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Local Gov’t, Regional officials meet with Bartica residents – as community engagement continues

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development remains committed to effecting changes with regards to the delivery of Government services to the citizens. The ministry has been continuously engaging the officials and residents of the local and regional entities with the objective of garnering from the populace the areas of concerns that need addressing towards efficient delivery of Government services.
The ministry’s latest engagement was in Region Seven where Senior Regional Development Officer, Puran Persaud along with Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford and Regional Executive Officer Peter Ramotar engaged the chairman, councillors and residents of the Bartica Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) at the NDC building.

Residents of Bartica at the meeting

The foremost complaint was the garbage situation in the community. Residents expressed disgust over the irresponsible attitude applied towards solid waste management in the community. One resident said that the garbage situation in the community was becoming overbearing and called on other residents to take stock of their own waste disposal practice and further tasked that each resident could assist the problem by helping to keep their own surroundings clean. The residents suggested more stringent fines to deter against the present waste disposal practice and Chairman NDC, Gerald Joseph suggested that the littering laws be updated. At present a person charged with littering will pay approximately $20 in fine.
Persaud suggested that the NDCs charge persons for littering under the Environmental Protection Agency Act as under this act the fines are much more severe. He promised that the ministry and the region will further engage towards changing the waste disposal practice in the community.
Concerns were also raised with regards to some streets being prone to flooding as they named Second and Third Avenues and Sixth and Seventh Streets. The residents said the drains are too small restricting the flow of water and they suggested that a culvert be built in the area to enable easier drainage.
 REO, Peter Ramotar promised that the regional officials in the company of the Regional Engineer will visit the areas to make the necessary assessment and determine the way forward.

Senior Regional Development Officer, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Puran Persaud with Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford and Regional Executive Officer Peter Ramotar engaging the chairman, councillors and residents of Bartica

The traffic congestion from the Cenotaph to Bell Square on Front Street, Bartica was raised, as well. Even though interventions to regulate the traffic would have seen the street recently functioning as a one-way from 6 am to 6 pm, there is still congestion and it was proposed that the street becomes a permanent one-way. NDC Chairman Joseph stated that it has to be gazetted first.
The practice of parking trucks on the shoulders of the streets was raised by the residents who cited it as being very dangerous and that it hinders traffic as well as block commuters’ view of the road whilst driving.
Ramotar said that this situation was unfortunate and promised that the administration will seek to rectify it.
The Byderabo Primary School was recently closed and the children were transferred to nearby schools but residents complained that they could not afford the cost for transportation and as such suggested the school be reopened.
Since the visiting team was able to ascertain that the school was in good condition and repairs were not needed, the residents were promised that the officials will engage the Ministry of Education on this issue and make known results of that engagement to the residents.
Residents of West Indian Housing Scheme complained that the road leading to the scheme, in addition to being in a deplorable condition, is also taken over by stray animals and called for the ministry’s assistance to repair the road.
Ramotar told the residents that under the 2012 budget several streets are slated for repairs, especially in the area and asked that the residents meet with the regional administration to further discuss the matter.

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All set for Mash day parade

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President today said that Government Ministers have been assigned to participate in flag-raising ceremonies in the 10 administrative regions.
             Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran will be in Region One, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud in Region Two, Minister of Housing and Water, Region Three, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Region Four, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, Region Five, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, Region Six, Minister Public Works, Robeson Benn, Region Seven, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud, Region Eight, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Region Nine and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, Region 10.
The celebrations for Guyana’s 42nd anniversary as a Republic in the City of Georgetown will commence with the ceremonial flag-raising at Public Buildings, Brickdam in the morning of February 23, which will be followed by the much anticipated Mashramani parade later in the day.
            Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony confirmed that all the necessary preparations are in place for the parade and the judging at the National Park.
            ‘Mash’, as it is referred to by Guyanese, was first observed when the country became a Republic on February 23, 1970. Since then, the month of February has been celebrated each year with a series of activities including drama, poetry, dances and costume parades which culminate on February 23.
            This year the celebrations are being observed under the theme, “Mashin with Pride Keepin we Traditions alive”.

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Amerindian Affairs Ministry to lead 125- member contingent in float parade

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will be participating in the medium category of the float parade with a contingent comprising 125 members.
The theme of the band reflects the pride of the Amerindian people of Guyana and that of this year’s Mashramani theme “Mashin’ with Pride, Keepin’ we Traditions Alive”.
The queen’s float “My Native land” portrays a rich cultural diversity of the Amerindians,.

 Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and Anil Roberts, Principal Regional Development Officer pose with the Queen’s float

The float and costume depict the legacy of a proud land with colours representing the nature of Guyana.  The foliage represents the Indigenous connection with their environment and the preservation of nature. The design at the back of the float exhibits the majestic water falls in the Interior. A golden sun  that sits in the background represents a bright future, while maintaining a Guyanese tradition. 
Highlighting the float is a giant Amerindian head dress consistent with the colours of the Coat-of-Arms. The head dress also has nine plumes representing the Amerindian Nations of Guyana.  The petroglyph symbols portray the cultural heritage of the Amerindians.

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Cabinet approves four contracts in key sectors

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

At a post-Cabinet media briefing today, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon advised that Cabinet at its February 21 statutory meeting, offered its ‘no objection’ to four contracts in the culture, health, security and public works sectors.

The approved contracts are as follows:

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Guyana-Suriname relationship driven by common goals, shared experiences
- HPS

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

The elevation of the joint commission engagements between Guyana and Suriname to the presidential level has indeed produced the anticipated dividends.
            Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon at his post-Cabinet press briefing today said that the programmed development during President Donald Ramotar’s recent meeting with his Dutch counterpart, Desire Bouterse, laid the basis for a more mutual approach for future engagements.
            The HPS said that Guyana and Suriname’s relationship is developing apace; ignited by common goals and shared experiences.  
During the meeting, the fight against piracy, intelligence sharing, strengthening of bilateral cooperation and cross-border security, mining, agriculture, fisheries, climate change were discussed while the issue of military cooperation was placed on the front-burner.
After signing a Communique, President Bouterse said it is in the interest of both states that the two countries’ armies collaborate and noted that recurring comments about a border issue between Guyana and Suriname must be placed on the back burner.
Meanwhile, President Ramotar said that his first official visit to Suriname was a reflection of his determination to work toward improving the already existing good relations that have been established and continue to exist between Guyana and Suriname.

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One seat majority should not be used to hinder Guyana’s development- HPS
-Opposition’s ill-conceived actions should be rejected

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon at a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President today said that the one-seat majority that the Opposition hold in Parliament, should not be used by them, as an opportunity to render counter-productive measures in Guyana’s development.
            He noted that the sitting of the Tenth Parliament thus far, moreso the last one, continue to be a matter of concern for Cabinet as the attempts by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) to undo and revise laws, rules and conventions, took an unprecedented turn on February 16.
            “Cabinet recognised the ill-advised and not well thought-out intrigues by the coalition that played out on that day and is deeply concerned about the uncertainty of its likely impact,” the HPS said.
            Mature judgment and enhanced changes were called for by Cabinet in order to chart the way forward, as the preferred approach in dealing with issues surrounding Guyana’s development that was being handled at the level of the National Assembly.
“This specter of that body unravelling Guyana’s development agenda with ill-conceived actions, Cabinet insisted must be rejected… and called for more thoughtful engagements at this, the highest level of the land,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
   He added that the current dispensation in the National Assembly provides an ample chance for the body politic to work collaboratively and imposes the responsibility for Opposition Parties to commit themselves to working with the Administration to maximise the opportunities.   
            The February 16 sitting during which two papers totalling, $2,240,901,071 and $3,471,047,823 that were tabled by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, left the House in a position that was not contemplated in the country’s legal framework of governance, as some of the objections raised by the Opposition with regard to certain expenditures, left Parliamentarians on the Government side mind-boggled.
            Financial paper seven was debated and was amended before being approved, as the Opposition refused to support certain provisions that were being sought; however, during the debate on the second paper, they tabled an amendment for it to be withdrawn and restructured before being re-submitted.
            After the sitting, Government’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, Minister Singh and Leader of the House, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds hosted a press conference where they expressed the ruling Party’s disappointment in the fact that the much anticipated fear of gridlock, which, only a week ago, President Donald Ramotar warned against in his address to the Tenth Parliament was being played out.
Parliament is adjourned until March 15, at which time, the financial papers and the subsequent passing of the Supplementary Bill, will be further discussed.   

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 Most flood affected areas return to normalcy
- cash crops, rice and poultry losses recorded

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

There has been a record reduction in the levels of rainfall experienced recently, and the regions affected by flood have to date returned to normalcy.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon at a post - Cabinet media briefing today said that while there has been damage to livestock, cash crop and rice farming; activities primarily in the farming communities have resumed.
            Thus far, a technical team from the Ministry of Agriculture has created a data base which indicates that approximately 800 acres of cash crop; 5000 poultry and over 3800 acres of rice have been affected.  
            “Minister Ramsammy has outlined the operations of the flood water control systems which are being maximally operational and explained its effect on minimising the consequences to farmlands during Cabinet meeting,” Dr. Luncheon said.
            The Cabinet Secretary said the Agriculture Minister reported that in the event that there is a continuity of rainfall especially within the eastern sections, control structures at vulnerable areas, would have to function at maximum capacity in order to prevent undue impact. 
            Since the inception of the above normal rainy period, additional measures were undertaken to ensure that farmers’ livelihoods are not lost. This saw technical staff being deployed across the regions to assist in this regard.
            Dam maintenance, deployment of drainage pumps, excavators, dam construction and maintenance were some of the measures implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), in light of La Nina weather condition.   
            The Administration has always been supportive of farmers and over the years, significant assistance has been channelled to ensure that Guyana continues to supply its ever-growing markets regionally and internationally.

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Cabinet condemns actions of Opposition, others towards late payment of sugar workers’ API - HPS

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon has deemed the antics displayed by the Opposition Parliamentary parties towards the recent Berbice sugar workers’ strike; as ‘counterproductive’.
                On February 20, sugar workers refused to work until they were paid their Annual Production Incentive (API), by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). This action was highly condemned by the Administration, as the Opposition has since pounced on the issue and used the situation for political mileage.
            “They were seen visiting worksites where they addressed the striking workers, thus encouraging them on unjustified and ill-advised pursuits, when essentially, there were canes ready for harvesting at the various estates,” he said.
            In the past, the industry has suffered as a result of labour stoppage, as it has been a constant threat to production targets and ultimately the industry’s financial viability. This has prompted the Administration, to implement a ‘Turn Around Plan’ which Dr. Luncheon said is currently under stress, due to the industrial actions.
            GuySuCo has been demanding improved performances in the industry, particularly at the level of the Estates’ Management, even as Cabinet enhances its engagements with stakeholders within the industry.
            This move Dr. Luncheon said is in anticipation that the sugar workers would give support and the industry would return to normalcy.
            “The engagement of the Administration at various levels has never ignored the principal role that the union continued to play in the sugar industry. As such, the need exists for mature minds to address sugar woes in Guyana,” he said.
            “The Office of the President will continue to lend its weight, as Cabinet will heighten its engagement in the sugar belt in its efforts to rectify the situation… Labour discipline must prevail as canes are there to be harvested,” Dr. Luncheon said.
            He reminded that the most reasonable approach is to address the situation with a mature mind, as workers, communities and the country as a whole depend on the industry.
            To push the modernisation of the sugar industry, Government built the Skeldon sugar factory and the Enmore Packaging Plant. The latter through its Project Gold is expected to produce 40,000 tonnes of packaged sugar annually.
                Due to significant Government interventions which were embarked upon in its policy initiatives and programmes, sugarcane supply expanded from 5,727 to 9,344 hectares in 2011.

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Another Amerindian village gets transportation boost

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2011

St Deny’s Mission, a titled Amerindian village in Tapakuma, Region Two, is now the owner of a Toyota Hiace, fifteen-seater minibus. The vehicle was handed over today to the village’s toshao, Doreen Jacobis at the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Quamina St.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai in the company of Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall and Principal Regional Development Officer Anil Roberts handed over the keys to the vehicle which costs $3M.
The vehicle was purchased with the village’s Presidential Grant from 2009 to 2012 and a $300,000 contribution from the village.
The minibus will allow for the transport of farmers’ produce to the Anna Regina market and villagers, including school children of the various surrounding communities along the St Deny’s, Tapakuma and Mainstay route.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai hands over the keys to the minibus to Toshao, St Deny’s Mission, Doreen Jacobis

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has been supporting the improvement of transportation means by water and land over the years in several Amerindian communities.
Minister Sukhai said that since the year started the Ministry has spent $17.1M in grant fund to assist several communities with vehicles among which are Kawatta in the Moruca Sub Region of Region One, Mainstay in Region Two and Sand Creek in Region Nine. Each village received one minibus valued $3.2M, 5M and $5.1M respectively.
 Toshao Jacobis said that the village had relied on the service of private vehicles for transportation which sometimes proved difficult for the school children as the availability of these buses was not certain.
The elders of the community were also affected as the private buses often showed a lack of preference for these commuters.
“This morning is the happiest day in my life as a Toshao as I received the key to this brand new minibus that I will be taking home to my villagers… we have never owned a bus,” Jacobis said.
She expressed gratitude to the Ministry and Former President Bharrat Jagdeo for initiating the Presidential Grant programme that afforded the village the opportunity to own the vehicle.

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Appreciation of Creole dialect focus of Republic lecture

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

Consciousness, appreciation and understanding of the richness of the Creole dialect was breathed into the minds of the attendees of the Republic lecture on Tuesday evening at the Umana Yana as featured presenter Professor John Rickford of the Standford University gave a moving talk titled “If yuh see people” Appreciating the systematicity and expressive power of Creolese.”
The event which featured many distinguished guests and government officials including Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn forms part of the series of activities in celebration of the country’s 42nd Republic Anniversary.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and Professor John Rickford at the Republic Lecture Series

The thought-provoking lecture saw Professor Rickford using varied approaches to disbar the misconception that the Creole vernacular is a rough and broken language. Rickford established that the dialect is instead governed by the same rule of grammar that presides over the universal languages.
Rickford explaining the concept of his talk said that his aim was to show that “even though we may make our eyes ‘pass’ creoles and take it for granted, it is in fact a very regular and well ordered, elaborative, systematic and expressive instrument that has been used for generation to express a wide range of thoughts and emotions and philosophy.”

Professor John Rickford engaging the attendees of the Republic Lecture Series

Minister Anthony told the audience that the lecture was included on the Culture Ministry’s agenda so as to promote, and, stimulate discussions on the aspects of the Guyanese culture that have been overlooked and also said that the lecture continues this year as part of the Republic celebration so as to add a new activity to the celebration.
 Speaking on the topic of the lecture, he said, it is important to understand and appreciate the Creole language as it has meaning with regards to Guyanese origins, and it helps them to identify their collective identity.
Prime Minister Hinds also echoing the call for Guyanese to take note of those features that make them uniquely Guyanese commended Minister Anthony and the Culture Ministry for the initiative of putting in place programmes that seek to create a better understanding and appreciation of “things Guyanese.”

Part of the audience at the Republic Lecture, Umana Yana

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Gov’t has great plans to leapfrog Guyana’s development-President
-To be done in a democratic and inclusive framework
               
President Donald Ramotar in his message on the occasion of Guyana’s 42nd Republic anniversary has urged that Guyanese promote and emphasise the things that unite them even as he spoke of plans for fast-tracking development in an inclusive framework.

Here’s the text of His Excellency’s message:

“I extend warm greetings to all Guyanese at home and abroad on this the forty-second anniversary of our republic. This is a very special time for all Guyanese, and is marked by great festivities celebrating our national culture.
This national culture has been weaved from the strands of the various ethnic groups which constitute our people. Let us celebrate this diversity by being part of the many events that are being held to commemorate this year’s anniversary of our status as a republic. 
To those visiting Guyana to be part of our grand celebrations, I extend a warm welcome. I extend best wishes to you and hope that you will have a great and enjoyable time in our beautiful country and amongst our friendly and hospitable people. As we celebrate our republic, let us promote and emphasize the things that unite us as we move closer to our Motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”
We have a country to build and our human resources are especially critical as we enter this important stage of nation- building, one in which every Guyanese will be expected to participate meaningfully in and share equitably in its benefits.
 My government has great plans to leapfrog the development of Guyana to new heights. This will be done in a democratic and inclusive framework, one in which the views of all citizens will be respected and their concerns addressed. I invite all to be part of this historic process.
Let us work together to build a more resilient, peaceful, democratic, united and prosperous Guyana!
Happy Republic Day!”

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Workshop held to distinguish tangible and intangible culture

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, held an Anniversary Lecture Series Workshop at the Umana Yana this morning during which facilitator, Dr. Kris Rampersad, UNESCO Expert Consultant on safeguarding Caribbean Culture and Heritage led the lecture under the theme ’Sustaining Guyanese Culture, Our Intangible Cultural Heritage’ (ICH).

Dr. Kris Rampersad, UNESCO Expert Consultant on safeguarding Caribbean Culture and Heritage leading the lecture under the theme,’ Sustaining Guyanese Culture: Our Intangible Cultural Heritage

               Representatives from various organisations such as National Trust of Guyana, Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Museum of African Heritage, Confederation of African National Descendants (CANT) and even the South Ruimveldt Secondary School along with social workers interacted in groups about the cultural values and conventions to which Guyana is obligated.
Intangible Heritage was invented for the culture that can be felt emotionally but, not visible to the eyes.                                                
            Dr. Rampersad commended the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport along with the President for this bold step in organising the lecture.
“Promote cultural diversity as well…it is a mechanism for promoting human creativity because we capture skills, knowledge and other sharing practices. It promotes mutual understanding in some issues,” Dr. Rampersad assured as she assessed the importance of preserving intangible culture.  
She further noted that the Intangible Heritage (2003) convention does not include copyright laws although it promotes music and other creative literature.  

Attendees at the  lecture under the theme,’ Sustaining Guyanese Culture: Our Intangible Cultural Heritage

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More than Mash is being celebrated- Minister Ramsammy – at Region Four Flag raising ceremony

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

Accompanied by pomp, colour and National songs, Region Four held its flag raising ceremony this afternoon at the Regional Democratic Council office at Triumph, East Coast Demerara in observance of the country’s 42nd Republic anniversary.
Giving the feature address, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy described the ceremony as a concrete expression of a country that is beautiful.
He pointed out that Guyanese in the midst of tragedy can show happiness which comes from “who we are, where we came from and what is our history.”
Minister Ramsammy noted that as Mashramani is celebrated, tomorrow (February 23) also represents the 42nd Republic anniversary of a country that is free and a Republic. Stating that the country has come a far way, he observed that not all persons would agree on how far the nation has come, but acknowledged it nevertheless.
He urged persons to let children always know that more than Mashramani is being celebrated.  “The fact that all of us are descendants of people who were slave owners, people who were indigenous, slaves, indentured labourers, today we are all free!” the Minister emphasised.
He pointed to the fact that Guyanese professionals are no longer limited to the privileged classes of people, but come from ordinary people today.
“Tomorrow (Thursday) we celebrate the fact that notwithstanding the barriers, we are a people living in dignity and making our lives better,” said the Minister.
He urged Guyanese to reflect on Guyana’s progress and to remember that when persons are ‘mashing’ tomorrow, they will be doing so on soil that is mixed with the blood, sweat and tears of the country’s ancestors. Guyana must remember their courage and look to the future as the nation’s diversity is celebrated.
“Today, we’ve taken our rich tradition and moulded it to a rich Guyanese culture we are proud of. We have affirmed the dreams of our ancestors and of Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham. We worked together to guarantee our freedom.”
He noted that the challenges are many and Guyana has to try harder.
“Let us be proud of the country we have, and maintain but transform our traditions so we can be a proud Guyana.”
            Also in attendance at the ceremony was Region Four Chairman Clement Corlette.

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Success and safety of fisherfolk depend on authorities knowing number of vessels, locations where they fish – Minister Ramsammy 

Georgetown, GINA, February 22, 2012

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy told fisherfolk present for a convention held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal today that fishing plays an important role in Guyana’s economy and development as such government has to continue intervention efforts to safeguard them from acts of piracy.
            “Guyana is one of few developing countries that have met its millennium development goals of feeding her people…in terms of food security; the fishing industry provides a relatively cheap source of animal protein in the Guyanese diet, an essential element in meeting the dietary needs,” Minister Ramsammy said.

Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn speaking at the Fisherfolk’s convention held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal

            He added that the fishing industry affords employment for more than 15,000 people directly and indirectly whilst providing significant foreign exchange earnings as it represents an average of just approximately 3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, with exports over the past three years averaging more than 17,000 metric tonnes, valued about $10B.
            “The per capita fish supplied in Guyana exceeds 58 kilogrammes (kg), as compared to approximately 17 kilograms as a global average…this indicates that fishing is important for it ensures we exceed the fishing needs related to food security requirements in Guyana and provides a genuine growth pole for exports,” Minister Ramsammy said.
            He added that one interesting development to the fishing industry is that aquaculture accounts for more than 45% of the global supply, with Guyana achieving an average of 400,000 kg and an export average of about 56,000 kg annually.

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy speaking at the Fisherfolk’s convention

            Whilst this is so, Agriculture Minister said that a matter of great concern to his ministry and other related authorities is the increasing number of unlicenced fishing vessels that participate in the trade.
            “A boat count of Artisanal Vessels in the last year revealed that there are 1,234 boats…of great concern was that only approximately one third of this amount had fishing licences last year…licencing and ensuring fishing is done within the regulated environment is critical for their growth of the fishing industry…the success and safety of fishing and the various stakeholders depend on the authorities knowing how many persons are engaged directly and indirectly in the industry and where fishing is done,” Minister Ramsammy said.
            The Agriculture Minister added that this data is needed, so that his ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Maritime Administration and other stakeholders can be able to better serve fisherfolk, offering more security at sea, as such better cooperation between fisherfolk and the authorities is needed.           
            “We must recognise the changing environment in terms of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing…we must be aware of these emerging issues and position ourselves to be a player within the emerging legal fishing dispensation in our region and regions around the world…we have to take an eco-system approach to fishing and enhancing bio-security,” Minister Ramsammy said.

A section of the fisherfolk present at a convention held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal

            Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn said that with the implementation of an arrangement of knowledge reporting, where vessels report to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) the names, contact information and location heading to for fishing expedition would serve to as the first steps towards having a more integrated effort to properly address the issues faced by fisherfolk.
            Director General of MARAD Claudette Rogers said that MARAD’s concern is the safety of all vessels in the country’s waters.
            Lt. Mc Lennon of the GDF Coast Guard said that better cooperation is needed between ranks and fisherfolk as in many instances crimes occur on the high seas but fisherfolk do not always come forward and provide ranks with the necessary information which will lead to arrests. He believes that this is the case because a number of fishing vessels are not licenced, registered or certified to operate.

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Culture Minister visits Mash camps – satisfied with preparations

GINA, Georgetown February 21, 2012

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony spent several hours this afternoon visiting some of the leading bands that will participate in tomorrow’s float parade to ascertain their level of preparedness.
Digicel, in their red and white costumes, will be revelling in a 150 - strong contingent while the Public Service Ministry will be demonstrating Guyana’s gold. They are hoping that the school children would not keep this out of their history.

Minister Frank Anthony in the spirit of Mashramani

“This band is depicting when they came, the first people to land, the Amerindians and, then there is a representation of the map of Guyana…it also depicts the area of Guyana that has gold,” designer Sonia Noel said.
 This Ministry’s contingent of 50 will be dressed in gold; however, it is their intention to have a bigger crew for next Mashramani. “So far you are looking good, the costumes are really elaborate,” Minister Anthony told the designer.
            For the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, their vibrant costumes were designed by students and staff of Burrowes School of Art.

Minister Frank Anthony and the working team at Burrowes School of Art showcasing aspects of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s costume in this photograph.

“Well, this is the Ministry’s band and you are aware that we like to set the standards and therefore we have chosen something that will depict the pride and joy of Guyana,” Robert Cummings, Director of the school  said.
Like every year Carib-Ansa McCal will have a breathtaking performance in both dance and costume. There are male and female individual costumes with 200 persons participating. The Queen will be representing the modern day Sally and the king, an after-work fun activity.

Minister Frank Anthony chatting with the designer of APNU’s costumes

Meanwhile designer, Derek Moore is focusing on four different costumes for  the Ministries of Natural Resources and Environment, Housing and Water, Labour, Human Services and Public Works and, Slingshot.
The Ministry of Labour and Human Services is mainly portraying a costume with many hands that signify the many responsibilities of the Ministry.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is focusing on ideal tourist sites such as the Kaieteur Falls, and even some aspects of the oil industry.
When Minister Anthony visited the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce, the staff were ready to hit the road. Their contingent will have 80 persons.

Minister Frank Anthony, designer Trevor Rose and other representatives from the Pulse Entertainment band

APNU will be coming in green and gold and will be having about 350 persons.
            Pulse Entertainment is coming with the theme ‘Party truck’ of 200 participants as they seek to bring Mashramani to the Trinidad carnival level.

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