The Guyanese 2014

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

GuyExpo 2014 “Transformation: Partnering for a better Guyana ”

ood things not only last; they get better. That is the story of GuyExpo. It is now a staple on Guyana’s yearly calendar. It goes back to 1995, when it attracted around 200 exhibitors and fair-sized gatherings. Now, this October yearly is full blown, mega-event and 2014 promises to show case over 400 businesses, both local and international, with a projected total attendance of well over 100, 000. No Surprise! GuyExpo really parallels the country’s steady growth and increasing solidity.In fact, GuyExpo was biennial until 2004, but prosperity necessitated its switch to being annual. Currently, GuyExpo is under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, where it is far more

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

than an exposition and trade fair. Currently it offers the salubrious mingling of business associates,both local and overseas and it is a time for all Guyanese to revel in their countries achievements and what it promises in the immediate future. The range of GuyExpo is something to behold. It fuses a wide cross section of producers of handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery, horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology, and most of all, the various aspects of local culture. This year the theme, “Transformation: Partnering for a betterGuyana” will be most noticeable during October 2-5, at the Sophia Exhibition Site. Why? It is a great way to compress a nation’s evolution from bankruptcy to emerging prosperity. Happy GuyExpo 2014!

GuyExpo

Snapshots

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Message from H.E. Donald Ramotar President, Co-operative Republic of Guyana

uyExpo has become one of the important events in the already crowded calendar of the government. Every year, our companies put on display their products, the quality and variety of which have been growing wider and bigger. This is natural and reflects the economy of our country. Over the last eight years, we have had positive economic growth. This is a significant achievement when we consider that in this period the world experienced a major financial and economic crisis. The development of the economy was due to many reasons. Very important was the major investment by this administration in the physical and social infrastructure of our country. We have provided the human capital, as well as the physical conditions for socio-economic development. The policies that were put in place also encouraged greater and wider investment. The combination of these issues created great confidence in our country. As a result, we have had much investment, by both local and foreign investors in our country. Now the task is to take our country to higher levels. For this to occur, we need more infrastructures, so that we will modernize the country and transform Guyana.

H.E. Donald Ramotar

This however needs partnership-in the first place, by the government, and then from the private sector. I am very satisfied that this partnership has been growing stronger with every passing year. In the coming period, we will continue to pursue cheap electricity. This will further stimulate the manufacturing sector and encourage greater processing of our agricultural products. We also hope to attract investors to help diversify our agriculture sector and add value to our products. The tourism sector has also shown great promises. We are also working to put in place projects that will encourage more investments here. The Cheddi Jagan International Airport Project and growth of more hotels are encouraging in this regard. The government will continue to encourage and support innovation and modernization in all sectors of the economy. The theme of this year’s GuyExpo “Transformation: Partnering for a Better Guyana”, captures the context of what we are striving for. This year GuyExpo, I hope will showcase the work of our industries, agriculture and services sectors. I am sure, as has happened in the past, GuyExpo will facilitate greater partnership and stimulate production even more. I wish to express my government’s gratitude to the organizers, the exhibitors and all participants. Let us work in partnership for the transformation of our country and for the making of a better Guyana

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Message from the Director of the Government Information Agency (GINA)

uyana’s meteoric and rapid transformation through modernisation is not only unprecedented, but an indisputable indicator of the prudent management of the nation’s economy by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) led government. It is also demonstrative of the enabling economic environment the government created to facilitate this metamorphosis in all facets of society and successive years of sustained growth; growth despite the global financial challenges over the years. The achievement of such continuous success has resulted in vast improvements in the country’s social and physical infrastructure and the lives of its people. This must be a catalyst for the infusion of national pride; pride resulting from the adherence to commitment by the Administration to engineer this transformation and the resilience and industriousness of Guyanese; a pride transcending these shores into the global Diaspora. Over these years, the Government Information Agency (GINA) and its predecessor, the Guyana Information Service (GIS), have chronicled and presented this historic transformation to the nation through thousands of articles, pictures, videos and through the various mechanisms of social media. A developmental magazine to complement these efforts was in the making for a while. This new publication, “The Guyanese”, is aptly named, not only for easy self identification and connection within the Diaspora, but to continue to ensure that people remain at the heart of the country’s developmental thrust. This has always been the priority of the government; people. The numerous programmes and policies implemented over the years are a vindication, with overwhelming evidence throughout the ten Administrative Regions. Even a casual perusal would reconfirm that the Guyana in 2014 is not that of two decades ago. On behalf of GINA, it is my fervent hope that you would find this magazine meaningful, and that it could be a medium not only to present highlights of our country’s rapid and continuous development, but a mechanism that would be useful to dispel misinformation spread elsewhere. Its materialisation was not without challenges, including the negative impact on GINA’s human resources following three consecutive years of budgets cuts, designed to prevent citizens their right to access such information and to stifle freedom of expression in a now free and democratic Guyana. Despite the setbacks, the staff involved demonstrated a tremendous sense of pride and resilience; characteristic of Guyanese. Enjoy. Neaz Subhan

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Content

GuyExpo 2014 - “ Transformation: Partnering for a better Guyana”

The Homeless, Parentless and Elderly ...Securing a Better Future for them 48

Some Major Events of 2014

Messages President’s Message Director’s Message Economic Optimism

Strengthening the creative industry 53 9

The Berbice River Bridge...Maximising Time and Saving Money

Guyana - An Attractive Investment Destination

Guyana’s transformation – a work in progress

Guyana’s International image more than well-repaired 59

Celebrating Our Indigenous Culture

A taste of Guyanese Cuisine

Rice in Guyana-feeding the nation

Sports-all time high in Guyana 63

Valuing the Indigenous Education Explosion

A true Guyanese Legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Numerous choices for entertainment

A Grand Vision, Phenomenal Success -Guyana’s National Housing Programme

Guyanese public servants, better off than before

Continually upping the level of health care for Guyana

Artifical Insemination Programme - success to relish

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperiy Prosperity

Guyana is poised to become a full-blown Yachting Destination

National Ophthalmology Hospital...taking eye care to a new level

42 45 46

Published by the Government Information Agency (GINA)

Doppler Radar Tower

A 500,000 litre ground storage tank at Bartica

Area ‘B’ Homestretch Avenue, D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown, Guyana. South America. Email: ginagovgy@gmail.com Website: www.gina.gov.gy Tel: 592-226-6715, 226-8849 Graphic Design Kumar Writers Macalia Santos Shivanie Rampersaud John Edmonds Henry Singh Neaz Subhan Editor Henry Singh Editor-in-Chief Shanta Gobardhan

Cruise Ship ‘Ceclia ll’ visits Guyana

uyana is in good stead financially and this is not a wild assessment. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has in fact predicted a 4.3 per cent growth rate for Guyana for 2014. This is really more than it reads, as according to the said IMF, economic activity in Latin America and the Caribbean will stay in low gear. More corroboration: International multilateral financial agencies have been noting Government’s competency of managing the economy, and have all given their highest commendations, ranging from the World Bank, the IMF, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

(CDB) president Dr. William Warren Smith, for its project implementation record, as it pertains to the bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), at the launch of the institution’s seventh cycle of US$7.1M.

So where is Guyana economically? The answer already supplied can be buttressed in a number of ways. We see houses, cars, building projects and a host of other things and ac-

tivities that suggest that this country has a buoyant economy. Let us stop and reflect. Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, at the 19th Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Delegates Congress of 2005, contended that the biggest achievement of post1992 Guyana is the country’s movement from a state of bankruptcy to financial viability. The kind of bankruptcy pre-1992 Guyana inherited was shocking-over 90 percent local

It should be noted that the IMF does not mince matters in its assessment of member states’ economic performance. Only prudent management earns its best praises! Even the Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, has lauded Guyana for its continued economic performance, when it commented favourably on its local subsidiary’s portfolio performance for 2012. Guyana has also been praised by the Caribbean Development Bank’s The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

heavily on tourism.

Big Positives A very big plus is that Guyana’s tourism sector, albeit very young, is quite promising. It augurs well for a fabulous financial boost. It revolves around ecology; many others are just about sight-seeing and entertainment. Guyana’s tourism is more focused on research and academics, meaning that it presents a more durable and stable picture. This is the kind of thing that makes for real growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that was experienced for over eight consecutive years. East Bank morning traffic congestion earnings had to be used for debt repayments. This was no ordinary state of indigence. Yes, Guyana can now list many more hospitals and schools, better bridges and roads, and an unprecedented housing programme. However, economic optimism and stability go beyond visible infrastructure.Guyana, even though the third smallest country in South America is a fast growing economy, rich in natural resources, biodiversity, and pristine forests, that cover 80 percent of the country. It is a low-lying country with 90 percent of the population living in the narrow coastal plain, largely below sea level. Reports, emanating from such bodies as the World Bank and CARICOM ratify an important fact, that is, Guyana is rapidly emerging as one of the countries with the highest economic growth rates in Latin America. Growth in the economy has accelerated significantly, irrespective of the effects of the recent global financial crisis. While most economies in the region contracted during the horrible crisis years (2008-2009), the Guyanese economy recorded an average

growth of 4 percent. So it is no wonder that the macroeconomic outlook was very positive for 2013 and growth was projected at 4.8 percent in 2014. Recent established trends: • A period of six consecutive years of uninterrupted Real Growth. (2006 - 5.1 percent growth, 2007 - 7 percent growth, 2008 - 2 percent growth, 2009- 3.3 percent, 2010 - 4.4 percent, 2011 - 5.4 percent) • Per Capita GDP in 2011 amounted to US$2,868 compared to US$2,308 in 2009 and US$1,984.5 in 2007. • In 2013, rice produced its highest yield of 529,384 tonnes, a 25.43 per cent increase over the 2012 figure of 422,057 tonnes. Production in 2011 amounted to 401,904 tonnes • We need to appreciate the fact that many parts of the world are still reeling from the aftershocks of the recent financial crisis, while others are slowly rebuilding their economies. It is no secret that the Caribbean Region was not spared, particularly those countries that depend

But what exactly has driven the Guyanese economy? Why did it not crumble like some in sister CARICOM countries? Why did it manage to avoid ‘laying off’ workers by the thousands, as was the case in so many developed countries? Guyana’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh rightfully said that this growth of about five percent per annum seen across the length and breadth of the country could not have been and indeed is not in any way accidental. The Government of Guyana has long recognised fully, how inextricably linked economic growth is to the well-being of people. Continuous growth in the Guyanese economy has seen the creation of more jobs, and the generation of more income which are ultimately resulting in improved living conditions for citizens. Economic performance has not only seen GDP growth, but all of the correlates are evident as well. These include strong inward foreign direct investment, continued growth in credit to the private sector, stable prices, low inflation rates that continue to trend downwards, and other key macroeconomic fundamentals, remaining on a favourable trajectory. The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

It is this conducive economic environment that has led to a boom in investments in almost all of the 10 administrative regions. According to an ECLAC annual report, Guyana earned US$294M through foreign direct investments in 2012 representing a 19 per cent increase from the previous year’s US$247M. Guyana has also met most of the requirements to encourage investors: a stable macro-economic environment; a stable currency and low inflation; and positive relations with neighbouring countries like Venezuela and Brazil. With major infrastructure projects in the making like the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, and the Marriott Hotel, Guyana is on track in transforming towards the new growth poles for development.

Confidence

There has been continued investor confidence in the Guyanese economy, higher than it has ever been, despite the prevailing political circumstances. Many internationally renowned companies such as Qualfon, a major international corporation in the ICT sector, have placed on record the view that Guyana is a good place to do business. In fact, Qualfon’s operation in Guyana is the most competitive in its overall global operations. The company has invested millions of US dollars, creating over 6000 jobs. On the local side, a recent survey of commercial businesses show more than 91 percent enjoyed profits in 2013, proving once again, the dynamism of the Guyanese economy, and the rewards entrepreneurs have been enjoying. The Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) reported that total FDI increased by 17.2%, from US$164.4M in 2009 to US$198M in 2010. The ag-

riculture, forestry and fishing sectors benefited from a 12.8% increase in FDI in 2010; the energy sector grew by 36.9%; mining and quarrying by 34.2%; manufacturing by 49.7%, and tourism and hospitality by 21.9%. In the housing sector alone, ordinary Guyanese men and women have expressed their confidence in the local economy by investing in building their own homes after the PPP/C Administration distributed over 100,000 house lots. Guyanese are very smart and are extremely cautious where their money is concerned, as such, had it not been for their confidence in the country’s stable economic climate then it is highly unlikely that they would have taken such risks. To sum up the economic optimism here in Guyana-Guyana’s state of pre-1992 status of bankruptcy has been repaired and the country is now reaping the benefits of great and prudent fiscal management.

Newly built Qualfon at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Berbice River Bridge and Access Road

“You do not have to wait in a long line to get over to the other shore. When we had the boat, you had a long waiting, especially if you were moving with your own transportation. I mean, if you are travelling on your own, without a vehicle it is easier for you to wait and catch the boat, but now with the bridge it is easy. You just come up with a car or bus and you just come straight across. No Hassle.” Robert Moore, Resident of Region Six, on the ease of traversing to and from Berbice, using the Berbice River Bridge

For years, prior to the Berbice River Bridge, commuting to and from Berbice was dependent on the slow and almost decrepit ferry. However, with Guyana’s rapid transformation, this old ferry system could not meet the demands of increasing vehicular traffic, seeking access across the river. Efforts therefore began at charting a faster and more efficient access across the river, and thus bridging of the Berbice River was quickly seen as the most logical response and one with additional benefits: improving the link between Regions, Five and Six; and opening up new business opportunities for the thousands of Guyanese.

The Bridge’s construction began in 2006 and two years later, on December 23, 2008, Guyanese welcomed a vital infrastructural input, as the bridge was ready for use. Quickly its contribution was evident, as there was a new business environment; also leisurely travel to and from the region was indulged it. It is now six years and the structure has been providing a valuable service of drastically reducing travel time; time which can now be used to increase productivity and by extension money earned. “Compare with the ferry service, this

Today, Robert Moore, and other Berbicians no longer have to worry about living in Berbice. No longer is he concerned that the ferry ride is about an hour across the Berbice River to Region Five, and that if it breaks down (which it did often), he could be waiting to cross for hours. No, Today, Robert Moore, like many Guyanese, is enjoying the freedom of taking his own car across the Berbice River and at his own time and convenience. This is a reality because a crucial infrastructure is now providing ‘real time’ travel across the Berbice River.

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

A dream come true! The Berbice River Bridge

bridge is better because I could get up 5 am in the morning and by 7 am, be in Georgetown, before time, on the ferry, you had to line up at the stelling for 9 pm and 6 am in the morning, then you are crossing.” This is how H.M Sugrim, owner of Guyana Tractor & Equipment, puts it. Compared with the old system, the Berbice River Bridge makes travelling faster, easier and also allows for more frequency of travel. And this is the reality of the impact of the bridge across the Berbice River. For instance, patients in need of urgent medical attention can now be easily transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Before, these patients had no choice, but to wait in an ambulance or a vehicle, to be ferried across to West Berbice. Before, people who were travelling to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri had to literally leave their homes, many hours in advance, so as to line up at the stelling and sometimes they still missed their flights. Now, with the convenience of the bridge, persons are arriving way before scheduled times, for their appointments and at any destination. Also, persons visiting the region for The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

recreational purposes can now leave their homes at their own convenience and head up to the Number 63 beach, without having to worry about meeting the ferry schedule. And in keeping with the convention of time equals money, time saved by this ‘real time’ crossing can now be used to enhance production and productivity. Truck operators in particular, used to bear the brunt of the inconvenience posed by the ferry system, because only a few trucks, depending on their weight, were allowed to board for any given trip. As a result, truckers were forced to park and wait at the stelling for hours and even sometimes days, before they could get a chance to cross the river. This saw many businesses suffering severe losses, especially if truckers were transporting perishables. Now, truckers can quickly get to the city, and there is no fear that raw materials from farmers will spoil. Then the marketing opportunities for the farming community have now opened up significantly. Farmers from Black Bush Polder can now take their produce all the way to Bourda or Stabroek markets, while those from Parika can take theirs to Moleson Creek to be exported to neighbouring Suriname, free from the inconvenience of crossing the Berbice River. Even within the region itself, the bridge serves as a nexus,

attracting new businesses and encouraging the expansion of older ones. “It is a positive thing for the people, because access to Region Six is faster. We all know time is money and getting across faster means that you can get things done, then go back to Georgetown if you like, comparing to the ferry it used to be a hold up...so with the Bridge is something positive...it is also a positive for the persons leaving Georgetown to go do business in Suriname.” Shabeer Baksh-Businessman In the six years since the Berbice River Bridge was constructed, all Guyana have now become accustomed to the ease of travelling to and from Region Six, as the bridge has condemned the past challenges of crossing Guyana’s second largest river. The Berbice Bridge is really a successfully implemented public-private partnership project. It had a financial commitment, totalling approximately US$40M from several investors. The 1.5 kilometre structure, stretches from D’Edward Village on the western bank of the Berbice River to Crab Island on the eastern side. An access road connects it with the main access highway of another thoroughfare on the eastern side.

Guyana has changed, is changing, and if the same kind of stewardship continues, greater changes will be the norm

Marriott Hotel Guyana is home to the first Marriott Hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America, with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The 179-room hotel will operate under a management agreement with Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI) that is currently owned by the Government of Guyana as part of a public-private partnership between Government and private sector investors. The complex will house a seven-storey main structure, an administration building containing offices, and banquet hall on the eastern side and a separate entertainment complex to the west, containing a specialty restaurant, nightclub and casino. Work on the four components, valued $3.6B began in 2011 and is expected to be completed soon. Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion project Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image as a travel destination has heightened and due to greater links to other travel routes, a modern airport that meets international standards is needed. The US$150M project is funded by the Government of China through the Chinese Exim Bank. The expansion will cater for a new terminal building with eight boarding bridges, elevators and CCTV.

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

The runway will be extended by 3,500 feet, and there will be eight international parking positions. The airport’s expansion has been hampered by the Opposition’s disapproval of funds allocated in the 2014 budget, but, due to the necessity of this project, the government will push ahead with it. National Synthetic track Guyanese athletes are closer to having a state-of-theart facility at their disposal as the synthetic track at Leonora is nearing completion. The track has been certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) as part of the Government’s quest to renew sport and athletics and boost Guyana’s capacity to host international sport activities. The synthetic track and field has been designed in phases, and at present there are several contractors on site with specific jobs being contracted to them. The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Warm-up pool The construction of a warm-up pool at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal will ensure that Guyana complies with international

standards, enhancing its capacity to host internationally- sanctioned swimming events.

The Hope Canal Bridge is officially opened

New alternative by-pass from Diamond to Ogle The Ministry of Housing and Water has commenced work on a massive outlay of road infrastructure across the country. One of the main projects that the Ministry is at present focusing on for the immediate future is a new alternative by-pass road stretching from Diamond, East Bank Demerara all the way to Ogle. According to Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali, this project is currently being designed. A feasibility study has been completed and submitted to the Indian Government for financing.

West Demerara Road Residents of communities along the Parika to Vreed-en-Hoop corridor can look forward to improved and reliable access to approximately 30.7 kilometres of roadway from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie, as work will soon get underway. This US$ 34.2M projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective is to increase efficiency and safety of road transportation along the West Coast Demerara road. This Fourth Road project (West Coast Demerara Road Improvement) that is being implemented with finance from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), has combined six components, each having its own estimated source of funds. The project has an estimated total

financing cost of US $46.789M and the total base cost is approximately US$36.301M. Hope Canal On completion, the Hope Canal project at the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) will be a major engineering construction achievement, built for the first time in Guyana, and done by Guyanese engineers and workers. It will as well be recorded one of the most significant inputs made towards addressing climate change challenges in Guyana. The project is a clear recognition that the Government is aware of, and has made interventions to address the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vulnerabilThe Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

ity to the effects of climate change. Located at Hope, East Coast Demerara, the project is the largest ever funded with Guyanese resources, and offers a real solution to the risk of the failure of the East Demerara Water Conservancy a situation that has the potential to occur. This huge four-component project is close to fruition. Component two, a $350M bridge has been commissioned. Cunha Canal The Cunha Canal rehabilitation is the first adaptation project under the LCDS which is aimed at increasing the canalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discharge capacity and reducing the risks of the embankment overtopping and flooding along the East Bank of Demerara. This project is an important intervention addressing the focus area of adapting to climate change. The works will improve the ability of the Government of Guyana to manage water resources in the EDWC. Community Infrastructure and Improvement Project (CIIP) The Ministry of Housing & Water is repairing and upgrading a number of roads and community infrastructure including community burial grounds under this project, which is valued at $484M. All of the roads tendered would have been awarded, the contracts signed and the work commenced. 1000 people have also been employed to work directly with implementing maintenance of infrastructure programmes for the works targeted under CIIP. The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Four-Lane East Bank Demerara Highway

Opening of Amerindian Heritage

ven though Guyana’s indigenous people do celebrate and share their culture at many local colourful festivals throughout the year, the true ‘spirit of the indigenous’ truly comes alive during the ‘set aside’ month of September, deemed Amerindian Heritage Month. This month affords Indigenous people the opportunity to revel, educate and entertain the entire nation as regards the value of its first people. These annual activities give Guyanese a galore of opportunities not only to celebrate, but to learn more about the first people and their contribution towards the country’s development and progress, as during this month the Arawaks, Akawaios, Arecunas, Caribs, Macushis, Patamonas, Wai-Wais, Wapisianas, and Warraus -the very first inhabitants of this land, showcase their cultures and achievements, at events at the regional and national level. What is so marvellous about proceedings in this month is that all Guyanese get a package of entertainment that ends up as enlightenment and appreciation.

Activities and events during the month include (but are not limited to): • An Interfaith service • A Grand Heritage Launch • A Cultural Extravaganza • A Food and Craft Exhibition • Heritage Day • A Stephen Campbell Exhibition • Heritage Sport • Heritage Dinner

•

Amerindian Heritage Pageant (sometimes)

The interfaith Service is the harbinger as this ushers in the month of celebration. This event, held annually at the Umana Yana brings together members of the local religious bodies, Amerindians, government officials and representatives of the diplomatic community and many others, for prayers, chantings, scripture readings, singing The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

of traditional songs and engaging in dances. The events is in keeping with the indigenous peoples’ belief in their connection with Mother Earth and is one that ensures that the indigenous people’s faith and experiences are shared with all the other faith-based organisations in Guyana. The ceremonial launch of Amerindian Heritage Month takes place always at the Amerindian Village in Sophia. It is well attended by thousands, but more importantly, the members of the Cabinet, including the President or Prime Minister, always grace the proceedings. Guests to this event experience indigenous songs, and dances and also hear from the President or Prime Minister and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, on matters relating to the Government of Guyana and policy direction for continued Amerindian Development. This ‘stage-setter’ usually lasts for the first five nights, and attracts hundreds of Guyanese, foreigners and diplomats to the Amerindian Village at Sophia. Various cultural groups provide a wholesome spectacle of Amerindian songs and dances. During the day activities do not come to a stop as many visit to check out and purchase the intricate pieces of Amerindian art and craft items and to sample the Amerindian cuisine and beverages on display at the food and art exhibition. As for the daily exhibits, these include items made of tibisiri such as mats, bowls, jewel boxes, hammocks and other decorative pieces. There are also sculptures, depicting many facets of things Amerindian. Where the cuisine is concerned, the range is wide and the taste exotic - tuma pot, wild hog and cassava bread, casiri, piwari, pepperpot and cadakura, wild hog, bush cow, haimara and labba. As the month goes by, there comes an evening of reflection, in tribute to the life and contributions of the late Amerindian rights advocate, and first Indigenous Parliamentarian, Stephen Campbell. Born in the Mourca subdistrict of Region One in 1928, was the first Amerindian to enter the LegislaThe Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

tive Council of the then British Guiana. He entered the National Labour Front in 1957 in a bid to represent the interests of the Amerindians. Among his

greatest achievement towards this effort was the move to craft the Amerindian Act. Then there is the weekend Amerindian Heritage Sports and Family Fun day

The activities are many-football and cricket, mixed events, fun and competition contests, and three-legged race. The piwari drinking and pepper pot eating stand-offs are like the ‘icing on the cake’ as the day’s activities come to a closure. It is now the norm that each year, during this special month, an Amerindian community is selected as the ‘heritage village’ where the residents are given the opportunity to share their way of life, traditions, cultures and achievements with the rest of Guyana. On the day, many from all parts of the country journey to this village to enjoy the day with the residents as they collectively sing, dance, and dine. Heritage villages in the recent past have been Micobie, Region Eight (2012,) Karasabai, Region Nine (2013) and Karrau, Region Seven (2014). When all things are about to end for the month, there is the Amerindian Heritage Dinner. Here is where guests are hosted to raise funds to complement and supplement the services offered to Amerindian patients at

Top Amerindian performers at CSEC and National Grade Six Assessment with Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai

the Amerindian Hostel in Princes Street, Georgetown. Guests at the dinner are usually treated to a buffet style dinner of strictly Amerindian cuisines. There is also the honouring of the Hinterland Students who have performed well at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and CSEC, as well long-serving and well deserving staff of the Amerindian Affairs Min-

istry and other persons, who over the years, have made outstanding contributions to Amerindian development. So Amerindian Heritage month is one that is fittingly fixated in the Guyanese psyche-it has everything: entertainment all the way to education.

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Rice

- Feeding the nation

ice was indeed dead in Guyana at one time. In fact in 1984, 180,000 tons was a high and this dropped to 130,000 tons by 1988. This picture gets even bleaker as the acreage under rice cultivation fell from 100,000 hectares in 1964 to 36,000 hectares in 1988.

Combine in the rice field cutting the rice

By1990, Guyana had its lowest rice production. The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total rice production was exactly 93,444 tonnes and export for that year was a mere 50, 000 tonnes. This was because farmers were not getting input on a timely basis and there were not adequate enabling mechanisms for growing rice, including drainage and irrigation interventions. There were also issues with the price paid to farmers. This was significantly reduced and there was a period where there were protests for support with bags and twines, at the main rice locations. In the end, farmers started to leave the rice cultivation in the hundreds, many sold their land and migrated, whilst others began cultivating other crops. By this time, as expected, the exodus of rice farmers and the abandonment of rice land were quite noticeable in Guyana and former rich, green acres had started to look very boggy, during rainy seasons. Rice however, has experienced a complete turnaround, and today, has become one of the best performers in the agriculture sector, with successive record breaking production, The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

since 2008. This industry is projected to reach a staggering 500,000 tonnes by year-end. The industry is flourishing today because of improved farming techniques, better seed varieties, and many interventions by the PPP/C Administration, and these overall, have lead to improved yield per hectare and more land being brought under cultivation. Renewed interest Following the change in Government in 1992, when the PPPC came into office, there were significant invest-

ments made in the industry, and not only at the physical level. Huge sums were spent on drainage and irrigation and there were aggressive research programmes, involving Indian scientists and this allowed for new greater yielding rice varieties. The Government also strategically developed the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and this body has worked and implemented programmes that have supported and guided successful farmers, in the application of new technology. The quick result of this was greater production and corresponding new markets with better prices.

Varieties of packaged rice in Guyana

pected, Guyana quickly needed to find export sources. Expanding-markets and varieties

Guyana’s aromatic rice

Production in fact is soaring. The actual figures now make for some great read: 365,469 metric tonnes in 1999; 361,527 metric tonnes, in 2010; 402,000 tonnes in 2011; 422,000 tonnes for 2012; and an all-time high for 2013 of 529,384 tonnes. As ex-

Prior to 2010, Europe was the largest importer of Guyana’s rice, but by 2012, following an agreement between Former President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, 66 percent of Guyana’s rice paddy started to go to Venezuela, and for better prices. Then, in August 2014, Guyana was been able to seal a deal with Panama, for the supply of 5,000 tonnes of rice per month, up to the end of this year. This is likely to lay the foundation for new and bigger contracts for 2015 onwards.

The country also is at present exploring production of rice varieties that will create more value added opportunities for farmers and open more lucrative niche markets. Back in 2012, Guyana introduced its first crop of aromatic rice, developed at the rice research centre. This has already caught on in the Guyana market, and the next phase is to pursue exports of this aromatic brand, as a niche product in the Caribbean and European markets. Ongoing also, is a delving into a saltresistant variety, that is being developed and an upland rice variety is being produced at Santa Fe, Region Nine, intended to satisfy the local Region 9 market. In addition, this rice will also be exported to Brazil. Looking Ahead The current trend in production and experimentation in rice varieties tell a story of great hope. The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

New rice variety being tested

Guyana is now headed for a million tonnes by 2015. And since its first aromatic line of rice was successfully cultivated on 60 acres of land, it means that the country can now look forward to more farmers going the way of commercial production of aromatic rice. The production of an aromatic line of rice will allow the rice industry an opportunity to compete in niche markets, locally and internationally especially since aromatic brands such as Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basmattie rice are premium products with high prices. Rice is good Rice is low-fat and high in energy. It can be mixed with just about anything to make a wide variety of tasty, nutritious dishes. Rice is also closely connected to the culture of many societies. Hindu and Buddhist religions use rice as a religious offering. Burmese folklore uses rice as a central part of their story; the Gods gave the first people of Burma rice seeds and directed them to Burma, where the rice

would grow well. The health benefits of rice include its ability to provide fast and instant energy, regulate and improve bowel movements, stabilise blood sugar levels, and slow down the aging process, while also providing an essential

source of vitamin B1 to the human body. Other benefits include its ability to boost skin health, increase the metabolism, aid in digestion, reduce high blood pressure, help weight loss efforts, improve the immune system and provide protection against dysentery, cancer, and heart disease. Paddy being loaded on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;UBC Montego Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; destined for Venezuela

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

ValuingIndigenousPeople

ndigenous people and their communities have always had a historical relationship with their lands, and they are generally descendants of the original inhabitants of such lands. Simply put, this means that they and their lands are inextricably bound. One needs to appreciate the fact that Indigenous people anywhere have the ability to participate fully and naturally in sustainable development practices, but accommodating this reality has been limited or quite slow. What are needed are national and international efforts to implement environmentally sound and sustainable development to promote and strengthen the role of indigenous people and their communities. For too long this has been the mindset of too many nations too. However, post -1992 Guyana has challenged the erroneous past and started to reshape the livelihood of Amerindians. This modus operandus coincides with the thinking of the United Nations too, which designated 1993, ‘The International Year for the World’s Indigenous Peoples’.

ally about government’s role in being in full partnership with indigenous people and their communities, as this translates to intergovernmental organisations’ establishment of a process, to empower indigenous peoples and their communities, through significant and decisive measures. The demographics here show that

the Amerindians are, correctly speaking, four main tribes, namely the Warraus, Arawaks, Wapisianas and the Caribs, which include several sub tribes, Arecunas, Akawaios, Patamonas, and the Macusis. The WaiWais are also included in the Caribspeaking group.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai interacts with residents of Kurukubaru, Region 8

The general objectives therein are re-

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Hinterland scholarship graduates with Guyana Government Officials

Going back to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the General Assembly on September 13, 2007, it should be noted that Guyana had already been moving ahead and had started to establish a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being and rights of its indigenous peoples. The emphases were on individual and collective rights; cultural rights and identity; and rights to education, health, employment and language.

Hinterland Scholarship Programme The Hinterland Scholarship Programme (HSP) which caters for hinterland communities ensures that individualism has receded to collective thinking, and since 1976, even non-Amerindians are being awarded scholarships. By 1997, in addition to the two existing secondary schools at Mabaruma and

St. Ignatius, three secondary schools were constructed in the hinterland and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Regional Scholarshipsâ&#x20AC;? were introduced. This allowed scholarship awardees to attend secondary schools within their respective regions. In some cases, students from one region attended the nearest secondary school in another region. For example, Anna Regina Multilateral School in Region Two caters for children from Moruca in Region One.

Practically this kind of move rules against discrimination against indigenous peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them. It also ensures their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own priorities in economic, social and cultural development. The trickledown effect of this impinges on political power, education, environment, land (territory), intellectual property, poverty and the list goes on. Notably some governments have not embraced this kind of politics and philosophy.

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Residents of Crashwater, Region 9 with uniform material provided by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs

Students in the IT lab at the Hinterland Students Dorm

Community Development Plan - Cattle Rearing

The main objective of the HSP is to provide students from hinterland communities with quality secondary or technical education, and to allow for the integration of hinterland students into anything in the Guyanese society. Since its inception, this HSP has provided scholarships to more than 1000 persons. Most of the students who have secured Cuban scholarships over the last five years, to pursue careers as engineers, doctors and agriculturists among other specialisations, are graduates of the HSP. Several past students also attended or are attending the University of Guyana; many having received the Public Service Ministry Scholarships. The spin-off of this is that Guyana now has a number of professionals living and working in the area from which they originate. This allows for trust and empathy and over all better and closely knitted communities. GRIF Secondly, there is the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), which is a multi-contributor trust fund, for the financing of activities, identified under the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The REDD+ mechanism is all about the effort to create an innovative climate finance mechanism, which balances national sovereignty over investment priorities, while simultaneously ensuring that REDD+ funds adhere to the highest internationally recognised standards for financial, environmental and social safeguards. The GRIF was established in October

Kopinang Primary School students

2010, with the World Bank as Trustee, following an agreement signed between Guyana and Norway in November 2009, in which Norway agreed to provide Guyana up to US$250 million by 2015 in performance-based payments for avoided deforestation in support of Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LCDS. Guyana has more than 180 Indigenous communities concentrated in a geographic space referred to as the interior/hinterland. The population of those communities range from 150 and 5,000 inhabitants. Amerindian Development Fund In April 2014, the entire $1.1 billion Capital Expenditure, which included the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), for the Amerindian Affairs Ministry was voted down by the parliamentary Opposition. What needs to be realised is that the ADF was implemented in 2013 by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, in partnership with the United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP). Overall, this long-term project is expected to benefit 180 Amerindian communities, so transparency and integrity are not compromised. This financing will be streamlined into a transparent and accountable mechanism to support community development projects. This would entail setting up a framework for the easy access to financial resources for indigenous communities, taking into consideration lessons learnt from existing mechanisms. Additionally, the existing planning, managing, and implementation capacities will be strengthened for the sustainable livelihood activities undertaken by indigenous communities. To date, agreements were signed with 27 communities/villages (one faced challenges) in Phase 1 of the project, and on September 18, the phase two agreement; valued $ 1.3B was sealed with the UNDP. The Project will provide funding to support the socio-economic development of Amerindian communities The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs building

and villages through the implementation of their Community Development Plans (CDPs). Approximately 160 communities, over three years, will receive funding of up to $5M each for a community based project. All CDPs are approved by consensus or majority vote at village meetings, governed by Section 32 of the Amerindian Act of 2006. Projects encompass the following seven sectors: • Agriculture including; farming, agro-processing, aquaculture, poultry and cattle rearing • Sustainable Forestry • Village infrastructure including; construction of village office, multi-purpose building and sewing centre and upgrade of airstrip • Manufacturing including; water purification plant, furniture, sanitary blocks and crafts • Services including; village shop, museum building and bus / transportation • Low Impact Mining • Tourism including guest house, nature based and eco-tourism During Phase l of the ADF project, 26 communities received disbursements The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Solar panels on the Wapishana Language Institute, Region Nine

to implement their respective CDPs. Electrification This is really a big boost. The HEP (Hinterland Electrification Programme) was launched in 2005, as Government sought to explore options for the sustainable electrification of the hinterland, as part of the national Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP). The programme being executed by the

Hinterland Electrification Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister is about empowering villagers with the necessary skills, in the use and maintenance of these sustainable energy sources. Already, 355 persons from 184 villages from the beneficiary Hinterland communities were trained in the assembling, installation and maintenance of the systems. Already 11,000 Amerindian households have access to electricity.

Top National Grade Six Assessment students awarded with laptops

ndeniable evidence is there both internally and regionally to emphatically declare that Guyana is now a pace-setter, at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). As a matter of fact, Guyana captured 5 of the 8 awards for ‘Best Regional Performances’ at the CSEC exams in 2013.

Most Outstanding Student in Business Studies; and Zimeena Rasheed of Anna Regina Secondary School for Most Outstanding Student in Technical Vocational Studies.

Topping the list of awardees was Yogeeta Persaud of Anna Regina Secondary School, who was presented with an award for ‘Overall Outstanding Achievement.’

In 2014, it was 16-year-old Elisa Hamilton (from Queen’s College) who topped the Caribbean Secondary Certificate of Education (CSCE) results in Guyana, with 19 grade ones and one grade two. However, Bharti Bhoge and Tressyia Ketwaroo, both from of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School followed closely. Bhoge secured 17 Grade Ones and Ketwaroo, 16.

Rafeena Mohammed from the Saraswatie Vidya Niketan School copped the award for Most Outstanding Student in Humanities; Cecil Cox of Queen’s College for Most Outstanding Student in Sciences; Sasha Woodroffe of Queen’s College for

Very clear in these returns is the fact that education in Guyana is beginning to enjoy great parity and soon elite schools will cease to be.No wonder then that Guyana has made excellent progress in education. The country is on track to meet the education target,

ensuring that, by 2015, children everywhere will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. This is not some trivial feat thus far. It calls for, and is still calling for, incisive planning and strategic investment. One must never forget that for a long time, Guyana kept losing teachers to CARICOM countries. But now, many are returning to resume their contracts that were breached. The thing is that education investment and reward tend to be looked at in terms of new schools and improved ones. However, a ‘good cage never fed the birds’ and infrastructure alone cannot reap rewarding dividends. One thing that must never be forgotten is that Government has been laying the foundation for teachers to be fully motivated. The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Take salary for instance. In 1992, teachers’ salaries were very low with some receiving $3,100. Prior to that, $382 was a teacher’s salary in 1985. Jump now to 1994, and we see that teachers received a 100% salary increase across the board, less than two years after the present administration took office. This kind of monetary incentive is still ongoing. It brings motivation as well as pride. The picture is even better as we move to benefits, including seven days per year special leave for Head teachers, 28 days departmental leave and one month’s Whitley Council leave after a term of four years. They also receive vacation allowance, equivalent to one month’s salary. Teachers in training are given time-off to attend the Cyril Potter College of Education( CPCE) while others are given time-off to attend the University of Guyana (UG) with full salary, as well as a 13 - week vacation per - year with pay. A monthly stipend is also given to those attending CPCE for pre-service. Recently, the CPCE and UG collaborated to offer the Degree in Education; three years at CPCE and two at UG. Currently, the Education Ministry, through its National Science Unit, has placed Guyana in the top position, in the region, with the Global Micro Science Experiment Project.

Natioanal Best Performers with their awards

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

The project, which was developed and promoted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), is a science education project that gives priThe five outstanding regional CSEC performers,Yogeeta Persaud, Cecil Cox, Sasha Woodroofe, Rafena Mustapha mary and secondary and Zimeena Rasheed school students, as well as university students the opportunity to congrammes must be catered for; teachduct practical work in physics, chem- ers must be well trained and paid istry, and biology, using kits that come satisfactorily and students must be atwith booklets describing scientific tended to. experiments. In fact, the education system today auThen the Education Ministry has this gurs well as its structure now is continyear launched its five-year Hinterland gent upon unmatched investment beEducation Improvement Project (HEIP) ing made throughout the years. in Regions Seven and Nine. This implementation is all about quality of edu- For example, the biggest chunk, $38B cation delivered in the hinterland, with was allocated to the education sector specific attention being paid to learn- in Budget 2014 . ing outcomes. As such, the HEIP was formulated to determine the gaps that Former Secretary General of the Unitexist in providing quality education ed Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan once said: and good learning outcomes. “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of proThis September, Guyana celebrates Ed- gress, in every society, in every family.” ucation Month 2014 under the theme “Literate by Grade Four through Con- Guyana has certainly been witnessing sistent Home, School and Community unprecedented growth in its education Involvement”. This means that all must sector and there is no slowing down, get onboard -the Education Ministry, even though universal primary eduthe schools, and the neighbourhood. cation has been achieved. Rather the It also means that personnel and pro- race is on to achieve Universal Second-

uyana is a ‘land of many waters’, and outside of the fishing tradition, Guyanese are now making good on its aquatic offering. All are au fait with the regattas, but things have evolved, and people are now catching on to yachting. Yachting, a form of sport, reserved for yachts and larger sailboats is now a major tourist attraction in Guyana, particularly so that Bartica has been declared a port of entry, in order to promote this activity. The year 2013 was a busy one as far as arrivals were concerned; for, during the period August-September, several yachts visited.

Part of this flotilla was seven yachts, from the inaugural Nereid’s Rally that sailed into the Essequibo, while on the Trinidad and Tobago to French Guiana course of the event. Then as far as 2014 goes, yatchies, both courageous men and women came to Guyana, as part of the second Nereid Rally and anchored their boats in the mighty Essequibo River. Sailing off from the twin island republic, Trinidad and Tobago, on September 1, the Nereid Yachting Rally brought participants from the United Kingdom, Argentina, Israel, Italy, France, United States, Switzerland and Australia.

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

David Matelicani, Organiser of the rally, pointed out that this time of year is known as the hurricane season in many Caribbean islands. This makes Guyana an ideal destination for this sport and leisure activity, since the country is not plagued by such disasters. He said that one of the main purposes of the Nereid Rally was always to encourage sailors to navigate southwards. Matelicani said that convincing people to sail to Guyana was easy, since the country is so well-endowed with natural wonders and has hospitable people with a rich diverse culture. Since the prospects for yachting are so encouraging, a training center for the service and repair of yachts will be opened in Guyana next year. As of the moment, there is no such place for yachtsmen to access these services if the need arises. The idea is really to develop a marine facility, offering the full range of services, including the hauling out and storage of yachts. Organisers of the rally are more than convinced that Guyana can compete with yachting destinations like Trinidad and Tobago, and will be able to attract its share of what is rapidly becoming a multimillion dollar industry.

Guyana Tourism Authority Director Indranauth Haralsingh (back row-centre); Proprietor of the Hurukabra River Resort, Kit Nascimento (front row centre) flanked by Region Seven Chairman Gordon Bradford and Organiser of the Nereidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rally, David Matelicani and the Yachters The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

International superstar Neyo preforming at the stadium

Karan and Abha from Indian soap â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yahan Ghar Ghar Kheliâ&#x20AC;? performing in Guyana at the National Stadium

International reggae recording artiste, Shaggy performing for cricket fans at the Guyana National Stadium

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan preforming at the Guyana National Stadium

Rick Ross preforming at the Guyana National Stadium

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Guyanese turn out in their numbers to enjoy a CPL match at the Guyana National Stadium

President Donald Ramotar; First Lady, Deolatchmee Ramotar; Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh; President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud with Bollywood playback singers Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik at the National Stadium.

Gravity Lounge Georgetown

Fun City Princess Hotel

he screams of adulation are deafening; every time. Thousands and thousands in synchrony, drowning at times the pulsating and reverberating intoxicating music belted out by an iconic and idolised international celebrity. An arena where night is illuminated with rainbow colours of blinding lights and bodies moving rhythmically in harmony; trancelike! Such description would easily fit a renowned international concert venue like Madison Square Garden in New York or Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom. But not in this case! The reference is to the National Stadium in Providence, Guyana. Since its completion in 2007, to facilitate the hosting of the Cricket World Cup (CWC), this iconic national edifice has helped to transform not only the local landscape, but has also provided an international standard for hosting premier sporting events and, of course, concerts. Over the last seven years, international artistes like Neyo, CeCe Winans, Sonu Nigam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, R Kelly, Shreya Ghoshal, Rick Ross, Trey Songz, John The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Soul and R&B singer John Legend performing at Night of Love at the Guyana National Stadium

Legend and many more too numerous to mention, performed for adoring fans. The National Stadium has helped to engineer a complete revolution of the entertainment industry in Guyana and provides a functional and accessible venue for mega events like the Building Expo and the recently held inaugural â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guyana Festivalâ&#x20AC;?. Branded the fastest drying ground

in the Caribbean, it has ensured that Guyana remains an integral host for international Test Cricket, saving Guyana as a host venue. Many still harbour unpleasant memories of rain ruining cricket in the past at the world famous Bourda ground which was plagued by poor drainage. Remember when a helicopter was used to help dry the outfield so that an important match

availability of more disposable income through increase in personal wealth which of course adds up to, in the first instance, of the ordinary man having a better and more comfortable life and secondly, amicable for local and foreign entrepreneurs to invest.

President Donald Ramotar with Indian playback singer, Sonu Nigam, at the National Stadium.

could have continued. That was then; the National Stadium is now. Rain is no longer an inhibiting factor. The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and other Regional tournaments have found an immensely accommodating setting. In many ways this now iconic structure is an indicator of the unprecedented transformation through modernisation the country as a whole continues to experience. The evidence is overwhelming in every Region. That aside, the multi-purpose National Stadium is just one example of how the enter-

tainment industry in itself has been transformed. Within the last decade, a plethora of night clubs, lounges, sporting bars, restaurants and other related entertainment centres have been established. The opportunities for a modern cinematic experience and children’s entertainment are now routine. This transformation was not coincidental, but the derivative of restored confidence, stability, sustained economic growth through prudent management by the government, an enabling financial environment for easy access,

These establishments are clearly representative of the confidence investors have shown in a now free and prosperous Guyana. They must be commended, from the local Private Sector to those who are based overseas, for investing here, thereby helping to create jobs and contributing to the continuous growth of the now robust economy. So whether it’s fine dining, dancing with twerking not restricted at any of the many night clubs, engrossed in a movie, sliding in a water park, children on rides in a fun park, enjoying a ballad or dancehall music at a concert, cheering your favourite team at a T20 Cricket match or football, watching a sporting event at a lounge or sports bar or just hanging out while overlooking the City’s skyline, there are now choices; many! These choices are not confined to the City, another indicator of the changing face of entertainment over the two decades here. Bon appetit! Cheers! What to wear? That’s a different issue!

President Donald Ramotar and other government officals with performers at the opening of the inaugural Guyana Festival

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

International particpants at the opening of Carifesta X

Paratrooper thrilling the audience at the opening of the inaugural Guyana Festival

Performers at the opening of the inaugural Guyana Festival

Part of Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contingent at the opening of Carifesta X The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Eccles Housing Scheme on the East Bank Demerara

A Grand Vision, Phenomenal Success -Guyana’s National Housing Programme

f all the socio-economic programmes that are part of the transformative process now underway in Guyana, that of the housing sector can only be described as revolutionary, for the grand vision of housing every Guyanese, that influenced its conception; and, magnificent for the astounding success that it has become, in fulfilling such a laudable objective. And this is even more so, considering the abysmal state that had become housing in Guyana, by the time the PPP/C government had returned to office: the anarchic and unwholesome culture of squatter settlements that became a feature of our coastal ways. Start of the vision

Fast forward 20 years later, and the situation that currently obtains, is an illustration of the promptness, urgency, and consistency of the government in the launch of this dynamic housing programme, which from 1993, has evidenced over 100,000 house lots distributed. For example, during the period 2000-2012, the Housing Ministry invested $17B in the development of 13,000 new lots in Great Diamond (Sections A, B and C); Golden Grove (Sections A, B and C); Little Diamond; Mocha; Eccles(Blocks A, B and C and Herstelling and Kaneville, benefitting more than 54,000 people.

Building of support infrastructure Very critical to the success of the local housing programme, have been the significant inputs from foreign donors, such as the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank, towards the development of infrastructure. The period 2006-2010 is reflective of this joint approach: • 2006: 50 projects in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10, were done at a cost of $1.5B for the development of 16,000 house lots. This benefitted more than 65,000 people. • 2007: 34 projects were carried out in Regions 3, 4,7 and 10, to the value of $900M, and which developed 7, 800 lots for more than 32,000 people. • 2008: 16 projects in Regions 3, 4, 6 and 10, that developed 6,900 for more than 28,000 people. • 2009: 15 projects in Regions 3, 4 and 6, were concluded at a cost of $5.2B. This huge sum was disbursed for developing 3,200 house lots that benefitted more than 13,000 people, and the acquisition of more lands, targeting the development of 17,000 new lots that had been proposed for 2011. • 2010: 25 projects were executed in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, that entailed an $11B investment for developing 11,000 lots. This would have benefitted more than 46,000 residents. Of the total capital investment of $19.7B, the Government of Guyana’s share was $13.2B. The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

New Housing Scheme in Eccles

One of the houses in Region Nine built under the Second Low Income Settlement Programme

Government’s support in accessing affordable mortgage In keeping with its plan of making affordable housing available to Guyanese, the PPP/C administration has continued to assist in this grand design. Therefore, by amendments to the New Building Society Act and Income Tax Act, qualified mortgage finance institutions have been empowered to grant housing loans at relatively low interest rates and long repayment periods. This means that interest rates have been lowered from 9% in 2001, to a current low of 4.95%. For example, a two- bedroom house can now be built with a $3M mortgage at the stated rate of interest over a 20-year period. One Stop Shop Because of the overwhelming demand for housing, the innovative methodology of the One Stop Shop was employed. This unique intervention incorporates personnel from the Ministry of Housing, commercial banks, and building companies at the locale, where distribution of the lots is to take place. This facilitates the immediate processing of title documents for access to mortgages. As testimony to its success, for 2013, the One Stop Shop mechanism conducted 10 instances at which a total of 7,000 land titles were processed. This was 2,700 more than the projected target of 5,800. Among the areas at which one stop shops were held, included: Zeelugt- Phase 2: 85 lots Kilcoy – Chesney: 750 lots The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Souvenir Housing Scheme on the East Coast Demerara

Lust – en – Rust: 1200 lots Covent Garden: 1029 lots Onderneeming: 360 lots

Zeelugt Phase 3: 844 lots Farm: 1695 lots

From squatting settlements to housing schemes After over 20 years in office, the PPP/C can point to a regularisation process that has been very successful, being responsible for bringing into existence over 200 regularised housing schemes at Enmore, Paradise, Rasville, Zeelugt, Tuschen, Meten-Meer-Zorg, Grove, Diamond, Parfait Harmonie and Sophia, just to name few. The largest schemes are located at: Region Two – Charity and Onderneeming: 1604 lots Region Two – Tuschen: 3590 lots Region Three – Parfait Harmonie and Lust – en – Rust: 7279 lots, and Belle West: 1564 lots Region Four – Diamond/Grove: 5,998 lots; Good Hope and New Hope: 960 lots; Foulis: 853 lots; and Enmore/Haslington: 784 lots. Region Six – Glasgow 971 lots Region Six – Ordnance/Fortland: 996 lots Region Ten – Amelia’s Ward: 4000 lots; Wisroc 1B: 768 lots Other schemes that have been fully developed are: Ankerville, Port Mourant, Region Six No. Six Village, Corentyne, Region Six

Houselot beneficiaries and their relatives at the Guyana National Stadium at a One Stop Shop

A core home for low income earners

Belle West, Phase 11, Region Three Eccles, East Bank Demerara Blairmont, Region Five Hinterland Housing Hinterland communities are also benefitting from the national housing programme, with several areas being allotted house lots. These have been distributed as follows: • Region Seven – 386 lots • Region Eight – 123 lots • Region Nine – 887 lots Under the Second Low Income Settlement (LIS) Programme, $200M has been set aside for a pilot, now in progress, for the establishment of structured communities, and construction of core homes. Under the Whitewater project in Region One undertaken by both the Government of Guyana and the

Inter-American Bank, 50 households have benefitted in the Mabaruma and Whitewater communities. As part of the Second LIS Programme, there were 27 roof replacements and the construction of 23 houses. Taken to Region Nine, residents have also benefitted from this initiative, in which new houses were built, and roofs replaced. Conducted at a cost of $17.5M, this programme is also executed at Kwatamang, with beneficiaries from Massara, Katoka, and Apoteri. Housing in Guyana today The Housing Sector today is being driven by a powerful dynamism of its own that knows no bounds in its national mission of providing low cost housing to Guyanese. Thus 20 years after, this sector can proudly point to a regularisation process, among other factors, that has brought to matured existence, housing schemes across the country.

An East Coast Demerara Housing Scheme

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Herstelling Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara

All these areas were given basic infrastructure, fully sub- bution as lots, along the coastlands, has already been sidised by government, before home owners began their exhausted. construction. The PPP/C administration’s performance, as regards makThe Diamond locale must be singled out for very special ing low cost housing available to the Guyanese nation, is in mention. Once an area of sugar cane fields, it has since consonance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights been transformed into a modern residential hub, with ad- and its subsequent re-affirmation at the 1996 United Nations vanced social and economic infrastructure that includes Habitat Conference with its theme “Adequate Shelter For three commercial banks, IT businesses, branches of com- All”, recognised as a basic human right. Truly, and without mercial stores, educational institutions, among other sig- any contradiction, the government’s performance has been nificant social support infrastructure. It is often spoken of, in keeping with the conclusion of this conference that all govas being eligible for township status. ernments have responsibilities to take appropriate action in order to promote, protect and ensure proper realisation of Whereas 20 years ago, house ownership was a dream, for provision of adequate housing for their citizens. so many Guyanese, especially the low income earners, it is now vastly different. From being crammed into one room Turn Key Homes, East Bank Demerara dwellings, thousands of this category are now the proud owners of well-constructed homes of beautiful architectural design in respectable environments. The budgetary allocation for 2014, of $4.4B, again underlines government’s commitment to the grand design of national housing. In September, 500 lots were distributed for Plantation Providence, Phase 3 on which $60M was spent on providing electricity. Very shortly, attention will be directed towards the proposed Silica City phase, along the Linden Highway. This would seem to be the most logical site, since the 20% of land space that had been available for distriThe Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Guyanese public servants, better off than before

here is no denying that workers today have many advantages when compared with those of the past, and that significant progress and benefits have now come their way. Think of the notable wage increases that are now at the disposal of employees. Today, when calculated on an hourly basis, the average public servant earns $184 more per hour than what obtained two decades ago; back then, a minimum wage public servant earned just $18 per hour. This significant higher pay-structure is among the advantages that workers today are enjoying and all because Guyana’s economy is progressively fairly well. Minimum Wage Increase

This healthy state of the economy allowed for workers to get a boost as Government intervened on July 1, 2013-this was the implementation of the first new minimum wage order. This measure significantly impacted on the 35,000 workers, who immediately benefitted from this hike that increased the minimum wage from $33,207 to $35,000 per month. It carried with it not just monetary matters, but issues safe-guarding hours of work and overtime compensation. The move then was both financial betterment and respect for employees’ rights and benefits. This new measure meant that more income was in hand to meet the needs of the family. The leap cannot be missed; it was a lowly $3,137 per

month and the highest, $16,358 per month for a long time. This is now history. And why? Since 1992, the average increase has been 62.4 percent per annum. From 1992 to 2005, there was a 786 percent in the nation’s minimum wage, and from 2006 to 2011, there was a further increase of 27.4 percent. In summation, this means financial betterment for Guyanese. In fact, the average worker now takes home close to three times what used to obtain in the past and this without overtime, which is now a guarantee, if more than 40 hours of time is put in. What must be appreciated is that things like ‘bullyism’ and ‘exploitation’ have been stamped out and any perpetrator of workers’ right is likely to find trouble in the courts; as a matter of fact, a few have made into examples. Beyond the money, what Government has done is to lift the dignity of every working citizen. Annual Salary Increases Then there is the now standard across-the-board salary increase that Government has been signing off on every year-end. Since 2001, this payment has been a consistent five

Minimum Wages and Salary Increase: In the past two decades, there has been a steady increase in the minimum wages. The minimum wage, which was $3,137 in 1992, has been consistently increasing over the years, and is today, $35,000.

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Increased Income Tax Threshold: The number of persons paying taxes is reduced yearly as Government continues to increase the income tax threshold. This is one of Government’s ways of ensuring that citizens’ lives be improved. Increasing the threshold level affords a person, who earns a minimum salary more spending power.

percent of workers’ salary, though in 2009, workers benefitted from a six percent increase and an eight percent increase in 2010. Deemed the ‘Christmas incentive,’ this plus serves not only as a boost to workers’ morale, but also as extra cash for the Christmas season; a real win-win for the workers and the economy. Additionally, during this season, the disciplined forces have been benefitting from a one-month salary of tax free dollars. Personal Income Tax threshold Increase This is another positive for workers, who now benefit from more disposable income, because of the steady increase to the personal income tax threshold. By incrementally increasing this income tax threshold level, Government has each year, reduced the number of persons paying this tax, and in so doing, has afforded more persons who earn a minimum salary, to have more spending power. It is a very magnanimous move as other countries are tightening The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

up amidst the universal economic meltdown. In 1992, the income tax threshold was $4,000 per month and was increased by 525 percent in 2006 to $25,000. This was further increased by 40 percent in 2009 to 35, 000, and yet again by 14.3 percent in 2011, to $40,000. It did not stop there as further extension came with 25 percent in 2012, when there was the latest personal income tax adjustment to $600,000 annually or $50,000 monthly. The income tax threshold is now therefore twice as high as it was in 2006. This year, as further testament to making the life of the workers more comfortable, the rate of the charge on the tax was reduced. Now instead of being subjected to the 33.3 percent tax, the personal income tax is now being charged at a rate of 30 percent. More than 184,000 workers are benefitting from this intervention and an additional $1.8B disposable income is now being placed annually in the hands of the workers.

The PPPC government came to office in 1992 and this was against the background of an economy that only afforded its citizens a very low minimum wage. Twenty-two years later, as a result of sound economic policies, Government has consistently been paying increases and other increments to Guyanese workers, including payment of monthly stipends for those workers in training and tax free passage allowances. Government has really been implementing continuously these measures, despite the global economic downturn, and further, in times when many other countries in the Caribbean and the rest of the world have imposed wage freezes and cuts in their public sector. As the economy continues to grow and become even more prosperous, it is anticipated that workers will continue to benefit from further support. In terms of envisaging a ‘dream Guyana,’ it is not far-fetched.

A section of the new in-patient ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)

National Public Health Reference Laboratory

Continuallyuppingthelevel ofhealthcareforGuyanese

he Georgetown Public hospital Corporation (GPHC) acts as the country’s national referral hospital, as well as the city hospital. The institution continues to be the premier health establishment in Guyana and to ensure it sustains a high level of service, a new 300 bed in-patient facility outfitted with modern amenities is providing services to Guyanese. A Spirometry Lab and Institute of Health Science Education was also added to the GPHC in November last. This programme is designed to integrate a chronic disease management

strategy for stricken patients. Over the past years the Guyana Government has also invested in decentralising health services thereby ensuring all Guyanese have access to health care closer to their homes. This effort has seen the construction of a number of health centres, huts and hospitals around the country. In 2011, several new health centers became functional. Further, a current review reveals that individuals can access care in each of the country’s 10 administrative

regions, since there is at least one health care facility in every region. There are 354 health facilities across Guyana broken down as four diagnostic centers, 126 health centers, 199 health posts and 25 hospitals. Fifty-three of these facilities are in Region One, 31 in Region Two, 43 in Region Three, 48 in Region Four, 17 in Region Five, 28 in Region Six, 27 in Region Seven, 23 in Region Eight, 56 in Region Nine, and 29 in Region Ten. In addition to these, the National Ophthalmology Hospital and National Psychiatric Hospital provide specialised services for eye care and mental health respectively. Hospital and other health facilities’

Leonora Diagnostic Centre, Region Three

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

upgrade has featured prominently in the quest to up the level of healthcare provided to citizens. In the case of the hinterland where facilities are not equipped with surgeons, roving teams of doctors visit and conduct surgeries, while serious cases are medivaced to the city for attention. As the Government works towards achieving the Millennium Development Goal related to maternal and infant mortality, Neonatal Intensive Care Units have been established at the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five main hospitals; New Amsterdam, Linden, West Demerara, Suddie and GPHC. This service is also complemented by trained nurses and paediatricians and has contributed significantly to the decrease in infant mortality. A lot of emphasis has been placed on capacity building and there are now hundreds of trained health practitioners in the system. One of the major contributing factors towards this success is the Cuban Scholarship Programme.

Cancer Institute of Guyana

This programme has allotted 965 scholarships to Guyana, with 715 of these for the training of medical professionals. Responses have been overwhelming, with awardees drawn from all the 10 Administrative Regions. Additionally, over 276 doctors that were trained under this programme were deployed into the healthcare system in 2013. Guyana now does open heart surgeries at the Caribbean Heart Institute which is situated in the GPHC, and has

The Diamond Hospital, East Bank Demerara

been precluding Guyanese from having to spend a lot of money to travel overseas for surgeries. The current Administration will undertake the construction of a Specialty hospital to further enhance health care in Guyana. Once completed, this institution will provide specialised medical services at an affordable cost. It is anticipated that 500 doctors would be available by the time the two-storey facility is completed, to provide services which includes cardiac interventions and other specialised surgical procedures. When looking at the progress in the health sector, moving from a general state of medical infrastructure that was primitive and inadequate in delivering quality health care to the construction of several first class medical institutions and delivery of service at five different levels, through heavy investments, can only be deemed remarkable. Level I: Local Health Posts Guyanese now have access to care at

New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, Berbice

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

The Linden Hospital Complex, Region 10

Kato Hospital, Region Eight

Mabaruma Hospital, Region One

166 Local Health Posts countrywide which provide preventive and simple curative care for common diseases and also serves to promote efficient health practices. Level II: Health Centres There are 109 Health Centres that provide preventive and rehabilitative care to thousands of individuals. These are ideally staffed with a medi-

cal extension worker or public health nurse, along with a nursing assistant, a dental nurse and a midwife in most cases. Level III: District Hospitals There are 19 District Hospitals with 473 beds that provide basic in-patient and outpatient care and selected diagnostic services. Most of these facilities are also equipped to provide

simple radiological and laboratory services, and also have the capacity to offer gynaecology services along with preventive and curative dental care. They are all designed to serve geographical areas with a population of 10,000 or more. Level IV: Regional Hospitals Four Regional Hospitals with 620 beds provide emergency services, routine surgery and obstetrical and gynaecological care, dental services, diagnostic services and specialist services in general medicine and paediatrics. They are designed to include the necessary support for this level of medical service in terms of laboratory and X-ray facilities, pharmacies and dietetic expertise. Level V: The National Referral Hospital/ Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)

President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and other officials pose with newly trained Guyanese doctors

This facility is equipped with 937 beds and provides a wider range of diagnostic and specialist services, on both an in-patient and out-patient basis. The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

housands of Guyanese can now access specialised ophthalmology care locally with the establishment of the National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant, Berbice. Those who had to bear the brunt of travelling overseas to access eye care would appreciate the value of this institution, and the tremendous ease it has brought to the citizens of the country. Over the years this facility has changed the lives of thousands of individuals, not only Guyanese, but also persons from various neighbouring countries, primarily Surinam. These individuals are now able to access various ophthalmological services free of cost. The hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report from the Health Ministry shows that 7 surgeries were conducted on persons from Trinidad & Tobago, 3 from St. Lucia, 3 from Cayman Islands, 12 from Suriname, 10 from Venezuela, and 5 from Brazil.

This state-of-theart facility is the first of its kind in the Caribbean, and was commissioned on July 25, 2009. Soon after this facility began operations. On August 04, 2009, the first individual benefited from a cataract operation at this institution.

National Ophthalmology hospital in Port Mourant, Berbice

The surgical procedures offered are for Pterigium, Cataract removal, along with Laser treatment, such as Posterior Bag Capsulotomy (Cataract Laser), and Iridotomy (Glaucoma laser). Intravitreal injections are also available. Statistics show that since its inauguration, to December 2013, the hospital has seen 124, 454 consultation cases and has performed a total 7,354 surgeries. These can be broken down as follows: Cataract, 4006 cases, Pteryguim, 2694 cases and 654 laser cases. Individuals can also access a number of other services at this facility including

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

consultation for refraction, general ophthalmology, internal medicine, retina, refractive surgery, pre and post-surgery consultation, ocular ultrasound, laboratory and pharmacy, along with EKG. This facility was listed among the major expanded infrastructure projects, undertaken by the current administration, to change the landscape of the local health sector, and is a result of the Guyana/Cuba partnership. It has the capacity to conduct 10,000 eye surgeries per year. Prior to the construction of this facility, the Ministry, through an agreement with the Cuban Government, titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Miracle Missionâ&#x20AC;?, from January 2006-April, 2009 sent a total of 1905 patients to Cuba to access ophthalmology care.

Artificial Insemination Programme -success to relish

eminal moment it was for all Guyana, in 2014, as Naleenie Narine, an Agricola, East Bank Demerara farmer welcomed two additional bulls into her flock. The bulls which weighed 26.5 and 24.6 kilogrammes respectively were a part of Government’s Artificial Insemination (AI) programme, a necessary and timely initiative to bolster cattle breeding in Guyana. The semen that gave rise to the twin calves was imported from one of the top 10 ranked bulls in the World, ‘Mr. Manso’. This was truly a landmark event-testimony to and realisation of Government’s investment and promise of what is still to come. Narine and her husband have been rearing cattle for the past 22 years, and currently oversee a very successful, fair sized cattle farm. So the couple, in all likelihood, might have seen quite a few good surprises. However, the birth of the two bulls was a ‘blow-away.’ Mrs. Narine was ecstatic: “I feel really happy right now. While this is not the first time we welcomed animals through the Government Artificial Insemination programme, it is the first time my husband and I welcomed twins and we are really excited.” This kind of happening is not a ‘mere chance’ phenomenon. This Government remains cognisant of achieving production targets within a breeding enterprise and how this is assisted by developing a breeding programme that utilises genetic and reproduction knowledge and technologies. The productive potential

Dr. Robin Austin explaining the Artificial Insemination process to Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy of an animal is defined by its genetic makeup, which then interacts with environmental factors, such as nutrition, to determine the extent to which the potential is realised. This calls for investment of time, money and qualified personnel. On this note, it should be noted that genetic improvement is now an important strategy that is being used to increase meat and dairy production in Guyana. The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) for 2013 alone welcomed six sets of twins, which were successfully born through this wonderfully executed AI programme. Going a bit back, we see that the country’s breeding stock needed some boosting and so the Ministry of Agriculture did act; it introduced

the AI programme, that sought to use embryo transfer and Artificial Insemination (AI). This technology is in fact in line with GLDA’s overall mandate to create new breeds, suitable to local conditions. The main purpose of choosing this strategy was to quickly improve the breeds of the animals, which would allow access to create further cross breed types of animals which will be more responsive to Guyana’s overall breeding milieu-conditions of the feeding pasture, resistance to diseases and pests, and climate fluctuations-so that there would have been healthier growth. Now that this is indeed happening, we have a right to anticipate the joy of the Narines, even if many of us will never venture into cattle rearing. Why? The AI success story is national in its impact. The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Twin calves born through Artificial Insemination In terms of money, the AI process is very expensive, since the embryos are not cheap, costing in excess of US$600-$800 each. So the planning and implementation are aspects that must be handled with great caution, since so much is going into this venture. ‘So far so good’ but still there is no letting up and right now work is feverishly going on to improve even further the pure breed status of the local animals. According to Head of GLDA, Dr. Dindiyal Permaul, “The truth of the matter is that we need animals that can grow fast when taken care of properly in terms of feeding them, in terms of taking care of the health and in terms of housing them properly. Any animal, when provided with those basic conditions will live up to its true potential. In the case of pure breed animal, selected pure breed animals; and in the case selected cross breed animals and parThe Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

ticular kinds of crosses, those characteristics are well known and we know what they are … we are looking for fast growth, efficient growth, growth that can tolerate the kind of conditions which we have here.” The GLDA is pinning a lot of its hope on the embryo transfer programme and hopes its efforts in the AI research programme continue to bear fruits. GLDA has in fact just started to look at embryo transplant in a more focused manner, having tried the process in the past. The difference between the AI and the embryo transfer programme is that the latter makes use of what is called a ‘female’ that has very good genetic characteristics. “So the way of spreading the benefit of a female is to have her produce many eggs and have those eggs fertilised in a laboratory and to have them stored for later implanting,” Dr. Permaul pointed out. “In the case of the AI

technique, the semen can be frozen and extended. In the case of a top quality bull, semen can be used very efficiently, as one ejaculation would serve several cows, because that semen is extended so that it multiplies the capacity of the bull to have more daughters and sons. In the case of the female that can produce top quality eggs, it multiples the capacity of that female to spread her genes.” This kind of approach combines the use of the two techniques that are well used abroad, to move the livestock industry forward. Guyana is no different and with adequate land space and vegetation, great success seems to be in the offing. However, the over-riding factor is an aggressive agriculture sector, now quite prominent in Guyana.

The Homeless, Parentless and Elderly...Securing a Better Futurefor them Vulnerable Every country is plagued by homeless people, but the humanity of their governments comes to the fore in the way this segment of society is treated. In Guyana, the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, located at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, can accommodate 200 homeless males and 100 females, in separate dormitories. It has the potential, not only to offer refuge for the homeless, but also exposes them to training programmes that will serve to reintegrate them into their family and society. This centre is one of the ways government is seeking to address the holistic needs of one of societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most vulnerable. The Homeless For years, support to this group took one form; the Night Shelter, that provided three meals, medical services and some advice. Now through a historic and friendly relationship with frontier neighbour, Venezuela, support can now be taken to another level, where there is a more enabling pathway for the homeless to live independently.

of care to this category of citizens. The Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, constructed with a US$2M funding from Venezuela, comes with a number of facilities-recreational, medical, cooking, conferencing, training, dining, and a section of its land space that will be dedicated to meaningful agriculture practices of its residents. This centre, soon to begin occupancy, endeavours to provide a tailored range of support, which is set to transform the lives of its occupants, so as to enable them to become disciplined and productive members of society. Government has long held true to the adage that everyone should have the chance of a fulfilling life; a life lived with self-confidence, security, independence, belief and self-worth. It is this guiding principle, over the past twenty-years, that saw the catering for and covering of an entire collection of people-related activities, including the journey to the construction of the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre.

The Elderly The effort at helping the vulnerable citizens is evident in the continued budgetary allocation to this cause. Take for instance, the approach to enhancing the living standards of the elderly and the undisputed efforts as supported by the budget allocation. Pensioners and public assistance recipients are beneficiaries of yearly increases and further, percentage-wise, these increases far outweigh those paid out to the public servants at the end of the year. Currently, pensioners are enjoying a sum of $13,125 a month, a quantum leap from the paltry $290 that was granted in 1992. A total of 42,500 seniors are enjoying this support, at a cost of $558 million, while approximately 9000 Guyanese, of varying circumstances, are receiving $5,900 per month, by means of the public assistance pro-

The focus has been, and remains on upgrading to ensure only the best level The Hugo Chavez Centre for Reintegration and Rehabilitation at Onverwagt

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

The new Sophia care centre

2014 budget and for which a total of $300 million was allocated.

gramme. For this year alone, $637.2M is to be spent on the provision of this measure, which usually caters for persons with common medical conditions, in certain socioeconomic circumstances, or living with a disability. Not only has the pension assistance been increased ten-times over in keeping with the country’s projected growth, but so too has the enabling environment, whereby every Guyanese, 65 years and over, can be a recipient of this assistance. Further to support the elderly, there is the continued allocating of finances for the daily care and maintenance of those within various care institutions, including the government-controlled Palms Geriatric Institution. There is also the provision of further relief measures, including those for electricity and water. As of 2014, pensioners began benefitting from an annual sum of $30,000 to assist with defraying power charges to the Guyana Power and Light. Before 2014, the pensioners were receiving an annual electricity tariff contribution of $20,000. To date, some 8,128 pensioners benefit from this 50 percent hike in electricity tariff, announced in the

There is a similar arrangement with the Guyana Water Incorporated. In this instance, pensioners, who are eligible GWI customers, are granted a yearly subsidy to assist with paying their bills. Customers of Georgetown are granted $11,880 yearly and customers outside of Georgetown are granted $8,976 yearly. To be eligible for this subsidy, the pensioner has to be a registered Guyana pensioner and a registered GWI customer; and the water bill must be in the pensioner’s name. Pensioners also benefit from Government’s eye care assistance. The Parentless In the area of child care and protection services, many significant strides were taken to achieve the noticeable outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. There has been the provision of homes for children in need of refuge, counselling and support services for families in crisis and foster care and adoption services, where these were deemed the best possible options for some children. Today, the National Foster Care Programme, the Childcare and Protection Agency, Childcare Development and Services Act (2011) are among the primary programmes that cater for the needs and protection of the country’s children.

And through the National Foster Care Programme, hundreds of children were placed in foster homes. The Sophia Care Centre, currently houses 180 children, ages of 5 to 18, and is now among three facilities which are owned and managed by the Government and which are providing holistic care to young children. Another, the newly refurbished Mahaica Children’s Home, provides care exclusively for young teenage girls, who are victims of sexual abuse. After some twenty years, Guyana’s economy is allowing for the provision, promotion and protection of the rights of all citizens, including those vulnerable in the society. In pressing forward, some of the plans in the pipeline, to continue safeguarding and protecting those vulnerable in our society, include the construction of a half-way house for youths, who have attained the age of 17 and have to leave the formal care system; the regulation of the quality of Child Care services, through the implementation of the Childcare Development and Services Act (2011); and the expansion of the National Foster Care Programme, towards achieving the long - term goal of placing every child in need into a family. In recognition that government’s initiatives must go beyond financial assistance for the elderly, their psychosocial needs are to be addressed, and in this regard, centres for the elderly are set to be established in various communities. Child Care and Protection Agency

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

SOME Major events OF 2014 ‘Guyana Coming Back’ is how Dave Martins recently described Guyana. The irony is that the song is still popular, even though the ‘coming back’ has been realised, and is now at a ‘moving on/up’ phase. Let us visit some current happenings that are all testimony to a country that has moved away from poverty and is in a prosperity pursuit. First-ever CCJ sitting in Guyana From February 17-19, the Guyana international Conference Centre at Liliendaal, was transformed into a courtroom for the holding of the firstever sitting of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in Guyana. The CCJ heard three cases, all originating from Guyana. There was also a special ceremonial sitting, to mark and commemorate the ‘retirement from the bench’ of CCJ’s first female judge, Guyana’s very own, Justice Desiree Bernard. The entire proceeding was a moment of pride that all Guyanese relished. Hugh Wooding Law School debacle A longstanding agreement, that had for many years seen the automatic placements of 25 UG students at the Hugh Wooding Law School came into jeopardy. This agreement, between the Council of Legal Education, University of West Indies and the University of Guyana, was so jeopardised after the Council, in March took the decision, that UG’s 2014 graduating batch would not be guaranteed places. For months, uncertainty loomed, until in June, Government cleared the way for the these UG students to be admitted. The move was bold and emphatic. Budget 2014 Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on March 25, delivered to the National Assembly, a well

First-ever CCJ sitting in Guyana

themed budget: “A better Guyana for all Guyanese.” It was record breaking National Budget of $220B. However, quite unjustifiably, this 2014 Budget was subjected to the largest cut; it was reduced by $37.46B by the Joint Opposition. It was a cruel move and totally unjustified as well as fraught with a number of illegalities. So far, some the cuts have been restored and thankfully, progress is still evident right across Guyana.

Walter Rodney COI Thirty-four years after Dr. Walter Rodney’s death, a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the misfortune began hearings on April 28 at the Supreme Court Library. Revelations coming out of the Commission show that Guyana, between 1978-1980, was under the vicegrip of dark underground forces, operating through the House of Israel, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, spies and double agents among others. This COI is important as it seeks to bring closure to a most brutish act, committed during the PNC regime. Conversely, it highlights the sense of justice and compassion of the ruling PPP/C Administration, which acceded to the request of the Rodney family. LEAD Project

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh presenting the 2014 National Budget

In May, the USAID Leadership and Democracy Programme had to be put on hold, after then US Ambassador Brent Hardt proceeded with its implementation despite concerns raised by the Guyana Government. After much regrouping and negotiations, between Government and the US, both sides finally reached a mutually acceptable The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall update UG law students on Hugh Wooding Law School issue

The opening of the 44th Annual CDB Board of Governors meeting at the GICC agreement on the way forward with the project in August. Clearly the impression is that Guyana is not to be taken for granted. It is not a country that can be intimidated. 44th Annual CDB Board of Governors Meeting During May 27 to 29, climate change professionals, economists and development partners from across the globe gathered in Guyana, for the 44th annual meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Board of Governors. They discussed transitioning to a green economy and the use of public-private sector partnerships, to spur socioeconomic growth in the Caribbean. The occasion testified to the major player that Guyana has become when environmental matters are at stake. Clean Up my Country During the National Budget 2014 presentation, the Finance Minister announced a $1 B allocation for a clean

up my country exercise. Of that allocation, $500 M was allocated for the clean-up of Georgetown. This project which begun in August is well underway, with focus in the City, Le Repentir Cemetery, the main drainage canals and communities within the ward of Georgetown.

Guyana National Stadium. There were exhibitions, concerts, children playground, cricket, football and a culinary cook-off competition. The Diaspora truly revelled and they are clamouring for this to be an annual event.

Concurrently, work is ongoing in other coastal areas to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.

The following projects were commissioned and agreements were inked during the year:

Guyana needed this as years of mismanagement by the incumbent mayor and City Council led to a decadent and filthy city. Government had to intervene and already the results are evident-much garbage has been removed. When all is said and done, Guyana will truly boast its ‘Garden City.’

• A $32M contract was signed for the construction of petting zoo at Zoological Park • A €14.8M agreement was inked with the European Union for sea and river defence upgrade in areas such as Johanna Cecilia, Zorg, and Onderneeming, Region Two and Leguan and Wakenaam, Region Three. • In February, the sod was turned for the $170M new One Mile Primary school, paving the way for the re-construction of the school that was destroyed as a result of arson in July 2012, following the week-long protest in Linden over increased electricity tariff. • The huge four-component East Demerara Water Conservancy’s (EDWC) Hope Canal project came closer to fruition, on February 15, with the commissioning of component two, a $350M bridge. • Guyana’s ability to produce great sports men and women was boosted with the commissioning of the first ever Sports Resource Centre. • In March, Government inked an agreement with Japan for a US $2.9M non-project grant aid, to be

Inaugural Guyana Festival The initial Guyana Festival 2014 was a display of Guyana’s rich and diverse cultures. The festival lasted for threedays in August and the venue was the Cleaned - Lamaha Canal, Georgetown

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Commissionings and Agreements

Guyanese dancer Kijana Lewis preforming at the Guyana Festival

made available to the private sector through a lending mechanism at a reasonable rate of interest. • The Rose Hall pump station was commissioned at a cost of $37M and Patentia pump station, West Bank Demerara at a cost of$265M. • A state-of-the-art nursery school for Tushen Housing Scheme was built and commissioned at a cost of $98.8M. • In May, Guyana and the US signed an US$850,000 letter of agreement to boost law enforcement and increase crime fighting capacity. • May also marked the arrival of a 33.3 megawatt ball mill, valued US$5M, to begin implementing the first stage of work for the launch of Troy Resources Limited, Karouni Gold Project. • In observance of Rehabilitation Week, the Ministry of Health commissioned an $11.3M Rehabilitation Center at the Suddie Public Hospital, Essequibo Coast. The sixbedroom facility offers the capacity to provide different aspects of therapy such as a speech room, a therapy area, a gymnasium and an office area. • The United States (US) Drug Enforcement Authority (DEA) country office in Guyana got the congressional go-ahead in June. • Residents of Linden, Region 10 on July 18 welcomed the news of

their locality being declared a new magisterial district, along with the commissioning of the Linden Magistrate’s Court, constructed under the recently concluded Modernisation of the Justice Administration System (MJAS) at the cost of approximately $60M. • In a landmark achievement in effort against crime and violence the long-awaited $1.049B Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory was commissioned on July 14. • A $60M Rupununi Innovation Fund was launched to provide financing and technical support for local and community-based agriculture and tourism enterprises to enable their participation in and support of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

• An US$803,653 agreement was signed with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at mainstreaming biodiversity practices in Guyana’s gold mining sector. • There was also the opening of Guyana’s first laboratory to deal with prevention, diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases, a boost to the local economy, as well as enhance local food security. The state- of -the -art facility costs $326M. • Also in agriculture, there was the commissioning of two modern laboratories at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute’s (NAREI) Mon Repos compound; the Biological Control and Tissue Culture Laboratories constructed at the cost of $300M. • Guyana and the European Union signed a 34M euros agreement representing the EU’s assistance to Guyana and will be used for sea defence and agricultural infrastructure among other areas consistent with Guyana’s sustainable development agenda. • And the Parfaite Harmonie access road was commissioned at a cost of $604M. What we have here are solid statements that encapsulate what are the unfoldings in Guyana. It is one thing to achieve physical well-being, but quite another when it comes to wielding power and regaining lost and trampled dignity. This is where Guyana is making great progress.

The Guyana Police Force’s Forensic Lab

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Strengthening the creative industry Throughout the world, there are various models for providing support for the creative industry. This industry in Guyana has been languishing in a state of non-attention for much too long. However, of recent, things have changed dramatically, as Government, through a number of initiatives has started to build up its cultural industries. The goal is really to focus on establishing solid investment and institutional support, to foster the growth and development of globally competitive music and creative industry, which would grow cultural confidence of society, promote sustainable sources of income for artistes and musicians and industry entrepreneurs, and contribute to the growth of our national economy. The way forward for this industry has indeed started. On September 18, the first batch of students, 40 in number, graduated from the National Institute of Creative Arts. They graduated with certificates and/or diplomas in dance, arts, music and drama-the gamut of the arts was well covered.

The 1st Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute of Creative Arts

There is no doubt that if economies are going to become competitive, then the workforce must be creative, flexible, adaptable and innovative. These are important attributes to people, successfully coping with the challenges of the 21st century. It is this kind of mind set that led to the creation by the ad-

ministration of the Institute of Creative Arts, to bring out the creative potential of all Guyanese, to better realise inclusive and sustainable development, within the country. This newly established institution is really seeking to serve this purpose by providing a more comprehensive range of post-secondary arts education, by currently merging four creative arts school. The new learning environment is making it more conducive for the instruction of core courses in Guyanese cultural heritage and hopefully has produced, with this first batch of graduates the catalysts who will work towards developing the various creative industries in the country.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony launches the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

But, this is not the first Institute of Creative Arts. In the 1970s, there was established an Institute of Creative Arts (ICA), as the teaching arm of the National History and Arts Council. This original institute was armed with five departments-Art, Dance, Drama, Mu-

sic and Creative Writing, but as typical of the period, where many things fell apart, the ICA never even took off.

National School of Music on Brickdam

The Institute said its ‘hello’ and ‘good bye’. The curtain fell then and the country returned to business as usual, and the creative arts education and training community in Guyana remained fragmented, unevenly resourced, and not adequately serving Guyana’s needs. This was a serious indictment on the status quo that inevitably led to the response of a National Institute of the Creative Arts, for the education and training of the next generation of creative artistes. Simply put-Guyana needed a salvaging act-and thank God it came. Overall, it comprises a number programmes: Fine Arts-from the E. R. Burrowes School of Art, Dance-from the National School of Dance, Music-via the National School of Music; and Theatre Arts & Drama from the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, the latest to be established. All things being well, by September 2015, it is anticipated that the institution will have under its umbrella Creative Writing, from the establishment of a National School of Creative Writing and Media Arts, from a National

School of Media Arts. The administration has long sought to ensure that the full creative potential of Guyanese has been developed, and over the years invested accordingly in the creation of a number of programmes and packages including the National School of Music and the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama. The resuscitation and success are more than enough to inspire optimism. Re-

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony makes a presentation to one of the winners of the 2013 National Drama Festival

member that the arts and general creativity were pretty much dead and buried, during the 70s to the 80s. The administration strongly believes that an artistic education cultivates in each individual a sense of creativity and initiative, and therefore is cultivating a fertile imagination, promoting intelligence and giving Guyanese the capacity for reflection and artistic reproduction. The administration’s interventions have so far seen many Guyanese receiving training and certification, many of whom are at present contributing to the creative sector and by extension the development of the Guyanese economy. Generally, “Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns, in order to look at things in a different way.” (Edward de Bono Edward de BonoMaltese physician, author, inventor and consultant). Bono’s universal truth has Guyana in mind. Now our creative people have the environment and the medium for self-realisation and selfsustenance. This is certainly one of the pillars of nation building.

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

KK Gas Station in Mahaica, East Coast Demerara

Guyana I

nvestments are the lifeblood of any country’s socio-economic development. Whether or not they are of a domestic or foreign origin, they lay the solid groundwork for that particular country’s security and well-being. But for investments to occur there are particular determinants that must be resided within that country. First of all, the standing government must create the institutional framework that will facilitate the enabling environment, as no investor is going to

– An Attractive Investment Destination

risk his/her financial portfolio, where bureaucracy, for example, is evident as an impediment. Secondly, there must be the essential of peace that underlines security and stability. The latter is an absolute for any investor, since to invest in a climate of instability of any type, puts any investment at tremendous risk. Thirdly, there has to be good governance, as this sets the tone for what obtains at the first of the prerequisites, stated above. So the big question now is what we

have in Guyana. Do we have the milieu to inspire investors’ confidence? With the advent of the PPP/C government in office, Guyana’s rise from its collapsed socio-economic brand with an empty treasury, (under the PNC regime) is indeed one of the modern success stories of economic recovery-anywhere in the world. The foundation for this essential growth and development began to be laid, during the 1990s, as the government sought to consolidate the

Sun and Sand Director Bushan Chandra presenting the hotel’s blue-prints to President Donald Ramotar and Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali

Grand Coastal Hotel

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Demerara Bank in Diamond

mushroomed, as well as many motor vehicular sales enterprises. It must be pointed out that the above scenario is not only confined to the Capital, but is also being replicated in the other two counties of Berbice and Essequibo. Many sections of the respective coastal ways, leading to these two counties are being transformed, as a result of investments.

GBTI Head Office in Georgetown

democratic gains, while it began implementing programmes to alleviate the daily difficulties of the general Guyanese populace, as a result of the prior years of deprivation. But it was the visionary policies of the market economic type that signalled that Guyana was indeed a place in which to do business. Investment in Guyana can be apportioned into two categories: that of foreign direct investment; and of the public -private partnership type that has given rise to joint venture programmes. The Berbice River Bridge, some aspects of the national housing programme, and the Linden-Lethem Road are examples of the latter category.

Republic Bank, Georgetown

important economic activity. Shopping malls, now the symbol of modern shopping, have begun to dot the Capital’s skyline; traditional physical structures are being rapidly refurbished or rebuilt to cater for expansion of more commodities; the Chinese presence has now evolved into numerous stores that offer local shoppers a variety of articles at reasonable prices; mutistoreyed eating houses are being constructed; auto spare partsexpansion stores haveat New Thriving’s latest Camp and Lamaha Street

Mining enterprises that are representative of so many nationalities are a permanent fixture at our interior locations. An example of the latter, an Australian firm, Troy Resources Ltd. has recently invested US$87M in the Karouni gold project. As an extension of this significant initiative, this firm has also purchased $1.1B in machinery

Some investments A tour of the City’s business and commerce sectors testifies to the role of investments in the country’s modernisation process, as more and more Guyanese, and even foreigners, take full advantage of an environment that has been made amenable to such an

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

coffers has grown at about 30% from around US$170M in 2007 to an excess of US$700M in 2012. Undoubtedly, two sectors that highlight the renewed investor confidence in Guyana are the commercial banking sector, and that of tourism. Banking –thriving More than any other sector, banking continues to be a prime recipient of the results of the explosion of confidence in Guyana’s economy. It is awash with liquidity, compliments of the very dynamic and vibrant commerce and business sector. This exponential increase in activity is best measured by the diffusion of banking services throughout the coastland, in order to facilitate increase in customer transactions. There have been branches of all the banking houses, established at strategic points along the coast; for example, Diamond, in which locale, several commercial banks are represented. Of course, this initiative is to cater for the new housing areas around which, there has been the rapid establishment of businesses.

Newly constructed Food Mall in Georgetown Nigel’s Supermarket

As an indication of how well commercial banks have been performing, the following annual performances, for individual financial entities, advise the following: *GBTI declared a profit of $2.1B for 2013; whilst declaring a profit of $1.1B for half year 2014 *Citizens Bank returned an after tax profit of $1B *Republic Bank accounted for a profit of $2.3B in 2013

Budget Supermarket in Georgetown

Growing tourism industry

and equipment from a local firm, Farm Supplies. Also in the extractive sector, Guyana Goldfields Inc. is investing US $185M on the Aurora Gold Project that is set to start commercial production in mid-2015. The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

These are multi-billion dollar investments that have been adding to Guyana’s GDP; this as an indication as to how well the mining sector, for example, has been performing. Its contribution to GDP rose from 7% in 2007, to over 15 % in 2012. Also its revenue contribution to the national

Tourism is the second example of a sector that has experienced significant growth because of huge investments. This sector that holds so much promise is of major significance to the national economy; in fact it has begun to come of age. Over one dozen resorts have come into existence, in addition to more than 24 hotels, with many of them dotting the nation’s skyline, thus enhancing the City’s renewal. This has expanded the total room capacity level to a reported

3,400. This number would soon be boosted by the opening of the five-star Marriot Hotel, the first brand type in Guyana, and expected to add a further 179 rooms for occupancy. With further air linkages created with Venezuela through Conviasa Airline; Panama, through Copa airlines; Insel Air and the introduction of the daily LIAT Barbados to Ogle connection, tourist arrivals are set to greatly increase and with ease too. The arrival number in Guyana has shown a steady increase over the years, with the figure for 2013 registering 200,112 for 2013, an increase of 13.3%. This is why Government is continuing to support this growing segment of the economy. This can be seen by the announcement in Budget 2014 to establish a US $4M hospitality institute.

As Guyana continues to advance along the road to modernisation, two truisms must be recognised. The first is governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prudent management of the national economy. This has been a sustained action for which the Executive must be commended, given the debilitating shocks from the international crises that have severely affected so many countries, including those of the CARICOM states, and most of the industrial powers. That Guyana has been shielded from such a meltdown, and continues to attract both local and foreign capital, has to be one of the great economic success

stories. In fact, Foreign Direct Investment for 2014 was US$2I4M. There is so much confidence that Guyana has a place for every investor irrespective of the scale. In fact, there is a registered report of 2,185 existing small and medium entrepreneurs, with another 1, 000 expected this year. Indeed, this is Guyana, where investors have placed their faith and dollars, and where the returns have justified their belief in their country, and thus making Guyana and its citizens bright with hopes for a better livelihood.

Charity Mall in Essequibo

Investment choice The fact that Guyana has been experiencing sustained economic growth of an average 5% for the past seven years, that has attracted commendations from the international multilateral financial agencies, is undoubtedly clear recognition that there have been wise investment choices that have generated very satisfactory returns for investors. All of these prudent and massive inputs have redounded to the economyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stability and expansion. In fact, the private sector especially has never had it so good. Business is booming! Regulatory framework What should be appreciated is that such successes have been supported primarily by the strengthening of legal, institutional and regulatory framework for doing business in Guyana. For example, there is the establishment of a commercial court that adjudicates on pertinent matters; a National Competitiveness Council that advises on conducting business in Guyana, among other functions; a shorter processing time for entries and goods; reduced time for businesses requesting an import/export licence; alignment of businesses and tax administration processes.

CGX oil rig, the Ocean Saratoga offshore Guyana

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Guyana’s International imagemore than well-repaired

ith steady economic growth and increasing roles in Regional and International affairs,Guyana, via its outstanding leaders, has moved from its once denigrated image status; the country is now so well repaired, it can and has been taking its rightful place among its International partners. Can we really prove this? The evidence is abundant and not in terms of scenery and buildings, as these can and have misled many people in many places, and Guyana does boast these two in a wide array. So let us look at something far more significant and this has to deal with what is about to obtain, as there are a number of important events slated for the near future. Guyana will be hosting the 21st Biennial Meeting and Conference of the Caribbean Association of Home Economists (CAHE), beginning on March 28 and extending into April 2015. The theme is significant too: “Community Partnership for economic and social empowerment of families through Home Economics.” Then the Guyana Pharmacists Association (GPA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding to host the Annual Caribbean Association of Pharmacists in 2015, this after winning the sole competitive bid against Jamaica. According to the GPA, the 2015 conference will be attended by more than 250 pharmacists from the entire Caribbean-French, Dutch, Spanish and English-and the leading regional and

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar with U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

global pharmaceutical companies. These two events alone clearly show the respectthat is rightfully afforded. There are indeed a few factors for this kind of aura that is now surrounding Guyana. We go back to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its recent assertion. At the conclusion of a recent visit and review of the Guyanese economy, Ms. Therese Turner-Jones, the IMF Mis-

sion Chief for Guyana, released a terse statement: “Despite a deteriorating external environment, including the deepening euro-zone crisis, Guyana’s economy continues to be resilient.” Guyana has in fact now met most of the requirements to encourage investors; its stable macro-economic environment, stable currency and low inflation have led to positive relations with neighbouring countries like Venezuela, a major trading partner, and

Former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, joined current and former Heads of State, major business leaders and global civil society activists at the United Nations Climate Summit and other events in New York City

Brazil, a rapidly emerging economy. No wonder there are projects like the expansion and modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the establishment of the Marriott Hotel-these are concomitant with expansion and development. It could have been even more eyecatching here in Guyana, but for the moves of the opposition members; they have blocked the Amaila Falls Hydro and the Specialty Hospital projects. Irrespective of this, Guyana is still a truly well-noticed country. The pundits of politics and economics are not really surprised though, as Former President Bharrat Jagdeo did contend in 2013, that the biggest achievement of the PPP/C Government, since assuming power in 1992, is really that of moving Guyana from a state of bankruptcy to financial viability. In fact, in June 2009 the said Bharrat Jagdeo gained international recognition for himself and his nation, when he launched Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), a model for development that aims to strike a balance between environmental conservation and combatting climate change, while allowing for sustainable

economic development. This model has become the international blue print. Going back to the 70s and 80s; then, severe economic crises crippled the country. The public ‘debt-to-GDP’ ratio hit 500 percent by 1988.Guyana was then a heavily indebted ‘poor’ country. It was in ruins in many ways-both its physical and social infrastructure had deteriorated. Nobody comes to a country like this and no one does business with it either. Now all of this seems ancient history. And why? Government’s services and social conditions have improved; there is a booming housing sector; there is adequacy of education, health and energy security. The end result-the nation is playing a greater role in regional affairs, while reaching out to new international partners. Take a quick survey. Participation in UNASUR, MERCOSUR and CARICOM has elevated Guyana’s image. Guyana has traditional relations with India and China and these are getting stronger and they have redounded into great benefits for the lo-

cal populace. One must keep in mind that Guyana is really a founding member of both CARICOM and UNASUR. In July 2013, Guyana was made an associate member of MERCOSUR, the South American customs union. So Guyana is indeed a far cry from the crises of the 1970s and 1980s, and President Donald Ramotar is hopeful that his efforts to connect and forge links with the international community will continue to bring the investment needed to allow Guyana to move towards a ‘developed nation’. “My conviction (he says) is that Guyana can be a far better place; that we can compete much more with the rest of the world and that we can do it faster.” This seems a reality too.As a matter of fact, Guyana’s internationally acclaimed former Commonwealth Secretary General, Sir Shridat Ramphal, made mention of this fact. He boldly declared that Guyana’s image abroad has improved tremendously. “I feel very excited at where we are, and how, in fact, the government has succeeded in keeping Guyana alive and prominent in the international community in a progressive way.”

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

A Taste of Guyanese Cuisine

uyanese cuisine is ‘something else.’ It is a delectable culinary potpourri of African, East Indian, Portuguese, and Chinese influences. Guyanese usually cook three full meals every day, and favourites may include pepperpot, roti and curry, chowmein, metagee or metemgee, and cook up, a one-pot meal that can include any number of favourite meats or vegetables. Popular homemade drinks are mainly mauby, made from the bark of a tree, sorrel, ginger beer, and lime water or swank. The metagee is made from dumplings, eddoes, yams, cassava and plantains and cooked in coconut milk, obtained from and grated coconut. It is always a treat. Guyana is known for its hospitality and Guyanese always make sure that visitors gorge into a lot of eating and drinking, as feasting is very much a great way to say ‘welcome.’

Foo-Foo (traditional African dish) Ingredients • 2 lbs. plantains • 1 lb cassava • yams Instructions • Wash, peel and boil the cassava and plantain until tender. When cooked, leave in boiling water. • Remove the central fibrous “string” from the cassava, and pound the plantains and yams separately. • Combine the mashed plantains and yams, and pound to a fine texture until completely mixed smooth and firm but not too stiff. • Tip: use some of the same warm water as a dip to wet the mortar stick while pounding the foo-foo, to bring it to the right consistency • Dip a spoon or ice cream scoop in some clean warm water and remove the foo-foo in ‘balls’ from the mortar. • Cover and keep warm, serving in soup or with Pepperpot. Note: A food processor can be used instead of a mortar, since the objective is to get the smooth, creamy, but firm consistency that foo-foo requires. Cassava Bread (traditional AmerinThe Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

dian dish)

hoop of the size of cake required.

Ingredients • Bitter cassava • Salt to taste Preparation • Peel, wash and grate the cassava. Squeeze out as much of the juice as possible, using either a matapee or by wringing in a towel. The juice can be used for making cassareep. • Leave in lumps and allow to dry slightly in open air. • Pound, sift and add salt. • Heat a griddle and a metal

• Put enough of the cassava meal to a depth of about 1/8 - ¼ inch in the hoop. • Cook until set, using moderate heat. Remove the hoop, level the surface and press firmly. Turn onto the other side and cook. • When cooked through, remove the cake and sun-dry until crisp. Note: Cassava bread may be lightly toasted and butter spread on one side for a delicious snack.

Mithai (traditional East Indian snack) Ingredients For the Dough • 4 cups flour • 2 tsp. baking powder • 1 cup freshly grated coconut • 1 ½ sticks butter, chopped • 2 tsp. aniseed • (1) 12oz tin evaporated milk • Vegetable or canola oil for frying For the sugar syrup • 1 cup white granulated sugar • 1/2 cup water • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (optional) Instructions • Mix the flour, baking powder, aniseed, and chopped butter together. Keep mixing by hand until the dough is crumbly or you can put everything into a food processor. Now add coconut to the dough and mix well. • Pour entire can of evaporated milk into the mixture and knead to form a dough ball. Add flour/ water if needed, to bring everything together. Cover with a damp napkin and set aside and let it sit for about 30 minutes. (the damp napkin keeps the dough from forming a crust) • Place dough ball on counter/ cutting board and cut dough into quarters. Work with one quarter at a time. Sprinkle flour on the working space and roll the quarter with a rolling pin to about 3/4 in thickness. If you roll it thinner your mithai won’t be as thick and soft but rather crunchier, if that is how you prefer it then roll it thinner. • In a pot, fill oil 1/3 of the way up the pot and let oil heat on medium-low. • In the meantime cut mithai into little diamond shapes and set aside till ready for frying. • The temperature of the oil should be around 280 degrees. You want the oil to be on medium-low heat otherwise the mithai will burn on the outside and not cook on the inside. Test one mithai to see if it is cooked all the way through before risking the entire batch. • Once the oil is ready, place mithai in oil and let it cook slowly, keep turning to brown evenly on both sides. Cook all the mithai and set aside in a

pot or bowl big enough to toss with the syrup.

this recipe to learn how to test for the soft ball stage.

• Combine sugar, water, and vanilla, if using. Boil on low for about 35 minutes, or longer depending on your stove. Test sugar in water to see if it has reached the “soft ball” stage. Read

• When sugar is ready pour over mithai and toss until sugar is no longer clear and has become white.Adapted from Inner Gourmet

Mauby Ingredients: 1/2 oz. mauby bark small piece dried orange peel 2 pieces of cinnamon stick 3-4 cloves 6 pts. water 2 lbs. sugar Instructions: • Boil mauby bark, orange peel, cinnamon and cloves in 1/2 pint of water for about 10 minutes. • Cool and mix with remaining water and the sugar. • Brew for about 5 minutes. • Fill bottles and leave for about 2 days.

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Aquatic Centre in Lilendaal

Sports-all time high in Guyana

ll are familiar with the maxim ‘Health is wealth’. Games keep the body alert, active, youthful and energetic. They instill in us a spirit of adventure, increase blood circulation, boost metabolism, burn calories and improve the respiration and digestive system.

Take for instance the Synthetic Athletic track; this modern state-of-the-art investment ran up a bill thus far in excess of $560 million, and the overall projection is that the complete structure is going to be around $1.4B. It is a great investment and the review is not from within alone.

So the bottom line is since the world of sports is so vital, something should be done, and as a matter of fact, a number of things were done locally, to promote local athletes.

Not too long ago, Jamaican sprinter and multi Olympic medalist Grace Jackson visited the track, making recommendations even while giving a good review of the facility. Jackson and Trini-

Youths at the National Gymnasium

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

dadian Olympian Ato Boldon were in Guyana, conducting a three-day sports management workshop and both noted that the facility will enhance track and field in the nation. “I think that this is a very positive move on the government side to be able to build a facility like this, obviously coming from Jamaica a big track country I have been talking about the shift and the fact that Guyana needs to get with it and I think this is really a clear testament that if you are putting down a facility that means you have a particular intention… so this is great,” Jackson stated. The track is expected to be useable before year - end. Really the exact realisation time does not matter; the significance and quality are of the biggest import. The National Synthetic track is now certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), as part of the Government’s quest to renew sports and athletics and to boost Guyana’s capacity to host international sport activities.

In this regard, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony was astute and anticipatory: “We are very pleased that we have been able to certify the track. This will be the first certified facility that we have in Guyana for athletics, so while its looks like a simple thing, it is really a big deal.”

Popular footballer Pele visits Guyana

The track is classified as Class Two, meaning that it allows local athletics to take on an international standing. The reason is the surface allows athletes’ records to be recognised internationally. So things are rapidly falling into place. And when all is said and done, the facility is going to have the capacity to host approximately 10 000 people. Phenomenal! This synthetic track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara is indeed a “landmark achievement” for the Government and the fulfillment of a promise in its manifesto. It was promised by the PPP/C as a token of its firm commitment to the development and expansion of sports; it will definitely help the country’s sportsmen and women to reach their full potential. Guyana has what and who it takes. Recall James Wren of an erstwhile era. He was born on September 21, 1952 and is a former sprinter from this land; his specialty-the 200 metres. This man had nothing to work with-no local synthetic track, but he produced. He was the 1975 Pan American 200 metre champion; in 1979 he took the silver medal in the same event. At the 1978 Commonwealth games in Edmonton, he finished fourth in the 100 metre final, then took the silver medal in the 200 metres, finishing behind Allan Wells of Scotland.

The newly built Squash Court

Gilkes never had what Guyana is being blessed with; this synthetic track at Leonora, and the best way to thank its providers is to perform well! Other sports facilities to boost the talents of local athletes include the aquatic centre at Liliendaal, and its warm-up pool that is under construction, the resource centre, and the squash courts.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Research Centre

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

A true Guyanese Legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Chanderpaul on debut in Guyana 1994

est Indies veteran batsman and Guyanese, Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored his 30th Test hundred and became the third highest scorer in a latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Test series without being dismissed. He leapfrogged Angelo Mathews and David Warner in doing so. The 40-year-old left-hander scored 84 not out and an unbeaten 101, his 30th career century, to end the series as the second highest run-getter with 270. The batting table is headed by Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, who is ahead of second-placed AB de Villiers, of South Africa by 27 points.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul-WI Player of the Year Award, 2013

Chanderpaul who was born on August 16, 1974 is the first Indo-Caribbean to play 100 Tests for the West Indies, and captained them in 14 Tests and 16 One Day Internationals. A left-handed batsman, Chanderpaul is well known for his unorthodox batting stance, which has been described as crab-like. He has scored almost 20,000 runs in international cricket, and in 2008, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack named him as one of the five Cricketers of the Year, in which he was also crowned Player of the Year by the ICC. Chanderpaul made his first-class cricket debut for Guyana at the age of 17, facing Leeward Islands in the 1991–92 Red Stripe Cup. His List ‘A’ debut followed a few days later, against Barbados, in which he did not get a chance to bat, as the match was a no result. He then made his international debut at the age of 19.

He then joined the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC). He appeared for the club’s under-16 side while only 10 years old. He was later given an opportunity at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC). He achieved his maiden first-class century in April 1993, playing for the West Indies Board President’s XI against the touring Pakistanis. After taking four wickets in the Pakistanis’ innings,

Chanderpaul was one of three West Indians to score a century,(140 runs) not out. This led to his getting a place on the test side. He started quite auspiciously too, scoring 62 against England at Bourda in 1994. In early 2007, Chanderpaul recorded his second highest score in ODI cricket, hitting 149 not out in a losing cause against India. Later that year, he was the top-scorer for the West Indies during their series against England, aggregating 446 runs in three Tests at an average of almost 150. His achievements during the series earned him the man of the series accolade. He was especially praised by Wisden for his third instance of batting for 1,000 or more minutes without being dismissed, and for his century in the third Test on a difficult pitch.

Chanderpaul’s results in international matches

A native of Unity Village, East Coast Demerara, his cricketing skill was nurtured by his father Khemraj Chanderpaul. By the age of eight, Chanderpaul was playing for his village’s cricket team, and was frequently batting for hours, being bowled at by various members of his family.

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

Recapping the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities for the week

On Television and Radio Stations across Guyana

Keeping the public informed on what the administration has been doing, to create a better environment for citizens. The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity

The Guyanese - From Poverty to Prosperity