PRSP consultations to resume February 19
Georgetown, GINA, February 14, 2008
Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 2 consultations, which were postponed following the death of 11 persons at Lusignan on January 26, are slated to resume on February 19.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon made the announcement at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President yesterday.
The HPS said public consultations in all 10 Administrative Regions have already concluded while a thematic group consultation on gender, education and regional development and agriculture was also completed.
On February 19, the thematic group consultation on health will be held at the Cheddi Jagan Conference Centre (Red House) and will include participation of several Ministers of Government including the Ministers of Health and Public Service.
On February 20, the thematic group consultation on governance and security will also take place at Red House and will see the Ministers of Human Services and Foreign Trade and International Cooperation in attendance.
February 20 will also see the thematic group consultation on Small Business and Economic Development taking place. This consultation will involve participation by the Ministers of Finance and Public Service and Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST), Geoffrey Da Silva.
“The PRSP 2 consultations will be finalised with inputs derived from these consultations and other studies and that draft would be the subject of the National Consultation subsequent to which the Guyana PRSP 2 will be adopted by the end of March, 2008,” the HPS concluded.
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‘You are either for people slaughtering women and children or you are not!’ -Dr. Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, February 14, 2008
Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday was adamant that sections of the media and several panellists on television programmes have been, following the brutal slaying of 11 persons at Lusignan by gunmen, making an attempt to portray that there is some justification for the killings on the grounds of discrimination and marginalisation.
“A suggestion that the perpetrators are somehow involved in whitening a great evil that has been perpetuated against, maybe not them, because we are told that they are not so old people, but maybe against their forebears or countrymen and contributes to fostering this notion that there is some justification,” the HPS told the media at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President.
Condemning the decision makers and players involved in misinformation, Dr. Luncheon said, “I think of all the heinous acts, the media has contributed to perpetuate and to give a life subsequent to this event”, an act which he finds to be most unpardonable.
“And it is not something that is being bandied around by obscure elements lacking credibility, but by people who, in the sphere of engagement, may be recognised for some academic….. area of excellence,” the Cabinet Secretary contended.
Dr. Luncheon said credible individuals are marketing their views to push poison into homes and into the minds of Guyanese that the criminals should not be condemned since there is a possibility that there may be some justification as to why they have been committing such heinous crimes.
“They would never come out and say unequivocally that this is so, so they could never be attacked for saying so, but then there is a hypothetical ‘but I wonder if it is not because…..’ This is their pretense. This is what is at the level of the television”.
Asked about particular media entities, Dr. Luncheon gave examples of the editorials in some newspapers and articles. He added that the footings of these could be provided to establish what he is referring to.
“I don’t know if the laws in Guyana provide you to absolve yourselves of such sins for publishing such trash, publishing such misinformation. How can they go and make such statements?”
He noted that he is not going to take on the job of professionalism and enforcing professionalism among journalists.
The HPS said that the internet is also another medium which has been posting profanities and vulgarities.
“I looked at the internet. Heaven Forbid! You know, they want more press freedom. If we allow…not that we have made, the State Department said there is no restriction on internet access….but the stuff you see on the internet, apart from one: having your blood boiling, the other moment it has your blood chilled-profanity, vulgarity…I can’t find the words to describe how an event such as this could generate this level of descent into professionalism among journalists, professionalism in the publicist and their ethics,” the Cabinet Secretary exclaimed.
He said that this is something that will have to be examined in time to come, and one would look back and wonder how the ordinary Guyanese could indeed get involved in such activities.
The Cabinet Secretary reiterated yesterday that Government will absolutely not be engaging the criminals who perpetuated the brutal act at Lusignan, in response to queries by members of the media as to whether Government would consider this and whether it will be discussing security issues with the Opposition. He also lambasted those who have been trying to make reservations about the incident.
“We are talking about an outrage of such proportions that there ought not to be an iota of reservation by any sane…anyone who is a parent, who has a wife….there should be full condemnation! The moment you go out there and start talking in this funny kind of way and people could discern that you are holding back, it could send ideas-not only sowing confusion in the minds of the criminals, it is also empowering them,” the HPS added.
He concluded, “This is not an issue, this is a point we need to keep harping home. It is not an issue that one could embrace in a ‘hold me-loose me way’. You are either for people walking in and slaughtering children and women or you are not and your language has to bring that out!
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Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme launched
Georgetown, GINA, February 14, 2008
Today, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development launched the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme that seeks to improve the life of the residents of Georgetown and the rest of Region Four through the provision of sustainable solutions for solid waste management.
The launching was followed by a workshop which was attended by all the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and Region Four officials.
The programme is a result of the signing of a US$18.07 M loan agreement in February 2007 between the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). One major feature of this programme is that in addition to the investment loan, the Bank has made available to the Government a US$2.5 million partial risk guarantee to mitigate risk of non payment to the private operator. 
Minister Lall addresses participants at the launching of the Georgetown Solid Waste Management programme
Among its many components, the programme aims to strengthen the capacity of the Municipal Solid Waste Department of the Municipality of Georgetown for the overseeing of solid waste management and disposal; raise public awareness within Georgetown and the s NDCs for a better management of solid waste among households, industries, and commerce; construct and operate the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Facility (HBSLF) on the East Bank; and provide additional resources to rehabilitate and close the Mandela landfill.
Solid waste is an ever present concern throughout the nation, hence a programme of this nature is very beneficial and will play a major role in helping to prevent floods.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall, said with current changing weather patterns and heavy rains it is very important for the city to be cleared of all solid waste.
The programme will also benefit the country’s health sector. IDB’s representative, Mr. Marco Nicola said, “The programme will benefit approximately 310,000 inhabitants and will positively impact the health and lives of over 40 percent of the population of the country.”
Participants of the various NDCs and the Region 4 administration at the launching of the solid waste management programme.
Additionally, the programme will also aid in the beautification of the capital. With the major role that tourism plays in generating income for the country, a cleaner environment will attract more international conferences and sporting activities since Guyana has the facilities (the Guyana International Conference Centre, the Caricom Secretariat, and the Guyana National Stadium) to host same.
The Haags Bosch site will be equipped with all basic infrastructure such as all weather access road, buildings for weighbridge, reception and administration workshop, energy and water supply and wheel washing facilities.
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February 18 is budget day
Georgetown, GINA, February 14, 2008
The much anticipated 2008 National Budget will be presented in the National Assembly on February 18 by Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh.
When the government Information Agency (GINA) visited the Ministry today staff along with the Minister were completing the final work on the budget which will reflect government’s commitment to further enhance the physical and institutional infrastructure required to promote growth, create wealth and generate employment. and other Ministry officials fine tuning budget preparations.JPG)
Minister of Finance Ashni Singh (2nd left ) and other Ministry officials fine tuning budget preparations
Each fiscal year (January 1 to December 31), Government presents a National Budget that outlines spending on programmes for Ministries/Departments/Agencies.
Spending in the social sectors have increased in recent years with the largest portions of funding being expended in the areas of health, housing, water, education, and public infrastructure.
Last year’s Budget recorded at $100B was 2.9 per cent lower than the 2006 budget. The $102.9B Budget presented in 2006 was the largest in Guyana’s history, representing a 19.1 percent increase over the 2005 Budget.
Other staffers of the Finance Ministry hard at work on the budget details
The allocation of financial resources through the National Budget is a continuation of ongoing work in the various sectors aimed at improving living standards and further enhancing the physical and institutional infrastructure required to promote growth, create wealth and generate employment.
National budgets over the years have aimed to promote programmes geared towards improving the living standards and economic opportunities of vulnerable households and communities.
The Poor Rural Communities Support Services Programme, Basic Needs Trust Fund, Linden Economic Advancement Programme, and the Social Impact Amelioration Programme are all tailored towards achieving this objective.
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PNC/R boycott motion to condemn Lusignan massacre
-seen as an act of disrespect to victims, grieving families
Georgetown, GINA, February 14, 2008
The People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) today boycotted government’s adjournment motion which was seeking to discuss the events surrounding the January 26 Lusignan massacre that left 11 persons dead including five children.
The adjournment motion which was laid by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee was also aimed at condemning the gruesome murders that were committed by criminal gangs.
Minister Rohee during his presentation said the boycott by the PNC/R is unfortunate since it’s a time when every Guyanese including the opposition must equally condemn the killings.
“The PNC/R’s refusal to discuss and condemn the killings at Lusignan, I think is disrespectful to the memory of those who were killed by criminals. It lacks statesmanship. This is the first sitting of the National Assembly since this horrific incident occurred and it was important for the House to engage in such a debate of substance,” Minister Rohee said.
Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford who echoed the same view as Minister Rohee said it’s regrettable that not once has the opposition described the horrendous incident as a massacre.
“Mr. Speaker we have heard outpourings of condemnation and sympathies as it relates to the 11 Lusignan victims. We have heard the leaders of the opposition parties describe the incident as brutal and horrific. Was this merely a brutal or horrific attack on the 11 victims by the bandits? No sir, it was a massacre, a word that the opposition has refused to use when talking about this issue,” Minister Westford. 1.JPG)
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Donald Ramotar during his presentation said the action by the PNC/R is more than ridiculous.
“Why it is the PNC/R didn’t stay and be part of this discussion which is merely to condemn the killings. It shows that all they were into in their motion was to gain political mileage. What we needed to have today was a national front against the criminals,” Ramotar.
The PNC/R had requested to the National Assembly to place on the order paper a Motion seeking for Parliament to condemn the killings and clause three of the motion stated that the House should called on government to implement a definite plan of action to arrest the downward spiralling of our country’s security.
The motion which was set for debate on February 11 was postponed due to the funeral of the late PNC/R member Deryck Bernard.
Subsequently, Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin in whose name the Motion is in wrote to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds for him to enable the early convening of a Sitting of the Assembly, to debate the motion. A private member can only go through with a substantive motion when he/she has given the National Assembly a twelve-day noticed.
However, Prime Minister Hinds in response said due to the late receipt of the letter government is also constrained by the Standing Order 28 (2).  5.JPG)
Under Standing Order No. 12 (1-4) Adjournment- Definite Matters of Urgent Public Importance any Member of the National Assembly can request for an adjournment of the Assembly. This means that they can have an adjournment motion after giving two hours notice.
Meanwhile, the PNC/R in today’s Sitting tabled an adjournment motion and then subsequently withdrew it. After that they tabled their substantive motion which was defeated.
Minister Rohee then went ahead and tabled an adjournment Motion to condemn the killings on behalf of the government. Following that the PNC/R boycotted the discussion.
Government has made it clear that it does not have a problem debating the PNC/R’s Motion but believes that it needs to have some Amendments particularly in relation to clause three that deals with security.
PPP/C MP Ms. Gail Teixeira said such a motion which requires unanimous support should have some more discussions in order to allow a more understanding and meaningful discussion.
“We don’t have a problem debating their motion but experience with motions, such as the one on the Cheddi Jagan’s 60th anniversary entry to the Parliament, required several days work by the parties representatives in order to reach a level of acceptability for unanimous support of the National Assembly. And the government didn’t hesitate to make the necessary changes in that occasion,” Ms. Teixeira said.
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Joint services recover army AK47 in Berbice
Georgetown, GINA, February 14, 2008
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) today reported that a joint services team recovered an army AK47 weapon that went missing from the GDF’s Ayanganna base at the Adventure seaside, Corentyne, Berbice
A GDF press release stated that about 06:00h today, acting on information, a joint services team was dispatched to Berbice to investigate the loss of a GDF AK47 rifle that went missing in December 2007.
Two persons were arrested in the Corentyne area and according to the release, “Further information confirmed that the weapon was hidden in the Adventure seaside area”.
According to the release, one of the arrested persons led the team to the area and at about 1530 h the weapon, bearing serial number 410418 was recovered at the side of a trench wrapped in talc plastic and strapped with electric wire. The weapon was in the water according to the release.
The army further stated that investigations are continuing to determine the movement of the weapon since its disappearance, and those who facilitated its removal.
The Joint Services expressed appreciation to persons who would have assisted in giving information that lead to the retrieval of the weapon.
In February 2006, 30 AK 47 rifles and five pistols were stolen from the army. More than a dozen have since been recovered from criminal elements.
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ERC holds consultation with Buxton residents
Georgetown, GINA, February 14, 2008
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) today conducted a community dialogue at the Friendship Primary School under the theme ‘promoting harmony and good relations’. The consultation saw Commissioners listening to concerns of the residents’ of Buxton /Friendship area and offering suggestions on a way forward.
Commissioner Eugene Sampson speaking at the end of the consultation said that ERC was there as its mandate dictates. The Commission’s concern was to foster security among all ethnic groups by encouraging and promoting understanding, acceptance and tolerance of diversity in all aspects of national life by all ethnic groups. She assured residents that their concerns would be addressed.
Carvil Duncan another Commissioner with ‘roots’ in Buxton said that from his knowledge Buxtonians were hardworking and peaceful citizens. He told residents that their concerns were that of the ERC and that was the reason for the consultation since no one wanted to see the destruction of the society.
The consultation saw the Commissioners and residents agreeing to begin an engagement with the Executive, Joint Services and neighbouring communities with a view to fostering peace and unity.
Residents requested that they be treated with respect by ranks of the Joint services while they are conducting their investigations in the area. They claimed that they were committed to fighting crime and working for the development of Guyana. To achieve this they are prepared to engage the Joint Services to articulate their concerns.
The ERC Chairman Bishop Juan Edghill said that the fact that during all the problems and suspicions residents of Buxton continued to do business at the Annandale Market is indeed a good sign.
The ERC held a consultation earlier this month with residents of Lusignan following the unrest after the killing of 11 unarmed residents including five children when gunmen invaded their homes.
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