Citizens’ security programme must deliver fast- Minister Rohee
-forensic lab part of programme
Georgetown, GINA, February 20, 2008
The construction of a forensic laboratory and a fully functioning crime observatory to allow for data analysis and policy decision are among the many aspects that will be addressed under the US$22M Citizens’ Security Programme that is one prong of government’s security plan to fight criminal activities.
The rehabilitation of 12 police stations across the country the provision of a pool of international experts to assist in the force’s modernization and computer training for police ranks are also among the aspects to be covered under this programme as government continues to implement measures to boost crime fighting in the face of changing criminal activities.
The programme funded by the Government and the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) was today launched at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara in the presence of government and IDB officials.
 Henry Greene recieving the keys to the vehicle.JPG)
Commissioner of Police (ag) Henry Greene recieving the keys to the vehicle
“This programme could not have been launched at a more appropriate time in our country having regard to recent development on the East Coast and at Bartica over the last few weeks. The significance of the launching of this programme for the security sector rests in the fact that the security is on the front burner and once again top priority for the government of Guyana,” Minister of Home Clement Rohee said.
Socially, the programme will strengthen the institutional capacity of government institutions and civil society to address the direct effect of violence on vulnerable populations and on long-term health and prosperity.
The Home Affairs Minister said the programme’s implementation must be delivered with urgency.
“The CSP must contribute quickly and effectively to the fight against crime. The changing face of crime requires a change in the face of the institutions that have been set-up to fight crime. There is a symbiotic relationship in this regard… The objective must fit firmly with the context of the CSP and the security reform action plan,” Minister Rohee asserted.
IDB country representative to Guyana Mr. Marco Nicola speaking at the launching commended the government for requesting the Bank’s assistance in developing a programme that focuses on crime and violence prevention.
IDB country Rep. Marco Nicola addressing the gathering
He noted that the implementation process would require strong leadership.
“I would like to call for a strong leadership of the Ministry of Home Affairs in coordinating the different donor activities in the security sector, avoid any possible duplication and maximize the resources made available by the Treasury and the International Community,” Mr. Nicola said.
The programme will employ a multi-dimensional approach towards preventing, reducing and fighting crime. It will target disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Regions Four and Six, cater for capacity-building of the Police Force and the Home Affairs Ministry.
Four communities have been selected for pilot surveys: Rose Hall, Tain/Port Mourant, Buxton/Annandale and Sophia.
“The overarching expectation is that citizens’ security programme will in effect contribute significantly not only to the consolidation but expansion of the comfort level of our people to live in peace and a secure environment. The task of the project implementation unit and all the national counterparts together with our partner the IDB therefore, is to live up to these expectations.”
He said if the CSP fails to provide an expected comfort level to Guyanese it means that the resources would have gone to waste and what it was aimed to do was not achieved.
Meanwhile, as part of the programme the Bank handed over an accident investigation vehicle to boost the capacity of the Traffic Department of the Force.
Invitees interacting at the launching
On January 31, 2007 Minister Rohee, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and the then representative of the Inter-American Development Bank Sergio-Varas Olea inked the US$22M contract for the three-component programme at the Ministry of Finance.
Government of Guyana/ Inter-American Development (IDB) US$22M Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP) which will play a major role in fighting crime was today launched at Grand Coastal Inn, on the East Coast of Demerara.
The CSP which will create greater police/community relationships to fight crime and boost the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) capacity is a major component of the Government’s Police Reform programme.
IDB country representative to Guyana Mr. Marco Nicola speaking at the launching commended the government for requesting the Bank’s assistance in developing a program that focuses on crime and violence prevention.
He noted that the implementation process would require strong leadership.
“I would like to call for a strong leadership of the Ministry of Home Affairs in coordinating the different donors activities in the security sector, avoid any possible duplication and maximize the resources made available by the Treasury and the International Community,” Mr. Nicola said.
Some of the most important expected achievements of the programme are: the rehabilitation of 12 Police Stations, full functioning of crime observatory to allow for data analysis and policy decision, construction of the forensic laboratory and computer training for the police force in their newly remodeled and rehabilitated computer classroom.
A pool of International Experts will assist the Commissioner of Police in the modernization of the Force.
“This programme could not have been launched at a more appropriate time in our country having regard to recent development on the East Coast and at Bartica over the last few weeks. The significance of the launching of this programme for the security sector rest in the fact that the security is on the front burner and once again top priority for the government of Guyana,” Minister Rohee said.
Socially, the program will strengthen the institutional capacity of government institutions and civil society to address both the direct effect of violence on vulnerable populations and the effect on long-term health and prosperity.
The Home Affairs Minister said the programme’s implementation must be delivered with urgency.
“The CSP must contribute quickly and effectively to the fight against crime. The changing face of crime requires a change in the face of the institutions that have been set-up to fight crime. There is a symbiotic relationship in this regard… The objective must fit firmly with the context of the csp and the security reform action plan,” Minister Rohee asserted.
The programme will employ a multi-dimensional approach towards preventing, reducing and fighting crime. It will target disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Regions Four and Six, cater for capacity-building of the Police Force and the Home Affairs Ministry.
Four communities have been selected for pilot surveys: Rose Hall, Tain/Port Mourant, Buxton/Annandale and Sophia.
“The overarching expectation is that citizens’ security programme will in effect contribute significantly not only to the consolidation but expansion of the comfort level of our people to live in peace and a secure environment. The task of the project implementation unit and all the national counterparts together with our partner the IDB therefore is to live up to these expectations.”
He said if the CSP fails to provide an expected comfort level to Guyanese it means that the resources would have gone to waste and what it was aimed to do was not achieved.
Meanwhile, as part of the programme the Bank handed over an accident investigation vehicle to boost the capacity of the Traffic Department of the Force.
On January 31, 2007 Minister Rohee, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and the then representative of the Inter-American Development Bank Sergio-Varas Olea inked the US$22M contract for the three-component programme at the Ministry of Finance
TOP
Major road enhancement project planned for Region Eight
excavator to be provided this year
Georgetown, GINA, February 20, 2008
Roads spanning some 187 miles in proximity of the Pakaraima Mountain Range in Region Eight are under consideration for major enhancement since they have been the main conduits inter-linking communities.
Chairman of Region Eight Senor Bell, said part of the enhancement plan includes building bridges over creeks along the road. He made this disclosure while accompanying Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues and other officials of the region on a recent visit to several Amerindian communities in the Pakaraimas.
He noted however, that the project will take a number of years to complete because of the length of the road and as such emphasis will be placed on the construction of bridges over the main rivers on the trail.
He added that other aspects of the project will include the degrading of hills which will be facilitated by an excavator that was promised to the region before year-end. This promise was made by Minister Rodrigues during her visit.
Improved roads are seen as key to developing the Region’s economic viability according to the Chairman. He said that improvements in the Region’s roads will create a better link with Lethem in Region Nine which will allow easy ingress of food supplies and other commodities.
Once this is accomplished Region Eight will no longer be heavily dependent on transportation via airplanes which often brings an additional cost on the people of the Region.
Minister Rodrigues while speaking to residents acknowledged the many economic and other difficulties they face.
“I spoke with the Toshao of Kopinang and he told me that gasoline is $2,500 a gallon while sugar is $280 a pound. you therefore have to pay a lot more here because of the transportation by air which is very expensive,” Minister Rodrigues said.
The completion of roads in Region Eight will not be a full accomplishment without developing roads in Region Nine. The Regional Chairman expressed concern over the bad state of roads between Karasabai and Yurongperu which will be the main area linking the two regions.
“If Region Nine can put some more emphasis on their section, by the end of 2008 there should be much easier access. If no road works are done in Region Nine then all the works done internally in Region Eight would be a waste of time,” the Regional Chairman explained.
Road works in Region Eight date back to 1969 when the first stretch of road was developed between Kamana and Orinduk by the efforts of miners and a few businessmen.
More efforts were made in 2000 through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development which started exploration of a road link with the help of residents of different villages who utilised simple agricultural tools.
These roads are now the main link in the Pakaraimas which showcase some of the most adventurous geological sceneries in Guyana. The area is one of the prime tourist locations in Guyana which recently became popular for the Mountain Safari adventure tour, which is a two-and- a- half day journey from Karasabai in Region Nine to Orinduik.
TOP
Trinidad to provide Guyana with security assistance
- helicopter, specialized weapons
Georgetown, GINA, February 20, 2008
The Government of Guyana has accepted the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s (T&T) offer to assist Guyana in the pursuit of criminal gangs which have been carrying out ruthless killings and robberies.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee who made the announcement today said following the offer by the Trinidad Government, he held discussions with that country’s Minister of National Security Martin Joseph on the level of assistance that will be provided.
“As a consequence of these discussions it was agreed that the Government of Trinidad & Tobago will provide the Government of Guyana with specialized weapons and a helicopter.”
“The Government of Guyana has been making every effort to procure the said weapons from other sources but without success. In the interim the specialized weapons and the helicopter have been accepted to assist the Government of Guyana in its crime fighting efforts.”
Minister Rohee said the Government of Guyana expresses its deepest gratitude to the Government of Trinidad & Tobago for its timely assistance.
President Bharrat Jagdeo recently announced that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will receive $1B this year to purchase helicopters to improve its air patrols which will aid in the fight against transnational crime and serve as a deterrent to the establishment of illegal airstrips.
The President said the funds will be facilitated in the 2008 National Budget which will be presented on February 22 in the National Assembly.
The Head of State made it clear that while government is committed to fighting crime and using the necessary resources for the security forces, Guyanese must understand that sacrifices will have to be made to assist in this regard.
“This year we just put in the budget close to $1B to buy a few helicopters with spotlight and a whole range of equipment, but the money is limited too. … I can understand sometimes the frustration but, people have to make sacrifices if they want security. They cannot say to me they want 50 roads and then spend money on helicopters too,” the Head of State emphasized.
Government has explained that the National Budget will reflect provisions for other areas which the United Kingdom/Government of Guyana security action plan and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Citizens’ Security programmes would not cover.
TOP
Airline industry will not be affected by North American Airline’s departure
Georgetown, GINA, February 20, 2008.
Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn today at a press conference addressed concerns regarding North American Airlines terminating their scheduled service between Guyana and the United States because of the high cost of fuel.
Minister Benn said Travel Span may also be suspending its operations in Guyana.
He noted however, that he is confident that there will be improvements in the airline industry after North American leaves by the July – August peak season since, Delta Airlines is expected to come on board once they receive Government’s approval. The airline announced in Atlanta that it has received US government approval for the service. “Delta officials are currently in the country doing the evaluations with respect to coming to Guyana from July,” said Minister Benn.
He added that interest is also being shown by another large international aviation operator to bring in international flights.
North American Airlines has been operating a non-stop service between Guyana and the United States since its inauguration in 1999. The airline plans to end their service to Nigeria, Ghana and Guyana by May 20, 2008.
TOP
Minister Benn responds to Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana
- Government’s mandate will be carried out
Georgetown, GINA, February 20, 2008
Minister of Public Works and Communications, Robeson Benn today set the record straight on issues raised by the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG) and published in the media.
At the press conference were the Director of Aviation Safety Regulation, Ms. Paula McAdam, the Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Mr. Zulfikar Mohamed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, Mr. Balraj Balram, and a Legal Consultant within the Ministry, Ms. Amanza Desir.
The Minister stressed that he is very disappointed by Air Services Limited (ASL) for reneging on its agreement with the Ministry to allow the Government Flight Operations Inspector on the Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft while the Regional Aviation Safety Oversight System (RASOS) Inspector, Captain Gregg Fox did his evaluation.
The Minister said that on the day of the proposed evaluation flight the Accountable Manager of ASL, “objected in base and abusive language, to the presence of the Government Inspector in the cockpit of the aircraft.” However, the evaluation continued and they were given the approval of the RASOS inspector, and a written apology was given by the Accountable Manager.
Minister Benn noted that on February 6, 2008 he ordered that the Cessna 208 Grand Caravan owned and operated by ASL, cease operations since the Operator was in breach of Regulations 7 and 31 of the Guyana Civil Aviation Regulations. The substance of the breach was that the aircraft was not on the Operator’s Air Operators’ Certificate, which rendered the commercial operation of the aircraft illegal.
The Operator sought redress in the High Court which gave them permission to continue their operations. On Wednesday, February 13 a motion by ASL, who applied for writs of certiorari and prohibition was served against the Minister of Transport. It was heard on Monday, February 18 and the Minister was given fourteen days to file his response.
Minister Benn also addressed the issue of the ASL being granted verbal approval to continue its operations. He said that he knows of no section in the regulations where verbal approval is allowed. As a result, legal moves are being made with RASOS through the Ministry and the GCAA to upgrade and update civil aviation regulations. This is expected to be completed by the end of March.
Regarding the issue raised by the AOAG that the GCAA officer appointed to act as Flight Operations Inspector does not have all the necessary qualifications, Minister Benn noted that the GCAA has sought for some time now to upgrade the qualifications of the officer currently performing the functions of Flight Inspections Officer. To achieve this locally would require the use of a local aircraft. Some local operators in the industry have bluntly refused to co-operate in this regard. The GCAA has to incur great cost to upgrade the qualifications of the Government Inspectors using facilities overseas, since the last Flight Operation Inspector who was recruited and trained at great expense to the GCAA, absconded after that training, with an enhanced resume and has not been seen nor heard from since.
The Minister noted that at present the Ministry cannot stop ASL from operating. However, he is calling on aircraft owners to assess this matter carefully. He noted that ASL is already being investigated for an aircraft crash at Kopinang in 2007 which resulted in the loss of life of three (3) persons and the loss of an aircraft. The ASL is also being investigated in relation to the operation of an aircraft to Anna Regina which was subsequently flown off by an unauthorized person and has since disappeared, without any reasonable explanation from ASL. Additionally, the ASL has been accused of execution of an unauthorized landing at Omai.
Reiterating that safety is every person’s business, Minister Benn noted that the Ministry continues to carry out the government’s direction to facilitate the growth of a safe, reliable, privately-owned, commercial domestic aviation sector which will soon develop regional operations.
TOP
Civil society commits unqualified support to confront crime
Georgetown, GINA, February 20, 2008
A follow-up meeting on the recent spate of violence in Guyana with representatives of civil society which was convened yesterday by His Excellency President Jagdeo concluded today at the Office of the President.
A statement by civil society was subsequently issued. In the statement they agreed and pledged to: “commit their full and unqualified support of the Joint Services in confronting crime in the country and in securing the safety of our citizens under the law, to work in collaboration with the Government and all Parliamentary political parties to jointly review the national security plan for its urgent and comprehensive implementation with the ultimate goal of cementing inclusive democracy, peace and justice in our country, and to initiate and support confidence building measures in the society at large, and amongst communities and organizations, in order to continue to move the country forward.”
They called on all political parties to seek in good faith a unified position on law and order and public safety.
They further reminded Guyanese that “at this time that Guyana is celebrating the 38th Republic Anniversary, all political parties, in and out of Parliament, citizens, organized or not, to recommit to the principles of justice and peace in our society.”
Representatives from over 30 civil society organisations, including religious organisations, the trade union movement and the business community, met for over two days in what has been described by several persons as frank and open discussions.
The President had convened separate meetings with civil society and the Parliamentary Opposition parties following the attacks on Lusignan and Bartica where a total of 23 persons were killed by gunmen who attacked these communities.
TOP
More calls for peace and unity to prevail in country
-two civilians killed at Bartica laid to rest
Georgetown, GINA, February 20, 2008.
Two civilians, Ashraf Ali Khan and Errol Thomas, who were among the 12 persons slain during an attack by gunmen at Bartica on February 17, were laid to rest today in their respective communities, Middlesex on the Essequibo Coast and Wakenaam Island amidst calls for peace and unity to prevail in the country as it confronts the crime situation.
Khan and Thomas were among the crew members of the vessel, which was moored at the Bartica Transport and Harbours Department stelling, from which they were removed and shot by gunmen.
Among those who joined mourners at the two funeral processions today were Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir, Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and Region Two Chairman Ali Baksh. President of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) Haji Fazal Ferouze, Pandit Rabindranath Persaud and Bishop Juan Edgehill were also present.
During individual speeches, leaders from the Government, religious organisations and Regional Administration urged that all Guyanese bond together to help the country overcome recent criminal activities that resulted in the loss of several innocent lives at Bartica and Lusignan.
Family members and relatives view body of late Ashraf Ali Khan at Middlesex,
Essequibo Coast
Ministers Nadir and Ramsammy expressed condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased on behalf of the Government of Guyana and noted that the President and the administration are very concerned about the situation and are working hard to find solutions.
They called on the families, relatives, friends and all Guyanese to unite and exercise harmony even as efforts are being made to capture the perpetrators of the recent attacks on citizens at Bartica and Lusignan.
Bishop Edgehill noted that although the murder of their loved ones may create mixed-feelings of hurt and anger, it is not a time to express hatred or to seek out vengeance or revenge, rather it is a time for togetherness among all Guyanese.
Islamic Rites being performed for late Errol Thomas at Wakenaam Masjid
Similar sentiments were expressed by Pandit Persaud, who stated that such atrocities should not prevail in society, but citizens must live in hope and unite as a people irrespective of race, religion and beliefs because it is only then that the situation can be confronted.
Haji Ferouze pointed out that the killings of innocent people including Khan and Thomas are acts of terrorism to create fear in the nation, but it is the patience, love and unity that Guyanese must stand strong even at this time of loss.
The funeral processions, which were both conducted according to Islamic rites, were sponsored by the CIOG and Government and included mourners from various communities in Regions Two, Three and other parts of the country.
Mother of the slain captain of the vessel, Bibi Halima Yasseen and her daughter, Farah Yasseen were among those who joined the family, relatives and other mourners at Middlesex.
Twelve persons including three policemen were killed on February 17 when gunmen attacked the Bartica Police Station and civilians in the community.
TOP
President Jagdeo receives Mexico, Italy Ambassadors
Georgetown, GINA, February 20, 2008
President Bharrat Jagdeo today received Letters of Credence from His Excellency Ricardo Villanueva Hallal, Ambassador of United Mexican States and His Excellency Luigi Maccotta, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy.
Ambassador Hallal, a career diplomat, was born in the city of Los Machis, Sinaios, Mexico and is a graduate of Autonomous University of Puebia.
He previously served as Ambassador to Peru, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Finland. His other diplomatic appointments included serving in Mexico’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO as well as appointments in the Soviet Union and Egypt.
Accreditation of Ambassador of Italy to Guyana Mr. Luigi Maccotta
Ambassador Maccotta, a graduate from the Sapienza University of Rome, entered the diplomatic service of his country in 1981. His diplomatic service saw him posted to Israel, Switzerland, United States of America and Japan. He held several senior posts in the Foreign Service of his country. He was appointed Ambassador to Guyana, Suriname, Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent, Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago in February 2008.
 Accreditation of Ambassador of Mexico to Guyana Mr. Ricardo Villanueva Hallal
TOP
Guyanese urged to prepare for intensive rainfall over next few days
Georgetown, GINA, February 20, 2008
Guyanese have been alerted to prepare for the intensive intermittent rainfall which is expected to prevail over the Coastal and upper regions of Guyana for the next few days.
Residents have been urged to take the necessary precautions to ensure minimal effects of flooding.
The call comes on the heel of Chief Meteorological Officer Bhaleka Seulall predicting intensive rainfall as a result of the natural phenomenon ‘La Nina’ which is expected to continue over the Coastal and inland regions of Guyana until March, 2008.
According to Ms. Seulall , ‘La Nina’ generates wet conditions as observed over the past few days which resulted in significant rainfall accumulation in the inland areas of Guyana resulting in flooded conditions in some low lying areas.’
In preparation for the anticipated increase in rainfall over the next few days in the inland areas of Guyana especially from the sources of rivers, there is a 24-hour monitoring of drainage systems and facilities along the coastal plain by engineers from both the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) at the regional level, Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) and the Neighbour Democratic Council (NDC). These agencies are collaborating to ensure maximum efficiency and timely interventions to alleviate the effects of flooding. 
Minister Persaud and NDIA's CEO inspect operation of pump at Montrose.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud in citing his Ministry’s preparedness to alleviate the effects of flooding, noted that forty-two pumps have been deployed and are functional along the Coastland especially in the most vulnerable low-lying areas to supplement the drainage systems.
He is also urging farmers and residents to become involved in the monitoring process by reporting abnormal increases in water levels to the Ministry of Agriculture via the hotline numbers: 225 8310, 223 7291, 227 5049, 226 6655, 227 2204 or text message to 691 0000.
While on a visit to the East Coast Demerara to access operational efficiency of the drainages facilities there, Persaud expressed his concerns pertaining to the efficiency of the Montrose drainage pump facility located at Montrose, East Coast Demerara.
He lamented that as a result of the increased water level and climate changes, the current system at Montrose, one of the largest drainage facilities along the East Coast Demerara, has become inefficient in draining the lands effectively.
The facility has five massive drainage pumps, each with the capacity to drain 120 cubic feet water per second.
However, it was observed that over the past two years there were problems with the infrastructure in that when there is Spring tide they have to physically remove those boards which take a lot of time and reduce the effectiveness of the ability and usefulness of those pumps.
Persaud assured residents that rehabilitative work to the value of $6M. will be executed shortly by GuySuCo.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of NDIA, Lionel Wordswoth highlighted that the current increase in rainfall and the gradient flow of water from the inland regions of Guyana have caused some concerns pertaining to maintaining manageable levels in the East Demerara Water Conservancy and other conservancies along the Coast.
However, he assured that all measures are being taken to ensure timely drainage of excessive water.
TOP |
