Corruption in Guyana has reduced drastically – Symposium told
Georgetown, GINA, July 13, 2006
Corruption has reduced drastically in Guyana over the years and more mechanisms have emerged to stamp out this illicit activity.
Basic items such as toilet paper, sardines and flour were banned and to travel to a neighbouring country such as Trinidad and Tobago, citizens had to apply for a tax certificate.
This was the condition of living in Guyana some time ago that had given rise to corruption. This is the opinion of Gerry Gouveia, who represented the Private Sector Commission at a Symposium on Corruption hosted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Guyana Democratic Consolidation and Conflict Resolution (GDCCR) Project. The Symposium was held at the Georgetown Club yesterday.
He said possession of these commodities was deemed illegal at that time and these and related conditions in the country encouraged corruption and corruption was the order of the day.
“Times have changed drastically in Guyana over the years and Guyana is one of the most open economies in the regions” Gouveia said.
Many mechanisms have been implemented in Guyana over recent years to fight corruption, according to the President of the Guyana Association of Women’s Lawyers Dale Kingston.
She spoke of the different mechanisms in place: the Standing Committees on Social, Economic, Foreign Policy and Natural Resources Sector, which provide oversight of Government operation and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which oversees the Auditor General’s Office.
Establishment of the Integrity Commission in 1997, establishment of the Procurement Commission and the passing of the Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2000 are other measures taken to stem corruption in Guyana she said.
Barbara Friday, Senior Anti-Corruption Adviser at RTI International, USA who delivered the key-note address at the symposium said corruption does not only affect the Public Sector but also Private Sector and Civil Society can play an important role in reducing corruption.
Guyana stands to benefit from a new initiative under the Millennium Challenge Account which will strengthen Parliamentary and Fiduciary oversight. The programme will also focus on reducing corruption at the Guyana Revenue Authority and other agencies. This was disclosed by Mission Director of USAID, Dr Fenton Sands.
TOP
Region Two preparing for two more towns
Georgetown, GINA, July 13, 2006.
Government is currently spending billions of dollars on further development of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), as a number of infrastructural and other projects are proceeding in various communities.
At present, road construction is ongoing at Zorg, Queenstown, Reliance, Anna Regina, Dartmouth and Charity under the region’s Capital Work Programme with assistance from the Poor Rural Community Support Project (PRCSSP).
Installation of street lights at the new Anna Regina market will be done shortly under a project funded by Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF). It will provide improved security to vendors and residents.
At Anna Regina, a contract was awarded for the construction of a car park under a $6M project. It was initiated by President Bharrat Jagdeo during a visit to the region earlier this year.
The President had also promised construction of a sluice that would provide effective drainage to the Charity area, and a contract was awarded for the project at a cost of $30M.
Additionally, $55M is being spent to empolder a block of land at Bethany under the PRCSSP. This will benefit farmers of the Bethany area and Supenaam Creek while a $66M project that includes construction of access roads, culverts and other structures is ongoing at Zorg/Golden Fleece.
Construction of the Supenaam stelling, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) offices at Aurora and Charity and a car park at Charity, is progressing under the Community Services Enhancement Project (CSEP). Supenaam and Charity are being prepared for secondary townships.
Overall, the project is being executed at a cost of US $16M and targets improvement of basic infrastructure and institutional strengthening of the local authorities within the targeted areas.
Extension of the Suddie Public Hospital to accommodate a diagnostic and treatment centre is scheduled for completion shortly. This project is being undertaken under an agreement between the governments of Guyana and Cuba.
Another major project ongoing in the region is construction of 1,145 metres of sea defence at Capoey and Columbia as a part of a $3.6B project funded under the infrastructural component of the 8 th European Union Development Fund (EDF) and targets works in several areas of Regions Two and Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara).
Regional Chairman, Ali Baksh said these investments are aimed at improving the living standards of residents.
This year, Region Two received a total budgetary allocation of $1.3B.
TOP
Roger Khan drama…
- Government seeking information
Georgetown , GINA, July 13, 2007
Information relating to the removal of local businessman Roger Khan from Suriname to Trinidad and Tobago and subsequently the United States to answer drug charges, has been solicited by the Guyana Government. However details of the request are not available.
The media today queried about government’s efforts in response to Suriname’s disclosure that they are willing to provide such information. Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his media briefing at the Office of the President explained that the Attorney General is seeking medical attention overseas at present and Cabinet was not given the details.
“Indications clearly are that the information has been sought, but I would hesitate to be categorical because our AG is seeking medical attention overseas. I can’t be specific about the way in which that information is being solicited from Suriname or Trinidad and Tobago. He ought to be returning to work soon and our expectation is that that prognosis would be carried out and we would be given more information about what precisely is being sought and how it is being sought,” Dr. Luncheon said.
At his last media briefing, the HPS reiterated Government’s objection to the forceful and unlawful removal of its citizen across jurisdiction and emphasised that it has had no role in Khan’s removal from Suriname or Trinidad and Tobago.
Khan was wanted in Guyana for questioning in relation to the missing weapons from the Guyana Defence Force. He was arrested in Suriname on June 15 following a major drug bust in Guyana’s eastern neighbour. Officials in Suriname alleged that Khan was plotting to kill several senior officials, while the United States (US) has asked that Khan be extradited to answer to allegations of drug offences. He was expelled from Suriname after he was no longer seen as a threat and no charge was laid. He was subsequently taken to Trinidad and Tobago and then to the US.
Earlier, Dr. Luncheon had explained there is insufficient evidence in Guyana to lay charges against Khan despite rumours of his involvement in criminal activities, but reaffirmed the Administration’s unequivocal support for the fight against narco-trafficking.
TOP
D&I interventions continue in rainfall-affected areas
Georgetown, GINA, July 13, 2006
Government continues its interventions to ensure proper drainage during the current period of intensive rainfall and the consistent monitoring by the two Ministerial teams appointed by Cabinet, has contributed to more efficient functioning of drainage structures
Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his media briefing at the Office of the President today said the intensive rainfall is continuing in the backlands with resultant heavy flows to the conservancies, creeks and drainage canals, as well as the front land.
“Accumulation has occurred in the man-made capacity beds, specifically the conservancies as well as the natural ones like creeks and rivers. The consequences are expected with increased capture of flood waters in conservancies and the overflowing of banks of creeks and rivers,” he said.
According to the HPS, drainage in most instances has been related to tidal flows within the usual standards both by gravity flow and pumps.
“Consistent monitoring by the two Cabinet teams has led to improvement in the functioning of the Drainage and Irrigation system with respect to drainage,” he said.
Meanwhile, regarding the humanitarian aspect of the situation, several riverain communities were flooded and Dr. Luncheon acknowledged that several citizens continue to be affected.
Assessments of the situation were conducted in these areas and subsequently, financial support was provided to communities in Regions One, Four, Five, Eight, Nine and Ten.
TOP
United States supporting emergency and disaster preparedness in Guyana
Georgetown GINA July 13, 2006
The United States government is continuing to provide technical support for the promotion of programmes locally to enhance emergency and disaster preparedness.
A series of public safety, security and medical response courses instructed by facilitators of the St. Croix Rescue Academy are ongoing to equip the participants with fundamental knowledge and skills.
The facilitators are working along with the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) at a Medical First Responders’ course at the Grand Coastal Inn.
The course has been continuing throughout the Caribbean for a number of years and is the third such course in Guyana. In previous courses stakeholders have benefited significantly.
This year major emphasis is being placed on Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Search and Rescue training.
Participants benefiting are drawn from the Prison Service, the Guyana Defence Force, (GDF) Joint Services and a few non governmental organisations such as the Red Cross and church groups.
They are at present undertaking extensive six-week EMT and Search and Rescue training and successful participants will benefit from an instructor training overseas.
Workshops on emergency management care and treatment have all been completed this year, and in coming months, shelter management programmes will be introduced on.
The course has already won the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It will equip individuals with the knowledge to effectively manage disaster shelters.
USAID and UNDP will also be working with the CDC on the establishment of permanent shelter facilities in Guyana.
Education on disaster preparedness remains a key issue in Guyana and will be promoted to ensure that people become aware of their roles and responsibilities on disaster preparedness.
At this juncture the skills acquired at the Medical First Responders’ course will coincide with the public safety, security and medical response preparations for the hosting Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007.
TOP
Commissioner of Police proceeds on pre-retirement leave July 24
Georgetown, GINA, July 13, 2006
Commissioner of Police Winston Felix would go on pre-retirement leave starting July 24, during which time Deputy Commissioner of Police Henry Greene would act as Commissioner.
This was confirmed today by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his media briefing at the Office of the President.
Felix formally retires as Commissioner of Police from the Public Service in October.
“The superannuation consequential steps are being implemented in collaboration with the Police Force, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Office of the President, all of whom have a role to play in bringing the retirement from the Public Service matter to the standard and usual closure,” Dr. Luncheon said.
On February 16, 2004, President Bharrat Jagdeo swore-in Felix, who was then Deputy Commissioner of Police, to the substantive post of Commissioner of Police.
Felix's appointment as Police Commissioner filled the void created when former Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis retired in 2001. Floyd Mc Donald acted in this capacity until Felix was confirmed.
As the Constitution requires, the Head of State has to consult with the Police Service Commission and the Opposition Leader in appointing a Police Commissioner. For the Police Service Commission to be appointed the Public Service Commission must first be operational, as its Chairman sits on the Police Service Commission. However, there was no Service Commission in Guyana in 2001.
The Public Service Commission was appointed on December 2003 and the Police Service Commission on January 9 2004. This cleared the hurdles in appointing Felix, who held the position of Commissioner-designate for more than two years.
The swearing-in was also another follow-up process to the May 6, 2003 Communiqué agreed to by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader, Robert Corbin.
At the time of being sworn-in Felix had urged Guyanese to hold him accountable for his service, a pledge that has attracted many criticisms over the past few months, when Felix’s professionalism, character and integrity were questioned, following the disclosure of taped conversations purportedly between him and members of the Opposition.
TOP
Cabinet satisfied with GECOM’s latest update
Georgetown, GINA, July 13, 2006
Cabinet has noted the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) reassurance to Guyanese and other stakeholders of being on target with preparations for the General Elections later this year.
“It is anticipated that the heightened political activity usually associated with an Elections campaign according to Guyanese standard, would commence shortly,” Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon said at his media briefing at the Office of the President today.
Among these preparations are
- Preparation of the lists of Polling places;
- Preparation of the lists of Polling day staff;
- Preparation leading to the appointment of Returning Officers;
- Preparations for Nomination Day;
- Preparation for overseas and Disciplined Forces balloting
- Preparations leading to the certification of the Revised List
“Cabinet expressed its satisfaction with those reports by GECOM. Equally, Cabinet was satisfied with the consistent support provided to GECOM by the donor community, one of three signatories to the Memorandum of Understanding governing this 2006 General and Regional Elections,” Dr. Luncheon said.
TOP
Greater access to developmental projects in hinterland
- outreach highlights
Georgetown , GINA July 13, 2006-07-13
Recent Cabinet Outreaches to the hinterland regions have highlighted that more social services and developmental projects have been channelled into those communities over the last few years than in any other period.
During the recent Outreach to Region One on July 10 and 11, Amerindians and other residents have testified that most of the services currently available were never before accessible in their communities.
At Canal Bank in the Kaituma River, residents observed that a boat and engine which was donated by President Bharrat Jagdeo to transport students to and from school has significantly impacted on educational access by many who were previously unable to get to Port Kaituma to attend primary school.
Residents of Four-Miles, Port Kaituma are to benefit from a minibus which was given to them by the President to transport students in the area and its immediate environs.
Educational access is also being made more accessible as a result of the School Uniform Assistance Programme which is executed through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
Arakaka, the Primary School is currently being reconstructed and will accommodate approximately 90 students.
The health sector in the hinterland has been boosted following a Presidential initiative to provide training for Community Health Workers (CHW) in various interior districts.
Hospitals have been constructed in all major communities while health posts have been erected in smaller settlements such as, Arakaka, Four Miles, Canal Bank and Sebai.
Government supplies approximately 15 barrels of fuel monthly to provide electricity for residents of Port Kaituma, who were previously confined to a limited electricity supply daily.
This provides much needed service for hospitals and laboratories in these communities.
Access to outlying areas has been facilitated by the construction of road networks executed through the Ministry of Public Works and communications and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
This has assisted in linking interior communities in addition to creating opportunities for increased trade and agricultural activity between communities.
A supply of sports gear has been supplied for recreational activities in many of the communities and requests were made for additional gear for other communities.
A number of other social amenities were committed during the Outreach which will assist in improving the lives of residents in the hinterland.
TOP
Ministry of Education to rectify placement problems with minimal disruption
Georgetown, GINA, July 13, 2006
The Ministry of Education is expected to rectify shortly, problems regarding the placement of pupils who sat the Secondary Schools Entrance Examination earlier this year.
This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his media briefing at the Office of the President today.
The results of the examination were made public last week, but several parents have expressed concerns about the location of the Secondary Schools allotted to their children, noting that it is extremely far from the areas where they reside.
Some pupils from Soesdyke/Linden Highway locations were placed at schools on the East Coast Demerara. Dr. Luncheon admitted that the matter attracted Cabinet’s attention at the last session and Education Minister Dr. Henry Jeffrey has provided an update on the matter.
“I want to believe that uncertainty in many areas prevailed and that the Minister of Education is suitably informed and that the Ministry is taking all the necessary steps to alleviate the fears and uncertainties that have been provoked in many areas,” the HPS said.
The Minister of Education has explained to Cabinet that some 19,000 pupils wrote the examination and this large number may have contributed to the hiccups
“In the context of increasing equity of access, the large number of pupils who wrote the examination is of course an important benchmark of development and therefore one should not be oblivious to the possibility of some bottlenecks in placing 19,000 pupils. But because the anticipation was already there and the Ministry has considerable resources to address the issue, one is left with a distinct impression at Cabinet that the Ministry would handle the placement of these pupils with minimum disruption.” Dr. Luncheon said.
TOP
Works on New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek road proceeding
Georgetown, GINA, July 13, 2006.
Reconstruction of the road from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek, Region Six has started and is progressing under Lot I of the multi-million dollar project.
This year, government allocated $755M to commence the Lot I phase, which is being executed by DIPCON Engineering Services while negotiations for the procurement of another contractor for Lot II is ongoing.
The entire project is valued $8.2B to resurface 86 kilometres of road and reconstructing 80 structures, including culverts and bridges, along the route. It also includes the construction of two roads:- Princess Elizabeth and Strand, which provide entrance and exit to New Amsterdam.
Feasibility studies and designs for the project were done in 2004 while the agreement for its funding was signed in 2005 by the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The project was tendered subsequently but attracted bids above the funding provided and required re-tendering.
This project is among many other developments being undertaken by government in its quest to improve the country’s infrastructure.
Other projects are being pursued and to date, feasibility studies and designs for Black Bush Polder and East and West Canje roads were completed. Negotiations are ongoing to secure funding for these projects.
In addition, feasibility studies and preliminary designs for a new road extending from Mandela Avenue southwards to Diamond parallel to the East Bank Demerara public road were completed.
TOP
Construction advancing at Diagnostic & Treatment Centre
-President expresses satisfaction
Georgetown , GINA, July 13, 2006
President Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed his satisfaction with the progress being made on the construction and rehabilitation of a number of health-care facilities countrywide.
The comment was today made following an inspection at the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, under construction at Diamond.
President Bharrat Jagdeo on an inspection at the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre currently under construction at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Also in photo are Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon and contractor Glendon Miller
(Sandra Prince Photo)
The President was accompanied by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Roger Luncheon.
“I am very pleased with the progress at this site in spite of the delays we had”, the Head-of-State remarked, noting that he has confidence in the ability of the contractor to reach his August 15 deadline.
The President said the project coordinator and supervisors make daily visits to the locations to provide an update to government.
The contractor explained that the plans for the building were done by the Cuban team and several logistical matters had to be addressed, since the documents were in Spanish. He said that the services of an interpreter were subsequently requested.
While at the site the President was also updated on similar construction work being conducted at Leonora, Suddie and Mahaicony.
A view the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre currently under construction at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, which was visited by President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday
(Sandra Prince Photo).
He added that Cabinet offered its no objection to the award of the contract for the US$10,000 modern hospital at Linden, and this should be signed within two weeks.
He noted that “this is part of our plan to improve health-care delivery.”
Speaking about the Ophthalmology Centre at Port Mourant the Head-of-State said: “we just completed the tendering process and hopefully, within a few weeks we will be able to award that.”
He also drew attention to the Lethem Hospital in Region Nine which is due to be completed later this year.
The Head-of-State said the Moruca Hospital is also scheduled to begin construction in the near future and will make quality healthcare more accessible to residents in that district.
He noted that a large investment is being made in the health sector and this will improve the delivery of healthcare countrywide.
TOP
ICT4D strategy and e-Commerce legislation to enhance Guyana/US trade links
Georgetown, GINA, July 13, 2006
Electronic Commerce is being promoted as a catalyst for enhancing the trade relations between entrepreneurs of Guyana and the United States of America.
“For Guyana those most exciting aspect of e-Commerce is the potential to advertise and sell Guyana’s products to consumers around the world, many of whom have never been to Guyana,” US Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Michael Thomas, told those present at the seminar.
The seminar, E-Commerce in Guyana: preparing for Success, was conducted by Mr. Steven Rynecki of the Academy for Educational Development in Washington D.C, an e-business and technology access/applications specialist.
He said the seminar comes at an opportune time, shortly after the Presidential Summit on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) where President Bharrat Jagdeo shared his vision for Guyana’s development through the deployment of ICT.
Thomas said the Rupununi Weaver’s Society is a famous example of what e-commerce could do for a business.
“Once a dying art, the weavers’ signature, Wapisiana Hammocks have become world renowned, largely through and innovative collaboration with GT&T that brought the weavers” Thomas said.
He said through this initiative they have been able to sell as many as 17 hammocks for US$1000.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manzoor Nadir told the audience of Guyana’s move to introduce an E-Commerce Bill in the National Assembly which will give effect to electronic transactions.
The Draft Bill guards against transaction discrimination solely because it was conducted via an electronic medium and embraces critical principles of technological neutrality, encouraging deployment of new technological advancements and self-regulation where appropriate.
During an interactive presentation, Guyana’s ICT Coordinator and Information Liaison to the President Robert Persaud, told those at the seminar of Government’s commitment to e-Commerce and the strategic actions to be pursued to ensure it is a catalyst for enhanced trade and economic prosperity.
Persaud’s task was to show the nexus between Guyana’s’ e-commerce push and the implementation of the ICT4D strategy.
He said the holistic implementation of the Strategy will encourage and facilitate e-Commerce growth through the development of appropriate information and other infrastructure, incentive regimes and education programmes.
Persaud said the Head of State’s vision as adumbrated in the national ICT4D strategy is that “All citizens, businesses and public institutions in Guyana will have the opportunity to participate in the information and knowledge society in order to accelerate national development and prosperity.”
In conclusion the ICT coordinator told participants at the seminar of G overnment’s plans to aggressively pursue implementation, tabling and enactment of e-Commerce legislation, to give effect to its full utilisation to foster economic development in the information age.
Guyana ’s ICT4D Strategy recognises that the presentation of the E-Commerce Bill is a critical task to be undertaken as early as possible.
TOP
Office of the President charges CID to investigate porno saga
- Cabinet concerned about revelations
Georgetown, GINA, July 13, 2006
The recently revealed pornography being publicised on the internet allegedly by a group of businessmen’s sons have sent shock waves across the society and raised Cabinet’s concerns.
Commenting on the revelation today, Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his media briefing at the Office of the President, said the matter was discussed at Cabinet which strongly urged that the issue should be thoroughly investigated.
“The Office of the President is clearly concerned about these revelations and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force has been so advised, for the investigative staff to pursue all the lead in this matter so as to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Recently several young females have alleged that a group of rich young men published video of themselves and the young women in sexual acts on the internet without the females’ permission. There are also reports that at least one of the victims has received a death threat if she gives information to the Police.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police has since called on the victims to make reports to the Police, indicating regardless of their financial status in society, the culprits would be duly prosecuted.
“I don’t believe that the CID has at this stage, done enough to give us a formidable report on this matter, particularly about who, where, when, why and what steps are being taken to initiate prosecution. But with this clear unambiguous charge by the Office of the President to the investigators of the Police Force, I think one can expect some definitive information about the perpetrators and what exactly has been done and particularly ways in which the long arm of the law would be applied in this instance,” he said.
TOP
Government allocates $200M for Lethem to Linden road repairs
Georgetown, GINA, July 13, 2006
Despite a private company having the contract for maintenance of the Lethem to Linden roadway, Government has allocated $200M to fund significant repairs to the road and bridges along the route. The road provides access from Region Nine to Region Ten. This disclosure was made today by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his media briefing at the Office of the President.
Mecdeci Machinery and Construction (MMC) Incorporated has responsibility to maintain the road from Mabura to Lethem under a sub-contract granted by government. In exchange, MMC operates the crossing at Kurupukari along the Linden to Lethem road.
Much difficulty along this route has been encountered when proceeding south of the Kurupukari crossing. In April, the bridge at Kurupukari collapsed under the weight of an overloaded truck carrying more than 16 tonnes. This resulted in traffic being cut off along the roadway. Government spent almost $13M to execute emergency repairs by constructing a wooden one-way structure that is currently facilitating traffic while weight restrictions are being enforced.
Dr. Luncheon noted that because of this problem, the entire situation was reviewed by Cabinet and it was agreed that a more comprehensive approach would be taken.
“On that basis Cabinet decided that sufficient funds would be made available and the Prime Minister (Samuel Hinds) was advised to move immediately to expend $200M,’ he said.
Half of this sum was allocated for repairs to the bridges along the route, while the remaining $100M is to be spent on repairing the road.
“The Work Service Group in the Ministry of Public Works is busy identifying bridges with structural defects, busy sourcing materials and supplies to be able to move seamlessly to move into a phase of intense repair of these bridges and the road,” Dr. Luncheon said.
Over the years, government has been involved in the maintenance and upgrading of the Lethem roadway. In 2002, it granted a sub-contract to MMC for construction and maintenance of the road through which the company is authorised to levy tolls for its use. The tolls would be used to fund its maintenance and construction.
Last year, government spent an additional $1.5M on road repairs to a section of the route at Hunt Oil, which was damaged by rainfall and flood.
TOP
|
