We know we’ve done well, the Act is just one other thing we have to do
- Minister Rodrigues
Georgetown , GINA, October 15, 2005
Shrugging off recent criticisms of the Amerindian Bill, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues has said that her Ministry and Government can provide the list of achievements since the Ministry was established and since the Government took office.
The Minister was speaking during an interview at the National Communications Network (NCN) Television on Thursday last.
“I hope that Amerindian communities and Amerindian people examine this whole situation…many of them are not even aware of what is happening in Georgetown now. Those who could get the newspapers would probably see what is happening but I think that communities have a good opportunity to analyse and to evaluate who is doing what and I can tell you- the Government of Guyana and the Ministry would come out on top,” she posited.
The Amerindian Affairs Minister explained that Government officials knew from the inception that what is transpiring now would have taken place.
“We never had the cooperation of the NGO’s, and very early in the process they showed their true colours, and so we didn’t expect anything different than what is happening right now,” she reiterated.
The Minister disclosed that she had tapes of submissions that some of the NGO members made at International fora, which revealed that a grim picture was being painted of Guyana and the Government’s role in Amerindian development.
“ There was one occasion when one person was making a submission and they did not realise that we had people there from the Embassy in Washington and that person (the Embassy official) was equipped with all the work that we’ve been doing and stood up and said ‘ look this is the situation in Guyana’, she explained.
“So, I’m not surprised about what is happening, because there is no other way that these people know to interact with us,” the Amerindian Affairs Minister said.
She explained that Toshaos have been going to her office and saying that they were satisfied with the new document, emphasising that it is far better than what was there before.
Referring to her earlier statements about her Ministry’s achievements, the Minister said, “I might sound a little conceited here but I have a right on behalf of the Ministry to feel so because we know we have done well and I’m willing to debate anyone on this issue.”
“We know we still have a lot to do and we’re going to do that. The Act is just one other thing that we have to do,” the Amerindian Affairs Minister further noted.
TOP
MINISTER OF HEALTH
October 15, 2005
Appeal by Honourable Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Minister of Health, for parents to ensure their children have been immunized
The Minister of Health is appealing to parents to ensure their children have received all their eligible vaccines. Vaccines are provided free at all health centres. Vaccines given at the health centers protect you and your children from Tuberculosis (BCG), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis or whooping cough, poliomyelitis (polio) Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Yellow Fever, Haemophilus Influenza Type B and Hepatitis.
Vaccines prevent you and your children from acquiring these diseases. Indeed, vaccines have enabled us to eliminate several diseases from our country. For example, in Guyana, we no longer have smallpox and polio which killed many children long ago. Measles has been eliminated. Guyana has not confirmed any measles case since 1991. No polio case was seen since 1962 and no yellow fever case since 1968. Help us to keep Guyana free of all vaccine preventable diseases by ensuring you and your children are fully vaccinated.
At the beginning of this year only six countries were endemic for polio, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Niger and Egypt. Since the beginning of the year only 1,163 cases were reported in these countries.
However, there are now also ten countries which previously were polio-free countries that have been re-infected since the beginning of 2005. These countries are Somalia, Yemen, Indonesia, Angola, Ethiopia, Chad, Sudan, Mali, Eritrea and Cameroon. Intense campaigns have started to ensure all children in these countries have received their vaccines. Unfortunately, many children have already been infected in these countries.
Guyana should ensure we never get to the point where we have to introduce emergency measures to battle against a virus that has been driven out of Guyana. This is an example of what could happen when we do not take our immunization program seriously.
The Government is providing free vaccines for polio and all other diseases as mentioned. We will try harder to get to those hard -to -reach areas. Government is trying to ensure that we provide and even better service for immunization. But parents need to take some responsibility also. We urge all parents to ensure that their children have received their vaccines. Visit the health centre in your area. Walk with your vaccine card.
If for some reasons, health workers in your region or community have not been providing immunization service call or write the Ministry of Health: Minister of Health, Permanent Secretary, Chief Medical Officer's Office, Regional Health Services Office or the Maternal and Child Health Office.
TOP
Karasabai gets multi-purpose centre
Georgetown , GINA, October 15, 2005
A multi- purpose centre designed to accommodate various activities was commissioned in the village of Karasabai in Region Nine (Upper Takutu Upper Essequibo) by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta.
The centre which is 1,750 sq ft would cater mostly for the needs of Amerindian women who are engaged in sewing classes and upgrading their culinary skills.
Construction of the building commenced in March this year and was completed in August at a cost of $11.7M.
The project is a collaborative effort among the Government of Guyana, the Canadian Development Bank (CDC) and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF)
Also present at the commissioning ceremony was the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Bruno Picard and Mr. Mohammed Ally of the BNTF.
Minister Nokta said that the Government of Guyana is committed to the development of the hinterland regions.
"We will continue to do more projects in the area especially in the education sector. We have already established three secondary schools in the region."
"More projects will be starting soon in the Monkey Mountain area and we are about to lay the cornerstone for the Lethem Hospital which will cost approximately $100M."
The Canadian High Commissioner also told residents that they are indeed a proud people and very hard working and they should keep up the work.
Canadian High Commissioner, Bruno Picard urged the mostly Amerindian community to keep on striving for their upliftment.
"The Government of Canada together with the BNTF is partly responsible for this venture and we will continue to assist in the development of your country."
TOP
Over 1700 Guyanese benefited from Cuban eye-care programme
Georgetown , GINA, October 15, 2005
The initiative taken to send Guyanese suffering with eye related illnesses to Cuba for surgical intervention has proved to be a boon for many patients. And they have publicly lauded Government’s effort.
To date over 1700 persons have benefited under the programme offered to President Bharrat Jagdeo by Cuban President Fidel Castro in August last to allow patients with visual impairments to undergo surgery through the Cuban ‘Milagros Mission’. Hundreds have since returned to their homeland with improved vision.
The Ministry of Health today reported that on an average, there are two flights weekly taking patients to Cuba to have surgeries for common eye illnesses such as cataract, ptergium and extopia.
When they return to Guyana, patients are given post-surgery care at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by two Cuban Ophthalmologists, who are available on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Maria Hutson, a patient said, “I was not able to see before but now, I am seeing much better. I know I would be able to read better than before and I am glad for that.”
A parent of another child said “the surgery was successful. Before my daughter’s vision was cloudy and since the laser surgery her sight has improved.”
The Cuban eye specialists on October 14, concluded a three-day screening exercise at the Enmore Polyclinic East Coast Demerara, where more than 300 persons received attention.
There were many referrals for surgeries in Cuba, and patients were facilitated with their travelling documents by the presence of an immigration officer on site.
Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, had indicated earlier that government will ensure that every Guyanese who needs surgery to improve his/her vision will have the opportunity both in Guyana and in Cuba.
“Even as we are sending people out, we are doing more in Guyana,” he added.
TOP
Adopt a healthy lifestyle for early detection and prevention
- Cancer Awareness Week
Georgetown, GINA, October 15, 2005
The month of October reminds us of the millions who have died after being afflicted with cancer. In wake of this, Cancer Awareness Month is observed every year on October 16 worldwide, to sensitize the public on prevention and treatment.
In Guyana, Cancer Awareness Week will be observed from Sunday October 16, with special emphasis being placed on all types of cancer such as cancer of the breast, tongue, ovary, lung, and cervical cancer.
According to Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, tobacco is the world's most avoidable cause of cancer. In light of this Guyana has begun efforts to reduce the impact of tobacco on health.
"Guyana has acceded to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and will be embarking together with countries around the world to reduce tobacco consumption."
Dr. Ramsammy also stated that lung cancer which stems from tobacco use is affecting most Guyanese men.
"More than 43% of cancer deaths last year were caused by tobacco."
According to the First Vice-President of the Cancer Society, Mitzi Campbell, a theme has not yet been decided on, but persons are urged to adopt healthy lifestyles for early detection and prevention.
Ms. Campbell also said that persons diagnosed with cancer are not limited to one specific gender.
"The majority of cancer patients who come to us for guidance are women. However, men come to us too having being diagnosed with cancer of the prostate and lungs."
Two of the most common types of cancer among Guyanese women are cancer of the breast and cervix, but the others are not an exception.
"Women are being diagnosed mostly with breast and cervical cancer. Just the other day an eleven-year-old died from ovarian cancer and that was indeed tough for us."
While the cancer society instils hope and gives guidance to persons diagnosed with cancer, the disadvantage the society faces is the limited funds at their disposal.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy had said that plans are underway to set up a cancer treatment programme this year to assist in the cancer fight.
In Guyana, more women are being diagnosed and treated for cancer than men; according to Ms. Campbell.
In observing Cancer Awareness Week, this week's activities will begin with a church service to remember and pray for those who have died from cancer and those who have just been diagnosed with the disease.
Cancer Awareness Month will be focusing more on all the leading types of cancer in their observance.
Breast cancer is one of the common types of cancer among women and sometimes men. In a recent study, it is said that Caucasian women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer than African women.
When a woman begins to develop an abnormal growth or lump in her breast she should do a Breast Self-Examination (BSE) or visit her doctor for a mammogram or X-Rays of the breast.
Women who are likely to develop this type of cancer are those who have had a family history of this disease.
Those who are overweight and engage in a minimum amount of exercise are pruned to breast cancer.
It is recommended that women visit their doctor regularly for a mammogram if any unusual development occurs in the breast.
Rosemary Sealy a breast cancer survivor speaking of her experience said that early detection saved her life.
"I would just sit and rub around the chest area, after doing that for awhile I discovered a small lump. I soon discovered it was cancerous and later sought treatment in Trinidad and Tobago."
"I am home now after receiving chemotherapy treatment and am currently doing follow up treatment."
"My advice to women is to do regular breast self-examination as this can save your life."
Cervical cancer is another type of cancer that affects women worldwide and one of the most popular in Guyana.
When a woman engages in early sexual activity she risks developing cervical cancer.
To prevent cancer of the cervix, a pap smear is recommended on a yearly basis.
To conclude this year's observance of Cancer Awareness Week, a walk is being organised by the cancer society.
This will be held on Sunday October 23, 2005. The walk will commence from 6:00am at the National Park.
TOP
ACP/EU delegation given a holistic picture of what sugar means to Guyana
Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Clement Rohee, addresses ACP/EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and representatives of the Guyana Sugar Corporation at meeting today in the Main Conference Room, Takuba Lodge ( GINA/ Ameer Khan Photo)
GINA, Georgetown, October 15, 2005
Members of a joint African, Caribbean and Pacific/ European Union (ACP/EU) Parliamentary delegation was given a holistic picture of what sugar means not only to the economic well being of Guyana but the social and developmental role it plays.
“We were given a holistic picture of what sugar means and although we can talk about the issue you never understand until you see what is happening on the ground,” said Co-President of the ACP/EU Parliamentary Delegation, Glenys Kinnock
The delegation which arrived last night met Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Minister and the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Ministerial Spokesperson on sugar, Clement Rohee today in the Ministry’s Main Conference room, Takuba Lodge.
In welcoming the ACP/EU delegation on behalf of the Government Minister Rohee said, “I believe the delegation’s presence in Guyana is a very timely one,” adding that the visit will give an insight into the real role sugar has played over the years in building Guyana.
Speaking of the extensive visit today to the Albion Sugar Estate in Berbice, Region six ( East Berbice/ Corentyne) Kinnock said, “We had a real sense of the implications of the reform, not just on people working in the industry and the cane-cutters, but the whole spectrum.”
Expanding on the importance of the visit to Guyana Sharon Hay Webster, the second Co-President of the joint Parliamentary Assembly said, “Since you are the hub of CARICOM we felt it was important to be here. As Co-President of the ACP Assembly it is very important to not just talk it but to see for ourselves and now I am able to take back on a local level what I see here and speak of the challenges you face”.
Kinnock said the visit is also important in broadening the understanding what the cut would mean in terms of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“A massive portion of your agricultural GDP (55%) depends on this industry. It is very substantial and I share your worry because there isn’t sufficient understanding or sensitivity of this dependency,” Kinnock added.
Recognizing Guyana’s move to diversify the sugar industry with the undertaking of the US$110M Skeldon Modernization Project, Kinnock said the EU is aware that Guyana is ensuring that a state of the art factory is put in place to make the industry more competitive.
The factory she said “will be a leading example of a developing country’s work in the sugar industry, I think that is extremely important.”
She said that whilst diversification outside of the traditional agricultural crops such as banana and sugar is important, the diversification thrust should utilise a crop that that could provide sustainability in the agriculture sector.
“Yes you must diversify outside the industry but I get tired of people saying grow pineapples, grow avocados. Where are you going to sell them? And if a hurricane comes what happens to those crops, with sugar and bananas you have that ability to plant more than one crop and that gives you sustainability which you don’t get from these other crops,” Kinnock said.
The contract for the construction of the sugar factory and cogeneration plant at Skeldon was signed between GUYSUCO and Chinese Contractor, China National Technology Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC) in June 2004.
Work on the plant which commenced in September 2004, is proceeding and is due for completion by October 2007.
Present at the meeting with the Minister was Ronald Alli, Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) Board of Directors, Nisa Surujbally, Marketing Manager of GUYSUCO, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Komal Chand and other key stakeholders in the sugar industry
Recognizing the presence of the sub–committee established by Cabinet to deal with the reformation of the sugar regime and develop an action plan Minister Rohee said, “In terms of preparedness Guyana is currently finalizing preparations for an action plan in respect to accompanying measures proposed by the EU.”
The team is also expected to pay a courtesy call on President Bharrat Jagdeo tomorrow at 16:00h at State House.
Also on the team’s packed agenda is a visit to Demerara Distillers Limited, Kingston and the Office of the Association of Rice Producers, East Coast Demerara. Discussions on rum production, private sector development in Guyana and rice production in the Caribbean will be facilitated
Before departing, the ACP/EU team will meet with Dr. Steve Surujbally, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
TOP
President announces $100M for rainy season preparation
President Bharrat Jagdeo and President of the GCC Jerry Gouveia leaving the Liliendaal
Pump after visiting(A Sandra Prince photo)
Georgetown , GINA, October 15, 2005
As the coastland prepares for the upcoming rain season, President Bharrat Jagdeo today disclosed that $100M has been set aside to fund preparatory works, mostly drainage.
The Head of State’s disclosure came after he visited several communities within the Capital that are easily flooded. The first stop was at South Ruimveldt Gardens, followed by East La Penitence and West La Penitence. The President was also at the two major drainage pumps in the City – the Kitty and Liliendaal pumps.
Accompanying the President were City officials including Deputy Mayor Robert Williams, City Engineer Beverly Johnson and Town Clerk Beulah Williams.
From the $100M, $50M was allocated to the City, $20M to communities in Region Three, West Bank Demerara and the remaining sum to the East Coast Demerara, as these are communities that were hard-hit in the January floods and are “the three most vulnerable areas,” the President indicated, adding that the $100M allocation is “the initial sum.”
The preparation will not ensure there is no flooding and hence, citizens’ expectations should not be raised, the President said. However, Government is trying its utmost and will continue to do so to ensure there are proper drainage systems in the areas to take off most of the water.
The main focus of the preparation exercise is drainage. The local drainage system is designed to take off 1.5 inches of rain in 24 hours. However, during the last flood, the coastland witnessed as much as 10 inches of rainfall in a single night.
“I am very happy that much of the work has started and some will start shortly in preparation for the upcoming rainy season. We have allocated some money to the city to support their efforts to prepare for the rains. It involves putting in 100 culverts in the City, which I think would bring tremendous relief to citizens, as well as drainage work and repairs to the Kitty and Liliendaal pumps,” the President said.
From the $50M announced on October 10 for the City, $30M was allocated for the 100 culverts, $10M for outfalls, $5M for kokers, $3M for repairs to the Kitty and Liliendaal pumps and $3.3M for workers’ tools and upgrading of community playgrounds.
The $20M allocated on October 14 for Region three will see $5M being spent in Goed Fortuin and the remaining sum in the Canal No. One and Two Polders and De Kinderen.
President Jagdeo urged the City Council and the Regional Democratic Council to go out to tender for the projects, as the monies would be released to them this coming week. Most of the drainage projects would also be awarded to residents, particularly young unemployed persons, so that the drainage could be improved while at the same time creating jobs for the young people, the President explained.
At South Ruimveldt Gardens, the Deputy Mayor would return next Saturday at 15:00 hrs at the shopping plaza to have discussions with residents on the project to clear drains, as $3.5 of the $50M would be spent there and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) would top this up with an additional $2M.
Residents stressed the need for the M&CC to do the projects in a transparent and accountable manner and President Jagdeo noted that this is where the residents have a role to play to ensure it is properly done.
The President undertook to repair a playground in the area for young people. However, on the request to develop a second area into a garden, the President said the large area would be difficult to maintain and the residents and City Council to examine the possibility of leasing it for the purpose of a Hotel, which would also raise property value in the area and ensure maintenance.
The President told residents that Government is doing the culverts, drains and some roads and hence “cannot take on too much as the year is almost to an end. Maybe in next year’s budget we can do more.”
At East Ruimveldt, the President mooted the idea of using pesticide to control the vegetation blocking the main canal, as the country needs “an aggressive ‘parpeting’ programme, which would be less expensive that the drainage clearing at present.”
The youth group in the area also requested funding for a development plan the have proposed, which include a recreational area, day-care, orphanage and educational facility.
The President told them to get a costing of the entire plan and singular components so that Government can determine which it could fund. However, the City Council will work at grading and clearing the area identified immediately, as it is overgrown with vegetation.
He also undertook to fund minor repairs to Kiskadee Drive and installing the sanitary facility at a community project at West La Penitence, where the young people could be trained.
At North East La Penitence, a resident requested a house lot to relocate, since she has been living on the Government’s reserve. This will be addressed. Requests were also made for employment for young people who are out of school and the Head of State said he launched a $30M programme that will train 5,000 youths, 1,750 of them later this year. Additionally, the youths will have another chance when the drainage programme for the community comes on stream, which is expected to cost $1.08M.
At the Kitty and Liliendaal pumps, Engineer Lloyd Alleyne requested a ‘two-connection’ power system to prepare for power failure. He said this was operational during the flood but was subsequently removed. The President was told that repairs would begin on the Liliendaal pump on Monday, while the Kitty pump is awaiting fund, so will start later in the week. The Liliendaal pump was installed since 1979 and parts are hard to find. At Liliendaal, the works can determine if there is flooding in the backland based on the level at the pump and President Jagdeo said a relay system should be established where they can notify the relevant authorities about the level of water
He also commended the workers at the pumps, noting that both areas are developing fast.
“Liliendaal will be to Guyana, what Manhattan is to the United States,” he said.
At Kitty, the President also met an investor who is building a 20-room hotel at Stanley Place Kitty for the upcoming World Cup Cricket games. President Jagdeo urged the City officials to ensure these people receive their cooperation, through the expeditious processing of documents.
Additionally, he also told them that the City should repair the fence around the monument of former President, the late Forbes Burnham, which is kept by the Opposition Party.
Meanwhile, President Jagdeo said that Public Works Minister Anthony Xavier, the Deputy Mayor, City Engineer, Mr. Lloyd Rawlins from the Ministry of Public Works should meet later this week to better coordinate their activities.
Before touring the City, President Jagdeo was at the Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC), where he was told of a land dispute between the company and International Fisheries Investments (IFI). He told the Town Clerk that both parties should name a person that will act as an arbitrator to determine the legitimacy of claim by GNIC that it is their land, as against IFI’s claim that it was leased to them by the City Council.
The Head of State also toured the multi-million dollar cement packaging facility that is being constructed by Trinidad Cement Limited nearby the GNIC wharf. This project will employ about 150 Guyanese.
TOP
