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Three more Amerindian communities get land titles
Georgetown, GINA, January 30, 2008
Three more Amerindian communities now have titles to their land with Cabinet at its January 29 meeting, granting titles to Rupunau, Katoka and Parikwarunau in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).
This announcement was made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President today.
Dr. Luncheon pointed out that Cabinet also granted extensions to existing titles owned by Massara and Yakarinta in the same region. The new titles now bring the total number of land titles granted to Amerindian communities to 96, with 22 being granted within the last three years.
Meanwhile, the total acreage of Guyana’s land mass now owned by Amerindians has risen to 14 percent.
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Thursday, January 31 declared National Day of Mourning
Georgetown, GINA, January 30, 2008
Tomorrow, January 31 has been declared a National Day of Mourning in memory of the 11 persons who were brutally slain on January 26 as well as the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier, Corporal Ivor Anthony Williams who was killed on January 23 during an attack by gunmen in Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara.
The announcement was made today by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing today at the Office of the President.
The 11 victims were killed by heavily armed gunmen who invaded their homes at Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara and slaughtered men, women and children, most of whom were asleep in their beds at the time.
Some of the survivors of the heinous crime related how many of the victims begged for their lives but the gunmen exercised no mercy on their victims as they shot several of them along with their children at point blank range.
Five children were among those killed and one of the victims, 22-year-old Shazam Mohamed was buried yesterday according to Muslim rites.
The remaining 10 victims are expected to be buried tomorrow.
The Joint Services have been put on alert and are looking for the gang which is alleged to be operating from Buxton and headed by a notorious criminal, Rondell ‘Fineman’ Rawlins.
The Guyana Police Force has labelled the suspect as Guyana’s most wanted and is offering a $30M reward for information leading to his apprehension.
Rawlins is wanted by the police for a series of robberies and previous murders.
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Disciplined Forces set to apprehend, terminate activities of Buxton gang-Dr. Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, January 30, 2008
Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon today announced at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing that despite having their focus on the recent heinous crime being affected as a result of crowd control demands, the Disciplined Forces have still been able to unleash a massive exercise to apprehend and terminate the activities of the Buxton gang believed to be behind the Lusignan massacre.
“The Joint Services have been brought in line and enhanced security measures have been put in place at vulnerable locations. The reward for the apprehension of the menace has been upped to $30M for apprehension or the provision of information leading to his apprehension,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
He noted that Cabinet registered its surprise and disgust at ‘those voices of irresponsibility and opportunism which either have failed to make condemnation of this outrage the central point of their public utterances, and/or have sought to introduce justification for this heinous crime’.
“In the face of such an outrage, one can understand the absolute rejection by Cabinet of their contributions to any public examination of this event,” the HPS contended.
On Saturday, January 26 last, heavily armed gunmen swooped down on the peaceful and close-knit community of Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara, opening fire indiscriminately as they invaded several homes and slaughtered 11 of their occupants in the process. Those killed in what has been described as the worse crime since the Jonestown Massacre in 1978, included five children. Some of the victims’ relatives survived the ordeal and were hospitalised.
One of the victims was buried yesterday while 10 others are to be buried tomorrow which has also been declared a National Day of Mourning.
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Minister Anthony promises new gym, table tennis coaching for Region Six
Georgetown, GINA, January 28, 2008
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony who is an advocate of a fit and healthy population outlined his intention to establish a gym in Region Six.
He made this disclosure during a recent visit to the Region to launch the secondary school chess programme.
“I think it’s a good thing and with proper coaching you can have not only bodybuilding but you can encourage people to exercise. We have to identify a location and once we do so we want to give you some equipment,” Minister Anthony said.
He added that the Ministry has already acquired the equipment and will hand it over to the region when the gym is completed. He urged however, that there should be maximum use of the equipment since there is a history of such equipment being underutilised by the holders.
The Ministry also plans to develop table tennis in the Region. A new coach from China is at present attached to the Ministry and will be working to improve the game in Guyana for the next year. This will coincide with the Table Tennis Association’s countrywide programmes this year.
The Ministry early in 2007 launched a “Fit for Life” programme which requires 30 minutes of exercise daily. This has been scientifically proven to aid in the healthy lifestyle of a person.
Minister Anthony supported the call for people to exercises since it has been proven to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart problems, diabetes, and obesity among others.
Chronic non-communicable diseases was the topic high on the agenda of the CARICOM Heads of Government last year.
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Creative arts have potential for youth development – Minister Anthony
Georgetown, GINA, January 30, 2008
The creative arts is an aspect identified by Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony as one which provides tremendous career opportunities for youths and is on government’s agenda for youth development.
Minister Anthony made this observation while speaking at the launching of the Guyana National Chapter and business programme of the Young American Business Trust (YABT) on January 29.
He explained that the creative industries have made significant contributions to economies of developed countries as they have added to as much as 10 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in some cases.
“We have to get young people involved in the creative arts but we are finding difficulties in trying to get young people who have the skills and knowledge in some of the various art forms,” Minister Anthony said.
Through the Burrowes School of Art, greater appreciation for ceramics, textile design, painting and other art work has been promoted for a number of years.
The school’s work programme is expected to improve with a focus on efficiency, relevance and the use of technology such as accessing virtual art libraries or galleries.
The Ministry also intends to launch a public competition this year to aid in the improvement programme.
Guyana’s hosting of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X which will be held for 10 days in August will present opportunities for youth participation in the arts.
An estimated 100 events will be hosted during the period including the performing, literary, visual, and culinary arts, symposia, grand market, single events and super concerts.
The performing arts are expected to be among the highly anticipated events for CARIFESTA which will require a gamut of performers from Guyana according to Minister Anthony.
The Minister recently made an appeal for all of Guyana’s performers to identify themselves so that Guyana’s contribution to CARIFESTA can be meaningful.
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Overwhelming response to ‘Rice Price Buster’ operation
- GMC General Manager
Georgetown, GINA, January 30, 2008.
The ‘Rice Price Buster’ exercise being implemented by Government to help local consumers deal with the increased price for this staple has proven successful and has stimulated similar interventions on the West Coast of Demerara, Berbice and Linden.
Through Government’s intervention, quantities of rice were sourced from various millers and exporters and are being sold at lower prices. The commodity is being retailed at a cost of $325 per gallon at the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) Guyana Shop located at Robb and Alexander Streets, Georgetown.
In addition, two private businesses at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, are involved in the exercise while a similar venture is being considered for Kitty.
GMC’s General Manager Nizam Hassan said consumers have been responding well to the exercise, which came into operation on January 28 since more than 140 bags of rice were already sold during the first two and a half days.
He explained that there was limited response on the first day which may have been because of the lack of awareness among consumers. However, there have since been more advertisements including frequent notices on the radio which have contributed to more persons utilising the opportunity.
Although there are adequate stocks, arrangements have made for more supplies which are expected shortly. This is being facilitated by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) which has been very instrumental and supportive in ensuring adequate supplies.
Hassan explained that GMC’s involvement in the activity is in keeping with its responsibility to address hiccups which may exist in the distribution chain for any particular commodity.
The exercise will be taken to other locations in the country during the weekend.
The demand for rice on the regional and international markets have increased significantly in recent years, particularly as a result of heightened focus on ethanol using corn and other agricultural crops as the feed- stock.
This has resulted in more market opportunities while at the same time, it has contributed to increased cost for certain agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, spare parts for agricultural machinery and fuel.
In Guyana, Government has made several interventions to help farmers overcome the high cost of input so that they can benefit from the increased market opportunities.
The exemption of Value Added Tax from basic input such as fertilisers, removal of the tax from spare parts for tractors and combines used in the rice industry and reduction of Excise Tax from fuel are among some of the main initiatives.
Approximately $8B is currently being invested in the industry to improve drainage and irrigation, provide technical assistance and water management in Essequibo, enhance extension services and research development and carry out other necessary infrastructural improvements. Another major intervention by Government includes establishment of the $1.6B financial facility that provides credit at low interest rates to farmers, producers, exporters, millers and other stakeholders.
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Those who try to justify Lusignan killing are as heartless as criminals
- Agriculture Minister tells Lusignan mourners
Georgetown, GINA, January 30, 2008.
Attempts by some individuals and groups to justify the killing of 11 Lusignan residents including five children on January 26, have received strong public condemnation by many, including Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud.
During his remarks at an inter-faith ‘Wake’ held last evening at the homes of the slain residents, Minister Persaud made reference to “unambiguous statements by some individuals including the Mayor of Georgetown, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and well known anti-Government commentators who seemingly attempt to rationalise the massacre, rather than unambiguously expressing sympathy and condemnation of the killings.”
“When you try to justify what took place at these homes, you can be considered as heartless as the criminals who committed the massacre. This type of behaviour questions your care for life and humanity,” the Minister added.
He pointed out that many persons including the victims’ relatives, friends and other residents have been affected by the statements and reports being made in the newspapers and on the television.
The need for strong and positive collaboration was highlighted and residents were encouraged to support efforts by the Joint Services that are aimed at apprehending the perpetrators. Residents have been assured that Government is committed to doing whatever is necessary to deal with the criminals who committed the atrocity.
It was noted that the incident is an attack on Guyanese humanity and the religious faiths of the people especially since persons killed are from the three major religions, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.
The inter-faith ‘Wake’ included musical and other presentations by representatives of the various religions including Shri Prakash Gossai, Raymond Azeez and Roshan Khan.
Five houses came under attack by gunmen who stormed the village of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara at around 02:00 h on January 26.
President Bharrat Jagdeo and various Ministers and other Government officials have since visited the area and have met residents and relatives of those slain.
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New Justices of Appeal sworn in before President
Georgetown, GINA, January 30, 2008
Two more new Justices of Appeal were today sworn in before President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President.
Those taking the oath of office were Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justice B.S. Roy. The Judges will serve in the Court of Appeal.
New Justice of Appeal Yonette Cummings-Edwards taking the oath of Office before President Bharrat Jagdeo-January 30, 2008
On December 10, 2007, Justices Ian Chang, Carl Singh, Prem Persaud and Member of Parliament Brynmor Pollard were sworn-in as Members of the Judicial Service Commission before the President with Justice Chang taking the oath twice as he was also sworn in as Acting Chief Justice.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is provided for in Article 111D of the Constitution and this came into being under an Amendment of the Constitution in 2001.
New Justice of Appeal B.S. Roy taking the oath of Office before President Bharrat Jagdeo-January 30, 2008
The functions of the JSC include transferring Judges of the High Court, appointing, promoting, transferring, exercising disciplinary control and dismissing judicial officers and scheduled public officers, as well as making rules regarding the training of judges in the High Court.
 Acting Chief Justice, Ian Chang, Acting Chancellor, Carl Singh and the three new Justices of Appeal, B.S. Roy, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Charles Ramson with President Bharrat Jagdeo following the swearing-in ceremony today-January 30, 2008.
Only on Monday last, Charles Ramson was also sworn in before the President as a new Justice of Appeal.
Justice Ramson after taking the oath of office said he is ready for the challenge of working with the relevant agencies to reform the justice sector, which according to him, needs to be done urgently.
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48,000 residents to benefit from improved water supply
-GWI and contractors sign two contracts
Georgetown, GINA, January 30, 2008
Increasing access to potable water has been one of the administration’s main priorities and it has been advancing this goal through strengthening and upgrading the water distribution and delivery systems countrywide.
The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be engaged in extensive construction and metering installations in Regions Two, Three and Five following the signing of two contracts today.
Managing Director of GWI Karran Singh and the contractors inked the contracts that would further the effort of providing safe water for thousands of Guyanese. One of the contracts is for the design and construction of three water treatment plants at Lima Essequibo, Region Two, Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, Region Three and Cotton Tree, Region Five. The other contract is for the supply of materials for revenue metering and service connections in the respective areas.
This US$12.4M Water Sector Consolidation Project is jointly funded by the World Bank which is contributing US $11.3M and the Government of Guyana the remainder.
The design and construction of three iron removal plants in the three counties will cost $1,278,301,530. The duration of this project is 18 months and will be executed by Universal Earth Movers . It will provide treated water to over 48,000 persons.
The other project will be done by Universal Trading and Engineering Corporation at a cost of $190,465,500. It caters for the supply and installation of 12,000 single jet water meters, meter boxes and service connections.
World Bank representative, Manuel Schiffler said it is expected that the projects will be executed in a timely manner, that there must be discipline on the part of the contractors, their agents and the supervising party.
GWI and the World Bank will be monitoring the projects’ progress to ensure they are executed in a timely manner.
Singh said these two contracts, are part of GWI’s development programme and are critical for the improvement of potable water in communities in and around Guyana.
The treatment plants will be located at the site surrounding the existing pump stations. At Lima, the project area that will be served extends from Queenstown to Walton Hall while the Vergenoegen project will serve from De Kinderen to St. Lawrence. The Cotton Tree project will be at an identified plot of land behind the area’s Nursery School and will benefit residents from Shieldstown to Inverness.
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