to render its Award.
Within 30 days after the receipt of the Award, a request for the interpretation of the Award in accordance with Article 12 of Annex VII may be made.
Within 45 days after the receipt of the request the interpretation shall be given in writing.
Within 30 days after the receipt of the Award, either party may request the arbitral Tribunal to correct in the award, any errors in computation, any clerical or typographical errors or any errors of similar nature.
The Arbitral Tribunal, may, within 30 days of the communication of the Award, make such corrections on its own initiative.
In June 2004, the Tribunal was established with President of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea Judge Dolliver Nelson as the President of the Tribunal. Other members named are Dr. Kamal Hossain, Dr. Allan Phillip, Professor Thomas Franck, and Professor Hans Smit.
Guyana’s legal team is headed by Sir Shridath Ramphal.
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RUSAL ‘power team’ calls on President Jagdeo
Georgetown GINA, March 4, 2005
A high level team from the Russian Aluminian giant (RUSAL) met this morning with President Bharrat Jagdeo at State House.
The team included Roman Bolgarin, Director of Bauxite Company Guyana Ltd. (BCGL), the company that was established as a result from an agreement between the Government of Guyana and RUSAL, Kirill Strunnikov Legal Counsel BCGI, Alexei Tsykunov Legal Counsel to the Alumina Division of RUSAL, Andrey Alexandrov Finance Manager and Alexey Gordymov Chief Executive Officer Aroima Bauxite Company.
According to Strunnikov the meeting provided the team an opportunity to assure the President that the investment plans are progressing smoothly. He said they were assured by the President of his continued support.
Two of the main attractions for RUSAL were the open investment approach of the Government and the willingness of the Aroima Mining Company (AMC) to enter into an agreement. “There is a real possibility to create an effective enterprise,” Tsykunov said after the brief meeting with the President.
On December 16, 2004 Guyana entered into a joint venture with the second largest aluminum company in the world, RUSAL of Russia, that will bring a US$20M investment to the bauxite industry in the Berbice area.
Contracts were also signed to allow BCGI to manage Aroaima Mining Company (AMC) until the eventual privatisation of the company. The contracts took effect in 2005.
The company has been granted licenses for prospecting in known bauxite ore deposits in the Linden/Ituni area.
RUSAL initiated a US$10 million phase study on the possibility of constructing an alumina plant in Guyana
If the studies are favourable, then the construction of an alumina plant will represent a US$1B investment in Guyana. This would be the largest investment ever in Guyana
The Guyana/Russia bauxite cooperation was cemented through an initial visit made by RUSAL in March 2003 that was followed closely by President Jagdeo's visit to Russia, when he used the opportunity to push for further cooperation on the bauxite front.
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Regional health facilities to be rehabilitated and upgraded
GINA, Georgetown, March 4, 2005
Sixteen health centres are to benefit from rehabilitation works as part of the post- flood efforts by the Government of Guyana to return the country to normalcy.
The Ministry of Health and the Pan-American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) are acting jointly to undertake the rehabilitation works.
The health centres to benefit from the rehabilitation works include Plaisance, Industry, Beterverwagting, Lusignan, Buxton, Enterprise, Melanie Damishana, Enmore, Nabaclis, Victoria, Clonbrook, Meten-Meer-Zorg, Canal Numbers 1 and 2, Campbellville and Albouystown.
The works to be carried out as outlined in the contract documents consists of the cleaning of concrete floor surfaces and affixing tiles to concrete floors and walls to a height of eight inches. The surrounding areas will be improved.
Damaged timber and plywood cupboards will be removed and replaced. The wooden furniture of the health facilities will be refurbished and strengthened. All debris will be removed from the premises.
As a part of the rehabilitation process existing, grill work, masonry and timber wall surfaces will be repainted with suitable paints and all creases and crevices will be sealed. The works will also include the servicing of water distribution pipes and lavatory basins in the health centres.
Contracts are to be signed Monday for the undertaking of the rehabilitation project. PAHO/WHO has indicated that the project must be completed by March 31.
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Efforts to rid East Coast of garbage continuing
Georgetown, GINA, March 04, 2005
Government is continuing its efforts to rid the East Coast Demerara of large piles of garbage accumulated as a result of the recent flood.
Today a meeting was convened with Local Government Officials, other officials involved, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC’s) and the two waste disposal agencies contracted to remove the garbage.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud said that the two agencies, Puran Brothers and Cevon’s Waste Management have consented to carry out a week of free garbage collection, beginning today. This collection will continue until Friday, March 11.
The agencies will work along closely with the various NDC’s on the East Coast and public announcements will be made to inform residents of the days when the garbage trucks will be passing through the various areas.
The exercise will be monitored by the NDC’s, the Regional Development Officer of Region Four and another official.
“The NDC’s will arrange for garbage to be removed from smaller streets which are inaccessible by the trucks,” the Permanent Secretary said, noting that the trucks are not geared to collect tree trucks. “However, they will pick up other large objects, such as old chairs and refrigerators,” he said.
The NDC’s have been instructed to continue and sustain the garbage collection exercise when the current works are completed.
He pointed out that this year’s budget has placed heavy emphasis on drainage and irrigation and Solid Waste Management by NDC’s.
Meanwhile, a temporary “holding area” and not a dumpsite, has been identified in the Enterprise Backlands for garbage to be placed as part of the emergency efforts.
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Possible irregularities at GRA’s Customs and Trade Administration unearthed
Georgetown, GINA, March 4, 2005
Officials from the Enforcement and Internal Audit Divisions of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Police Force are currently looking into possible irregularities relating to the unaccounted public funds
The irregularities were unearthed at two separate locations – the Customs and Trade Administration, Main Street and at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. Three officers from GRA are assisting in the investigations. So far, approximately one and a half million dollars is missing.
The irregularities took place from July last year to February this year. It is alleged that instead of stating all the financial transactions at the end of the day, the officers in question deliberately deleted some entries from the final list.
A preliminary report presented by the Internal Affairs Division suggested that the three staff members colluded to defraud the Government and citizens of Guyana of public revenue.
An audit, dating back six months, is currently being conducted to determine whether irregularities were perpetrated during that period.
The police are currently investigating the matter with a view to instituting criminal changes against the guilty.
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Encouraging rice and fish cultivation in Region 5
Georgetown, GINA, March 4, 2005
In an effort to diversify the agriculture sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock will continue to focus on the development of aquaculture.
Minister of Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock Satyadeow Sawh will attend a field day activity tomorrow in Region 5, where he is expected to meet farmers who are involved in fish cultivation. Other interested farmers will attend also.
The two-year project titled “ Introduction of Aquaculture and other integrated production management practices to rice farmers” started in March 2004.
The specific objectives of this project sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organsiation (FAO) are: to build capacity of extension officers with a view to carrying out Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and aquaculture extension work.
The programme is also aimed at developing IPM and strategies appropriate to small rice farmers through participatory farmers field and school training. The programme also consists of action research to integrate aquaculture into small rice-based farming systems with a view to diversifying production for increased income and improved nutrition.
In February 2004, the Government allocated US$392,000 for a project for the introduction of aquaculture and other integrated management practices.
The Mon Repos Aquaculture Station continues to conduct relevant research and provides training in aquaculture to local farmers. During 2004, 20 persons were trained, and research was conducted on hassar, red tilapia, nile tilapia and freshwater pacu.
The Mon Repos station continues to support the private sector in such areas as aquaculture feed formulation, feed evaluation, hormonal sex reversal and species testing.
In the area of crops, in 2004 the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) continued its expansion drive for the promotion of the non-traditional agriculture sector.
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