GCAA navigation systems for upgrading
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2008.
Government has made available approximately $660M towards further modernisation and upgrading of navigation and communication systems provided by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
This was disclosed by the Authority’s Interim Director-General Zulfikar Mohamed who said the resources, which were allocated at the end of 2007, caters for the purchase and upgrade of existing equipment used for the provision of air traffic services.
This is one of the main responsibilities of the GCAA to ensure that aircraft operate safely both on the ground and in the air. Some of the equipment currently being used have been in operation for more than 20 years, he added.
This is in keeping with Government’s ongoing efforts to improve air transport operations through which various activities have been undertaken including training of about 500 persons in aviation security during 2007.
This was done under an initiative carried out with support from the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) and also included acquisition of equipment to boost aviation security at the country’s two major airports, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) and Ogle Aerodrome.
In addition, an audit on aviation security was conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) after which there was a review of the security regulations and programmes in place. These are currently before the ICAO for approval.
“Once approved these are the guidelines which will be used in the aviation sector to ensure aviation security is adequately provided by the stakeholders. We (GCAA) basically oversee them to ensure they do that,” Mohamed.
Another audit was conducted by the Transportation Security Administration of the United States (US) to ensure that the airlines operating out of Guyana to that country are in accordance with the US security requirements which are in addition to those established by ICAO.
This activity was done in November 2007 and according to Mohamed, the auditors were very pleased with the security arrangements and operations being maintained at the CJIAC.
Following an ICAO audit in 2006 to ensure that Guyana’s aviation operations are in keeping with the internationally established regulations, GCAA was required to prepare an Action Plan to address the few deficiencies which were highlighted.
The main issue which was the lack of personnel has since been addressed through the Regional Aviation Safety Oversight System, a body that comprises aviation authorities from the Caribbean. Through this body, resources were provided to ensure that Guyana’s operations meet the requirements set by ICAO.
The GCAA was formulated by the Civil Aviation Act of 2002, which was approved in the National Assembly on August 29, 2000. The Authority is accountable for the Civil Aviation (Air Navigation) Regulations of 2001, the Civil Aviation (Licencing) Regulations of 2001 and the Rules of the Air.
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Forestry operators urged to utilise local training opportunities
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2008.
Local employers involved in forestry operations are being encouraged to take advantage of the training programmes offered at the Forestry Training Centre Incorporated (FTCI) in various crucial areas including Reduced Impact Logging (RIL).
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud who holds responsibility for Forestry, recently urged that forestry companies further utilise the training opportunities being provided at the FTCI since these are important courses to help ensure sustainable forestry development.
During 2007, 266 persons were trained at the Centre in the discipline of RIL. One hundred and fifty of these were Guyanese while the others were drawn from the Caribbean, Belize and Suriname.
FTCI was established in 2002 following the signing of an agreement for training in RIL in Guyana. Signatories to the agreement were Government, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Tropical Forest Foundation (TFF) and the Forest Producers Association (FPA).
Since then the Centre has facilitated training of a number of persons from forestry companies including managerial and supervisory staff, inventory staff, tree markers, chainsaw operators, skidder operators and forest rangers.
Additionally, it caters for students from institutions such as the University of Guyana (UG) and Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and residents of Amerindian communities and Non-Governmental Organisations.
There are other training opportunities being provided through the GFC and the Forest Products Marketing Council (FPMC). These include timber grading through which four courses were held in 2007 in Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo. Seventy eight persons were successful.
Under GFC’s Social Forestry Development Programme, stakeholders from several hinterland and rural communities have benefited from formal training on a wide range of topics such as management, laws and inventory in the forestry sector.
Training was done in communities such as Riversview, Batavia, Kabakaburi, Whyaka, Capoey, Tapakuma, Kwebanna, Moraikobai, Orealla, Siparuta, Annai, Karasabai, St. Ignatius and Mahdia.
In addition, approximately CDN$100,000 was secured by the FPMC and GFC to provide training in saw doctoring and sawmilling techniques for local operators and technicians.
Also during last year, 17 persons were trained to function as auditors for the Legal Verification System (LVS) which was developed to assure buyers on aspects of legality and sustainability of Guyana's forest products. The system, which was established by PROFOREST, a United Kingdom-based company that was contracted, has been field tested.
This is in keeping with Government’s efforts to ensure that there is continuous improvement in forestry operations so that Guyana remains in accordance with international standards.
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CJIA’s Inter-Agency Committee on security holds first meeting
-sets stage for better security coordination
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2008
The Inter-Agency Committee that will be responsible for security at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport CJIA) held its first meeting today as the administration continues to place focus on addressing drug trafficking.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee said the meeting is expected to set the stage for improved security at the main port of entry. He reiterated government’s continued partnership with related agencies to tackle the illicit drug trade.
“This committee is mainly looking at improving the services and security at the airport and all the agencies which are part of this committee will be mandated to do certain things. We (government) are always favourable to work with stakeholders to improve services,” Minister Rohee said.
The Committee which was established on December 3 calls for members to share information and intelligence gathering in the fight against drug trafficking through the airport.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee addressing members of the Inter Agency Committee at the Ministry of Home Affairs boardroom today.
Agencies that are part of the Committee are: Travel Span, North American Arlines, Total Air Cargo, Caribbean Airlines, Constellation Tours Limited, Laparkan Airways, Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU). CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer (ag) Mr. Ramesh Ghir is also on the committee.
The committee will further have to make recommendations and advise on appropriate law enforcement and intelligence. Tightening loopholes as it relates to the movement of passengers, cargo and mails through the airport will also be a priority.
The stakeholder agencies will be mandated to employ persons who are ‘security-vetted’. A review of employees’ security status will be done periodically and persons known to have committed or facilitated any serious breach of airport security be removed from employment.
The administration has demonstrated zero-tolerance towards drug trafficking by making several interventions including legislations, the implementation of a five-year National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) and signing onto several international conventions.
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President meets with World Bank Representatives
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2008
A team from the World Bank led by the Bank’s Executive Director, Dr. Samy Watson today met with President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President. The team is on a three-day visit.
Accompanying the team during the meeting with the President was Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh who yesterday also met the team and updated them on Guyana’s economic strides, plans and development.
The Ministry of Finance stated that during the Minister’s meeting with the team “he 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”.
It stated too that the Finance Minister also highlighted a number of recent private sector developments, including interests in oil exploration which is to recommence shortly now that there has been a resolution of the maritime boundary dispute between Guyana and Suriname.
Yesterday’s meeting also saw presentations being made on a number of the World Bank funded projects being executed in Guyana, including the Water Sector Consolidation Programme, the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Programme and the Conservancy Adaptation Project.
During their stay, the delegation is expected to visit several projects funded by the Bank such as health clinics, water treatment plants at Eccles & Covent Garden and the Skeldon Co-generation Plant.
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New Schools for two Region Two AmerindianCommunities
Georgetown, GINA, January 22, 2008
Children are now learning in a new and comfortable environment with the completion of two new primary schools in Lima Sands and Dredge Creek in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).
The two primary schools cost $9M each and have the capacity to house 200 students each.
Regional Chairman of Region Two, Ali Baksh said that due to the detortriation of the old buildings and the improved attendance of Amerindian children, the new schools were needed.
Akawini, Bethany, Capoey Lake, Kabakaburi, Mashabo, Karawab (St. Monica), Tapakuma (St. Denise), Wakapoa and Mainstay/Whayaka each has a nursery and primary schools. Wakapoa has a secondary school, and a dormitory that caters for children from other areas.
Regional Executive Officer, Iqbaul Khan said that the small communities have a population of about 1000 residents each except Wakapoa that has approximately 2000. He noted with the population growth, the new schools were necessary to accommodate more children who are now having access to comfortable and quality education.
It was noted that each school is also benefiting from Government’s school feeding programme that was introduced to improve the attendance of Amerindian children in hinterland areas.
These communities are managed by a hinterland affairs committee that ensures that every community is benefiting from Government’s development.
All of the nine communities in Region Two have improved schools and levels of teaching.
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GINA, NCN take lead in blood donation drive
Government, GINA, January 22, 2008
Voluntary blood donation was today given a boost as 20 units of blood were donated by staff of the Government Information Agency (GINA) and the National Communications Network (NCN) during a blood drive held today at GINA on Homestretch Avenue.
This will add to the voluntary donor base of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) since many of the media members are first time donors.
GINA's Cameraman, Nazeer Ali Shaw donating blood
“This must be the very first time in Guyana and could be the very first time globally that the media is taking the lead in terms of blood donation. I want to congratulate GINA and NCN for this initiative and hope that all media houses will join as it will contribute to the Ministry’s target of achieving a 100 percent voluntary donation,” Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said.
In order to satisfy the demand, approximately 10,000 units of blood are needed annually. At present, the NBTS collects about 7,000 units of which 45 percent are from voluntary donors.
NCN's Natasha Waldron getting prepared to donate blood
“It is an important initiative because the Ministry’s goal is to achieve 100 percent voluntary donation. I would wish that one day, somebody would visit any hospital in this country and blood would be automatically available for them to use should they need it and not be told by hospital administrators that they have to seek relatives in order to get blood,” the Minister said.
Blood donation was significantly boosted last year and the Ministry is aiming to collect over 7,500 units this year from voluntary donation.
This is to ensure blood safety as blood is needed for several clinical procedures including during delivery, in cases of accidents and numerous surgical operations.
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