Guyana Inc Magazine Issue 02

Your FREE copy to keep! - Issue 02

Economic Benefits of Mining in Guyana

Sattaur TheGafoor man behind Gafsons Industries Financing the transition to a Green Economy Guyana celebrates 44th Republic Anniversary

Sattaur Gafoor The man behind Gafsons Industries

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Incentives for New & Expanding P12 Businesses The judicial P14 system in Guyana Give a smile by fostering a child

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Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Guyana

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Gourmet Delights recipe

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Transforming a block of wood into P34 exotic pieces Health Ministry celebrates 10,000 units of voluntary blood donation

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Financing the transition to a Green Economy

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Guyana celebrates P40 44th Republic Anniversary

Sustaining diversity and development Dr. Yesu Persaud is P20 a business magnet

FORT NASSAU One of Guyana’s historical sites

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Economic Benefits of Mining P24 in Guyana

Football kicks off the new year with a bang

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New era, new opportunities

It’s time to bare your beautiful underarms!!

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I

t takes will power, discipline, dedication and integrity to operate at the level of business mogul, humanitarian and role model; such is the life of Mr. Abdul Sattaur Gafoor, whose business has been around for 60 years.

For years, every working day, Sattaur Gafoor climbs 33 stairs to get to the third-floor office (a considerable feat for a 73 year old) of the Houston building that houses his business complex.

Born in 1941 at No. 59 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, the Executive Chairman of Gafoors Industries Limited, Sattaur Gafoor, is the eldest of seven children. He received his early schooling in Berbice.

Seeking better educational opportunities for their children, his parents came to the city in May

1953, after he completed his primary education at Number 56 Village Primary School. He was then enrolled at the Central High School where he completed his secondary education after sitting the Senior Cambridge and Higher Senior Cambridge Examinations.

Upon arrival in Georgetown, his late father, Abdool Gafoor, opened a lumber yard. This was to be the first Gafoors store on Lombard and Sussex Streets, with the first employees being a clerk and a porter.

On the 11th November, 1959 Sattaur Gafoor left school to join the business since his choices after school were limited. Also, in those days, it was expected that the eldest child of the family would maintain tradition and join his father in business.

Mr. Sattaur Gafoor in his younger days

“Our greatest assets are our employees, followed by our suppliers and then our customers‌If an employee is not satisfied then that employee cannot offer proper service, then customers will not come. So there is always need for loyalty with employees,customers and suppliers.

Aerial view of Gafoors Shopping Complex.

Late President Janet Jagan awarding Mr. Gafoor with the Cacique’s Crown of Honour ( CCH).

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s the lumber yard business progressed, people started to ask for other building materials. My father would buy these materials locally to supply these demands.

However, after a while he started to import these supplies but this proved to be a difficult task. In those days, there was a preferential rate of duty if stocks were imported from the UK rather than non-British countries and a license was needed to import.”

Fortunately, in 1957 the Gafoors fortune changed when Premier Cheddi Jagan abolished the licensing requirements for the importation of most goods.

Immmediately, Mr. Gafoor imported directly from the then Socialist blocs, such as East Germany, Romania, Czechoslovakia and Poland.

Moreover, in 1966, the year of Guyana’s independence, all licensing agreements were cancelled, thus allowing the importation from any market.

However, the preferential duty cost remained. In addition to the good fortune in the prior years, the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA)

was founded by Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago on the 15th December, 1965. This led to a proliferation of the Gafoor businesses after Independence which brought down the prices of goods. His business flourished. It was extended to another location within the city, Broad Street, Charlestown.

Then in 1971, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham imposed licensing restrictions, which banned the importation of finished goods without a valid import license. “He said he didn’t want people to be money exchangers, but wanted people to go into manufacturing… With the stroke of the pen, all the agents in those days who represented foreign companies were simply wiped out, and that led to a mass migration of the business class, mainly to Canada.”

Gafoors started manufacturing certain items such as nails and corrugated sheets, and this carried the business for a while. After Sattaur Gafoor’s father died in 1973, he took over the business in full.

Years later, foreign exchange within the country depleted

considerably which affected most businesses. The company then fell into problems with the late President Forbes Burnham, and in 1980, the business shrunk to a meager operation since it was not granted an import license, even for the importation of raw materials. With his business virtually closed, he left Guyana's shores to reside in Barbados.

“I was leaving behind over 28 years of hard work and a developing business in Guyana.”

A New Beginning With the aid of his Japanese business counterparts and UK connections, a manufacturing business supplying quality hardware items and heavy construction materials was

Gafoor noted that Gafsons is the first local company to have a toastmasters club, which equips its employees with the skills to relate and speak to customers intelligently while offering a superior service. “Our company does not only offer items for sale, but also advice to customers who are spending excess money on unnecessary purchases. We have our own electricians and personnel who offer advice and services to customers. It is compulsory that every senior employee attend the toastmaster club for at least six months to help with speech delivery, self-confidence and the planning of their careers.

“We think we have a unique system of administration in our business. Perhaps, one of my achievements is to be the head of a Group of Companies known throughout Guyana and the Caribbean, respected and trusted for its business ethics and its contributions to society

started f r o m nothing in Barbados.

This venture eventually spread from Barbados to other islands that included Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and Jamaica.

Mr. Sattaur Gafoor receiving an award from former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

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“

n the bright side, I was exposed to a different concept of business in Barbados. That country was like a hub, there was no problem with foreign exchange or transportation, and so we did quite well in a short time. But then Trinidad and Barbados encountered problems; there was licensing requirements that slowed some things down.”

The business in these other countries continued to progress, but Gafoor’s patriotism, coupled with urgings from the new President Dr. Cheddi Jagan in 1992, “ brought Gafoor home.

We returned late 1992 and had to start everything over again.

Our first business venture after moving back was in the city of Georgetown. However this location was very difficult to manage.

So towards the year 2000, we moved to Land of Canaan where a manufacturing complex was built for distribution and sales of household items, hardware, electronics and so on. Branches were then extended to Berbice and Parika. Steady growth in January 2002, saw all operations centralized at the Houston Complex. This complex now boasts the administrative block and a modern, fully air conditioned shopping mall. The Georgetown city location was rented out.

Gafsons Industries Limited was created for Gafoors Group of Companies, with more than 1000 employees on its payroll.

It is run by a Board of Directors, which includes no Gafoor family member.Over the decades, Gafsons Industries Ltd. became the largest private enterprise company in Guyana and is the key manufacturer and supplier of building materials. It includes Gafoor’s Industries as well as various Housing Complexes. “We are one of the largest contributors to government revenues, with great potential.”

In 2006, Mr. Gafoor also invested in a housing complex of more than 200 homes across the Demerara River. In 2009, the company also invested in a $1.5 billion modern housing facility at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara which is being rented to members of the diplomatic community.

This Cummings Lodge Housing Development comprises of 28 three-storied, fully air-conditioned town houses, which are located in an upscale community within easy reach of Georgetown. It also has enough distance to assure an ambience of beauty, a pristine environment, a quiet and peaceful sanctuary from the turbulence and stresses of city life, and easy access

to the main public highways.

Greatest Assets Mr. Gafoor is a firm believer that his greatest assets are his employees. “Our greatest assets are our employees, followed by our suppliers and then our customers…

If an employee is not satisfied then that employee cannot offer proper service, then customers will not come. So there is always need for loyalty with employees, customers and suppliers.”

He emphatically related, “We have suppliers going back to 1953 when my father started the business. In that order, we try to build a loyal team. With employees you give, and hope that you receive, and this calls for a close relationship. You must be able to intermingle with your employees. We aim to promote the welfare of our employees.”

Underscoring that the company does not have a union, which says something about the relationship with employees. Mr. Gafoor said the company sponsors employees who are qualified, to attend the University of Guyana.

He noted that Gafsons is the first local company to have a toastmasters club, which equips its employees with the skills to relate and speak to customers intelligently while offering a superior service.

“I am not ashamed to say that I never wore a pair of shoes until I got to Georgetown when I was 11 years old. I never in my wildest dream thought I would have been so successful… but behind every successful man there is a woman.”

He acknowledged the support of his wife of 50-years in the decision making process.He dedicates 30 minutes each morning to sitting and chatting with her.

“Gafoors the name you can trust, ” was coined by his wife and has become a household name in Guyana.

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Mr. Sattaur greets Britain’s Prince Charles on a visit to Guyana.

ur company does not only offer items for sale, but also advice to customers who are spending excess money on unnecessary purchases, we have our own electricians and personnel who offer advice and services to customers.” It is compulsory that every senior employee attend the toastmaster club for at least six months to help with speech delivery, self-confidence and the planning of their careers.

“We think we have a unique system of administration in our business. Perhaps, one of my achievements will be to be the head of a Group of Companies known throughout Guyana and the Caribbean, respected and trusted for its business ethics and its contributions to society”

Personal life On July 29, 1963 Sattaur Gafoor made the honourable choice to walk down the aisle with Ameena, whom he met in High School. This union produced three sons. The eldest controls similar businesses in Barbados and other islands, while the second is a medical consultant in London, and the third son a surgeon in Jamaica. None expressed an interest in joining the local business. Sattaur has neither sisters nor daughters.

He lost his father in 1973 and mother in 2002. For him, these are his greatest losses.

Mr. Gafoor is involved in numerous initiatives. Other than being the first in the manufacturing field; he gives back to his community and implemented the

“As a businessman you must be honest in what you do, you must not try to fool people; honesty is the basis and pinnacle of decision making.” It brings great satisfaction to me to know that I can make a contribution to my country, more particularly to employment opportunities for Guyanese.”

Small Business Development Fund (SBDF), which facilitates small loans to entrepreneurs looking to start a business.

The Guyana Government and the British and American Embassies have also contributed to the Fund. The company also has a Fund from which senior employees with more than five years’ service can benefit.

The financial institution, which was created in 2003, has disbursed some 5,308 loans, valued at more than Gy $1billion. These are said to have created over 10,699 jobs during the last eight years.

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attaur Gafoor is a Muslim who observes the tenets of Islam. He is the Chairman of the Alexander Village Mosque. He has assisted about 125 mosques all over Guyana, and is instrumental in a program which provides lunch for some 100 children and senior citizens in the Albouystown area on a daily basis.

He was bestowed the Cacique’s Crown of Honour ( CCH) in 1998, and named among the Who's Who of the World in the 19992000 Global Edition. He also participated in the crafting of the National Development Strategy, and is Pakistan's Honorary Consul to Guyana.

Even though he now sits at the helm of a multibillion dollar corporation, he reflected “I am not ashamed to say that I never wore a pair of shoes until I got to Georgetown when I was 11 years old. I never in my wildest dream thought I would have been so successful… but behind every successful man there is a woman.”

He acknowledged the support

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of his wife of 50-years in the decision making processes.

He dedicates 30 minutes each

Guyana.

However, in spite of climbing such heights on the corporate

morning to sitting and chatting with her. “ Gafoors the name you can trust, ” was coined by his wife and has become a household name in

ladder, Sattaur Gafoor says he remains a normal person, who listens to music, plays sports and exercises in his leisure time.

He advises youths to keep

their focus on books and education, which will be their greatest friend. “Never give up; life is always a challenge.

Work 12 hours a day, six days a week.”

Not blowing his own trumpet, Mr. Gafoor donates to all charities and has been a leader in fulfilling his corporate responsibilities.

He does not imbibe alcohol or gamble.

“As a businessman you must be honest in what you do, you must not try to fool people; honesty is the basis and pinnacle of decision making.”

Mr. Gafoor is one of the few Guyanese that had the privilege of travelling on missions with three presidents: Former Presidents Dr Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan and Bharrat Jagdeo.

It brings great satisfaction to me to know that I can make a contribution to my country, more particularly to employment opportunities for Guyanese.”“ We are one of the largest contributors to government revenues, with great potential.”

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New Expanding Businesses in B

oosting Productivity through Innovation, Modernization and Expansion in Enterprises, remains a challenge for many in Guyana. In the constantly evolving world of business, advancing innovation and enhancing productivity contribute greatly to the future of any enterprise. In order to remain competitive, businesses must consistently move forward to fulfill their financial goals and aspirations. Innovations in a business mean fresh ideas, new strategies, new systems and processes that help in achieving growth.

Guyana’s investment climate is currently abuzz, and booming with potentials that allow for both local and foreign investors to develop and expand, while at the same time, contributing significantly to the economic development of the country. As such, Guyana offers a very attractive Investment Incentive Regime to both types of Investors. Currently this regime covers eight priority sectors, namely: • Agriculture and Agro-Processing • Light Manufacturing • Services • Energy • Tourism • Wood Products • Information and Communication Technology • Mining Fiscal Incentives Available There’s increasing diversification across the spectrum within the eight economic sectors named above. While project allocation is not confined to the traditional realm, for projects to benefit from the incentives available, the core activity must be centered on any of the eight targeted areas, as well as keeping in line with the Country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). There are various types of Fiscal Incentives available.

These comprise of: 1. General Incentives This is basically across the board incentives available to all Investors. It includes: • Zero rate on Customs Duty and Value Added Tax on most plant, machinery, equipment, raw materials and packaging materials used in the production of goods by manufacturers and small businesses.

• Unlimited carryover of losses from previous years.

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• Accelerated depreciation on plant and equipment.

• Full and unrestricted repatriation of capital, profits and dividends.

• Benefits of double taxation treaties.

2. Special Incentives Special Incentives are Export Allowances for non-traditional exports to markets outside of CARICOM. The actual amount deducted depends on proportion of export sales to total sales. The table below outlines the percentage of Export Profits deductible from Income Tax. 3. Sector Specific Incentives Sector Specific Incentives deal with more specific Incentives Available within each of the 8 Sectors listed above. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: • Waivers of Duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on a wide range of machinery and equipment used within Each Sector • Waivers of Duty, VAT and Excise on vehicles imported in accordance with the published guidelines for various sectors • Duty-free importation on a wide range of agro-chemicals and other inputs • Duty and tax exemptions on outboard engines up to 75 hp; over 75 hp, 5% duty • In the case of the Tourism Sector, Companies are eligible once every five years for a package of incentives, comprised mainly of Duty and VAT waivers on basic furnishing, equipment, and building materials.

Concessions are limited to 50% of the value of the items for new projects and 25% for renovations and extensions to existing hotels • Exemption of Duty and Taxes on Airplanes • Exemption from import duty and VAT on packaging materials for manufacturers registered under the VAT Act • Duty and VAT rate of zero on most raw materials for manufacturing companies registered under VAT Act • Exemption from customs Duty on a wide range of ICT equipment including computers and their hardware accessories, integrated

circuits, micro assemblies and apparatus • Zero rate of Value-Added-Tax on Computers accessories, routers, switches and hubs for networking computers, toner cartridges and ink cartridges for computer printers As mentioned, the list above is by no means exhaustive, for instance, Tax Holidays may be granted in rare cases within ICT Sector.

For further information, interested persons should make contact with Go-Invest.

4. Other Incentives Besides Fiscal Incentives, Guyana also offers the flexibility of either purchasing or leasing land privately or from the Government. State land is available for leasing in the Canje Basin, the Rupununi Savananahs and approximately 60,000 acres (250,000 hectares) have been identified in the Intermediate Savannahs for Agricultural Purposes.

Acquiring Incentives Guyana has created and continues to create a conducive environment to enable investment. Towards this end, continuous steps have been taken to reduce the transaction time for investors.

Go-Invest liaise on behalf of investors with agencies such as: The Guyana Revenue Authority; The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; the Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry of Housing and Water; the Environmental Protection Agency; NICIL and others, so as to make it possible for the investors to gain access to the wide range of incentives outlined above.

Conclusion A lack of innovation is bad news for any economy. A thriving Small Medium Enterprise (SME) ecosystem ensures that products and services don’t fall behind the competition and that the companies are in fact able to make a difference on the market. Guyana offers numerous Incentives to aide in this process.

For more information on Incentives available in Guyana, contact Guyana Office for Investments (Go-Invest) at Lot 190, Camp and Church Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, South America and on Tel:+592 225 0655; 227 0653/4 or by fax +592 225 0655. Email enquiries can be sent to goinvest@goinvest. gov.gy

The

Judicial System G

uyana, which is the only Englishspeaking country in South America, was a colony of Britain and is part of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

As a former colony of Britain, it received the English common law and the unwritten English common law remains part and parcel of the laws under which Guyana is being governed. So far the English common law has not been superseded by statute. Statutes which have been in operation during the colonial era have been saved and are still operative today, to the extent that they have not been invalidated by the Supreme Court for inconsistency with the 1966 Independence Constitution or the 1980 Constitution. Thus, the laws by which Guyana as a sovereign State is now governed, are the common law of England, colonial statutes and postindependence legislation passed after the 1966 and 1980 Constitutions, which have not been invalidated by the Supreme Court for inconsistency with the 1966 or 1980 Constitution.

Guyana became a Republic under the Republic Act 1970 and the British Queen then ceased to be its Head of State. The Head of State was replaced by a local person appointed by the elected Prime Minister.

In 1980, with advent of the 1980 Constitution, the Head of State was no longer an appointed person but a person who has been elected as President in a presidential election held concurrently with national elections. Under the 1980 Constitution, all executive authority now vests in the elected President. But, Parliament has not been debarred from vesting governmental functions in a person or authority, even though executive authority and responsibility remain vested in the President. Parliament has not been

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in Guyana

inactive in the exercise of this power. Thus, some governmental functions are being carried out by statutory bodies answerable to the executive government for the performance of those functions conferred upon them by Parliament.

The curial system of Guyana is patterned after the British curial system with a Magistracy, a High Court and a Court of Appeal, in that order of ascendency. The High Court and the Court of Appeal comprise the Supreme Court.

Prior to 1970, appeals from the Court of Appeal were heard by the British Privy Council. However, these appeals were abolished under the Republic Act 1970. Thereafter, the Court of Appeal of Guyana became its final court of appeal. But, with the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice in April 2005, as an optional final appeal court for the Caribbean territories under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (which created CARICOM), Guyana was the first among Caribbean countries to pass legislation under which the Caribbean Court of Justice became its final court of appeal. It is anticipated that other independent Commonwealth Caribbean countries will eventually follow the footsteps of Guyana and take the necessary legislative steps to accept jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice as their final appeal court in lieu of the British Privy Council.

Magistrates are appointed in Guyana by a constitutionally independent Judicial Service Commission. Their age of retirement is 55. High Court and Court of Appeal Judges are appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. The retirement age for High Court Judges is now 65, while the retirement age of all Court of Appeal Judges (including the Chancellor and Chief Justice) is 68.

The Magistrates’ Courts are headed by the Chief Magistrate, who is administratively responsible to the Chancellor for the distribution of work among Magistrates. The High Court is headed by the Chief Justice, who is administratively responsible to the Chancellor for the distribution of work among the High Court Judges. The Chancellor is the administrative head of the Court of Appeal and he is responsible for the distribution of work among Judges of the Court of Appeal and for the composition of the membership of that Court in individual cases. The Chief Justice is ex officio a member of the Court of Appeal.

In other words, while he is the administrative head of the High Court, he is also a judicial member of the Court of Appeal – like the Chancellor.

An appeal from the decision of a Magistrate lies to a bench of at least two High Court Judges (called the Full Court). An appeal from the Full Court lies to the Court of Appeal (with leave of the Full Court or of the Court of Appeal). An appeal from the decision of the Court of Appeal lies to the Caribbean Court of Justice (with leave of the Court of Appeal or of the Caribbean Court of Justice).

Efforts are continually being made to improve the facilities available to Judges to ensure that the delivery of justice is improved, both in terms of the quality of justice and expeditious judicial decisions. Both the Government and international bodies are contributors to this effort and judicial officers are expected to do their best to enhance the expeditious delivery of just decisions.

Justice Ian Chang, CCH Chief Justice (ag.)

Give a by a

Child

“Our children are innocent, vulnerable and dependent, and their time should be spent in joy and peace, playtime and learning. Basically they should be enjoying their childhood, as this prepares them for adulthood. The responsibility is ours as adults to make that happen. While we believe that each child should be cared for by his or her biological family, it is ultimately both our collective and individual responsibility.Our role begins in the home as parents and guardians, but extends to the wider society, including the community, schools and religious gatherings. The issue of child protection is everybody’s business…. Let’s give our children a better chance to be loved, cared for and protected, by fostering a child today.” - Minister Webster

through the Childcare & Protection Agency, bringing the total number to 208 children with 121 foster parents.

The Government of Guyana provides a monthly allowance to most of the families within The Foster Care P ro g ra m m e to purchase the necessities for the foster child.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster

"G

ive the gift of love and protection: Foster a child today,” has been the guiding objective behind Government’s commitment to the Foster Care programme. This is in response to the increased number of children who are abused and cannot live with their biological parent/s. The ideal is to have families nurture and love their children, but we are aware that for many children, the reality is far from the ideal.

Between January and December 2013, ninety (90) children were placed in foster care

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and become foster parents.

According to Colleen Khan, Manager, Foster Care Programme, foster parents play a special role in the life of a child, who for various reasons, has had to leave his/ her family.

Foster parents provide for the daily needs and care of the child,

How to become a foster parent: • • • • •

Every prospective foster parent will be required to complete an application form and agree to the following: A police check (police clearance) A full medical report from a medical doctor recommended by the Childcare & Protection Agency Provide names and addresses of two references A home study

T o o many children are abandoned, neglected, vulnerable and are at risk, many times because of situations where adults have failed. The need for increased goodwill towards our children is therefore necessary and in this context, foster care is very important to filling the gap that exists. The Ministry continues to urge more persons to come onboard

creating a family environment that offers supervision, guidance, nurturing and discipline, in the same way as you would for your biological child. Becoming a foster parent is a rewarding experience that provides a priceless gift that not only changes the life of a child, but changes an entire generation.

Every child deserves to live with a family. There are many children living in residential institutions across Guyana, who should be living with families. For more information on how you can become a foster parent, please call 227-0138 or 227-4082 or visit the Childcare & Protection Agency located at Lot 7 Charles & Broad Streets, Charlestown.

uld ach as is ter

Celebrating

exchanged a n n u a l l y, m a k i n g V a l e n t i n e ’s Day the second most popular card sending holiday after Christmas”.

It should be noted too, th at Valentine’s Day has no age limit, just as love does not either .

A popular biblical quote tells us

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“L ov e is patient, love is kind and is not je alous, love does not br ag and it is not arrogant”.

Another popula “love is a univer r saying is sal which is believe language”, d to be one of the main reasons why Valentine`s Day is observed by all religions , though history tells us it is a Christianised tradition.

As most of you may know, the famous observance is named after a man known as Saint Valentine. But do you know how he became associated with this rite? According to legend, Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome and when Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those who were married with children, he forbade marriage for young men.

But Valentine, believing it was an injustice for them, defied Claudius’ ruling and continued to perform marriages for young men. However when his actions were brought to Claudius’s attention, he ordered that Valentine be put to death.

History also suggests that Valentine may have been killed for

attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were severely tortured. Other sources also suggest that while imprisoned, Valentine was the first to send a “Valentine” greeting after he fell in love with a young girl, believed to be the Jailor’s daughter.

It is said that before his death, he wrote a letter to her, signed “From your Valentine” – this is a phrase that is still widely used in greeting cards between couples.

Along with the cards, among the other gift items that couples usually exchange are flowers, cards, chocolate, stuffed animals and other personalised tokens such as jewellery.

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Dr. Yesu Persaud

A farewell toast: President Donald Ramotar makes farewell toast to legendary icon Dr Yesu Persaud (centre) at a farewell bidding ceremony held at the New Thriving Restaurant, new Chairman, Komal Samaroo looks on.

L

egendary businessman, Dr Yesu Persaud, is undoubtedly the most prominent businessman and leading industrialist in Guyana.

Persaud owns a diverse group of industries and businesses and is nothing short of an inspiration.

After faithfully serving DDL for 48 years, Persaud resigned as Chairman, Guyana Inc. - Issue 02 - P. 20

effective December 31, 2013. The position is now filled by Mr. Komal Samaroo as of January 1, 2014.

On January 24th, a grand farewell was held in his honor, hosted by the staff of the company he led for decades(DDL).

It was held at the New Thriving Events Center located at Camp and Lamaha Streets. Among the guests

and special invitees were President Donald Ramotar and US Ambassador Dr. Brent Hardt.

Being an icon of sterling performance, he was responsible for many entrepreneurs making their dreams a reality, thus the creation of the Institute of Private Enterprise and Development (IPED) and his part in Guyana Youth

Business Trust (GYBT.) IPED provides supervised loans and business development services to Micro, Small and Medium-sized business enterprises countrywide.

On February 24, 2000, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Dr. Yesu Persaud and IPED, established the nongovernmental organization, GYBT. The vision is to “develop and promote youth entrepreneurship as a sustainable mechanism to overcome unemployment/ under-employment by disadvantaged youths.”

GYBT was launched in the presence of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Ministers of the Government and members of the private and public sectors, Director of the Prince of Wales Trust, Baroness Valerie Amos and Lord Wahid Alli.

The intention of GYBT is to help young people with entrepreneurial spirit and ideas become businessmen and businesswomen, many of who are likely to succeed to become the ‘giants’ of the future.

The objectives of the Trust are to provide funding to young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 years who are unemployed or underemployed, who want to become their own bosses and who are willing to take risks. The Trust’s Office space is provided by IPED at no cost, and staff at a minimal cost.

N

Other well wishers were Publishers of Guyana Inc. magazine, Teshawna Lall and Frank Sanichara

oting that Guyanese are very innovative, Yesu acknowledged that there are many young entrepreneurs who are full of ideas but the major current constraint is the political instability and security of the nation. He stressed that this must be corrected to build a better future for the people of Guyana.

The GYBT Credit Programme is a private sector initiative made possible through contributions by a number of companies, IPED and individuals committed to the assistance of young people to develop their skills, attitudes and to access resources.

“From the inception, we strongly believe that the surest means for our young entrepreneurs to gain financial freedom was by taking advantage of opportunities, whether by employment or by establishing their own business,” Persaud said.

IPED is Dr. Persaud’s most prized business accomplishment. “I started IPED from scratch. We help

people to help themselves, to be their own bosses and to be entrepreneurs. I do this freely; I don’t charge a fee and my directors are not paid. Today, we have about 100 people employed throughout the company and we would have started about 40,000 micro and small businesses which employ thousands.”

“Over the years we have loaned several million dollars, but we don’t lend just like that.

We have to go through the background of the person, size them up and encourage them to learn the basics. We have a training organization that has been highly successful.”

Dr Yesu Persaud, the philanthropist, rose from working in the cane fields of Guyana to becoming one of that country’s leading business figures. He led and developed the Demerara Distillers Group (DDL) of Guyana, churning out the El Dorado rums to pristine international standards.

The company also has its subsidiaries in Holland, UK, USA, and St Kitts, and operates a joint venture in India, as well

as distribution arrangement in Asia. Aside from being the Executive Chairman of DDL, Yesu was also the brain behind the formation of the first indigenous private sector bank, Demerara Bank Limited, which started in 1994.

“When we opened the bank we opened it with the very latest in technology. At the time, there were no banks with ATMs and international connections for credit cards, so we brought in the best computer system that was in existence. We did the same with IPED.” Yesu is also the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission of Guyana; past President of the Guyana Manufacturers Association; the Vice President of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Association; and a member of the Advisory Group to the Caribbean’s Chief Trade Negotiator, Sir Shridath Ramphal, on Caricom international negotiations.

Having a light moment with US Ambassador, Dr Brent Hardt

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H

e also holds numerous positions in other organizations. He is the Chairman of Trust Company (Guyana) Limited, and Guyana Unit Trust — a mutual fund — and was the man behind Diamond Fire and General Insurance Company.

The Guyanese business community is very aware that for businesses to succeed there has to be a close relationship where the government is the facilitator and the private sector is the engine that drives growth.

Dr Persaud also firmly believes in keeping quality employees. “People tend to leave for North America, where half of Guyana’s population already lives,” he says.

“We have to make the country more attractive, so that people will feel there’s a place for them in the sun right here in Guyana.”

“I’ve travelled extensively and my style is that you have

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got to ensure that the person you employ is the right person for the job.

Then you leave them to get on with the job. Only when they fail you call them out. This has worked very well.

“We have an open door policy in all of our companies.

Any employee, irrespective of status, if they feel they’ve been treated badly, starts first with their own manager then goes up the chain.

Finally, if they don’t get satisfaction, they can come to me. I think that has been part of our success; every employee is aware that they can do this.” Dr Persaud explained.

He underscored that

IPED building, an initative by Dr. Yesu Persaud for young entrapeneurs.

Guyana has a long way to go to become a developed nation.

“We have to grow a lot more and the wealth will have to be more evenly distributed.

“Wealth creates wealth but if it’s concentrated only in

certain areas, you get poverty, and poverty multiplies. The education system also has to be of the highest order because education is the bedrock of success in any country.”

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he mining industry is a major force in the world economy, occupying a prima-

has a minister and a department tasked with policy on the environment, and many regional and lo-

quality of environmental legislation (international, national and local) has expanded hugely, and inter-

Source: Guyana Geology and Mines Commission ry position at the start of the resource supply chain.

However, its role is contributing to the national economies of different countries.

The core of mainstream sustainability thinking has become the idea of three dimensions, environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Governments, communities and businesses have all responded to the challenge of sustainability to some extent. Almost every national government in the United Nations now

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cal governments have also developed this capacity.

Since 1992 the volume and

national agreements (such as the Kyoto protocol) have not only raised the

Source: Guyana Geology and Mines Commission

profile of environmental change, but also begun to drive global policy change.

The uncomfortable bottom line of sustainability is the insight that the biosphere is limited. In its crude form, the idea of ‘limits to growth’ dominated 1970s environmentalism. Evidence of resource substitution (fibre optics for copper cables, light plastics for steel) and improved resource use technologies (e.g. improved technologies for the discovery and exploitation of oil reserves) have allowed this view to be pilloried as unrealistic ‘flat-earthism’.

On the other hand, the spread of persistent

organic pollutants, the ozone hole and the growing certainly of anthropogenic climate change caused

by CO2 and other greenhouse gases demonstrate that the fundamen-

ience (and its limits) is valuable for its contribution to more general debate. For decades, the message taken from the science of ecology by society more generally was that ecosys-

Source: Guyana Geology and Mines Commission tal point is perfectly valid. The earth’s capacity to yield products for human consumption, to absorb or sequestrate human wastes (especially novel compounds), and to yield ecosystem services, are all of them limited. The idea that there is always somewhere to absorb externalities is flawed, and it is a myth of progress that living systems will always recover from human demands.

Moreover, as environmental capacity is reached, institutions for sharing the earth are placed under intolerable strain. The science of resilience is central to an understanding of the planetary future, and the metaphor of resil-

biosphere could be understood as a self-regulating system, was reinterpreted with shocking anthropocentric complacency to imply that it would therefore always support human life. The earth may function to maintain life, but not necessarily life in the stunning biodiversity we know today, and certainly not human life.

Ecology has moved on.

Non-linear dynamics are accepted as an inherent element in ecosystem function. Polluted lakes do not necessarily return to their former state when pollution stops; climate cannot be expected to vary around some mean approximating to the conditions of the last 30 years; it is highly likely that extinction of certain

Source: Guyana Geology and Mines Commission tems were homeostatic – that once a stress was removed, they would bounce back to their former state. This comforting metaphor implied that there was no reason to fear that human misuse of the global environment would lead to irretrievable breakdown.

The bleak message of the Gaia hypothesis, that the

species will change the amplitude and frequency of ecosystem change in ways that constrain human opportunities; novel compounds and broad-taxon genetic manipulation may well generate shifts in ecosystem form and function.

The capacity of nature to meet human needs depends on both its internal dynamics and its dynamic responses to human stresses. The resilience of the biosphere is critical to the sustainability of human enterprise on earth.

Extractive industries tend to have a heavy “footprint”— large, wide-ranging, and long-term environmental and social impacts.

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Therefore, through the various agencies of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, several economic minerals are exploited in an ecologically conservative manner.

The main minerals mined or those with potential are gold, diamonds and bauxite.

Gold: gold extraction and exploration has been reported in the Guiana Shield since the colonial expansion of the 16th century. Gold is mainly found in areas of greenstone belts. Placer deposits are observed on most of the main rivers draining the greenstone terrain, which hosts most of the primary gold. The BaramaMazaruni Greenstone belt has low relief, deep weathering, which accompanied by the tropical climate and a lack of a post-Proterozoic cover, are right conditions

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for mobilisation of gold. Lode – this is frequently found in Precambrian terrains (notably the greenstone belts of the Barama-Mazaruni Group). In many cases, the gold is hosted in quartz veins, which dip at high angle to sub-vertical. In the Guiana Shield, gold occurs as macroscopic, irregular gold grains occurring in fractures within quartz veins, disseminated in country rocks and silicified shear zones, as inclusions in dis-

seminated/vein-hosted pyrite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite, or intergrowths with sulphides.

Moreover, the operating costs for gold producers increased significantly over the past several years as mining companies chased new production in response to rising prices. Costs rose, in part, as producers mined lower-grade ore (which is economic to mine at higher prices), but producers also saw significant increas-

es in other key cost inputs, including wages, power, consumables, exploration, environmental spending requirements and government royalties. Including sustaining capital expenditure requirements, Moody's believes the rated-industry's all-in average cost of gold production is currently at least $1,100/oz comprised of about $850/oz of cash operating costs and a minimum of $250/oz of sustaining capital costs.

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t is important that we understand our history to understand our present.

Since 1992, history proclaims a number of great achievements that have contributed to the development of our nation. 1992 marked the year that this Government inherited a foreign debt burden of US$2.1 billion. As a result, sustainable external debt levels were impossible to achieve because of limited funds.

The bauxite industry posed a c h a l lenge dur-

increase in 2001. In that same period, the Balance of Payment deficit decreased from US$19.3 million to US$10.6 million.

Guyana managed to obtain economic stability and a stable currency exchange rate during the first half of 2002. After the 1992 debt burden inheritance, Government strived to rehabilitate the crumbling social and economic infrastructures and enhance other social services sector, such as health and education.

i n g the early 1980s, because of high levels of production costs and inadequate foreign exchange. Our rice industry also experienced problems due to low marketing price levels for rice, inadequate foreign exchange for chemicals and other needs in 1988.

In 1992, Guyana imported sugar from Guatemala.

Guyana still managed to achieve some levels of sustainable development and poverty reduction. After the 1992 elections, Guyana experienced political upheavals which led to an unstable political environment. Despite this, poverty levels decreased from 86% in 1991 to 35% in 1999. Guyana experienced GDP Growth rate of 2.9% in the first half of 2002, which was more than a 1.3%

However, because more than half of the country’s export earnings had to be utilized for repayment, the huge debt burden posed a problem. This directly hindered the developmental process of the country, which coerced Government to focus on possible debt relief strategies to achieve sustainable external debt levels and poverty reduction to aid growth.

Debt relief has managed to relieve our economy of taxation, which gives the opportunity to direct funds towards further investment in the social services sector and attracting investments. This debt relief has led to economic stability which leads to other developmental opportunities, and now revenue can be directed to other sectors to sustain economic growth.

One of the great achieve-

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ments of Guyana is to acquire a stable macroeconomic environment which has stabilized price levels and exchange rates, controlled fiscal deficit, reduced unemployment, and monitored the cost of borrowing money, enabled borrowing to be more attractive through a stable interest rate, and kept curr e n t balances within the balance of payments quite manageable.

And, a country’s balance of payment shows the number of transactions between Guyana and overseas entities over a specified period. It is a record of all transactions between Guyana and the rest of the world.

The balance of payment is one of the macroeconomic fundamentals impacting economic and political stability through the country’s economic relationship with international trade.

Budget 2013 projected an eighth consecutive year of real growth in gross domestic product, a strong sustained performance reflective of the evident benefits of policy initiatives and investments made over the years towards achieving a more diversified and resilient economy.

The balance of payment registered an overall deficit of US$145.6 million at the end of June 2013. This is on account of a 14.7 percent ex-

pansion in the current account deficit to US$275.5 million, due to lower inflows of current transfers and higher service payments.

The capital account recorded a surplus of US$149 million compared to US$168 million in 2012, aided by continued strong inflows of foreign direct investment.

During the first half of 2013, the domestic economy continued this trend of uninterrupted positive growth, with real GDP expanding by 3.9 percent, within which non-sugar GDP grew by six percent. Given the updated outlook for the various sectors, overall growth for 2013 is now projected at 4.8, while non-sugar growth is projected at 5.8 percent.

Agriculture & Agro-processing Agriculture in Guyana represents about twenty-five percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with agriculture being one of its main products. Guyana possess high levels of fertile land which has vast potential for opportunities for growth.

While Guyana’s main agriculture exports consist of rice and sugar products, it should be noted that the range of products has diversified to include non-traditional agriculture products such fresh fruits and vegetables, cash crops, herbs and spices and processed agriculture products.

The agriculture sector receives organizational support from several government and private institutions.

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he Crops and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock (MFCL) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) are the two main government agencies responsible for agriculture development in Guyana. Other organizations include the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC), the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), the Guyana Agri-Business Association (GABA), and the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA).

The Guyana Marketing Corporation website provides a list of exporters of agriculture products, which comprises fifty-five (55) persons, none of whom exports products to India. Instead, the market leans towards North America and some Caribbean countries.

Energy The energy sector provides numerous opportunities for investors in the areas of hydropower, solar, petroleum and gas. At present, the Hydropower Generation Projects are somewhat stagnant in Guyana. The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) website identifies sixty-seven (67) potential hydropower sites in Guyana.

Additionally, under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) Project, revenue obtained for forest preservation is set to help develop the Amaila Falls Hydro-electricity Plant, which can provide lower electricity tariffs. This move affords Guyana the opportunity to export electricity, as well as, produce for domestic consumption.

The hinterland/remote areas of Guyana are the main beneficiaries of solar energy. The Unserved Areas Electrification Programme has provided solar photovoltaic’s home systems to a number of communities and regions.

Oil and gas deposits can be found along the entire coastal region of Guyana and extend about 150 km out into the Atlantic Ocean. These oil and gas deposits are worth approximately 2.2 billion barrels and 6 trillion cu. ft respectively. Some companies that are already involved in exploration work are

Exxon Mobil, Repsol, Century Guyana Ltd. and CGX Energy Inc. Forestry Three-quarters of Guyana’s land mass is covered by forest with over one thousand (1000) different kinds of trees.

Presently, 120 species of trees are being logged and about twelve (12) to fifteen (15) species being logged through concession on a commercial scale. There is high demand for greenheart, mora, baromalli, purple heart, kabakalli and wamara.

According to Guyanese wood experts, Guyana can supply m o s t of CARICOM’s demand f o r tropical wood.

A p a r t f r o m t h e

traditional export of raw or semi-processed timber, moves have been made to focus on value added forest production for export to the US, Europe and Caribbean. Existing is affordable and trainable labour, coupled with lucrative investment incentives for investors within the wood industry.

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is the main government organization which provides organizational support within the sector. Private forest producers are represented by the Forest Products Association (FPA) which collaborates with GFC. Other supporting organizations include

the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA), the Forestry products Marketing Council (FPMC) and the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock.

Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Technology is important in Guyana to foster growth and development in order to increase competiveness. There is need for increased education surrounding information, communication and business transaction technology.

Technological investments would help reduce costs of business transactions, and also help gain access to the wider world.

Technology can help increase integration of companies at the local and international levels, help training and education of e-transactions and promoting non-cash transactions is important since it makes business transactions more efficient and less costly.

Technology (including ICT) can be used to enable the various sectors (agriculture, manufacturing, security, education, energy, mining, services, economic, financial, banking, etc.) of Guyana.

Additionally, the role of technology in enabling the various projects outlined under the LCDS. The Hydropower project under LCDS can decrease the energy costs for manufacturing industries which can lead to more investments and expansion by these sectors.

Additionally, investments in technologies to use within these sectors allows for innovation and the provision of efficient services.

Guyana is ideal for ICT investment since it consists of an English-speaking workforce, a compatible accent to that of the United States (US), skilled and trainable people, similar time zone as that of the US and Canada and reasonable ICT costs.

Manufacturing About ten percent (10%) of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is contributed by the manufacturing sector providing work for twelve percent (12%) of the population.

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sually, the manufacturing sector would process traditional agricultural products such as rice, sugar, minerals, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and basic consumer items. Today, the sector is becoming more dynamic and shifting towards the expansion of value-added, export oriented manufacturing industries such as: construction materials, ceramics, leather craft, packaging, agro-industries, garments and apparel manufacturing and value-added/ manufactured forest products.

The garment and apparel sector has gained a number of strides which include the establishment of preferential trade agreement with the United States (US), European Union (EU), Canada, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other bilateral trading partners.

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Presently, the Denmor Garment Manufacturers are competing globally in the garment industry manufacturing and exporting to some of the leading brands and department stores such as Russell Athletic, Victoria’s Secret, Paris Accessories, Van Heusen, JC Penny and Wal-Mart.

Additionally, Guyana offers a number of benefits apart from favourable market access. These include competitive labour cost, low ‘time to market’/lead time promising the timely delivery of goods, access to local inputs from manufacturers from natural resources and availability of industrial parks.

The Industry Department of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce provides organizational support to local and foreign investors by promoting industrial development and managing industrial estates.

Mining Guyana has a thriving mining sector and has received international attention from some of the largest mining companies.

obtained from the Atlantic Ocean located in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and coastal areas, investments are now being made in aquaculture.

Opportunities for investment exist to upgrade quality control systems to ensure that high quality fish is sold on the global market, facilitate the seafood industry with the necessary equipment to exploit untouched pelagic and deepwater species such as deepwater snapper, prawns, swordfish and tuna.

Additionally, investment opportunities are needed for processing machines and product development and the development of by-products, e.g., the waste from the seabob shrimp industry can be used as fishmeal for aquaculture.

Tilapia and shrimp farming are becoming popular and has received much attention from the Government, as well as, private inhe primary areas of focus exploration and production projects vestors. Investment opportunities within the mining sector are through its royalties and fiscal sys- are driven by a number of factors bauxite, gold and diamonds. tem. such as: the demand for quality fish However, these are not the only arThe mining sector receives orga- is high but there is a decline in ocean eas; mining potential exists for semi- nizational support from the Guyana catches, thereby, escalating costs precious stones such as: laterite, Geology and Mines Commission. but aquaculture can serve as a submanganese, kaolin, sand resources, stitute source to meet that demand. radioactive minerals, copper, molybSeafood & Aquaculture The demand for farmed fish (tilapia) denum, tungsten, iron, and nickel Guyana has an Atlantic coastal has increased in both the US and EU among others. zone of 459 km with numerous net- markets. Guyana provides low iniThe bauxite (high value refrac- works of rivers which offers vast tial investment costs for commercial tory-A grade) produced in Guyana potential for a dynamic seafood aquaculture since agriculture infrain one of a kind and the only oth- and fisheries industry. The fish- structure can be adapted to commerer place it is produced is China. In ing industry contributes about sev- cial aquaculture.

2011, the mining and quarrying sec- en percent (7%) of Guyana’s GDP. The seafood industry receives tor recorded a growth of nineteen Guyana’s primary market for sea- organizational support from the point two percent (19.2%). Guyana’s food is the United States and in 2004 Ministry of Fisheries, the Guyana mining sector is well established it began exporting to the European Association of Trawler Owners and coupled with a safe operating envi- Union (EU) market.

Seafood Processors (GAROSP) and ronment. Additionally, the licensing Although most of the marine spe- the thirteen fishermen’s cooperative regime provides attractive terms for cies within the seafood industry are societies.

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Tourism Guyana offers unique tourism opportunities unlike other Caribbean countries. These opportunities range from the Amazonian rainforests, abundant wildlife, waterfalls (particularly the majestic Kaieteur Falls, which is the highest single drop waterfall in the world), indigenous culture, savannahs, mountains and a variety of flora and fauna.

According to the GoInvest website, there were 57,400 visitors in 1999 and 116,000 in 2005. It is evident that the tourism industry is rapidly growing especially in the areas of adventure, culture and ecotourism. Guyana hosted the Cricket World Cup matches after the construction of the modern convention centre.

In order to support the tourism sector, the Government and Private Sector of Guyana have made a number of efforts to promote growth to boost its potential. There is the establishment of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MINTIC), the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), tourism is catered for under the National Development Strategy, tourism studies is offered at

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the University of Guyana, and the private sector has established the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).

Although the tourism industry is growing, there is still need for investments to enhance present tourism facilities and services. Some of these investment opportunities include: development of the Kaieteur Falls, eco-lodges and resorts, eco-tourism (bird watching, yachting, deep-sea or river fishing), investment in hotels and restaurants, business tourism services (convention centre, catering, VIP transport, and communication), transportation services and the craft industry.

Guyana provides a wide range of investment incentives, including a flat business tax rate, tax holidays, waivers of customs duties, export tax allowances, and unrestricted repatriation of capital, dividends and profits, as well as additional incentives in the sectors listed above. The Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) is also the prime contact for investors to facilitate the investment process and expedite applications for investment concessions and government support.

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nder the hands of Irene Bacchus Holder, a block of wood is transformed into beautiful creations. The end products would be exquisite jewel boxes, bowls, platters, rolling pins, and table lamps, with Irene’s unique hand painting embellishing them.

This array of items has been exhibited and sold both at home and abroad, and has seen Irene’s transition from resourceful housewife to shrewd entrepreneur.

“I don’t like being totally dependent upon a man; that irritates me. I didn’t want to have to go to my husband every time I needed a new dress or pair of shoes or things like that, that is simply not my style. So I was always looking to do something whereby I could establish myself and become financially independent.”

That ‘something’, turned out to be pyrography: purchasing blocks of wood---cutting them, shaping, sanding and lacquering them and finally hand-painting them. Her present aim is to secure overseas markets.

“I used to buy these jewellery boxes and other trinkets from a woman that did hand painting on them; and after she left, the guy that used to supply her with the boxes, asked me if I could do it ( hand paint), and I said yes, even though I had never done it before.

“And that is how I got started, with the encouragement of my brother who sent me a wood-burning pen with interchangeable tips. That was over ten years ago. However, initially I ordered the boxes from the same young man who used to supply the lady. But then I thought it might be better if I could produce my own things from scratch, as he was becoming unreliable. That is what I did.”

She said that she started to make her first Simarupa boxes with the help of two trainees from the Linden Technical Institute, who helped her to develop her products.

Her first work station was located inside the LEAP building on Republic Avenue, Linden, but after outgrowing that location, she moved to her present location, in the old Guyana Stores building, aback the Toucan Call Centre.

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Irene in her shop holding one of many creations

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rene has sold her unique array of wooden items to places such as Guyana Stores, and other Georgetown businesses over the years.

“But the main problem is that people don’t like to pay- not the people at Guyana Stores, but the other businesses. They would take your things and then it’s a problem to get your money.

However, though I’m self taught, I can safely say that I’ve developed my techniques to the point where I can enter art competitions and exhibitions.”

She was successful in acquiring funding from the “Matching Grant” initiative, which enabled her to participate in trade shows in Germany, France and California, USA. She noted that in California, all of the things were sold out on the very first day of the exhibition.

“One lady came and she just bought out everything, but she was gracious enough to allow me to keep them on show for the duration of the exhibition. And I can tell you I got a lot of glowing compliments; the people really love our woods. They go crazy. To them, our woods are really exotic.”

The versatile entrepreneur also participated in several other trade fairs overseas where her work was well received. “Some of the countries I’ve done exhibitions in include Germany, the US, Canada and France.

I’ve also travelled to the Caribbean for several exhi-

bitions quite a few

and sold pieces.”

Irene said that she has however, not pursued the Caribbean Market in a while as sales have dwindled. She has been participating in GuyExpo every year, but said that every year it’s mostly more of the same.

“I have never really picked up any orders from GuyExpo, because to me people basically just go to look; they hardly buy anything. The only thing I really sell there is my lucky seed key rings which are very popular, so I make a lot of those just for the occasion.”

Apart from making hand painted gift and novelty items, Irene is also a talented seamstress, and does cake decorating.

She said that before delving into pyrography, she used to sew and hand paint clothes, which she sold to a boutique owner in Georgetown.

Currently, Irene has an outlet for her products at 73 Robb Street, Lacytown.

The place is called “Amazon Authentic Art Gallery”.

Irene said that she chose to establish the place in

Georgetown as there was hardly anywhere where one could find authentic and beautiful artwork which featured our beautiful woods.

In addition to using the plain woods to do pyrography, Irene also utilizes Guyana’s beautiful wood species to create the decorative and functional items from some of the most beautiful wood species in the world and logging companies are using just a few for commercial purposes (about 70 of over 1000 species).

In their quest to harvest those few species, a lot of wastage occurs. Since the species do not grow in stands,

paths have to be cleared to individual trees and species which are not needed are felled and left to rot.

Irene decided to utilize discarded species and arranged with loggers to supply her with beautiful species such as Dukaliballi, Snakewood, Itikiboraballi and Marblewood, to name a few. The natural flaws in the wood are repaired and highlighted in the product to show the naturalness of wood. This also adds a unique quality to the item.

She was also nominated as one of the ten finalists in the inaugural UNCTAD/ EMPRETEC International Women in Business Award 2008.

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ccess to safe blood is fundamental in the health sector in any country; hence it is important that we always have an adequate quantity of safe blood and safe blood products. I wish to congratulate the staff of the National Blood Transfusion Service for their hard work and dedication for having obtained 10, 014 units of blood. I also join with the Ministry of Health and all Guyana in thanking the voluntary donors for saving lives with their valuable contributions.

Guyana has over the past decade, introduced a policy of voluntary blood donation, i.e. persons donating blood off their free will. This approach is based on recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

In 1990, 25 % of blood collected in Guyana was from voluntary donors and the remaining from replacement and or remunerated donors. This has changed over the years. We now have a record of 80% of voluntary blood donations. In 2012, the Ministry of health recorded a total of 7,712 units of blood collected, 1,323 of which came from the regional blood banks that is Region 2, 3, 6 and 10.

Currently, Guyana needs between 10,000 - 12,000 units of blood annually. This is because more surgeries are being done and services have expanded. Blood cannot be manufactured.

Approximately fifteen thousand (15 000) surgeries are being done on a yearly basis and blood is needed for the successful completion of a significant number of these.

The Ministry of Health has been collaborating with Faith Organisations, Non Governmental Organisations, Sports Club and the Private Sector to host blood drives. I will like to congratulate the companies who have partnered with us to support the Voluntary Blood Donation drives. While the

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Dr. Bheri Ramsaran interacts with members from blood recruitment agencies, Swami Aksharananda & the Ashram

Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran presents Ms. Olivia Rodriques with a Certificate of Appreciation for her voluntary donations over the years.

National Blood Transfusion Service popularly known as the Blood Bank continues to engage in blood drive activities, other volunteer donors are being encouraged to come forward and donate blood at the National Transfusion Service countrywide.

Blood cannot be stored for long periods. But one unit of blood can be processed into three component parts. Each of these three fractions or components has the potential of saving a life when used to treat

separate conditions. I am therefore appealing to all Guyanese to join in this effort to boost voluntary blood donation.

Let us keep alive and bolster our national sense of a civic duty by donating blood to help our fellow citizens in times of need. “We will not take blood from you if it will harm you� Come join the Ministry of Health as we work towards 100 per cent of voluntary blood donation by the end of 2013.

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ll countries are affected by climate change but not all are Champions of the Earth Award by United Nations Environment affected the same way. There are some countries that lack Programme (UNEP) for his leadership and activism in environmental the capacity to respond to the challenges posed by climate conservation. change, and these are small states.

The Government also established a Climate Change Unit in the The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Office of the President, which acts as an antecedent to the development Climate Change (IPCC) has scientifically linked GHG emissions as of a Climate Change Centre. It is important to note that these projects the cause of global warming. Today, the United Nations Framework require integrated planning and the effective execution of programmes Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) states that human activity, and activities in order for their successful implementation. and not natural causes, is responsible for climate change.

Guyana has implemented an action plan called the Low Carbon Since this linkage, climate change has become a development Development Strategy (LCDS) that demonstrates its climate change challenge for small and vulnerable states, particularly SIDS and low commitments towards the development of appropriate policies lying states, like Guyana. These states are most vulnerable to the and regulations to mitigate the adverse effects of Climate Change. negative impacts of climate change primarily due to rises in sea levels, Consequently, the country is one of the leading advocates on climate which cause floods and salt water intrusion; loss of fisheries and change. Through the LCDS, work has commenced on the creation of biological resources; unpredictable weather patterns either causing low carbon jobs and low carbon community development plans; the droughts or heavy rainfall, hindering agriculture, which affects promotion of ecotourism, investments in green technology and a sound people’s livelihood, as agriculture is usually one of the main economic renewable energy platform; the promotion of sustainable land use sectors of these states. and; the implementation of sustainable mining practices to facilitate At the international level, Guyana is actively involved in climate a Green Economy through ‘green’ economic growth. In 2007, the change discussions, Office of the President and represents the started to intensify position and plight of climate change efforts low lying states and and to gain recognition SIDS, through the internationally.

It Association of Small also developed the Island States (AOSIS) Avoided Deforestation and the Caribbean Model, which was C o m m u n i t y a mechanism used (CARICOM). to receive climate Guyana has been change financing to lauded for its efforts, be used to implement and tangibly so when the LCDS. The LCDS the Former President is an integrated model of Guyana Bharrat which included Jagdeo received the the Avoided DeFigure 1: Timeline of Important Actions at the UNFCCC 2010 United Nations forestation model.

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he LCDS is a national strategy which provides the overarching framework for achieving Guyana’s longterm developmental goals, using nationally appropriate green growth strategies to achieve this transition. It was developed through a national consultation exercise during which vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples, forest users and dependent communities, women and youth were engaged in the development of the strategy.

A Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee (MSSC) was established to oversee and guide the implementation of the LCDS. A series of outreach sessions were held with a wide cross-section of stakeholder groups and communities for the feedback on the Strategy.

The information received was used to update the document, the most recent update being in March 2013.

One of the key ways of supporting the implementation of the LCDS is through its partnerships with other countries. Funds earned from climate services

that the forests provide to the world, are invested to create a low deforestation, low carbon, climate resilient economy.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Guyana and Norway was signed on November 9, 2009. The MoU commits Norway to provide up to US$250 million over a fiveyear period with provisions for extension of this agreement.

Under the MoU, contributions from Norway are channelled towards supporting priority projects identified in the LCDS. To date, Guyana has earned three payments from Norway totalling US$115M. This agreement is the first international commitment of financial support to the LCDS. Implementation of these projects commenced along with a number of new projects as identified in the LCDS Update.

Several key policy/ strategy documents as well as key institutions and forums have been created to aid in the decision making for natural resource management and sustainable development in Guyana.

Significant

progress has also been made in the enactment of national legislation, these are: the Environmental Protection Act (1996), the Guyana Revised Constitutions (2003), the Wildlife Conservation and Management Regulations (2008), the Amerindian Act (2006), the Mining Amendment Regulations (2005), the Guyana Forestry Commission Act (2007) and the Forest Bill (2009).

The Mazaruni River Other efforts towards achieving a “green economy” has been the announcement by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment on the immediate imposition of stamp duty and environmental tax and the eventual ban on Styrofoam in June 2014 to the Food and Beverage Industry.

Styrofoam, primarily used in the food and beverage industry, is one of the most environmentally unfriendly products (approximately 500 years to decompose) and so happens to be a major constituent of solid waste generationin Guyana. For this reason, the Ministry has taken

the necessary measures in phasing-out and banning the use of styrofoam containers in this particular industry.

Alternatives to Styrofoam containers exist; Caribbean Container Inc. manufactures a wide range of eco-friendly corrugated packaging to suit all packaging applications, and the good news is, all products are fully recyclable and bio-degradable.

Our forests and natural areas play a pivotal part in maintaining the earth’s natural processes and managing and maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem can help mitigate the harmful effects of climate change.

Support Guyana’s lead in fighting climate change, because the climate is changing and many aspects of our daily life are going to change. Let us start increasing our ability to deal with climate change now!

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uyana, officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, is a sovereign state on the northern coast of South America. Although Guyana is part of the Anglophone (English-speaking) Caribbean, it is not an island.

On 23rd February 1970, Guyana officially became a republic. The decision to become a republic was rooted in the fact that the rulers decided that they wanted to cut all ties with the Monarchy.

This would allow the country to make its laws without any worry about the law being repealed by the British crown.

Further, the country reserved the right to decide all its legal matters and in the process it made its Court of Appeal the final court of arbitration, thereby dropping appeals to the Privy Council.

Today, its final court of arbitration is the Caribbean Court of Justice.

The Governor General who was the representative of the Queen prior to February 23rd, 1970, was replaced as head of state by a titular President. The final link to the monarchy was broken.

However, Guyana remained a Commonwealth country and the Queen is the head of the Commonwealth which is a conglomeration of countries that were once ruled by Britain.

When the vote on the presidency was taken in the National Assembly, the ruling party proposed the late Arthur Chung, a former High Court judge. The opposition People’s Progressive party named Ashton Chase, a lawyer of high repute.

The government under Forbes Burnham used its

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majority and Arthur Chung became Guyana’s first president.

Many people did not understand the implications but the hype about being their own masters without reference to the crown was enough for them.

The decision to actually recognise February 23rd, in Guyana’s history was taken to the Constitutional talks in England when Guyana was seeking its independence.

Burnham wanted February 23rd, Peter D’Aguiar, Burnham’s partner in the then coalition Government that formed after the 1964 elections, wanted August.

The British opted for a compromise and chose the mid- point, May 26.

Guyana continues to be one of the younger republics in the region looking up to its more experienced neighbours — Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia. Trinidad was the next Caribbean country to become a republic, choosing to follow the path that Guyana pursued. However, it still has the Privy Council as its final court of appeal.

Guyana’s attainment of republican status was greeted with street tramps and other modes of celebration. After that first day, the nation borrowed from the celebrations in Linden and on February 22, 1972, Mashramani was born.

Mashramani, often abbreviated to “Mash”, is an annual festival that celebrates Guyana becoming a Republic in 1970.

The festival, usually held on February 23rd – Guyanese Republic Day – includes a parade, music, games and cooking and is intended to commemorate the “Birth of the Republic”.

Colors. Pulsating music.

Crowds. The food. The costumes. The fusion.

It is a known fact that the street parties in the Caribbean are like no other. The carnivals, crop-overs, the reggae and soca beats, the blend is hard to imitate, try as you might.

Then there is Mashramani in Guyana. For one day, every year on February 23, several streets of Georgetown, the country’s capital, are closed to traffic as Guyana turns on its fete mode.

The closed streets become the boundaries of a picnic and party zone. It is after all, a celebration of what Guyana is all about.

Folks from all walks of life would descend on Georgetown for a day of revelry. Mash, as it is commonly known, has literally been seeing an explosion in growth in recent years. The Government of Guyana keeps fine tuning what has become a fixture on the annual calendar

of events.

In addition, there is now greater private sector involvement. Last year saw the greatest private sector contribution.

Entities sponsored the calypso competition, the Children’s mash parade, the Soca competition and the schools’ steelband competition.

February 23 is a day when families would trek to Vlissengen Road, and the mall that sits between North Road and Church Street. They would also flock the National Park for a day of picnic and fun. Spots for tents and bars are marked off and staked out early.

Families have been known to leave their homes long before sunrise to gain vantage picnic sport. Some would actually be cooking almost all night to ensure a delectable picnic basket.

The float parade is all sweat, music, colors, fashion, floats and the Caribbean sun. The biggest highlights would be the colorful, themed floats and costumes wending their way to National Park for the judging of the best bands and floats.

Leading up to Mash Day, the hype is on the calypso, chutney and children’s competitions which have all become fixtures too.

Mash had its origins in Linden, a mining town in Region Ten, back in 1967.

At the time Linden was one of the gateways to the hinterland.

In 1966, Guyana gained

its independence from Britain.

The story goes that the Jaycees International Chapter, a body geared to foster community development in that area, decided to do something to celebrate the country’s independence in Mackenzie, part of Region Ten. Starting with the main event of crowning an Independence Queen, and including fund raising activities, the celebrations grew wildly popular.

Linden’s carnival In 1969, it morphed into an ‘Independence Carnival,’ with a number of side-shows.

But it was Guyana’s preparations for becoming a Republic in 1970 that saw some changes that heralded in Mashramani.

Government no longer wanted to hear about carnival, or about a queen being crowned or even the word, monarchy. Organisers of the Independence Carnival were mandated to transf o r m

the event into a national one.

No simple task.

Former Guyanese and West Indies cricketer, Basil Butcher, one of the persons organizing the celebrations, was handpicked to travel throughout the country to make arrangements.

Guyana too wanted a name for the Republic celebrations. It involved research in the University of Guyana, the National Archives and other areas, but in vain. Government turned to the Amerindians for help, with time running out.

According to a Government story, Alan Fiedtkou, an Amerindian who worked in the geological department of the bauxite company and lived in the interior, was called in on the research project.

Fiedtkou told stories about various Amerindian cultural celebrations, one of which was Mashramani.

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I

t was a celebration which usually goes for days during a wedding or after the end of hard labour.

The organizers were determined to go with the name and concept. And so it was then that Mashramani was born. Mash was taken to Georgetown in 1972 for the first time. But Guyasnese were accustomed to tramping in the streets.

When the Republic Day dawned there was such exuberance all over the country that it was only a matter of time before there would be this great outpourimng that is now known as Mash.

But Lindeners were not too happy that the event was “stolen” from them.

The bauxite company operating there decided to organize a 500-strong band to the city to prove that Mash was theirs.

The first serious Mash float was born.

Mash has now been placed directly under the stewardship of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport which has been overseeing a number of events leading up to the final day. These include a Mash Jamboree, Junior and Senior Calypso, Soca Monarch, Chutney competition, Steelband, Masquerade and Children’s Competitions. For the children, there would be dance, drama, poetry, calypso, essay writing and costume competition.

The Soca and Calypso competitions especially, and now Chutney, have been growing in popularity.

Those floats On Mash Day, corporate sponsors like Ansa McAl, Banks DIH, Digicel Guyana, the Ministries, also compete to see who would have the bigger bands, more troupes, and even the skimpiest outfits.

In recent years, overseas delegations from Trinidad and other countries have been joining in on the fun. Overseas-based

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Guyanese too have been returning home in droves to celebrate.

The floats themselves have been an explosion of colors. With gold being a big earner for Guyana in recent years, last year, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission focused its costumes on the mining sector’s windfall from the shiny metal.

Carib Beer has been a permanent fixture with its ladies and so has the host, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Something would be missing if local singer, Slingshot, without his horse cart to promote local culture, is absent.

It would not be unusual to see a dog dressed in ‘Mash’ costume.

Mobile giant, Digicel Guyana, has been pushing the extremes, fielding among the biggest of bands, complete with singers and huge music systems.

The Ministry of Education, promoting its education theme, has been a major participant in the float parade. So is the Ministry of Agriculture, stretching its ‘Grow More Food’

parade. Last year, its basket of food and chickens were highlights.

But no carnival could rightfully call itself…well, a carnival…unless there is music. This year, Guyana can expect the lyrics of chutney’s ‘Dem a watch meh’ Mahendra Ramkellawan and Adrian Dutchin to headline the road march on Mash Day. More bar-b-cue stands, bars, and persons have been thronging especially Vlissengen Road in recent years.

The growth of the event has now forced Government to think of ways to taking it to the next level.

Because of the sun, which stands in all its glory, it would not be a good idea to come unprepared. A hat, an umbrella… a tent if you are camping out. If you are driving, the vehicle must have a cooler with water or juice and the other must-have refreshments. Critical, if you have kids and need to keep them hydrated. There will be many bars too. Perhaps, more importantly, you will need to walk with the dancing shoes, or if you choose, be without one, because it will be a street party. Don’t overdress…maybe some slacks and t-shirt and sneakers or sandals.

Some sun screen would help.

It is not unusual for revelers to join in their favorite float and gyrate all the way to the National Park. So be prepared to join in the fun. And of course, it would not be wise to leave home without the Blackberry or your smartphone. The opportunities to pose with your favorite band and float would be numerous. This year’s Mash, being celebrated under “Cultural Folklore; Celebrating 44th, is set to be the biggest yet.

We will be looking out for the “fine wine” of Granny Ivelaw and, of course, a taste of the beers to cool down from the heat.

O Fort Nassau’s marker which was placed there by the National Trust

Former Minister of Tourism Manniram Prashad looks at the remains of the stairs of the Armoury at Fort Nassau

ne of Guyana’s rich historical sites is Fort Nassau which was once the capital of the Dutch colony of Berbice.

This fort was constructed on the eastern bank of the Berbice River circa 1627 by Abraham Van Pere [a Dutch merchant] and his colonists.

The historical site is now a 17th century ruin of a seat of government, which is now also known as the base from which the famous 1763 rebellion had its origins. This was the location from where the slave rebellion led by Cuffy was initiated.

Berbice was governed as a separate colony prior to the unification of the three colonies Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice in 1831 The original fort was burnt by the French in 1712, but it was rebuilt by the Dutch. It was destroyed by order of Governor Van Hoogenheim in 1763 to prevent its capture by the rebelling slaves. The fort was eventually abandoned by 1785, and the new settlement, named Fort St. Andries, was created downstream. This new settlement eventually became the town of New Amsterdam, as it is known today.

Today, only the foundations

of these interior structures remain. There are also grave plots and a church. Some suggest that there is also the “talking tree” of Fort Nassau, which is purported to have been used to send messages during the 1763 rebellion.

This fort was constructed of wood and enclosed with posts.

The fort had an irregular rectangular redoubt wherein was a larger stone building.

The barracks were built to house about 60 soldiers. The main building in the fort had two floors. The Governor, Captain of the Troops, the Secretary and two Lieutenants lived on the upper floor. There was a Council Chamber and Church Hall on the first floor. The Fort was surrounded by outhouses for servants and petty officials.

The remains of Fort Nassau were declared a National Monument by the Guyana government in 1999.

The National Trust had erected signs as part of its preservation work. However, most had been destroyed and efforts will be made to erect more durable ones. Plans are also in train to renovate the small landing area which provides access from the Berbice River.

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T

he tone for a flourishing year of football has been set, with the culmination of two national tournaments on New Year’s night at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence and Georgetown Football Club Grounds, respectively.

Thirty-two teams from across the country were

the Banks Beer Cup and the Four Million dollars top prize.

Santos walked away with the second place prize of 2.5 Million dollars, while in the third and fourth place playoff, Western Tigers clawed their way past the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) 2-1 in a close showdown to take the 1.5 Million prize, GDF pock-

drawn to compete in the 3rd Georgetown Football Association / Banks Beer Knock-Out tournament which kicked off on November 23, 2013.

Defending champions, Sunburst Camptown was confident that they would have been in the reckoning for the top prize of Four Million dollars, but that was not to be.

Emerging as the best of the 32 teams, was the newest team on the football landscape, Slingerz Football Club, based on the West Coast of Demerara.

Led by National players, Dwayne Jacobs (Captain), Walter ‘Boyd’ Moore, Vurlon Mills, Devon Millington and Coached by former National defender Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard, the team from the West Side defeated City Upstarts Santos 3-2 to lift

eted One Million.

The atmosphere at the Guyana National Stadium was electric, with thousands of fans in t h e stands urging on their favorite s i d e .

Ironically, the first time the Providence Stadium was filled to capacity; it was two local football teams that drew the crowd.

In the championship game, Slingerz took the lead in the 11th minute, when Millington netted the first of his two goals. The dapper forward formed a lethal duo with the equally dangerous Moore, as they kept the Santos defense on high alert all night.

However, the City side was not prepared to allow the West Dem. side much lati-

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tude and they drew lev- e l when Christoff Wensly responded in like manner with the first goal of his brace, four minutes after Slingerz took the lead, and the game was well and truly on.

The exchanges continued back and forth as both sides sought to gain the ascendancy. The first half ended with the scores tied at one apiece. The second half saw the same script acted out, but with more intensity than the first, much to the delight of the fans.

Yet again, it was Slingerz who took the lead, this time a well executed header from Vurlon Mills handed them the advant a g e again in the 61st minute albeit for a brief period. Like in the first half, it took even a shorter time for Santos to draw level.

One minute after conceding their second goal, Wensly was the hero for Santos again when he converted his second goal, Slingerz 2 Santos 2;

and the excitement just got warmer under the Providence sky line.

With neither side willing to allow the other much latitude, tension began to rise in the stands as the minutes ticked away. And just when it seemed that the game was headed for extra time, Slingerz produced the four million shot.

Not even the experience of former National goalkeeper Richard Reynolds standing between the uprights for Santos would have kept Slingerz from drawing down big in their first major tournament. One minute b e -

fore full time, Millington closed off Santos fight when he netted the winning goal much to the delight of his teammates and supporters.

Seconds after play restarted, the final whistle was blown bringing an end to a successful tournament witnessed by a colorful and animated

crowd and sponsored by beverage giants, Banks DIH Limited under their Banks Beer brand.

Over at the GFC Ground, the future general of footballers were also showcasing their skills as they battled for bragging rights and cash in the form of developmental projects for their respective schools.

Twenty-four schools teams, drawn from across Guyana were invited by the organisers, Kashif & Shanghai to compete in this inaugural Elite tournament.

When the dust was settled after some enthralling matches, Ash Academy of West Coast Berbice and Wismar / Christianburg of Linden, emerged as the best two teams earning the right to play in the final.

Wismar / Christianburg, the top Secondary School when it comes to football, maintained that respect as they romped to victory on penal-

An intense battle!!! Pele (yellow & blue) and Sunburst Camptown players; battling for supremacy at the GFC Ground yesterday. The match ended 0-0.

ty kicks (4-2) after the game ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

The third place matchup saw Waramadong Secondary an interior based team swamping City based St. Georges 9-0.

Wismar / Christianburg won 1.2 Million in cash towards a project of their choice, Ash Academy received $750,000; Waramadong $500,000 and St. Georges collected $250,000, all cash going towards school projects.

The tournament’s Most Valuable Player was Shane Luckie of the winning school, Luckie received as part of his package, a one month stint with one of the Professional Clubs in Trinidad and Tobago.

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