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MARAD to further enhance port safety
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2008.
More investments will be made to carry out activities that will improve the country’s ships’ channel, navigation systems and enhance safety in the port sector through the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
This year, extensive dredging of the ships’ channel will continue while emphasis will be placed on improvement of navigation aids in the Demerara channel and navigation system at the Lighthouse. In addition, both flag and port state inspections will continue while efforts will be made to maintain a 24-hour per day pilotage.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn said while these activities are planned, greater attention will be given to enhancing safety since there is need for this, particularly as it relates to operations of vessels such as trawlers and fishing boats.
At present, MARAD is conducting a safety awareness training programme for fishing stakeholders which seeks to enhance their knowledge of operations of the vessels and with focus on training relative to the certification process.
The Minister pointed out that commercial speed-boat operations provided at the Georgetown/Vreed-en-Hoop, Parika/Adventure and Parika/Bartica crossings are ‘fairly good’ but there is still room for improvement.
It was noted that there is need for a change of culture not only among operators but passengers, to ensure that safety and comfort are constantly improved. A prototype boat was designed and built by the Ministry of Public Works and Communications to introduce safer and more comfortable services.
Issues such as ensuring that the vessels are equipped with life-jackets, effective training for operators and better response and communication capabilities were highlighted by Minister Benn as areas that need improvement.
Reference was made to ongoing efforts to upgrade pilot vessels which may include installation of a fire-pump aboard and boosting the response capacity of the Coastguard.
Significant investments have been made over the years to ensure continuous dredging of the main harbours - Essequibo and Demerara while approximately $30M was spent in 2007 to carry out major repairs to the main dredge, Steve N.
Continued improvement of the country’s port sector is aimed at better enabling Guyana to take advantage of the growth in the container industry, in globalisation and other opportunities available in the transshipment area.
The 2005 Guyana Transport Sector Study highlighted the need to develop and maintain infrastructure and systems that meet international safety requirements, including improved navigational aids and wreck clearance.
It also stipulates that Government’s investment in the port sector should continue to focus on operational efficiency and service and bolster its competition and market orientation. Additionally, the study highlights the need to promote more polices that will increase maritime services to support cruise or yachting tourism.
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More emphasis on hinterland communities-to “stamp out” sexual violence
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2008
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues is advocating greater awareness programmes to educate residents of hinterland communities on their rights with respect to sexual offences.
While speaking at a recent discussion on the Consultation Paper “Stamp it out” at Cara Lodge, Minister Rodrigues noted that judicial services in hinterland communities need expansion.
Female Members of Parliament from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), the Alliance for Change (AFC), and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) were the main participants and provided feedback on the proposals contained in the Paper.
Minister Rodrigues’ views were supported by Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr. Deserey Fox who pledged to work with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to educate and promote greater awareness programmes on sexual violence in schools.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand commended both Ministers for their contributions and assured that her Ministry is monitoring what is taking place in the Regions.
Minister Manickchand said that efforts were made last year to facilitate each community with a Social Welfare Officer and that some of them are very active in providing help for victims.
It was noted by the other participants that “safe homes” are needed in the communities to help victims. “This is a proposal the Human Services Ministry is working on following the countrywide consultations”, Minister Manickchand said.
After the Paper is passed in Parliament and enacted, a massive campaign will be launched countrywide to educate persons on their rights.
The Ministry hopes to table the draft document by March 2008.
Some of the proposed changes in the Paper are to abolish preliminary enquiries in court cases, introduce integrated services at hospitals and establish a special sex offences court.
The Ministry held two months of consultations in the 10 administrative regions and the suggestions garnered would be reviewed and pertinent ones incorporated into the draft document.
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More Security legislations this year-Minister Rohee
-Bills to tackle piracy, traffic lawlessness on cards
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2008
The administration in 2007 prioritised security with major emphasis on enacting legislations. This focus will continue this year.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee said security Bills will take precedence over other sectors and noted that Bills to tackle piracy and road lawlessness are among the leading issues.
“I think we did remarkably well last year. There were a number of pieces of legislation…The position remains the same where security legislations take priority for the administration,” Minister Rohee said.
Some of the targeted Bills include: Traffic Offences Bill, Use of Cell Phones Whilst Driving Bill and the Hijacking and Piracy of Fishing Vessels Bill. The latter will seek to make piracy a non-bailable offence. There will also be the Regulations of Internet Café Bill which is expected to ensure that all internet cafes are regulated.
During 2007, of the 29 Bills passed in the National Assembly, 11 were security Bills. Among these were: the Firearm (Amendment) Bill, Juvenile Offenders (Amendment) Bill and the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) (Amendment).
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Awareness of renewable energy potential increasing – PM
- OPM opens 5 day renewable energy exhibition
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2008
Although Guyana makes a minimal contribution to global warming, the high consumption cost of burning fossil fuel and its contribution to the climate change phenomenon globally has increased awareness for the need to adopt renewable energy resources.
This was the general consensus expressed today at the opening of an exhibition on renewable energy and advancing its development in Guyana and the Caribbean.
The exhibition was organised by the Office of the Prime Minister and is a collaborative effort of the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP) and the Government of Germany.
Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Director of Sustainable Development of CARICOM, CREDP’s Principal Advisor Thomas Scheutzlich and Chief Executive Officer of the Enman Group Donald Baldeosingh.
The exhibition which ends on January 25 features exhibits on renewable energy technologies mounted by the Faculty of Technology of the University of Guyana, Farfan and Mendes and the Renewable Energy Development Programme among others. The exhibition also sought to promote dialogue on the impact of the new technologies on reducing the dependency on imported fossil fuel
The partnership with Germany in the development of renewable energy resources is seen as an asset to its development in Guyana. Germany is the second largest producer of photovoltaic (solar power) which is an economically effective source.
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Prime Minister Hinds alluded to several projects in the making for the promotion of renewable energy as he highlighted the positive steps Guyana has been making.
He referred to the co-generation project at Skeldon, in Region Six, the wind-farm Hope Beach project and the hinterland electrification project which encompasses wind, solar power and bio-fuels.
Earlier efforts in the promotion of renewable energy also involved the distribution of over 40,000 energy saving bulbs to households. The project done through partnership with the Government of Cuba has seen a drastic reduction in high electricity consumption.
The renewable energy initiatives have been most effective in the hinterland areas, assisting residents who have seen its economic benefits.
Government has also encouraged foreign investment that can help to make renewable energy efforts a reality. Prime Minister Hinds referred to the development of a local 2000 megawatt smelter by the Russian Aluminium Company (RUSAL) which is conducting a study.
The Prime Minister said the unrestrained burning of fossil fuel and the mass emission of greenhouse gases have been main causes of global warming.
Referring to the local scenario, the Prime Minister said the rapidly escalating prices of fuel products have led to problematic implications.
“At present, about 85 percent of our electricity generated in Guyana is derived from petroleum. Guyana’s import bill for petroleum this year could consume about 40 percent of Guyana’s GDP,” the Prime Minister explained.
He proposed that Guyana and the Caribbean join the world in the careful and more efficient use of fossil fuel and make every effort to promote alternatives such as renewable energy.
Studies have proven that renewable energy is essential for poverty eradication which is one of the targets in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
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Maintenance of Demerara Harbour Bridge continues
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2008.
Continued maintenance of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) has ensured its effective operations and this will be routinely done to add longevity to the 30-year old structure.
General Manager Nazrudeen Aziz said the maintenance programme for the bridge during this year includes removal, blasting, repainting and replacement of 79 pontoons.
In addition, three large and one extra extra-large pontoon for the bridge’s high span and retractor spans will be constructed. Approximately $555M was earmarked at the end of 2007 for these activities which would be a tremendous boost to the structure.
There are also plans to construct and replace 320 decks plates, fabricate and install 100 mesh panels, repair deckings as required and carry out annual maintenance of the retractor span hydraulic system.
Maintenance and upgrading of the DHB has continued over the years to prolong the structure’s lifespan and generally improve services. The activities include replacement of wire ropes, sheaves, shackles, buoys and servicing of winches on the anchorage system.
Among the main projects undertaken at the bridge during the last year was construction of three large pontoons at a cost of about $120M and resurfacing of the structure. This was done at a cost of approximately $42M to give longevity to the bridge and make it safer for traffic, particularly during wet conditions.
Additionally, 329 deck plates were constructed and replaced while 25 pontoons previously provided under an internationally funded project were serviced. Another area of focus was training through which 10 staff members participated in programmes to improve their field of work while the General Manager’s qualifications were further enhanced.
In 2004, a computerised maintenance system was developed and implemented for the DHB while the toll collection software was upgraded to improve the tax collection process. Two large pontoons were constructed in the same year as replacement for Uniflote pontoons under the bridge’s acceptor span.
The two-lane bridge, constructed in the 1970s, is a vital link between Regions Three and Four, and accommodates the crossing of approximately 24 000 commuters daily. It was designed by Thomas Storey Engineers Limited, using Acrow Panel Bridge and Uniflote and the contract was signed on May 24, 1976. The bridge which was a semi-autonomous body became a corporation on April 14, 2003.
It was originally built to last 10 years but was repaired in 1998 through a major European Union project that cost US$10M which gave it another 15 years. The bridge’s superstructure is supported by more than 100 pontoons, and comprises 61 spans. Its double retractor creates a clearance of 210 feet horizontally to facilitate the passage of ocean-going vessels.
Plans are underway to conduct a feasibility study during this year for a new bridge across the Demerara River.
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Log Export Policy to be announced shortly
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2008.
The proposed National Log Export Policy is expected to be declared shortly to address the issue of log exportation and promote further value-added production in keeping with Government’s thrust to ensure continued sustainable forestry development.
This policy was developed after a series of discussions and consultations involving all stakeholders of the forestry sector, Government, Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA) and other important associated bodies.
Initial activities resulted in the establishment of a Ministerial Committee that was tasked with developing a position paper to guide the national consultation process on the exportation of logs from Guyana. The committee included representatives of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Forest Producers Association (FPA) and GMSA.
During the national consultation in February 2007, all stakeholders agreed that there was an urgent need to address the exportation of logs and place greater emphasis on value-added production since there was an imbalance.
Subsequently, a meeting was held with President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, the Commissioner of Forest, the FPA and the GMSA and further discussions were held on the subject.
It was recently disclosed that there was a 16.14 percent reduction in the production of logs in 2007 as compared to 2006 and increased interest, demand and export of value-added products.
It was noted that there was a high and growing local demand for sawn lumber by value-added manufacturers while growth in round wood production was driven by an attractive market, both internationally and locally, with prevailing high prices.
Additionally, Director of the Forest Products Marketing Council (FPMC) Luvindra Sukraj reported previously that investors and producers were becoming more aware of these market opportunities that exist in the value-added production area.
He explained that investments are being made in new and advanced technology; improved facilities and technical expertise; and rehabilitation of existing machinery that could form the basis of a transition from high log export to more value-added production.
It has also been observed that export of traditional items such as large timber products is shifting toward items such as timber moulding, furniture, dressed lumber and other value-added forest products.
This resulted in exports of forest products moving from US$59.5M in 2006 to US$61.5 M last year which represented a 3.25 percent increase. The highest revenue earner for 2007 was sawn wood with US$21.86M which represented 35.56 percent of export earnings.
Additionally, more producers have been investing in downstream activities such as the establishment of more sawmills and kiln-drying facilities and expansion of existing lumber yards. These activities will help to reduce log export while at the same time create more opportunities for those involved in the forestry sector.
The forestry sector contributes approximately six percent to the Gross Domestic Product and employs about 25 000 persons. It plays an integral role in the country’s economic development particularly in rural communities and has constantly engaged the administration’s attention.
In the meantime other activities are being pursued by GFC to tackle illegal logging through which a project has started with support from the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) to enhance legality in forest product harvesting and trade in Guyana.
The initiative seeks to enhance the chain of custody of timber production and trade by upgrading the current manual log-tracking system through the use of hand-held scanners, and forest station connectivity to real time electronic databases.
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Guyana could become a net exporter of power – Trinidad-based company
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2008
With its vast array of cascading waterways among other pristine natural resources, Guyana is capable of promoting renewable energy by becoming one of the central points of hydropower supply in the Caribbean.
The Turtruba Hydro Project in the Mazaruni, Region Seven has been identified through a feasibility study in 2002 as one with immense potential to supply power to the Caribbean region.
During a presentation on the Project, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Enman Group Donald Baldeosingh, while at a seminar on renewable energy at the Umana Yana, today said the project can meet the demand for large sustainable energy sources which is high in the Caribbean.
The Enman group, a Trinidad-based company is projecting that the Turtruba Hydropower project has the potential of producing more than 11,000 megawatts of power with minimal environmental degradation.
“I think it’s well known that Guyana has a 7,000 megawatt hydropower potential which theoretically can supply the Caribbean as we stand today. There are also wind and solar potential in Guyana and the Caribbean,” Baldeosingh said.
In 2005 the Enman group presented a pre-feasibility report on the Tortruba rapids located in the Mazaruni River which identified the potential of the project and outlined the additional work that was needed.
“The study concluded that Tortruba is a good site with very good foundation, an excellent reservoir, good transportation and will have minimal disruption to residents,” Baldeosingh explained.
The collaboration between the Guyana Government and the Enman group in making the project a reality was lauded by the Baldeosingh Enman group which has concluded pre-feasibility studies, markets and business plans.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds is expected to turn the sod to mark the commencement of the project which is expected to create more than 2000 job opportunities, according to Baldeosingh.
He added that the project will promote economic development in Guyana and the Caribbean since Guyana will become a net exporter of energy
The hydropower technology which Enman proposes will allow isolated power sources to be transmitted to Brazil and parts of the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica could be beneficiaries of the power supply.
Baldeosingh revealed statistics which show hydropower being the source for most of the power supply in South American countries
The Enman company is also pursuing efforts to develop a US$4B submarine power transmission cable for power to be taken through the Caribbean islands and over to Roraima in Northern Brazil.
Negotiations with Brazil, Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean islands have been ongoing.
The company’s main aim is to provide bulk reliable power at an economic price to large consumers.
Hydropower among several other renewable energy resources has been gaining awareness around the world as the solution to the high consumption cost incurred in the use of fossil fuel.
Some islands in the Caribbean region have expended more than 40 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on fuel.
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New IDB Representative calls on Home Affairs Minister
- Citizens’ Security Programme among discussion
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2008
New Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Mr. Marco Nicola today paid a courtesy call on Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee at his Brickdam office.
Mr. Marco and Minister Rohee held discussions on several issues including the US $22M Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP) which is being funded by the Bank.
Mr. Marco during the discussion expressed satisfaction with the work done thus far by government with regard to the preparation for the implementation of the programme.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Ms. Angela Johnson and Head of the CPS Mr. Khemraj Rhia participated in the meeting.
Recently, the way was cleared for the programme to be implemented when the documentation was completed paving the way for the Bank to release the funds.
New Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Mr. Marco Nicola today paid a courtesy call on Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee at his Brickdam Office. Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Ms. Angela Johnson and Head of the Citizens’ Security Programme Mr. Khemraj Rhia. The US$22M Citizens’ Security project which is being funded by the Bank was discussed. The Bank recently began releasing funds to government to kick-start the programme.
Government has already identified several Police Stations to be refurbished under the programme and the purchasing of new vehicles.
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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World Leprosy Day to be observed on January 27
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2008
Guyana will be joining other countries in observance of World Leprosy Day on January 27, 2008 with several activities. The week of activities will commence on Sunday, January 27, and conclude on Friday, February 1, 2008.
The activities which are being held by the Ministry of Health through the Public Health Clinic at the Palms, Brickdam, Georgetown, will start with the Minister’s address on Sunday followed by prayers and broadcasts.
On Monday, January 28, the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) will present an address and a spot-check exercise will be carried out under a tent in front of Republic Bank, Water Street. This exercise will continue the following day at the same location.
On Wednesday, January 30, a clinic lecture, interviews and a mini poster exhibition will take place at the Public Health Clinic.
Additionally, a radio/television interview will be done on Thursday, January 31 at 8:30 am while another clinic lecture will be held on February 1. There will be a mobile clinic offering services during this period.
According to Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Guyana has come a long way in combating the disease and through its Hansen’s disease programme, Government is closer to reaching its goal of eliminating the disease by 2015.
He however, noted that there is a challenge in identifying the few cases remaining; adding that there is a low prevalence rate and low transmission rate in Guyana. There are about 25 cases of leprosy recorded annually and there is sufficient medication available for treatment of those affected.
Minister Ramsammy said one important aspect is to make people aware that leprosy is a curable disease.
At present, there are 14 out–patient leprosy clinics across Guyana. There are located at Mahaica, Wismar, Mackenzie, Skeldon, Port Mourant, New Amsterdam, Clonbrook, David Rose Centre, Parika, Grove, Lodge, De Kinderen, Vreed-en-Hoop and the Palms.
World Leprosy Day is being observed under the theme ‘Building legacy’.
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Health Ministry expanding services at GPHC this year
- Minister Ramsammy emphasizes need for patient’s satisfaction
Government, GINA, January 21, 2008
Thousands of people are accessing the services of the country’s main health institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) annually.
The hospital last year provided services to hundreds of thousands of persons and conducted a large number of surgeries, some of which were introduced for the first time.
The GPHC reported that during 2007, more than 350,000 people benefited from the medical out-patient department while approximately 30,000 in-patients received treatment. This equates to more than 210,000 patient-care days since some persons would have spent several days at institution.
Additionally, more than 600,000 prescriptions were filled and 275,000 laboratory tests conducted.
“This is an extremely busy hospital and by any standards, the results that were obtained last year, is an enormous task to undertake, whether it is for a hospital in the United States, China, India or in Guyana,” Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said.
Some 17,000 persons benefited from physiotherapy and more than 7,000 surgical procedures were performed.
Minister Ramsammy said this year’s focus will be placed on two main areas, the expansion of existing services and the introduction of new services.
“The thing about introducing surgical procedures around the country is that not only will surgeons be needed; you will also need to have support staff such as anaesthesiologists and support nurses,” the Minister added.
The hospital, the Ministry of Health and the University of Guyana are also working collaboratively to expand its training programmes. This year, the five persons who were part of the post-graduate surgery programme will conclude their training and will be assigned to various health institutions across Guyana.
At present, the Health Ministry is implementing the nurse anaesthesia programme while in September training programme in obstetrics and gynaecology will commence. As medical personnel become qualified in these areas, they will provide services to the other hospitals at New Amsterdam, Linden, Mabaruma, Bartica and Lethem.
Meanwhile, Minister Ramsammy said the GPHC will be addressing the issue of patient’s satisfaction and will introduce the Patient Advocate.
“These persons will be working in the critical areas such as the Accident and Emergency to facilitate the patient and will negotiate with the staff to ensure that the patient is getting proper attention,” Minister Ramsammy said.
The Georgetown Hospital has also been mandated to conduct three clinical performance measurements and while two patient satisfaction surveys are expected to be conducted this year.
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Finance Minister meets World Bank Executive Director
- economic developments in Guyana highlighted
Georgetown, GINA, January 21, 2008
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, today met with World Bank Executive Director, Dr. Samy Watson at the Ministry of Finance boardroom where he informed Mr. Watson and his delegation about the recent economic development in Guyana and the outlook for medium term.
According to a release from the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Watson and a delegation from the Office of the Executive Director are on a three-day visit in Guyana.
“He (Minister Singh) reflected that in the past fifteen years Government’s main focus was on reconstructing the physical and institutional infrastructure supporting every sector of the economy with an emphasis on promoting growth and reducing poverty,” the release stated.
The Finance Minister also highlighted a number of recent private sector developments, including interests in oil exploration which will now recommence with the resolution of the maritime boundary between Guyana and Suriname, bauxite and renewable energy.
In relation to the medium term he said government continues to focus on the importance of developing the social sector. In this context, he emphasised the importance of continued access to concessional financing.
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From right Minister within the Ministry of Finance Dr. Jennifer Webster Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, the World Bank Executive Director, Dr. Samy Watson and a delegation from the office of the Executive Director during a meeting at the Ministry of Finance boardroom.
During the meeting, presentations were also made on a number of the World Bank funded projects currently being executed in Guyana, including the Water Sector Consolidation Programme, the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Programme and the Conservancy Adaptation Project.
Dr. Singh also placed on record the Government’s appreciation of the World Bank’s participation in the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative which resulted in the cancellation of US$218 million owed by Guyana to the World Bank during 2006.
“He urged continued support of the Bank for Guyana’s development efforts. In particular, he raised with the Executive Director the need for the Bank’s assistance in securing the committed contribution of the World Bank HIPC Trust Fund which is earmarked to assist CARICOM Multilateral Credit Facility creditors to facilitate debt relief to Guyana,” the release stated.
During the visit the delegation will be visiting a number of sites that are being funded by the Bank and other major developmental interventions, including the Health Clinics, Water Treatment Plants at Eccles & Covent Garden and the Skeldon Co-generation Plant.
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