Your FREE copy to keep! - Issue 04
Increasing VEHICLE IMPORTATIONS in Guyana
The Future of Businesses: Defined by Technology
The Aviation Industry:
Benefits Beyond Borders
Nabi Oil and Gas Inc.: Searching for Oil on land?
CaptainGeraldGouveia: The man who built a conglomerate to promote Guyana
The Aviation Industry: Benefits Beyond Borders
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IndependenceDay: A true Guyanese P12 celebration Buddy’s Rice Milling Complex – Filling a Void on Guyana’s Market
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Captain Gerald Gouveia:The man who built a conglomerateP16 to promote Guyana The Laws of Guyana
Fort Zeelandia: The ruins of a seat of power
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The Future of Businesses: Defined P30 by Technology Services Sector Overview Creating Opportunities for Our People;
Accelerating and Transforming the Economy
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Managing Director Frank Sanichara Marketing Innovative Marketing & Publishing Inc. Design Innovative Marketing & Publishing Inc.
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Increasing Vehicle P38 Importations in Guyana Put your talent to good use
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Mystic: The Reggae Crooner
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Commemorating Indian Arrival Day in Guyana
Founder and Publisher Teshawna Lall, BA, MBA
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Editorial Contributions Ministry of Culture Ministry of Natural Resources Go-Invest Justice Claudette Singh, CCH Adam Harris Rabindra Rooplall Leana Bradshaw Marissa Lowden Leonard Gildarie Franklin Wilson Rhea Ramkhelawan Neil Primus Tammy Quail
70 Industrial Site, Eccles East Band Demerara Guyana, South America Tel: 592-629-2206 592-604-6108 New York Contact: Dominic Chandra 347-599-6426
Ogle International Airport: Advancing P26 Aviation in Guyana
Pakaraima Mountain Safari: An Adventure P46 of a Lifetime
Nabi Oil and Gas Inc.: Searching for Oil on land?
Long Range champs of Guyana aiming to P48 reclaim Short Range title at 2014 Caribbean Fullbore Rifle Shooting Championships
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Email: teshawna@guyanainc.biz frank@guyanainc.biz website: www.@guyanainc.biz
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mining and forestry communities, the more developed coastal areas and enhancing trade with Brazil. Thus, it is helping to reduce the trade deficit between Guyana and Brazil. Until now, most of Guyana’s exports and imports are transported by sea. Development plans are underway to enhance the operational efficiency of the Georgetown port. The necessity and importance of the aviation industry in providing an efficient and alternative mode of transportation cannot be underscored. In recent years, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Ogle Airport, have both been upgraded and expanded. The Ogle Airport is now an
international airport that can accommodate larger aircraft, and is presently serving Brazilian traffic to Lethem and to Suriname. The expansion now enables the airport to increase its accommodation of incoming and out-going flights. The CJIA has undergone significant improvement and is still in the process of being further modernized. These modernizations will leave CJIA comparable to those of any world class airport and include tripling the size of the airport, expanding the present runway by 3,300 feet and installing cold storage facilities to increase the export of agricultural produce from Guyana. The US$150M project is funded by the Government
of China through the Chinese Exim Bank. According to reports, the backfilling of a test section for the CJIA runway has been completed. It is estimated that approximately 14 air carriers fly from CJIA to serve the domestic, regional and intercontinental destinations. Local destinations include Annai, Karanambu, Lethem, Karasabi, Aishalton, Mahdia, Orinduik, Monkey Mountain, Kaieteur, Imbaimadai, Kamarang, Mabaruma, Matthew Ridge, Bemichi and Baramita. There are 54 airstrips in the hinterland region. These serve isolated communities in the interior, allow for scheduled flights for tourism and general aviation associated with
gold mining. Air infrastructure is seen as a key ingredient to productivity and growth, boosting international competitiveness and the flow of foreign investment and stimulating a wide range of economic activities. As markets and economic activities are linked, business efficiency and productivity and easy access to suppliers and customers over long distances are made possible by airports. Air infrastructure and human development occur simultaneously. The industry helps to improve the living standards of people and reduce poverty through the generation of job opportunities, increased revenues from taxes and the conservation of protected areas.
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The exposure to higher competition, efficiency and growth forces businesses to develop and maintain a competitive edge in the market. The aviation industry also augurs well for the tourism sector, which in recent years has witnessed exponential growth, especially in the hinterland region. The industry is also an efficient and cost-effective medium to transport perishable goods and other products over long distances to customers. This serves as an incentive for both foreign and local companies to invest in Guyana and set up business in any location. Only recently, an action plan for the domestic aviation industry, which was fashioned by local airline owners, operatives and other stakeholders, was approved by the National Competitiveness Council headed by the President of Guyana, H.E. Donald Ramotar. Over a three-year period, the plan intends to ensure that the Ogle International Airport
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and the operations of local airlines at Ogle are in full compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and recommended practices. Eventually, this will lead to the enhancement of the sector by ensuring a high level of development, regulation and safety within the industry. With this, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) plans to secure Category One status for the country, which will allow carriers from Guyana to fly directly to the United States of America. The Aircraft Owners’ Association of Guyana has indicated that the industry will also benefit from $80M for navigational aid upgrade. Presently, an Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) programme has been introduced, with the implementation of a sixmonth pilot. The ADS-B will allow Guyana’s airspace to accommodate four times the present volume of traffic or aircraft operations and
will allow each aircraft to broadcast its own GPS position, along with other information including heading, ground track, ground speed and altitude. The local industry has similarly attracted much investment from foreign airlines including Compañía Panameña de Aviación, S.A., (COPA) Airlines which is based in Panama City, Panama. This airline will provide affordable airlift from Guyana to Panama twice weekly from July 11, 2014; Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A., (Conviasa) which is based in Maiquetía, Venezuela that will provide direct service from Puerto Ordaz to Georgetown, Guyana from February 2014; Surinam Airways; Fly Jamaica and TravelSpan. These investments generate many benefits in aviation infrastructure and services, particularly in developing economies such as Guyana, boosting their long-term productivity and economic growth. A productive and
efficient aviation industry supports the development of the globalized economy. The industry provides the only worldwide transportation system which makes it essential for global business and tourism. Aviation broadens people’s leisure and cultural experiences via wide choice and/or affordable access to destinations across the globe and often serves as the only means of transportation to remote areas promoting social inclusion. The aviation industry has a strong economic impact, through its own activities, which serves as an enabler of other industries. Its contribution includes direct, indirect and induced impacts, which are related to the total revenues of the aviation industry. The catalytic impacts of the industry are considered “spin-off” effects on other industries. “Spin-off” effects of the aviation industry on other industries include:
1. Air transport facilitates world trade 2. Air transport is indispensable for tourism 3. Air transport boosts productivity across the global economy 4. Air transport improves the efficiency of the supply chain 5. Air transport is an enabler of investment both into and out of countries and regions 6. Air transport can act as a spur to innovation 7. Air transport provides consumer welfare benefits to individuals Air transport is crucial to the easy and efficient trade and marketing of goods and services on a global level. This enables companies to service and meet clients, and promotes the efficient organisation of production. Air transport’s impact on business operations: 1. Servicing and meet-
ing customers: air services allow better contact and more effective communication between buyers and sellers. This contributes to: companies making new sales; and to meeting the needs of their existing customers. 2 . Increasing the range of product markets: the development of e-business helps companies identify low-cost suppliers and air transport helps connect buyers and suppliers. 3. Production efficiency: Businesses rely on air services for production efficiency. Passenger
services enable managers to visit overseas sites and other sub-sections of their business in other countries; enable a choice of the best suppliers from a range of competitors; facilitate the spread of new production techniques; and make it easier for companies to attract high quality em-
ployees. 4. Facilitating the development of e-commerce: enabling, for example, companies to transport online shopping orders quickly and reliably between countries, allowing products to be stored in large warehouses reducing retail and distribution costs.
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5. Providing fast and reliable delivery of highvalue products: especially relevant to modern dynamic industries, such as the pharmaceutical/ bio-
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technology and telecommunication equipment sectors 6.Facilitating improved stock management and production techniques: re-
ducing companies’ storage costs, losses due to stock outages and disruption caused by failure of machinery on production lines.
7. Facilitating the development of the express carrier industry: which provides guaranteed, rapid, door-to-door delivery services and increasingly offers logistics support for companies. The aviation industry is the world’s only rapid worldwide transportation network which supports international business and tourism, enables economic growth and provides various social benefits. The aviation sector has an enormous global impact on jobs and GDP, and contributes to other industries by enabling their growth and supporting their operations.The global connectivity that air transport facilitates, has positively impacted Guyana, and has boosted the country’s overall productivity and economic growth in the long run.
Independence Day:
This year marks 48 wonderful years of independence for our beloved nation, Guyana. Independence Day is observed across the country. It is an occasion observed with all revelry and colour. Residents of the country assemble to witness the flag-raising ceremony, fireworks, listen to the presidential address, participate in other festivities, and have a good time. The European voyagers discovered Guyana in 1498. As a result, the history of the country dates back to over 500 years. The history of the nation is interrupted by combats wrestled and triumphed, properties lost and recovered, since the French, Spanish, Dutch and British settlers battled for hundreds of years to occupy this territory. The British Empire ultimately was able to take control of the country in 1814. It was ruled by England’s Kings and Queens. A governor did the work for them in a country which was known as British Guiana in those days. Guyana attained its independence from the British rulers on May 26, 1966. The preparations for Guyana’s independence celebrations went in full swing. A special committee appointed by the then Government, designed the new coat of arms and selected the Canje Pheasant as the national bird. The design and colours of the new flag, appropriately called“The Golden Arrowhead”, had already been chosen during the period of the then Government, from entries submitted through an international competition. The winning five-coloured design was submitted by an American, Whitney Smith. The name chosen for the independent nation - Guyana - was also chosen since 1962 by a select committee appointed by the House of Assembly. The flag of Guyana was designed with a golden arrowhead along its middle to signify Guyana’s journey into the future. The Gold- e n Arrowhead, was set on a green and red background with narrow white and black strips along the sides of the arrowhead. The five colours were also seen as symbolic to the country’s various assets: green for the agriculture and forests; gold representing the country’s mineral wealth; red for the zeal of nation-building; black border, depicting the people’s endurance; and white symbolising the natural water potential of the country. A nationwide competition, sponsored by the National History and Arts
A true Guyanese celebration
Council, also helped to select the words of the new National Anthem. The winning entry, “Green Land of Guyana”, was written by Reverend Archibald Luker, and the words were set to music by Cyril G. Potter, a prominent Guyanese educator and musician. On achieving independence, Guyana became the 23rd member of the British Commonwealth. The new state received instant recognition internationally. The world has since become more and more interdependent. Much talk is going on about the global economy. Despite this, however, Guyana has come a long way, and has made considerable strides in development. Investors are fearless as they put their monies to work, and companies are not encouraging differences of race, nationality or religion to dictate their terms of employment. Most of all, it is by dint of hard work that Guyana won accreditation in the area of environment and climate change. This tells us that we have taken a step in the right direction. Over the past three decades, Guyana’s symbols of nationhood – the National Flag or the Golden Arrowhead, Coat of Arms, the National Anthem, the National Pledge, and Song of the Republic — have all remained unique i n design and presentation.
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Buddy’s Rice Milling Complex Filling a Void on Guyana’s Market
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he newly operational Buddy’s Rice Milling Complex deems itself the highest bidder on the Guyanese market for rice farmers’ paddy, and the solution to filling a void that existed in Region Five, Guyana. This was the view expressed by Chief Executive Officer of the establishment Arnold Gajraj, who is also the brain behind the business. Sharing with this magazine the vision behind the venture,
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Gajraj said, “I was the driving force in this. I saw that there was a void in that area, which was a money-making one, so we invested in a worthwhile cause”. The mill, located at Branch Road Mahaicony, Region Five, was existent for quite some years, but became non-
operational due to debt issues by its previous owners. It was at that time that the Mahaicony Rice Mill Limited (MRML) had owed rice farmers in excess of $450 Million. However, this pay out was settled when Sea Rice Caribbean (Guyana) took over the facilities in Regions Two and Six in March 2013. In July 2013, Guyanese businessman Omprakash “Buddy” Shivraj, along with other shareholders, bought over the Region Five branch of MRML. According to Gajraj, who is also a shareholder of the recently acquired business, they have spent over $250M to re-
furbish the facility to modern standards. “Although we’re operational, we will continue the upgrading process, so as to become more modernised in terms of speed”. With operations now in full swing, some 50 rice farmers coming from both regions four and five, are now on board with the Buddy’s Rice Milling Complex. Gajraj believes this is a welcoming response, given that the facility only became operational last year September. He attributes this success to the policy of the company. “We try to give a fair price for farmers’ paddy and pay them on time and that’s why we’re currently highly sought after.” The Buddy’s mill currently offers $3600 for extra ‘A’ grade paddy; $3500 for grades A, B and C and $3000 for sample paddy. However, Gajraj said these prices are not cast in stone because, as the market price changes, Buddy’s intends to remain the highest bidder. He also boasted of the mill having the fastest intake in the country. “Within about five minutes, one truck of paddy is already through so there are no bottlenecks at the mill.”
Despite the success and positive feedback to date, Gajraj said that one hindrance is sometimes the lack of sufficient drying facilities. Its inability to produce parboiled rice is also an inadequacy that the business is working to address, Gajraj said. “The construction of the parboiled facility is in progress so by next crop it should be up and running”. The making of a packaging facility is also in the pipeline to complement the finished rice product. “The setting up of the packaging facility will see additional export to the Caribbean Region. We’re currently sending to the Venezuelan and Haitian markets. Within six months to one year, we hope to be packaging parboiled rice for both export and local consumption,” Gajraj posited. The Buddy’s Rice Milling Complex was given the go ahead by the Guyana Rice Development Board to begin buying paddy even before it obtained its operating license, so as to satisfy the high demand of
farmers in the region. However, according to Gajraj, the mill is now in possession of its license. The realisation of the new milling complex has also resulted in the materialisation of various employment opportunities for some 60 individuals. Such an establishment as the Buddy’s Rice Milling Complex, is welcomed in Guyana, since the rice industry continues to yield favourable production and revenue for the country. In 2013, the sector recorded yet another bumper crop – a 26.9 percent increase over the previous year’s production. This in actuality was 535,439 tonnes of rice for 2013, which is the highest annual production ever recorded in the history of the industry. As a result of this constant increase in production, farmers are continually looking for mills to offer good prices for their paddy. Buddy’s Rice Milling Complex is now playing an integral role in satisfying that gap that once existed on the Guyanese market.
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CaptainGeraldGouveia: The man who built a conglomerate to promote Guyana
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viation extraordinaire, Eco resort and hotel owner, prominent Guyanese entrepreneur and business leader, Captain Gerald Gouveia has made great strides in propelling aviation, tourism and business in Guyana. Captain Gouveia has in excess of thirty-five years of experience flying in Guyana’s hinterland, South America and the Caribbean. He is an Airline Transport rated pilot, and is a graduate of Embry Riddle University, where he acquired his initial aviation education. He advanced his education in other fields such as National Security, Political Science, Tourism, Aviation, Security Management, Aircraft Search and Rescue and Aircraft Accident Investigation at NTSB Academy, George Washington University and the Centre for Hemispheric Defence Studies in the National Defence University, all in Washington DC. Captain Gouveia’s service to Guyana reaches far beyond the work of his company. He himself constantly makes the point that
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even though his company is doing well, the rest of the country is struggling. Where are his employees coming from? Where are the customers coming from? Therefore, from the time he entered the private sector after leaving the army, he joined all the private sector organizations that were associated with his sectors and set about contributing to making the private sector unified, vibrant and a force to be reckoned with. He constantly reflects on the fact that the private sector was once, almost completely destroyed in Guyana, with the state controlling 95 percent of the economy. This, he says, must never happen again. He served at the leadership level of all the organizations that he was involved in: President of Tourism and Hospitality Association for five terms; President of the Travel Agents Association of Guyana; President of the Chamber of Commerce; both Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Private Sector Commission; Vice President of
the Aircraft Owners Association; and Chairman of the Security and Governance committee of the PSC. Captain Gouveia also serves on many other boards and commissions , such as: The Law and Order Commission; The High Level committee on crime and security; The National Privatization Board; the Indigenous Peoples Commission; the Broadcast Authority board; and The Prison Sentence Management Board. Captain Gouveia is the recipient of the National Award, “The Golden Arrowhead of Achievement.” He is a black belt in Karate and Judo, and is a mountain biking and power boating enthusiast. “I live a very regimented life and as I grew older I remained active and regimented,” he said. Humble Beginnings Born on November 29, 1955, Gerry Gouveia came from a humble beginning, growing up in Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown; he attended St Mary’s RC School and later attended Indian Education
Trust College. “From a very young age I started karate at a club called Lithographic in La Penitence. This meant that issues of mental discipline and routine regimentation were part of my life.” All of his relatives and his parents had migrated to Canada in the 1970’ s . He decided to make a noble decision and remain in Guyana to face whatever adversity and challenge came his way. “As a young man I read a lot about what it took to build America, the determination and the sacrifice of the early settlers and it always struck me that if everybody left Guyana, who is going to stay to build it? As my family was leaving, my mother was not very happy that my position was not to leave Guyana.” Although he was a Karate instructor, the young Gouveia decided to join the National Service where he was accepted as a trainee instructor. “So I was sent to Kimbia and started from the bottom. I did all the training and service. I cleaned
toilets, I planted cotton, reaped cotton, loaded and unloaded ships, learned to march, shoot guns and more importantly I learned about Guyana and my fellow Guyanese. Finally, I became a drill instructor and educational instructor within the National Service.” Reflecting on what he had aspired for himself as a youth, Captain Gouveia said he had always wanted to pursue medicine or psychology. However, destiny had its own calling. “I had absolutely no ambition, no aspiration of being a pilot. Although I wanted to be a doctor, it was just a fantasy, because I had no idea how to make this a reality. My brothers went to Canada and worked but that was not what I wanted to do. I just didn’t want to go to Canada or the United States and become a number. “ “I wanted to stay in Guyana and make a difference but I didn’t know how. Another dream of mine was to become an international karate master.” While in National Service, there were offers for scholarships to Romania for studies in microbiology. Although not having a clue what the studies entailed, the young Gouveia decided to take the offer since he had an appreciation for the sciences and more particularly, because it was an opportunity. Becoming a pilot “In the process of applying for the scholarship, the then Government of Romania had some national issues which negatively affected all offers of scholarships to that country. Then as a fallback position I was offered to apply for a scholarship to become a pilot, although I had never been inside of a plane.” There were almost 500 persons that signed up for the scholarships and the young Gouveia’s luck struck. He was chosen for the pilot scholarship. “I was put through this assessment with other persons. The list came down to 20 persons, then 12. Then there was this interview at Parliament Building and all these senior pilots were there. I was asked if I knew about any part of a plane.” He continued: “I could have remembered
when reading my war comic books that the war planes had an undercarriage, so I said “undercarriage”. Much to my dismay, the interviewing panel asked that I name another part, I was stumped but I remembered the wing. But there were other men in the interview who excelled, because they grew up knowing about these things, but me, I had no idea!” With pride, Gouveia said he received the scholarship to attend one of the most prestigious Aviation Universities in the world, Embry Riddle University in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. “When I got there I had no idea of anything aviation and I was always a ‘C’ student in High School. But when I got to University it was like magic, ‘Bang!’ I became an ‘A’ student, because
it seemed as if aviation was what I was made to do.” “I developed an amazing passion and understood the aerodynamics , the geography, the physics, the science and concepts behind aviation.” Acknowledging his amazement behind his transformation, Captain Gouveia described his first solo flight as magical. “It was a beautiful Florida morning, and when I lifted off and looked at the beautiful sky it was so amazing, I only had half an hour, but it was surreal and magical.” Then in 1976, the then Guyana government wanted the batch of pilots that were receiving training to train on a higher level. “They never did it again. The government spent tons of money on each student to do flight officers development programmes, which evolved me from a basic pilot when I returned to Guyana.” “We were able to fly in high performance planes all over the United States and doing navigation at the highest levels, so when we came back home, I think the government of the day had a vision of where they wanted things to go, since some of the pilots went onto the then Guyana Airways.” When Captain Gouveia returned home he became a Guyana Defence Force Officer (GDF) , since that was a part of the contractual agreement for the scholarship he received through the National Service. He spent 12 years in the GDF. Gouveia said he lived every day with a very high appreciation of the tax payers money spent on his education, and considered his obligation to give back to Guyana to be lifelong. “When I put on that army officer’s uniform, I felt like a superman; there was a pride and a dignity that fulfilled a purpose within me since I felt my search was over in finding what I would love to dedicate my life to, while serving my country.” “In those days, there was no Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) to help pilots in Guyana, so when there would be a medivac operations request in the hinterland at night, we had to memorise the mountains on the map,
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point the aircraft in the right direction and advise the residents how to make a flambeau with a bottle and put it in a line to show the alignment of a runway. About 20 bottle lights were used. Before reaching the destination a pilot had to work their way through the mountains to land on these runways in the dead of night.” It was no longer just a job for Captain Gouveia, but it was about putting his life on the line daily in the interest of the country. “When we were flying into Amerindian communities to carry food , or help the injured and pregnant women, it was purposeful and spectacular.” Alluding to the fact that National Service was responsible for his nationalism and patriotism, Captain Gouveia said there should be a revitalization of National Service and there would not be so many of the idle youths hanging out at the street corner doing nothing. He opined that the service would have forced them to develop their respective lives. Underscoring the need for human development for nation building, Captain Gouveia said that to this day, when he hears the National Anthem, the hairs on his skin prickles. “Nation building is not just about economic development, but taking part of the GDP and putting it back into the country to help the poor and social developments, I am passionate about democracy! I constantly say give me democracy or give me death.” During his tenure in the Army, Captain Gouveia said that Major General Joe Singh
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was an amazing role model and comrade. The duo worked together while flying numerous patrols over Guyana’s topography. After leaving the army under the Desmond Hoyte Government, Captain Gouveia landed a job with a Canadian company called Golden Star in 1989. He then worked in Canada with the company which was doing gold exploration in Guyana. The same company started OMAI goldmine. He then returned to Guyana as head of security and logistics. In the early 1990’s Captain Gouveia then moved on to work with Air Services Limited (ASL), Ogle, East Cost Demerara where he was General Manager and Chief Pilot. Captain Gouveia got married in 1986 to Debra Gouveia. She is also an experienced Airline Transport rated pilot. Their union produced two boys, Gerry Gouveia Jr. and Kevin Gouveia, both of whom graduated from universities in Canada and are pilots. They will be returning to Guyana eventually. Roraima Group of Companies Mr and Mrs Gouveia eventually decided to
form their own company, Roraima Airways. Mr Gouveia is the Chief Executive Officer of the Roraima Group of Companies. Highlighting the root behind choosing the name Roraima, Captain Gouveia explained that when a pilot named Henry Fitt disappeared during a flight with some tourist from Anna Regina, Essequibo, to Mount Roraima, a major search was launched. A line was drawn between Anna Regina and Mount Roraima and various pilots took different segments on either side of that line. As fate would have it, Captain Gouveia was given the only vacant spot, which was to search mount Roraima in southwestern Venezuela. The mountain which is 65 square miles, sits on the border of Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil. Twenty- five percent is owned by Guyana. “If no one has ever seen a wonder of the world, they should see Mount Roraima. When I got there first it was covered in clouds, so I flew to a little village 20 miles away rather than go back to Ogle Airport. I slept in a school and the next morning I took off to Mount Roraima. The sun was coming up and the mountain was sitting majestically at 9094 feet. As I got there I realized I was awe struck. The sheer size of the mountain and the waterfalls, vegetation and the beautiful rainbow were amazing. The top looked like a city that had been hit by nuclear explosion; it looked like an extinct civilization. The rocks formed themselves into churches and buildings and some looked like human forms. The wind and the rains formed the rocks to look so much like a
destroyed city and some sections looked like the surface of the moon,” Captain Gouveia reflected. Humming a few stanzas of the National Song “Born in the land of the mighty Roraima,” he said a mental note was made in his head that if ever he was to have a company, the name Roraima would have to be present, and that one day in the future, he would walk on the surface of that mountain . However, at the end of the search, the pilot who had disappeared with the tourist was never found. Many years later, he founded his company and named it “Roraima” Airways. In 1996, on the occasion of Guyana’s 30th independence anniversary, the Army refused to symbolically raise the flag on Mount Ayangana as was done since Independence in 1966. This announcement was made one week before Independence Day May 26 , since claims were made that the weather was bad. Captain Gouveia said morale was at an alltime low in the country, the Rotary Club under the leadership of Terry Holder, had
and reduces the speed of sound . Therefore, careful planning was done, with particular attention to the helicopter payload and its operations. The other significant challenge was that persons could get lost in the maze of rocks and dangerous crevasses. None of it stopped him. He left on the 24th, May 1996, with his fleet of aircraft, heading to the area to reach in time to plant the flag on Mount Roraima, and return to be over city in time for the 10:00hrs HUG on Independence Day. “During the flag raising, Dr Cheddi Jagan was at the National Cultural Centre, and it was raining in the mountains, so with my satellite phone I called my office and my office called Manniram Prashad’s cell phone, since he was standing next to the President at the time. “The call was conferenced with the President and me; the conversation was broadcast live on TV and radio to confirm the flag was raised on Mount Roraima for the first time in Guyana’s history.” He continued: “I had found the trilateral
“Nation building is not just about economic development, but taking part of the GDP and putting it back into the country to help the poor and social developments, I am passionate about democracy! I constantly say give me democracy or give me death.” planned and organized a national event called the “HUG” (Hands across Guyana ). The plan required people to line the roads all the way from Skeldon joining hands into the city, extending to Linden , etc. He gathered his senior staff together, and a plan was formulated to put the flag of Guyana on Mount Roraima, as part of the effort by the Rotary Club to bolster national morale .The expedition which was a total private sector investment cost approximately US$20, 000 which was donated by businessmen. The then President Dr Cheddi Jagan was asked to be a patron of the venture. At that time, Gouveia was the President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG). It was known at that time that it was dangerous to go at the top of the mountain with a small helicopter because of the limitation on its performance which restricted the rotor speed. The blade tips do not impact the speed of sound which could result in the tips breaking off. At high altitudes, the density of air is significantly lower
marker on the mountain; it marked the point where Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela meet. He passionately recalled his disappointment when he noticed that Guyana’s name was removed from our side of the marker. “I chiseled Guyana’s name back into it. I am disappointed that the Government has not taken steps to replace our country’s name on that marker. I hope that at least for our 50th independence anniversary it would be done.” The happily married pilots today own a range of travel and tourism companies which all have names beginning with Roraima. Roraima Airways was established on August 31, 1992 and commenced its operations as a domestic airline, conducting charters in Guyana, South America, and the Caribbean, with particular emphasis on executive clientele. Over the years, it evolved into a group of companies in support of the mining and tourism industries. Roraima Airways has a track record of employing an array of young, inexperienced Guyanese and training
them into
p ro fe s s i o n a l s operating in the aviation, food and beverage, tourism and hospitality sectors. The composition of the staff is what distinguishes Roraima Airways as the leader in Guyana’s travel and tourism industry. The Roraima Airways Group comprises Roraima Residence Inn, Roraima Duke Lodge, Roraima Ground Handling, Roraima Aviation Security, Roraima Executive Lounge, Roraima Crew Lounge, Roraima Charters, Roraima Tours, Arrowpoint Nature Resort and Roraima Medical Evacuation Services. Roraima Airways is Guyana’s only company with an integrated network Travel and Tourism Services with total vertical integration. Ogle Airport Captain Gouveia is one of the five original owners of the Ogle Airport Inc. Reflecting on the transformation of Ogle Airport when it was surrounded by cane fields and was 1800 feet long by 30 feet wide with hangers close to the runway, Captain Gouveia said the International aviation organization wanted to close the airport down because of safety issues. However, a lobby was started to receive support from the government to develop the port. But the government did not have the money or the desire to invest in such a venture. Gouveia along with four other businessmen—Michael Correia, Tony Mekdeci, Beni Sankar and Yakub Ally came up with a plan that converted the base into what is now an international airport. A US$2M grant was obtained from the European Union to develop the airport which is now a shining star in the Caribbean. In his opinion “There is no other small airport that is as well managed in the Caribbean like Ogle Airport. Now there are between 150 to 200 flights taking off daily, with almost 60 planes. Ogle is now ready to take turbo prop airplanes.” Arrowpoint Nature Resort Gouveia is also the owner of Arrowpoint Nature Resort, located on the Pokerero Creek. The resort is located 90 minutes southwest of Georgetown by car and boat, and 15 minutes by boat from the Amerindian village of Santa Mission. Arrowpoint is all about ecotourism. It’s a rainforest resort situated on the left bank of
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the honeycoloured Pokerero Creek, with a white sandy beach as its forefront and the rainforest as its backdrop. The staff are Arawaks from the surrounding 65 squaremile reservation of 500 Amerindians. There are nine Amerindian tribes in Guyana: the Arawaks, the Macushi, Akawaio, Arekuna, Barima River Caribe, Patamona, Wai Wai, Warrau, and Wapishiana. “The Amerindians that live here do agriculture, forestry and craft making as ways of economic activity.” Guests at Arrowpoint enjoy trailwalking, mountain biking,and kayaking. All Events are nonintrusive to the environment. Not only are Arawaks employed at Arrowpoint, but the resort has also adopted a school and built a library in the community. Guests go to the Amerindian village where
Guests at Arrowpoint enjoy trail walking, mountain biking,and kayaking. All Events are non intrusive to the environment. they can buy a lot of Amerindian craft. There’s a lot of economic activity that happens as a result of tourism. Part of the Arrowpoint experience includes a night tour with an Amerindian guide along jungle trails for animal watching. Some people, including scholars and historians, visit Arrowpoint seeking inspiration to write or paint. “One of the problems we have with tourism in Guyana is that we don’t market Guyana,” he said. “Unfortunately, we don’t spend enough money. We are not doing a good job. We are doing a terrible job of selling Guyana.
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“Jamaica spends US$100 million a year marketing Jamaica. Barbados spends in excess of US$32 million and Guyana spends about US$500,000. Marketing is like a black hole. Sometimes you market for two, three years and you don’t see results, but it will happen eventually.” Gouveia spoke of Jamaica’s aggressive marketing of its country in Hollywood. He said Jamaica goes to Hollywood and pays the movie companies to put the name, Jamaica, in movies or have a reggae song played. It happens subliminally. Barbados is doing a wonderful job. “We, in Guyana, take it for granted. Somehow we believe people will just come. There’s a lot more that needs to be done.” He said the time has come for a public- private partnership with the backing of the tourism ministry, which would result in the formation of a national marketing strategy. “So while we can deal with the security issues, we can deal with the education issues, the number one issue for us is marketing and we urge the government to embrace a national marketing strategy.” According to Gouveia, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) can accelerate its action plan to draw people to Guyana to explore its pristine forest, breathtaking waterfalls, terrain, flora and fauna, and not forgetting the wide range of international events staged in the country, annually. He said too, that the local media should do more to promote the untold beauty that lies within the country. Supporting the notion of a tourismdriven economy is nothing strange to the Caribbean and the rest of the world. According
to him, Guyana’s branding is nonexistent due to the lack of an effective marketing strategy. He said the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) has put Guyana on the world stage. The LCDS, an initiative by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, was designed to rake in financial support for the country’s contribution to the reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
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Fort Zeelandia: The
ruins of a seat of power
G
uyana’s historical sites have formed the basis of untold stories, which will forever captivate all who have an interest in various stages of the country’s unfolding development. The commanders of Fort Kyk Over Al had, from the beginning of the 18th century, insisted that the centre of the Dutch administration should have been relocated closer to the mouth of the Essequibo River to protect against enemy invasion. The structure is approximately 16 km from the mouth of the mighty Essequibo River on Fort Island. In the circumstances an engineer, Leslorant, was sent from the Netherlands in 1726 to “construct horn work with wooden redoubt and a strong palisade on the northern point of Vlaggeneiland, later Fort Island.” To relocate the seat of government from Cartabo Point necessitated more than just a fort. Accommodation for the commandeur and his staff, suitable lodging for soldiers and other infrastructure were needed. In August 1738, the newly appointed secretary of the Dutch West India Company (DWIC), Laurens Storm Van’s Gravesande, reported that the wooden fort which had
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been built was in a state of disrepair and could never be effectively used for protecting the Dutch interests in Essequibo. Gravesande proposed that a new fort be built of brick, which he offered to make in the colony over a period of two years. This proposal was favourably accepted, and in 1740 the construction of the fort commenced in earnest under his watchful eyes. Bricks were made on the spot, and grass and mortar, though available in Essequibo, were imported from Barbados. Enslaved Africans were supplied by plantation owners, and a substantial portion of the fort was completed in 1743. The administrators of the DWIC were notified by Gravesande in April 1744 that the new fort was now completely finished, except for the crown work. The new fort was christened Zeelandia, in honour of the settlers of Zeeland. The fort is believed to have been designed in accordance with the lozenge-shaped forts, which were constructed along the coast of West Africa during the 18th century. According to one description, the fort was a square building, provided with 18 or 19 guns, with four ramparts,
inside of which were three covered mason redoubts, having flat roofs with embrasures, serving as barracks for soldiers and a powder magazine. It was constructed to protect the interests of the Dutch West India Company from European rivals such as the English and French who frequented the eastern coast of South America in search of the spoils of war. In addition, it was meant to serve as a stronghold against internal forces such as rebellious slaves. The small fort is a 15 x 20 m structure. Within the compound of the Fort are the Armory used for the storage of ammunition and several canons reminiscent of the belligerent history of the site. In the end, Fort Zeelandia never witnessed any major warfare as was envisioned by the Dutchmen. It was captured by Captain Day of Admiral Rodney’s forces on March 6, 1781 without opposition, and later in 1782 by the French, who remained until 1784 when the Dutch resumed control. In 1796 the fort was all but abandoned and left in a state of ruin, as focus shifted to the expansion of plantations along the fertile banks of the Demerara River. Meanwhile, on this island was also another structure which was the
Court of Policy or Dutch Church. During the period of Dutch occupation, the Fort and the Court of Policy were part of a large urban settlement that extended along the northeastern section of the island. This was the seat of the Dutch administration in the colony of Essequibo. The Court of Policy served multiple functions. It was a store and at the same time a church, court, seat of government and a sales office. Inside the Court of Policy are the tombs of three Dutch Officials. It is the oldest non – military structure in Guyana. To this day church services are held there. The National Trust of Guyana today continues to work to restore the ruins of Fort Zeelandia and improve visitor infrastructure at Fort Island. At Fort Zeelandia, the Trust constructed a brick walkway leading to the ruins of the fort, as well as a section of the existing ramparts, to allow visitors to comfortably access all parts of this national monument and to prevent the erosions of the foundation of the structure. In the compound of the Court of Policy Hall, the oldest non military structure in Guyana, a benab was erected to allow visitors to relax whilst visiting the site.
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The Future of Businesses: Defined by
Technology Regardless of the medium used for communicating, the bottom line is that all of them are a big help for your everyday communication needs.
T
oday, our world is so evolved, that technology has become an inevitable part of life. People and businesses now rely on technology to execute their activities and operations. With the advent of technology, businesses are now forced to utilize and exploit this new tool in order to remain competitive. The future of businesses is now defined by technology. Gone are the days of communicating via letters or fax. These days, communication is more hi-tech. Businesses are now increasingly using mobile applications and the Internet to advertise their products and services and to also transact business with customers. Some even run their business operations via the Internet, offering much efficiency and convenience to business owners. In fact, smartphone use has increased astronomically in recent years. The rapid evolution of technology has made doing business much easier and more convenient. If you run a small business, there will be endless demands on your time and resources. Self-employment also brings new and exciting challenges and the chance to improve your skills and the means to provide increased income. Running a small business also means facing the responsibilities that go with the job. You are likely to be the only decision-maker, and if
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mistakes are made, the buck stops with you. New information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as computers, mobile phones, email and the Internet are providing a new challenge for the business community in developing countries like Guyana. Unfortunately, for many businesses, even a telephone line connection remains unobtainable. However, the costs of access to new communication technologies – such as mobile phones – are falling rapidly, and investment in such technologies may benefit your business. Many entrepreneurs in developing countries are using new information and communication technologies – such as email, the Internet and business computer software to assist in running their businesses: · New communication devices, such as mobile phones offer greater flexibility for keeping in touch with customers, suppliers and business contacts locally and in the region. · Businesses are using email to communicate over longer distances – within the region or world-wide, at the cost of a local call. · Information can be accessed via the Internet from world-wide sources. · Web sites are being used to advertise and sell products and services produced locally.
· Business software packages are helping business owners to manage information, relating to finance and sale for example, within their businesses. Information and communication technologies may be of assistance to your business for: · Improving your business communications with customers. · Providing a marketing tool. · Accessing information. · Improving your record keeping and financial management. Popular ICT trends can be utilized by businesses in Guyana. For today’s business, geographical boundaries are disappearing. If you are already exporting, or planning to export, remember that three-quarters of all businesses in industrialized countries have Internet access and use email regularly. Email has made the world a small place. At the cost of a local call, it is just as quick and easy to email a customer abroad as in the next street or town. If you deal in products or services that can be stored electronically, such as photos, music or published material, then email can be used to distribute your products/services. The Internet gives access to potential customers and business contacts worldwide. The main ICT means for raising the profile of your business abroad would be through having your own
Website. Advantages of a Website include: · Giving your products or services a 24-hour global presence. · Portraying a professional image for your business in the eyes of overseas customers. · The ability to update your Website frequently – daily or weekly. · Communicating directly with your overseas customers/potential customers via your Website. But remember: · A Website is only a communication tool to aid communication with customers abroad, and will be no substitute for direct communication, either verbally or through direct face-to-face contact. · A Website needs to be professionally designed and constructed to be successful. Mobile phones Mobile phones are particularly suited to business users. They let you answer customer calls immediately, and reach staff or business contacts while you are working away from your business premises. A mobile phone will give you greater flexibility, faster customer response and time savings. Tariffs are higher for mobile phones, but they offer flexible charging options, including pre-paid phones, where no up-front (deposit or monthly subscription) are required. Digital mobile phones offer ad-
ditional services: · International coverage · Use of your phone outside the country (international roaming) · The ability to send text messages · Access to email and the Internet (WAP phones only) · Messaging services and voicemail · Lightweight headsets For small business, answering a call immediately, rather than responding later, could make the difference between winning and losing an order. If you spend a lot of time away from your business premises, on site or with customers, a mobile phone will allow people to contact you at any time of the day. The Internet and World-Wide Web (WWW) The internet is a global network of computers which are able to communicate with each other. They are able to exchange all types of data (including words, pictures, sounds and video). It is also possible to exchange computer software
and computer programmes. For business, the Internet has three main uses: · It allows you to use email. · It allows you to access information about other businesses, market opportunities or sources of business advice and assistance. · It allows you to publish information about your business and to promote and sell your products/services via electronic commerce (e-commerce). Access to, and use of the Internet by businesses has been growing extremely fast in developing countries. However, as with email, its use locally is still very limited. This is because: · Only a small proportion of businesses have access to the Internet. · Very few local sources that provide detailed business information use Websites. · Most potential customers do not yet use the Internet and are not able to make electronic credit card payments via ecommerce. For most businesses selling
locally, a Website is likely to remain an unnecessary expenditure. A Website is more likely to be of use for the following categories of business: · Manufacturing exporters wishing to promote their products in industrialized countries or elsewhere. · Tourist businesses whose customers come from abroad. · Businesses requiring information on a regular basis from outside the country – such as in technical/engineering sectors, IT or financial services. · Businesses whose products/services can be converted to digital data – such as in printing and publishing, music and video publishing, software, and professional and consulting services. A broader range of firms will benefit from getting market, commercial, technical, product/service and other information from the Websites of other enterprises and organisations. This can lead to faster, cheaper, better decision making, and reduce the sense of isolation felt by these small
businesses. Cloud Computing Cloud computing is the concept of being able to create, store and access all your documents from any computer via the Internet. It matters not the location, through cloud computing, documents and files are now accessible in real time with employees and companies by using cloud based applications such as Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps. By using cloud computing, IT costs are now significantly reduced and businesses also benefit from increased productivity by keeping their customers informed with the latest important information updates. Regardless of the medium used for communicating, the bottom line is that all of them are a big help for your everyday communication needs. We cannot deny the fact that there are still a lot of people who choose to use the traditional communication devices. This gives an upper hand to Internet-based telephone systems, as these can call traditional telephone numbers. Anyone that claims technology does not make business better needs to remember how business communications were conveyed in the past. Imagine using Morse code to get your branding message out? Or trying to close a sale without the Internet? Waiting for a call from overseas to confirm inventory meant staying at the office late. None of these scenarios exist any longer because we now have smart phones, the Internet and mobile apps. Look how far business communication has come. Your ancestors conducted business with a chisel and rock. Later, they were still tied to a cord and office. Today, you are not bound by a physical address or wires. With a smart phone, Internet and apps, no matter where you are located in the world, you can do business!
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g n i t a r o Commem
y a D l a v i r r A Indian Guyana in
I
t has been 178 years since the first batch of East Indians landed on Guyana’s shores from Calcutta, India. They were transported here by two ships: the Whitby and the Hesperus. The Whitby sailed from Calcutta on January 13, 1838 with 249 immigrants. After a voyage of 112 days, it arrived in Guyana on May 5. Five Indians died on the voyage. The ship immediately sailed to Berbice and 164 immigrants, who were recruited by Highbury and Waterloo plantations, disembarked. The ship then returned to Demerara and between May 14 and May 16, the re-
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maining 80 immigrants landed and were taken to Belle Vue Estate. The Hesperus left Calcutta on January 29, 1838 with 165 passengers and arrived in Guyana late on the night of the 5 May, by which time 13 had already died. The remaining 135 men, six women and 11 children were distributed between May 8 and May 10 to the plantations Vreed-en-Hoop and Anna Regina. However, only the adult male immigrants not the women and children - were bound by a five-year contract of indenture. Based on the contract, they were paid.
However, efforts were made to recruit Chinese and Portuguese; they proved to be unsuitable for field work and subsequently turned to entrepreneurship. Despite the bad treatment on some estates, other Indians, especially on the Berbice estates, were generally well treated. Nevertheless, the death rate was relatively high. Of the 396 Indians who arrived in May 1838, 48 had died by January 1839. By the end of the indenture period in 1843, an additional 50 died. It was clear that the immigrants did not adapt well and fell sick very quickly. Generally, East Indian immigrants and their descendants were able to survive largely due to their resilience, determination, custom, tradition and commitment to family, which invariably promotes thrift, industry and self-esteem. Today, they continue to make valuable contributions to the overall progress and development of Guyana. Their strong cultural ties are undoubtedly a motivating factor as they march forward with a great sense of purpose and maturity.
They relentlessly seek to have greater economic benefits, socio-political stability and national cohesiveness. At the end of 1843, when their period of indenture came to an end, 236 Indians (206 men, 12 women, 14 boys and four girls) departed for India in two ships: the Louisa Baillie and Water Ditch. Sixty others opted to remain in Guyana. Although the East Indian indentureship system ended officially in 1917, during 19211922 more than 400 immigrants were brought
on contracts to work on the sugar plantations, several others also came as ordinary settlers. Emigration from India finally ended in 1928. Since then, Indian Arrival Day is commemorated to recall the arrival of people from the Indian subcontinent to this nation as indentured labourers, brought by British colonial authorities and their agents. Their descendants today represent 44 percent of Guyana’s population of over 750,000. The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) has rolled out activities and events planned for 2014, as the organization continues to foster the development of the rich cultural heritage brought by East Indians on their arrival to then British Guiana. The East Indians have contributed in a significant way to building Guyana’s economic and social structures. It was indeed the unity of principle and action among East Indians that brought overwhelming success to our dear land of Guyana. May 5 was declared a national holiday in 2005 for the first time in Guyana. It was intended to reflect on the arrival of four ethnic groups to Guyana as indentured servants.
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Long
W
m a h c Range
hen leading marksmen in the Caribbean take aim at Twickenham Ranges in the Reggae Island Jamaica from May 5 next, the Guyanese more than ever will be gunning to reclaim the Short Range championship, which they narrowly gave up to the Jamaicans at the 2013 competi-
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a n a y u G f o s p
aiming to reclaim Short Range title at 2014 Caribbean Fullbore Rifle
tion hosted at the Paragon Ranges in the Land of the Flying Fish, Barbados. The Guyanese, including back to back (2012ÂŹ,2013) Caribbean Individual champion, Lennox Braithwaite, won the Long Range title, but are not satisfied with the fact that the Short Range trophy was wrestled from their grasp, and
are focused on taking back that accolade when they battle at this year’s championships. When the targets are up and the Range Officer issues final instructions for shots to be fired, Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud said that the men from the Land of Many Waters would be
focused on taking back the Short Range title from the men from the Land of Wood and Water. Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Antigua & Barbuda are all expected to be in Jamaica for what will be another exciting show of marksmanship among the best exponents of the sport in the Caribbean. Captain Persaud, regarded as one of the best individual shooters in the region, informed that they have been training ever since the New Year started.
“We got preparations off for this year with an intense two week training session facilitated by Great Britain shooter and coach, Mr. Ian Shaw in January, where we did classroom and outdoor work, with a view to correcting and strengthening a number of areas in our shooting.” The experienced Captain who will be representing Guyana along with Lennox Braithwaite and Coach Ransford Goodluck at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,
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England from July 23 to August 3, maintained that while Guyana has been the top rifle shooting nation in the Caribbean for many years now, there is still room for improvement, thus the training programme with
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Shaw who will represent Scotland in Glasgow. The Guyana Olympic Association played a major role, partnering with the Guyana National Rifle Association to make Shaw’s visit a reality. With the
knowledge gained from that programme, the Guyanese shooters are now better prepared for the imminent battles at the Twickenham Ranges in Jamaica. From 2007, the Guyanese were ripping the bull’s eye
apart, winning every year. They were going for their fifth straight title when that momentum was broken in 2011 in Antigua by Jamaica. It was back to winning ways in 2012; when the Caribbean championships returned back to Guyana, the locals ensured that both titles remained here. To maintain a heightened level of preparations, Recorded Shoots at the individual and team levels are held every weekend at the Timehri Rifle Ranges. Guyana’s team: Mahendra Persaud (Captain), Dylan Fields (Vice Captain), Lennox Braithwaite, Ransford Goodluck, Leo Romalho, Ryan Sampson, Paul Slowe, Lt. Col. Terrence Stuart, Inspector Dane Blair, Peter Persaud, USA based duo of Sigmund Douglas and John Fraser, Canada basedPaul Archer and newcomer Sherwin Felicien. Slowe is the Head Wind Coach who would be assisted by Coaches Mahendra Persaud, Goodluck, Braithwaite and Fields.