Way cleared for Citizens’ Security Programme to begin
Georgetown, GINA, January 18, 2008
The way has been paved for the Inter-American Bank (IDB) to release the funds for some aspects of the US $22M Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP).
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee said the programme’s documentation is now complete clearing the way for the refurbishing of several Police Stations and the purchasing of new vehicles.
“We have just approved the refurbishing and the re-modelling of a number of Police Stations on the Coast and that will come on stream in 2008. We will begin to see this in very concrete terms…So funds will be released for 2008 for this project. The Police will also get some pieces of equipment, particularly vehicles, to improve the services they provide,” Minister Rohee said.
The Home Affairs Ministry had conducted several meetings with members of the Police Force in 2007 to kick-start the programme.
The CSP which will create greater police/community relationships to fight crime and boost the Force’s capacity is a major component of the Government’s Police Reform programme.
The restructuring will employ a multi-dimensional approach aimed at preventing, reducing and fighting crime. It will target disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Regions Four and Six, cater for capacity-building of the Police Force and the Home Affairs Ministry and the Force’s modernisation.
Four communities have been selected for pilot surveys: Rose Hall, Tain/Port Mourant, Buxton/Annandale and Sophia.
Several other Caribbean countries are in the process of implementing this programme with assistance from the IDB.
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More timely, orderly flow expected for Mash 2008 – Minister Anthony
Georgetown, GINA, January 18, 2008
The costume and float parade, one of the highlights for Mashramani which usually moves off from the junction of Camp and Church streets en-route to the National Park, will be timely and orderly this year.
This is one of the major plans which the Mash Committee is currently putting in place for this year’s Republic Day celebration to be held under the theme “Let’s unite and Celebrate in 2008”.
This new consideration follows a detailed review of past Mashramani celebrations. The review identified many inconsistencies and shortcomings that needed to be addressed.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony at a Mash media briefing at the National Communications Network (NCN) studio today said mash participants have an obligation to be better organised.
“One of the issues we found in previous parades was that the bands do not start on time so we will penalise people for not being punctual. Late starts usually cause delays in the entire parade,” Minister Anthony said.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and members of the Mash planning committee addressing the media.
Safety has also been a major issue under consideration which takes into account onlookers who usually flock the route to the National Park and mash bands which encourage revellers to breach certain safety precautions such as climbing onto music sets.
Minister Anthony said points will be deducted from bands engaging in this practice since safety in every major public event should always be taken into consideration.
“We don’t want accidents to happen and I think this is one way of preventing any casualties,” Minister Anthony.
More choreographed dancing among the revellers is also being encouraged and a special prize will be earmarked for contingents that demonstrate admirable choreographed performances.
A review of the judging methods of previous Mash competitions was also done and special training sessions for judges will be held soon. Mash Co-ordinator Lennox Canterbury who was also present at the media briefing said three instead of four judging stations will be set up for this year’s event.
He added that the committee plans to stage a route visit exercise with the Guyana Police Force and members of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to identify the areas where strict monitoring and surveillance will be conducted.
About 20 bands including baton-twirlers and international revellers are expected to be out on the road on Mash day.
The Mash Secretariat has already issued the calendar of activities for Mashramani which each of the Ten administrative regions will be hosting. These include calypso, chutney, steelpan masquerade, costume and float parade, illuminated buildings competitions and flag-rising.
Mashramani was first celebrated as an independence carnival in Mackenzie Region Ten after Guyana won independence from British rule in 1966. The initial organizers, the Jaycees of Linden planned the event for the February 23 festival in 1970. It was a huge success as people from all regions converged in Linden and subsequently the event grew into an annual national feature after being taken to Georgetown.
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Farmers, residents must play greater role in D&I projects’ monitoring
Agriculture Minister
Georgetown GINA, January 18, 2007.
Farmers and residents are being encouraged to assist in monitoring drainage and irrigation and other works done in their communities to help ensure projects are implemented according to the required specifications.
This was highlighted during a farmers’ meeting on January 17 at Cane Grove, Mahaica, with Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and a team of senior officials from the Ministry and the Regional Administration of Region Four. The meeting was held at the Cane Grove Primary School.
The discussions centered on drainage and irrigation during which farmers spoke about the quality of some works done through the award of contracts in their community. Minister Persaud said the Ministry is cognisant of such complaints and efforts are being made to address them through the procurement of equipment by Government that would preclude the need for contracting the projects.
During the past two years, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) acquired 25 new excavators that have since been deployed to various areas across the country including the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and Pomeroon, where the equipment are being used to further strengthen the D&I system. 
A section of the gathering at the meeting.
Minister Persaud pointed out that the Ministry is willing to have farmers involved in the maintenance of the D&I system after completion of the infrastructural works.
They were advised that there is an arrangement which requires contract documents to be publicly displayed in the community where the works are being done.
The attitude of pump attendants at Cane Grove was also raised and farmers were told that the matter will be dealt with by the Regional Administration, which has taken action in other similar situations.
Minister Persaud recommended the establishment of a monitoring committee where elected farmers represent the views of the community as it relates to the operation of the pump station.
The committee members are required to conduct regular checks to ensure efficient operations of the pump. During the meeting, several farmers were elected to represent the Cane Grove pump monitoring committee.
Minister Persaud addressing farmers at the Cane Grove meeting.
Additionally, another main issue that took centre stage was the development of the Georgie Pasture located in the savannah aback of the community by a private farmer for agricultural activities, which farmers said is having a negative impact on D&I in their area.
Minister Persaud said a complete investigation is required into the matter before any decision is made and a committee was set up to conduct the review and present a report. The committee, headed by NDIA’s Chairman Walter Willis includes the investor, farmers from the community and representatives from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.
Farmers also spoke about the state of access dams and they were advised that the Regional 
A Cane Grove farmer making a point during the meeting.
Administration will embark on a programme shortly to improve these faculties in the community.
Over the past year, approximately $18.6M was spent by the NDIA to carry out additional D&I improvement in the Cane Grove area. These works were done through contracts awarded to the community’s Water Users Association (WUA). More expenditure on D&I in the area included $5M by the NDC and additional sums from the Regional Administration.
Among those present at the meeting from the Agriculture Ministry were Willis, General Secretary of the Rice Producers’ Association Dharamkumar Seeraj, General Manager of the Guyana Rice and Development Board Jagnarine Singh and NDIA’s Chief Executive Officer (ag) Lionel Wordsworth.
From the region there was Regional Vice-Chairman Mohamed Khan and Regional Executive Officer Shafdar Ali.
Minister Persaud and his team have been visiting various communities across the country to discuss agricultural development with farmers and residents.
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Hague Backdam, Best Old Road targeted for upgrading
Georgetown, GINA, January 18, 2008.
Investments continue to be made to improve the infrastructural network in more communities and plans are underway to rehabilitate the Hague Backdam, West Coast Demerara, West Canje, Granville and Stanleytown, Berbice roadways among others.
The works will be done through the Work Services Group (WSG) of the Ministry of Public Works and Communications and are aimed at providing a better transportation and communication network. The Best Old Road at Vreed-en-Hoop will also be upgraded while repairs will be carried out to the Soesdyke/Linden highway.
Other important infrastructural projects to be done by the WSG during this year include repairs to the Acrow Panel bridges at Moleson Creek, rehabilitation of crucial sections of the Black Bush Polder Road and construction of a car-park for the New Amsterdam hospital.
Additionally, under its Urban Road Programme, further improvement will be done at intersections where traffic lights have been installed while more efforts will be made to maintain and repair various thoroughfares in Georgetown.
Rehabilitation of the Bartica/Issano road is another major project to be implemented in 2008 while there will be greater focus on maintenance of interior roads through a special unit set up within the Ministry. Construction of one mile of paved roadway in Mahdia is also planned.
These will be undertaken with local funds while there are other major projects to be implemented with assistance from international organisations. These include feasibility studies for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge and Linden-Lethem roadway.
In addition, the re-construction of approximately 20 culverts from Timehri to Rosignol is likely to start by July while a feasibility study will be done and design prepared for 30 remaining structures along this route.
A feasibility study is expected to be conducted and designs prepared for rehabilitation of the Black Bush Polder roadway while a new road safety programme will be developed for Grove, East Bank Demerara and traffic lights intersections in the City.
These are ongoing efforts by Government to ensure improved access in all communities through which several projects have been undertaken in various areas.
During last year, repairs were done to roadways at East Canje, Glasgow in East Bank Berbice and Ogle main access road while two major culverts were replaced along the West Bank Demerara public road. Additionally, approximately $214M was provided for rehabilitation of other roads in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six, Eight and Nine.
Overall, 24 miles of roadway were rehabilitated, five culverts and two bridges constructed and five miles of road lighting installed along Mandela Avenue and the Railway Embankment through the WSG.
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Women’s group launched in Sophia
-to focus on improving living standards
Georgetown, GINA, January 18, 2008
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security through the Women’s Affairs Bureau yesterday launched a “Mothers’ Committee on Social Issues” which has as its mandate raising the living standards of all women regardless of their ethnicity and religion.
Present at the launching were Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Haymawattie Lagan, Founder of the Kids First Fund, Varshnie Jagdeo and People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Member of Parliament Volda Lawrence.
The group initiated last year, has not only attracted women from the Sophia community but others such as Buxton, Melanie, Victoria and Mocha. At present, there are 80 women participating in various activities.
Fifteen mothers are currently undergoing cake-decorating courses sponsored by the group. Its founder Anetha Shelto said before the year is over at least one child of each of the mothers in the group will be computer literate.
Lagan said she is happy that women are coming together to improve their living standards and build their communities and pledged the WAB’s support and assistance. Members of the group are also aiming to “stamp out” abuse among children, vulgar music in public transportation and implement strategies for idle youths in the society.
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Health-care accomplishments significant in Region Six
- more than 308,000 people benefited
Government, GINA, January 18, 2007
The Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) has recorded significant strides during 2007 with more persons benefiting from improved services in Region Six.
The authority which comprises the region’s main health facility, the New Amsterdam Public Hospital is complemented by the Port Mourant, Skeldon and Mibicuri hospitals and several health centres. The $140M Ophthalmology Centre, located in the compound of the Port Mourant Hospital, is expected to become operable early 2008.
The BRHA reported that last year 308, 209 persons were treated at the New Amsterdam, Port Mourant, Skeldon and Mibicuri hospitals some of whom were patients benefiting from special clinics and have been visiting these institutions from time to time.
Some of the services offered in the region include x-ray, laboratory, pharmacy, specialist clinics, medical out-patient, accident and emergency services, intensive care services and physiotherapy.
The New Amsterdam Hospital performed a large number of eye surgeries especially for the removal of cataract.
Efforts are continuously being taken to improve the quality of service offered. A complaints department was established so that officials can become familiar with some of the difficulties persons face when visiting these institutions. This will allow for officials to better manage and co-ordinate events and health-related activities in the region and to improve on the quality of services being offered.
The New Amsterdam Hospital, in efforts to improve the institution’s efficiency, introduced a numbering system while a canteen will also be constructed within a short while to cater for patients, doctors, nurses and visitors.
In August last year, an accident and emergency shed and waiting area, built to accommodate approximately 150 persons was handed over to Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA), Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo by the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Joe Singh, evidence of the partnership being fostered among the authority and corporate entities to add to health-care services in Region Six.
Civil works are virtually completed at the Blood Bank which is also expected to become operable during this year.
The New Amsterdam hospital will be expanding its training programmes to add to the number of medical personnel in the sector.
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President attends final day of GDF Officers’ Conference
Georgetown, GINA, January 18, 2008
Commander-in-Chief, President Bharrat Jagdeo today joined Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officers at Base Camp Ayanganna as the GDF concluded its two-day Officers Conference. He was accompanied by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Secretary to the Defence Board, Dr. Roger Luncheon.
Yesterday, the Commander-in-Chief also attended the Opening of the Conference which is an annual event and which was this year held under the theme “Re-engineering to enhance national defence and security”.
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Gov’t spent $20M to renovate teachers’ quarters, schools in Region 10
Georgetown, GINA, January 18, 2008
Government last year embarked on an initiative to the tune of $20M to provide accommodation for teachers that would preclude the need for travelling long distances.
Regional Chairman of Region Ten (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice) Mortimer Mingo said that major renovation work was done on teachers’ quarters in the Region to facilitate trained teachers so that children can have a high quality of education.
Sand Hill and Mount Carmel have newly constructed teachers’ quarters while schools were also extended.
Mingo said that he is happy that the Government has been providing the necessary facilities to attract teachers in the communities and is hoping that the children’s grades would improve significantly.
The region’s nine communities, Hururu, Wikki, Calcuni, Great Falls, Malawi, Wiruni, Muritaro, Hittia (Sand Hill), Kimbia and Riversview are benefiting from major developments such as education and quality health care.
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Continued efforts to help farmers deal with high production cost
Georgetown, GINA, January 18, 2007.
Government’s interest in advancing the rice industry is being further displayed with more interventions to help farmers deal with the high cost of production. Efforts are underway to make fertilizers available at cheaper costs.
Through a collaborative venture by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA), a shipment of fertilisers has been arranged and is due to arrive in Guyana by January 21.
This was announced during a farmers’ meeting at Cane Grove, Mahaica, on January 17 by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who pointed out the positive impact of the intervention since it will allow farmers to access cheaper fertilizers.
The initiative is being undertaken by the RPA and will enable farmers to purchase fertilizers at a cost of approximately $5, 200 or $5, 300 per bag at the wharf once there are no changes to the importing arrangements.
Other suppliers in the country are currently selling fertilisers at approximately $6,000 per bag while a shipment being sourced out of Trinidad and Tobago will see the item being sold at $6, 200 per bag.
The RPA was able to secure a loan from the financial facility set up under the Rice Competitiveness Project to undertake the initiative that is intended to provide assistance to farmers.
RPA’s General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj said the association will continue to play a major role in supplying other inputs to the industry and at present focus is being placed on building capacity to do so since it will require proper business management.
Previous interventions by Government to help farmers deal with the high cost of production included removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) from spare parts for tractors and combines used in the rice industry and reduction of the Excise Tax from fuel. Additionally, fertilisers are among the agricultural inputs that do not attract VAT.
Through the financial facility, farmers can also access loans at low interest rates for investment in their activities while major focus was placed on strengthening the drainage and irrigation system to support rice production.
At present, there is a price increase for rice, but according to Minister Persaud, reports presented to him do not indicate any shortage of supplies. Arrangements are being made to have discussions with millers as the first step of implementing measures to deal with the issue.
He explained that the price increases are only being experienced in some areas. A survey is currently being done to determine the price for rice in both wholesale and retail quantities at the various locations after which the information will be made public. This will allow wholesalers and consumers to source rice from areas where better prices are offered.
Farmers at Cane Grove reported to the Minister that it is unusual that rice is being sold at a cost of about $6,000 per bag when their paddy was sold to millers at just $2,200 per bag.
Preparations are currently being made for the first crop in 2008 which is expected to be bigger than previous years while more investments continue to be made to ensure that the industry overcomes its current challenges and further develop.
Through the Competitiveness Project, approximately $3.6B is being invested to improve water management in Region Two, boost research and extension services and provide technical assistance in addition to the financial facility.
In 2006, the Rice Factories Act was amended to ensure a level playing field and fairness in the system especially with regard to payments to rice farmers by millers. Various regulations were implemented to ensure more efficiency in operations.
It is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 farming families that depend on rice for their livelihood. Guyana also has 105 privately-owned rice mills. In addition to farming families, workers in the rice mills, exporters, input suppliers and others also depend either directly or indirectly on the rice industry, thus approximately 100,000 persons (14% of the entire population) rely on this vital industry.
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