Port Kaituma ferry service to resume
-Minister Benn
GINA, September, 02, 2007
The resumption of the M.V. Kimbia ferry service at Port Kaituma before the end of this month will be a big boost to the economic activities in the community.
The fortnightly service will help to stimulate agricultural production, reduce the cost of living and create competition in the area which will help in the development of the region.
This view was expressed by Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn at the Matarkai community centre, Barima-Waini (Region One) on August 31 during an outreach to the region.
The Minister visited the region to monitor the transportation and communication service in various sub-regions within the Region.
Gold miners, loggers, farmers and other residents of the community will benefit from this service.
The Minister was very concerned over the farmers of the region who are not getting to sell or recoup the cost of their produce due to the lack of transportation.
Within two to three weeks the ferry service which was discontinued a few years ago will be back in service. However, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council Chairman of the Matarkai sub-region John Phillips, said some structures will have to be removed from the wharf before the service can resume.
Minister Benn noted that persons who have illegal structures blocking the wharf will have to be relocated.
Residents were concerned about the security system of the ferry when it leaves the Georgetown port en route to Port Kaituma. The Minister assured the community that he will urge the police within the area to be vigilant at the port to keep away criminal elements.
Minister Benn also visited the Kumaka and Morawhana wharves where the service was praised by residents of Mabaruma. The sentiment of the community was that the service is very timely and efficient and the Minister is hoping that the Port Kaituma ferry would also prove to be efficient.
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Ministers Lall, Benn visit Region One
- Residents express satisfaction with interventions
GINA, September, 02, 2007
The Government of Guyana continues to focus on the development and improvement of communities in the hinterland Regions.
Residents of Region One (Barima/Waini) have marked August 31 as an important day in the Region’s history when two Government Ministers visited to listen to their concerns and provide solutions to their problems to enhance the development of the region.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall accompanied by his Permanent Secretary (ag), Suchan and Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn visited the Region and met residents and regional officials.
The problems identified in the various sub-regions related to education, health, water and electricity in the region.
During a meeting at the Matarkai community centre residents expressed their concerns over the roads and electricity problems facing the sub-region.
Minister Lall and Benn Speak with Residents at Port Kaituma.
According to Minister Benn, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has allocated funds to improve the condition of the roads and work commenced last year. Funds were also allocated for the extension of the road to gold mining areas in the sub-region.
Minister Lall pointed out that his Ministry is sourcing funds for the region to extend the electricity supply in the area from six hours to eight hours which residents pointed out would assist them greatly.
The Minister pointed out that Government is working to attract investors in the Region and is putting in the necessary infrastructure and services. However, he pointed out that skilled persons would be needed for investments to be sustained. He urged that persons take advantage of the opportunities presented to them and ensure that they utilize the skills training centre in the area which can play a pivotal role in the development of youths.
He further urged that youths be creative and utilize resources that are available to them so that they can be entrepreneurs rather than employees. He noted that they are living in one of the richest regions in the country and should learn to utilize resources available to them to enhance their lives.
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Over 10,000 attend Guyana Nite 2007
Georgetown, GINA, September 2, 2007
'Guyana Nite' 2007, staged under the theme Fuelling Agricultural Diversification is being held for two-days to promote the local manufacturing industry at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.
Acting President Samuel Hinds who launched the annual event stated that “Guyana looks to agriculture…farming to be a major basis for industrial and other development.”
He added that “we have been working to and continue to work to make sugar and related products competitive…we are intensely considering opportunities for the growing of cane and other crops for fuel.”
The Acting President said increased rice production and non-traditional crops, fruits and vegetables, meats and fish, have a ready market in CARICOM.
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More that 95 participants were present at this year’s event displaying various local products including handicraft, fresh and processed products, livestock and dairy products.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud gave an overview of the objectives of the annual event and on the agriculture sector. He posited that “the agriculture sector is undergoing changes. These changes are due to local and international circumstances and for us to adjust and adapt, the Ministry and its agencies will also have to make changes and we have started that process.”
Minister Persaud said that this event highlighted glimpses and efforts of some of those changes as it relates to the growth and development of the agriculture sector.
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He added that it is important that every Guyanese support the initiatives, thrust and programmes to advance, modernize and expand the diversification of the agriculture sector.
Guyana Nite was conceptualised by the late Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh in 1999 to showcase, celebrate and promote Guyana’s agriculture sector.
Chairman of the Guyana Marketing Corporation Geoffrey Da Silva in his remarks said that the GMC hosts events like this across the country including in Essequibo, Bartica and Berbice.
He stated that “We are on a very aggressive campaign led by the Minister of Agriculture to ensure that we will be increasing on production and quality for many new sub-sectors in agriculture.”
Da Silva disclosed that “the GMC is upgrading the Sophia packaging facility and the Parika packaging facility will be completed soon and two smaller facilities will be in Charity and Berbice.”
Also present at the event were Ministers of Government, members of the private sector and Members of Parliament. It was estimated that over 10,000 persons attended the event.
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