Flag raising ceremony kick starts 38th Republic Anniversary celebration
Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2008
Guyana’s 38th Anniversary as a Co-operative Republic was today marked when the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted early this morning at Parliament Buildings before a large crowd comprising Government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, sections of the Disciplined Services and civil society.
The Head of State takes the salute during today’s Flag-raising ceremony to mark Guyana’s 38th Year as a Republic.
President Bharrat Jagdeo took the salute prior to the hoisting of the flag and inspected the Guard of Honour as is customary. His arrival at the event was preceded by that of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds’. 
The Golden Arrow Head hoisted to mark Guyana’s 38th year as a Republic.
The Golden Arrowhead was firmly hoisted simultaneously with the traditional 21-gun salute following prayers by representatives of the Muslim, Christian and Hindu Communities, the three main religions in the country. The prayers included requests for protection of the country’s citizens and for divine intervention at a time when Guyana has been threatened by marauding gunmen.
Following this, the National Pledge was recited by all and this preceded the Song of the Republic and the National Anthem.
Reciting of the National Pledge
The ceremony also saw the Guyana Police Force Band entertaining those gathered at the event to mark the 38th year since Guyana gained its status as a Cooperative Republic in 1970 following its independence in 1966 from Great Britain.
TOP
Many Guyanese turn out to Mash 2008
Georgetown, GINA, February, 23, 2008
Amidst mixed reactions in the public domain about Guyana’s hosting of Mashramani 2008 the main highlight of its 38th Republic Day celebration, Guyanese turned out in their numbers to join the bands in celebration.
Notwithstanding the prevailing circumstances, Guyanese were seen enjoying themselves on the streets of the capital, mainly along the route to the National Park for a first hand look at the costume and float parades.
The Ministry Of Health showcasing its contingents en-route to the National Park
Many of the bands, although smaller in number this year, were described by many as “beautiful,” “splendid,” and “sending an important message which Guyanese should learn from.”
Leading the parade was a 300-member delegation from “The Body of Christ.” with its main costume depicting marriage. Throughout the parade the religious body advocated prayers and intercession for Guyana. Revellers also used the occasion to distribute bibles and testaments.
The church members are optimistic that their participation in Mashramani will prompt good sense to prevail, notwithstanding the circumstances
The Ministry of Health through the National Blood Transfusion Unit (NBTU) other departments took to the streets again this year promoting its blood drive while other costumes depicted vaccination and its significance.
Revellers gyrating along..
“Concept Entertainment,” which is a new entry to Mashramani was among the larger bands that took to the streets in colourful splendour. The new band along with Digicel garnered most of the audience’s attention as their revellers gyrated to the sound of local music.
Masqueraders were also part of the revelling activities as they demonstrated their folk talent on the streets and in the National Park. The art is one which the Culture Ministry is seeking to revive.
The Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X will present another opportunity for some of Guyana’s best costumes and bands to be showcased, as part of the Culture Ministry’s plans.
This year’s event held under the theme “Let’s Unite and Celebrate in 2008,” entailed some new rules which were implemented by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, through the Mash Secretariat.
Among these were an orderly, timely flow, safety and crowd management which were accomplished according to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony who observed the day’s event.
Judging of the bands were done by a group of judges who were stationed at three locations en-route to the National Park 
Digicel revellers take to the streets.
Security presence was also high along the Mash route and the East Coast and West Bank of Demerara where routine search of vehicles were conducted at road blocks. The security presence was the fulfilment of the security forces’ commitment to securing the national event.
TOP
More items to be VAT zero-rated
Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2008
Several other items have been added to the zero- rated list for the purpose of the Value Added Tax (VAT) which when approved would comprise an even more comprehensive basket of basic goods and services which are now subject to no VAT.
Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh during the 2008 budget presentation yesterday said this measure is expected to result in the loss of over $1.2 billion in revenue, and is intended to provide additional relief to the consuming public.
“Government’s initiative to zero-rate these items was aimed at ensuring that the introduction of the value-added tax would not contribute to an increase in the cost of the goods and services specified,” Dr. Singh told the National Assembly.
The following items will be zero-rated for VAT with effect from March 1.
wheaten flour
plantain flour
barley flour
dried chick peas (not including
canned chick peas)
dried kidney beans (not including canned kidney beans)
dried pigeon peas (not including canned pigeon peas)
cheddar cheese (not including grated, powdered, or sliced)
cassava bread
oats
sago
casareep
farine
peanuts and cashew nuts
locally produced bedsheets
pillow cases
towels
rags
curtains
toothbrushes
kerosene stoves
mosquito nets
liquid butane gas
bicycles (excluding racing bicycles)
ribbons
handkerchiefs |
laundry soap
diapers
vitamins, minerals and tonics for medical or health supplement use (but not including energy drinks, food supplements and similar products)
wheelchairs
crutches
hearing aids
glucometers (glucose blood test machines)and needles and glucose blood strips made for use with such machines
rugs
mats
table covers
shelf covers
blankets
Machinery/equipment/ components used in the generation of renewable energy in the agriculture sector using agricultural by-products
paddy
hatching eggs
fish hooks
sheet lead
fishing floats
cotton
styrofoam for use in the fishing industry
animal medication including animal vitamins
all terrain vehicles used in the mining industry |
Government, in January 2007 introduced VAT which replaced six other taxes. Many basic necessities were zero-rated including those relating to specified food items, educational materials and services, and medical services and prescription drugs.
Items zero-rated for VAT in 2007were:
Basic Food items
Bread, Rice,
Sugar, Cooking Oil
Milk Baby Formula
Split Peas Onion
Garlic Potatoes
Fruits except apples, grapes, dates, prunes, peaches, plums and strawberries
Vegetables except olives, carrots, black eye peas, pigeon peas, chick peas, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower
Medical services, and prescription and over the counter drugs
Education services and materials (including books)
Electricity
Water and Sewerage Services
Locally produced building materials for construction such as sand, stone, lumber
Vehicles for public officers/officials and remigrants
Vehicles four years and older
Computers
Sports gear subject to the requirements under the first schedule of the Customs Act
Small gift parcels
Finance Minister Dr.Ashni Singh present the 2008 Budget.
TOP
Several initiatives underway to expand agriculture on EBD
-focus on farmers’ support
Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2008.
Government continues to pursue investments and interventions that will help farming communities such as those along the East Bank Demerara to realise their full potential in keeping with the administration’s vision for expanded agricultural development.
This was highlighted today by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud during meetings with farmers and residents at Garden of Eden, Friendship, Craig and Mocha Arcadia as part of his continuing outreaches to farming areas across the country. 
Minister Persaud addresses farmers at Garden of Eden.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth, Chief Crops and Livestock Officer Brian Sears, Region Four Vice Chairman Mohamed Khan and Regional Executive Officer Shafdar Alli were among those who accompanied the Minister.
Minister Persaud said although significant interventions are made such as improved drainage and irrigation and extension services, there is still need for more to be done in East Bank Demerara communities since it is recognised that more persons are becoming involved in agricultural activities and more lands are being cultivated.
“I appreciate the enthusiasm demonstrated by farmers along the Esat Bank Demerara and this would encourage us at the Ministry of Agriculture to overcome the constraints, it highlights the need for us to collaborate more with the NDCs (Neighbourhood Democratic Councils) and the Regional body in ensuring that farmers get the support and attention that is required in the drive to expand agriculture particularly the focus on diversification, to take up marketing opportunities in the region and beyond,” Minister Persaud said.
He noted that this increased interest by farmers requires sustained and expanded interventions such as drainage and irrigation and thus the Minister’s meeting was intended to seek new ideas and suggestions from farmers although several activities are ongoing.
At present, two excavators, which have been deployed from NDIA, are working to enhance D&I in Mocha to support farmers’ current activities, ensure that the risk of flooding is minimized and to develop new lands for cultivation.
Minister Persaud in discussion with farmers at Craig.
Several East Bank Demerara communities such as Mocha and Craig have been identified and will be targeted under the Rural Enterprise Agricultural Development Project (READ), which will be undertaken at a cost of approximately US$6M. Focus will be placed on working with farmers’ group to develop market systems, enhance extension services and the provision of materials and other support to make farmers’ activities more successful.
“It is filling certain gaps in terms of services and requirements that these communities need in fully realizing their potential. Some of these communities started agriculture 20 to 25 years ago, but they have not been getting the impetus that they need. So we do hope that as result of the agricultural diversification projects, the opportunities which are much more now will be fulfilled,” Minister Persaud noted.
During the meeting at Garden of Eden, farmers were informed of ongoing efforts by the Ministry to improve animal breeding stocks including the pig breeding programme underway at the Guyana Defence Force farm in the area.
Discussions were held on various D&I issues in the respective communities during which decisions were made for the matters raised to be addressed by the NDIA, Regional Administration or NDCs.
It was noted that efforts will be made to set up farmers’ committees to monitor D&I structures along the Esat Bank Demerara since there were complaints about the timely operations of kokers and sluices in some villages. 
Minister Persaud interacts with farmers at Mocha.
In addition, reference was made to ongoing investments by Government to re-activate structures and systems that were closed by the previous administration in the 1970s and 1980s. The need for these structures and systems to become operational has increased with the effects of climate change and expanded agricultural activities by more persons.
TOP
Gov’t to spend $13.7B to improve security
- two helicopters to be bought
Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2008.
Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh during the presentation of the 2008 national budget in the National Assembly yesterday outlined that the reforms in both the justice and security sector will be accelerated to ensure that urgent actions are effectively executed to ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens.
To this end he disclosed that $13.7B will be provided to boost the security sector, $900M of which will be used for the purchase of two helicopters and other equipment and gear for the joint services.
“We have provided $13.7 billion for the strengthening of our public safety agencies and in the area of security we have spared no effort in securing the support of both our multilateral and bilateral partners to maximise the level of resources available for the sector,” Minister Singh noted.
The Finance Minister explained that with the support of these partners, “immediate action is being taken to increase public confidence in the capacity of the law enforcement system.”
Among these actions will be to:
- improve the capability of rapid response systems to serious crimes;
- upgrade communication systems and expand access to police and other databases;
- improve intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities;
- intensify training in special operations for selected Joint Services members;
- equip crime fighting forces with appropriate transportation and technologically appropriate equipment to enhance their capacity on the ground;
- improve the oversight of the sector by strengthening the Office of Professional Responsibility, Police Complaints Authority and Police Service Commission; and
Additionally, Minister Singh said that $65 million will be expended to expand and equip community policing groups in order to support the national crime fighting efforts.
“Together, these will dramatically enhance the security force’s ability to respond in a timely manner to incidents, engage in more effective pursuit, and conduct more effective aerial surveillance and reconnaissance,” he posited.
“Crime fighting strategies and actions are complemented by our crime prevention strategies under our US$22 million Citizen Security Programme. This year, an allocation of $660 million will be expended to develop an integrated crime and violence information system to monitor trends in crime and violence and allow for more targeted evidence based interventions, design and commence construction of a forensic laboratory and a modern police training facility.”
Over $300 million has been allocated for the completion, construction and rehabilitation of more than 30 police stations countrywide to provide for enhancing the physical working condition for the police.
In addition a comprehensive computerization programme will commence for all police stations to enhance record keeping and to provide real time information between stations and the headquarters, Minister Singh said.
He also disclosed that $97M is allocated for the construction of a juvenile holding centre at Sophia and for the upgrade of the Mazaruni Prison, the completion of the capital dormitory at the Georgetown Prison and the completion of a training facility for prison officers at Lusignan.
TOP
Over $5B allocated for housing, water and sanitation sectors
Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2008
Major improvements will be realized this year in the housing, water and sanitization sectors as Government’s budgetary allocation of over $5B is geared towards enhancing and stimulating growth in these areas through improving infrastructure and services.
Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh made this disclosure during his budget presentation in the National Assembly yesterday. With respect to the housing sector, he said that government will continue to provide access to affordable housing for low income earners.
‘This will be achieved by several measures including the acceleration of housing development, timely processing of land titles and the regularisation of squatters… the sector will complete infrastructure for approximately 3000 lots in housing schemes, allocate a further 2000 low income and middle income houselots and process 2500 titles and transports,” Minister Singh explained
The budgetary allocation will be spent towards the execution of several major projects including
- $850M for infrastructure in low income settlement schemes such as Westminister, Onderneeming, Belle West, Cummings Lodge, Sophia, and Glasgow
- $420M to complete roads, drains and structures at Plantation Goedverwagting, Farm, Hope/Lowlands, Sophia, Grove, Bath, Amelia’s Ward, Ordnance Fortlands, and Speightland, and to service an estimated 1,850 house lots, and to provide for the construction and paving of roads, water distribution network, electricity supply and drainage culverts at Tuschen and Baltyock.
Additionally, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will undertake infrastructure works, including roads, water supply and electricity in areas such as Parfaite Harmonie, Westminster and Onderneeming, Farmer’s Field and Plum Park Sophia, and Hope.
Minister Singh said that the drilling of two new wells in Diamond/Grove and Parfaite Harmonie Housing Schemes will realise improvement in water supply to 12,000 allottees.
“Access to potable water remains high on our list of priorities. The Guyana Water Inc. is currently developing a medium-term strategic plan which will see increased focus on improving levels of service, quality of supplies, cost containment, service expansion and hinterland water supplies,” Minister Singh said.
This year over $3.7B is allocated for the provision of potable water supply that will be realised with the following;
- completion of two iron removal plants at Sophia and Central Ruimveldt at a cost of $500M, and upgrade of transmission and distribution lines to benefit approximately 50,000 persons at a cost of $331M
- completion of the No 56 village treatment plant that will benefit 30,000 persons and will cost $90M.
- design and commencement of construction of three water treatment plants at Lima, Vergenoegen, and Cotton Tree that will benefit approximately 55,000 people at a cost of $1B.
- over $58M to improve water supply in the hinterland regions
- expansion and improvement of existing infrastructure on the coast and in Linden at a cost of $395M
- operationalising the new customer billing, information and metering system at a cost of $236M.
Minister Singh noted Government’s commitment to raising the standards of sanitation in the capital city and communities in all regions across the country and to this end, $323M has been allocated to execute projects including rehabilitating a septage receiving facility at Tucville and the sewer pump station in Central Georgetown. Four holding centres at Charity, Supenaam, Parika, and Bartica will also be constructed.
The sector will also focus on conducting institutional strengthening and capacity building of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) to manage solid waste, to design and commence construction of a new sanitary landfill at Haags Bosch, Eccles and extend works at the Mandela landfill site to accommodate waste up to 2009.
TOP
Significant allocation to assist vulnerable sections of society
- comprehensive child protection strategy to be established
Georgetown, GINA, February 23, 2008
Government continues to implement comprehensive policies to ensure universal access to basic social services based on the recognition of the need for targeted interventions aimed specifically at addressing vulnerable sections of society.
This is according to Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh who, during his budget presentation yesterday outlined a number of provisions to address their needs. These include:
- $2.5 B to meet the cost of old age pensions from which 35,000 persons over the age of 65 years will receive a monthly pension of $6,000. This reflects an increase by 63 percent over last year;
- $810M to meet the cost of targeted public assistance programmes aimed at 15,000 beneficiaries;
- $120 M to meet the cost of water charges on behalf of the elderly;
- $105M under the Amerindian Development Fund will be utilised for priority projects in Amerindian communities,
- $100M to establish a fund to provide support to vulnerable single parents;
- $50M to construct an Amerindian Hostel and allow increased access to educational opportunities for hinterland students;
- $50M to meet the cost of providing spectacles to persons in need;
- $110M to finance upgrading and meeting the cost of operations of the Palms; and
- continued support of the school uniform distribution programme and the difficult circumstances programme.
Minister Singh also told the National Assembly that a comprehensive child protection strategy will be established and a foster care programme implemented to address the needs of orphans and vulnerable children, and advance the national campaign against domestic violence.
TOP
|
