Commission on Law and Order to make proposals to Gov’t
-following 31 successful consultations in 2007
Georgetown, GINA, January 4, 2007
The National Commission on Law and Order (NCLO) will be submitting several security related recommendations to Cabinet for its consideration, according to Chairman of the Commission and Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee.
The Commission’s recommendations will stem from the countrywide public consultations that were held during 2007 to ascertain the security issues facing both urban and rural communities.
During these meetings in the Ten Administrative Regions, piracy, drug trafficking, noise nuisance and school-drop outs were the major issues raised by residents.
The Commission targeted members of the Chambers of Commerce, faith-based organisations, Community Policing Groups, youth and women’s groups, Regional Democratic Councils and civil society.
NCLO is an advisory body which is charged with reviewing laws, policies, and administrative measures which have an impact on law and order in Guyana.
The multi-stakeholder Commission comprises representatives from religious organisations, government agencies, political parties, non-governmental organisations and civil society.
The Commission was set-up in response to a commitment made by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference in 2001.
Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago established similar Commissions.
Guyana’s NCLO was established on November 25, 2005.
TOP
Agriculture Ministry, UG formalize ties for advancing agriculture
Georgetown, GINA, January 04, 2007.
Further agricultural development remains a priority for Government and focus is currently being placed on ensuring that there are adequate and requisite human resources to drive this process forward.
This is being further pursued through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that seeks to formalize and expand areas of co-operation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the University of Guyana (UG).
The MoU was signed today at the Ministry of Agriculture in the presence of Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, UG’s Vice-Chancellor Dr. James Rose and other senior officials of the Ministry and University. Signatories to the document on behalf of the respective parties were Permanent Secretary Dr. Dindyal Permal and Dr. Rose.
Under the MoU, the Ministry will provide overall policy direction for the agricultural sector while the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry will endeavour to fulfill the current and evolving training needs of the sector and adapt to the Ministry’s new initiatives and programmes.
It also targets the provision of professionals trained to the highest standards to conduct teaching, research and support for national development, including relevant expertise in new areas being pursued under the agricultural diversification thrust.
These, Minister Persaud pointed out, include new sectors such as agro-energy and climate change which are currently being developed as new investment opportunities. Reference was made to other areas like hydrology and water management in which persons have to be sent overseas to acquire necessary training. 
He underscored the importance of skilled human personnel in the successful development of these budding sectors despite emphasis on other resources such as investments and land.
Dr. Rose highlighted some of the Ministry’s deliverables under the MoU which include the provisions of internship for students of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and improving the relationship among the University, the Ministry and its various sub-agencies.
Both speakers noted that the MoU is merely to strengthen the collaboration that already exists between the two agencies through which student and research projects are facilitated at the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI).
In addition, there is collaborative research between personnel of the University and NARI while the institute facilitates student attachment during the three-month vacation period to ensure practical training and field experience.
There has also been strong support in the area of forestry through which students have accessed free training provided by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) which provides work study attachment as well.
Government has constantly placed emphasis on the training of persons to support agricultural development in the various sectors. In the sugar industry, more than 200 persons have been trained at the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s Training Centre (GTC) at Port Mourant in Region Six while other activities are implemented in other areas.
TOP
More activities on stream to boost hinterland agriculture
Georgetown, GINA, January 04, 2007.
Focus on advancing agriculture in the hinterland will continue during this year with more efforts to reduce the threat of acoushi ants and other pests that have affected crop production in these areas.
Through the Crops and Livestock Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, work will be done to address these and other issues to ensure that there is food security and nutritional value for hinterland residents.
It has been recognised that infestation of acoushi ants has plagued many farmers in these communities and had contributed to reduced availability of fresh fruits and vegetables especially cassava.
Over the years, various actions have been taken and assistance rendered by the Ministry through its Crops and Livestock Department and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) to tackle the acoushi ants problem. A special programme was developed and implemented in various communities which received baits on several occasions.
In addition, focus will be placed on increasing peanut and vegetable production in Amerindian communities to supplement the school-feeding programme, which is being done in many areas of Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.
During Agriculture Month 2007 last October, observed under the theme ‘The Right to Food- a Reality in Guyana,’ significant emphasis was placed on agricultural advancement in the hinterland to create more economic opportunities, thereby improving residents’ living standards.
Also during last year, a training programme for the hinterland was conducted to educate farmers on various areas of agriculture such as crops cultivation, livestock-rearing and aquaculture.
Under the initiative by NARI to promote irrigated fruit and vegetable production, demonstration plots were established at St. Cuthbert’s Mission in Region Four and at Annai and St Ignatius in Region Nine, to introduce farmers to the Drip Irrigation technology. This was done as part of efforts to promote year-round production, improve productivity and increase profitability.
With assistance from Brazil, efforts have been made to develop cashew nut and soybean cultivation in the savannahs while organic pineapple production and processing have been promoted in the Mainstay/Whyaka area in Region Two. This has been very successful as a processing plant was established and the products are being exported.
Through the restructured extension services programme, many hinterland residents and farmers have been trained as extension agents within their respective communities.
It is recognised that marketing is one of the main challenge for hinterland farmers because of their far-flung locations. To confront this problem, value-added production and processing activities are being promoted.
TOP
National Stadium to host sporting events at night
- American company to install lights
Georgetown, GINA, January 4, 2007
Sport activities at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence will soon be featured at nights. This will be made possible through installation of lights with intense illuminating capacity.
The MUSCO Lighting Company of the United States of America has been awarded the contract to undertake installation of the lights which will be positioned at six locations around the National Stadium.
Assistant Director of International Sales, Bryan Mc Nulty and Project Manager of the company Brad Chelesvig, visited the Stadium today to identify and inspect the locations where installation will begin.
The two were accompanied by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, Technical Consultant in the Ministry of Public Works and Communications Walter Willis and Head of the Stadium Management Committee Anthony Xavier.
The company which will be responsible for the design, supply and commissioning of the lights has undertaken a similar initiative in St Lucia and is at present undertaking works in Grenada.
The installation process according to Willis, is being conducted along the International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines which take into consideration the number of lights, positioning and intensity.
He added that the lights will be hoisted at approximately 160 feet high and will cost US$619,200 for design, installation, supply and commissioning.
Three of the six lights will be powered by independent generating sets. Connection to the Guyana Power and Light grid will also be facilitated for increased capacity.
“The intensity of the lighting varies but it will be positioned to an altitude so that there are no shadows cast on the field,” Willis said.
The civil works component of the project which involves the reinforced concrete (RC) foundation and other aspects which will facilitate the installation process will be undertaken by Dynamic Engineering Limited.
Willis said a number of variations will have to be implemented to facilitate the new initiative. Major landscaping at some of the stadium’s outer surfaces will have to be undertaken to facilitate construction and will cause some disruptions. The installation process is scheduled for an April deadline.
MUSCO provides permanent or temporary lighting for major sport events and stadiums. With offices in about nine locations worldwide, the company has in the past provided lighting for the Super Bowl and was the official lighting company for the 1984, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games.
The Guyana National Stadium at Providence is earmarked to host several major events this year including the opening and closing ceremonies for the tenth Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) in August.
Xavier said the Stadium is one of Guyana’s landmark facilities and as such should be treated with high regard by patrons. He expressed disappointment with the careless way in which the lavatory and other areas at the stadium were used in the past and reiterated a call for more consideration to be taken.
TOP
Education Ministry performed creditably in 2007
Georgetown, GINA, January 4, 2008
Government is living up to its promise of expanding the reach of secondary education and modernizing educational facilities to create conducive and comfortable learning environments for the nation’s children.
Spending in the education sector; particularly with respect to infrastructural development has significantly increased over the years, paving the way for the implementation of programmes aimed at modernizing educational facilities and improving the quality of education.
Minister of Education Shaik Baksh in providing an update on programmes in the education sector pointed out that the sector performed creditably during 2007.
Investing in education
The education sector was allocated $15.6B, of the national budget for 2007. In 2006 the allocation was $17B, the largest ever for the sector.
This increased spending in education was related to the payment of salary increases and other benefits (uniform allowance at $6,000 per teacher and payment of upgraded qualification increments ranging from $4,500 to $20,000) to teachers in the last quarter of 2006 and which was augmented by the payment of 2007 teachers’ salary increase from January 1, 2007.
.jpg) Students Of Aurora Secondary School, Region Two
Strengthening literacy and numeracy
In 2007, there continued to be a strong focus on functional literacy and numeracy. Some of the initiatives undertaken in this regard include the completion of the annual literacy programme in Georgetown and the regions, the production and delivery of the Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) programme, the production and broadcasting of TV series on English and Mathematics for CXC and English and Mathematics for Forms One to Three.
Distance Education Modules for English and Mathematics were developed for Grades 1 to 5 and instead of 45, a 60-part series was developed which is available for sale to parents, will also be supplied to schools.
Releasing teachers for UG studies
The Minister pointed out that a number of policy reviews and initiatives commenced in 2007 including the release of teachers to attend the University of Guyana. This was reviewed to ensure that there was no negative impact on the classrooms. This, the Minister said has been highly successful and the initial reports have indicated that the situation has stabilised.
Building Human Resource Capacity
On the re-hiring of retired teachers, the Minister pointed out that 78 applications were received and 31 of the applicants were rehired for the first term. It is expected that an additional amount will be hired in the second term to provide support in key subject areas.
In addition, 48 school welfare officer positions of varying grades were created and filled and the officers employed were assigned to the 10 administrative regions. These officers are mandated to address, through prescribed policies, issues such as absenteeism, school violence and student counselling services.
Training
School administrators were trained by the Ministry in School Management in order that education delivery is in conformity with the regulations set out by the Ministry. Government has placed much emphasis on training teaching personnel to provide quality education to the nation’s children, and the administrators’ programme is continuing.
Work under the Basic Education Access and Management Support Programme (BEAMS) has continued on advancing literacy and numeracy programmes. Under this programme over 200 teachers were trained and the programme will be extended to other regions since the pilot programme in Region Two and Georgetown has recorded some success.
Strengthening infrastructure
Construction, extension and rehabilitation of schools were heightened to ensure increased access for thousands of students across the country. Some maintenance works were delayed due to inclement weather in the first half but accelerated over the third and fourth quarters.
Several schools were completed in 2007 including the Greenwich Park Primary School. The building was constructed at a cost of approximately $82M by the Government of Guyana in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). It houses 700 students and consists of 25 classrooms of a modern design, kitchen, laboratory, sick-bay, canteen, administrative area and a sanitary block.
.JPG)
New Diamond Secondary School
Meanwhile, the Diamond Secondary School on the East Bank of Demerara has been completed and is expected to be opened mid-January. The school has the capacity to house 1,000 students. It comprises five blocks, including a computer laboratory, library, multipurpose laboratories and facilities for clothing and textile, home management, visual arts, food and nutrition. Other units will house woodwork, electricity, technical drawing, a canteen and lavatory facilities.
The School, constructed under the Basic Education Access and Management Support (BEAMS) Programme was funded by the IDB at a cost of $368.8M.
Greenwich Park Primary School
More than 800 students in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) now have access to secondary education with the completion of the state-of-the-art Wisburg Secondary School at Wisroc, Linden. The school was constructed at a cost of $350M and has 24 classrooms, a multipurpose hall, library, specialist classrooms for Industrial Arts and Home Economics, Science and Information Technology laboratories.
In keeping with Government’s commitment to reduce poverty and equip all Guyanese with the necessary skills and expertise to aid in development, work which continued throughout 2007 on the New Strategic Plan will be completed during the first half of January. Additionally, new education legislation will also be completed this month and it is expected that by the end of the first quarter of this year, the final draft will be completed.
TOP
NFMU clamps down on unlicenced radio users
Georgetown, GINA, January 4, 2008
The National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) is clamping down on radio users and operators who have not renewed their licence and who are operating on unauthorised frequencies.
With effect from January 7, users and operators who fail to comply with these regulations will be faced with seizures of two-way radios such as those used by miners, loggers and taxi services. Criminal proceedings can also be instituted in accordance with the Post and Telegraph Act.
This action is in keeping with the NFMU’s mandate of managing the electromagnetic frequency spectrum through effective and efficient monitoring practices.
Section 63(1) of the Post and Telegraph Act Chapter 47:01 states that, "No person shall establish any wireless telegraph station, or install or work any apparatus for wireless telegraphy in any place, or on board any Commonwealth ship registered in Guyana, except under and in accordance with a licence granted in that behalf by the Minister
Applications to establish and operate two-way radios can be obtained from the NFMU at its Hadfield Street location. The Unit also facilitates the application process via its www.nfmu.gov.gy/fixedandlandmobile.xls address.
The electromagnetic frequency spectrum is seen by the NFMU as a highly demanded scarce natural resource with immense importance and one which requires regulation to ensure that it is managed and utilised effectively and interference among spectrum users is prevented.
TOP
Chinese team examines local ship building capacity
Georgetown, GINA, January 4, 2008
A ten-man Chinese survey team, in Guyana to conduct a feasibility study to determine the ship-building capacity of local shipyards, accompanied by their Ambassador to Guyana H.E. Zhang Jungao, today, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Trade and International Co-operation, Dr Henry Jeffrey, at his Takuba Lodge office.
The delegation, in Guyana on a 20-day visit, will be meeting several Government Ministers, including Prime Minister Sam Hinds, representatives of the Transport and Harbours Department and local shipyards.
Later today the team called on Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn.
Their visit is a follow-up to the September 2007 visit, when the exchange of Notes for this survey team was signed.
Under the bilateral technical co-operation programme, the Chinese were expected to design and construct two roll-on roll-off ferry vessels in China for Guyana.
In order to develop the ship building capacity of Guyana a request was made to have the ferries constructed locally. The team is here to examine the feasibility of doing so.
The approximate cost of the two ferry vessels is US $8 M.
TOP
New Diamond school facilitates universal secondary education
– Education Minister responds to PNCR member
Georgetown, GINA, January 4, 2008
The New Diamond Secondary School was built to facilitate the move towards universal secondary education. It will absorb students from the ‘primary tops’ along the East Bank Demerara and will not disrupt classes for students attending schools in that area.
This was emphasised by Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh while replying to questions from People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member of Parliament, Ms Amna Ally, at yesterday’s sitting of the National Assembly. Ally wanted to why students were removed from the grade ‘A’, Covent Garden Secondary School and placed at the New Diamond Secondary school.
Meanwhile questions were posed by Ms Volda Lawrence of the PNCR seeking clarification on the treatment of juveniles whilst in custody of the State and the systems in place to monitor them after their release. Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, in his response noted that upon their release juveniles are monitored by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Probation and Welfare Department, for periods of six months to two years.
Questioned further whether the Ministry would assist to find meaningful employment for these youths when they are released, Minister Anthony explained that the juvenile offenders are placed at the New Opportunity Corps for a maximum of three years and are released before their sixteenth birthday, therefore, the question of finding employment is not relevant.
They receive training making them eligible for entry into public training institutions upon their release. At present 110 youths at the institution are involved in technical vocational training and parents are also encouraged to visit their children while they are in protective custody.
The Minister said that a programme was started for the parents of these children. It is aimed at training them to accept these children into their homes and have them reintegrated into society when released. Between November 2006 and the end of last year 80 parents completed the programme. Last year, having recognised that some parents had not visited their children, 65 parents were taken by the Ministry to visit them at the institution.
In response to treatment of juveniles before committal, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee advised that Juveniles are transported separately from adults and placed in separate holding cells while awaiting trial.
TOP
Security was top priority in 2007
-11 security Bills passed in National Assembly
Georgetown, GINA, January 4, 2008
Government has always placed major emphasis on security to enable every Guyanese to live in a safe environment and to achieve this objective, over the years it enacted several security legislations and in 2007 more Bills were passed.
During 2007, out of the twenty nine (29) Bills that were passed in the National Assembly, 11 were security Bills which included: the Firearm (Amendment) Bill which will allow for increases in fines and penalties for persons who are found in possession of unlicenced firearms. One of the penalties is the refusal of bail to persons who are charged.
When enacted, this measure will further impact on crime reduction and the Minister of Home Affairs is likely to announce the date of implementation of the Act shortly.
There were also the Juvenile Offenders (Amendment) Bill that allows for the establishment of holding centres for youths and for maintaining them for the reception, care and custody under the orders of the court or for any other appropriate reasons as the Minister may determine.
The Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) (Amendment) was also passed for penalties for those who are engaged in harbouring criminals. The Bill also allows for the offenders on conviction to be liable to a fine of not less than $50,000 nor more than $80,000 together with imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years.
The Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2007 which was passed in December will allow for skilled CARICOM workers to be granted a permit to enter and remain in Guyana for a period of up to six-months.
Like other Caribbean countries Guyana is seeking to implement the new system which was agreed to by CARICOM Heads of Government for nationals’ Passports to be stamped for six-months.
The Pounds and Certain Other Enactments (Amendment) Bill of 2007 will regulate the issue of stray animals and under the amended Bill. The fines will range from $1,000 to $5,000. Under the previous Act the fines were $100 and $150.
Meanwhile, the most controversial security Bill for 2007 was the Gambling Prevention (Amendment) Bill 2006 that will allow only new hotels and resorts to establish casinos on their premises.
Under Section 29 (1) of the Bill, the Gaming Authority could issue a casino premises licence authorising any place to be operated as a casino, and further, the body could issue a casino operator’s licence authorising the person to operate a casino.
The primary purpose for the introduction of the legislation is to attract and develop the tourism sector by providing one of many forms of entertainment which will be at the disposal of visitors, and will also help in the creation of jobs for many Guyanese.
President Bharrat Jagdeo had requested that Security legislations take precedence over other sectors in order to arrest criminal activities and ensure a safer country.
Several other security Bills are slated for Parliament this year including the Traffic Offences Bill, Use of Cell phones Whilst Driving Bill, and Regulations of Internet Café Bill which is expected to ensure that all internet cafes are regulated. There will also be the Hijacking and Piracy of Fishing Vessels Bill which seeks to make piracy a non-bailable offence.
TOP
Over 12,000 customers benefit from improved coastal water supply
Georgetown, GINA, January 4, 2008
The Ministry of Housing and Water has reported challenges and developments in the sector during 2007 as efforts were made to improve the distribution networks countrywide.
Minister of Housing and Water Harry Narine Nawbatt said during 2007 the water sector experienced some set backs in certain areas of Regions 3, 4 and 6; however the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) was able to alleviate most of the problems that were occurring in the water system.
In Region Three two wells, the La Grange and the Meten- Meer- Zorg that were under construction are now operable to the satisfaction of the residents with the level, quality and the distribution improved.
Additionally $240M was allocated for the Coastal budget in 2007 and was utilized on capital interventions benefiting approximately 12,000 customers. The programme was aimed at improving levels of service essentially through the construction of 11.9km of transmission and distribution networks.
It also catered for the procurement of materials, upgrading of 1500 customer services and the installation of 500 water meters.
According to Minister Nawbatt, several elevated tanks were refurbished and these have improved the water supply in several communities.
The elevated tank at La Bonne Intention (LBI) was activated after some research and network reconfiguration in the area. The troubleshooting of the network is ongoing so that the use of the tank will be part of operations of the LBI system.
Similar efforts are being planned for other elevated tanks along the East Coast and Berbice this year.
Also in LBI the metering programme by the Department for International Development (DFID) which funded 3,674 water meters were installed along the East Coast of Demerara.
The contractor was also involved in the upgrade of service connections of which an increase in service levels was experienced by the 3674 customers.
In 2007 Linden received a budgetary allocation of $30M of which $24M was utilized on upgrading of transmission and distribution networks benefiting approximately 1200 customers.
The balance was allocated for pumps which were also procured and are expected to be delivered by the end of next month.
Another successful achievement by the water sector is the replacement of the water system in Mahdia, Region 8 which was disrupted during mining activities.
According to Minister Nawbatt the replacement of the system is expected to be completed within the next three weeks. GWI is working along with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the miners to ensure similar incidents are not repeated.
TOP
|
