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Agriculture Minister returns to Region Six – checks on communities affected by heavy rainfall

Georgetown, GINA, February 13, 2008

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud yesterday returned to Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) to assess works that were undertaken to get rid of the excess water which had accumulated  in several communities as a result of the recent intense rainfall.
 Minister Persaud told the affected residents and farmers that Government will be making further interventions to improve the Region’s drainage and irrigation system and that the monitoring that is currently being done will continue.  

A section of the crowd at a farmers' meeting in Black Bush Polder with Minister Persaud

On February 8, Minister Persaud had visited the region and checked on several communities including Canje, Mibicuri, Johanna and Yakusari to determine what interventions were necessary to reduce the water level on the land.
            A team of officials from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (ND&IA) and regional personnel accompanied Minister Persaud on yesterday’s visit and held meetings with farmers of Mibicuri, Johanna and Yakusari.
            Residents and farmers voiced their concerns as well as offered suggestions to further enhance the drainage and irrigation system in the surrounding areas.
            At Mibicuri, residents complained of the sub-standard work by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) which they claim has contributed to some amount of flooding in their area. 
Minister Persaud said that drainage works were ongoing before the heavy rainfall to ease the high level of water that normally accumulates. 
Minister of Agriculture addressing farmers of Black Bush Polder

He indicated that the activities of the NDC will be monitored to provide a better drainage system in the area.
“Farmers will be monitored to ensure that there are no breaches in the system. We need co-operation as we work to improve the system because you are the beneficiaries,” Minister Persaud said.
            On February 9, the ND&IA began clearing over-hanging vegetation on the northern side of the Joppa outfall channel. Additionally, a mobile pump was installed at Canje, while two others were redeployed to neighbouring areas.
            Minister Persaud also visited the No. 43 outfall which is functioning efficiently.

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Gov’t will not engage criminals- Cabinet Secretary

Georgetown, GINA, February 13, 2008

Government has no intentions to engage criminal elements that are bent on creating havoc in a peaceful society. This position was made clear by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon.
In the February 11 edition of the Stabroek News, Roman Catholic priest Malcolm Rodrigues said that now is the time talk to the terrorists.
“We have to be resolute and reject this position, this is our position on the issue, we are unprepared to engage in any discourse with these criminals,” Dr. Luncheon said at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing held at Office of the President today.
            However, the Cabinet Secretary pointed out that government took that principled position especially in the nature of the engagement that was being proposed.
“If the engagement is to tell them (criminals) come and surrender and face the law, fine; I think one can certainly countenance that engagement. But if it is some engagement to engage in philosophical approaches to crime and defence and counter defence for criminal events and criminal actions, you have to understand that this proposal is being raised in the context of what would be seen as parallels,” Dr. Luncheon emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Secretary said the aftermath of the Lusignan massacre has certainly left much to be desired, particularly with regards to the utterances that are being made by opposition political parties and other sections of society.
“Cabinet continued to be highly critical of those voices which in a variety of ways were seeking to subvert the national will and its uniformity regarding the massacre. Cabinet remained committed to an aggressive approach to this criminal act and called on all Guyanese to support each other in giving solidarity to the administration and its efforts,” Dr. Luncheon asserted.

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“We have a plan”- Dr. Luncheon
- opposition’s call for security plan is merely gimmick

Georgetown, GINA, February 13, 2008

The call by opposition parties for government to present a comprehensive security plan has come in for flak by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon who has described such a call as an act of dishonesty.
            Dr. Luncheon said the call which has been gaining public attention is adverse on the part of the political parties since they know that the plan is at Parliament.
            “The President said this is no time to make plan, no time to sit down and negotiate multilaterals and bilateral in dealing with this issue in a condign way… We have a plan they know about the plan.”
Dr. Luncheon made it clear that it’s now time for implementation and to make sure that the distractions that are thrown in the way of those who have to implement the plan are removed.
President Bharrat Jagdeo who is firm on the position that government has informed the opposition parties that they can make public their concerns on several aspects of the plan.
“The President wrote the opposition and said if you (opposition parties) have elements of the plan with which you disagree, put it publicly. The debate is coming up; let them deal with the aspect of the plan with which they have difficulty with.”
Dr. Luncheon said, “Calling for a plan and some discussion at the level of Parliament on the plan is another mechanism for them to presume assumably to be involved when we have put it on the table that legitimate interest and appropriate interest would be recognized and interventions that are reasonably in this situation would never be disregarded.”
Government’s anti-crime strategy is fitted into its comprehensive security plan that will serve to enhance the work of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) through government’s financial support, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded Citizens’ Security Programme and the Government of Guyana/United Kingdom Security Reform Action Plan (SSRAP)
Several aspects of the SSRAP will be implemented be month-end. Among these are the establishment of a new and expanded criminal intelligence unit that will be fully furnished and equipped with a communication system and commencement of training of local police officers.  A British expert is expected in the country by month - end to begin the training aspect.
“The UK, they have come forward and said that we are fast-tracking the plan, before the end of February. There are elements of this plan that we will be putting in place, elements that accord with their assessment and our agreement with their assessment. You need to tighten up on intelligence, work on your armed forces and the quick response,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
He pointed out that there are definitive steps that are being taken by the administration in conjunction with those in the external correlation, multilateral and bilateral agencies to support the Guyanese people at this time.
The Governments of Guyana and the United Kingdom on August 10, 2007 sealed the four-year bilateral agreement to fund activities to the tune of ₤3M sterling that would fight and control crime and build the police force’s capacity.

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Complaints on rigidity of compensation can be excused
- Dr. Luncheon

Georgetown, GINA, February 13, 2008

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Luncheon said that government is working on improving the areas in relation to compensation for farmers who will be affected by the clearing of the backlands on the lower East Coast of Demerara.
“I would concede that perhaps because we have not belaboured the design of the compensation plan and we have not gone out there and pumped out the compensation then I believe those voices that pronounced on the rigidity could be excused. One doesn’t have to invest them with maliciousness or some deviousness ulterior motive. We are going to correct that..,” Dr. Luncheon said at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing.
            Farmers have been complaining through the media that aspects of the compensation process are inflexible.
            Meanwhile, Dr. Luncheon commented on the recent unfair statements that are being made by certain persons including that of Economist Professor Clive Thomas.
             “I hear Clive Thomas talk about compensation and I am literally amazed. He might have very well been a contributor to developmental plans in this country that involved compulsory acquisition and compensation.”
He said, “We acquired a lot of lands in Crab Island… Lands in cultivation, these are farm lands. Coconut trees and banana and we had to compensate them and you know I didn’t hear a whisper from nobody. The farmers take the money, tell government thank you, take the land and build the road and move ahead.”
The Joint Services is engaged in clearing the backlands of lower East Coast Demerara communities of dense vegetation, which may provide hideouts and possible escape routes for criminals. This was done after calls by many for such action.
A desk has been set up at the Vigilance Police Station for members of the public who recognise that their crops will be damaged or have been affected to initiate the process for compensation.

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GRA, BEAMS contracts get Cabinet’s green light

Georgetown, GINA, February 13, 2008

Three contracts in the Finance sector coming under the purview of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and one in the education sector were yesterday given Cabinet’s green light.
            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.
            The contracts are as follows:

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Amerindian village to be re-created for CARIFESTA X

Georgetown, GINA, February 13, 2008

Visitors coming to Guyana for the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X in August will be given the opportunity to experience the lifestyles and cultures of Guyana’s indigenous people.
A section of the Sophia Exhibition Complex which is among the many venues earmarked for CARIFESTA, will be the location for the Amerindian village where representatives of the nine Amerindian tribes in Guyana will be dwelling during the period.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrogues is heading a committee with a detailed plan to showcase the indigenous culture for CARIFESTA. The re-creation of the village which will see about eight buildings erected, each housing an Amerindian tribe.
Minister Rodrigues said a few of the tribes will be housed in the same location because of the similarities in some of the buildings. She explained that the design of the Caribs and Warraus’ houses is similar. The Arecunas and the Akawaios, share another type of Amerindian dwelling.
Support has already been solicited from the various Amerindian communities in the hinterland where materials will be drawn. Representatives from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Government Information Agency (GINA) are expected to visit Moraikobai on February 16 where preparatory works are ongoing.
During a recent visit to 11 Amerindian communities in Region Eight (Potaro Siparuni) Minister Rodrigues while addressing residents who are mainly Patamonas spoke of the support that will be needed for CARIFESTA.
She also urged that they continue to promote their language and various aspects of their culture which have been perpetuated for generations.
Guyana has more than 125 Amerindian communities with the Arawaks, Caribs, Patamonas, Macushis, Wai-Wais, Warraus, Arecunas, Akawaois, Wapisianas comprising the nine tribes.
Guyana’s indigenous culture was highlighted at CARIFESTA IX in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago in 2006. The Marapa dancers of Region Seven were among the contingents which participated with representatives of the National Dance Company and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha during the Guyana Nite show.
Minister within the Ministry of Education Dr. Desrey Fox who led the indigenous group also participated in symposia and symbolically handed over the chairmanship of the Caribbean Organisation of Indigenous People (COIP) to representatives of a Carib community in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago.

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Severe penalties for statutory rape
– Minister Rodrigues reminds Region Eight Amerindian communities

Georgetown, GINA, February 13, 2008

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues has issued a strong warning to residents of several Amerindian communities in Region Eight about the penalties for statutory rape.
            The Minister issued this warning while speaking to residents of Paramakatoi, Kamana, Wipa, Kato, Monkey Mountain, Kaibarupai, Kurukabaru, Itabac and other communities in the Pakaraimas during a six-day visit.
            The Minister was accompanied by Regional Chairman Senor Bell and other officials of the Region who discussed with residents issues affecting their livelihoods.
Prompted by some reports from the region about carnal knowledge of minors the Minister raised the issue of statutory rape, stating unequivocally that anyone guilty of having sex with a female under 16 years old is committing a criminal offence.
She added that she has been receiving disturbing reports about fathers raping their daughters and she urged community leaders and other concerned members to condemn such acts. She was pleased however, that the community has been active in speaking against such activities.  
The legal age of consent for sexual intercourse according to Chapter 8.01 of the Laws of Guyana, Criminal Offence Act (amended) is 16 years old.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues speaking to students of Paramakatoi Secondary about statutory rape among other issues.

Minister Rodrigues disclosed to residents government’s intention to establish a new law which will strengthen the campaign against statutory rape. The proposed law will make it mandatory for health workers or nurses to report to the local authorities cases where pregnant girls below the age of 16 turn up for treatment.
“Once that is done then the police will be able to apprehend the perpetrators. I am raising this issue with you because some people will say that it is cultural for Amerindian people to engage in sexual activities at a young age but we have to understand that a persons that is 16 years and under is still regarded as a child according to our laws,” Minister Rodrigues said.
She also used the occasion while visiting the Paramakatoi Secondary School, to  speak to students about statutory rape, urging that Amerindian communities empower themselves by becoming familiar with the laws of Guyana.
Strengthening protection against sexual violence and reforming laws on sexual offences against children have been high on Government’s agenda since 2007.
Countrywide consultations on the “Stamp It Out” campaign was held by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

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Minister Fox host stress intervention consultation with East Coast Demerara teachers

Georgetown, GINA, February 13, 2008

Minister within the Ministry of Education Dr Desrey Fox and a team comprising representatives from the Schools’ Welfare Department of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Red Cross, and the UNDP and UNICEF, conducted a fact-finding consultation with teachers of schools between Mon Repos and Bladen Hall on the East Coast Demerara to develop a structured strategy for psychosocial and other interventions in the schools whose pupils were directly affected by the Lusignan massacre.
            Addressing the opening session Minister Fox set the tone for the discussions by outlining the purpose of the consultation. She told teachers that while working with the affected pupils they often have to function as social workers and mentors. This intervention was to assist them to fulfill this roll.
            Fox said that the students have been traumatized by the violence in society. The Ministry has decided to make this intervention in light of the killings at Lusignan since it has left many with ‘broken spirits’. It is intended to help with the healing process of both teachers and students.
            The consultation she said was intended to gather information on the present needs of children and teachers in the aftermath of the massacre and highlight issues that affect the communities to have a clear definition of the problems faced by the communities.
The Ministry will be drafting a National Policy to deal with crisis in learning institutions and to employ permanent resources to address social issues within the school system. To achieve this they will facilitate the coordination of human resources with respect to counselling activities by engaging teachers and key personnel in the Ministries of Education, Health and Human Services and Social Security, in a three-day training in psycho-social support, post traumatic stress and trauma counselling.
The immediate plan was to lend support to the traumatized school population within the affected community and nearby villages to improve the attendance at schools so as to ensure that learning continues and to boost the operations of health clinics and other facilities to ensure access to medical attention.
The group was further divided into eight groups to discuss the types of stress-related problems facing the students and recommend ways that the interventions could be made through the school system since the Ministry of Human Services was already working with the families on the ground.
The types of stress-related behaviour being exhibited included fear of being left alone, shock, nightmares, loss of appetite, lack of concentration and anxiety.  The teachers acknowledged that there are persons in the communities who can assist with counselling, but professional assistance will be needed.
Some teachers said that they were also traumatized since they live in these areas and are affected by the violence. They said it is sometimes difficult for them to offer counselling when they are also suffering.
Safe spaces for counselling sessions were available in some communities while some had none and efforts would have to be made to identify a suitable area.  Suggestions were also made for the frequency of sessions which will be finalised at the three-day workshop.
This consultation was held as promised by Government following the January 26 massacre which saw five children among the eleven persons killed by gunmen who stormed their village.  Several initiatives have been undertaken by Government to ensure that villagers feel safe. They include additional Joint Services patrols in the area and the clearing of the backlands used as an escape route by the gunmen. Additionally, a $50M reward has been offered for information leading to the capture of the person responsible for the killings.

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Agricultural diversification being further pursued at Wakenaam

1. continued focus on D&I improvement to support plan 

Georgetown, GINA, February 13, 2008.

Agricultural diversification continues to be promoted in more communities especially where there is tremendous potential for such activities, including Wakenaam Island in Region Three, where focus remains on improved drainage and irrigation to intensify this programme.
            Under the administration, significant investments have been made to revitalise agriculture in these areas through the upgrading of D&I and other basic infrastructure and services to support farmers’ activities. Over the years, this has resulted in increased production and efforts to diversify away from the traditional rice cultivation.
            During a farmers’ meeting held today at Wakenaam by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, discussions were held on possible interventions that could be made to further boost agricultural activities on the island. Several senior officials of agencies and departments within the Ministry were present at the meeting.
            One of the main issues highlighted was D&I and its role in advanced agriculture and diversification activities. Farmers acknowledged that there have been improvements with regard to D&I and called for more to be done. They were advised that the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will collaborate with the Regional Administration and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to determine and implement further interventions.

 Minister Persaud addresses farmers at Wakenaam.

During last year, an excavator was redeployed for several months to Wakenaam from the Essequibo Coast to carry out major drainage works. The equipment has since been reassigned to Leguan, which is in need for urgent works as well. Additionally, technical personnel from NDIA have constantly visited the island to monitor drainage works and determine further interventions and farmers were assured that this activity will continue.
            Minister Persaud noted that efforts are being made to purchase an excavator for Region Three which will allow for a machine to be permanently assigned to service the Essequibo islands. It was also pointed out that the Ministry will explore the possibility of supplementing the programme by having the excavator that is currently at Leguan returned to Wakenaam to complete major drainage works which have started.

A section of the gathering at the Wakenaam meeting with Minister Persaud.

With the improved D&I, farmers were encouraged to ensure maximum utilisation of the opportunities that exist for increased agricultural activities especially in the area of diversification. They were urged to further pursue other crops cultivation and livestock rearing while focusing on increased rice production.
Farmers were told that the Agricultural Diversification Project, which will come on stream during this year, will make available resources and capacity to further push such activities in areas such as Wakenaam, where there are great opportunities. They were advised that officials of the Ministry can work on development of a diversification plan for their community.
Previous activities to promote agricultural diversification in Wakenaam include a sheep breeding programme that was launched last year through assistance from the British High Commission.
Farmers were advised that Government’s focus in agricultural diversification is to ensure further and advanced development in this sector with focus on other crops especially fruits and vegetables, livestock and fisheries.
It was pointed out that while attention is being given to this activity, they are still being urged to take advantage of the market opportunities that exist for the traditional crops such as rice for which the international demand has increased significantly.
Issues such as the high cost of production brought about by increased prices for basic inputs – fertilisers, spare parts and fuel, were highlighted. Minister Persaud explained that while these issues are linked to the global situation such as the ethanol boom in developing States, various innovative strategies have been pursued to help farmers.
While fertilisers do not attract any form of taxation nor duty, interventions were made by Government for the Rice Producers Association (RPA) to access a US$1.8M special loan to facilitate importation of fertilizers. This is aimed at making the item available to farmers at affordable prices.
Minister Persaud explained that Venezuela was approached for a shipment, which has been put on hold by that country because of a situation where one of its three plants (two of which produce fertilisers for local consumption and one for export) is not in operation. 
The local demand for this item in Venezuela has also increased, the Minister added, thus that State’s decision to hold the RPA’s shipment until the local demand is supplied. However, the Minister said Venezuela will be contacted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explain the predicament facing Guyana’s farmers and seeking an intervention by the State to release the shipment as quickly as possible.

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