Contraband task force holds talks with beverage companies
Georgetown, GINA, February 11, 2008
In the administration’s continued effort to combat fuel and illegal imports, the Fuel Smuggling and Contraband Task Force today held a meeting with representatives of mainstream beverage firms.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee who chaired the meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ boardroom said the meeting was requested by the companies which believe that they are being affected by smuggling.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee and members of the Task Force during discussion.
“After consultation I have decided to hold the meeting to see the impact that smuggling of certain commodities are having on these companies. So we will hear from the representatives themselves on this issue. After which the task force will see if there is need for any actions,” Minister Rohee said.
Representatives from Ansa Mcal, Banks DIH and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) were part of the meeting.
The task force Secretariat which is headed by former Commissioner of Police Floyd McDonald was established early last year by Cabinet and the Defence Board.
Minister Rohee and members.
The task force operates under the Terms of Reference (TOR) to: review monthly submission from related agencies, assess ongoing prosecutions and advise on legislative changes where necessary.
It also has to create and maintain suitable databases on events involving and surrounding fuel smuggling and contraband, to examine intelligence and other information with respect to the agencies’ operation and continuously review existing legislation to tighten sanctions against those who violate the law.
The Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard is working closely with the relevant agencies to fight fuel smuggling, drug trafficking and piracy.
Guyana in 2001 signed a bilateral agreement with the US on maritime counter narcotics cooperation and has bilateral agreements to cooperate on drug trafficking issues with its neighbours and with the United Kingdom.
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Build strategy to ensure food rights-Agri Minister tells Caribbean affiliates at IUF meeting
Georgetown, GINA, February, 11, 2008
The Caribbean affiliates of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Association (IUF) commenced their annual meeting at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara to deliberate on issues affecting workers across the Region.
Delivering the feature address to declare the meeting open, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud in expressing the importance of IUF in response to the effects of globalisation, urged delegates to seriously approach their deliberations with the intent of building a strategy to ensure that the system is geared towards fulfilling the right to food safety, food security and food sovereignty, and the rights and livelihood of people engaged in food production.
“You have recognised that defending workers’ right is a fundamental class issue and that workers cannot organise in defence of their interests in anti-democratic environments.’
He noted that as a result of globalisation, many transnational corporations (TNC) due to their dominance, are powerful in determining the production of many commodities and will create a high level of dependency.
“In the Agriculture and food processing industries, control has been centralised in the hands of a few global corporations through mergers. When corporations that supply seed merge with agro chemicals and biotechnology ones, you have a consolidation of the entire food chain in which people are less able to feed themselves without corporate giants and become more dependent on the products and production methods which will block the food chain.”
He added that global agriculture does not recognise the social and economic crises which are currently built into the world food system and its negative impact on human lives.
In ensuring food security, safety and sovereignty, Persaud cautioned against the dangers of removing the Common External Tariff (CET) on socio economic climate in the Caribbean Region.
“Recent calls within CARIFORUM for the removal of CET so as to allow extra regional imports to be sold more cheaply has killed a once vibrant dairy industry in Jamaica. The removal of CET on rice will witness the death of the industry in Suriname and Guyana and must be protected from subsidized produce.”
He added that this will be imperative if Caribbean Single Market and Economy is to be effective in its objectives of protecting the people of the Region.
Persaud’s position further supports President Jagdeo’s criticism of the European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with CARIFORUM stating that TNC would be benefiting at the detriment of the Least Developed Countries (LDC).
Also speaking at the opening ceremony were: President of IUF Caribbean Office – Helena Molly Burgess, Guyana’s affiliate to the IUF Grantley Culbart – President of the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) and Komal Chand – President of Guyana Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU).
Both Presidents of CCWU and GAWU have been high in their praises for support received from IUF pertaining to solidarity and provision of training.
In her presentation, President of IUF Caribbean Office, Helena Burgess illustrated IUF’s commitment towards improved socio-economic conditions for its members, especially its members and also supports the view that trade unions have an integral role protecting workers’ rights in the globalised era operated predominantly by TNC.
Meanwhile, Komal Chand, GAWU President attested to his organisation’s commitment towards improving facilities for training and empowerment of workers. He stated that GAWU will commence shortly the construction of a modernised training facility at its Kingston Office which would include a dormitory to accommodate 33 persons.
In expressing plans for the upcoming 60th anniversary of the CCWU, Grantley Culbart stated that his organisation will be negotiating at this meeting for assistance to conduct empowerment exercises for both young people and women who constitute a majority of their union.
The IUF has its genesis in advocating for workers’ rights since 1920 and still has retained it activity in defence of trade union, human and democratic rights. Today, the IUF consists of 336 trade unions in 120 countries representing a combined membership of over 12 million workers.
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President meets with relatives of slain soldier
Georgetown, GINA, February 11, 2008
Head of State, Bharrat Jagdeo today met with the relatives of slain Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier, Corporal Ivor Anthony Williams at the Office of the President.
The late Corporal Williams was killed during an attack by gunmen in Buxton, East Coast Demerara on January 23 last.
He was laid to rest on January 31 in his hometown of Dartmouth, Essequibo amidst calls by relatives and other mourners for early justice to be served.
The fallen soldier was given a military funeral which was attended by Secretary to the Defence Board Dr. Roger Luncheon and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Commodore Gary Best.
Today, President Jagdeo committed to provide additional assistance to the slain soldier’s relatives.
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Region Eight to receive more All Terrain Vehicles this year
Georgetown GINA, February 11, 2008
Amerindian communities in the Pakaraimas, Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) will again be the owners of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) which are part of government’s intervention to solve the Region’s transportation woes.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues told residents of this year’s plan for the Region during a six-day visit to 11 Amerindian communities.
Many of the communities visited were a first for the Minister who was accompanied by Chairman of Region Eight Senor Bell, Executive Officer Ishwar Das, Principal Regional Development Officer Ovid Williams, other officials from the Region and Co-ordinator of the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society Annette Arjoon.
ATVs on the move in Region 8.
The ATVs are a special provision for Region Eight and are the fulfillment of a promise made by Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo during a discussion with the Toshao of Kato in 2006.
The vehicles have since given much assistance to the Regional authorities which are now able to effectively serve the transportation needs of the communities in terms of ingress and egress.
The ATVs which have proven competent for the rough terrain in the Pakaraimas were also used to transport Minister Rodrigues and her team to the different communities to meet residents.
While speaking to residents of the various communities Minister Rodrigues said her travel by ATVs was a deliberate attempt to see first-hand the condition of the road and hardships which residents have been enduring daily.
Five of the vehicles were donated to the Region and this year another five will be provided.
Minister Rodrigues said the ATVs, which costs $2M each will be donated each year to the region especially to those that are in much need. Training will also be provided for selected community members to operate the vehicles.
ATVs traversing the rough terrain.
The Patamonas and the Makushis are the two predominant Amerindian tribes living in the Pakaraimas who are accustomed to enduring the long journey from village to village on foot, climbing mountains and crossing rivers. This usually takes days and weeks to complete.
Men, women and children of these areas have been accustomed to enduring the tedious journey for days and weeks carrying along with them their belongings on their backs.
Recognising the difficulties faced by residents, government has in the past provided much support to improve transportation. Region Eight has benefited in the past from outboard engines for boats and tractors.
Preparation of access roads has also been a priority of government through the Regional Democratic Council. An access road has commenced through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development with the support of local labourers using simple agricultural tools.
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Prime Minister struck by similarities shared with Deryck Bernard
Georgetown, GINA, February 11, 2008
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds joined in extending condolences to colleagues and grieving family members and relatives of the late Deryck Bernard whose funeral service was held today at the Trinity Methodist Church.
The Prime Minister recalled that in preparing his tribute he was struck by the many educational and religious similarities which he shared with the late son of the soil. 
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and PNCR leader Robert Corbin at the funeral service for Deryck Bernard.
“We are of a generation whose vision was formed by the teachings and lives lived by parents and grandparents during the first half of the last century. I have noted that Deryck’s father was a teacher in the Methodist School system serving in various parts of Guyana and towards the end of his career serving at Kitty Methodist school… I can relate to this background myself having a grandmother and an uncle who were teachers,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Hinds was also born to a family whose grandmother and uncle were teachers who adopted the policy of ‘spare not the rod’ which allowed children to grow in discipline.
The two also attended Queen’s College in the 1960s and may have crossed paths on several occasions even though the Prime Minister in his tribute vaguely recalled doing so.
He considers Bernard a man of service to his country which was demonstrated with his return to Guyana after his graduation with a First and Second Degree to teach at the University of Guyana and accepting the call to enter public service as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
“I want to note the thanks expressed by our first Minister of Education Dr. Dale Bisnauth that Deryck was always constructive in his criticisms and generous in his praise of his succeeding Minister and was available for helpful consultation,” the Prime Minister said.
He considers Deryck’s death a loss to the nation and a setback to the country’s political body. He was former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Member of Parliament of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R)
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Twelve contenders in Mash Chutney competition advance to finals
Georgetown, GINA, February 11, 2008
The Anna Regina Complex in Essequibo was a gyrating competitive atmosphere on February 9 during the 2008 Mash Chutney semi-finals.
Twenty-five competitors from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six performed. In the end 12 advanced to the finals which will be held on February 16 at the Uitvlugt Community Centre ground, West Coast, Demerara.
The twelve are Sandradai Persaud, Haresh Singh, Rajesh Dubraj, Andy Jagmohan, Aron Dasraj, Joyce Harris, Levi Nedd, Eze Baird, Mahesh Narine, Donald Morgan, Sandella Craig and Derrick Mangal.
The competition drew scores of spectators who cheered the contenders and joined in gyrating to the sounds of the Dax New Generation Band which provided the musical accompaniment.
Opening and welcome remarks were made by Co-ordinator of the competition Neaz Subhan and Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Two, Ali Baksh who also declared the event open.
The 2008 Chutney Monarch will receive $550,000 while the second and third place winners will receive $350,000 and $200,000 respectively. In 2007 a special $50,000 prize for the most promising artiste was introduced and will continue this year according to Subhan.
This year’s Chutney competition was expected to have a quarter-final round in Berbice. However due to the prevailing situation in Guyana at the time, a decision was taken to shorten the competition to a semi-final and final round.
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