Guyana to be Leprosy free by 2015 – Minister Ramsammy
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
Hansen’s disease, commonly referred to as Leprosy, one of the many diseases identified by Minister of Health as neglected, will be eliminated in Guyana by the year 2015.
Minister Ramsammy gave this assurance while delivering his World Leprosy Day message on January 28, when Guyana joined the rest of the world to observe the anniversary under the theme “Give Hope.”
World Leprosy Day is celebrating 54 years in existence and Guyana is hosting a week of activities.
Minister Ramsammy said that while attention will be drawn to the plight of those living with Hansen’s disease, every Guyanese should be properly informed of its particular mode of transmission.
The Minister said about 246 leprosy patients in Guyana have benefited from treatment programmes while the number of new cases have averaged about 25 each year since the beginning of 2001.
Through a programme similar to the Directly Observe Therapy Shortcut (DOTS) programme introduced for tuberculosis in 2002 through the help of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Minister Ramsammy said cures will be provided for all diagnosed with Hansen’s.
Guyana has benefited from several international partners in the fight against leprosy such as the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the Caribbean Regional Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) and the Netherlands Leprosy Relief Associations.
Guyana’s Leprosy programmes have been ongoing for more than 100 years and according to Minister Ramsammy institutions such as the Mahaica Leprosarium, commonly referred to as the Mahaica Children’s Home and outpatient clinics at Wismar, Mackenzie, Skeldon, Port Mourant, New Amsterdam, Clonbrook, Grove, Lodge, David Rose, Parika, DeKenderen and Vreed-en-hoop and at The Palms have been providing care and treatment.
Patients have benefited from free testing and treatment, special footwear, tools and educational materials for their rehabilitation.
Minister Ramsammy commended the Guyana Leprosy Control Programme spearheaded by Director Dr. Holly Alexander, for its dedication over the years to sustain the services.
Hansen’s disease or Leprosy is an airborne illness caused by a germ spreading from one person to another through coughing, sneezing or contact with an uninfected person with broken skin.
Symptoms of the disease are pale spotted skin or reddish colour, limited hair growth, loss of touch, heat or pain in the hands and feet. Deformities or disabilities may result if not treated early.
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Rice millers/exporters association should be resuscitated - Minister Persaud
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007.
Restructuring of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), legislative changes and investments in infrastructure and research development are some of Government’s initiatives to ensure viability of the local rice industry.
At present, work is being done to restructure the GRBD to better serve the needs of the industry and plans to move this initiative forward will be presented to Cabinet shortly. One of the areas to be focused on is marketing, since this is not one of the current functions of GRBD.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said marketing is primarily the role of millers and exporters and expressed dissatisfaction that there have not been any efforts by millers/exporters to reactivate the Guyana Rice Millers and Exporters Development Association (GRMEDA).
While there is organisation on the part of farmers/producers through the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) there is none for millers and exporters, Minister Persaud emphasized.
He further noted that there are market opportunities for rice in countries such as Columbia and Haiti but there is need for aggressive efforts by millers/exporters to seize the opportunities for the benefit of the local rice industry.
Recently, the Rice Factories (Amendment) Bill 2006 was passed in the National Assembly and is intended to level the playing field and ensure fairness, especially payments to rice farmers by millers.
The Amendment to the Rice Factories Act makes it mandatory for millers to pay a minimum of 95 percent of outstanding purchases to farmers at the end of the year before their mill/export licences are renewed.
Consultations on the Amendment were held with millers and exporters, who expressed their satisfaction with the adjustments to strengthen the integrity of the rice industry.
Other interventions by Government include implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Project with an investment of approximately $3B and the Agricultural Support Services Project (ASSP). This initiative include an investment of approximately US$24M with particular focus on infrastructure in nine targeted areas engaged in mostly rice cultivation.
Under the competitiveness project, $1.6B is being invested in a financial facility that will provide credit for working capital and capital investments to rice stakeholders. This initiative is one of the most important interventions by Government to resuscitate the rice industry.
The rice industry accounts for approximately 14 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is the country’s third largest earner of foreign exchange. It creates employment for thousands in all three counties.
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Health Facilities Bill to modernise legal framework for operating health institutions – Minister Ramsammy
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2007
The Health Facilities Licensing Bill now in Parliament is intended to modernize the legal framework under which health facilities in the public and private sector operate.
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy made these comments during an interview hosted by the National Communications Network (NCN) “In Dialogue,” a new weekly programme.
According to the Minister its objective is to ensure that quality health care and delivery services are maintained by all health practitioners.
Minister Ramsammy said Guyana has a significant number of health institutions in the public and private sectors and the need for regulation will become greater when these facilities are expanded.
He said the Public Health Ordinance Act of 1885 was established to regulate hospitals in the public sector. However, some doctors, nurses and dentists remain unregulated with the emergence of several private hospitals in 1972.
According to the Minister the “old” laws only provided for the inspection of health facilities at private institutions in Georgetown. This has been ongoing since 2002 by independent inspectors who would issue an annual licence after surveying hospitals.
Under the Bill both sectors will be subject to the regulation which will in no way target only the private doctors’ office as is the perception of many, the Minister noted.
The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) recently criticised the Bill, claiming that it is an invasion of privacy and confidentiality and will deter practice by health-care professionals not employed in the public health system.
Minister Ramsammy had noted however that certification is the only means by which quality service can be delivered and the interest of patients is protected.
Private doctors would therefore have to obtain a licence when seeking to conduct major surgeries or offer laboratory services.
The Bill which was sent to a special select committee is intended to strengthen regulation of public and private hospitals, laboratories, dialysis and, imaging centre, surgical clinics and cancer treatment centres that provide radiotherapy.
“There are about 20 laboratories outside of the public health system that will now come under the law including the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) centres.”
Along with guaranteeing quality health-care and delivery to the public, Minister Ramsammy said the Bill will ensure that proper hospital waste management systems are in place to protect the interests of people living within these environs.
Guyana produces 2.5 tons of medical waste a day, 1.3 of which is produced at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and private health institutions in Region Four. Twenty-five percent of hospital waste resources are found with infectious markers
The Public Health Ordinance of 1934 and the Private Hospital Act of 1937 are the two main policies, governing hospital waste management. These will be replaced by the Health Facilities Licensing Act, when the Bill is passed.
In early January, the Ministry of Health hosted a workshop involving representatives of public and private health facilities to continue consultations on the establishment of guidelines to regulate services offered at health posts, centres, districts and hospitals.
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ERC to realign focus in 2007
-Chairman
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Juan Edghill said his agency will be realigning its focus on research, investigations and the resolution of cases, which were brought to the Commission’s attention during 2006.
Having successfully achieved all major aspects of its mandate in 2006 the scope of the commission’s work will be broadened during 2007.
The ERC received 62 complaints for 2006 in addition to 56 which were brought forward from 2005.
Edghill noted that approximately 70 of these were resolved.
He added that during the initial quarter of 2007 the Commission will continue to monitor employment practices, land distribution, awarding of contracts, procurement of goods and services and other economic and social opportunities.
“We will continue to expand our public education and awareness programmes and work with ethnically based social groups,” he said.
The Multi-Stakeholder Forum last year consumed much of the efforts of the Commission’s staff and with that feature completed, the ERC will be allowed to focus on other activities.
In preparation for the General Elections of 2006 the ERC was engaged in a social cohesion programmes among which were the conduct of 143 community conferences, 10 Regional Conferences and a National Conversation, which culminated the process.
A report was drafted and compiled from these engagements based on which a statement accompanied by recommendations was submitted to the National Assembly.
The Commission will be continuing its usual tasks which include a review of operations within agencies formerly investigated.
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Rio Group Summit security arrangements to be used as dry-run for CWC - Minister Rohee
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
Guyana’s security preparedness is on track for the hosting of the prestigious Rio Group Summit scheduled for February 28-March 3 at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal.
“I am confident that the security arrangements will be in place because we are well advanced and the law enforcement agencies will be up and running for this event,” Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee said.
The summit has come at an interesting time, according to Minister Rohee, just prior to Cricket World Cup 2007 beginning on March 28- April 9.
The Rio Group Summit will be used as a test-run for Guyana’s security preparedness for the huge sporting event.
“The security arrangements for the Rio Group Summit will go a far way in helping to attenuate any of the security issues that we are seeking to address for CWC. So it will be used as a dry run so to speak,” Minister Rohee said.
The Heads of 19 Latin American countries will be meeting on March 3 while there will be a meeting of National Coordinators on February 28 followed by the meeting of Foreign Ministers on March 1.
Issues expected to be discussed at the summit are the democratisation of the international system, international economic governance and reform of the United Nations systems.
Meanwhile law enforcement agencies are placing major emphasis on border security for the hosting of CWC.
Last month, Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe had indicated that Guyana, among other host countries, will be receiving assistance for border security from the International Security Assistance Group (ISAG), set up by CARICOM.
Guyana will also be seeking help to form disposal units for the Hazmat arrangements. These are hazardous radiological, biological or chemical substances
Minister Rohee said that Guyana’s security arrangements for CWC are in place and would be judged by several dry -runs to take place in the areas of Fire, Immigration and traffic.
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Housing Ministry to push regularisation, infrastructural development
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
Over the next five years government will be moving aggressively to complete infrastructural projects in all established housing schemes and to regularise of squatter settlements across the country.
Roads, bridges, drainage, water and electricity are the primary focus of the Ministry after which infrastructural development will target the construction of schools, police stations and commercial and recreational zones.
This has been the government’s thrust in the last few years as it sought to provide housing affordable to all Guyanese to reduce poverty and improve living standard.
Diamond/Grove, Tuschen, Goed Fortuin, Mon Repos and Bath Settlement are among the housing schemes that have been significantly developed resulting in more persons occupying their lots.
Government allocated over $624.2M in 2006 for infrastructural projects in the 165 squatter settlements.
Emphasis will be placed on squatting on government reserves which poses a serious threat to drainage systems, Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt said.
Squatting also impedes the regularisation process of an area, thus preventing it from attaining housing scheme status. During the five-year period emphasis will also be on regularising these areas.
In Sophia, one of the country’s largest squatting areas, it was observed that about 167 persons have been squatting on reserves. So far, the Ministry has found houselots for 44 families.
The Minister also disclosed that he recently met with a representative group from Sophia and discussions were held on the difficulty of locating land and the possible reallocation options available for placement of the remaining squatters.
During the latter part of last year, the Ministry launched a campaign to demolish unoccupied structures and remove squatters from private property and government reserves.
Notices were served to the defaulters, giving them one month’s notice followed by a final notice seven days before action was taken.
Additionally, teams were sent out to meet and sensitize the public on the issue of squatting especially on government reserves.
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Public Assistance distribution commences
- more than 16,000 persons to benefit
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
Approximately 16,000 public assistance recipients have begun benefiting from government grants and the Human Services Ministry is advising others to visit their respective post offices to uplift their vouchers for the first half of the year.
Deputy Chief Probation and Social Services Officer Dindyal Singh explained that the books were sent to the officers responsible for distribution in Regions Two, Six and Ten. He said that approximately 13, 000 public assistance books were sent to these regions.
Singh noted that the books will be distributed twice annually since the beneficiaries have to undergo a periodic review every six months.
There are more that 16,000 persons on the public assistance database at the Ministry, and Singh said this is likely to increase in the coming months.
Additionally, Government is also providing social assistance to thousands of Guyanese who are considered to be living in difficult circumstances. Assistance is granted in the form of medical expenses, medical supplies, prostheses and financial assistance to start small businesses among others. For 2006, in excess of 30,000 Guyanese benefited from these services.
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Labour Ministry leading HIV/AIDS workplace education campaign
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
Government through the Ministry of Labour has taken the lead role in the fight against HIV/AIDS at the workplace and is calling on all stakeholders in the public and private sectors to get on board.
Several consultations have been held with employers in the public and private sector to seek their cooperation in adopting policies to educate employees.
Significant steps have been taken by the Labour Ministry to enhance the mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS into programmes of Government Ministries and to support the prevention, control and treatment of this dreaded disease in and out of the workplace.
The administration through this Ministry will continue to work on providing awareness programmes for employees countrywide. For 2006, 20 companies entered into an agreement for this undertaking.
These are: Gafsons Industries, Kayman Sankar and Company Limited, Guyana National Shipping Corporation, Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated, Denmor Garment Manufacturers, Guyana Forestry Commission, Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP), Demerara Oxygen Company, Citizens’ Bank, Cara Lodge, DIDCO limited, Vanessa Guyana, Bartica Chamber of Commerce, Barama Company, Guyana Rice Producers Association, Farfan and Mendes, Continental Group of Companies, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED).
These enterprises are expected to invest in both human and financial resources to host in-house training for staff with focus on prevention and treatment of the disease, create linkages with volunteer counselling and testing services, and to sustain a working environment that fosters HIV/AIDS anti-stigma and anti-discrimination.
They are also expected to develop workplace committees that promote activities associated with sustainable behavioural change and seek to implement corporate policies with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
A survey was recently concluded to determine the level of HIV/AIDS awareness at the workplace while 11 education awareness workshops were held.
A prerequisite to the programmes formulated by the Ministry has been the creation of a supportive environment, coupled with an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign that is directed at protecting the uninfected.
A major component of this campaign is the promotion of tolerance and compassion for persons afflicted and affected by the disease.
The Ministry stated that an estimated 80 percent of its staff falls within the vulnerable age group 15 to 49 years, when persons are most at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS.
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President expresses confidence in Guyana’s readiness for CWC
-accommodation, other preparations intact
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
President Jagdeo opined at a recent media briefing at the Office of the President that Guyana will be ready for Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007.
The Head of State was responding to questions from the media on the country’s preparedness and other topical issues.
“I had a call from Prime Minister Manning…we’ll be taking steps to convene Parliament on Wednesday January 31 and go through the three readings for the four Bills there, which are Bills that all the countries have to pass so that we can be ready before the deadline of the first,” the Head of State explained.
President Jagdeo said that Guyana’s main focus now is to ensure that adequate accommodation is provided for the visiting International Cricket Council (ICC) officials.
“Our key obligation now is to complete another 160 rooms for the ICC. Buddy has indicated that he’d be opening next month, and even if he opens four floors, we’d meet our requirement to the ICC, that’s the primary concern,” he added.
“A lot of Guyanese are buying tickets…. who are coming to stay with relatives,” the Head of State observed, adding that several local Guyanese are buying the US$25 tickets and the Bed and Breakfast programme is going well with many Guyanese preparing to welcome visitors into their homes.
With regard to the Casique Palace Suites and Banquet Hall under construction at Providence, the President related that he was assured by the proprietors that the hotel will be ready for CWC, though it may not be completed in time for the Rio-Group summit which precedes CWC.
The Head of State said that despite this, Guyanese should continue to support the overseas Guyanese investors constructing these buildings since they have shown willingness to invest in their home country.
He urged Guyanese to not only focus on the Buddy’s International Hotel construction but also other hotel constructions around the country taking place for the event. These, he said are also pertinent as they will also provide accommodation for the thousands of visitors expected in the country.
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Gov’t addressing forestry issues
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud has indicated that a national consultation will be held next month with forestry stakeholders to review issues relating to the export of logs and supply of raw materials to manufacturers for value added activities.
This is part of Government’s efforts to develop a definitive position on the export of logs, having garnered the views of all stakeholders in the forestry sector.
“We are examining the matter and we want a coordinated and collaborative approach where all parties work together,” Minister Persaud said.
Two months ago, a Ministerial Committee was set up with representatives of the Forest Products Association (FPA) and Guyana Manufacturers Association (GMA) under the leadership of Commissioner of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) James Singh.
Several years ago, Government initiated a process to address the issue of exporting logs when Prime Minister Samuel Hinds held discussions with representatives of the FPA and GMA.
Stemming from these discussions, several agreements were made based on proposals put forward during the meetings with the FPA and GMA. It was agreed that two representatives be nominated by each organisation to serve on a committee convened by GFC. They were required to submit position papers outlining their ideas on log exports and raw materials supply.
The committee was also expected to develop a position paper that would be the basis for a public consultation during next month, after which Government will refine its position on both aspects.
To date, the committee has made considerable progress with these activities and is currently preparing to host consultations during mid-February to engage all stakeholders in discussions on log export.
Previous action was taken by Government to assure a guaranteed supply of raw materials to manufacturers by providing them with access to prime state lands, a proposal accepted by manufacturers who were issued State Forest Permissions.
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Exemptions secured for Rio-Group attendees, other visitors -President assures
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
President Bharrat Jagdeo has noted that not only would officials coming to Guyana for the Rio-Group meeting be allowed exemptions, but also other categories of visitors.
The Rio-Group meeting precedes CWC, and President Jagdeo noted that Government has secured some exemptions for persons passing through the Caribbean for the meeting and not just for officials with diplomatic passports.
The Head of State made the disclosure at a media briefing at the Office of the President prior to his departure to Russia.
“Security, media people and a number of others who would be coming to the Rio-Group meeting…because alternatively they would have had to pay US$100 per person…so we’ve secured some understanding from CARICOM (the Caribbean Community) on this matter,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee has also assured that Guyana’s security preparedness for the event is well on track.
The meeting is expected to take place from February 28-March 3 at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal.
“I am confident that the security arrangements will be in place because we are well advanced and the law enforcement agencies will be up and running for this event,” Minister Rohee assured.
Minister Rohee noted too that the Summit will be used as a test-run for Guyana’s security preparedness for the huge CWC sporting event.
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President Jagdeo meets Russian President Putin
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
Guyana and Russia’s relations transcend borders and have resulted in the creation of cooperation in areas, which include economic, trade, culture, sport and legal sectors. The relations continue to grow as Russian businessmen are finding good opportunities to invest in Guyana.
After meeting today with Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Kremli,n President of the Russian  Federation, Vladimir Putin said, “We are very glad that our business finds a possibility to work there. Russia is developing relations both with big and small countries. Our relations in the sphere of culture and education are developing productively.
Present at the meeting was Russian tycoon and owner of the Russian Aluminum Company (RUSAL) Oleg Deripaska.
President Putin congratulated President Bharrat Jagdeo on his Administration’s successful re-election to lead Guyana.
The Head of State indicated that he will also meet with the Moscow Chamber of Commerce before his return to Guyana.
A Kremlin official ahead of the talks said restructuring of Guyana’s debt would also be on the official agenda of the two leaders during the meeting.
President Jagdeo has continually lauded the long-standing bilateral relations between Guyana and Russia.
Some 150 students have benefited from Russian scholarships and later became doctors, engineers, teachers, and scientists.
More significantly, Russia has played a critical role in the write-off of debts and the resuscitation of the bauxite industry with significant investments by RUSAL with the possibility of future expansion.
On December 16, 2005 the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) was officially launched, with Guyana entering into a joint venture with the Russian giant, RUSAL, the second largest alumina company in the world, that will bring a US$20M investment to the bauxite industry in Berbice.
Under the management of RUSAL representatives of Aroaima Bauxite Company, bauxite production was projected to rise to 2.5M tonnes in 2006.
Thirty-six years ago on December 17, the exchange of notes between Moscow and Georgetown took place establishing diplomatic relations between Russia and Guyana.
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Gov’t gives assistance to Guyanese sports veteran
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
Acting President Samuel Hinds presents $300,000 grant to former World Boxing Champion, Terrence Halley (GINA Photo).
Acting President Samuel Hinds today made a monetary presentation to former Guyanese World Boxing Champion, Terrence Halley, popularly known as Terrence Alli.
The assistance is intended to assist Halley in conducting extensive repairs to his home.
The Presentation of $300,000 was made to Halley at the Office of the Prime Minister in the presence of his wife Cora Halley.
Halley is acclaimed as being the first local boxer to place Guyana on the world map following his world title bout in the 1980s.
The Acting President noted that the assistance was given in recognition of Halley’s contribution to the development of sport.
Halley was renowned for his proud display of the Guyana flag which draped his trousers during his international matches.
Subsequent to his retirement from the boxing arena, Halley became involved in agricultural pursuits and has made approaches to the government for assistance in this regard.
Additionally, government is currently engaging sporting organisations countrywide in consultation for the establishment of a National Strategic Plan for Sports Development in Guyana.
Research has shown that this is a driving force for national development in a country.
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Minister Prashad checks on progress of Belvedere Industrial Estate
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
Work is ongoing on the design and layout of the12-acre Belvedere Industrial estate in Central Corentyne giving impetus to government’s thrust to accelerate development of local businesses.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad, accompanied by officials of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce on Friday inspected work which was done at the estate. The re-inforced concrete bridge is already in place.
The Chamber’s President Jadoonauth Persaud told Minister Prashad that three of the 16 plots have already been taken and that application forms are available for the remainder. The businessman has partially developed his three plots.
Jadoonauth indicated that in excess of $19M has been spent to date on infrastructural work at the site including land filling which was completed last year.
Minister Prashad said that the industrial estate will realize its full potential when the Berbice River Bridge is completed. He pledged his ministry’s continued support for the development of the estate.
Establishing industrial estates has been a government vision to stimulate entrepreneurship, encourage small and medium scale enterprises to modernize factory operations, facilitate decentralisation and regional development, to assist the manufacturing industry and to generate employment within the private sector.
There are other estates at Coldingen, East Coast Demerara and at Eccles, East Bank Demerara and Government plans to establish one in Lethem, Region Nine.
Coldingen is 39 acres and is located 13 miles east of Georgetown on the East Coast of Demerara. It is divided into 36 plots.
Eccles located about four miles south of the capital city; Georgetown is about 55 acres and is divided into 84 plots. An access road about one mile long, replete with street lights cost $62M and makes for easy access from the East Bank public road.
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Guyanese to enjoy ease of movement within Region
-waiver on documents to be instituted
Georgetown, GINA, January 29, 2007
The Government of Guyana will on Wednesday move the Second Reading of the Immigration Amendment Bill (2007) in the National Assembly paving the way for free movement by Guyanese to other CARICOM States, without the stamping of passports or Inter-CARICOM Travel Documents (ICTD).
The Motion which will be moved by Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee makes provision for Guyana to enter a symbiotic agreement with nine other regional States which have acceded the Single Domestic Space agreement.
The Agreement takes effect from February 1 and persons residing in participating countries will only be required to use passports for identification purposes.
Other participating countries are Jamaica, Barbados, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Persons travelling between identified States will be issued a wristband allowing them hassle free travel.
The Agreement is one of several resulting from discussions among CARICOM States to facilitate free movement during World Cup 2007 and enhance relations within the Region.
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More Amerindian communities to get land titles
Georgetown GINA, January 29, 2007
Four Amerindian communities will shortly receive titles to their lands and a fifth will be granted an extension as soon as the Lands and Surveys Commission has completed mapping the identified areas.
The communities earmarked for land titles are: Rewa, Crash Water, and Apoteri in Region Nine, Karrau in Region Seven and Warapoka in Region One. The latter is a titled community which has had its request granted for an extension of its land.
According to Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues, this is meant to give Amerindians full ownership of the lands they occupy.
She said that following the implementation of the New Amerindian Act, in March 2006 more communities are coming forward with proposals to have their lands titled. She posited that “this is sure testimony that the Act is working”.
Minister Rodrigues was recently in Region One where she engaged in discussion with residents of several communities on their requests for titles as well.
Prior to this visit she also handed over a land title to Toshao of Santa Cruz in Region One (Barima/Waini), John Campbell.
Over the years, Government’s land titling process as it relates to Amerindian communities has been gaining impetus.
President Bharrat Jagdeo in July, 2006 handed over two land titles and one extension to Kaburi in Region Seven, Fairview in Region Eight and Annai in Region Nine. Kaburi received a title for 42 square miles of land, Fairview, 82 square miles while Annai received an extension of 62 square miles.
Earlier in March, the President handed over another set of titles to Campbelltown and Micobie in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) and Arukamai and Kamwatta in Region One (Barima/Waini).
On September 22, 2005, Toshaos of five communities received titles for their villages from the Head of State- Weruni, Muritaro, Malali and Great Falls in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) and Orealla in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne). These communities now have legal ownership to their land.
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