More resources for soil characterization
continued efforts to boost agricultural production
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2007.
Government’s emphasis on further advancement of the agricultural sector, besides supporting farmers for increased production and productivity, is encouraging more communities to become involved in crop cultivation.
During a recent farmers’ meeting, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud assured that much more will be done during this year to enhance the country’s productive capacity to boost and expand farmers’ earnings and the agricultural sector.
Reference was made to the availability of more resources to continue various activities including soil characterization which provides farmers with necessary information on the soil types and suitable crops that could be cultivated on their lands.
There are plans to carry out this activity in Regions Four and Five since under the Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP), characterization of the physical and chemical properties of the soils was conducted in Regions Two and Three.
Under the initiative, testing was done by the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and included production of digital soil maps and a CD with soil and land use survey reports. It also included data on farming systems in the two regions which will enable appropriate interventions to enhance more effective use of fertilizer.
The investments in agricultural activities are aimed at increasing production and productivity, improving quality and promoting better cultivation practices since consumers are becoming more aware of what they eat.
“When people come to buy our food, we must ensure that it is safe and wholesome and that is why we are putting a lot of investment in training and in enhancing the work of the Pesticides Board,” Minister Persaud said.
Reference was made to the reduction in the use of certain chemicals in cultivation which did not affect production as exports of fresh and processed non-traditional product recorded significant increases in 2007 as compared to the previous year.
These activities are intended to position farmers to increase exports of agricultural products through which work will continue to help them identify markets and the opportunities available.
Construction of the multi-million dollar storage and packaging facility at Parika and implementation of the Agricultural Diversification Initiative and the Rural Enterprise Agricultural Development project are among some of the efforts to boost exports of agricultural products with particular emphasis on non-traditional crops.
Over the past year, more activities were carried out to support this objective including identification of butternut squash for the export market, development of production packages and development of appropriate organic fertilisers recommendations and use of bio-pesticides for organic pineapple production.
Additionally, shaded cultivation combined with organoponics were introduced to promote year-round production of vegetables for the local and export markets while agronomic practices were refined for improving production and productivity of the ‘Bullnose’ Scotch bonnet pepper.
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Refurbishing ongoing at the Palms
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
Government continues to place significant emphasis on care and support for the less fortunate and has been making provisions to enhance their lives.
The Palms Geriatric Institution which operates under the purview of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security ensures that the needs of its current 235 residents are met.
Annually, Government allocates over $60M for the maintenance and renovation of the various facilities of the home and for food, and clothing.
During last year, renovation started on the interior of Block A, the male living quarter. Refurbishing of the roofs, beds and furniture is almost complete. Block B has already been refurbished.
Administrator of the Palms, Mohammed Yasin said that Government wants to ensure that the residents’ needs are met. He said large sums have also been spent to renovate the toilet and bathroom facilities of the Palms.
The institution will soon benefit from a new water cistern that will effectively service. Block A, the laundry and kitchen.
There is a permanent Social welfare officer at the Palms to look after the residents’ needs.
Other services offered by the Palms are provision of rehabilitative therapies for residents and out-patients, provision of recreational and social activities, and medical and nursing services that are operating 24 hours daily.
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Efforts ongoing to push Justice Sector Reform Strategy-Minister Rohee
-security sector playing integral role
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
Government’s programme to improve the functions of the justice sector is moving apace. Meetings are being held by the steering-committee to address the full implementation of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy (JSRS) which is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
“We have been participating in meetings convened under the chairmanship of the Attorney General. I think they have started off well. We have some contributions to make as the Police, Prison Service, and the Ministry of Home Affairs are involved in this reform project,” Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee said.
He disclosed that at a recent meeting all the members were asked to contribute in terms of identifying the specific areas of intervention which will require partnerships with other government agencies and the judiciary or magistracy.
The Home Affairs Minister said his Ministry is particularly interested in the reform since it is expected to address the issue of speedy trials which will in turn help to address overcrowding at the Camp Street Prison.
“As we speak today the prison population is at a record high… My position is that the criminal justice system ought to work more efficiently… Whether they need more magistrates or work in the evenings I want the people on remand for their issues to be addressed. That is where our interest is in the criminal justice system,” Minister Rohee said.
The JSRS sets out the government’s approach for systematically dealing with the challenges currently facing the sector; a policy framework for strategic coordination and reform, accountability and monitoring mechanism to take the reform forward.
The strategy is also geared towards ensuring that safety, security and access to justice is available to all, as the administration seeks to enhance public confidence in the justice system.
“They have now begun doing inter-agency work. We will clearly work in support to ensure this project moves ahead successfully,” Minister Rohee asserted.
On June 22, 2006 the IDB announced the approval of a US$25M loan for the modernization of the Justice Administration System in Guyana.
The JSRS was prepared on the basis of an extensive consultation exercise involving all the institutions in the justice sector, as well as other stakeholders including civil society and the private sector.
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2007 Security plans to guide strategies in 2008- Minister Rohee
-more money requested for Police Force’s marine wing
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee has expressed optimism that the security forces will enable a safer environment for Guyanese during this year with the security strategies used last year as the impetus.
“We will build on those successes that we have accomplished in 2007. These successes have been numerous and especially when you look at the gun-related crimes, we have seen quite a considerable amount of successes in that area,” Minister Rohee said.
The Home Affairs Minister pointed-out that government’s support has allowed the security forces to net such results and this support will continue this year.
“The government’s commitment to make available resources to the law enforcement agencies is not a one-off commitment. It’s based on sustainability. The sustainability of the resources however, must also be premised on the results achieved… We hope that in 2008 we will be able to deepen and widen the comfort level of citizens,” Minister Rohee emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has requested through the Ministry of Finance additional money to improve the marine wing of the Police Force to tackle piracy.
“I cannot say with any definitive position that we will get more money than we asked for in 2007…But we have asked for additional resources particularly in building capacity in the marine wing of the Guyana Police Force. As you know this is linked to tackling the issue of piracy while we have scored some successes there, we have to bear in mind that criminal elements are not going to rest. They will find new and innovative ways to carry out their criminal activities,” Minister Rohee asserted.
Since 1993, the budgetary allocation for security has been increasing significantly with $9.3B being allocated in 2007, the largest amount in history.
During 2007, the Police Force received $458.6M for procurement of equipment and $39.4M for land and water transportation.
These allocations have allowed the Force to improve net results in crime fighting with a 24 percent decrease in serious crimes in 2007 and with the murder rate for that year being the lowest since 2002 with 113 for the year.
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Integrated Management programme launched to boost health care delivery
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
The Ministry of Health has intensified it efforts to promote quality health care and delivery at its various institutions across the country through the establishment of the Integrated Management of Adolescent and Adult Illness (IMAI) programme today.
The programme was introduced for the first time at the Enmore Polyclinic in the presence of Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, (IMAI) team implementation representative Dr. Julian Amsterdam and Dr. Nichole Nedd Jarrick.
Over the next few months doctors, nurses and ancillary staff of the clinic will be undergoing IMAI training for a full understanding of the programme and its various components. Modules on the programme will be available.
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and staff of the Enmore Polyclinic at the launch of the IMAI programme.
Following the completion of the programme the Ministry plans that the Enmore Polyclinic will become a training site for interns and other stakeholders interested in learning about the programme.
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), diabetes and hypertension will be some of the major communicable and chronic illnesses which the IMAI programme will be addressing as it takes on an integrated approach.
The Enmore Polyclinic, according to Minister Ramsammy is one of the best examples of a health facility in Guyana since it is not only a reliable place for persons seeking medical attention but also shows commitment and dedication by its staff.
He expressed confidence in the IMAI programme which was established to provide a complete examination of a person’s health.
“Every time an individual comes to us, we see that person as a whole and not only treat them with their symptoms. So if a person comes because they have an abrasion we will be looking to see what other problems they have, hence the name an integrated management of all the illnesses,” Minister Ramsammy said.
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy speaking to staff at the launching of the IMAI progamme.
The Minister added that the programme is an opportune way of promoting good health for all. In this regard he urged that management be effective since some patients way require specialized care.
Speaking to the staff of the Polyclinic, Minister Ramsammy said the programme should not be seen as something new but a merger of different skills.
“We already know how to manage diabetes, TB, hypertension coughs and colds, but we must know how to merge these separate skills, Minister Ramsammy noted.
Dr. Amsterdam who is also attached to the Malaria Programme at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is optimistic that the programme will lead to an effective and efficient Polyclinic at Enmore when fully on stream in July.
He added that the management of HIV/AIDS and TB at the clinic has been the most effective but with the advent of the IMAI programme major improvements in the management and treatment of patients with various conditions will be the most evident.
The Enmore Polyclinic became an official HIV/AIDS treatment and care site on January 15 according to Dr. Dr Jerrick.
She related that the IMAI initiative will aid in strengthening the Polyclinic’s services to residents of the community and its environs. Soon all of the Ministry’s health facilities will be including IMAI.
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Truth and Reconciliation Commission after 50s, 60s may not be helpful
-President says
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
President Bharrat Jagdeo believes that the period for which a Truth and Reconciliation Commission may be needed is the period during the late 50s and early 60s.
The Head of State made this point during a Press Conference yesterday where he disclosed the number of Army weapons issued to the Ministry of National Development during the period 1976-79.
One media practitioner stated that such a disclosure and the fact that an investigation will be launched will result in issues being unearthed from the past and queried whether a Truth and Reconciliation Commission should not now be set up.
“A lot of people have suggested this and, frankly speaking, I don’t know if it will help. The period I would like to have a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to examine is the period in the late 50’s and early 60’s when external forces played a significant role in dividing our people and causing race riots,” he said.
President Jagdeo noted that sometimes Guyanese blame themselves too much for that period and now that articles and documents are available that they should realise that it was not all their fault.
“You’ve seen the role the external agencies played in dividing our people, and I would like our people to find out about what took place in that period because sometimes we blame ourselves more than we blame these external forces so, I don’t know whether it makes sense at this point in time,” he reiterated.
The Head of State yesterday disclosed that the Guyana Defence Force(GDF) issued over 200 weapons to the Ministry of National Development during 1976-79, the period during which the current main Opposition Party, the People’s National Congress (PNC) were in power. Two of the weapons were discovered to be in the possession of criminals after they were recovered on January 9 last following a shootout between criminals and the Police at Mahaicony.
The President announced that a thorough investigation will be launched to see how many weapons were issued by the Army from that period to now and how many have been returned.
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Vision centre for Diamond hospital shortly
- CCB officials inspect facility
Government, GINA, January 16, 2008
The East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital is providing health-care services to residents on the eastern corridor as Government continues to foster partnerships with agencies to further boost health-care delivery in that area.
Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and officials from the Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB) today visited the institution to explore the possibility of establishing a vision centre at the hospital.
CCB is working in collaboration with Governments of several Caribbean territories to provide quality eye-care services. The local arm, Eye-Care Guyana through the Vision 20/20 initiative is one of the many programmes being executed by the CCB which benefited hundreds of Guyanese.
At present, the CCB has implemented several programmes at the West Demerara and Linden hospitals and is responsible for a significant amount of work at the Low Vision Centre at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
There are plans to establish similar centres at the New Amsterdam, Suddie and Bartica hospitals and this includes training of personnel as ophthalmologists.
Some of the services provided by the CCB include screening and making referrals and addressing the top five eye defects identified in the Vision 20/20 Initiative. These defects are listed as cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, blindness in children and several refractive dysfunctions.
To address the issue of blindness in children, Executive Director of the CCB, Arvel Grant said this will call for close collaboration between the Ministries of Health and Education since it will include training for teachers and parents to detect and report eye-defects in children.
He said in the Caribbean one in every thousand children is suffering from blindness or is severely visually impaired. There are about 200 children in Guyana who are suffering from severe eye-defects.
He commended Government for the Guyana/Cuba eye-care programme, the recently concluded, Miracle Mission which benefited more than 50,000 Guyanese, 5 000 of whom travelled to Cuba and received surgeries for several eye-defects including cataract.
Meanwhile, the Diamond Hospital which was commissioned on October 12 last year, has provided services to more than 15,000 people and successfully conducted about 80 surgeries.
The Suddie and Leonora Diagnostic and Treatment centres are also being prepared for commissioning early next month.
These centres and the $140M ophthalmology centre in Berbice are projects made possible through an enhanced co-operation agreement between the Governments of Guyana and Cuba.
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Rupununi bridge will improve Services to Region Nine
- nearing completion
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
Government’s continuing efforts to improve the living standards of Amerindians include emphasis on transportation in order that they can easily access food and basic commodities. In this light, Government allocated $14M for the construction of the Rupununi bridge in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) last year.
Regional Chairman of Region Nine, Clarindo Lucas, said the bridge, which is the most important project of the Region at present, falls under its poverty reduction strategy plan and is expected to be completed by February. Construction began last year, but was halted due to the rainy season.
The bridge will link Lethem to the Deep South communities of the Region. It was noted that residents of the remote communities will soon be able to purchase foodstuff at cheaper prices and integrate with other communities due to the linkage.
It will also significantly benefit farmers since they will have access to markets to sell their produce.
Meanwhile, other upgrading works have been ongoing on the region’s roads and trails. Last year, the Region received a total of $23M for the improvement of trails and capping the Lethem road with a bitumen surface.
The Regional Chairman said $10M had been allocated for the trails from Shulinab to Mountain Point in the south. Work is expected to resume on the trails and other roads following the allocation of more funds this year.
The Lethem road was completed last year after a $13M sum was allocated for its completion. This is the main access road in the Region and a central point for residents to access foods and other commodities and sells their produce.
Lucas said that transportation in the outlying areas has been a major focus for the Administration and substantial work has been completed to enhance the transportation drive in the Region.
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Parliamentarians who do not submit statements to Integrity Commission can face jail time--President
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
Responding to questions by the media yesterday during a Press Conference at the Office of the President, President Bharrat Jagdeo expressed concern over the large number of Members of Parliament who have not been submitting their statements of income and assets to the Integrity Commission.
“Even if you have concerns about the composition (of the Commission), the law requires that you submit on an annual basis, the statement of income and assets. If you make false declarations and you don’t submit there are criminal penalties, you could go to jail for up to a year,” the Head of State pointed out.
He also expressed the hope that the media will be querying the issue further on who have been submitting their statements to the Commission and who have not.
“You can’t want to be the champion of good governance, you can’t want to be the champion of the fight against corruption and …when the test is personal, you are not meeting that test,” the President contended.
“I have been urging the Integrity Commission to publish the defaulters and how many years they are in default….the names of all the people who have to comply and have not complied,” he stated, adding that if it were up to him, this would have been done.
He, however, pointed out that the Commission is an independent body.
As it relates to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) which had its life extended, President Jagdeo said he is hoping that now that Parliament has resumed that the deadlock on the issue of the make up of the body will be broken and that moves toward the appointment of a new ERC will be made.
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GPOC - a provider of social services
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
The Guyana Post Office Corporation is offering a number of social services to communities across Guyana in addition to the normal mail delivery service. The services offered vary from the payment of old age pensions and public assistance to thousands of Guyanese monthly to an international debit card service.
Board Chairman, Juan Edghill said that the Corporation does not receive a Government subvention and therefore, must operate as a viable entity to continue to provide service to all Guyanese.
The other services now being offered allow the Corporation to gain additional revenue for its operations these include payment of NIS pensions to over 20,000 Guyanese monthly and salaries to teachers, soldiers and nurses in some remote communities of Guyana. They also offer the bill payment service, where persons could pay utility bills at any of their locations, the money transfer service through the use of money orders and an international debit card service through the ‘post cash money card’. Several of their locations are also being rented to businesses for offices and stores.
The Board Chairman encouraged all Guyanese to be patient and support the corporation which should now be viewed as “Your old friend doing new things.”
The Post Office Department was established on May 2, 1860 and became the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), on January 1, 1977. The decision to issue postage stamps on July 1, 1850 was published in the Official Gazette of June 15, 1850.
These first stamps were for local use only and were printed at the newspaper establishment of the Demerara and Essequibo Gazette Office. The two-cent issue printed in black on a rose coloured paper has become a collector's item. In 1860 the local stamps were put into use for overseas postage.
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PRSP consultations to start tomorrow
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper’s (PRSP) public consultations are slated to commence tomorrow at the Ocean View Convention Centre, Liliendaal at 4:00 pm. Other consultations will follow at various locations in all ten administrative Regions of the country.
Government, following consideration of the status report from the Secretariat responsible for the Poverty Reduction’s second Strategy Paper had agreed for works to begin to allow for the 2008-2012 Paper to be finalised.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon had made the disclosure on January 10 last and had noted that the consultations would commence tomorrow
He had stated then that the final round of consultations is to further address issues related to implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper number two and subsequent developments.
In December 2000, government’s Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (I-PRSP) was accepted by the Boards of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a comprehensive public participation process to finalise the PRSP was then conducted until October 2001.
The process was based on a plan which focused on face-to-face consultations and which was developed and adopted by large sections of civil society and the donor community.
The consultations were very successful with active participation by a large cross-section of the population.
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High school students receive Farmers’ Manuals from Agriculture
Ministry
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture has taken a proactive approach by involving high school students in the national drive towards agriculture development in Guyana.
Today, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud donated Farmers’ Manuals and a substantial number of compact discs on the guidelines to good farming practices in agriculture, to the students of St. Rose’s High, Brickdam Secondary, Central High and Cummings Lodge Secondary schools. The hand-over was done at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and Minister in the Ministry of Education Dr. Desrey Fox at the handing over of the Farmers’ Manual to High School students.
Minister Persaud said he recognizes that there is a growing sense of willingness and interest by the students to learn and be part of what is taking place in the Agriculture sector.
One of the objectives of making the manual available to schools is to encourage the resuscitation of small school gardens in schools and to ensure the subject is taught widely.
Minister Persaud said students need to be armed and familiar in this particular area and therefore this is to assist students to follow proper guidelines which will help them to attain a better understanding of the Agriculture Sector.
There are over 114 secondary schools in Guyana and the Ministry has made available 120 manuals. Each school will receive one manual and one disc, however, they will be allowed to make copies of the disc if desired.
Minister in the Ministry of Education Dr. Desrey Fox said she is particularly happy about the donation of the Farmers’ Manual and compact disc to the schools because it will serve as an incentive to practice more agriculture in schools.
“There is so much in agriculture which requires a good sense of direction and this manual will benefit the students tremendously, especially those who are preparing for the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams,” the Minister said.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and Minister in the Ministry of Education Dr. Desrey Fox at the handing over of the Farmers’ Manual to the agriculture teacher of St. .Rose’s High School.
Minister Persaud said not only is agriculture important to our national economy but it contributes to 36 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It also creates employment directly and indirectly to nearly half of the population.
He said even though the main focus is on economic diversification and looking towards new growth areas in the economy, the foundation will be agriculture and that is very important for development in the country.
The Minister encouraged students to continue to have a vital interest in the agriculture sector.
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Labour Ministry, private sector, trades unions discuss involvement in NTPYE
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir today hosted lunch at the Cara Lodge for representatives of the Private Sector Commission, Guyana Manufacturers Association and trade unions, to discuss their involvement in the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE)
Nadir in remarks to the gathering said that the objective of the project was to provide a second chance to early school leavers while creating a ready supply of semi-skilled labour for the workforce. Their goal is to supply the labour market with 1000 trained persons by the end of the year and to do this the support of the private sector is necessary.
Director of Industrial Training, Dr Dale Bisnauth, in his brief remarks said that the project cannot be successfully implemented without the support of the private sector who would be the direct benefactors of this project.
President of the Guyana Manufactures Association Mohabir Singh said that the initiative was a good one, especially with the brain drain being experienced by the Caribbean. He said his organisation was happy to get some clarifications on what is required for their involvement since they welcome the opportunity to offer gainful employment to young people.
President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress Gillian Burton, said that they were following the progress of the project from its inception since these persons would soon be joining the labour force. She said the trade unions could play a vital role by looking critically at the training programmes to ensure quality.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour Trevor Thomas said that in implementing this project the training needs of the organisation could be identified and suitable training accessed. It also gives organisations an opportunity to plan for their long term needs to fill the employment gap when experienced persons retire or leave the organisation. He said that many persons who are recipients of public assistance could be retrained and rehired in industry if given the opportunity.
Additional benefits of providing the training will be realised when the Caribbean Single Market and Economy is fully institutionalized.
In answer to queries about the selection process for the trainees, Project Coordinator, Coreen Conelly, advised that there is a process of selection which would include representatives of the organisations to which they would be placed. There is also an orientation period with the Ministry prior to attachment and the trainees are monitored while on attachment.
There is no financial cost to the company since the Labour Ministry pays all National Insurance Scheme contributions for the trainees and provides them with a monthly stipend.
The training is not limited to any specific field or number of trainees since it is needs driven. The Labour Minister advised the Private Sector bodies to utilise this service to assist in meeting their future manpower needs.
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2007 was a principal year for infrastructural development
- Minister Benn
Georgetown, GINA, January 16, 2008.
Continuous improved infrastructure remains a primary objective of Government and during last year more investments were made in this direction to enhance the country’s road network, sea defences and air and river transport services through various activities implemented by the Ministry of Public Works and Communications.
At a press conference today at the Ministry, Wight’s Lane, Kingston, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn reported satisfactorily progress in 2007, which he described as a principal year for infrastructural development.
Minister Benn noted that the achievements were not made without its challenges, some of which still exist and are being given significant attention by the Ministry. These include the availability of staff and equipment to carry out the volume of work required, need for adequate training and timely completion of projects of the highest standard.
The need for enhancing safety of employees and the public as it relates to the provision of vital services and a change in the cultural behaviour to address issues such as vending and squatting on roadways and reserves which can pose serious threat to road users’ safety were also highlighted.
Updates on the various projects were presented by senior officials of the responsible departments such as the Work Services Group (WSG), Sea Defence Unit, Transport and Harbours Department, Maritime Administration (MARAD), Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC).
The Ministry’s major road projects in 2007 were the ongoing construction of the Berbice River Bridge access roads, completion of the Road Safety Engineering Programme and continuation of the Road Maintenance Management Programme.
Upgrading of the Corentyne highway from New Amsterdam to Number 36 Village under Lot I works recorded much progress while the contract for Lot II was awarded later in the year and caters for the road from Number 36 Village to Moleson Creek.
Extension of the four-lane East Bank Demerara highway from DHB to Greenfield and continuation of the Mahaica/Rosignol Road Rehabilitation Programme which is nearing completion were other notable activities for 2007.
In addition, approximately $1.9B was spent on upgrading, construction and rehabilitation of various roads under the categories of miscellaneous, urban and infrastructural development programmes.
These were carried out through the WSG, which was responsible for several enhancement activities in Georgetown which cost an estimated $424M to upgrade roads, the City’s main avenues and drainage and irrigation.
Another major investment made through the Public Works Ministry was installation of approximately 50 traffic lights at crucial junctions under a US$2.1M project that was officially commissioned in July.
With regard to sea defences, major construction was done in Regions Two and Three under a $3.6B project funded with support from the European Union while another internationally funded project continued at Belladrum, West Coast Berbice. Other improvements were done in Regions Two to Six with the $650M made available in the 2007 National Budget for emergency sea defence works.
Continued efforts to boost the country’s ferry services include repairs to stellings at Adventure, Parika, Georgetown, Rosignol, New Amsterdam and Morwhanna while maintenance works were done to several vessels including the Sandaka, Torani and Lady Northcote. During 2007, the T&HD was able to reintroduce ferry services to Port Kaituma after 20 years.
Investments at the CJIAC were focused on continuing the modernisation programme through which new conveyor belts were acquired, various areas such as the Viewing Gallery were upgraded and new runway lights installed.
Several major audits were conducted by various agencies such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the United States Transport Security System to ensure that the CJIAC’s operations are in keeping with required regulations. A simulated aircraft crash exercise was successfully conducted.
Other significant infrastructural projects which took centre stage in 2007 and which are still ongoing are construction of the Takutu bridge scheduled for completion by March/April and the Berbice bridge. This is expected to become operational later in the year.
These are in keeping with the Government’s commitment to create a core infrastructural network that will boost the country’s economic and social advancement.
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