Hinterland Highlights Newspaper Issue#1 2016 Edition

Issue No:1 / 2016

2016 - Year of National Renaissance

INSIDE First Lady presents 1500 pairs of shoes to hinterland students Page 2

Port Kaituma suffered from neglect - Coalition Gov’t will take care of community Page 4

Two Region 10 riverain communities get water wells Page 3

Focus on Hinterland Development

Rupununi women benefit from business training

Page 9

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Hinterland Highlights

Gov’t ups ante in fight against human trafficking - Ministerial Task Force to be reconvened

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he Ministry of Public Security in its ongoing efforts to improve the efficacy of the Security Sector in Guyana, and to avoid duplication of strategies among stakeholder agencies, will resume meetings of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in 2016.

Provision for the establishment and operation of this Task Force is provided for in the laws of Guyana, namely the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act No. 2 of 2005. The Government of Guyana is thus duty bound to ensure that this obligation is fulfilled.

The functions of the Task Force will be carried out in accordance with Section 30 of the said Act. The Task Force will be chaired by the Vice President and Minister of Public Security, who according to Sections 31 and 32 of the aforementioned Act holds

responsibility for the collection and dissemination of information on efforts to combat trafficking in persons and the training of law enforcement and immigration, inter alia. He will be joined by fellow Ministers from the Ministry of Social Protection, Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, along with the Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Task Force will also include technical representatives from various Ministries, other Government Agencies and NonGovernmental Organisations who will work together to carry out activities in the National Action Plan and Report to the Task Force’s Ministerial representatives.

TIP is an international phenomenon which has been said to be the second largest crimi-

nal industry in the world.

The Ministry of Public Security pledges to invest in initiatives geared at reducing the incidence of trafficking in persons in Guyana, with the aim of totally eradicating the scourge. One such major initiative will be the formulation of an Action Plan for the period 2016-2017.

The Ministry encourages individuals to continue to report suspected cases of TIP to the Ministry of Social Protection’s hotline at 227-4083.

The National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) 2016-2020 will also soon be released. This plan resulted from a review and modification of the NDSMP 2014-2018, triggered by the need to bring it in line with the most recent national and international dynamics of the drug problem.

The Government of Guyana is committed to en-

suring the sustained safety and security of its citizens well into the future, against the drug problem. In advancing this position, a strategic approach was adopted to remedy the problem. This Master Plan therefore utilises a long -term balanced approach between public health and public security.

It addresses Demand Reduction, Supply Reduction, Control Measures, Institutional Strengthening and Policy Coordination as well as International Cooperation. It draws on the views of several Ministries and

NGOS, as well as the results of outreach consultations conducted throughout the hinterland of Guyana when the 2014-2018 NDSMP was being prepared.

In essence, the NDSMP will guide the operational plans of all government departments and other bodies involved in the reduction of demand, supply control, and all other aspects of the national fight against drug abuse and its associated ills.

The strategies expressed are based on the existing national situation but also take into account several

international treaties and agreements, including those proposed by regional, hemispheric, and global agencies.

Sustainable collaborative efforts will be a prerequisite at all levels to effectively fight the world drug problem. The National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2016-2020 is a manifestation of that intent, as it involves the combined efforts of all stakeholders in proceeding continuously towards fulfilling a common responsibility.

First Lady presents 1500 pairs of shoes to hinterland students

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irst Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, in collaboration with the ‘Rethink’ Organisation, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Caribbean Airlines, presented over 1500 pairs of shoes to hinterland students, currently studying in Georgetown.

At a ceremony held on the lawns of State House, the First Lady presented the shoes to the students, in the presence of Junior Minister of Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; Junior Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Mr. Ernie Ross, Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Trinidad and Tobago.

The ‘Rethink InitiativeKind Soles Project’, was started by Ross, in support of the President’s initiative to ensure that all children, regardless of their location, attend school.

This was the first batch of a total of 30,000 shoes, which are expected to be given to all students in the hinterland regions of

Guyana over the coming months.

In explaining the genesis of the project, the First Lady said the shoes, called “the shoes that grow” is specially designed to ensure that it can still fit the chil-

feet, and he said he wanted to provide some shoes for them. Well, I had seen a programme on BBC where a charitable organisation working in Africa had recognised the need for shoes for the children that can

months their sizes change.

So we thought this was the best for the children since it can still be worn as they get older and we approached the company,” Mrs. Granger said.

Mr. Ross said that

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Ms. Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Junior Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs; Dr Karen Cummings, Junior Minister of Health; Mr. Dion Inniss, Caribbean Airlines representative and other officials pose with the students who proudly displayed their new shoes dren as they age since they are expandable.

“I had a discussion with Mr. Ernie Ross, after he had seen a picture of the hinterland children bare

protect them from cuts and infections and so on, and so they developed this shoe called “Shoes that grow”.

[Being] a mother, I know you buy shoes and in six

during a meeting with the President he mentioned that he was saddened at the fact that children in the remote areas were going to school bare footed. The Honorary

Consul related that it was at this time that he decided that something needed to be done to address the situation.

“This is much the genesis and thinking of the First Lady and the President in meeting the needs of these children. We are merely the conduit to getting the programme put together,” he told the gathering. The Honorary Consul, who was instrumental in procuring the shoes, noted that the Government of Guyana will not be asked to provide any financing for the project.

“Each one of these shoes cost US$15, but we are not burdening the Government of Guyana with this responsibility. We are seeking sponsors to carry the programme forward so we are not going to rest until every child has been given a pair of shoes in every community,” he said.

An arrangement was put in place and the First Lady then worked in tandem with the Minister of Social

Cohesion and the Honorary Consul to ensure that the shoes would be delivered here for distribution. Caribbean Airlines agreed to ship the shoes to Guyana at no cost to the stakeholders.

Dion Inniss, Sales Executive of Guyana and Suriname, Caribbean Airlines, in his remarks, commended the project, noting that Caribbean Airlines was delighted to partner with the stakeholders in making the initiative a reality. He also committed the Airlines’ cooperation to undertake similar projects in the future.

The Junior Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs also expressed gratitude to the organisation and stakeholders for the efforts to ensure that the children in the hinterland regions are not left behind. “They would really appreciate this. It is such a wonderful gesture and on their behalf, I say thank you very much,” Minister Garrido-Lowe said.

Hinterland Highlights

President David Granger’s New Year’s message - 2016 year of National Renaissance

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uyana stands at the dawn of a new year, 2016. This marks Guyana’s Golden Jubilee, a monumental landmark celebrating 50 years as an independent state.

2016 follows a year of political change in Guyana.

That change in government is the second in 50 years. It rejuvenated hope.

It brought an end to minority authoritarian governance. But it also came with new challenges, of threats from external forces aimed at compromising our national patrimony. We thank the international community for its unwavering support of our country in defence of our territorial integrity and our sovereignty. As in the past, so shall it be in this new year and forever more: We will not yield, not even a

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President David Granger television to all corners of Guyana; attracting major investment; revitalization and strengthening of our agriculture sector; creating a business friendly environment and repositioning our tourism product.

The issues of constitutional reform and telecommunications liberalization are especially critical priority items for 2016. We

need to remove all traces of authoritarian powers in our principal law, and to open up Guyana to the new wave of making telecommunications a viable industry. We need to end one-company monopoly in the telecommunications sector. The archaic telecommunications framework needs to be demolished and replaced with a forward-thinking system which will allow for low cost connectivity in all forms and across all geographic spaces without the constraints of limited bandwidth, weak signal and slow access. We need e-governance and e-commerce to be our new mode of doing business. We need to transform Guyana’s ICT sector.

We want our young people, those in the formal education system and those who

would have graduated from it, to master new technologies to access jobs and develop careers. Our spectrum is a national asset, and it must be used and protected.

Your Coalition Government is committed to pursuing an agenda which puts Guyana first and which pursues a good life for all in a green economy. Our Coalition Government has reestablished and reinforced the fundamentals of our democracy: observance of the doctrine of separation of powers among the executive and legislature and the judiciary; respect for the rule of law and the rights of citizens; support for a plural, free and open media; and care for our elderly and children and our working people. This is also the year in which Local Government

Elections will return after 18 years. All citizens are encouraged to participate fully in these elections as you exercise your right to elect the community leaders of your choice and reactivate participatory, grassroots democracy in Guyana. Our Government urges all citizens to help make our environment better. We all need to join the clean up campaign. We all need to adopt the fresh approach. We need to reclaim our status as both proud and hospitable Guyanese.

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana extends to all Guyanese here and in the Diaspora, best wishes for a successful, transformative and peaceful 2016.

Foundation for Umana Yana completed - next phase begins...

he re-construction of the Umana Yana, a site of significant importance to Guyana’s indigenous peoples, is moving apace, to the extent that the foundation has been completed, one month ahead of schedule.

Kieraj Bissessar, Project Engineer from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure said that the project will be handed over to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs early in January for the implementation of the next phase of work.

“We went to tender on

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blade of grass.

As we embark on this historic year of reflection and celebration, as a people, it is incumbent upon us to rally together to make 2016 a year of meaningful change and progress. Over the past seven months the work to transform Guyana started. We can see a new landscape, of a clean and green Guyana, emerging.

However, 2016 must be the year of fundamental reorganization of the manner in which our nation’s business is administered. There are major priority items which must be advanced – a reorganization of our productive sectors including sugar, rice and mining; constitutional reform; telecommunications liberalization; creating a green economy; expansion of national radio and

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November 18 with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and R.P. Construction agency for the construction of the foundational works of the Umana Yana which totalled $7.135M…this was to be completed in two months,” Bissessar indicated.

Whilst the foundation was raised to approximately 12 inches to prevent possible future flooding, solar electrical distribution and cooling systems will be installed, along with a sprinkler system.

The new benab will be constructed using tradition-

al methods by members of the Wai Wai tribe with materials being supplied by the villages of Masakenari and Moraikobai.

The Umana Yana was erected in August of 1972, as a VIP Lounge and Recreation Centre. The palmthatched benab was erected for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Guyana.

The 55-foot high coneshaped benab was constructed by Amerindians of the Wai Wai tribe from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, and wal-

laba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nabbi vines.

The Umana Yana was destroyed in 2014 by fire believed to have been of

electrical origin.

The completed foundation works for the Umana Yana

Two Region 10 riverain communities get water wells

esidents of Hururu, and Bamboo Landing, riverain communities in Region Ten are benefitting from potable water as a result of two wells that were dug by Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc., (BCGI). Both wells altogether cost in excess of $25 million.

Residents prior to this were experiencing water quality and delivery problems, and this issue

was raised at a meeting with Serge Kostyuk, former Managing Director of BCGI. The wells were officially handed over to villagers at a formal commissioning ceremony on December 11, 2015.

The well in Hururu Mission, Upper Berbice is approximately 200 feet (60.96 meters) in depth and was completed on September 30, 2015. The other well in Bamboo Landing was

completed on November 10, 2015.

A Memorandum of Amendment to the Consolidation Agreement between Hururu village and BCGI was signed on September 5, 2013. The agreement catered for the company to provide $1.1M per month to the village to be used for its further development as a result of it leasing more land to the bauxite company.

Under the agreement it also

benefits from $1.1M for the rehabilitation of roads.

Valerii Vinokurov, current Managing Director of the company has seen the agreement to its conclusion.

Hururu and Bamboo Landing councillors and toshaos were present for the wells’ commissioning.

They offered prayers and gratitude to the company for providing the wells.

Hururu Toshao shakes hand with Valerii Vinokurov, Managing Director of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. after the commissioning of the well in the village

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Hinterland Highlights

President adjusts ministerial responsibilities to strengthen policy implementation

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resident David Granger, after seven months in office, was able to identify policy areas that need strengthened Ministerial attention and has made some adjustments to match those national needs with some changes in Ministerial responsibility.

The Head of State made it clear that these changes do not involve any changes to his Cabinet and does not mean that there is an increase in the size of the Cabinet or any reshuffling.

It is, instead, a step towards developing capacity in certain policy areas.

Making the official announcement that Minister of Tourism, Catherine Hughes will now be named Minister for Public Telecommunications, while maintaining Ministerial responsibility for Tourism, President Granger said, “The reason is that after seven months, we detected a gap that there is no single spokesperson in the National Assembly, a Ministerial spokesperson, dealing with

the digital economy [and] dealing with information technology. So we decided that it was necessary to have a Minister responsible for information and communication technology.”

Additionally, the Ministry of Governance and the Protection of the National Patrimony was renamed the Ministry of Natural Resources. Minister Raphael Trotman is now the Ministser of Natural Resources.

The President added that there will also be some non-Cabinet movement.

While applauding the work that Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes has done, President Granger said that her knowledge of the hinterland makes her a great asset to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

“Minister Broomes has tremendous energy and skill and she is going to be functioning from the Ministry of Natural Resources. She has a very good knowledge of the hinterland and we are concerned with the enforce-

ment of certain practices and regulations in that Ministry,” the President said.

Meanwhile, Minister Keith Scott is now at the Ministry of Social Protection and will be responsible for labour issues. A new Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Member of Parliament and Chief Executive Officer of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), Valerie Sharpe-Patterson received the nod for that post because of her strong administrative experience.

Following is a complete list of adjustments, effective from January 1, 2016.

try, moves to the Ministry of Social Protection;

Ministry of Communities - Hon. Keith Scott, MP, Minister within the Minis-

Minister Raphael Trotman

the roads. In regards to these roads, Minister Ferguson expressed great displeasure at their state and noted that they would have been the

ing constant blackouts and issues with engines. He explained that currently, Port Kaituma residents are privy to electricity only from

James indicated that when the remedial works are completed, Port Kaituma residents will have 23 hours of electricity. He also shared that the residents, particularly the businesspersons, were reluctant to pay their bills due to the infrequent electricity.

There are just over 600 residences on the KPL power grid, James added. He further said that while outlying areas have no access to electricity, KPL is looking to extend and provide a secondary supply of electricity.

Minister Ferguson also focused on the internal administration of KPL and questioned James on the working conditions of the 11 staff members. In turn, James indicated that staff members have been victimised by residents in the past and oftentimes feel unsafe.

He said too that they would have received threats.

Minister Valerie Patterson -Mrs. Valerie Sharpe-Patterson, MP, is appointed Minister within the Ministry.

Ministry of Governance This Ministry within the Ministry of the Presidency is re-designated Ministry of Natural Resources.

Ministry of Natural Resources Hon. Raphael Trotman, Minister of Governance within the Ministry of the Presidency, is appointed Minister of Natural Resources; - Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Hon. Simona Broomes, MP, moves to the Ministry of Natural Resources; Ministry of Public Infrastructure -This Ministry relinquishes responsibility for public telecommunications.

Minister Simona Broomes

Minister Keith Scott

Ministry of Social Protection -Minister within the Ministry, Hon. Simona

Broomes, MP, moves to the Ministry of Natural Resources; -Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Hon. Keith Scott, MP, moves to the Ministry of Social Protection.

Minister Catherine Hughes Ministry of Public Telecommunications -This Ministry is established;-Minister of Tourism, Hon. Catherine Hughes, MP, is appointed Minister of Public Telecommunications.

Ministry of Tourism Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes, MP, will retain responsibility for Tourism in addition to her new duties.

Port Kaituma suffered from neglect – Coalition Gov’t will take care of community- Minister Ferguson

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inister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, paid a visit to Port Kaituma, Region One in December where, she heard a number of complaints from the residents.

Among the grievances raised was the deplorable state of roads in Port Kaituma, along with inadequate electricity supply from the Kaituma Power and Light (KPL) Company.

Minister Ferguson spent the entire day in the community where she paid visits to several areas, including the Port Kaituma Community Hospital; the KPL Power Plant; and the new Port Kaituma Hospital, which is currently under construction.

During all of these visits, Minister Ferguson assessed the conditions of infrastructure, particularly

Minister Annette Ferguson in discussion with Kaituma Power and Light Company (KPL) CEO, Shawn James product of years of neglect.

At KPL, Minister Ferguson spent more than an hour discussing problems at the power plant with Shawn James, KPL’s Chief Executive Officer. James outlined the problem areas, includ-

5:00pm to 7:00am each day, due to engine problems.

Though KPL has three engines, only one is currently functional; the other two engines are down while repairs are being conducted on one of them.

“We are like, anybody else, are servants; there are things outside of our control and that does not give anyone the right to threaten us,” James emphasised.

In response, Minister Ferguson emphasised that the issues of the past needed to be resolved today. She noted that while the new administration had a herculean task of fixing old and inherited problems, it was nonetheless ready to rise to the challenge for the sake of the Guyanese public.

“We’re a new administration and I prefer for us to be straight,” Minister Ferguson stressed to James. She went on, “At the end of the day, it’s not about you and I; it’s about the people here in Port Kaituma and ultimately the entire country.”

She stressed that cooperation is necessary for the betterment of the region.

Meanwhile, Minister

Ferguson also participated in a joint community meeting with Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock. During this meeting, members of the community were able to interact with the Ministers and voice their concerns. Minister Ferguson took the lead in this meeting and responded to questions, the majority of which touched on muchneeded infrastructural development in Port Kaituma.

She urged the residents to remain patient and assured that Port Kaituma will be taken care of.

Other issues raised included the reopening of mining lands; regularisation of the community; erosion of the Port Kaituma waterfront; poorly managed garbage collection systems; exploitation of workers; poor healthcare facilities; and inadequate water supplies.

Hinterland Highlights

Ministry of the Presidency calls for immediate retraction of misleading Guyana Times headline

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he Government of Guyana refutes the deliberately misleading headline of an article, which was carried in the Monday, December 28, 2015 edition of the Guyana Times. The headline, which was at odds with the actual content of the article published in that newspaper, states “No evidence of corruption against PPP/C – President Granger.”

Nowhere in the content of the article, nor in the source of the content, which was a recording of ‘The Public Interest’ aired on December 25 on the National Communications Network, does President Granger say or imply that there is no evidence of corruption against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. The Ministry of the Presidency would like

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between anecdote and evidence. There is a difference between speculation and surmise and actually providing proof and sometimes people make allegations and you ask them for the evidence and there is no evidence to prove; that is why we have a Court system that is why we have a criminal justice system. If people were assumed to be guilty, simply because of a newspaper article or a letter to the editor, the country will be in chaos. So over the months since the new administration has been in office, we have been conducting some inquiries, some investigations, some audits and when there is sufficient evidence, which we feel establishes the blame-worthiness of the persons concerned, we will go to the Courts. In some

instances, some people have been sent on leave to permit investigations to take place, but you can only go to the Court when you have evidence. We can’t go to the Courts and say, ‘look there is a letter to the Editor alleging that you did so and so’.

We’ve got to get proof.”

As a follow-up to the first question, Mr. Smith then posed the question, “So your message to those who are a bit antsy as a result of all of those supposed exposé in the media quoting your Ministers of course, would be what exactly?”

The President responded saying: “When we get the evidence, we will embark on prosecution. We are not interested in condoning malpractice but sometimes the evidence has been concealed, sometimes the evi-

dence is not there for us to see so we have to find out and that is what has been taking place. In the meantime, we have work to do.

We have to run the country.

We can’t spend all the time simply investigating, we’ve got to move the country forward so we are doing both at the same time. We are walking on two legs. We want to ensure that malpractices are brought to an end and there is no reoccurrence of any wrongdoing that has occurred in the past. At the same time we have got to provide a quality of governance to make sure that the country does not slip backward. So it will take time, it will take time but we are not unaware of the wrongdoings of the past. We were in the Opposition for three years and we ourselves made

complaints. Now we’ve got to provide the evidence.”

The Ministry of the Presidency condemned this misleading headline, particularly since it purports to be comments of the President of Guyana.

It is irresponsible and mischievous and the Government of Guyana calls for a retraction.

While the Government of Guyana promotes and stands solidly in support of press freedom, the Ministry of the Presidency calls on the Guyana Times to pay attention to the ethics and responsibilities that ought to be observed in the profession of Journalism. Importantly, the media must take seriously its responsibility to provide accurate information to the members of the public.

Guyana signs US$300,000 grant with Green Climate Fund

inister of Governance, with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman has signed a US$300,000 grant with the Green Climate Fund (GCF.) The agreement was signed on the side lines of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC), which was held in Paris, France.

Minister Trotman and Ousseynou Nakoulima, Director of Country Programming for the GCF, signed the agreement in the presence of Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Dr. Kenrick Leslie, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre; and other dignitaries. The money is to be spent over the next year.

The objective of the agreement is to support

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to categorically state that the headline has no basis in fact and was clearly designed to mislead the readers of that publication, and calls for an immediate retraction.

During the recording of ‘The Public Interest’, responding to a question posed

by Mr. Mondale Smith, a Journalist from Kaieteur News; “…will there ever come a time when people will be held accountable in the true sense of accountability for the things or the atrocities of the past, as it relates to especially to our finances?”, the President said that there is a need for evidence to be first established before criminal charges and prosecution can follow.

This is the verbatim response provided by the President: “The answer is yes. There is a difference

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Guyana in strengthening the institutional capacity of its National Designated Authority (NDIA) to implement its responsibilities to the GCF by preparing climate-related country programmes through a multistakeholder engagement process.

The resources will also be used to enhance Guyana’s readiness to access and deliver international climate finance through targeted institutional strengthening. The scaling up of the NDA’s capacity is one of the preliminary steps toward Guyana becoming accredited to the GCF, and thus to access directly this climate financing modality.

At the end of the project year, it is anticipated that capacity would be boosted to facilitate effective consultation and communication on climate-related issues and accessing the GCF. There

will be extensive knowledge on climate and finance priorities, a system for reviewing proposals and issuing recommendations (or no-objections) will be established; the development of capacity and systems to monitor, evaluate and report on the activities of the Fund and other relevant finance mechanisms, the establishment of institutions; and information, including in local languages, on procedures of the Fund disseminated to country stakeholders, would be readily available.

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the only accredited entity to the GCF in the Caribbean and one of only 20 entities accredited globally to date, will act as the Delivery Partner for this project.

In the meantime, Guyana engaged the Coalition of Rainforest Nations (CfRN)

to advance the proposal for the establishment of a new International Council of Rainforest Nations. Minis-

of Environment of Panama, Mirei Endara, who chairs the CfRN. The proposed Council

Minister Trotman (second from left) with the team from Global Green Initiative after the signing ter Trotman, accompanied

by Chief Negotiator, Mr. Andrew Bishop, held discussions with the Minster

will seek to facilitate cooperation among like-minded rainforest countries, particularly in the implementation

of REDD Plus initiatives.

The REDD Plus mechanism provides monetary incentives to countries for reducing deforestation and sustainably managing their forests.

The expectation is that the Council will provide greater leverage for accessing the means of implementation from innovative private sources, and supplementing public sources under the UNFCCC. This will open up new funding opportunities for rainforest countries, of which Guyana is internationally recognised as a leader in the sustainable management and conservation of its forests.

Minister Trotman expressed support for the initiative and indicated Guyana’s interest in partnering with the entity. He undertook to seek Government’s endorsement on the initiative.

Berbice Bridge tolls reduced - Gov’t, BBCI reach agreement

he Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) and the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) on December 28, 2015, signed the agreement for the provision of

a subsidy to the bridge company.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, as well as Minister within the Ministry Annette

Ferguson.

Representing the bridge company were Chairman, Egbert Carter, and Chief Executive Officer, Omadat Samaro, and other officials.

The signing covered the

provision of a $31M subsidy to the bridge company. This subvention will cover a toll reduction for passenger cars and minibuses, from $2,200 to $1,900 and for all other types of vehicles by 10 per-

cent, excluding vessels.

Both Minister Patterson and Minister Ferguson are pleased that the agreement has finally been reached.

The Ministers also said that the agreement is just an in-

dication of the Government of Guyana’s commitment to providing a better life for the Guyanese public.

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Hinterland Highlights

Guyana achieves COP21 Agenda -pushed negotiations for protection for SIDS, other vulnerable states

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Guyana delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference; (COP21), in France, attained its agenda to secure a legally binding Paris Agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable states.

The delegation, which was headed by Mr. Raphael Trotman, Minister of Governance; and Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan; also included Mr. George Talbot, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Mr. Andrew Bishop, Chief Negotiator, Ministry of the Presidency; Mr. Troy Torrington, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations; Negotiator, Ms. Kandila Ramotar – Climate Change Officer and Negotiator, Ms. Michelle Kalamandeen – Biologist and Civil Society Representative; Ms. Jocelyn Dow – Civil Society Representative, Mr. Stefan Rickford Knights – Student and Youth Representative and Ms. Teresa Gaime – Technical Officer, Department of Natural Resources.

Guyana’s objectives Guyana’s principal objectives going into the negotiations were to secure a legally binding Agreement, a long-term goal for deep

Minister Raphael Trotman in meeting with respresentative of Climate Green Fund emission cuts consistent ing limit to be included in developed; and to increase with a 1.5 degree warming the agreement and its sup- its access to GCF funding pathway, led by developed port of the REDD+ frame- for future projects, was apcountries. It also aimed work, which is particularly proved for the US$300,000 to have an article that an- important to Guyana and grant to be implemented chored REDD Plus and Suriname. over the next year. previously approved COP In addition, Guyana At the close of the decisions in the Agreement, pursued a number of bilat- Conference, a dedicated in addition to provisions for eral engagements, meeting Article for Forests, in parfinance for helping devel- with the Norwegian delega- ticular REDD Plus, which oping countries combat cli- tion, Italy and the Green Cli- secures the previous COP mate change, using 100b as mate Fund. Meetings were decisions on REDD Plus as a floor to scale up from 2020 also held with high level a framework, provides for among others. representatives from Con- support, including through The Conference, while servation International and results based payments, for centered on the larger ne- the World Wildlife Fund. forest conservation and susgotiations for the creation The Green Climate tainable management of forof a climate agreement, of- Fund, which administers the ests; and provides a correfered the opportunity for the financial mechanism within sponding COP 21 decision, advancement of a number the UNFCCC supporting which provides for financof bilateral and multilateral projects and programmes in ing for REDD Plus; was esrelationships which Guyana developing countries for cli- tablished. Guyana played a sought to capitalise upon. mate change mitigation and leading role in securing this Guyana played a key adaptation, accepted a read- Article and Decision. role in the negotiating iness support proposal from A Finance Article blocks of CARICOM, the Guyana. Guyana’s proposal which provides for develAlliance of Small Island for institutional strengthen- oped countries to provide States (AOSIS) and the ing of its Climate Change financial resources to deCoalition of Rainforest Na- apparatus to implement its veloping countries for both tions. CARICOM countries Climate Resilience Strategy mitigation and adaptation; stood firm in their call for and Action Plan (CRASP) for developed countries to 1.5 degrees as the warm- which is currently being take the lead in mobilising

the required financial resources; was also reached.

A Mitigation Article which provides for a) a long- term goal of well below 2 degrees while pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees; b) developed countries to take the lead with emission reduction targets, with developing countries preparing and communicating strategies, plans and actions, but moving over time to emission reduction targets also; c) early peaking of emissions, but with developing countries taking longer, d) nationally determined contributions by all Parties, to be submitted every five years, and which should be progressively ambitious over time, e) fostering adaptation and low emission development in a manner that does not threaten food production, was also agreed to by the parties.

An Article for Loss and Damage (those impacts of climate change which we would not be able to adapt to), which includes enhancement of action and support for early warning systems, emergency preparedness, risk management and risk insurance facilities was also reached in Paris.

Recommendations There were several recommendations aimed at strengthening Guyana’s fight against Climate

Change. An early assessment of the implications, opportunities and way forward within the provisions of the Agreement in terms of the ratification process, project development, and access to finance and implementation would be valuable. As such, the repositioning of Guyana’s Climate Change Agenda through review and possible structural changes, clarification of roles and reporting channels of Office of Climate Change, Project Management Office and the Sustainable Development Unit with the aim of ensuring a more coordinated approach is demonstrated, has been recommended.

The policy framework within which Guyana can target new opportunities for support, based on national priorities, is required, and necessitates the formalisation of the Green Economy Strategy as a critical next step. It has also received recommendations for it to be examined while considering REDD Plus and related forestry linkages. A closer review and assessment of reforestation and reclamation plans as matters of priorities, has also been recommended.

Further, it has been also recommended that Guyana should pursue the potential partnerships for assistance in establishing green towns.

Upper Mazaruni farmers get assistance to fight acoushi ants, rats

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s part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s countrywide outreach exercise, Minister Noel Holder handed over chemicals to farmers whose livelihoods were affected as a result of attacks from rats and acoushi ants.

This exercise was done during the Ministry’s Outreach to the Upper Mazaruni region where the Minister and team held meetings with residents at Pariuma, Waramadong, Kako and Jawalla villages.

At the meeting held at the Pariuma Community Center Hall, several issues were raised. These include

firearm licences, the resuscitation of agriculture in the region, the incorporation of aquaculture and the issue of wild animals damaging agricultural produce.

Minister Holder underscored the importance of agriculture and for villages to embark on organic agriculture production. “Agriculture plays a vital role in ensuring food security. Efforts are now apace to ensure that the much needed assistance is provided to the Region.” the Minister said.

Ensuring that agriculture continues in the region remains an important pillar in the Ministry’s plan for

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder visiting a school in the Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven agricultural development in to access to markets and hinterland areas. employment opportunities At the meetings at took center stage. Residents Waramadong, Kako and state that oftentimes there is Jawalla, issues with regards no access to markets for the

produce. They made appeal to the subject Minister for assistance in marketing their produce.

The issue of firearm was also raised as the residents alluded to the fact that wild animals were hindering agricultural production. According to Toshao Claude Hastings, of Kamarang, wild hogs which attacked their farms during the latter half of the year, destroys 50 percent of production.

The villagers appealed for a speedy decision to be made, noting that their livelihood were under threat.

Minister Holder assured the residents that

their concerns will be raised with the subject Minister,Khemraj Ramjattan and Sydney Allicock to examine how the issue can be resolved.

The Minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Mr. George Jervis, Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Mr. Nigel Cumberbadge, Chief Fisheries Officer, Mr. Denzil Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Mr. Freddy Flatts and Head of the Rural Enterprise and Development Project Ms. Nadira Edwards-Lee.

Hinterland Highlights

More bicycles and boats donated to President Granger’s ‘Three Bs’ initiative

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he local business community continues to support President David Granger’s ‘Boats, Buses and Bicycles’ (Three Bs) initiative. This is evidence by the continued donation of bicycles and boats, in support of the enterprise.

Recently, David and Margaret Enterprise, of Potaro, Mahdia, Region Eight and Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs in Georgetown donated a total of 21 bicycles. The bicycles were presented to First Lady, Sandra Granger and Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, during a ceremony at State House.

Kent Phillips, of Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, said after having read about the initiative in the local papers he thought it was an excellent venture to support. Speaking also on behalf of the other donors, Phillips said that he is sure that the bicycles will definitely serve their intended purpose.

Also recently coming on board with support was the Guyana Goldfields/ Aurora Gold Project. The company donated a boat to the programme. Minister Ally received the boat on behalf of the Government and the President of Guyana, at the Guyana Gold-

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ceremony was held at the Indigenous Peoples’ Conference Hall in Lethem, Region Nine.

The issue of school attendance and punctuality was raised with Minister Ally during her trip to the region in October. A former professional educator, the minister is committed to ensuring that systems are in place to allow equal access to education for all of Guyana’s children, regardless of their geographic location.

She informed that her Ministry received significant support from the business community to acquire the bicycles for students to get to and from school, particularly those travelling from the farthest distances.

The Minister said that this was not merely a hand

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, shakes First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger presents a bicycle hands with Kenrick Glasgow, Logistics Manager to a smiling Leticia Williams Guyana Gold Fields fields Incorporated/Aurora ister Ally earlier presented out; noting that the Gov“This is about taking Gold Project Buck Hall, 52 bicycles to the students ernment holds firmly to steps to foster empowerEssequibo Coast location. of the St. Ignatius Secondthe view that by providing ment and foster cohesion...I In handing over the ary School in an effort to these bicycles, the children am going to be listening out boat, Logistics Manager of ensure transportation difof the region will be able to for success stories about the Buck Hall operations, ficulties do not stand in the acquire that which is nec- school attendance, punctuKenrick Glasgow said that way of school attendance. essary for them to make ality and performance. This the commitment to gift The handing over a difference in their lives. would give us a sense of the President a boat for his how this project is working ‘Three Bs’ programme, and we would know to what aimed at ensuring that all the extent it could be expanded children of Guyana are able here and in other commuto get to school, was made nities,” Minister Ally said. the same day that the comThe ‘Boats, Buses and pany poured its first gold bar.

Bicycles’ initiative started “This is a present from back in July when President the people of Guyana Gold Granger celebrated his 70th Fields for the children of birthday and made a call for Moraikobai in the Mahaisupport of the initiative that cony River. It is indeed a will ensure transportation pleasure and an honour to is provided so that school give this gift for the chilchildren can get to school dren so that they can go safely and comfortably. to school,” Glasgow said. First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger and Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Meanwhile, under the Ally display the bicycles donated by Kent Phillips and Ms. Sade Barton of ‘Three Bs’ initiative, MinAntarctic Maintenance

Several electrification projects on cards for hinterland in 2016

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he Hinterland Electrification Programme that is under the purview of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has achieved much success in supplying electricity across the hinterland.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Horace Williams during his presentation at the Ministry’s yearend press conference, on December 31, said that over 6000 households benefitted from solar power in the hinterland. The provision of the solar panels was just one of a number of projects that was set out by the Hinterland Electrification Co. Inc. and accomplished.

Another project that was successful was the pro-

vision of two MVA power transformers benefitting the Mahdia Power and Light Inc. and Port Kaituma Power and Light Inc. In addition, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) funded a grant of US$5M for the Sustainable Energy Programme.

The programme is aimed at promoting awareness of the importance of renewable energy, hiring of consultants to provide advice, installation of wind data collection equipment, installation of community based, isolated solar PV systems and installation of grid-tie solar PV systems on seven public buildings in Georgetown.

Unfortunately, Williams reported that a num-

ber of the projects listed above were not completed due to delays on the part of the consultants hired. As a result, only $6.M was utilised out of the $40M that was budgeted.

Williams further noted that electricity companies in the hinterland received over $1.18B in subsidy from government for the period September to December 2015. The companies are as follows: Linden Electricity Company Inc. (over $1B); Lethem Power Company Inc. ($35M); Mahdia Power and Light Inc. ($15M); Port Kaituma Power and Light Inc., ($15M); Matthews Ridge Power and Light Inc., ($10M) and Kwakwani Utilities Inc.($99.2M)

The Lethem Power Company Inc. also received monies to carry out capital works such as construction of the new power station, the extension of electricity to Culvert City and for the purchase of a vehicle and two motor cycles. A total of $35.5M was budgeted for the works, but only $14.4 M was utilised; $7.85 M was used for the purchase of a minibus and two motor cycles while $6.56M was advance payment on a $32M contract for the supply of line hardware.

The CEO noted that for the year 2016, the company hopes to accomplish those projects that faltered during 2015 along with the aim of intensifying the perfor-

mance of the programme.

The 2016 vision The company’s plans for 2016 include: - completion of the public awareness campaign strategy and implementation of a public awareness campaign to inform the public of the benefits of using RETs; - installation of four wind data collection equipment, and the commencement of wind data collection at four sites on the coast; - procurement and installation of solar PV community systems in at least 20 hinterland communities to support livelihood activities and provide energy for the enhancement of social services

- procurement and installation of the solar gridtie systems on the sevenpublic buildings to demonstrate the benefits of utilising such systems - upgrade of the generation systems at Port Kaituma and Mahdia to improve system reliability - extension of the electricity systems at St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Siparuta, Orealla and Moraikobai to add more than a total of 100 households on the grids - procurement of a generator and power transformer for Matthews Ridge to improve system reliability - cconstruction of office buildings for Port Kaituma and Mahdia power utilities.

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Hinterland Highlights

Indigenous producers receive quality assurance training

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he same batch of Indigenous producers from Region Nine that recently benefitted from assistance to improve their standards of production, also benefitted from enhancement and quality assurance training.

The training exercise was facilitated by the Ministry of Social Cohesion and the Institute of Applied Science and Technol-

the soaps and lotions that they produce. They were also taught to utilise materials in their environment to achieve the same standard as those produced in the laboratory.

In November, the Ministry and IAST had committed to undertake projects aimed at increasing the earning power of Amerindian producers, in keeping with the ministry’s goal of

The Macusi Women’s Group poses a question to the IAST representative ogy (IAST), at the IAST laboratories.

The fifteen (15) persons were flown to Georgetown and taken to the labs for training, where they were introduced to the technology being used to improve the textures and scents of

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empowering communities to enhance lives.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally, said that social cohesion and national unity cannot be achieved without economic and financial stability. As such, she said, the Ministry

is engaging stakeholders to determine what is needed to support community empowerment.

At that first meeting with farmers and producers, Professor Suresh Narine, Director of the IAST, had committed to flying the 15 members from the working groups to the IAST labs in Turkeyen to see first-hand the enhancement methods that are being used to add value to their products.

Since then, the IAST and the Ministry have been working with the Macusi Research Unit (MRU) and Medicine from Trees Women’s Group to add value to their products by adding scents and flavours to hygiene and beauty care items such as soaps, body lotions and oils; making them into attractive shapes and sizes to ensure access to higher priced markets. The partnership has already seen farmers and other producers being able to better develop and market their products and boost their earning power.

Dr. Narine said that over the past decade or so there has been a movement of indigenous products and knowledge into the market place. However, he noted

that to compete with the outside world, quality and consistency must be assured.

“The personal care market place is a market place that is high profits and high value, but it’s an appropriate place to move our botanicals into, not just crabwood oil but other botanicals. When you take cultural anthropology and medicinal anthropology like botanicals and you put it into modern products, you are marrying modern science with ancient cultural practices and it’s very important in that transformation that you pay attention to quality, to expected standards that the world has for those products. It’s important to make a high quality product that is safe and has attributes beyond the additives. That is what the market place is about,” Dr. Narine said.

He noted that the groups have been working with these materials for a very long time and the IAST’s role “is just to help regularise their methods to ensure that the products they make, meet international standards.”

“So what we have done is, we have taken all of their raw materials from their communities and we have

bottom data, so that Exxon can determine exactly what kind of structures they are going to build to develop that particular location. We are going to provide the information about the service so that they can determine what kind of structures, and

how they are going to anchor their structures for the development of that area,” he said.

Meanwhile, Patrick Lee, Civil, Structural and Artic Geotechnical Engineer, Exxon Development Company, said the tour

Two women from the Macusi Women’s Group pay keen attention to the demonstration optimised it. We have ensured that the soaps can be made safely, reproducibly and with quality. We added food grade colourants to make it more appealing and fragrances from plants that are grownlocally. We also developed liquid soaps, single use personalized bars, moulded soaps with different patterns and liquid soaps which are carefully controlled in terms of its viscosity and so on,” he said.

The group was also taught the science of soap making, how to deal with variables, branding for the products, how to maximise profits, maximising raw materials and labour cost to profits ratios, and how to

draft a business plan to access funding.

Additionally, on a monthly basis, random testing will be conducted by the IAST to ensure that quality control is maintained and technical support will be given until the producers can meet that standard.

With regard to peanut butter producers in the region, the IAST will be providing the necessary equipment to repair broken machinery to put production back on track.

Several other projects are expected to be undertaken in 2016.

was organised to showcase the equipment, personnel and expertise that are being brought on board for the developmental campaign that the company was looking at.

“It is primary to further develop the potential offshore Liza,” Lee said, noting that this is a sign that ExxonMobil was serious about investing in Guyana.

“We would not be looking at these activities if we were not. The fact that we are putting so much resource into this shows our commitment to Guyana,” he said.

It was only in September, 2015 at a meeting with the Minister that Vice President of Exploration, Mr. Erik Oswald, said that the company remains committed to its work in Guyana and is looking forward to

the next investment, which should be able to take shape as early as January 2016.

“All that work is underway right now. When the technical work is done, the others will be done. And the idea is, if we have a lot of success, we will bring additional rigs,” Mr. Oswald had said.

The oil and gas exploration began in Guyana on March 5, 2015, with drilling offshore in the Stabroek Block. Just two months later, on May 20, the company announced that its engagement in Guyana was proving successful, as its exploration drill ship, the Deepwater Champion, had found a deposit of a ‘significant’ evidence of oil in the Block, about 120 nautical miles offshore Guyana.

Minister Trotman tours ExxonMobil’s contracted geophysical survey ship

inister of Governance, with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Raphael Trotman, recently visited the Fugro Americas, which has been contracted by oil giant ExxonMobil, to commence works in the Stabroek Block, where the company found a significant amount of oil earlier in 2015.

The Fugro Americas is a multi-purpose vessel designed to conduct high resolution geophysical surveys and sea floor mapping.

The 193 foot-long vessel, which is permanently mobilised for rapid deployment to locations throughout North and South America to conduct geophysical surveys, arrived in Guyana on December 14. The vessel

will begin operations at the Stabroek Block in March 2016.

Minister Trotman was given a tour of the facilities and informed about the technology that is being used to conduct the surveys.

Connie Landry Jr., Project Manager for Fugro Geo-services Incorporated, who was on board to facilitate the tour, said the company has been contracted

by ExxonMobil to conduct works in the area where it has discovered oil so that it can plan its developmental agenda.

“We are here at Exxon’s request to do a geophysical and geo technical survey of their leased area in the Liza Block, and so we are going to use geo physical equipment, mostly the AUV system to collect imagery, sub

Minister Raphael Trotman pays keen attention as the Captain of the Fugro Americas explains the vessel’s capabilities

Hinterland Highlights

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Rupununi women benefit from business training

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hirty-two (32) Rupununi women are now much more businesssavvy after completing a five-day ‘Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop.’

The workshop, held under the auspices of the Office of the First Lady, was conducted at the Indigenous Peoples’ Conference Hall in Lethem, Region Nine. It was the third of its kind, and was aimed to inspire and empower ordinary Guyanese women to tap into their entrepreneurial potential and become successful business owners.

Speaking at the work-

pants, and assured them that it not a one-off intervention.

“We will continue to explore other ways to help you as funding becomes available because we believe that once women progress, nations progress,” she said.

The First Lady and her team were catering for a minimum of 20 participants as was done in Good Hope and Linden, but due to the overwhelming response by women of all the subdistricts in the Region, the team worked to facilitate the additional 12, making this the largest batch thus far.

Facilitator of the Workshop, Mr. Wayne Barrow,

business plan with which they can approach microfinancing agencies, such as the Small Business Bureau, to acquire loans to start up or expand their businesses.

Grace Albert, a participant from Wowetta Village, is part of a women’s group that cultivates cassava and produces a number of cassava products including chips and cassareep. After participating in the workshop, she mapped out her business plan with short, medium and long-term goals for her group, as well as for her own personal business venture, a grocery shop.

Albert said the group is

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger (seated, centre) is flanked by, from left, prominent Lethem businesswoman Shirley Melville (front row, first left), Lt. Col. (Ret’d), Yvonne Smith, from the First Lady’s Office; Facilitator of the workshop, Mr. Wayne Barrow; and his assistant, Crystal Baptiste; as the graduates (standing, back row) display their certificates shop’s closing ceremony, First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger said she was pleased with the level of interest shown by the partici-

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from the firm ‘Interweave Solutions’, explained that the participants were taught the pros and cons of developing a comprehensive

looking to increase cassava production, and will try to get their products on shelves in supermarkets across the country. She explained that

women venturing out into businesses not only support their families, but also contribute to the maintenance of food security in her community.

“We would like to partner with the Ministries of Agriculture and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to do more agro-processing...

This workshop was really good, I learnt a great lot, which I will take back to Wowetta to improve our business,” Albert said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Imacuelata Casimero from Aishalton Village, who said that she gained significant insight into the preparation of a budget and importance of promoting the services and products she offers. Casimero and the other participants from Aishalton have chosen to execute a project to benefit the entire community; that is to improve the supply of potable water by January 2016. This falls under the community development aspect of the two-pronged workshop.

Meanwhile, Wendella Rohlehr, who makes a living by walking and selling Brazilian cosmetic products, plans to use the knowledge she gained at the training to expand her current operations, firstly by registering her business and then garnering funds to purchase a vehicle so that she could

Facilitator, Wayne Barrow discussing the six “Ps” in business during the first session keep up with her competi- to survive. tors. In the long-term, she “We can do it, we are plans to build a shop in one masters at budgeting...at the of the prime commercial lo- end of the day, regardless cations in Lethem. of status, religion or race, Shirley Melville, one of we all have one thing in the most prominent female common; that is we are all business owners in Lethem, women and as women it is delivered the graduation a great feeling to make your charge and imparted some own money,” Melville said. words of wisdom from her The workshop was own experiences. She called funded by the Ministry of the First Lady’s initiative Social Protection with sup“timely” and spoke of the port from the Ministry of importance of discipline and Indigenous Peoples’ Afthe willingness to embrace fairs. The participants were change in order to succeed drawn from communities in the business environment. such as: Aranaputa, Annai, “You cannot spend Aishalton, St. Ignatius, Tiwhat you don’t have and ger Pond, Karasabai, Culyou must know the differ- vert City, Parishara, Wowetence between want and ta, Tabatinga and Lethem. need as self-employed perIn early November, 33 sons,” Melville said. She persons from the East Coast also urged the participants Demerara and Linden comto make customer service pleted the programme. The paramount in whatever area First Lady plans to take it to they choose to venture into, Regions Two, Three, Five, since a strong clientele is Six, Seven and Eight this necessary for any business year.

Gov’t, US sign MOU for narcotics investigative unit

overnment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States for the operation of a vetted counter-narcotic investigative unit programme.

Vice President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Halloway signed the MOU at the Minister’s Office in Brickdam.

The Vetted Unit Programme of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to train, equip and provide necessary assistance to partner countries so specialised units in those countries can meet certain standards and increase capacity in integrity, professionalism, and competence

in fighting drug crime.

This programme is intended to ensure better investigations and interdiction, and to prosecute and dismantle high-value targets in narco-trafficking networks.

Members of the Law Enforcement sector who will participate in the Vetted Unit Programme will have to pass certain background checks, plus tests as to medical and psychological fitness for duty, polygraph testing and random drug testing.

The DEA will be responsible for all expenses for training, whether it be local or international. The MOU is to remain in force for a period of five years.

The Minister of Pub-

lic Security also took the opportunity to request assistance from USA concerning a high-powered portable container scanner for surveillance of the contents of containers at various wharves in Georgetown. Hunt informed that the request is actively being looked into and their experts in USA are presently engaged in identifying costs and maintenance arrangement for such a crime fighting asset.

What was also good news for the Public Security Minister was the procuring by the US Government of equipment for virtual police training by trainers out of USA through tele-conferencing. The equipment will be stationed at the Po-

lice Academy. This has now come to fruition because of provision of higher speed internet services provided

by Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) to the academy.

There will now be more extensive and intensive training of officers and ranks in Guyana without the expenses of having to bring to Guyana USA Trainers, or having to send to the USA,

the Guyanese trainees.

Minister Ramjattan thanked both the Ambassador and the Deputy Head of Mission for the USA’s support.

Vice-President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and US Ambassador Perry Halloway sign the MOU

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Hinterland Highlights

GuySuCo ends year with over 231,000 tonnes sugar

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he second sugar crop for 2015 officially ended on December 23, 2015 with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) achieving 231,145 tonnes – 3,702 tonnes more than its target of 227,443 tonnes. The second crop realised 150,007 tonnes, surpassing the target of 146,300 tonnes, breaking an 11-year period of a second crop not fulfilling its goal.

Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Errol Hanoman said that such achievement came about because the management team was very motivated and workers gave of their best. Most importantly, the corporation was allowed to do the job without interference. “We have been allowed to manage. The management team focused solely on getting the tasks done, there were no distractions,” Hanoman reiterated.

The Coalition Government, cognisant of the sugar industry’s importance to Guyana and the livelihoods of the industry’s 17,000 workforce, appointed a new Board of Directors to manage the ailing company,

and instituted a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to look into its operations.

The last time the industry achieved its production target was in 2004 when it produced 325,317 tonnes of sugar. This is despite the

company over the years, consistently lowering its set targets. When the second crop target was achieved, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had commended the workers and the management for their accomplishment, reminding that the corporation has to work on regaining its profitability.

Meanwhile, Hanoman said he is keen to begin working on next year’s target which has been set at 242,287 tonnes, a five percent in-

crease over the 2015 target.

“My mind is now on 2016. We will be working to achieve 240,000 tonnes so we have to start refining our strategies to be able to be on top of our game. There will be lots of challenges, so at every level we have to go systematically to achieve the target, and so as we go into the New Year’s production, we all know where we stand,” the CEO stated.

Hanoman said that the company’s debt is still huge, standing at $78.6 billion, down from the $82 billion it had racked up by July of this year. But while it has achieved increased production, the company has to address its huge debt, and high production cost. Production is only one element to returning the corporation to viability.

Reminding of the two strikes called by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), which affected the corporation attaining its sugar target earlier, he said, “We are looking forward to a healthy, constructive relation with all the unions. All of us are working toward

the same goal of ensuring viability of the company and security of employment for the workforce.”

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, speaking on the sugar company’s viability, recently had said that some estates may have to merge. Wales and Uitvlugt, the West Demerara Estates are two targeted for merger.

Cabinet held a retreat on November 28, where members were briefed on the state of affairs at GuySuco, based on a detailed report from the COI. Harmon stated that it was agreed at Cabinet that, “because the industry is vital to many people whose livelihoods depend on GuySuCo and also because GuySuCo is important to Guyana’s overall economy, that there is a need for much wider consultations, with all stakeholders and (the) general public, regarding the future direction of GuySuCo.” He noted that based on the nature of GuySuCo and its great value, the COI’s report will be sent to the National Assembly for deliberations before any decision is made. The report was subse-

quently put before the Economic Services Committee of the National Assembly.

Over the years, the previous government injected billions of tax-payers’ dollars into the sugar sector, yet it remained in a dire state. The industry’s output over the last two years did not meet expectations. The 2013 production was a meagre 186,770 tonnes, and only a modest target of 215,910 tonnes was set for 2014. This is despite the industry receiving huge sums as bailouts.

The removal of preferential prices which African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries like Guyana enjoyed from the EU, worsened the corporation’s problems. Guyana has to compete in a volatile sugar market, where market prices continue to decline. Removal of the preferential market, therefore has forced GuySuCo to be more efficient, to remain competitive.

Meanwhile, with regard to sugar sales, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder reported that the world market prices impacted negatively in this regard.

“This was very evident from sugar sold to the European market where the price received is very much related to the World Market Price. Sales of value added sugar increased significantly from 2014 levels and our presence was re-established in most of the CARICOM countries. Sales of our latest brand of package sugar “Enmore Crystals” which is aimed at the North American market, commenced in 2015 in both the USA and Canada,” he explained.

Guyana anticipated export sales to the amount of 210,000 tonnes by December 31. Apart from the rising production cost that GuySuCo has to battle, the issue of wages and salaries impact greatly on the corporation’s operating costs. Wages and salaries have accounted for about 65 percent of GuySuCo’s operating cost.

The sugar industry’s recovery will not be without many challenges and setbacks however, the coalition government is adamant that it will do all that it can to return the industry to a viable state. It has said that sugar ‘is too big to fail’.

the largest earner of foreign currency for Guyana.

Minister of Governance, with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Raphael Trotman, said the declaration is a significant achievement in a price-declining market environment and all miners, particularly small and medium-scale miners, must be commended.

“The performance of the gold mining sector was

very impressive and very encouraging. With better regulation and more opportunities for miners, we expect to do even better in 2016.

We are happy that the good life is coming to fruition,” Minister Trotman said.

The Minister noted that the declaration figures attest to the fact that gold is an important earner in the Guyanese economy and as such, Government will continue to support the sector by pro-

viding operational concessions to miners and supporting infrastructural works.

At the start of 2015, the London Fix quoted the price of gold at US$1184.

The market prices initially fluctuated around US$1,150 before showing increased volatility and declining to a five-year low of below US$1,100.

As such, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) made

representation for concessions and incentives.

In October 2015, the Government granted fuel and equipment tax concessions to small and medium-scale miners and an agreement was signed by stakeholders; the Ministry of Finance, Guyana Energy Agency and the GGDMA. It was anticipated that despite the volatile gold prices, these concessions would energise production thus ensuring

the sector’s viability in 2015 and further into the future.

With the re-introduction of large-scale gold mining in Guyana, Guyana Goldfields and Troy Resources have contributed to the country’s total declaration, during the last quarter of 2015, increasing gold declaration and contributing to an overall increase of 16.5 per cent when compared to December 2014.

the Georgetown seawalls, and the construction of a bridge in Kurupukari.

In addition, a new bridge across the Demerara River was discussed as one of the priority projects, as well as an upgraded airstrip in Annai as an enhancement to the tourism sector.

Further in the discussions, Minister Patterson said a restoration of all independence symbols in

time for Guyana’s 50th Independence celebration is being considered, and the possibility of refurbishing all airports in the hinterland regions for them to be hubs for that particular region.

The British Government has launched a regional Infrastructure Fund, following a trip to Jamaica in September 2015, by the British Prime Minister. Guyana will benefit from the grants

which will be administered by the CDB through a bidding process expected to be opened in the New Year.

The British High Commissioner reiterated that funds provided to Guyana to finance these projects will be a grant and not a loan, and will be closely monitored by the British Government to ensure funds are being used for their intended purpose.

GuySuCo’s CEO, Errol Hanoman

Gold Board records 451,490 ounces - declarations exceed 2015 target

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espite a significant drop in gold prices on the world market, and challenges in the mining sector in 2015, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) recorded 451,490 ounces of declared gold, surpassing the year’s target of 380,000 ounces.

With the declarations, the GCB has recorded export earnings of approximately US$500 million, making the mineral, once again,

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CDB to disburse funds for infrastructural projects

he British High Commissioner, H.E. Greg Quinn met with Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson in December 2015 to discuss the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) expending of funds towards the Ministry for major infrastructural projects.

Some of the intended projects outlined by Minister Patterson are a Jubilee Park, a board walk at

British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn meeting with Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

Hinterland Highlights

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Berbice residents laud Coalition Gov’t as two pump stations valued $517M commissioned

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esidents and farmers of Region Six are in praise of the Coalition Government. This is following the commissioning of two much needed drainage pump stations in the region.

The pump stations were commissioned at Gangaram and at Joppa, No 43 village Corentyne. They carried a total cost of $517M, with $310M expended on the pump station at Gangaram and $277M on the Joppa station.

Both projects were

attendance of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, and Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, along with key regional and ministry officials.

Both drainage pump stations have the capacity to drain 200 cubic feet of water per second which translates to 90,000 gallons of water per minute.

David Madramootoo of Reliance Settlement said it was a ‘red letter’ day for the Canefield Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), however residents

The drainage pump station that was commissioned at Gangaram, Berbice, Region Six completed by contracting firm Roopan Ramotar Investments and were completed ahead of the deadlines, in spite of challenges in their embryonic stages.

The commissioning of both stations attracted the

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uyana Water Incorporated (GWI), continues to assist Hinterland communities affected by the current prolonged dry weather.

The GWI Hinterland Team conducted remedial works and other interventions in Central Lethem, Aishalton, Achiwib, Region 9, Kamwatta and Koko, Region 1.

According to Hinterland Manager, GWI, Osei Manifold, ‘due to the prolonged dry season, the static water level of the wells in the communities we are currently monitoring, have decreased. The static water level is the distance from the land surface (or the measuring point) to the water in the well. The current climatic conditions have signifi-

should be mindful of the investment and properly dispose of their solid waste.

“When there is high tide and you have water from the cane fields coming you do have flood…the residents only depend on the

NDC to clear their drains… this pump will be of tremendous help to us, benefitting the entire economy of East Canje, Rose Hall Estate, sugar, rice, cattle farmers, cash crop farmers…it’s a boost,” Madramootoo said.

Yakusari resident, Rashid in commending the government for the much needed intervention, said the project was a very good one that will drain farm lands in that area.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo in delivering the feature address indicated that the commissioning is linked to a larger dream of draining and irrigating thousands of acres of land countrywide.

“When we came into government we got baptised, not once but twice… and we said no more…since then monumental work was done on the drainage and irrigation network in the city which will be replicated in other parts of the country… so that when it rains the city would not experience the flood,” the Prime Minister explained.

He added that the investments made by the Coalition Government explicitly indicate that they care about the people and their livelihoods, and as drainage

is linked to the livelihood of most of the Guyanese people, emphasis is being placed on establishing proper drainage systems, lest Guyanese suffer the similar fate as citizens of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay recently did.

Minister Holder indicated that agriculture in Guyana accounts for more than 33% of total employment and 20% of the Gross Domestic Product. “There has been increasing investments in agriculture… Support to small farmers and other domestic investors, has increased production and created wealth for small holders and rural communities. ..This strategy is crucial to poverty alleviation and wealth creation,” Minister Holder indicated.

He added that water management is a critical area of focus for the Ministry of Agriculture since almost all agriculture is practiced in the low lying regions of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6,” hence the need to be able to adapt to climatic changes where our water resources and management are concerned, more so the height of the El Nino period, we are still faced with some occurrences of heavy rainfall that can cause flash floods

in many high risk areas.”

He added, “Because of these reasons, the Ministry of Agriculture, and particularly the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) concentrate on best practices in the drainage and irrigation sector. In 2015, NDIA received $1.6Billion to manage, provide, improve and extend agricultural water resource capacity. This is one of the largest shares of the Ministry’s budget in recent past and it is still inadequate,” Minister Holder explained.

Additionally, Region Six was allocated $ 170Million for the maintenance of D&I works, which is a 14% increase from 2014. “This government will continue to carry out all necessary works to be done in Region

Friday, January 8 to assist the Regional Authorities with these urgent repairs’.

The Hinterland Manager concluded that all repairs should be completed

by Sunday, January 10.

In addition, GWI has commenced a programme

improved access to potable water through the construction of new well stations and the installation of standpipes for both communities at a cost of over $10 Million.

Following a reconnaissance visit to both communities by the Hinterland

at Kamwatta and Koko, Region 1 in mid-January, 2016.

According to the Hinterland Manager, ‘both communities have significant water supply challenges. In fact, the residents of Koko depend on rain water harvesting for their water supply. Hence, the construction of these new wells is vital to improving the standard of living in both Hinterland communities’.

In addition to the construction of the well stations, the programme will involve erecting over-head storage tanks capable of storing in excess of 1800 gallons of water for more efficient water service.

The programme will also encompass the installation of stand-pipes at

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder switching on the drainage pump at Gangaram, Berbice, Region Six

GWI team visits communities in Region 9 - conducts repairs to damaged well stations

cantly affected these wells, however while the levels have decreased, the wells are still producing water though at reduced levels’.

In addition, the well station serving the community of Aishalton is currently experiencing technical difficulties due to a defective control box which has caused the electrical pump, which supplies power to the station, to malfunction. The well station at Achiwib is also experiencing challenges due to a damaged electrical pump.

‘The replacement parts necessary for these repairs have been delivered to Central Lethem,’ stated Manifold, ‘and the GWI Team will be travelling to each community by

GWI CEO Dr. Richard Van West-Charles during a tour of several hinterland Communities to provide the Hinterland communities of Kamwatta and Koko, Region 1 with

Manager, the company is prepared to commence the drilling of new well stations

Six, especially in agriculture and particularly in drainage and irrigation,” Minister Holder emphasised.

David Armogan, Regional Chairman for Region Six indicated that the commissioning of the two pumps constitutes a timely intervention which will seek to boost the overall production of agriculture in the areas. Armogan reasoned that farmers will be in a position to yield more as the pumps will ensure flooding does not affect their investment, which generally works out well for the farmers, the region and by extension the economy.

He however, urged residents to be mindful to employ proper methods of disposing their solid waste.

key locations within Kamwatta and Koko which are easily accessible and convenient for residents to access the service.

‘In excess of 400 residents will benefit from improved access to safe water upon completion of both wells,’ stated Manifold, ‘in particular, residents of Koko will be relieved following the construction of the new well station since the community has no water supply system. In the past, residents utilized ‘hand dug wells’, but due to the prolonged dry season this is no longer an option. Every effort is being made to install the new systems in the swiftest manner possible’.

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Hinterland Highlights

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Spreading the Christmas cheer

he administration, during the Christmas season brought

smiles to the faces of hundreds of children, as they were treated to parties and

gift distribution. This exercise was conducted all across the country, and

on many occasions was spearhead by the President and/or the First Lady.

Meanwhile, goodies were delivered to many seniors, residing at sev-

eral homes in the city including the Palms Geriatric Home, Brickdam.

Some of the children gathered for the National Assembly’s annual Christmas Party at Public Buildings

A section of the large gathering of children at the annual Christmas party held on the lawns of State House.

Beautiful faces of Akawini children gathered at the Akawini Primary School Annex to meet President Granger and receive their Christmas gifts

Children flock President David Granger at Baracara

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Minister, Simona Broomes; and Ms. Lurlene Nestor distribute gifts at the annual Christmas party held on the lawns of State House.

Frist Lady Sandra Granger and Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence share Christmas hampers to the elderly

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministers Sydney Allicock and Valerie GarridoLowe with the residents of the Amerindian hostel

Little girls enjoying their new toys at Baracara

Hinterland Highlights

Spreading the Christmas cheer

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock greets a patient at the Amerindian hostel

Wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Mrs Sita Nagamootoo speaking to the children at the Dharam Shala Christmas party

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Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton, greeting a resident of the Uncle Eddie’s Home

President Granger sharing Christmas gifts. He is assisted by Minister Amna Ally, at Friendship Village in Region 2

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon spreads Christmas cheer to Pouderoyen children

The children of Sandvoort waiting to receive their gifts

These excited boys waited patiently while Minister, Annette Ferguson selects just the right gift for each of them

These two youngsters were quite pleased with their presents from Minister Amna Ally

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Hinterland Highlights

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506 more teachers trained - urged to be agents of change

he Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) has added its latest batch of trained teachers into the education system. Five hundred and six (506) teachers graduated at the college’s 81st graduation ceremony at the National Cultural Centre under the theme “Quality Instructional Leaders: Empowering 21st Century Learners.”

early childhood education, 37 in primary education and 4 in secondary academic.

Delivering the feature address, Registrar of the University of Guyana, Dr. Nigel Gravesande said that the graduation should be more than just the conferral of certificates and degrees to the graduands.

Gravesande said that the day should also be

Best Overall Student Tameshwor Mohabir, collecting the Prime Minister’s Prize from Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Four hundred and a reminder, of the interforty-four (444) teachers connective relationship inwere bestowed with an As- volving CPCE, the student sociate Degree, with 83 teachers and the Ministry of endorsed in early child- Education. He pointed out hood, 159 in primary edu- that it is through the supcation, 132 in secondary port of the Government of academic, 56 in secondary Guyana that all the stakepre-school vocational and holders are able to execute 14 in technical instruction. the day’s ceremonial rite The remaining 62 of passage. “Through the teachers received a Trained support, our students have Teachers’ Certificate. Of this completed practice teaching number, 21 were trained in in schools, across the coun-

Best Overall graduate on the Primary programme, Lynette Fiedtkou receives her trophy

try, across the regions and the small communities.”

Dr. Gravesande referred to a recent English Learning Advisory Committee (ELAC) study which estimates that the cost to train one single teacher throughout a programme leading to a certificate and/ or an associate degree in the region is US$8,000. “If I was to do my mathematics, the cost of your training at minimum would have cost the taxpayers of this country in excess of $590 million.

You have to give back something,” Gravesande said.

It is also in this context that he urged the graduating batch to become agents of change in times of “economic, social, cultural and even spiritual turbulence.

We all have the potential to act as a catalyst for growth, development and what is right,” he noted.

“Celebrate this potential with us today,” he said, as he urged them forward.

The Cyril Potter College of Education’s 81st batch of graduands taking the Teacher’s oath two-year ADE programme, teachers to further develop the experiences you have the Trained Teacher’s Cer- their cognitive abilities, “we gained from the content and tificate (TTC) programme would like to register the the methodology courses and the Teacher Upgrad- need for us to have a delib- you have accessed have ing Programme (TUP.) erate focus on the affective placed you in a good posiRowe explained that domain of learning.” Not- tion to go out there and be of the 14 students, who ac- ing that this area emphasises the best quality instruccessed the new ADE one- the value for self and oth- tional leaders you could year programme, one was ers, empathy and tolerance, possibly be,” she urged. awarded distinction and 13, Rowe said that the college This year CPCEs credit. She said that on the aims to, in this regard, better best overall graduand was equip its students with the Tameshwor Mohabir from necessary skills that would the two - year ADE proenable them to “appreciate gramme. Other outstanding and demonstrate their pro- performers include Devon fessional and moral respon- Thomas from the one -year sibilities towards the learn- ADE programme, Nareners with whom they would dra Lall, Delicia Vancooten, have interacted and the Nikita Natasha La Rose, wider society as a whole.” Nick Edwards, Kamini She urged the gradu- Debi Singh, Alyne Annands to strive to give their Downes, Dianne Persaud, students even more than Sherry Ann Austin and they would have received Anthony Chatterpaul from from their lecturers at the the two- year ADE procollege. “You have earned gramme and Lynnette Fiedtthe fundamental tools from kou, and Donna Ambrose your interaction…these ex- from the Trained Teachers Best Overall graduate for the Early Childhood periences, in concert with Certificate Programme.

Programme, Donna Ambrose receives her trophy

CPCE’s Principal, Viola Rowe during her delivery of the college’s report noted an increase in the number of males graduating. Of the total number of students that graduated, 88 percent were females and 12 percent males. This represents a 9 percent increase in the number of males graduating in 2015 as against 2014, Rowe said.

During the period, September 2014 to August 2015, the college offered the one-year Associate Degree in Education (ADE) programme, the

ADE two-year programme, 9 students were awarded, distinction, 418 received credit and there were 3 passes. Fourteen (14) students were awarded credit while there were 16 passes in the TTC programme.

Addressing specifically the role of the college in contributing to local education system, Rowe said that the college continues to prepare students to respond to the changing need of learners and the education system.

She said that whilst the institution is satisfied with its efforts in helping the student

A CPCE graduate collects her certificate from the institution’s principal, Viola Rowe

Hinterland Highlights

LEN launched with $155M allocation

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resident David Granger has announced what he called the Linden Action Plan, as he urged residents of Region Ten to rebuild their economy on four pillars: investment, information, infrastructure and innovation.

President Granger made this announcement as 40 entrepreneurs received their loan approval letters from the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), during the launch of the micro credit programme at the newly refurbished Region 10, Business Centre.

The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, Members of Parliament and regional officials.

The President congratulated the team at LEN for sticking it out during a difficult period, and pledged that his administration will ensure that the institution remains viable.

“We want to ensure that credit is available to LEN. We want to make sure that Linden becomes the womb for entrepreneurs and young persons who are going into enterprise. We see a role for micro credit and for small enterprises,” he said.

The President also attended a key stakeholders luncheon at Watooka House where he stressed the role Lindeners must play in the development of their town.

While the government will play its role, President Granger called for Lindeners to develop a spirit of cooperation. “The time for confrontation has passed.

We now have to go into an era of cooperation...the success of Linden, the success of the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region will depend on our ability to combine our energies and to use our God given resources and to improve the lives of our households and our children,” he said. The President, therefore, called on residents of the community to inculcate an attitude of cooperation, and to build institutions that foster cooperation.

The Head of State, speaking of the Linden Action Plan, said the first pillar must be built on is

investment. “You have to have capital... micro credit

need for solid infrastructural development and innova-

enterprise sector that can aid in the unemployment

President David Granger addresses a rapt audience at the recommissioning of the Linden Enterprise Network can transform this community and this region. It can lift people out of poverty.

It can establish and boost small businesses and it can create jobs for young people,” the President said. It is for this reason, he added, that micro credit investments are important since many persons are not able to meet the requirements of some commercial banks.

The second pillar on which Government will focus its efforts for the development of Linden is Information. Noting that the world is in the fast paced, information age, the President said telecommunication and information technology are not optional, but rather, obligatory. “You cannot embark on enterprise without information, you may have good ideas but unless you have information about the market and production you will not be able to succeed,” he told the large gathering.

The President added that it is equally important that entrepreneurs are up to date with market demands.

“You cannot proceed in business without access to information technology. It is not optional. It is vital.

It is a necessity after getting your loan. You can best do this if you have access to information, you have to communicate with your market and your market will communicate with you,” President Granger said.

Acknowledging the

tion in every modern town, President Granger called on residents to work with Government to build to support the development of innovative enterprises. “Proper infrastructure not only facilitates faster travelling time, but it also increases business opportunities. Region Ten is also a major gateway to several other key regions as such there is need for its own aerodrome”, he said.

The final pillar on which Linden’s development is to be built, according to the President, is innovation. “Come up with something different. You have to be innovative. You have to look and see what others are doing and do something different. Linden can be a hub for those new enterprises,” the President said.

Also on the occasion, Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin underscored the importance of investments for micro businesses. “The need to finance investments is a universal one, faced by businesses of all sizes. Businesses operating on different scales do, however, have different financing requirements, and solutions that financing needs of larger scale businesses do not always address the needs of smaller businesses”, he said.

Notably, Minister Gaskin pointed out that LEN has also been designed to provide the community with the support it needs for a thriving small and micro

issue. He, however, noted that the success of LEN will depend heavily on how well the programme is managed and implemented and how prudent the recipients are in terms of sticking to their obligation to repay.

Meanwhile, Ms. Valerie Patterson, Chief Executive Officer at LEN and Member of Parliament, who chaired the event spoke of the need for LEN in Linden and how it was birthed.

“Job creation was always the focus of LEAP/ LEAF and that focus continues with LEN, because we

recognise that [the] unemployment rate in our region was very high,” Ms. Patterson said. However, when LEAP closed its office, she said, there was a need for a facility to continue business development services, inclusive of investment promotion and micro credit services. Even with a commercial bank and the New Building Society in central Linden, the community’s demands far outweighed its resources and, further, many entrepreneurs were not able to meet the requirements of these institutions.

Ms. Patterson also said that over the last few years of LEN’s operations, its functions were stymied.

“After LEN became operational, we became only operational. We couldn’t reach the objective of giving credit to the people of Region Ten. After five years, we had the installation of the Board... we had a scenario where the workers were working and did not know if they would have salary at the end of the month...that situation has changed. From September of 2015 they didn’t have to ask when and if they will get pay,” Patterson said.

In 2015 National Budget, LEN received an allocation of $155M to operate. With this allocation, the institution was able to add to its staff comple-

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ment to better serve the community, and the muchneeded amenities in the building were restored.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Board Member Orrin Gordon, who also commended the administration to returning dignity to the institution and the people of Region Ten. With the lending powered restored to the institution, 40 persons from the region are now able to expand their businesses or start up new ones.

Some of the loan recipients praised the APNU/ AFC Government for pouring resources into LEN. Ms. Duanne Perry, who is a first time borrower, said she will be opening an ice-cream and confectionery shop. “I’m excited. I’m happy that the Government would have chosen to involve young people in their process of progress,” she said.

Another first time borrower, Ms. Dawn Chase who has an existing business, said she intends to use her loan to extend her salon.

“With the expanding I will be able to hire people, so in that way I can help with the high unemployment situation in Linden,” Chase said.

LEN has also installed a new Board to oversee its operations.

President David Granger presents Ms. Duanne Perry with her loan approval letter at the recommissioning of the Linden Enterprise Network

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F

irst Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, has joined with Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence in issuing a resounding call for the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), and the public to play a greater role in ensuring children in vulnerable situations are protected.

Mrs. Granger made this appeal whilst addressing a staff conference organised by the CPA under the theme “Effective Collaboration for the Empowerment of Families in 2016.”

The First Lady in her address said that it is disturbing that approximately 40 cases of child abuse are reported per month, which translates to one report per day. “As a person, a mother and a grandmother, I am disturbed about the numerous reports of neglect of our vulnerable children, which the media feeds us on a regular basis. I have come to realise that childcare and protection has grown in complexity since my childhood where we as children, we know that our parents and any adult in the neighbourhoods or the village was keeping

First Lady says everyone has a role to play in child protection an eye on us and ensuring that our behaviours were acceptable. Children growing up in today’s world face increasing vulnerabilities. It is frightening to think what is happening when you take into account the number of cases [that] are not reported,” the First Lady said.

But, even as the First Lady made these comments, Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence noted that her Ministry will be working with the CPA to improve work condi-

Minister of Social Protection, Mrs. Volda Lawrence makes a presentation at the Childcare and Protection Agency’s Staff Conference tions and provide training, with the aim of improving the services offered by the agency. She said that as a

critical service provider to the nation, it is important that the Agency’s services and, accomplishments over the years, are assessed.

While she lauded the efforts made to date, the Minister said more needs to be done.

“Reports reaching my desk indicate that there are irregularities; unbecoming activities, children being given carte blanche to do what they please, and so on. It cannot continue.

I would like you to work assiduously on the placement of children into homes where they can be nurtured and cared for. I want to see this process accelerated,” Minister Lawrence said.

The Minister also noted that the Ministry of Social Protection was cognisant of the fact that in order for officers to do their jobs, there must be proper systems and facilities in place. To this end, she announced that the Government will be taking a collective approach to address several issues which exist.

“We know that you work in cramped areas and so we are working to ensure that we can move you into

your own building on High Street. We are going to review the fleet of vehicles at your disposal and add to it so that you do not have to catch a minibus or walk ... to get your job done. We want you to enhance your qualifications and so I am in discussions with the University of Guyana and we are going to review the allowances being given to officers who have to go out of town to work, “Minister Lawrence said.

The Minister also revealed that she plans to open childcare protection offices across the country, particularly in the most vulnerable regions.

Director of the agency, Ann Greene made a passionate appeal for hu-

munities and development... but through partnerships and measures that have been put in place to ensure people have access to live saving medicines, the AIDS

services are available throughout Guyana at 22 sites…at the end of 2014, 5041 persons or 55.8% females and 44.2% males were listed on the register

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger makes an earnest appeal for adults to ‘keep an eye’ on children

man services providers to provide ‘holistic care for vulnerable persons’.

“Child protection is a shared responsibility. It calls for extensive collaboration with key stakeholders including the family.

As human service providers, we have to do whatever it takes to foster team spirit and teamwork if we hope to provide holistic care for the most vulnerable, and minimise the in-

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in Guyana,” she charged.

Ms. Greene noted that collaborations, especially ones in support of the empowering of families, as the theme suggests, are critical.

“We must empower our families to take better care of children. We must stop child abuse. There must be social change. The task is a huge one, the challenges many and the resources are few, but child welfare and protection services are invalua-

Staff of the Ministry of Social Protection at the evaluation exercise cidences of the vulnerable falling through the cracks.

We must put aside our differences if we hope to build a comprehensive protection system for the children

ble. We have to strive to improve the service delivered, build public trust and clean up the image of the drop-in centres,” the Director said.

ARV treatment, the survivability within the first 12 months is over 80%. For the 24, 36, and 60-month periods, the survivability rates are 75%, 72.2 % and 63% respectively. This indicates that people with HIV are living longer.

Further, the country is on its way to achieving recognition for the elimination of the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT). Since 2008, the reported cases of HIV in children under the age of one year, has remained below five.

Minister Cummings, turning her focus to the strategy, expressed gratitude to the UNAIDS for the good work in which it has been engaged.

She then stated that, “Countries should refocus their approach and give

focus to those who are being left behind. There are many who don’t know their positive status nor are they accessing treatment…at our current pace we shall not end AIDS as a public health threat but instead work on goals of ending AIDS by 2030.”

She added that, “Quickening the pace towards working on this issue is pivotal to the global target of eradicating the AIDS epidemic, continuing at the same pace will leave people behind, resulting in inequality and compromising social justice.”

To support her point, she reiterated that, “an ambitious social strategy is required to take us forward, focus resources, political support and accelerate progress.”

Guyana welcomes UNAIDS 2016-2021 strategy - sees reduction in HIV/AIDS cases

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s the Guyana Government welcomed the UNAIDS 20162021 strategy, it has pledged that more emphasis is to be placed on educating the populace on their HIV/ AIDS status. Guyana’s own battle with the illness had witnessed a reduction in the number of positive cases.

The strategy which was launched on December 15, 2015 at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara is the first plan in the United Nations’ (UN) system to be aligned to its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The strategy is a result of the UN’s 37th meeting, which saw the programme’s coordinating board adopting it with the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

It focuses on the urgent call to front-load invest-

ments, to close testing gaps, and to increase focus and financing for HIV prevention.

It also seeks to ensure justice and dignity for HIV patients.

The strategy will be used by Guyana and other adopting countries to achieve the UN’s 90-90-90 target. This targets seeks to scale up the AIDS response to achieve 90% of the people living with HIV/AIDS becoming aware of their status, 90% of those tested positive are accessing AntiRetroviral (ARV) treatment and 90% of those on treatment, have undetectable viral load levels in their blood.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, stated that “over a decade ago HIV was viewed as a death sentence; it was shattering families in Guyana, com-

Minister in the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings receiving a copy of the strategy from Dr. Martin Odiit, UNAIDS Country Coordinator response has been like no other, it has put focus on the people and has put great light on the disease.”

This has resulted in a decline in the number of HIV positive cases in the country.

“Treatment and care

of the care and treatment programmes; with 4295 receiving antiretroviral treatment. This figure is equal to 50% coverage for people living with HIV.” Within the national cohort of people accessing

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CDC launches National Emergency Monitoring System

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he Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana’s leading agency for disaster management, launched a 24-hour operational National Emergency Management System (NEMS) which will see the CDC becoming the hub for all emergencies in Guyana.

The Agency’s Director General Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup, indicated that the CDC never had a 24-hour emergency management system except when the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) was activated.

This new move by the agency comes at the request

of the current administration to have a system in place, where all emergencies and not necessarily disasters can be monitored.

“The government wants us (CDC) to be a hub for monitoring any emergency in Guyana whether it be boat, aircraft or vehicle accidents, fire and so on,” Ramsarup explained.

He added that since the request was made, discussions were held with the joint services, and it was agreed that in conjunction with Operation DRAGNET, a number of Officers were to be assigned to the CDC for the duties in the NEMS.

The system, which started early November, saw the senior staff of the CDC, along with competent members of its Volunteer Corps, functioning to provide the 24-hour service to members of the public.

Now the staff complement will benefit from Officers of the Guyana Defence Force.

“What they do is to take all telephone calls, emails that come in during the period, evaluate those emergency calls and either direct the people who are calling, to the right agency, or make contact with myself, the Operations Officer, or the Deputy Direc-

tor General. If the situation is serious, then we activate the NEOC by discussing it with the Minister of State Joseph Harmon or even the President, depending on the gravity of the situation,” Ramsarup explained.

Such a system sets the framework for emergencies and disasters to be carefully monitored in the country, especially during the holiday period, but most importantly, it seeks to regularise the emergency framework that is in place countrywide.

“In the past, we had things that were activated in different places; for example, if we had an aircraft

crash, the Civil Aviation Authority would activate their own emergency operation system, likewise, the Maritime Administration in the event of a boat accident…What the President wants is for all emergencies and disasters to be activated at the CDC, through the NEOC,” Ramsarup stated.

The efficiency of the NEMS hinges on effective inter-agency networking, which means that the operational Disaster Risk Reduction Platform, which comprises a number of disaster management partners, and government agencies, will be tested.

“There are a number of telephone numbers and key personnel from the various departments of government and private sector and NGOs, so it makes easy contact… All agencies were alerted as to what should happen…

For example, should there be a health emergency; the Ministry of Health would have an SOP. Once the information comes, we alert them, who will activate their procedures and if needs be, we can activate the NEOC, depending on the gravity of the situation,” Ramsarup explained.

growing industry in the bigger tourism model. “For ecotourism, there are some very specific things that need to go with that, the whole issue of organic.... The issue of sustainable tourism, and in most places of the world, there are few models that can be called eco-tourism and therefore it’s a process of growth, and so we want to say that it’s more sustainable tourism right now with adventure tourism, but we want to identify with the re-

cent study that we did, a few packages that we are going to able to sell to the world.”

The local eco-tourism industry is growing, and is expected to contribute to the conservation of the largely intact natural environment.

In the past years, the number of resorts and lodges has increased, offering adventure and eco tourists an experience different from obtains in a typical island setting.

Last month, the Ministry completed an assessment

of the eco-tourism sector in Guyana, and identified areas for further development. Eco- tourism has been identified as one of the more important niche markets which the government intends to promote fully.

The Minister has advised that “one of the very important things we’re focusing on is in each region identifying the opportunities for tourism, the products, the businesses that could be developed with assistance

from the private sector, so we did that initiative in Region Eight. I personally went out to Region 10 on two occasions and we’ve looked at possibilities there.

To go hand in hand with that I also went to the Rupununi area, Surama and Rewa looking at their community tourism model which is an excellent model that can be duplicated elsewhere.”

Eco-tourism has been touted as one of the many unique niches for Destina-

tion Guyana simply because the country is endowed with massive pristine tracts of tropical rainforest, high species of biodiversity, majestic rivers and waterfalls, mountain ranges, savannahs, wetlands, and indigenous communities with low carbon lifestyle. All these make Guyana’s eco-tourism potential unsurpassed.

National Tourism Policy to prioritise eco-tourism development

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he development of the eco-tourism industry will be given heightened emphasis in the Ministry of Tourism’s National Tourism Policy, as the government moves to further advance the sector, according to Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes.

The Policy is expected to be completed in early 2016.

The Minister is of the view that it is not widely known that the eco-tourism industry is still the fastest

GRA donates 59 TV sets to Education Ministry – to aid push for education delivery via technology

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ore stakeholders are coming onboard, to support the Ministry of Education in realising its stated goals of integrating and utilising more fully, the use of technology in education delivery.

Coming just a few weeks, after Samsung provided an innovative smart school classroom to the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has donated 59, 21-inch television sets to the Ministry of Education. These will allow for even more students to benefit from educational television programming in the classroom.

According to Permanent Secretary (PS), Ministry of Education Delma Nedd, the sets will be used to bring recorded lectures

and educational televised programmes, produced by the Guyana Learning Channel, to several classrooms across the country.

Nedd, who collected the sets on behalf of the Ministry from Commissioner General, GRA Khurshid Sattaur, at the GRA’s headquarters, explained that as soon as the Ministry heard about the donation, it put together a list of schools, which would benefit from the intervention.

Chief Education Officer (CEO), Olato Sam who joined Nedd at the exercise, applauded the GRA for coming onboard in support of the Ministry’s goals.

Sam noted that all education stakeholders need to work in tandem, if the sector is to be successful and achieve the best possible outcomes.

For its part, the GRA

Commissioner General, Guyana Revenue Authority Khurshid Sattaur (second from left) hands over the television sets to PSof the Education Ministry Delma Nedd and CEO Olato Sam also sees the provision of the sets as a perfect opportunity for a wide section of school aged Guyanese to

follow the developments within the revenue authority. More importantly, it will instill in the students the

value of complying with the various tax laws and obligations from an early age.

Sattaur explained that

the donation is in keeping with the Revenue Authority’s mission of promoting compliance with Guyana’s Tax, Trade and Border laws and regulation, through education, quality and responsible enforcement programmes, thereby contributing to the economic wellbeing of Guyanese. The GRA had previously presented 15 sets to the Ministry in 2010.

Public Relations Officer, Melissa Baird explained that, “There is a need to properly educate students on the necessity of complying with the various tax laws and obligations. The Guyana Revenue Authority believes that the need to instill these values should begin at an early age,” she said.

18

The Hare and the Tortoise There once was a speedy Hare who bragged about how fast he could run. Tired of hearing him boast, the Tortoise challenged him to a race. All the animals in the forest gathered to watch.

Kids’ Corner

“How do you expect to are walking along at The Hare stretched toise was already over win this race when you your slow, slow pace?” himself out along- the line. side the road and fell asleep, thinking, “There is plenty of time to relax.”

The Tortoise walked and walked; never ever stopping until he came to the finish line.

The animals who were watching cheered so loudly for Tortoise, that they woke up Hare. The Hare stretched and yawned and began to run again, but it was too late. Tor-

The Hare ran down the road for a while and then paused to rest.

He looked back at the tortoise and cried out,

Colour the PICTURE

THERE is a sweet maiden asleep by the sea, Her lips are as red as a cherry ; The roses are resting upon her brown cheeksHer cheeks that are brown as a berry.

She’s tired of building up castles of sand, Her hands they are gritty and grubby ; Her shoes, they are wet, and her legs, they are bare, Her legs that are sturdy and chubby.

I’ll wrap a shawl round you, my dear little maid, To keep the wind off you completely, And soft I will sing you a lullaby song, And soon you will slumber most sweetly.

Hinterland Highlights

MORAL: SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE

Hinterland Highlights

19

Gov’t committed to resolving Kaikan residents’ issues - Minister Greenidge and team visit

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he Coalition Government remains committed to resolving the issues of the residents of Kaikan, an Amerindian Community in Region Seven, near the Venezuela border.

Recently, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Mark Phillips visited the area and assured the residents that Government has their interest at heart. This comes amidst the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

Only recently, a Venezuelan helicopter landed on the airstrip at Kaikan, with about eight heavily armed soldiers. The residents said that the incident was very intimidating since the men had weapons.

The residents believe that they were neglected by the previous Administration, and called on the Coalition Government to resolve their issues.

During his address,

Minister Greenidge used the opportunity to enlighten the residents on his responsibilities as Foreign Affairs Minister. He said that his

so on properly. I also need to have a feel and understanding of what is happening internally, so that’s part of my reason to be here,’

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, Chief of Staff of the GDF and other members of the team visit to the location was to have a personal experience of the people’s living condition, and to hear what issues are affecting them.

“I am here also to get some experience of the developments and relationships that take place within our borders. My responsibility is the external relations, but in order to represent you the Government and the people of Berbice and Demerara and

Minister Greenidge said.

The Minister explained that anywhere there is a large gathering of people, and the army has a presence, there are challenges.

However, in the case of Kaikan, there is need for the army’s presence. There is a GDF base at Eteringbang.

He said that his Government is committed to resolving the tension between Guyana and Venezuela so that “we as a community

are safe and we do not have to spend so much time and resources to have soldiers on the ground at the borders.” Minister Greenidge urged the GDF to work on striking a balance to ensure that their operations and presence do not disrupt the lives and daily operations of the community.

Meanwhile, Minister Allicock commended the community for their patriotism, and assured them that they are not alone. He said that Government will do all in its power to ensure that their issues are resolved.

The residents also called for more police presence in the community, since there is an increase in illegal mining, and other activities in a nearby community. Minister Allicock said that the issue would be raised at Cabinet, even as he assured that there would always be opportunists for the police and army to work together in the area to ensure residents’ safety.

A suggestion was also put forward by one villager for the establishment of a Community Policing Group

to help patrol the community.

Brigadier Phillips noted that he is fully aware of all the transgressions that the residents have encountered over the years.

He explained that “Kaikan is part of Guyana, and the GDF and the GPF will continue to have an important

work on fostering a better relationship with the people of Kaikan. “…the important thing is that we want to have a good relationship with the people of Kaikan and we also want to participate and help with the development of the community,” Brigadier Phillips emphasised.

Residents of Kaikan gathered at the meeting with the government team part to play in the defence and security of Guyana, and therefore we have to, notwithstanding the relationship, we have to work with you the people with Kaikan because we have to defend, secure and develop Guyana together,” he said.

Brigadier Phillips pledged that the GDF and the GPF will continue to

Among the other persons accompanying the team were: Adviser to Minister Allicock, Mervyn Williams; Sector Commander, Captain Cleon Coppin; Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Fitzroy Phillips; and Commander Lieutenant Roger Nurse.

Gov’t to advertise with several cruise line magazines to boost Destination Guyana

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inister of Tourism Catherine Hughes said that the government is pursuing advertising Guyana in cruise line magazines. She said this is one way of showing this South American nation as a viable tourism destination.

She told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that direct communication with several cruise lines is being made which is intended to secure a spot on their itinerary. Promotion of Guyanese working alongside cruise lines will be done through social media, the Minister noted.

The minister told GINA of this development prior to boarding the cruise ship Minerva of the cruise line ‘Swan Hellenic’ which docked at the Guyana National Shipping Corpora-

cultures exchanged.

The vessel Minerva is 135 meters long and weighs about 13,000 tonnes. It brought 181 passengers.

The ship’s Captain Neil Broomhall indicated that while this part of the world is not always on the map, returning to Guyana as a tour-

ist destination will definitely occur.

During the stopover in Guyana, passengers were taken on tours around Georgetown and other areas of interest as time permitted.

The last visit of Minerva in Guyana was in March, 2014 for three days.

The cruise ship Minerva tion’s Wharf, Georgetown, on December 18.

Once the 2016 Budget allocation for the tourism sector is finalised, funding will be streamed into an in-

ternational marketing programme. Here, deliverables will be specifically packaged for the target market. In order to promote more tourism, packaging of Guyana

will have to be done to cater for all the needs of potential visitors. This includes materialising a plan whereby animals can be shown, traditional foods tasted, and

Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes and the captain of the Minerva Neil Broomhall and other tourism stakeholder

20

Hinterland Highlights

Public Health Ministry records some successes in 2015

T

he delivery of primary health care remains the fundamental strategic approach by the APNU+AFC government in realising the health agenda.

The first six months of managing the Ministry of Public Health, formerly known as the Ministry of Health, can be described as rocky for the new administration, but amidst severe challenges, there were some successes.

With the new government being determined and committed to improving the quality of healthcare delivered to Guyanese, $23.2B, which is the equivalent of 10.5 percent of the National Budget, was allocated towards the development of the health sector in 2015.

Regional Health Services The Regional Health Services (RHS) unit within the Ministry is primarily responsible for the delivery of adequate and appropriate health care to citizens across the 10 administrative regions. This unit has recorded significant progress over the past six months.

Medical outreaches accounted for 1,729 patients being seen by doctors in Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9, while 70 patients benefited from successful surgeries at the Mabaruma, Lethem and Bartica hospitals. In addition, seven doctors were deployed to Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9. These regions never had a permanent doctor on site. Supervisory visits were done to all central facilities including Agricola No.1 Dispensary Health Centre, and the David Rose and Lodge Health Centres.

There was also an extension of contractual assignments to Guyana from the Cuban Medical Brigade.

However, there continued to be some challenges including untimely delivery of materials. The rapid turnover of Regional Health Officers presented a severe challenge in the execution of effective management and leadership within Regions 1, 8, and 9. Cuban doctors continued to face challenges related to inadequate medical supplies and equipment; hence, the ad-

ministration will be working on rectifying these problems in the coming year. This will be effected through continued development of medical doctors and other personnel in the hinterland, continuing with the maintenance of drugs and medical supplies to all health facilities and registering Cuban medical doctors and other health professionals.

The overall goal of this unit is to promote health, provide education and improve self-management of people with chronic diseases in Guyana.

Chronic diseases Chronic Diseases or Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have been described by Public Health Minister Dr. Gorge Norton

Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) steering committee formed and activities planned, with training in January 2016.

HIV/AIDS The Ministry of Public Health has also recorded great strides with regards to HIV/AIDS. More emphasis is to be placed on educating the populace on their HIV/AIDS status; as the country has seen a reduction in the number of HIV positive cases.

The government welcomed the UNAIDS 2016-2021 strategy that is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The strategy is a result of the UN’s 37th meeting, which

A section of the gathering at the HIV AIDS sustainable goals strategy launch as “easily preventable diseases simply by healthy lifestyles.” Some of the common diseases are cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

Over the past six months there have been supervisory assessments of the Regional Diabetic Foot Centers in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10 for a pilot of the Chronic Disease Medical Record and chronic care passport in these six sites, to implement the recommendations emanating from the pilot. This would include training of healthcare workers in the use of the chronic disease medical record and the chronic care passport.

Several workshops have been held on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development goals. Training sessions for the Global Youth Tobacco Survey have also been conducted, along with the successful hosting of activities for Caribbean Wellness Week.

Going forward, the government hopes to commence the STEP-wise

saw the programme coordinating board adopting it with the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

The strategy will be used by Guyana and other adopting countries to achieve the UN’s 90-90-90 target. This targets seeks to scale up the AIDS response to achieve 90% of the people living with HIV/AIDS becoming aware of their status, 90% of those tested

is on its way to achieving recognition for the elimination of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT). Since 2008, the reported cases of HIV in children under the age of one year, has remained below five.

Nursing Nursing is one of the most critical departments within the Ministry and is responsible for optimal placement and utilisation of nurses at all public health institutions.

Comprehensive supervisory visits were conducted in Regions 4, 5, 6, and 10, as well as at the School of Nursing and dormitories in Regions 6 and 10. Nursing personnel were placed at regional hospitals, health centers, and at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

One hundred and sixty-eight (168) nurses have successfully completed their examinations and are to be registered and employed in the health system as staff nurses. Competency-based education training for midwives was also conducted in October 2015, by the Caribbean Regional Midwives Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health.

The Capacity Building Education Training Programme for tutors in Guyana commenced in November 2015, and was being done in collaboration with PAHO/ WHO, and the University of Miami School Of Nursing.

However, there are some hindrances in some areas including the need

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton interacting with doctors of the Linden Hospital complex positive are accessing AntiRetroviral Treatment and 90% of those on treatment have an undetectable viral load levels in their blood.

Further, the country

for senior nurses to access Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in an effort to work more efficiently. There is also the lack of a policy regard-

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton interacting with a patient of the Bartica Hospital ing the placement and rotation of nursing personnel.

Adolescent Health Sexual and reproductive health, school health, teenage pregnancy, nutrition, peer education and youth friendly health services are among the priority areas for the Government.

As such, antenatal clinics for pregnant teenagers continued at the Agricola, Sophia, Grove, East La Penitence, and Industry health facilities. Teens were visited by specialised personnel in an effort to provide psychological support, and several training sessions were held in various areas relating to youth and adolescent health.

Family health The government is no longer focusing only on maternal health, but family health as a whole since each member of the family plays an equal role in pregnancy and health care in general.

Going forward, with the establishment of the family health unit, the government hopes to reduce the maternal mortality and morbidity; to reduce childhood mortality and morbidly; to prevent vaccine preventable diseases; to provide updated training for health workers on making pregnancy safer; to reduce mother to child transmission, and thus promote survival of the child, and to improve the quality of care by implementing new measures to assess the services.

Outreaches Several outreaches were held at various locations across the country allowing more Guyanese to benefit from specialised care. Also a Maternal and Child Health (MCH) team visited Region 1, Maba-

ruma sub-district to review the MCH programme.

There the team conducted obstetric high risk assessment with supportive supervision of staff to identify strengths and weaknesses and offer possible solutions to problems identified.

Training will continue in 2016 in Regions 7, 8, and 9.

Training Health care providers benefited from numerous training sessions in their respective fields, along with areas of possible expansion for their personal and professional upgrades.

The Ministry will be continuing to stress capacity building for all health care workers in an effort to better equip medical personnel to deal with obstetric emergencies and prevent maternal mortality.

Immunisation The 31st Regional Expanded Programme

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings on Immunisation meeting was held in Guyana in November 2015, with the focus of eliminating the use of Type 2 Polio virus.

The Health Ministry boasts of 90 percent national immunisation coverage, offering the nation 16 antigens (vaccines). Guyana was identified at number three with regards to effective vaccine management out of 75 countries.

Hinterland Highlights

21

Restructuring the education system-laying the foundation

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do not want an education system that is just concentrating on children regurgitating information….for me, the education of a child is a far more complicated matter, because you are dealing with the growth of a child and that growth has to take in art, culture, music and so on.”

Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine sharing his view with respect to the new vision for the local education system.

A new mandate has been set for the education system. It is one that spells out a sweeping shift from the churning out of top performers to producing wellrounded Guyanese, capable of moving the country forward. This new mandate was set out six months ago, and since then it has been a period of reviewing and analysing, to identify the gaps and the changes needed to bring about this new ‘effective’ system.

A failing system Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine said that the ministry has to do a thorough analysis to get an understanding of what has gone wrong in the education system on the basis that. He said the system obviously is not working the way it should. “It is not working when you are losing hundreds of people who are not completing school.

It is not working if people coming out of school are not able to read and write completely. It is not working if the standard of the university is constantly falling. These are things that we need to address.”

Very early, he said that absolutely everything will be looked at-from the curriculum to the textbooks that are being used in the classroom. He noted that the revision must be at the earliest level of education in Guyana because “the mistakes that we make (with the children) when they are very small and very young are the mistakes that we come to regret when they are very much older.”

Major overhaul Overhauling, the old system of delivery in line with the new mandate,

from the recent Grades Two and Four assessments. These assessments will be used strictly for diagnostic purposes, as was initially intended.

Schools are urged to put the necessary systems in place for the results of these assessments to be the basis for strategic interventions aimed at overcoming pupils’ identified weaknesses.

A youth making a presentation at the National Youth Policy working session at the Arthur Producing 21st century Chung Convention centre citizens however, was very early explained about the process.

But even as the induson recognised as a lengthy One key stakeholder try’s stakeholders gather process, if one were to en- for the Ministry in educatto develop the plans and sure that at every level of ing the nation’s youth has strategies to take the counthe system, the students will always been the parents. receive quality education. This explains why focus try forward, there is also This, therefore, means in- was placed on re-establish- support for an initiative of tense scrutiny of the curric- ing communication among the Ministry. That is, to inulum, the textbooks, and the the parents, teachers and corporate more fully the use teaching process to ensure administrators in the educa- of technology in the educathat what was being taught tion system. In this regard, tion delivery. To this end, and its methodology were within the past six-month and working with Digicel, correct. period, all the Parent Teach- the Ministry has created, at In the very early days, er Associations (PTAs) were the North Ruimveldt Multhis translated to looking at the establishment of the various departments, meeting with the different heads, interviewing persons and trying to get practitioners who are experienced in all these areas of operations to make their contributions towards the process.

Later, countrywide audits of each and every school Minister Nicolette Henry with participants of the across the country were iniNational Sports Commission swimming camp at tiated and a Commission of the Colgrain Pool Inquiry set up. The audits have been completed and re-activated. Vibrant and aca report compiled. The in- tive PTAs are completely tilateral School, the first quiry part of the education crucial,“If we are going to smart classroom in Guyana. overhaul, which includes get the kind of environment Additionally, a contribution investigations and hearings that we are aiming for, the of 59 television sets from across the country are still PTAs have to be fully func- the Guyana Revenue Auongoing. At the end of this, tional, fully partnering with thority will allow students a report outlining recom- us in this process,” Minis- from across the country, to mendations for the enhance- ter Roopnaraine said. The access ‘new age’ learning emanating ment of education delivery Minister also hopes in the programmes, from the Guyana Learning will be handed over to the future, to establish a special Channel, right from their Ministry. secretariat to specifically foclassrooms. cus on coordinating and sus“If you look and see Stakeholder collaboration taining active PTAs across what is happening in relaIn moving this pro- the country. tion to educational technolcess forward, stakeholders’ ogy across the world, you support was not taken for Restructuring National will realise how far behind granted. To this end, key Assessments consultations were held and Meanwhile, in line we are. We have a great way continue to be facilitated with moving the students to go. A lot of catching up for with the sector’s stakehold- beyond a ‘regurgitation ed- us to enter the 21st century,” ers. “If you do not do it this ucation’ to producing better Minister Roopnaraine said way, then the implementa- thinkers, the Ministry, with of the Ministry’s interest in tion becomes a real prob- immediate effect, discontin- creating smart classrooms.

Meanwhile, teachers lem. There is no point mak- ued the weighting previoushave also been included ing laws that do not have ly attributed to the Grades in the quest to adopt techthe full benefit of the widest Two and Four Assessments. nology in the schools. The consultation among the peo- The National Grade Six Asconversion of the One Lapple who will be affected by sessment (NGSA) 2016 will top Per Child into the One it,” the Education Minister not include marks obtained

Laptop Per Teacher programme will now allow all teachers to have a personal computer from which they are expected to improve on the delivery of lessons. This programme was initiated mostly to allow for teachers to get to a point where they can access online learning, distance learning and new teaching content.

Merging of Education and Culture, Youth and Sport The new administration’s vision is to bring the former Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, under the umbrella of the Education Ministry, since restructuring of the education system encompasses a holistic development of both aspects.

The idea here is to create an enabling environment to give the necessary attention that all areas of education deserve.

With regards to Culture, Youth and Sport, in addition to identifying the gaps and the corresponding changes needed, emphasis has been placed on reworking old policies that guide the development and implementation of these areas.

Specific work was done on incorporating new areas of focus within these policies, such as strategies that guide their integration into the education system.

New policies To this end, in the area of youth, a new national

the objectives arrived at are beneficial to all.

In addition to the national plans, initiatives, taken within the past six months to directly impact youth, particularly in the area of education, training and capacity building, include expanding the intake into institutions such as the Kuru Kuru Training Centre.

Another area that also received special attention was one that targeted the improvement of operations and the management of the New Opportunity Corps.

This involved a task force being resuscitated to ensure effective oversight.

Meanwhile, consultations also began with stakeholders to strategise and revise the policies guiding the implementation of sports and culture. These consultations are ongoing and are expected to be wrapped-up in the new year. In the area of culture, there were engagements with local stakeholders, and the Ministry partnered with international agencies to revise the policy. As part of the process, the Ministry joined with the local Olympics Association to have persons trained in sports administration.

The Minister of Education, in one of his interviews with GINA, noted that the task of this Ministry is not just to produce excellent students, as “we have a larger more profound task.”

This is the task of educa-

Students taking the National Grade Six Assessment at the Latchmansingh Primary school plan was completed, a fiveyear one, that is awaiting the finalisation of an implementation strategy whose execution will ensure that all sectors are involved in the activities outlined in the national plan, and that

tion, to bring about healing and reconciliation, the ideal Guyanese youth needed to move the country forward. For this to happen, the old system that allowed for just education must be revamped.

22

Hinterland Highlights

Social Protection Ministry made great strides several programmes to target vulnerable in 2016

W

hen the Government took office in May, it began to craft policies and programmes designed to reduce poverty, and to promote opportunities for the country’s disadvantaged groups including women, the elderly, homeless, children and persons living with disabilities.

It did so cognisant of the fact that in order to address one dimension of inclusive growth, which is the protection of the disadvantaged groups of society, measures had to be put in place to improve the efficacy of the country’s social welfare programmes.

Improving services The Ministry of Social Protection, over the past six month focused on bettering the services officered to citizens. Some units and departments were delinked, and where needed, new divisions were established.

This was done to ensure that the country’s disadvantaged groups receive the much needed services, not only in Georgetown, but throughout Guyana.

Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence explained that with regard to the social aspect, the Probation Department was removed from the Social Services Department. The Men and Women’s Affairs Bureaus were merged and a Public Relations Department created.

“We sought to remove the Probation from the Social Services and so now we have moved the Social Services back to the Cornhill building and they are more comfortable, to provide service to the populace, es-

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence addressing pensioners at the Vreed-en-Hoop post office pecially the senior citizens, is to have a corps of social that persons can uplift their in a more comfortable and workers spread out in the pension in a timely manner. relaxed atmosphere,” she Hinterland to provide the noted. services that coastlanders Women The Ministry also are enjoying.

The Ministry also consought to restructure those tinued the Women of Worth existing departments and Homeless Programme (WOW) which benevolent centers that are The Ministry also benefitted a number of sinunder its purview. In so do- partnered with the Food gle parents. This project was ing, these institutions are and Agriculture Organisa- also extended to the Hinterbetter equipped to serve tion (FAO) and the Minis- land regions, but with a difcitizens. try of Agriculture to make ferent emphasis.

Minister Lawrence the Hugo Chavez Center According to Minisemphasised that there were for Rehabilitation and Re- ter Lawrence, women in major improvements at the integration self-sufficient, the interior benefitted from Night Shelter. The physical by introducing a number animal grants, where a sinenvironment was improved, of initiatives, such as fish gle parent received a pair and the agency has been and poultry rearing, and of animal for cattle rearing. able to attract partners from establishment of a kitchen “Whether it’s cow, goat, a the private sector. garden. pair of sheep or pigs, and When the GovernElderly at the end of that period ment took office in May, it This year, Govern- that person will now give to recognised that it could not ment increased the old age another woman a pair and address all of the financial pension to $17,000, a 30 so that it can take on a moissues facing the populace; % increase on the amount mentum of itself and keep hence, it opted to establish of $13,125 that pensioners expanding,” she explained. a Special Projects Unit. were receiving during the This unit is responsible first quarter of this year.

Safeguarding workers’ for seeking funding from The decision was also rights donor agencies to rollout taken to ensure that persons As it relates to the proprogrammes. with disabilities are issued tection of workers’ rights, pension books for one year. the Ministry’s Department Programmes The Ministry also of Labour closed 750 comEfforts were made to sought to better the servic- plaints between May to partner with the Canadian es offered to pensioners at November, while 372 were Government to have per- the various post offices, by closed for the previous sons from various Indige- making the facilities more months. nous communities trained in comfortable and making Some 820 inspections social work. The intention more outlets available, so

Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence visiting the Palms

were conducted between the period of May to November.

These inspections unearthed some atrocious conditions under which workers have been functioning for over a decade. Some workers were being paid less than the stipulated minimum wage, and were also being deprived of their overtime pay, as well as not being allowed vacation nor sick leave. Overall, workers were subjected to poor sanitary and welfare facilities.

Some of the employers were given a period for correction, depending on the conditions, while those who had major breaches of the laws were penalised.

According to Minister in the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes, most of the employers complied and workers are now functioning in more comfortable environments.

“My own proudest, most satisfying moments have been on those occasions when we have won great victories for ordinary workers. Some of those moments I will personally never forget… that this struggle for workers, this fight that we are waging, is one that is consistent with the policies of the (David) Granger administration. Our aim is to reverse some of the wrongs and injustices that had become entrenched over many years,” Minister Broomes emphasised.

Additionally, between May and November, the Ministry conducted 12 training sessions compared with seven that were done during the first quarter of the year.

Manpower Agency

The Ministry has also begun working on updating and expanding the operations of the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency, so that it can better serve the public. This will contribute to the administration’s effort to minimise unemployment in Guyana.

According to Minister Broomes, this unit intends to expand its services to Regions 1, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10 with a view of increasing its presence throughout the country.

Co-op societies Countrywide inquiries have also started into the country’s Cooperative Societies to determine their status.

Minister Broomes explained that the Cooperatives Department of the Ministry of Social Protection’s Department of Labour will be completely overhauled. The intention is to create an enabling environment so that ‘co-ops’ can function effectively, and that they adhere to the laws.

Moving forward In moving forward, the Ministry will be rolling out a number of programmes to better the lives of the vulnerable groups. One of such initiative is the Family Court which is set to come on stream in 2016.

The Ministry will also put a system in place where pensioners will no longer have pension books, but instead will be able to receive their pensions using their identification cards. The Ministry will also be establishing a Domestic Violence Unit.

Staff of the Ministry of Social Protection

Hinterland Highlights

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23

Roaring in the Golden Jubilee

uyana roared in the Golden Jubilee, 2016 the year of its 50th Independence Anniversary, with much jubilation and fanfare on the night of December 31, 2015.

The official launch for the celebrations that will last the entire year

was held in the vicinity of the Independence Arch on Brickdam and the Square of the Revolution.

The official programme commenced at 11:39 pm with prayers for the nations, followed by the New Year’s Address (a recording) to the Nation by His

Excellency, President David Granger. After the President’s address, the countdown to midnight was ushered in by the pealing of bells, and on the stroke of midnight with a fireworks display. Thereafter, the gathering was treated to a cultural presentation high-

lighting Guyana’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Guyana’s Golden Jubilee highlights the following three perspectives:1. Reflection - On the past 50 years in the context of learning pertinent lessons for the future and celebrat-

ing the history, the heritage, the pioneers and the achievements of the past.

claiming Guyana’s desire and commitment to move forward to a brighter future.

2. Celebration – Rejoicing in the unity of Guyanese culture including the indigenous community and shared experiences and values. Pro-

3. Inspiration - Inspiring the youth of Guyana to have the confidence and the support to dream bigger and reach higher in the next 50 years.

Scenes from the launch of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations

A choir group performing a medley of patrotic songs

The Circle of Love performing at the launch

This group performs a dramatic skit

Cultural performance by a Chinese group

Spectators at the launch

Dragon dance being performed

Ministers of government at the launch

More Ministers of government enjoying the performances at the launch

Government Information Agency (GINA) FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION Area ‘B’ Homestretch Avenue D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown.

Tel# 592-225-4255,226 8843, Fax: 226 4003 Email: ginagovgy@gmail.com Website: www.gina.gov.gy Youtube: gina.guyana

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs focusing on thriving communities, aggressive tourism promotion

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he first six months in office has seen the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs conducting situational analyses, with the aim of understanding the needs of Amerindian communities. These evaluations involved teams visiting Indigenous communities and listening to the residents’ concerns.

According to Sydney Allicock Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the objective overall is to develop thriving economic units within hinterland communities. He said that the first step was to visit the communities, and establish what their individual needs were, and then develop programmes and policies to meet those needs.

One of the most critical areas that the residents have been crying over is ‘land rights.’ “Communities want their land titled and demarcated, because without land we can’t talk about development for the Indigenous peoples,” Allicock explained, during an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Community empowerment It was observed that many of these communities were ‘rundown’ due to the lack of transparency and accountability by village leaders. The Ministry immediately sought to provide support, by training the village leaders. Additionally, Government delivered on its promise to de-politicise the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC). Minister Allicock explained that the council is an autonomous body, which can do project proposals and work with the constituen-

cies that it represents.

The council is in the process of establishing its secretariat. Minister Allicock noted that that is one way of assuring the council takes responsibility of guaranteeing that the people get the support needed. He said that the Ministry sees this new development as a partnership.

Indigenous people given hearing The first ever Indigenous People’s Rights and Resources Conference saw over 112 Indigenous leaders participating. This conference allowed for the leaders to highlight issues affecting their respective communities, and at the same time, make recommendations.

Revising the Amerindian Act The Ministry is in the process of holding discussions with the relevant stakeholders regarding the revision of the 2006 Amerindian Act. He noted that there are some weaknesses in the act. He added that “We speak so much about free, prior and informed consent, but yet this is not helping us…so that is one big issue that we’re going to get corrected.”

Economic projects Minister Allicock noted that projects such as those within the Community Development Plans (CDPs), under the Amerindian Development Fund, continued to be rolled out in communities in 2015. One hundred and sixty (160) hinterland communities are to benefit from this project.

Minister Allicock noted that communities are embarking on projects such

President David Granger and other members of the Cabinet with the National Toshaos Council village shops and offices, agro-processing, tourism, poultry rearing, logging, fuel stations and farming.

Tourism is another aspect that is being promoted, as the Ministry is strongly pushing “nature based tourism.” Minister Allicock explained that the country’s key tourist destinations are in the hinterland, and the idea is to develop naturebased tourism, as in that way it will not harm the country’s forest. Persons will also have an opportunity to experience nature and the culture of the Indigenous peoples.

The Ministry will also be placing emphasis on culture, agro and other hardcore tourism products including hiking, biking and boating. “The type of tourism we are looking at is not necessarily hotels and lodges. What we are looking for are activities, when you go into the hinterland, persons want to know about the history of that area and so on. This will also help the Indigenous communities to have a better understanding and value their history,” Minister Allicock further noted.

Women Meanwhile, Minister

with in the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, said that Government fully understands the role of women in the family, and as such, the Ministry has created a programme which has seen women benefitting from funds to create income-generating projects.

Garrido-Lowe revealed that over the last six months, 15 women’s group received funding to assist with their projects. Agro-processing, tourism, catering, craft and jewellery-making are a few of the areas that the Ministry has been supporting to ensure that women are empowered, and given the opportunity to provide for their families.

Youth development The Ministry in 2015 began rolling out the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme. This programme replaces the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP).

The HEYS programme will involve initial training at institutions such as the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College and other institutes of higher learning.

During the period JuneDecember, the Ministry secured scholarship for students at various secondary schools, the Government Technical Institute (GTI), Carnegie School of Economics, Burrowes School of

Arts, Guyana School of Agriculture, Bina Hill Institute and the Kuru Kuru Training College (KKTC). Additionally, for the first time in years, the Bina Hill Institute doubled its intake, moving from, 30 students to 67.

Sports The Ministry has been working to ensure Indigenous youth involvement in sports at the national and international levels.

In this quest, a number of outreaches were conducted, especially in the area of football. Minister GarridoLowe revealed that the Guyana Football Federation has engaged four youths to organise clubs in various communities.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie GarridoLowe interacting with residents during an outreach