The Guyanese Newspaper - Christmas Edition

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Issue No: 6

December 19, 2014

INSIDE

President ensures Christmas spirit is not dampened …date for elections to be announced in 2015

Page 3

President Ramotar Page 2 believes that Guyana can become a “Developed Nation” but has a few obstacles to confront Government Page 4 Ministers urge Guyanese to vote on merit and to be beware of racist platforms

Opposition missed Page 7 opportunity to craft a new way for Guyana Government still has faith in Page 8 dialogue to move country forward

First Lady Foundation spreads Christmas cheer Page 16

Weekly Digest & Development Digest Sundays 6:30pm - 7:30pm on Time Warner Cable Channel 96

Wages Page 11 and salary increase

… Gov’t pays special attention to those at lower level

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President Ramotar believes that Guyana can become a “Developed Nation” but has a few obstacles to confront President Donald Ramotar is sure, solid and confident. His November 10 Proroguing of the 10th Parliament was not done with abandon; in fact, the decision was made to facilitate ‘necessary’ dialogue, but the Joint Opposition remained averse to amicable ‘face-offs’ and possible agreements with Government.

The President then resorted to his (only) alternative: announcing that early 2015, elections will be held. The only unknown in this pronouncement is the exact date for poling, which is imminent. The Head of State is mindful of Christmas and he desires that Guyanese have a trouble and stress-free one, and thus his reason for the veiling of election dates.

The Guyanese Leader prefaced his overall objective for the people of Guyana, by boldly stating that “Guyana can become a Developed Country.” In this GINA exclusive, with Director, Neaz Subhan (NS), President Ramotar reflects on his thus-far three- year tenure.

NS: Guyana continues to experience unprecedented growth and development in its transformation, through modernisation. This unrelenting development trajectory can result in making Guyana a developed country, in a not too distant future, is this profound optimism? Or is it a pragmatic assessment?

I want to examine this and other related issues in this special interview with His Excellency, Donald Ramotar, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana…before I get to “Guyana in the future,” you recently completed three years as Head of State of Guyana, how would you access that period?

HE: I think it was a mixed one. It was a very difficult political situation locally, and the complicate, and not so favourable international situation … the fact is (that) we kept our economy growing and we improved our social services and (even) further improved on our services. Those are really monumental achievements, I would say in the circumstances (under which) these things were achieved.

I suspect in a another 20 years, looking back at Guyana, these three years, historians will probably see it in a better perspective, but it has not been easy, in an international environment, that was not conducive, and a local political situation that was very difficult. So that was very satisfying, that we were able to do these things, despite the huge challenges that were ahead of us and I am proud of our team, what we were able to do.

But I must admit that it was very frustrating, because we could have gone much further than we have, had we had a better local political situation. My regret is that we haven’t yet started the Amalia Falls Hydro Project, because that project is one that every single Guyanese could benefit from, whether he/she gets electricity from the grid; and it is a project that will transform the country … to realise the dream that we have, of accelerating growth and development in Guyana, so that we can reach a ‘develop status’ in a short period of time. I think that cheap electricity … energy is vital for that and that was our thinking behind the Amaila Falls, and the fact that the Combined Opposition voted against it, (and) for no other reason-I don’t know what else to say, but (their) being vindictive. Why I say that, is that both the opposition parties have in their manifesto, that they were in support of hydro, and here we have a fantastic deal, and they scuttled it. I would say they (only) delayed it, because I’m still determined that Amaila Falls will come on stream.

NS: How difficult is it for you as a person-you get up every day, and you come to work, and you know the current dispensation in the Parliament, and it makes it very difficult for you to get these transformation projects on track …what goes through your mind, in the morning, coming to work and you have to be able to deal with this every day?

HE: It is part of the frustration that the situation in Parliament has created in the whole ‘body politic,’ but you do not have a choice. I have to keep going forward. I have the responsibility of trying to lift the quality of lives for the Guyanese people, so while we will continue to fight for the transformative projects, whilst they are still there, we still have to work to ensure that we fulfill the needs and the aspiration of the Guyanese people, and we have to constantly work towards their having an understanding of why some things cannot move faster than they are at this point in time.

NS: You recently said words to the effect (that) 2014 was an event-filled year, can you tell us, what for you has made it so?

HE: Many things have made it so; for instance, we had the senseless voting against the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, (and) that has also cast a giant shadow against our country; the Amaila Falls issue-that’s a major one that we lost; and then also the general attack on our projects that have the potential of taking our country forward; and our

President Donald Ramotar with Director of the Government Information Agency (GINA), Neaz Subhan investment, in a new airport, to help with tourism.

All of these things are coming under attack, from opposition (forces), that seem more interested in their narrow political agenda, than (they are) in the interest of the people-the broad masses in the society, and that is why I say it was eventful, and it was frustrating too, from another point of view.

We wanted to pass a number of legislations: we have the new bills to transform, modernise our education system, so that our children, coming up in this new environment, in which our world is in, in which science and technology are playing a bigger role in our lives-those bills are in Parliament. We want to get them passed so that we can modernise the sectors. The telecommunication sector which is still being held up, we have to work towards getting it liberalised, and many of the other projects, that are constantly being frustrated, by the Combined Opposition, who believe that if they can succeed in making things bad, then they can make it better for them: that’s the philosophy they seem to be working with.

NS: On one hand, you hear certain rhetoric coming out from the opposition; some in my opinion, very visceral, in many areas. But on one side too, one particular party is saying that it wants to have a broad base national government. How does that conflict with the others in your mind?

HE: It probably has its impact (as) the Joint Opposition-they are working very closely with each other. Even before the last election, we saw that. If you looked at the pattern of the election campaign, you saw that there was a high level of cooperation between the two parties: the AFC hardly campaigned, probably with the exception of in Linden, in the areas that APNU is traditionally strong. They concentrated their efforts and tried to divide the support in the PPP/C areas, while APNU concentrated their efforts in the areas that they are traditionally strong. They did not do work in the areas that they were not strong. So they divided the work among themselves, which shows the high level of coordination between them, and then you look at Parliament, more than 95 percent of the time, they voted together, so what we were seeing at the last election has proven to be correct, that is, that they are two sides of the same coin, that there is no big difference with these political parties and their big issue is whether to have pre-elections or a postelection alliance. They are afraid that a pre-election alliance will not serve their plans to divide the PPP/C supporters, but generally, they have both coincided, with trying to frustrate the economic and social development of this country.

NS: So given what you know a few years back, you are

not in any way surprised with what’s happening HE: No….in a way there is a certain amount of ‘repeat of history’ … use the divisions (and so), to try to climb to Government, and that is the same thing they are doing at this point in time.

NS: You mentioned in the recent past, that Government can make Guyana (into) a ‘Developed Country/Nation” in a not too distant future. How optimistic are you, given the challenges that we face within the current Parliamentary dispensation HE: I am optimistic because the conditions are emerging for that to take place. If you look around the world, and look at countries that are developed and doing well, and try to find out what they are doing that are allowing them to do well, you will find that the common factor in the countries that are developed in the world, is that they have a very strong human capital, a very educated population, workforce.

So from the very beginning, in 1992, when we came into office, that was our focus … because you remember our education system was in a mess, and that was our focus, and I would even say, if you look at our country, that thesis holds, because up to 1964, the last year the PPP was in office, at that time Guyana had the highest standard of living in the Caribbean.

We had the distinction of being the only Caribbean country to have established a university, the University of Guyana, and it shows how well we were doing in education and despite the problems that existed at that period, our economic growth was pretty impressive and the general thrust of the development in Guyana was very impressive.

But then you had the 28 years of PNC rule, and the education standard came down, so too did the economy, and now again, you can see that our economy is going forward again, coinciding with the rising level of education within the economy, which tells me there is a direct correlation between the education and the development, and this was the PPP’s position from 1992 … to invest heavily in our people-ours was and is the right decision … taken because clearly the most important factor to development is our people, and now we are very close to having Universal Secondary Education, and we continue to make educational opportunities more and more for our people.

Never before had we had so many people studying at university, tertiary institutions, abroad …so our human capital stock is definitely on the increase and that is the See page 21

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President ensures Christmas spirit is not dampened

GUYANESE will vote in General and Regional elections for a new government in early 2015.

President Donald Ramotar, speaking to the local media, at State House, Georgetown on December 7, said this will be his next step, following his prorogation of Guyana’s 10th

Parliament on November 10, stating “We will go to elections.”

The date however, will be confirmed for those elections very early in 2015, said the President, who hinted that it could even be revealed during his New Year’s address to the nation.

The Head of state explained

that the decision to confirm a date, only in 2015, was intended to ensure that the true Guyanese Christmas spirit was not dampened.

“We will not disrupt and damper the Christmas spirit, with the evident purposeless parliamentary debates.”

The President said that the objectives of the pro-

President Donald Ramotar addressing the media at State House

…date for elections to be announced in 2015 rogation were lost with the Parliamentary Opposition’s refusal to engage in any dialogue. He explained that his previous decision was to preserve the life of the 10th Parliament, “so as to provide the political parties therein, (with) another opportunity, to address to finality, the many issues that have yet failed to have full parliamentary consideration.”

These include the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism legislation, the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, the Education and Telecommunication bills and Financial Expenditure of Public Funds Act. The reaction of the Parliamentary Opposition was disappointing is the view of President Ramotar, who added that efforts were even made to discredit him

and deem his actions as unconstitutional.

“I wrote the Leader of the Opposition, I addressed the nation, I hosted stakeholders, my administration more than justified the resort to prorogation”.

It was noted that prorogation also enabled more Guyanese to be enfranchised, even after the completion of the 6th round of GECOM’s Continuous Registration. This period also saw the rejection of his formal invitation to the Main Opposition Leader David Granger, to have dialogue, the negative response being sent to the President on December 4, following his invitation for dialogue on November 18, 2014.

It was following Granger’s response that President Ramotar said his “reasoning was cemented” as to

Investments are welcomed once they will benefit country

“Investors will be welcomed locally, once their potential investments can benefit Guyanese and the country,” President Donald Ramotar told local media representatives, at State House, Georgetown on December 6.

The President responded to the issue of continuing negotiations for potential investments, in light

of the imminent polls. He declared that, “As long as I believe it is in the interest of Guyana and the Guyanese people, we are going to negotiate with them (investors). I have every confidence of winning the next elections, so we will continue with the dialogues and the discussions, and agreements, as we have them”.

Earlier, President Ramotar had also stated, that once investors were prepared to operate within the context of local laws and regulatory guidelines, they would be welcomed to conduct their businesses within Guyana.

Recently Government was able to attract overseas and local business owners, in several sectors. These

-President Ramotar

include the hospitality, air transport, and the mineral, oil and gas extractive sectors.

Billions of US dollars has flowed in Guyana as a result of Government’s proactively seeking investments, some of which (such as the Aurora Gold Mining Company) have resulted in

the creation of hundreds of jobs for Guyanese.

Government has also assured investors that investments will all be within the ambit of the law, so as to protect their business interests and therefore all working towards ensuring that Guyana remain “open for business.”

Plans in pipeline to develop Lethem into a regional airport

THE Ministry of Public Works is looking at the possibility of developing Lethem, Region Nine, into an airport, intended to serve domestic and regional destinations.

This is the word of Public Works Minister Benn, who told media operatives that the ministry is currently conducting the prefeasibility study, and is establishing an architectural design for the proposed airport.

“We have spoken to stakeholders in the areas and a visit was also made to

Boa Vista, to analyse what type of investment, the level of services needed, and how it may grow… so as to do all the calculations, in terms of the architecture and building. We have already completed some of those works,” Minister Benn explained.

The pre-feasibility study and architectural design are expected to be completed in one year, after which, the ministry will engage Government for investment, and look for a public-private arrangement, similar to that of

the Ogle Airport, Minister Benn detailed.

Lethem is becoming a thriving residential and business community, with increasing cross-border trade, which continues to expand, as residents of both Brazil and Guyana’s coastal region flock to the area and its environs.

Even investors, such as the Chinese, are targeting the area for investment.

Just recently, Republic Bank opened a branch in the area, in response to the district and its thriving development.

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An aerial view of Lethem, Region Nine

the way forward. He said he will consult with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on its readiness to hold these elections, and has already written the international community, signalling his intention to go to the polls, along with his desire to have observer missions fielded.

President Ramotar said he is confident of winning the next elections and is also sure of regaining a parliamentary majority. He explained that Guyanese have learnt, over the last three years, from the outcomes, or lack thereof, of having a majority opposition.

With regards to the spending of public funds, the President said that the laws provide for the spending of public funds, during this period, and he assured that any spending (if and when) will be done, within the constitutional framework, that allows for same.

He reiterated that prorogation did not give him any ‘new powers’ to spend or pass laws as he would have liked. “If that were the case, I assure you that I would have passed the money laundering bill and the other pieces of legislation, that are pending, and that I want to pass (so) badly.”

The President also commented on the issue of continuing negotiations, for potential investments, in light of the imminent polls. He declared that “As long as I believe it’s in the interest of Guyana and the Guyanese people, we are going to negotiate … I am confident of winning the next elections, so we will continue with the dialogue and the discussions, and agreements ...”

The President opined that the People’s Progressive Party has been doing very well in recent community outreaches, and the response from visits and interactions with members of the public has been very encouraging.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Government Ministers urge Guyanese to vote on merit and to be beware of racist platforms GUYANESE are being urged to be cautious of the racist platforms and screens that are being put forth, during the run-up to General and Regional Elections, and they must vote on merit, as racism would only serve to exacerbate the historical wounds that exist.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, accompanied by his Cabinet colleague, Labour Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul, on the National Communications Network’s ‘Political Scope’ programme, made these statements. The two officials examined the decision of President Donald Ramotar to announce General and Regional Elections, early in 2015, following the Prorogation of the 10th Parliament.

Racist platforms The Attorney General noted that when his party pointed to the fact that the Alliance For Change (AFC) was aligning itself with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), it was AFC who was being accused of racism. He pointed out, however, that the decision was inherently racist, not to have Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo speak at the recent APNU rally, at the Square of the Revolution.

Citing another example, he said, “They (the two oppositions) go to the sugar workers and say that Government is giving Linden free electricity, but sugar workers are not going to be paid increases in salaries. When the sugar workers are paid increases in salaries now, they go back to the bauxite workers and say that we are only paying sugar workers increased salaries; we are not paying you increased salaries. There is racism… it’s innate in this type of political strategy...

He expressed the hope

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall makes a point, while Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul listens. The moderator is Head of the Government Information Agency, Neaz Subhan that persons will be educated enough, to see beyond these racist platforms and screens, that are being erected, by these political parties at this time. Guyanese politicians and leaders should be seeking to solve these problems and not worsen past wounds, he emphasised.

The Attorney General called on the leadership of all parties to have their supporters vote on merit, not on race. He reminded that “we, the PPP/C, have a track record to defend; a track record that shows that this country has moved from a state of bankruptcy to one of economic viability, if not prosperity. Eight years of consecutive economic growth, a stable dollar, reducing interest, increasing salaries, and social benefits for people annually-that is our track record”.

Rejection of people’s franchise The President’s decision to prorogue and the move towards elections, almost two years before constitutionally mandated, were, on reflection, a “déjà vu” moment. Minister Nandlall reminded all of what occurred in 1997. That year saw elections being called two years before they were due to be

held. Notwithstanding this, the PPP/C was re-elected to office by a comfortable margin. This was described as a “rejection of the franchise of the people” as both occasions similarly resulted in the life of the government being curtailed, in terms of its five-year term of office.

If the No-Confidence Motion that the AFC was pushing, with support from the APNU had succeeded, Dr. Gopaul said Government’s business would have been halted, and Christmas would not have been the same. The AFC had intended to push through the no-confidence motion at the November 10 sitting, but the President issued the proclamation to Prorogue the 10th Parliament.

“The tenseness, the type of mud-slinging, and the type of attacks which take place on innocent people…I believe that if the PNC or the APNU and the AFC were serious about all their talks about shared governance and national governance and inclusive governance, their actions would surely not give one the impression that they are serious”.

Sheer unreasonableness He added that a national government cannot

be built on intimidation and threats and coercion, but only through dialogue, sensible proposals and true intelligence. He described Parliament, since the Joint Opposition gained a oneseat majority as “sheer unreasonableness.”

It was noted that the prorogation, which forestalled the Joint Opposition’s attempt to force a noconfidence motion against Government, was aimed at allowing for dialogue, between both sides of the National Assembly.

The idea of having dialogue was put into some context even more, by Minister Nandlall, who said that despite both sides’ often calling for it; it was the opposition who, when Government advanced the concept, often fell short. He noted that the opposition would either refuse (citing a myriad of excuses such as key members being overseas or otherwise absent), or bring to the table unreasonable demands.

Asked about the opposition’s call for, or its attempt to force early elections, particularly during the festive season and which would have been dampened by political campaigning, Minister Nandlall said the op-

position cares less about the views of Guyanese, since it has rejected transformational projects such as Amaila Falls Hydro Project, and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion, and it also did cut three consecutive national budgets.

“Having a political campaign, in the middle of the Christmas season would have been the least of the opposition’s concerns because the members therein were gunning to move a no-confidence motion; and according to them, this would have been within the first hour of the parliamentary sitting of November 10.

That would have catapulted parliament into dissolution and elections would have followed soon, that is, within three months, (and) right now we would have been campaigning.”

Minister Gopaul added that the fulminations by the Joint Opposition showed that they were “caught with their pants down” because they ought to have known the options available to the President, especially since there are lawyers in their midst.

Political grandstanding The Labour Minister said that recent statements, emanating from the AFC

leadership, which intimated that those found wanting and guilty of corruption would be “fried,” were political grandstanding, since he was confident that noone in the PPP/C was or could ever be found guilty of corruption.

“They can mouth all sort of things, but nothing can be established against this PPP? Administrationnothing has ever been established. Nothing has ever been established to point to the fact that there is one iota of corrupt practice, by any member of the Cabinet, at any point in time during the 20-odd years of the PPP/C.” The Integrity Act is there, the minister added and many of those in the opposition are yet to comply with this. He also referenced the Audit Statement, from the Auditor General’s office, on government expenditure, this being always scrutinised by Parliament, and noted that if any corruption were perceived, then the opposition would have been “jumping all over it.”

There may be corruption at other levels of government, he opined but stressed that “Corruption is not being practised by the PPP/Civic Administration.” The laws and process of natural justice oftentimes make prosecution of those suspected of this practice difficult, he added.

Mention was also made of the impressive infrastructural developments across Guyana, in every sector. For Minister Gopaul, he observed that it would be remiss to forget that Guyana had never graduated 250 doctors simultaneously, but such a feat was achieved in 2013; hence the human resource development capacity building signalled a huge achievement of the PPP/C Administration.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President Ramotar lauds Cuba for its contribution to Region’s development

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has expressed his sincere appreciation to Cuban President Raul Castro Ruz, for Cuba’s remarkable contribution to the development of the region.

In his intervention on the discussions relating to CARICOM-Cuba cooperation, at the Fifth Summit between CARICOM and Cuba held in Havana, Cuba on December 8, President Ramotar recognised the important role which Cuba has played in the development of human capital, particularly in medicine, engineering and other fields, critical to the social and economic progress of the peoples of the Caribbean Community and the Caribbean region as a whole.

In this regard, referring to the announcement made by Cuba, that Government will increase the

numbers of scholarships, for graduate and postgraduate studies, President Ramotar thanked President Castro for this continued assistance.

President Ramotar said that the strong foundation of cooperation had indeed justified the decision, taken forty two years ago, to establish relations with Cuba, a decision which was the culmination of other related actions, in particular, the role of the people of British Guiana, as it was then, in breaking the blockade to trade with Cuba. President Ramotar recalled the constant advocacy of former President Cheddi Jagan, during those times, to engage with Cuba and to contribute to the building of the foundation of the relationship with the Caribbean and Cuba.

The Guyanese Head of State also paid tribute

to the brave and valuable role which Cuba played in the liberation struggle of the African countries.

Touching on future areas of cooperation, President Ramotar said that the existing relationship allows, even now, for the countries of CARICOM and Cuba to build more regional research centres, that allow them to make independent discoveries in science and technology.

While much work has been done in the social field, another area of collaboration was that of agriculture.

Referring to the food import bill of the countries of the Caribbean Community, being approximately four billion dollars, if Cuba were added, that would increase to more than five billion dollars; thus it was and is necessary to ‘pursue together,’ building on the Jagdeo Initiative

… at fifth CARICOM-Cuba summit

President Donald Ramotar being given a warm welcome by Cuba’s President, Raul Castro on his arrival in Havana for agriculture, and using national institutes in Member States and that

President Donald Ramotar (2nd left front row) among Caricom leaders and Cuban President Raul Castro, at the end of the Fifth Caricom-Cuba summit

of Cuba, simply means to become more independent in terms of food security.

Energy cooperation was also another area proposed by President Ramotar, in which CARICOM and Cuba could cooperate, towards affordable energy for development.

President Ramotar assured President Castro that Guyana was happy to cooperate with Cuba and the rest of the Member States of the Caribbean Community, in ‘setting up’ in Guyana, the Regional Centre for the Treatment of Physical Disabilities.

Acknowledging the importance of enhancing trading relations among the countries of CARICOM and Cuba, President Ramotar gave his com-

mitment to working with the rest of CARICOM and Cuba, for the signing and early implementation of the Second Additional Protocol, to the Agreement for Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Noting that the sugar industry plays a central role in the history of the countries of the Caribbean, and recalling Cuba’s offer to assist the countries of CARICOM in this sector, President Ramotar recognised the vast experience of Cuba in the development of its sugar industry and its successful innovations, and therefore he offered Guyana’s willingness to benefit from Cuba’s expertise in the development of Guyana’s sugar industry.

Guyana formally establishes ties with Fiji THE Government of the Republic of Guyana and the Government of the Republic of Fiji on December 8, formally established diplomatic relations, with the signing of a Communiqué.

This was done in New

York by Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador George Talbot, and the Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, Ambassador Peter Thomson.

By signing the Com-

muniqué, both countries have agreed that their diplomatic relations will be guided by the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and International Law, particularly on equality among States, respect for national sov-

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ereignty, independence, territorial integrity, noninterference in the internal affairs of other States, and respect for international treaties.

The Government of Guyana’s decision to establish diplomatic relations

with Fiji was taken after democratic elections were held in Fiji on September 17, 2014, following a period of military rule and Fiji’s subsequent readmission into the Commonwealth.

The decision is also in keeping with the for-

eign policy of the Government of Guyana to develop relations with those Member States of the international community, with which it shares mutual interests and values.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Letter to the Editor

Editor-In-Chief: Shanta Gobardhan Editor: Henry Singh Editorial: 592 227 0773 Web: www.gina.gov.gy Facebook: GINA Email: ginagovgy@gmail.com Area ‘B’ Homestretch Avenue, Durban Backlands, Georgetown,Guyana

EDITORIAL

The balance sheet of the Parliamentary Opposition: anti-people; recklessly anti-national; and power hungry THOSE many followers of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change political parties (AFC), (we are certain) would remember the myriads of promises, from especially the respective leadership of these two parties. Of course, both did commit themselves to put Guyana first, ensuring that citizens have a better life, as well as ensuring that the interests of the nation’s youths be advanced.

These would have most likely resonated with their followers, who rewarded them with their votes in November, 2011.

But ever since those historic results, and what they meant for Parliament, in which the Combined Opposition secured a one seat majority, it has been noting but forays of assault on the national development process, brought about by an opposition which reneged on promises, about bettering the livelihood of the Guyanese people.

Therefore, we poignantly ask: “Which political opposition party, espousing love for country and people, will seek to excise funding from consecutive years’ budgets, intended for critical socio-economic development programmes, and from the State media, thereby threatening its role of being the disseminator of Government’s policies and news on national development projects?”

We ask again: “Which political opposition party will continue to relentlessly attack Government’s development record, repeatedly refusing to support groundbreaking projects (such as the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, that will transform all of our lives) and constantly refuse to support an Anti-Money Laundering Bill (for which noncompliance will attract very harsh economic penalties on the nation and people)?”

We all agree that such actions are ant-democratic, but specifically anti-people, bearing the unmistakable mark of inherently selfish politicians, who have been masquerading as Representatives of the People. For this opposing lot, it is about seeking for every opportunity to frustrate Government’s development programme, thereby obstructing the on-going transformation process, and all towards the reckless pursuit of power.

No opposition, which speaks of ‘care for country’ will utilise the very important time of parliament, to flex its political muscles, when the national interest needs urgent attention; or, will decidedly ignore the many pleas of key sectors of the country, to support a bill that seeks to protect the country from the scourge of international financial criminality, that may involve terrorism.

We can sum up by emphatically declaring that today’s Guyana is infested and infected with a one-seat majority opposition, living up to the tag of “opposing just for the sake of opposing” irrespective of national development causes, and oblivious of ‘better livelihood’ for the people.

Developed Nation status is within reach with the PPP/C at the helm Mr. Editor, Government’s track record has taken center stage once again with the talk of General Elections looming. You will agree with me that the agreement/disagreement and pros/cons would vary, depending on which source you get information from. But none can argue that our country has seen a drastic improvement, since the PPP/C Government took the reins of power.

I respectfully submit that every sector in our society has seen not minimal, but massive improvements, even though I accept that much more will be done to further upgrade the lives of all Guyanese. I am confident now, more than ever before, that with the PPP/C

Government at the helm, “Developed Nation” status is within reach in my life time.

I can point to any sector and show where the improvements were made, but today I wish to focus on Housing.

This sector without a doubt is matchless in this part of the world.

Since 1992 Guyana’s housing sector has made a rapid improvement for all Guyanese.

This continuous housing drive is by far the largest ever undertaken in Caricom.

The Guyana Government has gone above and beyond its obligations to the United Nation’s Declaration of Humans rights Article 25. This article states that “Everyone has the right to a standard of

living, adequate for the health and well-being, of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood, in circumstances beyond his control.”

Since the end of Dictatorship on October 5, 1992, the Guyana Government has added some 100, 000 new residential house lots to our landscape. This benefited all Guyanese, as a ‘party card’ was no longer the main document needed to acquire same, as was the practice in the pre-1992 era.

What is the end re-

sult? Hundreds of families, regardless of race or party affiliation are now proud owners of their own homes. With home ownership come security, peace of mind and more importantly, the power to bargain with financial lending institutions, as the last one can open up a world of possibilities.

I urge all readers to do their own research and not to buy in to the rhetoric of the “Organs/Agents of Hopelessness.” The time has come for us to call ‘a spade a spade’ and ‘shut-up’ those who seek to distort the facts. The proof is right outside the window.

Respectfully Ossie Rodgers.

Ungrateful Complainers

Dear Editor, Season’s greetings to you and staff, and a rewarding 2015! I can only urge that you continue to inform us about what is taking place in this beautiful country of ours.

Suffice it to say that another season is upon us, and like all Guyanese, I look forward to having a merry time, along with my family, in that unmistakable Guyanese fashion-nuff pepper pot and bread and black cake.

However, I must

take issue with those who criticize Government’s announcement of the recent 5%-8% wages and salary increases for 2014.

Unlike so many States that are still being affected by the ‘hell’ of the international financial crisis, and as a consequence have had to cut spending for social programmes, Guyana has indeed been very fortunate, in not suffering any such experience.

Instead, because of astute management of our economy, not only have

the social sector programmes continued, but also workers have been able to benefit from annual income increases.

This is no easy achievement, and for this, Government ought to be congratulated, rather than being lambasted for giving us a “freck,” as claimed by those enemies of progress. At the end of the day, it is good money which workers welcome.

Those who have been criticising Government’s yearly increases, particularly the People’s Na-

Email letters to: ginagovgy@gmail.com

tional Congress (PNC) component of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), should be ashamed, since they once had an opportunity, when they held office, to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Guyanese workers. The many deprivations that Guyanese suffered during this period are too painful to recall.

So they can ‘shut up’ and drink sour ginger beer!

Anthony Grenville

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Opposition missed opportunity to craft a new way for Guyana - Ministers Manickchand and Benn

IN light of the current political situation, and more so, the recent outright rejection by the Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, to engage in dialogue with President Donald Ramotar, some members of the Cabinet share the view that it was a wasted opportunity by the Combined Opposition.

These sentiments were expressed by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, when the two appeared on the National Communications Network’s television programme, “Political Scope” on December 5, to discuss the country’s political situation and the way forward.

Minister Benn noted that Granger’s rejection to ‘come to the table’ indicates clearly that there is no real interest (in him) to work for progress for the country and that “…the rejection of itself (of the opportunity for dialogue), in a time when there should be a dispassionate, nonemotive reflection and review of the country’s situation and of the workings of the National Assembly and the Parliament.” Minister Benn said that instead “… it is clearly an opposition scheme to bring down the PPP/C Government.”

Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand said that she believes that the Prorogation of the 10th Parliament exposed the nation to what each political leader and his party had to offer. The Education Minister said that in addition to all the legislations and the bills, another huge opportunity that was missed was ‘paving a way for a better Guyana.’

“Here is an opportunity, where the people of Guyana have configured the parliament differently,

where they said we want this party in Government and that party is the majority, and the people were saying find a way to work, and so we missed a big opportunity of putting the nation and the people of Guyana first.”

She added that many politicians from the Combined Opposition let pass the opportunity, by having their eyes on one prize.

“The Opposition just have their eyes on Presidential seat and power in the Cabinet, and so they missed the opportunity that was presented to them, so that is a big opportunity they missed … of our working together, because no country, and certainly our country, Guyana, can sustain growth and development and betterment for its people, by going back to an election.”

She stressed the fact that an election, for which they have been calling, would not solve problems.

“If we come back next year and we get this same result, even though we don’t expect to see the same result, because we believe that having met with the people, people are ‘fed up’ and now ‘wizened up’ to what and who the Combined Opposition (APNU and AFC) really are and what they want.”

She shed light on the fact that the Cabinet and the Head of State strongly believe that they are going to see different results, “but if that doesn’t happen, suppose we don’t, and we see some kind of configuration, suppose people say we give you a chance and you didn’t work for us, we will give you another chance go back and work together, we cannot come back every year for an election.”

Under this kind of environment, Ministers Manickchand and Benn conceded that Guyana will not be

===================

Guyana on course for Universal Secondary Education-Immediate plans: construction of three new secondary schools in 2015-Good Hope and Yarrowkabra (Region Four); and Parfaite Harmonie (Region Three).

able to sustain the developments it has accomplished over the years.

Meanwhile, on another panel discussion, Presidential Adviser Gail Teixeira referred to the issue of trust between the two sides of the House, particularly since the debacle of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and its reneging on the joint agreement, to incorporate Linden, into the national grid and standardise electricity; this in fact, remains a sore point, and it was underscored by Ms. Gail.

The Presidential Advisor was at the time, a guest, with two other Government Members of Parliament, Dr. Kawame Gilbert and Bibi Shaddick.

Teixeira expounded on this point, stating that over the last three years, agree-

ments have been made and then betrayed. She cited the attempts to pass the amended Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Bill and the conflicting statements from APNU Leader David Granger and one of his executives, Carl Greenidge. Mention was also made of the Linden negotiations, which saw PNC stalwarts Aubrey Norton and Vanessa Kissoon meeting with President Ramotar for negotiations. Then on the Budget and money laundering issues, Carl Greenidge stood in. Yet, common grounds were not located, and when this was a possibility, the opposition pulled back at the last hour.

“There seems to be a problem of leadership.

Who’s speaking for APNU?

Who’s speaking for parties within the APNU? Who’s speaking for the PNC?” She explained that APNU’s members, in particular, always go to negotiations without leaving any “wriggle room” for negotiations, hence they refused to give any quarter, which politicians on both sides ought to do, whenever they’re involved in such activities.

As regards to the holding of General and Regional Elections, all of the panelists agreed that the Political Opposition, namely APNU and AFC, were not ready for the polls. This sentiment was expressed by APNU Representative Joe Harmon, recently. Shaddick said that even President Ramotar realised this and basically said, “Let us think through this thing, let

7

us see what we can do… their whole story is let us embarrass them, let us debase Government. Let us show them what this one seat majority can do.”

The No-Confidence Motion had its genesis in June of this year, after the AFC threatened to move it, following the decision by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, to restore funds, cut by the Political Opposition.

The AFC, with support from APNU, had planned to push through the No-Confidence Motion against Government at the November 10 Parliamentary sitting, but their move was thwarted, when the President Ramotar announced that he had issued the proclamation, proroguing the parliament.

8

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Government still has faith in dialogue to move country forward

FINANCE Minister Dr. Ashni Singh has restated Government’s faith in dialogue, to move Guyana forward. Minister Singh was at the time delivering the feature address, at the annual Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) ‘dinner and awards’ ceremony, which was held at the Pegasus Hotel on December 4.

The Minister noted that the challenges faced by Guyana are not unique. Referring to the United States of America, which is over 238 years old, compared with Guyana, which is just 48 years old, Dr. Singh pointed out that the US can still be seen as a state with democracy at work.

“From the Federal shutdown to gun control, stalemate is America’s political norm. Congress is more interested in playing politics than in solving problems.”

From this analogy, the minister connected Guyana’s current political impasse, to that of the older, more established USA. Minister Singh also dismissed the notion that the current Prorogation of Parliament makes the Government undemocratic, and explained that when a similar action is taken in other developed countries, those persons are not being accused of being unpatriotic or undemocratic.

Through similar examples, the minister highlighted that it was incumbent upon all responsible leaders, to talk and engage in dialogue, in the interest of Guyana. He elaborated that President Ramotar and his Administration have been willing to have dialogue throughout all of the frustrations of the 10th Parliament.

Reference was made to the cutting of the National Budget, for the past three years, as among some of the major challenges, all of which never caused the President to throw in his hands and give up; this based on the hope that dialogue could see all stakeholders, reaching common grounds. “…To the business community, we should not

...Finance Minister

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Lance Hinds with the awardees be unduly harsh to ourselves ... as a country we have to build through the growing pain. This current experience I believe will see us coming out a stronger country, having used the lessons of political gridlock.”

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh also commended the members of the GCCI for their 125 years of distinguished representation of business interests in Guyana. In offering his congratulations to chamber members, Dr. Singh said that they all follow an illustrious tradition of achievements in business, as amongst them, their predecessors are some of Guyana’s most renowned and best known business houses.

To the older and more mature awardees, including those businesses that have been around for a very long time, the minister made special mention of their longevity and staying power. “…To the younger companies among the awardees, I say to you that you have amongst your membership in the chamber, an abundance of examples of firms that started with very modest beginnings, and emerged to be towering giants of commercial and industrial activities in Guyana ... major pillars in our economic landscape.”

The awardees were also urged to consider the good examples of older businesses for emulation. President of the GCCI, Lance Hinds, was also lauded for his

good stewardship, as Dr. Singh noted, that he comes as the latest in a long succession of business leaders, who have served this coalition of industry and commerce well, and as an interlocutor between the business community and the national policy maker, and this with great effect.

Meanwhile, describing himself as a person who does not like to use the quotes of others, the min-

ister did make an exception, when he quoted from the GCCI’s 2014 “Business Guyana” magazine.

“I would quote from it; I do believe that in this instance I would not know better words to capture the intended sentiments.”

In an article on page 17, the minister quoted: “Guyana strengths cover a broad spectrum of industry, like a thriving blooming orchid.

Guyana is strategically lo-

cated along the north eastern coast of South America ... this English speaking country boasts a multi-cultural society, with a friendly and receptive population, spread out over its ten administrative regions.”

Guyana’s location makes it an economically ideal hub for global trade and commerce, providing cost-feasible access to international market and links to South American locations.

The economy boasts a diversified platform and has enjoyed dynamic economic growth for the last eight years, with an average annual GDP growth of 5%.

Its sound macroeconomic policies and good governance have resulted in a most favourable business environment that makes Guyana one of today’s most appealing investment destinations, anywhere in the world.

This extract, Minister Singh said, makes an extremely eloquent case for Guyana, as an attractive place for doing business.

Dr. Singh made mention of the strong favourable condition, that “... we have managed to achieve as a country, and that has resulted in the flood of inquiries, that Hinds referred to, when he spoke of the almost weekly pilgrimage of delegations of investors, inquiring about business opportunities in Guyana.”

Noting that even though the quoted words were not those of the PPP/C Administration’s, they still express the same sentiments, as the minister alluded to the strong macro-economic performance and good governance of the PPP/C. “I rather suspect that I would be accused of politicking, giving objective commentary, such as that offered by the GCCI ... I chose the chamber’s assessment in this regard, and I thank you for your candid stand of the business and governance assessment in Guyana ... one which I share and which I think Guyanese share equally.”

Contract signed for the construction of MovieTowne Guyana CHINA Habour Engineering Company (CHEC) Limited, on December 9, signed a contract in Port of Spain Trinidad for “MovieTowne Guyana.” The $30M agreement, between CHEC and Chairman of MovieTowne Cineplex, Dereck Chin, includes the construction of entertainment facilities, restaurants and a commercial space, on 10 acres of prime land, in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

The MovieTowne Guyana venture was officially launched back in 2011, during a simple ceremony, attended by the then President Bharrat Jagdeo, President (incumbent) Donald Ramotar, and Movie Towne Chairman, Dereck Chin.

Chin explained that the MovieTowne franchise serves over 1.5 million customers per year, throughout three locations in Trinidad and Tobago. Its directors, three of whom were Guya-

nese therefore decided that the time was right in the land of their birth Chin had explained that the new MovieTowne Guyana complex will be on 175,000 sq. ft. of retail and entertainment space, with eight state-of-the-art luxurious cinemas, offering the people of Guyana, for the first time, the widest choices of Hollywood blockbuster movies, regional and Bollywood. The cinema will also include a food concession with a delicious menu, video arcades and birthday party rooms, he said.

The owners expect to offer 30 local regional and international stores, including a 40,000 sq. ft. anchor supermarket, HiLo, Trinidad’s leading franchise supermarket chain, three premium dining restaurants, a bank, live entertainment indoor space, and parking for over 700 cars.

Chin had promised that when completed, the entire

Flashback: Chairman Derek Chin explains aspects of an artist’s sketch and plan of the proposed Movie Towne Guyana to PPP/C Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar and President Bharat Jagdeo.

facility and all its enterprises will provide employment for 500 to 800 Guyanese nationals.

CHEC has been given 18 months to complete the project. The Chinese company is no stranger to Guyana, as it has been working here for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) runway extension project, which is expected to be completed in 2017.

The company been awarded several signature projects in the Caribbeaan and in Latin America, including the Port of Balboa

and Container Terminal in Panama 2002; the Manzanillo Container Terminal in Mexico 2011, and most recently, in 2014 the North Abaco Port Project in the Bahamas.

CHEC has been a full service provider in the large-scale construction business for more than 30 years, specialising in the areas of marine engineering, dredging, land reclamation, and in the construction of roads, bridges, airports and railways.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

9

New Bank of Guyana Governor and Deputy sworn in

FORMER acting Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, was formally sworn in as Governor of the Bank of Guyana, and Mr. Leslie Glen as Deputy Governor. The newly appointed Bank of Guyana Govenor and his deputy took their oaths of office, before President Donald Ramotar, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill, other senior ministry officials and family members.

The swearing in took place at the Office of the President on December 2, and the two officers were urged to do their best.

Dr. Ganga said that his focus will be to help to maintain the country’s robust economy, as he would seek “… to ensure that there be a very efficient payment system in place, and a payment system that we all can be proud of … with less cash in the system.” “We will also ensure that the economy remain robust, because we are also a part of the economy (and) obviously that will need the cooperation and

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, Bank of Guyana Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga, President Donald Ramotar, Deputy Bank of Guyana Governor, Leslie Glen and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, after the swearing in of the Central Bank officials assistance of a number of players in the sector.”

He described the Bank of Guyana as “comfortably staffed,” noting that as they move forward to implement the strategic plan, the staff complement will have to be increased to facilitate the growth.

Dr. Gobind Ganga

completed his BA Degree in Economics and Administrative Studies at the University of Winnipeg, and his MA and PhD Degrees in Economics at the University of Manitoba, during the 1980s. He was also a Lecturer in Economics at the University of West Indies, Mona Campus, in

Jamaica, an adjunct professor at the Consortium Graduate School at Mona, Jamaica, and a Senior Researcher/Senior Lecturer at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.

In 1995, Dr. Ganga was appointed Director of the Research Department at the Bank of Guyana. He

2015 Budget preparations ongoing -Finance Minister will be ready to produce one when called upon to do so

FINANCE Minister Dr. Ashni Singh has stated that despite the lack of dialogue with the Political Opposition, preparations for Budget 2015 are continuing, since it is constitutionally due by the end of the first quarter of the year.

This however, depends on the evolvement of the Parliamentary situation, and whatever the outcome, but the Finance Ministry will be ready to produce a budget, when called upon to do so, Minister Singh said.

Speaking on “Political Scope” on the National Communications Network with Wanita Huburn on December 10, Minister Singh agreed that in Budget 2014, the many positive outlooks for Guyana’s economy and projections were inspired the World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s

(IMF) predictions, which balanced the country’s performance over the previous years.

Observing that preparations for Budget 2015 are ongoing, Minister Singh explained that the cycle begins early each year. The private sector continues to display confidence in the economy, and other contributions towards the budget come from workers and householders. The Minister also observed that a commitment

by Government to the country has seen a lot of technical work already done. This includes meetings with ministries and other units, with the budget preparation team working towards the expectation of the requirement, to produce a budget.

With the ruling party, maintaining its commitment to dialogue, engagement and consultation, Minister

Singh explained that the President has remained consistent in making himself available for this purpose, but the Political Opposition still consistently rebuffed this, as in their many recent moves.

The Minister pointed also to the opposition’s many rejections of talks, before the 2013 budget, and rejection of talks on the Amaila Falls project, which met with the same fate, after an initial meeting. “The unavailability of the opposition for talks is beyond dispute,” he stated.

However, this unwillingness by the Political Opposition to engage Government does not hinder the preparation of the 2015 Budget.

Minister Singh noted that Government is aware of the requirements of the opposition, through various means, such as pub-

lic statements and calls, all made in previous budget debates and all leading to an accumulation of information on what are their views.

Observing that the Joint Opposition has cut every budget, presented in the tenth parliament, Minister Singh noted that they, the opposition forces, have never presented any alternative, which the Administration could instead accept.

He highlighted the ‘bundle of objections’ which were laid without alternatives and adjusting priorities. Reiterating the need for the Amaila Falls project, he noted the abundance of criticisms, without any credible alternative being put forward.

The Administration has had continued engagements with various sectors and stakeholders, which all allow input into the Budget

held that position until November 2003, when he was appointed Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., representing 10 Caribbean territories along with Canada and Ireland. In June 2005, Dr. Ganga was appointed Deputy Governor at the Bank of Guyana.

However, he was only able to take up his appointment, after completing his term at the World Bank. On May 8th, 2014, he was appointed Governor (ag) of Bank of Guyana.

Dr. Ganga has a wealth of Central Banking experience. He has written and published many articles, on a wide variety of Economic issues, including “Monetary Policy and Macroeconomics.” He has served on many Boards, Committees, Commissions and Tribunals. At the World Bank, he served on the Committee on Governance and Administrative Matters as well as the SubCommittee on Development Effectiveness.

Ganga replaces the late Lawrence Williams, whose passing was described by

President Ramotar, as a major loss to Guyana and the local financial sector.

Mr. Williams passed away on May 7, after succumbing to cancer.

Meanwhile, the new Deputy Governor Leslie Glen, is now with over 34 years of financial sector experience, and has served in various senior positions at the Central Bank. He was appointed as Division Chief in 1989, the Assistant Chief Economist for three years, and then served as Director of Operations from 1995 to 2005 and Banking Manger from 2005 until his present appointment.

The Bank of Guyana was established in 1965 and is located in the capital city of Georgetown. Also known as the Central Bank, its mission is to maintain domestic price stability, through the prudent formulation and implementation of monetary policies. The Bank of Guyana actively fosters conditions for a sound, efficient and progressive financial system.

preparation. He said that there is significant input from non-governmental sectors, including the private sector and labour groupings. These bodies bring forth national priorities for the country’s economy.

All the national policy documents have benefited from national consultations and the Administration will remain intimate with those stakeholders who contributed, he stated.

Whilst hesitating to put forward a figure, Minister Singh observed that the growth prediction for Guyana’s economy is positive.

He indicated that with regards to the sugar sector, the Administration will continue to support it, and that assistance through the national budget will continue as necessary.

Speaking about Guyana’s rebuilding process, which began in 1992, and which continues, the minister pointed out that it took considerable effort to make the country’s economy viable. This viability, which

restored the country’s attractiveness to investors, has ensured that the international confidence in Guyana remain strong.

He alluded to the elevation of international confidence in Guyana over the past eight years, in areas of investments in gold, bauxite and the search for oil, by international companies.

This is supported by the domestic economy, as he made mention of Courts, Massy and the commercial banks which all continue to open branches. Homeowners have also contributed by investing in homes, he reiterated.

Noting that particular moves have contributed to the housing boom, such as mortgage reliefs and other initiatives, Dr. Singh said that this has led to multiplier effects such as the construction boom and the expansion of goods and services, which also lead to job creation. All of these eventually lead in the same direction-growth for Guyana.

10

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Renewable energy should be at top of Guyana’s agenda-Canadian High Commissioner THE importance of cheap reliable energy as an economic driver was highlighted by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Nicole Giles, when she addressed the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Award and Dinner, at the Pegasus hotel on Thursday, December 4.

The PPP/C Government has been pursuing renewable energy, in the form of the Amaila Falls Hydro project, but budgetary allocations for this project became a victim of the Combined Opposition’s scissors.

“The potential for renewable resources is going fast around the world,” Dr. Giles said. Quoting a

- but opposition support lacking

The gathering at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s dinner and award ceremony recently released five-year This is nothing short of a report, published by the remarkable development, International Energy Agen- Dr. Giles said, given that a cy, she noted that renew- few years ago, the cost of able energy will ‘edge out’ renewable technology was natural gas, as the biggest prohibitive. source of electricity, by Pointing to the fact the fall (autumn) of 2016. that the cost of renewable

technology, particularly solar and wind, has fallen dramatically, she said that, “Renewable energy presents a huge opportunity for Guyana to begin diversifying its natural energy supply, so as to create more molecules and less fossil fuel.”

Dr. Giles mentioned that one of Canada’s greatest economic advantages (and the key to its prosperity) is its energy resources, and noted that Guyana, very much like Canada, is blessed with an abundance of natural resources.

She explained that energy now accounts for a sizeable and quality share of Canada’s Gross Domestic

Product and it is important as an economic driver that will only increase in the future, as Canada consolidates its place as an energy super power. “Canada has abundant energy resources of all kinds. Canada is the third largest producer of natural gas and hard electric power in the world. We are the world’s sixth largest producer of oil,” she said.

Dr. Giles also mentioned the employment benefit that the country has gained, because of its ventures with energy resources. She said that directly or indirectly, Canada’s energy sector accounts for hundreds of thousands of jobs for Canadians, in every sec-

tor of the economy, including skilled trades, manufacturing, clerical jobs, ICT, marketing and finance.

She however proffered advice about maintaining a balance, in energy consumption and in sustainable management of environmental resources. She noted that Canada is a global energy leader is maintaining social responsibility with regards to environmental protection.

Noting the benefit of development in the energy sector, Dr. Giles said that developing countries, such as Guyana, cannot afford to look the other way.

Minister Persaud calls on developed countries to lead climate change mitigation FIVE years after Copenhagen, pledges by developed countries to reduce emissions to ensure 1.5 or less than 2 degrees warming are still to materialise.

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, made this comment, during his address, on the opening day of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Lima, Peru, recently.

“We meet this year within the context of efforts, to ensure a sufficiently ambitious and binding global agreement in Paris next year. We also gather amidst increasingly compelling scientific evidence, that climate change is the most urgent global threat we face,” stated Minister Persaud.

The Natural Resources and the Environment Minister pointed out that for small islands and low lying coastal states, such aspects as the recent confirmation that average global temperatures and sea levels are rising faster than predicted, all spell disaster, if left unchecked. In Guyana, with 90 percent of the population living on a coastal strip that lies at or below

-UN Climate Change Conference, Peru

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud during his address on the opening day of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. sea level, the risk is particularly acute.

“For my country, with most of our population and infrastructure below sea level, our very survival is threatened by these increasingly negative impacts. It is imperative that adaptation be inscribed as an important element, and that the requisite resources be provided to help vulnerable countries safeguard themselves as they seek to grow sustainably and de-

velop a green economy,” he said.

Minister Persaud added it is a matter of urgency that significant progress be made toward an ambitious agreement. “For us, that agreement must be legally binding, with flexibility for LDCs and SIDS. It must also be structured to reflect the elements of the Bali Action Plan, with parity between mitigation and adaptation.”

Further, the recent an-

nouncements (of China, the United States and the European Union) for enhancing mitigation ambition were welcomed by Minister Persaud. In this regard, he maintained that in the global fight against climate change, historical polluters must take the lead with economy-wide emission reduction commitments, and that historical responsibility should provide the basis of their contributions.

Accordingly, nationally determined contributions must focus on mitigation primarily, while allowing for linkages with adaptation and finance. The contributions must be sciencedriven and be assessed in a multilateral rule-based system. They must also ensure that the aggregate level of mitigation ambition should be 1.5 or well below 2 degrees Celsius and sufficient to ensure the livelihood of the most vulnerable.

As such, he stated that Guyana is committed to contributing to global mitigation efforts. “I am pleased to announce, in this regard, that the Government of Guyana has

decided to ratify the Doha Amendment of the Kyoto Protocol, and will shortly deposit its instrument of acceptance.”

Guyana has demonstrated a high level of political commitment to fulfilling its role in the global climate change solution.

Even before the Copenhagen COP, Guyana adopted a Low Carbon Development Strategy, which aims to conserve and sustainably manage our forests, in an effort to reduce global carbon emissions, and at the same time attract resources to foster growth and development, along a low carbon emissions path. The agreement between Guyana and Norway launched one of the first national-scale REDD+ initiatives in the world.

If forest countries are to reconcile the world’s

needs for forests to be kept intact with their own need to develop, then the challenge is to make national development and sustainable use of forests complementary, not competing objectives. For this to happen, the right economic incentives need to be in place and to ensure there be economically viable alternatives.

Meanwhile, Minister Persaud called on all partners to bring the elements together and to inspire and scale up actions that can lead to a low carbon future.

“Let us together pursue bold action and outcomes, which will provide substantive elements and a clear timeline necessary to make a truly meaningful and ambitious global agreement a reality in Paris in December 2015,” he urged.

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Universal Primary Education-Guyana achieved this Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 2015-all children in Guyana now have access to Primary Education.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Wages and salary increase

11

… Gov’t pays special attention to those at lower level

THE decision by Government to retroactively pay public servants, an increase for 2014, follows remarks made by several stakeholders and instructions by President Donald Ramotar, to cater for workers, particularly those at the lower levels of the wage scale.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, appearing on the National Communications Network’s programme, “Political Scope,” explained that what was sought this time around, was weighing the modest start, in trying to focus the available funds for salary increases in 2014, to give a heightened percentage to those at the lower end of the scale.

“That allowed us to work with a number of different scenarios, as we were assessing what would be an ideal configuration and we ended up, essentially with what was announced.”

Public servants, earning under $50,000 will receive an 8% increase, with those above, receiving 5%.

The new ‘wages and salary’ scale is retroactive to January 2014. These across the board increases are to be made as follows: those public servants and disciplinary forces members, whose wages and salaries are above $50,000, as at December 31, 2014, will receive 5%; those at less than $50,000 per month, will advance by 8% retroactive to January 1, 2014; and teachers will receive an additional 3%, apart from a 5% increase already paid, in accordance with a multiyear agreement, that Government had agreed to, with the Guyana Teachers Union.

Dr. Luncheon was joined on the programme,

by Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who reiterated that since the PPP/C took office in 1992, yearly salary increases proffered by government have been the norm; hence this recent announcement was not unexpected. He noted that the only ‘surprise’ is that soldiers, po-

micro economic realities.

Dr. Luncheon said that the journey that resulted in the decision, to implement the new minimum wage and tax threshold must be appreciated.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, and Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy appearing on the National Communications Network’s programme, “Political Scope”. lice, fire service and teachers will benefit from an 8% increase.

It was also noted that 41% of the contracted workers, who earn less than $50,000 monthly, will also benefit from an 8% increase.

Dr. Ramsammy pointed out that this is ‘inconsistent’ with arguments, put forward by the Political Opposition, that contracted workers are the result of Government’s ‘wickedness’ and the desire to “pay people more.” He pointed out that many of the contracted workers resulted from increased development and the resultant jobs that arose, which are not normally catered for in the public service.

The recent increase has flowed from the previous increases, put in place by Government, in June of this year, to raise the minimum wage and should be viewed in this context, Dr. Luncheon added.

“It illustrated what the Administration was investing in, both politically and at a humanitarian level, about workers, its policies”.

He added that it flows from the sentiment by Government, “because we care about workers, but we have a special attention that we pay safety net wise, to those at the very bottom.”

Sustainability For Dr. Luncheon, the issue of sustainability is one which must be considered, and the only way in which salary increases can

be maintained is to grow the economy. He cited the failure of the Political Opposition, to approve the ‘transformational’ Amaila Falls Hydro Project, as the most disappointing move by decision makers. Luncheon explained that, “We had the crème de la crème, we had one of the most advanced American firms … they came here with assets over $200 billion in their portfolio, and these representatives of the people, they threw that Amaila out.”

The $9 billion spent annually to subsidise electricity, he stressed, would have gone towards, not boosting social programmes, but also to wages and salaries and even pensions. He further added that all of the major transformational projects “have been visited with a curious anti-developmental stance by the Political Opposition, and they had the gall to turn around at the end of 2013, to say to this Administration, to say to the workers, to say that we are not giving you enough, we must give you more money.”

This will always be the main challenge to sustaining the wage increase, Dr. Luncheon noted, unless the Political Opposition “change their ways and start seeing the overall benefit for Guyana.”

Echoing the aforementioned sentiments, D. Ramsammy said that the votes against Amaila and

the Marriott, which have seen over 3,000 persons applying for jobs, are votes against the people and Guyana’s development. “What is even worse yet is that some of these people voted for APNU, voted for AFC.” Credit to Gov’t Looking back on history and giving a perspective, Dr Luncheon said that in the 1970s, Guyana and Singapore were at the same level economically, but under the guidance of the People’s National Congress (PNC), which forms the base for A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), the local economy fell far behind that of its Asian counterpart. He acknowledged that there must be an opposition, but when it comes to decisions that benefit all of Guyana, this opposition must do what is right. He said that with the savings alone, “Workers wouldn’t need (David) Granger to tell them that they could get more money.”

Credit, he said, must be given to Government, along with its planners, for still sustaining wage increases, despite all that was done by the Combined Opposition.

Asked about the present $50,000 base or non taxable wage, it was explained that this was arrived at, after careful consideration, as to what Government could achieve and sustain, given all of the macro and

Wage bill “Anybody who came and talked about $50,000 in 1992 …this figure would have been far removed from reality at the time,” he said, “but in a well managed economy, we have been able to transition your wage bill incrementally, from $3 billion to $ 42 billion.”

It was not a magical sum, he explained but “a reflection of great studies of what is sustainable, what is achievable and affordable”. He added that, “As we evolve, we improve, as we improve, we increase and that relationship must remain.”

Government’s ability to control the inflation rates has also helped to boost the real value of the dollar earned by Guyanese, according to Dr. Luncheon, and this must be understood. He said, “We have controlled inflation, we have controlled the value of the earnings of the average worker and that is equally important, perhaps it is even more important than ensuring that wages and salaries increases exceed the inflation rate annually.”

Other measures The fact that other measures have been put in place, to cushion the economic hardships, faced by earners at the lower end of the wage scale must be also catered for, according to Dr. Ramsammy. These

include the recent Education Grant disbursement programme, which saw parents receiving $10,000 for each child in the public school system, the electricity and water rate subsidies, mortgage relief tax incentives and others.

There have also been other benefits, the minister said, such as the raising of the tax threshold, from $6,000 in 1992 to $50,000 at present, and the slight increase of National Insurance Scheme payments, which only apply to those earning over $50,000.

Government, he said, is always considering ways in which to ease the financial burdens of those who earn less and it would be helpful if perhaps the opposition, instead of merely opposing initiatives and cutting them from the National Budget in a “cruel” manner, could propose innovative ideas of its own to assist in this regard.

In closing, Dr Luncheon said that once economic circumstances prevail, some of the issues can be revisited and interventions can be “matured,” in terms of offering workers even more increases.

When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) acceded to office in 1992, public servants were in receipt of $3,137 as minimum wage, which rose to $23,204 by 2005.

For 2013, a 5% increase was granted that elevated wages to $35,000. In 2012, a similar percentage increase was granted to public servants, in 2011, it was 8%, in 2010, 5% and in 2009, it was 6%.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Drainage capacity significantly boosted

THREE regions benefited from significant increase in drainage capacity, as Government continues to invest to ensure sustainable climate change intervention across the country.

To this end, over the last few weeks, four additional pump stations have been operationalised, in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6, collectively adding 720 ‘cu.ft/ sec’ of drainage capacity, to the country’s drainage system. This is equivalent to or has the capacity to drain in excess of 18 million gallons of water per hour.

The new pump stations that are now part of the network (of pumps along the coast) are located at: Paradise-East Coast Demerara (Region 4); Pine GroundMahaicony (Region 5); Canal No. One-West Bank Demerara (Region 3); and Vrede-en-VriendschaCanje (Region 6). They will benefit approximately 16,000 acres of mostly agricultural land.

For this year alone, pump-drainage capacity for

Guyana has been increased by more than 1,100 ‘cu.ft/ sec.’ This represents the largest increase in Guyana’s pump-drainage capacity, in any single year and includes interventions at Rose Hall Town, Number19 Village, Patentia, and Three Friends-a combined capacity of 390 ‘cu.ft/sec’ and the expansion of the Mibikuri Irrigation pump capacity by about 200 ‘cu. ft/sec.’ Before the end of the year, Windsor Forest Pump Station, with a 200 ‘cu.ft/sec’ capacity will also be added to the system.

These new pump stations are from an EXIM Bank of India loan (referred to as the Surendra pumps), enabled by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, to meet the mandate to rehabilitate, maintain and expand the drainage and irrigation (D&I) system countrywide.

As part of the NDIA’s portfolio of infrastructural development projects, construction of drainage struc-

tures, particularly pump stations, is a high priority to effect better drainage coefficients, so that there can be better capacity to accommodate high intensity rainfall, over short durations, as an adaptive measure in response to the effects of climate change.

The drainage pumps at Paradise, Vrede-en-Vriendschap, and Canal No. One each has an optimal discharging capacity of 200 ‘cu.ft/sec’ at a total dynamic head (TDH) of 18ft, while Pine Ground has a capacity of 120 ‘cu.ft/sec’ at 25 ft. TDH. These pumps are built to operate in any tidal condition, since they discharge directly onto the foreshore and into creeks.

According to the NDIA, the increase in capacity created this year means that the country can now pump an additional 30 million gallons of water per hour.

In the first quarter of 2015, the NDIA is expected to further increase its capacity for drainage.

The significant additions so far this year is

- four new pump stations operationalised

The completed Enterprise Pump Station consistent with the policy of Government, to aggressively improve the Drainage and Irrigation System in Guyana, as part of a programme to transform and maintain agriculture, as the pillar of Guyana’s economy.

To this end, one of the priorities of the PPP/C Government, when it took office in 1992, was to rebuild, expand and improve the drainage and irrigation system, which between the

Anna Regina market gets $4.1M upgrade

MARKET vendors in the town of Anna Regina are now enjoying improved business conditions, following the $4.1M upgrade and refurbishing works completed at the municipality’s market.

The project, comprising four main aspects of infrastructure, was made possible through the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) cooperation pact, in collaboration with the Guyana Solid Waste Management Improvement Project.

The works were commissioned by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker, on December 3. These included the construction of a concrete drain, 250 feet long,

8 inches wide and 1 foot deep; the installation of four security lamps and accessories; the lifting of the floor by eight inches (at the back entrance); and the construction of a 594-foot chain link fence, around the market.

During his address, Minister Whittaker expressed his gratitude to the governments of India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA), for funding the project that seeks to improve the sanitation and the aesthetics of the environment.

Minister Whittaker explained that the intervention made to the market was done, following consultation with vendors.

He said that during the planning stage, an engage-

=================== “Because We Care” $10,000 cash grant initiative is expected to continue next year-as of December 08, the Ministry of Education issued 135, 969 vouchers.

ment was held with the vendors and their concerns were heard and taken in to account.

The Minister said that the concerns not addressed under the project, will in time be met under the ministry and/or region’s budgetary allocation. “… the National Budget is a cake that has to be shared, as a caring Government, we the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) Government seek to always try to cut that cake into as many slices as possible, so that every region and every community will get a slice, no matter how thin,” Minister Whittaker said, further explaining why everything cannot be done at the same time, as there are other regions and facilities on which works are also needed.

The minister did point out too that this year, under the current budget, $2.2B was allocated for works in Region Two, an addition, $0.4B for capital works, and the

sum total of $11.5M was given to the Anna Regina municipality.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Permanand Persaud noted that there were many complaints revolving around security issues by the vendors. However all of these have been addressed through the project; one aspect being the establishment of the fence, and the other, the placement of security guards around the market.

The chairman expressed his gratitude to Government for the undertaking and emphasised that the Local Government Ministry has always been supportive of infrastructural development in Region Two. He urged vendors to desist from illegal vending, especially in the Christmas season, and noted that there will be increased policing activities, around the market, during this season.

Under IBSA cooperation pact, project upgrades for other markets are also being catered

1970s and 1980s suffered significant contraction and deterioration. During that period, several important pump stations were closed and others reduced in capacity.

Most of the closed stations have now been restored and others are being expanded. In addition, stations at new locations are being established. In fact, all the new pump stations, operationalised over the last few weeks, are at new

locations, and now have permanent pumping capacity, for the first time.

It should be noted that while pump-drainage is undertaken in areas where there are very high foreshore conditions, or there is a small window to effect gravity drainage among other evaluated boundary conditions, the NDIA is currently constructing drainage sluices at Profit, Bagotville and La Grange.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker interacting with a vendor at the Anna Regina Market for, including the sum of $14.6M for a number of things: the construction of a new shed and the extension of the old one; plumbing and electrical works; the installation of gutters and fittings; and the painting of the Rosignol Market.

In addition to this, the sum of $7.8M will see repairs and other amenities being effected to the Rose Hall Market. These include the construction of a fish shed and a water reservoir; the provision of surveillance cameras; and

installation of new sanitary facilities and minor repairs to present ones.

The Linden market will utilise $11M to bring about repairs to the Constabulary Office, Revenue Clerk Office, Stall Area, Store Room and the rehabilitation of the existing washroom, whilst to the Ireng/Sawariwau NDC Market, the sum of $7.5M will be used to allow for the improvement of the floor, internal and external walls, electrical installation and the painting of the market.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyanese dominate CSEC top awards

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-Education investments paying handsome dividends

GUYANA’S massive investments in the education sector continue to reap rich harvests for the country. This was amply manifested, when four local students garnered rich returns for excellent performances at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

On December 4, the country was the show piece of the Region, as four Guyanese students picked up specialised awards for their outstanding performances, at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams.

The prestigious award for Most Outstanding Candidate Overall was taken

by Elisa Hamilton from Queen’s College; this by itself contributing to Queens’s College, taking away the Most Outstanding School accolade.

Hamilton achieved grade ones in 19 subjects: Agricultural Science (double award): Biology: Chemistry: English A; English B; Food and Nutrition; French; Geography; Home Economics Management; Information Technology; Integrated Science; Mathematics; Physics; Principles of Business; Social Studies; Spanish; Electronic Document Preparation and Management; Physical Education and Sport; Human and Social Biology; and a grade two in Religious Education.

The Most Outstand-

The Guyanese students with their awards: from left to right, Kishan Critchlow, Aliyyah Kadir, Elisa Hamilton and Ryhan Chand ing Award for Humanities went to another Queen’s College prodigy, Aliyyah Abdul Kadir. She scored grade ones in 15 subjects.

Ryhan Chand, yet another from Queen’s College, took home the Most Outstanding Student in Business award, chalking up grade ones in 13 subjects.

The final student, Kishan Critchlow, of New Amsterdam Multilateral School, broke the Queen’s College sequence; he was awarded the Most Outstanding Student in Technical/Vocation Education.

The students’ tokens for their excellent output were quite substantial-a plaque of recognition, a cash prize and a dictionary, for each of them. The tokens were buttressed with promissory let-

ters for full scholarships, to pursue studies at the Mona Campus, contingent upon their completing and excelling at the CAPE exams.

No wonder the Guyanese explained that they were continuing studies at the CAPE level, hoping to attend UWI in the near future.

In 2013, Guyana won five of the eight awards offered.

The winners were: Yogeeta PersaudAnna Regina Secondary School, Overall Outstanding Achievement; Rafena Mustapha-Saraswati Vidya Niketan, Most Outstanding in Humanities; Cecil CoxQueen’s College, Most Outstanding in Sciences; Sasha S Woodroffe-Queen’s College, Most Outstanding in Business Studies; and

Professor Nigel Harris, Chairman of the University of the West Indies with CXC 2014 regional awardees

Zimeena A Rasheed-Anna Regina Secondary School, Most Outstanding in Technical Vocational.

Double feature The night was a double feature, as students for both CSEC and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams (CAPE) were honoured, at a ceremony, attended by officials and dignitaries from across the Region at the regional headquarters of the University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica.

Continue pressing on Professor Nigel Harris ,Vice Chancellor and Chairman of UWI, in his feature address to the students, not only complimented them, but also exhorted that they ‘press on’ as much as possible, both in terms of their academic lives and in being engaged in extra-curricular activities.

He admonished that academic studies and extra-curricular activities mould characters; they work in tandem, and one is not at the expense of the other. The soon-toexit UWI Head pointed out that the awardees all debunked the myth that academics are not normal people.

Professor Harris explained that he was very cognisant of the fact that too many people criticise the top students, unjustly chiding them for sitting a plethora of subjects, thinking that this creates imbalances and peculiarities in

them. He highlighted the startling reality, that the awardees were all wellrounded and gifted, being proficient in a number of non-academic areas-sports, dancing, singing, and debating.

He further opined that even though “Knowledge learning is important, there are a number of (other) important things. The book knowledge is not always important… being able to communicate and speak as well… other interests such as debating will make you rounded individuals. And I know we don’t have nerds here, like people think.”

Harris’ joy must have been immense on the occasion, as he himself is Guyanese and a former Queen’s College student. He is a UWI stalwart and is set to leave UWI Mona, in May 2015.

He acknowledged that the students’ achievements, high as they are at the moment, form only the first steps to success. “You can’t slack off now; if you want these scholarships, you have to continue working.”

Harris was quick to point out, that even though the West Indies is not trouble-free and is still facing a number of challenges, the CXC and CAPE remain stirring examples of the Region’s succeeding and producing brilliant people of the highest merit-scholars, politicians and academics for the future.

Other awardees Apart from Guyana’s success story, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica enjoyed academic glory on the occasion. Trinidad and Tobago copped nine awards for both CAPE and CSEC; while Jamaica received three awards.

Students from Trinidad’s Naparima Girls’ High School received three

awards: Most Outstanding Candidate in Visual Arts, two-dimensional work-Shivana Sookdeo (CSEC), and for CAPE, Sushma Karim; she also took the Most Outstanding CAPE Candidate Overall in the Caribbean; and Celeste Jaggai-Most Outstanding Candidate in Technical Studies for CAPE as well.

This school was adjudged the most outstanding school for CAPE. The other CSEC awards went to Kristan Mohamed-the Most Outstanding Candidate in Short Storywriting; and Nneka Toni Jones-the Most Outstanding Candidate in Visual Arts, three-dimensional work for CSEC. The Jamaican candidates comprised Nile Anderson, who received the Most Outstanding Candidate in Sciences (with grade ones in 13 subjects and grade twos in three subjects at CSEC); Romario White, from Campion College, who received the Most Outstanding Candidate in Natural Sciences award for CAPE; and Jozelle Dixon, from Wolmer’s Girls High School, who was the Most Outstanding Candidate in Humanities also for CAPE. CAPE awardees The other CAPE awards went to Arifa Satnarine, for Most Outstanding Candidate in Modern Languages; Ranissa Mathura, for Most Outstanding Candidate in Environmental Science; Mandela Patrick, for Most Outstanding Candidate in Mathematics, and Most Outstanding Candidate in Information and Communication Technology and Sharda Goolcharran, for Most Outstanding Candidate for Business Studies. All of these CAPE awardees hail from the twin-island of Trinidad and Tobago.

=================== Unprecedented Education Bill-first of its kind in Guyana; will focus on children and teachers’ rights and responsibilities.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Government launches MDG Framework to improve maternal health AS the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 2015 deadline approaches, the Government of Guyana, on December 10, officially launched Guyana’s MDG Acceleration Framework and Campaign to improve Maternal Health.

While reaffirming Government’s commitment to achieving all the MDGs, Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, called for more accelerated action by the global community, to achieve MDG eight, which is to develop a global partnership for development.

The MDG acceleration framework was published by the Government of Guyana in collaboration with UNDP, with the view of accelerating progress towards achieving maternal healthrelated targets.

This 72-page document represents a comprehensive articulation of the nature of maternal mortality, priority interventions required, and identification of resource gaps, where they exist.

The findings were based on countrywide consultations with stakeholders, communities (targeting male, female and teenagers), and health care providers. Visits were also done to key regional hospitals.

“If we recognised that poverty reduction, poverty eradication, social development (as articulated by the UN General Assembly resolution four decades ago), the MDGs recognise the public good nature of development in that context, and then as a global community, we have a role.

It is indeed in our interest to take the necessary action to achieve that global public good, even if we are a developed country,” Minister Singh noted.

Much focus has been made on MDGs one to seven, and Minister Singh stated that the architect of this MDG framework recognises the importance of this global partnership for development as integral for the rest of the goals; in fact, it is difficult to achieve the

rest of the MDGs, if this particular goal is not met.

Minister Singh emphasised that this framework represents the latest manifestation of Government’s strong and unswerving commitment to the achievement of the MDGs. The MDG en bloc provides a structured framework of development goals, within which the major development challenges, as they relate to quality of life are contained. Guyana is at a point, where all its MDGs are likely to be met. However MDG five, that is, maternal health, seems to be in jeopardy, he said.

Minister Singh added that the challenges of achieving this goal are of much public commentary, noting that every single maternal death is an incident that should not occur.

“Whilst I remain convinced that these incidents should not occur and we need to get to a point where none of these incidents occur, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that there are health workers, who are committed to and see to completion thousands of incident free delivery and births every year in our health care facilities across our country, and that fact must be acknowledged,” Minister Singh pointed out.

Maternal mortality has significantly decreased in Guyana, over the past two decades; in fact, it has moved from 325 per 100,000 live births in 1990, to about 100 to date.

Government has invested significantly in the all the social sectors (education, health, water and sanitation), an average of 20 percent of the country’s National Budget, as such, and “…it is therefore no accident that we have been able to achieve so many of the key social sector MDGs, like Universal Primary Education, the progress that we have made towards gender, environmental sustainability and sanitation and towards health indicators, equality in the social sector, with

almost 29%. And it is no accident that the country has been able to achieve its MDGs…I wish to assure you that our Government is committed to achieving all of these MDGs and will continue to work with our developing partners to ensure that there be resources to ensure their achievements be mobilised,” Minister Singh further added.

Eighty-five (85%) of births are recorded at five major hospitals across Guyana, which means that there is a decrease in the number of births that done in informal conditions, which according to Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, is a significant achievement.

He said that the ministry has been able to address the need for quality health services, and the need for qualified and competent health personnel. The provision of blood and blood products were also addressed, as one of the major causes of material deaths is haemorrhage, Minister Ramsaran said.

He noted that while the ministry is seeking ways in which it can prevent this, it must be prepared to address the consequences of this issue. In this regard, he said that the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) or the Blood Bank has been doing a great job.

Last year, the unit was able to harvest 11,148 units of blood, a double intake compared with previous years.

Minister Ramsaran highlighted that there were only 16 reported maternal deaths during this year.

He said that while great achievements have been made, the ministry must maintain its vigilance on the issue.

Meanwhile, Musa said that this event was significant in that it provided useful information to the public on the progress Guyana has made, challenges faced and the role they should play.

She commended Government on its commit-

-on target to achieve most goals

From Left, Roberto Campos, UNAIDS Country Director, Chelsea Edghill of Bishops’ High School, UNICEF Representative, Cornelly McAlmont, Director of Maternal and Child Health, Dr. Janice Woolford, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, UN Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa, Minister Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, PAHO/WHO, Representative, William Adu-Krow, UNFPA Representative, Patrice LaFleur, and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud with a copy of Guyana’s MDG Acceleration Framework and Campaign to improve Maternal Health ment towards achieving the MDGs, especially with regards to goal five, maternal health, as Guyana is among the countries that have demonstrated leadership on this issue.

Also present at the event, held at the Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown,

Georgetown, were United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Coordinator, Khadija Musa, PAHO/WHO Representative, William Adu-Krow, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative, Patrice LaFleur and UNAIDS Country Director,

Roberto Campos, and other members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Following the event, Minister Ramsaran led a team of officials to tour the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Maternal unit.

32 new Cuban doctors join local healthcare system

GUYANA and Cuba share an excellent relationship and the two countries have been collaborating on several aspects of development, one of which is health care.

This partnership has seen several interventions that have advanced the local health care system.

Along this line, On December 11, 32 new members of the Cuban Medical Brigade were oriented on their responsibilities postings in health care facilities countrywide.

At the orientation ceremony, which was held at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran welcomed the medical practitioners and highlighted the fact that Guyana shares an old relationship with Cuba, which was further strength-

New Cuban doctors ened in 2006, when a team from Guyana, headed by Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, visited the country.

Following discussions, Guyana was given the largest assistance from Cuba, in the area of medicine, with hundreds of scholarships.

He noted that the largest concentration of Cuban doctors has over the years been based at the diagnos-

tic centres and the Ophthalmology Hospital. However, these individuals are now deployed countrywide, especially in the Hinterland areas.

Cuban Ambassador, Julio Gonzalez Marchante, also shared the sentiments of the Minister, in highlighting that the See page 27

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Tourism Awareness Month 2014 a tremendous success

TOURISM Awareness Month 2014, launched on October 31, under the theme: “Tourism, Entrepreneurs and Ambassadors Mobilised” was deemed a tremendous success. The month’s activities were planned and executed by the Tourism Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), during November.

Commenting on this year’s event, GTA Director, Indranauth Haralsingh said that it was quite historic, compared with previous years, in that the new Destination Guyana logo, “Guyana South America Undiscovered,” was also unveiled. He said that just after the event was launched, the agency embarked on a series of talks among students, bearing in mind that tourism is now incorporated into the school’s curriculum across the Caribbean.

“Students will come

actions being done, during a four-day period.

Haralsingh said that this event was a very important platform for Guyana; one of the most successful events, in terms of marketing and promoting the country, and building its sales distribution channel. New branded collateral materials and the “Explore Guyana” magazine were launched during the event.

Additionally, there was a brand launch and then at the Guyana High Commission in London, there was the launch of the “Guyana Homecoming” initiative, which included a selection of Guyanese, including entrepreneurs, who reside in the United Kingdom.

Another big event revolved around the great pastime of bird watching, where ‘Bird Watching’ tours were conducted at the Botanical Gardens and saw the participation of members of the Dip-

Stakeholders who received awards during Tourism Awareness Month 2014 sons were awarded for their sterling contributions to the sector, while the Tourism Ambassador programme was launched.

A meeting was also held with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation officials.

Training for staff in the hospitality industry was also done, in the areas of customer service, culinary art and servers, and tour-

Tour Guide Leon Moore, engaging participants at the Bird Watching tour held at Fort Island out with a certificate in Tourism…this augurs well for tourism awareness and for the future of tourism, because the Caribbean is the most tourism-dependent region in the world, and that is why each of us needs to be a good ambassador, for tourism in Guyana,” Haralsingh noted.

Guyana was among over 200 countries which participated in the world’s largest Travel Trade Fair in London. This event saw more than 500 exhibitors and 98,000 visitors, with over £2.5 Billion in trans-

lomatic Corps and their guests. “This is something we do for ‘free’ to encourage bird watching, because we know that this is something we can leverage a lot from, because they, the participants, will definitely go back and tell others about Guyana, as a bird watching destination and the Botanical Gardens, as a very accessible bird sanctuary, in the capital city,” Haralsingh pointed out.

Another major event was the Tourism Award ceremony, where per-

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ism workshops were held, catering for topics such as “Being an Entrepreneur,” “CV writing,” and “Successfully Marketing Products.”

Some other activities include: the Restaurant week that sought to promote local eateries; the second South Rupununi Safari that included participants from Jamaica, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname; the Ministry’s hosting of the annual Christmas Tree Light-up at Rahaman’s

Park; the now popular Duck Curry competition; the Berbice Wedding Expo; the Rupununi Expo; and a number of horse racing events.

Tourism Awareness Month is intended to raise the profile of tourism in Guyana, celebrate accomplishments, and review the challenges

facing the sector. Tourism is a competitive industry, and has potential for contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth.

Facilitator Doreen Oburmuller with some of the participants of the culinary skills training workshop

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The changing face of Guyanese Christmas

IT is a truism that Christmas, as a season, has always been the same, whether in Guyana or elsewhere; it is that one time of the year, where that mysterious feeling of being lighthearted and happy, pervades general humanity. Of course, the dynamics of the surrounding environment in no uncertain manner, add to that magic feeling, which like a musical crescendo, continues to increase. One will agree, that such has always been the case with Christmas in Guyana, as Guyanese, irrespective of social status and means, endeavour to enjoy the Yuletide season in whatever way they can.

But has Christmas changed in terms of the

manner in which it has been traditionally known to be, and celebrated in Guyana?

Christmas as a national occasion As alluded to above, the magic that drives the spirit of Christmas has always been the same in Guyana, as anywhere else. But, there is no escaping the obvious fact from a cultural and commercial perspective that the nature of this very Special time of the year has evolved towards an even more national occasion.

From an occasion that had been associated with a specific section of our country, or with a religious culture, Christmas is now celebrated by virtually every Guyanese people, irrespective of culture or religion.

As an example, Christmas

lights, an enduring symbol of Guyanese home décor, in all styles and shapes, have become the main showpiece decoration inside and outside of residences, all along our coastlands, taking on an atmosphere reminiscent of lighted Diyas at Diwali celebrations.

Commercial businesses as a change agent Leading this change has been our commercial stores. Whereas, about two decades ago, commercial stores offered what was then considered as Christmas goods, they are now overflowing with a greater variety of household articles that include all sizes of xmas trees; Christmas and other types of home deco-

Christmas shoppers flock a downtown store buying public that has over time developed a sophisticated taste, because of factors such as overseas travel, and improved economic means. There is also the

nology revolution. Though remote toys are plentiful in its variety as choices, and maybe still popular, laptops, play stations, and smartphones are instant picks.

First Lady Foundation in festivity mood-spreads Christmas cheer at Black Bush Polder

THE First Lady’s Foundation, on Sunday, embarked on a series of Christmas parties, distributing gifts to some 600 children in Black Bush Polder, Region 6 (East Berbice Corentyne). First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar visited Yakusari Primary, Joanna Primary, Mibikuri Primary and Lesbeholden Primary Schools, distributing gifts and snacks to the children.

The children also entertained the First Lady, with poems and dances, and in turn, the elves and helpers of the First Lady sang carols, played games and danced with the children.

As Santa appeared, assisting the First Lady with the distribution of gifts to the 600 boys and girls, the First Lady noted that she was “very heartened to see the children having a lovely time at the party.”

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Mrs. Ramotar explained that this is really her favourite time of the year and she feels that the best way to celebrate this festive season is to spend it with children.

“It’s a period when you share with children and I always feel fulfilled when I do this,” she said.

She deemed the first of the four distributions as a complete success, as they were able to present each child with a Christmas gift.

Mrs. Ramotar and members of the foundation are travelling countrywide to spread Christmas cheer to children. According to the First Lady, her next stop will be Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) on December 16, when the group will serve some 400 children; then on to Bartica, Region 7 on December 18, where some 600 children will be served.

The grand finale will be at State House in Georgetown on December 21, when the group will cater to 600 children.

Drummers on Camp Street rations: such as colourful rugs, richly patterned tapestries; beautiful vases and ornaments, even furniture - all reflecting the North American, European, Asian and oriental cultures. And of course, Guyanese are buying!

But this new variety has to be explained against the background of a Guyanese

fact of generous hire purchase, much more simplified at Christmas, and lay away plans.

But something must be said about gifts, particularly for children. Definitely, the latter choice has undergone four-fold changes, no doubt influenced by the Information Communication Tech-

And this line also extends to adults.

Additions to the Christmas table Of course, there is food in galore, with the Guyanese traditional cuisine of Pepperpot and bread, garlic pork, and black cake, still comprising the core

Guyanese throng Capital for Christmas shopping

Christmas fare. But friedrice, curry and roti, and the ever popular chowmein, are also features, although virtually all of these are a part of the Guyanese daily meal-table. Turkey and ham have become very much a part of the Guyanese Christmas table. Decades ago, these two dishes were classified as essentially upper class preserves, because of the high cost; however, working class Guyanese families, because of improved economic means, have ever since dispelled such a class notion, ensuring that such is part of their Christmas palate.

It is not that Christmas, as a season has changed in Guyana; for it is the one season of the year, which Guyanese do really welcome, and go ‘all out’ to enjoy in the best manner they could, and with whatever material means they have at their disposal.

However, it is quite evident that there have been changes in terms of the acquisition of material taste and comforts-an extension and transformation of our Christmases long ago.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Georgetown ...A changing City

Jialing Motorcycle’s new showroom at Oronoque and Charlotte Streets

The new Bounty Supermarket at Camp and Water Streets

New Shopping Mall being constructed at Camp and Robb Street

Sharon’s Shopping Mall on Charlotte and King Streets

Exclusive Styles moves to Camp and Regent Streets

Inside City Mall at the junction of Camp and Regent Streets

The three-storeyed building which houses the new JR Burgers, Silhouette Restaurant and Club Altitude in Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.

Inside 704 Sports Bar on Lamaha Street

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyana gets its first neurosurgeon

FIRST ‘time’ and first ‘person’ are always of note, and it is appropriate, even though redundant, to say that ‘first time’ means history.

This is really the scenario with Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, Guyana’s first neurosurgeon. He is young, brilliant, well trained and aptly qualified to live up to his well garnered credentials and his unwavering desire to boost Guyana’s medicare.

Dr. Dukhi is Guyana’s first neurosurgeon and is proud of the fact. “It’s something that I have always wanted to do,” he told the Government Information Agency, in an exclusive interview. Dr. Dukhi will be stationed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), from January 2015.

Guyana’s situation is one that it evolving; its incipient ground work augurs well too, as “Because of the patients’ needs (distance of abode and unique medical condition), the neurological department at the GPHC will be ever ready to receive the patients, after stabilising is first effected. So the hope is that something will be worked out, to facilitate ‘ease’ and ‘speed’ of movement, from that point of encountering the ailment to the GPHC,” he said The youthful and ‘rearing to go doctor’ opined that this kind of ‘rapid response’ culture must now be a priority for the regional health system, so that the entire process becomes even more effective, that is, from learning about a situation, stabilising a far-off patient (no matter where), and then actually having that patient at the best place possible-the department at the GPHC. The journey-becoming a specialist Dr. Dukhi’s journey began in Skeldon, Corriverton, where he was born.

Attending the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, he wrote the Caribbean Examinations Council exams in 1995 and was adjudged the third best graduating

Dr Amarnauth Dukhi receives his certificate from Head of Neurosurgery in Cuba, Professor Esteban Roig student. He then immediately entered the University of Guyana, and soon after completed a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology and Bio Chemistry in 1999. After this, he worked for a short while, before he got his scholarship through the Government of Guyana’s “Cuban Scholarship Programme.”

This he gladly took up, and thus acquired a Bachelor’s of Medicine in 2006; being quite a prodigy, he copped the Best Graduating Student. He then returned to Guyana, fulfilling necessary contract commitments in serving fellow Guyanese and the Government for three years. His major stints were at the GPHC and the New Amsterdam Hospital.

What should be known too is that Dr. Dukhi is really multifarious. He was actually quite set in the surgical field of orthopaedics; and most would have comfortably remained there. However, he was not sated scholastically nor professionally, and so felt the need to expand and diversify. The end result of this burning passion in him is that Guyana’s own Dr. Dukhi, grabbing the proffered ‘field of neurosurgery’ made it his own; he is now bonafide neurosurgeon, a sub-facet in the health sector that constantly suffers from a noticeable paucity of specialists.

Further zeal “In that area (Orthopaedics), I was already in the surgical field…now having

a surgical background already, and this being something that I always love doing, (I thought to myself that when I went back to study (with the fresh opportunity I got), I knew that I had to do neurosurgery, because we were in a severe shortage, and then our country was always looking for ways to send our people overseas to get these done.”

I asked myself (at the time) “…why can’t a Guyanese become a neurosurgeon?” “It was a big sacrifice of five years of residency, but then I decided that I had the opportunity and there was no way that I would leave it. So I picked it up and here I am five years later.”

Before completing the neurosurgical programme, Dr. Dukhi actually further fortified himself in the medical arena: he completed a ‘double master’s programme, specialising in comprehensive general and family medicine. The neurosurgical programme was then conducted by Havana’s principal neurosurgeons.

Tracing his academic history, Dr. Dukhi recalled that when he first received the opportunity to specialise in this (second) field, it was natural for him to take it. This, he said was primarily because there was no such expert here locally.

He also was moved by the fact that it was too costly to send patients overseas for treatment, and this was extra-arduous for even some of the rich folks.

Today, he states that he is not only proud of himself, but also ‘feels good’ that he is able to help fellow Guyanese, of every ilk, to alleviate the ‘pain in the nervous system’ at any given time.

Training for this scholar was within the principal neurosurgery programme, conducted at the University of Havana, at the Calixto Garcia Medical University Hospital in Cuba. This began in early January 2010.

“It was a great experience.

That was the centre of neuro trauma, and it was also the principal programme, where the Cuban government trains neuro surgeons for the world at large-the country, South America, Latin America and the entire world,” Dr. Dukhi stated.

He added that, “It was a great advantage to study at the Galixto Garcia Medical University Hospital, knowing the history and all the good doctors and specialists coming out of there. That was an opportunity I used over the last five years, to become who I am today, and it is something that I plan to use in the near future, so that I can serve Guyana and its people.”

Importance of choosing neurosurgery Dr. Dukhi pointed out that “… most of the scholarships offered through

the Jagdeo/Castro initiative in 2001, were for undergraduate studies in human medicine, along with undergraduate specialties -agronomy, engineering and so on…. and in medicine, we had quite a few scholarships, but they were all undergraduates, not speciality ones. So when I went back in 2009/2010, I was the only person going back then to specialise. That was given to me prior to coming back to Guyana … I was also the top medical student graduate in the year 2006 in my medical school, so I was offered that, but I chose to come back and (first) serve in 2006.”

So it was after serving his time with Government, that he took up the scholarship (which was still open).

Dr. Dukhi explained that the field of neurosurgery was chosen because of its necessity in Guyana at that time.

“One of the things we always wanted was someone in the neurosurgical field. We had to send our people overseas, we had people who were here at the hospital waiting for people to come in and see them, people who come once per month and so on,” Dr. Dukhi stated. He added that whilst acknowledging that it would be a very hectic programme, he willingly gave the five years needed to bring this specialty to Guy-

Dr Amarnauth Dukhi (right) and two other specialists performing a surgery

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ana-something worth it all.

“Neurosurgery is vital in the medical field, because of the importance of the time factor- it gives good results … so instead of waiting to go overseas, we have someone here, who could assist urgently …appropriately, and then we will add to good results in terms of medical/health care in our country.”

Dr. Dukhi explained that he was placed at the GPHC, as part of the public health care system, where health care is given to all Guyanese, free of cost. Guyanese learning that a neurosurgeon is now available will be secure in the knowledge that everyone will be able to benefit.

Health sector one foot higher Dr. Dukhi’s accomplishment which moves Guyana forward in the Health Sector has evoked pride in Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford. “It was hard studying for a specialty and there are very few persons who can do it in the Caribbean formally.”

With Dr Dukhi’s achievement, the Ministry of Health now has a neurosurgeon thanks to the partial scholarship from the Government of Cuba.

“Thanks to Dr. Dukhi, who studied conscientiously… we now have our own neurologist, so Guyanese patients can feel a little more comfortable when they suffer from these injuries.”

She added that there is the expectation that next year another person would be sent, along with another specialist to be trained in neurosurgery. Minister Westford pointed out ruefully that Dr. Dukhi cannot work continuously 24/7 even though he is a workaholic.

He will be heading the Neurosurgery Department and Guyanese patients will get the possible treatment. “We are one foot higher in the medical field and I am proud of our achievement,” Minister Westford proudly said.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

TechVoc education important for nation building -Minister Gopaul on BIT’s graduating of more than 1000 in four Regions

OVER the years, Government has been working to ensure that all Guyanese have a chance to be trained in some aspect of work, and in this vein, the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and the Single Parent Training Programme, administered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), have been providing a good opportunity to persons, to qualify themselves with varying skills.

Yearly, the workforce is empowered by skilled persons, who have undergone some form of training under BIT. Over the last few weeks, convocation ceremonies were held in four regions, with over 1000 persons graduating from various the programmes, and receiving relevant certificates in the following disciplines: engineering, building construction, health services, information technology, and home economics and catering.

In terms of spread: 78 persons graduated in Bartica, Region Seven; 182 in Linden, Region Ten; 476 from the Leonora Technical institute in Region Three; and 412 at the Mahaicony Technical Vocational Educational Training Centre in Region Five.

Meanwhile, Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, who attended all the graduations, except the one in Linden, commended graduands for the sacrifices they made and he emphasised on education, even as by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration keeps investing. “No country can develop if we have illiteracy around,” the Minister told the graduands, over and over again.

The Minister also expounded on the fact that Technical Vocational (TechVoc) education is important to nation building, along with other types of education. He pointed out that the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) continues to place persons in jobs and ensures that employers

Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul (second left) with the graduates of the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) in Region Seven find employees and noted that since the TechVoc programme commenced in 2005, under Former President Bharat Jagdeo, thousands have been trained, with persons achieving glorious opportunities for progress.

The Minister explained too that most persons trained have been placed in jobs or some form of employment, pointing out that “you should see this programme as the beginning.”

In terms of Information Technology (IT) training and the continual advances which are necessary, the minister urged the graduands to develop further training as necessary. “We are in a dynamic world, and we are in dynamic times, and therefore it behoves us to always be ahead,” he stated.

He added that all persons who did not access secondary education could fall into the BIT training, in order to improve their lives and the country.

He alluded to the programmes established to help keep students in school, such as the construction and rehabilitation of schools across the country, along with the hot meals and school uniform programmes. The minister said that the programme, established with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to push for children to attend school on the Linden highway, was successful.

He spoke of the success achieved around the country with the equity of education, spread out across the regions. Minister Gopaul also mentioned the ‘Because we Care’ programme, which is currently ongoing, for children in the public schools and which was welcomed around the country. All the programmes he noted have achieved the end result of Guyana’s students continuing to top the region in the CSEC examinations. He commended parents for encouraging their children to take their education.

Meanwhile in Linden, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill ex-

pressed the sentiments that “Guyana’s future is bright, since it is energised and fuelled by young people, who are daring enough in tackling problems and lifting themselves to higher standards.”

The Minister told the Linden graduates that life is a sum total of choices and they can choose to stay in the present, or make choices, according to the principle of ‘delayed gratification,’ which means that they put in the work today, but reap the rewards later.

“Government provides budgetary allocations and infrastructure, but it is the people who have to implement programmes and deliver services…its people who make things happen,” he said.

The training is provided by BIT, under both the Single Parents Programme and the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE). It offers opportunities or “another chance” to improve skills and marketability, the minister noted.

He urged the young

people to not just seek employment, but opportunities to create employment, by venturing into entrepreneurship.

According BIT’s Chief Executive Officer, Maria Khelawan, the programme provides youth with marketable skills and activities, and since its inception, it has provided training for over 10,000 people.

The programme consists of on-the-job training and exposure to life skills educational classes. The youths who are targeted, are between the ages of 15 and 25. Most of them do not have the requisite CSEC qualifications to enter the job market, or may not have completed secondary education.

Guyana’s BIT was hailed by Mexico and Colombia in 2013, as a model for youth training and for reducing unemployment.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill with the graduates in Region Ten

Drop in serious crimes recorded -130 road fatalities for past 11 months

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) recently released information, which showed that for the period January 1 to November 30, 2014, the GPF recorded an 11% drop in serious crimes, when compared with the corresponding period in 2013.

Among the serious crimes policed by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

A total of 127 murders were recorded at the end of November 2014 in comparison with 133 murders for the same period in 2013; this is a decrease of 5%.

At the end of November 2014, robbery under arms overall has increased by 6% in comparison with the same period in 2013.

The statistics indicate an increase of 10% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms; and a 2% decrease in armed robberies, where instruments, other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

In relation to traffic, 130 road fatalities from 121 accidents were recorded at the end of November 2014 in comparison with 100 fatalities from 92 accidents for the same period in 2013; a 32% increase in fatalities.

The other categories of accidents: serious, minor and damage-have seen reductions unto the end of November this year, in comparison with the same period last year.

Pedestrians have been the main road users affected, with 57 such persons having lost their lives, by

the end of November 2014.

In addition 24 motor cyclists, 18 pedal cyclists, 13 drivers, 17 persons travelling in motor vehicles and 1 person being towed on a bicycle also lost their lives.

Speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to fatal accidents and was the cause of 75 of the 121 fatal accidents, recorded at the end of November 2014.

Traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 61,853 cases being made against errant .

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President Ramotar believes that ...

From Page 2

most important thing, in taking us forward, and what we need to combine with, that is the infrastructure … the infrastructure that we have is enough now to take us forward, to where we are being described as a ‘middle income developing country,’ but to go to the next level, we need to have new infrastructure.

We need cheap energy, we need to have this for developing tourism and making Guyana a hub for airlines, we need to have a new airport, we need a deep water harbor, and that is extremely important because the Panama Canal is being expanded now, so it means that maritime shipping is going to change tremendously.

You will have large ships, you will see the small ships going out of existence, and therefore to take off the 20,000, 40,000 tonnes … ships of course, we definitely need a new deep water harbor … that is becoming very important And again, where we are located, we can very well become a hub for South America, for shipping as well. We need to have a paved road, going right down to the south of our country to Lethem. We are in negotiation … with many of these things at the moment, so these things are not now merely dreams and speculations and ideas, (but) these things are now more than ideas, and we are tying them down into reality, looking at funding and so on, to get these things on the move, and this is just to name a few.

I was speaking in Cuba the other day about CARICOMCuba relations and was looking at the human capital that we have in the region, (and) coupled with the education institutions, and I was advocating at that meeting, that there needs to be stronger cooperation between our education institutions, so that we can take advantage of the highly educated workforce that we have … in Cuba in particular … Cuba has very strong educated people, and to also tie it in with doing more research into our area, so that we can also patent goods.

In our region we can also become strong, in that level as well, so I would say that we have the conditions, the natural resources … that we have complement the main thing … our creative people, who can take us to the higher level that I envision we can go to.

NS: From 1992, Guyana was a heavily indebted (poor) country, (and) in fewer than 20 years, we are a ‘middle income developed’ country, would you want to say in 1015-20 years, (that) we can achieve the status that you are talking about?

HE: Yes. I think so, because once we can release the bottle necks, and build these new infrastructure, that are spoken about, our country can fly NS: Within 20 years and there about.

HE: I think we can (but) we need the full cooperation of people; we need to put these infrastructures in place, and I think that there will be nothing to hold us back, once we put these infrastructures in place … some of the main ones that I spoke about.

NS: Given the present political arena, how optimistic are you of Guyana being able to achieve this status, if this dispensation would not go away HE: I think that is one of the reasons that we have to go back to elections now … because it is very clear, that the composition of Parliament is ‘not the best’ model in our context. I am going to say it’s ‘not the best’ model and leave it like that, and not apply that to the rest of the world, because in many countries, the model has worked.

In our country, it has not worked and that is one of the reasons that we have to go back to the electorate, for a mandate to take these projects forward, for a mandate from the people, that these are the projects that they need, so I can take them forward and achieve the level that we are capable of reaching.

NS: And I think that many Guyanese have echoed that sentiment-for you to achieve the level that you are talking about, you need to have Parliamentary support.

HE: …. because you need to pass your bills, your laws and so forth … you have to go through National Assembly …so frustrating. These things, when they go there, (the oppositions) are resorting to blackmail-type politics… This is not helpful to the development of our country. Many of the actions of the opposition parties do not coincide with the real objective that we have in advancing the country; their objective is in how they can hold back …how they can stop … how they can prevent some of these developmental projects from taking place.

NS: Is it a case that maybe the Parliamentary Opposition, APNU and AFC (mainly) do not want to support these projects because they give credit to the PPP/C and make the PPP/C look good HE: Yes, but would you oppose it for that reason? … because you are opposing good things that would benefit people. I believe in the collective intelligence of the Guyanese people, so I think that people will not be so easily fooled; they would be able to see through who is interested in development, and who is not.

NS: I noticed in the last press conference, you said that you are very confident that your party will regain the majority.

HE: Because I am depending again on the collective intelligence of the people; they have seen how the two opposition parties have tried to stymie development in our country, as much as possible. They know from their own experience what the reality is on the ground in our country- it does coincide … it does not reflect the position that the opposition people are taking when they talk about dictatorship. Where is the dictatorship? Proroguing the Parliament? They try to use that (and) that is imbedded in our constitution.

I have that right given to me by a democratic constitution. They (APNU and AFC) love to blame Forbes Burnham for everything and particularly now that he is dead, and (he) cannot answer for himself … so they even blame him more.

They say that we have a ‘Burnham Constitution’ but these were the same people. Many of them who sit on the other side (now) sat between 1997 to 2001, to write a new constitution, but they still continue to say this is a ‘Burnham Constitution’ but we have Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, as the Chairman of the Commission, you had Mr. Haslin Paris as the secretary, we had many of those –Roopnaraine, and the legal luminaries, all of them were involved in writing the constitution of our country, so now, when they are not getting their way, they continue to blame Burnham, so I would say that we have been pushing on … we do not have the dictatorship that they are talking about. Prorogation has not given me any extra power … Prorogation has not given me power …I can’t pass laws without Parliament. If I could, I would have passed the Anti-money Laundering Bill for sure. I spent money as they say we have, but within the budget. So the experience of people does not correspond with the propaganda of the opposition, and people are beginning to see through them.

NS: When you announced Prorogation (of the 10th Parliament), you were very strong, to say that this would give the country an opportunity for dialogue, (but) you have been informed that the Joint Opposition say that they are basically not interested in the dialogue. Between now and whenever you make other announcement, are you in any small way optimistic, that they would still be a revival of any kind of dialogue … that the opposition would want to take part in?

HE: Instead of going into that direction, I had hoped that they would have wanted to sit down and discussed … as I had said, we have very important bills …we had been going at the Anti-Money Laundering Bill for a long time. We haven’t gotten very far, but I hope by now, they are convinced that we have been telling the Guyanese people … it is the fact that if we do not pass this bill that we would have serious consequences for country. We have modernized the Education Sector, so many of these plans that we have put in place, to deal with the challenges we have to confront on a daily basis in our country, and that is why the people are seeing through the opposition more and more, despite the fact that they have powerful media, who are relentless in propagating their goods, even though they are very inaccurate… very unprofessional in what they do … but I must also admit that it has resonated with some in the society.

NS: They (the opposition) said there would be no dialogue unless Parliament reconvenes HE: I had hoped that they would have come to talk about the issues. I had hoped that they would have prepared to discuss these matters, but they are not in the habit of discussing-they want it ‘my way or the highway,’ with the one-seat majority that they have in Parliament. They have been even worse-not negotiating NS: But do you really believe that there would be dialogue, given that they are saying ‘no dialogue’ until Parlia-

21 ment reconvenes … but they had indicated their intention of moving a No- Confidence Motion and probably voting on it the same day HE: I was optimistic that at least we would have started discussion and that they would have had time to reconsider their position; whether their position was making sense or not-they would have had the space in which to change their position. It is something that they never took.

NS: What would be Donald Ramotar’s vision for Guyana?

HE: To take our country to being a major ‘developed country,’ (and) to ensure that we have the necessary infrastructure to do that, to improve the quality of life, take the standard of living up to greater heights, to have a vibrant prosperous rich country, in which ‘wealth of the country’ can be shared with all the people … for the country … not for it to be narrow, so I would say to build a strong developed country, socially and economically, with a lot of social justice and a flourishing democracy.

NS: With regards to the expected elections in 2015, we are now in the Christmas season, (so) what would you say to Guyanese, to have them focus more on Christmas, and not elections?

HE: They have to focus on both. This is a festive season … this is a season, that traditionally, Guyanese enjoy themselves, and (after doing) a lot of hard work through the year, this is the time when they do the maximum relaxation … enjoyment, so we would like to see that continue, but in the immediate future, we have the big question ahead … about taking our country forward. So I am confident that Guyanese would see through the rhetoric of the opposition … will not take things that they say, but those that will actually be done in the country … and will make the right judgement of returning the PPP/C to Government … with a bigger majority than we ever had.

NS: What timeframe are we looking at?

HE: Let’s wait on that … we have to access what the political situation looks like early in the New Year, before I make any announcement.

NS: How has the celebration of Christmas changed from when you were a boy?

HE: The festive season has always been great … always been of good will and peace and harmony, and people embrace each other , shop together, invite each other, cook some good food and so on and so forth. So in that sense, it has been a constant in Guyana and people use this period to enjoy themselves … to look back at the previous year and look to the next one with more plans and determination.

But of course there was a time in our country, when the economy was very bad and people did not have many of the things they wanted; that is a thing of the past. Now some of our supermarkets are well stocked, our food supply is very good and so I think the Christmas season could be a very enjoyable one … families, relatives and friends all getting together to enjoy themselves, and that of itself must have a beneficial impact on the society as whole .

I do not think that a lot of people realise how integrated our society has become over the years, but we have become really integrated over the years we have been office NS: Given what is available now, that is, the supermarkets, is this an indication of Guyana’s transformation.

HE: Yes. You just have to meet a lot of people who have not been here and who are here now … that they are bubbling when you meet with them. The changes they have seen and the length of time it has taken to make these changes. They can’t believe it … that Guyana has moved in such a rapid pace and far way and even there too, you can see that it is putting a lot of strain on our infrastructure, our roads for the number of vehicles that we have.

In the past, we use to see streams of persons riding bicycles, going down the road, but now you do not notice a lot of bicycles in the city, and not because bicycles are not around, but because … maybe because people do not feel safe with all the vehicles around. So when we see it through other people’s eyes, then it really impacts us, on how much has been done in so short a time.

NS: How the Head of State will be spending Christmas?

HE: I have a lot of invitations stacked up on my desk, and I will try to attend to some of these, as time will permit me and I tend to spend Christmas at home with my family … immediate and we have a good time. A lot of people from my old village, who live in town now …we will get together-talk, reminisce … and we will have some good food and drink and that is how I have been spending my Christmases-all my life-at home.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Anyone who wants to do better we are here for you

OVER the years the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) has received negative criticism in the press and from the public; however there is a need for the good stories to be told. This was the premise on which the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony and special guest, Hugh Ross based their remarks at the annual luncheon held at the NOC, Onderneeming, Essequibo.

The luncheon held on December 12 was attended by senior managers of the MCYS and representatives from the Region 2 Administration, United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) and CUSO International, a non-profit developmental organisation that works through volunteers.

The Minister, in his address, stated that the Ministry is keen on ensuring that their stay at the NOC is fulfilling. “While here we want to empower you so that when you leave you are better than when you came,” he said.

The Minister high-

– Minister Anthony

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony among the gathering at the annual Christmas luncheon, for inmates of the New Opportunity Corps lighted that there are many successful people who passed through the NOC, and recalled meeting some of them. In this regard, he emphasised the need for the positives of the NOC to be highlighted.

Minister Anthony also indicated his satisfaction with the students who performed at the recent Drama Festival where they copped a number of individual accolades including Best Actor and Best Actress. The

Minister expressed appreciation to the mentors who worked with the students.

He indicated his expectation of another outstanding performance by the students at the next leg of the festival.

The Minister told the students that regardless of their past they are in control of their future, and challenged them to think about what they would like to do in the future and work towards its achievement.

“If you don’t have an objective you can’t achieve, but having an objective will see you making a difference in yourself,” he said. The MCYS is willing to offer whatever assistance is needed. “So it’s not beyond you…anyone who wants to do better we are here for you and that’s why the institution was set up,” Minister Anthony declared.

While speaking to the staff, the Minister encouraged them not to give up.

“We are tough enough to shoulder the criticism… that must not kill the spirit of what you do,” Minister Anthony expressed. He also recognised that many of the staff are there because of their passion to help the youths.

While interacting with the students, Ross shared his upbringing and his career which started with him first being a teacher, a nurse, a bank teller and then a member of the Guyana Defence Force. He noted that he was very interested in being a part of the military where he held several posts including Commander of Camp Tacama, Commanding Officer of Recruitment and Special Forces and a paratrooper in the Air Corps. Mr. Ross is now serving in the law enforcement department in New York.

Hugh Ross is popular for his body building skills which he views as a hobby and has never used any performance enhancement products. He has represented Guyana and the USA at international body building

competitions, and has won high acclaims.

In light of his achievements, he told the students that there is no reason why they cannot similar accolades and far beyond such.

Ross emphasised that they should not be depressed about being at the NOC but should see it as an opportunity for them to empower themselves.

Regional Chairman, Parmanand Persaud in his remarks noted that the Region is committed to offering support to the NOC, and the students have been a big support at the national celebrations held in the Region.

Persaud encouraged the students to learn as much as they could while at the institution so that in the future they can be self-employed. He noted that the RDC is looking at engaging the students at the NOC in farming and cattle rearing, and in this regard a bulldozer will be made available to clear the land aback of the institution.

President Ramotar and First Lady host ‘Evening of Carols’ at State House GUYANESE turned out in large numbers to the now traditional ‘Evening of Carols’ at State House, hosted by President

Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar.

The December 7 event began just after 18:00hrs,

and saw the First Family leading guests, in the singing of popular Yuletide songs and carols, accompa-

Members of the First Family singing along with renditions by a choir

nied by the Guyana Police Force Band and Choir, conducted by Assistant Commissioner Cecil Bovell.

In his brief remarks, the Head of State said that while he was unable to be present at the event last year, due to prior commitments, he was happy to be in attendance this year.

He added that although it was a tough year for many people, including himself, he hoped that persons would take the time to relax and enjoy themselves, during the festive season. He also expressed gratitude on behalf of his family, as he welcomed the gathering to his formal residence.

The First Lady also joined her husband in thanking guests, for attending the event, and later joined other family members, in interacting with guests.

President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar speaking briefly to the gathering

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

One Laptop Per Family Project

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-a telling success story with immense good

Genesis and progress The One Laptop Per Family Project breathes of far-sightedness, success and initiative; every Guyanese should sing a paean for this venture. At the end of 2014, the statistics will show that approximately 50 per cent of the entire OLPF Project quota will have been completed.

This project proves an old adage to be quite true and relevant: “Dreams are today’s answers to tomorrow’s questions,” and these words ratify the thinking of Edgar Cayce (considered the father of Holistic Medicine). The quote also encapsulates this ingenious programme, laughed at initially by jealous doubters, but now the great debunker of critics and the ‘wonderadditive’ to a better life for so many Guyanese.

The genesis of the One Laptop Per Family Programme goes back to January 21st 2011, when it was launched at the Guyana International Conference Centre. The objective was and still is about providing ‘at-home’ Information and Communications Technology (ICT) opportunities for an estimated 90,000 Guyanese families.

The programme was launched by then President Bharrat Jagdeo, who envisaged at the time, the ‘enhancing of lives’ for the beneficiaries of these laptops, but with a stirring, people-oriented caveat.

A mother and her child from Parika, after receiving the laptop Purpose and scope “The people who are collecting these laptops are not getting them free… you don’t have to pay for them, but it requires commitment in terms of time and effort and community work and (with a) promise to help others … This is a national project. It is a project that helps you to help others.”

As for its scope, this project’s overall intention is to aid in Guyana’s goal of ensuring that all of its 180,000 households have computers. This means that the project’s 90,000 computers are really aimed at benefitting some 50 per cent of selected households, bereft of any.

So the project did not start, nor is it being advanced, in a sporadic, haphazard manner, leaving to chance those who really

Mora Point residents head home with their laptops

need the laptops. The qualified house-holds fall into various categories, and thus, those whose present amenities already include laptops will not be surfeited. The ‘idea-inherent’ is about bringing parity to Guyana as a nation, giving its people an equally comfortable playing field, and catering for its few minority groups, namely the Hinterland citizens and the impaired.

An important point to this Jagdeo mindset is that laptops form part of routine and mundane living. The immediate erstwhile president felt that “… regardless of the educational background and income level of families, all children must have comparable levels of performance…” and so the necessity of these gadgets; they are not novelties and toys (any more), but form the base for almost everything in life.

Take the case of the connection between classrooms and homes-it should be noted that the plan is that Government and GT&T be in collaboration, so that families with the laptops can access the Internet, and this brings in the aspect of school, since the internet is the great avenue for important and necessary information.

When entire families receive a single item, that item becomes a hub for mutual fellowship. The project then embodies this ‘unifying’ concept. It adds a great human and cohesive element

OLPF recipients going through some training to each laptop; giving it an immeasurable value.

At the subliminal and higher levels, it seeks to unite families, bridge any existing gap between school and home, and inform about the inter-relatedness of various sectors in Guyana; no wonder, at is launch, the overriding motif was that of the OLPF Project’s being one that was most ‘national.’

Scorching rebuff If people take for granted this project and skeptics still scoff at it, the word of irrefutable rebuke comes from two groups of peoplethe mostly Amerindians from Guyana’s interior, and the few from the disadvantageous coterie of the infirmed. For too long, Amerindians and the handicapped people (blind, amputees, mute etc.) have been exoticised and objectified, making them feel as some distant ‘other.’ That is no more!

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), already earning millions, is not just about forest management and global concerns. These are important issues and maybe meant for the esoteric. The LCDS incorporates the element of the solar panel, largesse from Government to the Hinterland communities. This panel allows for electricity in the family, and this is where ICT takes off, for a people, whom many still consider archaic, and the opposition still fails to cater for (as was reflected

in the cutting of the Amerindian development Fund (ADF) from Budget 2014).

Government, through this One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) initiative, also takes into account another fringe group, for years never quite prioritised. In a great show of deference (and maybe compensation for years of neglect), the OLPF Secretariat recently distributed a second set of laptops to the Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB). No ordinary doing too, as these laptops are tailor-made for the group; the unit possess the requisite computer software, that is, Job Access with Speech (JAWS) that allows for visually impaired users, to read the screen of the laptop, using either a text-to-speech output, or a refreshable Braille display.

Keyboards and headphones were also given to the recipients.

Culmination The logical boast from President Ramotar is that Guyana is likely to achieve the status of ‘Developed Country’ in his life time. Is he far-fetched?

The answer is a resounding ‘no.’ The reason is that upon culmination of the One laptop Per Family Project, a number of things will fall into place-LCDS’

benefits; Electrification of Hinterland communities; and high level of efficiency in Guyana’s telecommunications sector.

This third aspect is tipping for explosion. The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph’s (GT&T’s) Suriname Guyana Submarine Cable System (SG-SCS) is bringing the prospects of a new generation of opportunities in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector; and Digicel Guyana has already begun taking steps to improve the delivery of service to Guyanese customers.

This makes Guyana, with its eight successive years of economic growth, a major world force. Already, investments are multiplying both locally and internationally, tourism is a budding and expanding sector, and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport is racing towards global expectations.

These mean that Guyana must be on par where ICT is concerned. So far so good-the near end of the OLPF Project will tie up all the ongoing and loose ends, making Guyana an enviable country and one to be celebrated.

===================

Government pushes for parity-One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) has thus far distributed over 41, 000 laptops to numerous families-last distribution saw over 1300 families receiving laptops.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Safarians rate 2nd South Rupununi Safari a tremendous success

THE South Rupununi Safari has been described as a pleasant success, even though it is just the second time for the event.

The number two edition saw a total of 50 persons, including delegations, from Suriname, Trinidad, and one participant each from Mexico, Canada, Jamaica and Holland, undertaking the seven day journey, which covered over 527 miles of flat savannah and passed twelve indigenous

villages.

The convoy left Georgetown in the wee hours of November 26, journeying along the East Bank of Demerara, into the mining town of Linden, then into the Rupununi Savannah, in south central Guyana.

With much to see and explore, the participants, most of whom were on this expedition for the first time, were in awe of Guyana’s vast landscape and scenic views. Despite the obstacles at times, it all added to

the adventure and thrills of what a safari should offer.

What was even more surprising to the participants was the warm traditional welcome they received at each Amerindian village they stopped at. These villages include, Shea, Maruranau, and Aishalton. At Shea, the ‘Shea Rock’ which is often mistaken for a small mountain, evoked a lot of interest. Participants were able to see wildlife species including many birds.

-some promise to return for 2015 event

Part of the convoy during the journey

South Rupununi safarians take a photo moment

At every stop, the participants were pleasantly greeted with a cultural group, dressed in traditional wear, performing a song and dance. Also at each of these villages, the participants of the safari were given guided tours, as the residents sought to showcase their produce, including art, craft and food.

The children of these

villages in return were presented with gifts from the safarians.

By December 29, the safarians were in Lethem, and partook of the rich culture and food on display at the grand Rupununi Expo.

At the Expo the first timers were treated to the Annual pageant, traditional dances, songs, arts, crafts and local cuisine.

From Lethem, they

journey back to Georgetown, with a few of the participants promising to make the event a part of their yearly activities.

Summing up the safari, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, said that from the feedback, the event was successful, and in 2015 it should be bigger in terms of participation.

Courts spread Christmas cheer to children in GPHC’s paediatric ward OVER 50 children in the Paediatric Ward, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) ‘got in’ on the Christmas spirit, compliments of Courts Guyana.

On December 5, the children were amazed by the visit from Santa Claus and his helpers, including several cartoon characters, such as SpongeBob, Dora, Mickey Mouse and Cinderella, who all distributed toys and goodies.

In addition, Courts Marketing Manager, Pernell Cummings handed

over to the Supervisor of the Paediatric ward, Denise Cumberbatch, a number of items, aimed at making a difference during the children’s stay at the ward.

These included an LG flat screen television set, a hotand-cold water dispenser, two double bunk beds, and two recliners chairs, for the ward. A quantity of bed linen and hand towels was also donated. “…It is Christmas and a lot of children are away from their family and this is very sad (especially when families are get-

ting together and sharing gifts), so we take pleasure to visit the hospital and let Santa share gifts,” Roberta Ferguson, Courts Public Relations Officer said.

Ferguson told the children that this has been an annual initiative from Courts, to donate items, that assist in making the children (in the hospital) more comfortable, during their stay.

In return, Cumberbatch expressed her gratitude to the furniture giant for the gesture.

Santa with children at GPHC’s paediatric ward, Courts Public Relations Officer, Roberta Ferguson, Supervisor of the Paediatric ward, Denise Cumberbatch, and a parent

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

25

Region One villages briefed on political situation, other issues MINISTER with in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, recently concluded a series of community meetings, in the Santa Rosa Sub-District, Region One. During December 4-5, the minister held engagements in the communities of Assakata, Kamwatta, Kwebanna, Mora, Parakeese, Santa Cruz, and Warapoka. During these visits, he brought the residents up to date on the current situation in the country, including the President’s decision to prorogue the 10th Parliament.

The residents were told

of the reason for the President’s taking of such an action, as he and the PPP/C Administration were confronted with a no-confidence motion, once Parliament would have resumed.

Minister Edghill explained that in suspending the 10th Parliament, the Head of State created room for all political parties, to have meaningful dialogue, but unfortunately, the Opposition Leader David Granger declined the President’s invitation to have talks.

The Minister also sought to enlighten the residents as to why the Combined Opposition ar-

rived at a No-Confidence Motion. He explained that the motion stemmed from the fact that the Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had restored some of the money that was cut by the opposition.

Minister Edghill told the residents, that for three successive years (2012, 2013 and 2014), the Combined Opposition had denied Amerindian communities and the Guyanese nation as a whole, of billions of dollars worth in development. “This year was the worst for Amerindians, because all of the money for the Amerin-

Residents at the meeting in Kamwatta

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, addressing residents in Assakata, Region One dian Development Fund, Presidential Grants, and the money for paying Community Support Officers, who are helping to develop the communities, were cut.” he observed.

Minister Edghill elaborated, that that while there is a government, bringing development in keeping with the desires of citizens, there is the Combined Opposition, taking away developments away from the people.

Further, the Minister sought to remind the residents of the many transformative projects, from

which their communities have benefited, since the PPP/C Administration came into power.

He pointed out, that for years, under a different government; the rights of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples were neglected and trampled on. However, the PPP/C, through its many programmes and policies has brought, not only development through the Presidential Grants, and Community Development Programmes, but has also restored dignity to Guyana’s first peoples.

Mention was also made

of other cuts to the National Budget, by the Combined Opposition including funds for the specialty hospital project, the Amaila Falls Hydro project, and money to rehabilitate several hinterland airstrips.

Nevertheless the Minister called on residents to continue to play their role in the development of their communities, and their country.

He urged them to work along with their village leaders as government continues to provide the necessary framework for development.

Finance Minister urges Albouystown children to take their education seriously

THE Dharam Shala Benevolent Home, on December 10, spread Christmas cheer to children of the Albouystown area, at its annual Christmas social.

Dozens of children turned out at the home, located on King Edward and Sussex Streets, Albouystown, and were entertained, spending time with Santa Claus, and parttaking in the delicacies provided.

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, graced the social event. In his brief remarks to the gathering of parents and children, he reaffirmed that Government will continue to do its best to ensure a bright future for children, since they are the leaders

of tomorrow.

He also urged the parents to play their part in the development of their children. He voiced that the hope is “… that you’re ensuring that they go to school, that they pay attention to their schoolwork, that they do as well as they possibly can and that they are there to be as prepared as they possibly can be, for the brightest possible future. That is the wish I have, and the request I would make of the parents.”

He took the time out to wish all the children a ‘Merry Christmas,’ hoping that they enjoy themselves in every possible way.

The traditional children’s Christmas party, hosted by the Dharam Shala, is approximately seven decades old, and

-at Dharam Shala’s Christmas social

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh serves cake to a little one was first started by Pandit Ramsaroop Maraj. The late religious leader had always been a charitable

humanitarian. He started an orphanage in the 1920s, the now Dharam Shala, and he also built the Albuoystown

Nursery School.

His work was carried on by his son, Harry Ramsaroop, who passed

away in 2013, but it is now being perpetuated by the family’s fourth generation.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President Ramotar congratulates Demerara Bank as it launches visa card

THE achievements of Demerara Bank were celebrated, when the indigenous financial institution celebrated its milestone anniversary, with the launch of its “Signature and Classic Visa Cards.”

President Donald Ramotar was among those on hand to witness the launch and the presentation of tokens to bank employees, who joined the institution, when it was launched in 1994.

Giving brief remarks, the President said that management and staff must be congratulated for their achievement. He said he could have imagined the excitement of the late President Dr. Jagan, who also encouraged strong local business involvement in the economy. This, the President said was a dream of his-to see local businesses thrive. He noted that Dr. Jagan had a strong convic-

tion that sustained social and economic development was not possible without political democracy. “This bank, like so many others, is a living testimony of that conviction.”

He stated that Guyana has developed and the conditions have been put in place for the economy to grow rapidly.

The president cited the highs and lows of the local education standards, which coincide with that of the economy’s, and said that the next step is to put the infrastructure in place, to build on this. He said the bank is now well placed to take advantage of a “growing and vibrant economy…. and to grow from strength to strength.”

The growth of Demerara Bank, according to Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, mirrors that of the “growth evolution and changing face of the country as a whole.” He

expressed that the story of how the bank was conceptualised, and how it began operations are well known, but the changes since then must be appreciated. He cited the fact that the local financial system was not as integrated with the international system as it is today.

Many of the advances that are taken for granted, such as the ATM card, which Demerara Bank pioneered locally, E-Commerce and on-line shopping were nonexistent. He reminded the audience about the use of bank books, which are superseded by tele-banking facilities.

The economic augmentation of the country was also noted, with the exponential growth in GDP. “That’s an economy from US$529 million to US$3.2 billion in terms of GDP. If you look at how the financial sector has grown, total deposits at commercial banks have

President Donald Ramotar addressing the management and staff of Demerara Bank grown from $40.3 billion in 1994 to $340.2 billion in 2014.”

Tribute must be paid to the visionaries who founded the bank, employees and most importantly, the customers who took the risk to utilise the services of the institution, when it was launched, he said.

Brief remarks were also given by the Bank’s Chair-

man Dr. Yesu Persaud, who thanked all those who made the bank’s success possible, and said that his motto was simply to never give up.

Chief Executive Officer, Pravinchandra Dave also spoke of the his vision for the bank’s continued success; he too thanked those who made it all possible.

The Signature and

Classic Visa cards’ benefits were explained by Manager Jerret Morgan.

The first approved cards were handed out to select customers of the bank, with Minister Singh receiving the first. Thirteen employees were then presented with certificates and other tokens of appreciation, for their 20 years of service.

ers Association is located.

According to the Minister, the investors will be leased land, unless another model is developed during the scoping exercise as the Ministry remains open to such proposals.

He added that he believes that the investors would prefer an area where they can work together for shipping purposes among other similar collaborative opportunities.

In addition, the investors are also speaking to local producers in search of partnerships.

The Trinidadian Minister informed the media on December 12, that it was a fruitful discussion and that the investors were very impressed with what was presented to them at the meeting.

“This represents great potential for both countries and while we have

the larger regional interest at the back of our mind, the foremost would be first that Guyana and Trinidad would benefit from this agreement as it is beginning to take form,” Maharaj said.

He added that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was signed by the two countries in 2013 was influenced by the Jagdeo initiative, which he said is “a very visionary position taken at the time and we are fortunate that it is now fleshing out in a very tangible way.” “…when we established this memorandum of understanding, we identified six core commodities that we hope to actively encourage the farmers to cultivate here in Guyana because this is married to our food import bill and Trinidad and Tobago’s food import bill stands close to $4B (TT) on an annual basis. So we hope this initiative by substitution with products grown here in

Guyana will significantly reduce our food import bill, enhance our food security as a nation and a member of Caricom, as well as address the issue of food inflation.”

These commodities include corn, fruits, and soya bean among others.

“We have already in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago Citrus Growers Association. One thousand (1000) acres have been allocated to them of which 200 are in cultivation and they hope to harvest within a next year/year-and-a-half and they hope to expand the 200 acres further out.”

After identifying this, the Minister noted that the new investors now have a very successful example to pattern.

He added that, during a meeting with the chairman of the association on December 12, he was informed that there are plans for further expansion with the establishment of a pulping and juicing facility.

Trinidadian investors assessing agricultural lands in Guyana

MINISTER of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and other officials on December 12 met with a 15-member team of investors from Trinidad and Tobago at which presentations were made on land availability, investment incentives, trade logistics, and ongoing investments in the country’s agricultural sector.

The visiting delegation was led by Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Food Production, Devant Maharaj.

Minister Ramsammy said that these persons only represent a portion of a larger group of people who are interested in possible investments in food production in Guyana.

The meeting, according to the Minister was one more step to advance the process whereas the second step is for the investors to continue their scoping visits and develop proposals for possible investment.

He added that it was a

Investors from Trinidad and Tobago at the meeting productive meeting for investors to learn more about Guyana and the framework under which they will be hosted here; however this does not mean that there will be investors ready to set up shop in Guyana just after the meeting.

“The team … is engaged with staff of the Ministry of Agriculture in visiting potential sites and also having discussions with technical staff of the Ministry in various aspects of potential investment in

Guyana,” Dr Ramsammy said.

Depending on the scoping work that the investors do and their interest, there may be different sites; however at present most of the scoping work that is being done is focusing on the Canje Basin and the Intermediate Savannah.

The Agriculture Minister highlighted the fact that the Intermediate Savannah is one of interest because that is where the Trinidad and Tobago’s Citrus Grow-

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

27

93 graduate from New Amsterdam School of Nursing

AS Government continues to invest in the development of its people, 39 registered nurses received diplomas, after completing the Professional Nursing programme, while 54 Nursing Assistants received certificates in their realm, at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing’s 13th biennial graduation. The ceremony, held at the New Amsterdam Secondary School, Berbice on December 4 was most inspiring and it also saw Lester Christian, being acclaimed the best graduating student.

Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, congratulated the students for their achievement and urged them to do their best in serving the nation. He added that there are often complaints of nurses not doing their jobs effectively, and he encouraged the batch

-Health Minister commits to improving cadre of nurses

Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran presenting a trophy to the best graduating student, Lester Christian to make changes in this regard, and to remember that they have a duty towards the people.

Dr. Ramsaran said that he is cognisant of the difficulties faced by nurses of all categories, and disclosed

that in next year’s budget, funds will be available to fix the Angoy’s Avenue School. He said nursing will be looked at holistically, and that there have already been fixing and upgrading of the Georgetown

West Demerara Regional Hospital’s orthopaedic services improved

THERE has been marked improvement in Orthopaedic services at the West Demerara Hospital, Region Three, according to Orthopaedic Resident, Dr. Shawn Bancroft, who has been working at hospital over the last six months.

Dr. Bancroft noted that during the period that he was stationed at the hospital, 83 surgeries were conducted-71 elective cases and 12 emergencies. Thirty one of the elective cases were open reduction and internal fixation, 5 removals of osteosynthetic material, 20 removals of masses, 3 manipulations under anesthesia, 6 removals of foreign body, 4 wound closures and 2 external fixations, along with a number of re-admissions. There were also minor cases that were not documented in the emergency area.

As per an agreement, between WDRH and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Dr. Bancroft, who usually practices at the latter, commenced orthopaedic surgeries and follow-up clinics at the Region Three hospital, in

-83 surgeries done in about four months

Dr. Shawn Bancroft March for six months. Dr. Bancroft and another team were originally to conduct orthopaedic intervention on Thursday, but by July, another agreement was made for Dr. Bancroft and two other doctors to work completely at the West Demerara hospital-on Mondays and Tuesdays conducting surgeries, from Wednesdays to Fridays, doing follow-up, with theatre on Thursdays.

Dr. Bancroft said that from the time that he was stationed at the hospital to now, the number of patients has doubled.

There were 4 pediatric non-surgical admissions, 6 female surgicals, and 9 male surgicals, along with 12 referral cases from GPHC,

which helped to take the burden off the country’s main referral hospital, because only limited patients were sent to GPHC, when the capacity was not available at WDRH, the doctor explained.

He also noted that he was faced with several challenges, which included theatre time not being sufficient, because it closes at 21:00 hrs and the lack of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and a High Dependency Unit (HDU) at the facility.

The ultimate goal is to return WDRH to an efficient referral facility for Orthopaedic pathologies and also other disciplines, along with the training of Orthopaedic technicians and nurses.

School of Nursing.

Speaking of the challenges faced by Government, such as finding more money to provide antiretroviral medications for HIV patients, because funding from the donor agency is dwindling, he said that Guyana has coverage for about 98 percent of vaccination, but that vaccination for childhood diseases too has a cost. He explained that Government will be paying more for the vaccination programme next year, which would mean that things would be tougher.

The Minister added that one of the challenges faced by the Ministry is the fact that there is a brain drain, as most of the trained and skilled individuals are leaving the country. He further expressed his hope that this batch of students would not use their certification as a stepping stone and neglect their country, to go work for a higher income in another.

In addition, the Minister highlighted the fact that nurses will be benefiting from a better quality of teaching, as Professor Mina Singh has been conducting training exercises with tutors of the various nursing schools. Dr. Singh is a faculty member in the School of Nursing at York University and was the Coordinator of the Programme Evaluation Unit from 20112013, at the York Institute for Health Research. She was nominated for the Dean’s Award of Excellence, Faculty of Health Research Award-Late Career (2012).

He added that this is a major step for the Ministry because there were high failure rates at the National Nursing examinations and one of the contributing factors was the delivery of the curriculum, which is now expected to be improved under this programme. He reminded the audience of the 20 students who failed, 100 percent in every aspect, and noted that the nursing policy will have to be seriously reviewed.

He indicated that there is a need to look at the intake of students.

“Have we been observing the correct entry requirements? We have a strict rule; we have made it clear you have to have these subjects. Is this being implemented or is there a little watering down as in previous times?”

Reflecting on previous results under similar circumstances, he said in June 2013 there was a 54 % pass rate in one cohort; in June 2014, it was 36%, ; November 2014, 20 %. So “Why the dilution?” asked Dr. Ramsaran.

He asked too, whether or not the ministry has to use the strategy, employed by the private schools, that is, to cleanse the batches that come in.

He stated that a review is ongoing on how to better, not only the physical infrastructure, but also the capacity of tutors, to teach the curriculum, and this is aimed at improving the level of the nurses. He also took time to commend the tutors who do their best under existing hardship.

“My main effort will be to upgrade the brainpower (so as) to upgrade the army of nurses,” he asserted.

Also, speaking at the ceremony was Mr. Wilton Benn, Director of Health Sciences Education (ag), who congratulated the graduating class and encouraged them to keep on working hard and striving

to become better.

“Even though we recognise that there are challenges before us, we also understand that we are worthy of the battle, and we will be successful.’

He offered that that these individuals will help to make the “Health Vision 2020” a success, as they strive to improve the national health sector.

Benn said that there are challenges in getting full time staff, but also commended those who operate on a part time level, and who continue to be committed, to ensuring that they produce graduates, to deal with the needs fuelled by the health sector.

Speaking to the graduating class, he said that ‘public perception’ at times does not give nurses a good grade with regards to their people skills. “Our people expect the best of us and they have a right to expect it, because health is a fundamental human right, and I say to you graduates (that) you have an opportunity to serve and to serve with distinction. You need to respect your people and you need to deliver quality health care to them,” Benn charged.

He urged them to be respectful and that they further their education as the graduation is probably the first step towards many more.

32 new Cuban doctors...

From page 14 countries indeed do share ante, also lauded the couna deep relationship. He try’s approach, to dealing added that he can remem- with the Chikungunya virus ber hearing about the outbreak, as he highlighted relationship since in the to the doctors, examples of 1950s, as he noted that “it the Ministry’s work. is very critical to rememDr. Midalys Otero Herber some important peo- nandez, Director of Cuban ple like Cheddi Jagan.”

Medical Brigade, noted As he turned his atten- that Guyana has 170 doction to the doctors he said tors from Cuba, based in that “The challenge is for many areas in six of the you to learn the language… country’s 10 administrative and despite the challenge, regions. you must learn the culture She added that the reof the Guyanese people and lationship the two counensure that you deliver the tries share has been longbest quality of care to the standing and offered that people of Guyana.” it will continue for even a Ambassador March- longer period.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Minister Edghill holds fruitful discussions with Green Valley residents

INVITED by residents of Green Valley, Linden, Region Ten, Minister, within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, held a successful engagement with residents of the community, where he lauded them, for their efforts, to engage in dialogue. The meeting was held at the “Fruits of the Valley Assembly of God Church” and was well attended.

In his remarks, the Minister said that other Lindeners should follow suit with the culture of dialogue, which will ultimately prove beneficial to them.

“I’m overjoyed to come and be with you... it is a meeting that I didn’t ask for, and when people from Region Ten request to see me, I can’t say no.”

Minister Edghill noted that such a request should never be turned down by any good leader or person in authority, more so Government, as they are the

ones who have responsibilities to and for citizens.

The Minister sought to point out the importance of dialogue, in moving a society forward. “…The Government … we believe in dialogue, we believe that discussion and dialogue are important to move Guyana forward, it is important for the resolution and managing of conflicts.”

Reference was made of civil wars and other major conflicts, around the world, which all had to be resolved, around a table, and through dialogue.

“I do believe that all of us here want the same thing … we want prosperity, safety, the welfare of our senior citizens and jobs… but where we end up with conflicts is the route that we choose to get there, the methods we employ,” the minister stated.

Minister Edhgill further acknowledged the fact that any community

has its own views, political affiliation and opinion, all of which are equally important to that community’s development.

However while there are differences in opinions, he urged the residents see each other’s view, in spite of how different it may be, that is, in a constructive way, that will bring development to the community.

“Disagreement is not a bad thing (as) it allows us to see that which didn’t exist before. Once I listen I can appreciate...we see things in different ways, and everybody brings something different, and you here bring a perspective that can benefit you, and Government brings something that can benefit you, as well as other stakeholders.”

He reminded the people that what is important is how the information and views shared can benefit Lindeners.

Meanwhile Green Val-

-after invitation to visit community

Some of the residents of Green Valley, Linden, who turned out at the community meeting, to engage with Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill ley residents used the opportunity to raise several issues affecting them. Some of these issues include land titling, street lights, drainage and culverts, and proper roads.

On the issue of the land titling, residents informed the minister, that over five years ago they made payments to the Central Housing and Planning Authority, but to date they have not

received their titles.

The residents also provided the minister with a list of persons who made payment and the minister give an undertaking to investigate and provide a feedback.

The residents were assured that an intervention will be made, as it relates to street lighting, and the road issues.

Residents also enquired

about the possibility of the “One Lap Top Per Family” programme being continued. They also asked the minister for his intervention into the possibility of an area to be identified for a playfield for the community.

The minister advised that the residents first make the necessary application and the process will be taken from there.

Guyana Government and THAG Officials meet with CAL’s Executive Team THE Caribbean Airlines Ltd. (CAL) executive team from Trinidad, on December 11, met with Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mr. Shaun Mc Grath, CEO of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Mr. Ramesh Ghir and representatives from the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism.

The meeting sought to address key and critical issues, including Caribbean Airlines’ customer service, in-transit process and security checks of Guyanese passengers at Piarco International Airport, Caribbean Airlines’ capacity, airfare, and strengthening the collaboration between Caribbean Airlines and Guyana.

The CAL team included the CEO, Mr. Michael DiLollo, Vice President of Commercial Operations and Customer Service, Mr.

George Reeleder and Sales Executive for Guyana and Suriname. Mr. Dion Innis.

According to Minister Ali, this engagement is critical to strengthening the relationship with the airline and improving the role that CAL continues to play with regards to meeting the needs of the Guyana market.

Minister Ali stressed the need for both CAL and the Government of Guyana to improve the partnership, and to formulate a strategy that would

-improvement and expansion discussed

define the way forward in the best interest of all stakeholders.

While he concurred, Mr. Di Lollo emphasised that steps have already been taken to ensure that connectivity improves, communication is enhanced and services expanded to the destination.

Ghir pointed to the opportunities that exist for the expansion of the Airline’s service given the fact that the CJIA Expansion pro-

ject will result in improved infrastructure. He also pointed to the impact of the recent modernisation of the Control Tower and new avenues to expand the Airline’s service.

Meanwhile, THAG’s President acknowledged that there are significant opportunities to expand the tourism sector further and expressed the hope that Caribbean Airlines will join in the amplified thrust and to the partner with all stakeholders to accomplish this.

Di Lollo said too that

one of the critical means of accomplishing a strengthened partnership is to establish a formal communication structure through which important concerns can be addressed and critical information shared.

He said that despite existing constraints, CAL will continue to build improved partnerships with Guyanese travellers.

A team from the Airline and the Government will meet early next year to discuss the way forward.

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Rich Rewards for Guyana’s massive Education Investments-country cops four of Regions top seven titles: Most Outstanding Candidate Overall (Elisa Hamilton-Queen’s College); Most Outstanding Award for Humanities (Aliyyah Abdul Kadir-Queen’s College); Most Outstanding Student in Business (Ryhan Chan-Queen’s College); Most Outstanding Student in Technical/Vocation Education (Kishan Critchlow-New Amsterdam Multilateral School).

Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, and other officials meet with caribbean Airlines’ officials

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

29

Energy sector has undergone huge transformation-Prime Minister - distribution system to be improved over next three years

GOVERNMENT has since 1992, invested billions of dollars in the rehabilitation and modernisation of the country’s energy sector, aimed at reducing power outages and providing a more reliable supply of energy, while reducing losses.

Electricity supply has drastically increased over the past decades, coming from a place where 10 megawatts of generation were available to meet a demand of 33 megawatts, to one where 140 megawatts of Wartsila units are available to meet a demand of 108 megawatts.

Over the last eight years, over US$150M was injected into the Guyana Power and Light Inc.,

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds with GPL’s Chairman, Winston Brassington, Chief Executive Officer, Bharrat Dindyal, and Head of the Hinterland Electrification Programme, Horace Williams during a special programme on the National Communications Network (NCN) (GEC) was on improving up to 40 miles,” the Prime Good Hope, Georgetown generation. In 1993, 11 Minister explained. and Columbia (Mahaicomegawatts were commisHe added that it was a ny), one expanded sub-stasioned in Garden of Eden, great challenge for Govern- tion at Kingston, the central 11 in 1995, 22 at Kingston ment to acquire the amount control center and 80 km of in 1997, and in 2009 a fur- of resources needed for interconnecting transmisther 20.7 and 15.6 in 2011. this huge transformation. sion lines and fibre optic However, along cable. The Golden Grove the way there was and North Ruimveldt subassistance, espe- stations are currently under cially from the In- construction, and the exter American De- pansion at the Onverwagt velopment Bank power plant.

(IDB) and other A new generator was partners to make also installed at the Leguan these investments Power Station and GPL is possible. working on the setting up of a third unit, while a new New projects power plant will also be inThe US$30M stalled in Anna Regina and power plant at another in Bartica. All of Vreed-en-Hoop is these projects will be comanother great in- pleted within two years. vestment that will Other initiatives inincrease the capac- clude the upgrading of the ity from a current company’s customer inNew sub-station at Sophia 87 megawatts to formation systems, and it 106 megawatts in is seeking to improve the (GPL) itself, with more The recent addition has Demerara. overall infrastructure, exthan half of that amount been the 26 megawatt plant “The transmission pand generation and install being spent on enhancing at Vreed-en-Hoop. project is not completed, transmission systems. its distribution systems.

“It was always recog- so we have one intercon“We are much better nised that there was need nected grid between DemChallenges off than we ever were,” to upgrade the transmission erara and Berbice, in fact a One of the major chalsaid Prime Minister system, and we have been lot of power is now going lenges that the power comSamuel Hinds during a able to do that over the past up from Demerara to feed pany faces is electricity special programme on three years. We have had Berbice using that link… theft, which contributes to the National Communi- the transmission upgrade we have expanded the in- about 30 percent of technications Network (NCN) programme which was fi- frastructure to connect cus- cal losses. on Friday, along with nanced with the assistance tomers, the infrastructure is “Technical and comGPL’s Chairman, Winston of the Chinese, and now being built to connect over mercial losses continue to Brassington, Chief Ex- we have some seven sub- 45,000 customers and most be a major challenge. A ecutive Officer, Bharrat stations across the network, of those persons have al- few years ago losses were Dindyal, and Head of the and three of the generators ready come onto the grid, about 44 percent; today it Hinterland Electrifica- were upgraded at the power so today we have about is under 30 percent which tion Programme, Horace station… so we have made 175,000 customers,” Brass- is both technical and comWilliams. a great step in transmission. ington said. mercial. To reduce those From 1992-1997, all We have from the power There are also new losses the company would focus of the then Guyana stations, feeds running out sub-stations at Edinburgh, have had to invest in both Electricity Corporation

commercial and technical aspects,” Brassington added.

Interventions The next phase of works will be the rebuilding of the company’s distribution system, and in this regard, recently, IDB and the European Union approved US$65M which will be used over the next three years. Of this amount, over $30M will be used to install new lines and conductors, and replace transformers among other works.

According to Brassington, this will see an improvement in the overall distribution system, metering, and a drastic improvement in GPL’s ability to execute its duties.

Further, the company will expand on its pilot project of smart metering where it can measure and track consumption in real time. The target is to reduce technical losses to 5 percent and non-technical losses to 3 percent within the next five years.

Meanwhile, the thriving housing development programme which Government has been focusing on, that saw new housing schemes being established, has created a demand for continued distribution.

Dindyal said that the company will have to seek ways in which it can reach those demands and eventually stay ahead of it.

Speaking on the issue of power outages, he said that most of these are network related, which are caused by poor vegetation management.

“Vegetation is 90 percent of the issue and the other 10 percent are obtained from the generation machine trips…there is currently a concerted effort across the Demerara and Berbice systems to look at vegetation particularly for primary lines. There is also an issue with structure maintenance. Unfor-

tunately there were some electrification works that had to be done; those were completed, especially in Region Six. The focus now is trying to fix the distribution network,” Dindyal explained.

In terms of generation, Guyanese can expect less interruption. In fact, “for the first time in years we are going into the Christmas season with a healthy generation, the only challenge is on the network side,” Dindyal stressed. .

Hinterland Prior to 2004, the Hinterland communities had very little access to modern energy but, since then, the Government introduced the Hinterland Electrification Programme following a study that was done to seek options to implement electricity services to these communities in a sustainable manner.

It was observed that providing solar panels was an option and a pilot project was launched where four villages benefited from 332 solar systems at that time.

Williams announced that over the years this project was rolled out and has drastically improved the lives of thousands of Amerindians. Following the first phase, 1700 systems were installed in several communities, in 2011 another 6000 were installed and were completed in 2013, and another 540 in 10 communities.

To date, over 80% of the hinterland communities are provided with electricity. “The idea is to provide some level of electricity to every household with the hinterland communities because it wouldn’t be economical to extend GPL network into these remote areas,” Williams further noted.

There are also grid systems in Mahdia, Port Kaituma, Lethem and most recently Matthews Ridge and Moruca.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyana are NACRA 7s champions

GOVERNMENT’S continued investments, in the development of sports countrywide and in all disciplines, were handsomely rewarded, as Guyana regained the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) title-they had this for six straight years, but missed out last year because financial constraints kept them out.

However, Government rallied to the cause and now the team came back with the title.

The team emerged winners over host Mexico, beating them in the tense final of the NACRA 7s championships, on December 4.

Playing in Mexico City, the Guyanese defeated the Mexicans 33-28, landing a seventh title, after missing

the competition last year.

The Guyanese in fact won all six of their games, the only country to do so in the two-day tournament.

Guyana had previously won the NACRA 7s an unprecedented six years in succession.

This year, Government donated $4M towards the team’s participation in the competition. Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who had handed over the cheque to President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), Peter Greene, had done so, acknowledging and applauding the outstanding performances of team, over the years. He was very impressed that the team had actually won the championship for six consecutive years.

TWO female stalwarts were honoured for their long service in the civil aviation sector, when Guyana, on December 7, joined with the rest of the world, in observing International Civil Aviation Day. The ceremony, held at the Colgrain House, Camp Street, Georgetown, saw Paula McAdam, Guyana’s first female air traffic controller, receive an award, alongside Sandra Persaud, the first female in airport management in Guyana.

Both women were lauded for daring to pursue careers, in a field which was followed predominantly by only men, for over 30 years now.

Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, in recognising the efforts of the first women in aviation in Guyana, urged more females to get involved, as he noted that the developmental needs of the country mean pulling on the efforts, knowledge and skills of every Guyanese.

“We have to facilitate and foster a culture that brings in women in our work force, to be able to develop our country

rapidly,” Minister Benn observed.

The ceremony was very packed and impressive and witnessed a number of remarkable things: a new stamp was launched in honour of the women in aviation; several awards were given out to individuals, for work in the aviation sector; and certificates were handed to individuals for completing studies at the Air Traffic Training School (over the past four years in the area of Aeronautical Information Management, Air Traffic Control and Area Controllers).

The day was celebrated under the theme “Cooperating on Global Aviation Progress: celebrating 70 years of the Chicago Convention” and it was in recognition of the significant contributions that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has made, since its establishment, and the strengthening and success of fostering cooperation on transport worldwide.

Director of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA) Zulficar Mohamed, who also addressed the gathering, noted that since

The victorious Guyana Ruby Team moments after they collected their NACRA 7s trophy

Women in aviation honoured 54 countries met in Chicago on December 7, 1944 and put together the Chicago Convention, that the ICAO has grown, managing to make air travel the safest mode of transportation in the world.

Aviation is one of the most important areas in most countries’ economy and over 56 million people are employed by the sector worldwide. It has also contributes over $2 trillion to GDP globally and has carried in excess of three million passengers over the last year, and transported over $5 trillion worth of cargo annually.

Challenges do exist, but programmes have been put in place to deal with these challenges.

However, one of the major hindrances remains the lack of trained personnel in this sector, Mohammed noted.

He said that the main areas of challenges in Guyana are aircraft operations oversight and the lack of accommodation for larger aircraft at the airports.

Government, in recognising the latter, has since moved to expand the Cheddi Jagan Inter-

The two women who were honoured, Paula Mc Adam and Sandra Persaud national Airport (CJIA).

Mohammed urged the stakeholders to remain committed and to cooperate to take the aviation industry forward.

Minister Benn too lauded ICAO’s achievements, in promoting safety, security and efficiency in the aviation sector. The Minister noted that Guyana has been cooperating with other member States and Regional and International bodies, to work towards strengthening

the sector. He added that health issues are also a concern for this sector, but the Health Ministry has been working closely with the sector in this regard.

The Minister pointed out that there are several areas of dependency in the aviation sector, such as fuel, and aircraft and passenger accommodation.

He explained however that the CJIA expansion project is to aid in this regard and also the development of the country as

a whole. Minister Benn said this project is a critical one, because it will aid in attracting larger aircraft, reduce ticket prices and provide safety and comfort in travelling.

In the area of the shortage of skilled personnel in the sector, the Minister emphasised the need for training and to also encourage young people to major in the area of technical studies, along with science and engineering.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

GUYOIL launches US $3.5M fuel handling facility at CJIA

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar said that the official commissioning, of the Guyana Oil Company Limited’s (GUYOIL’s), US$3.5M Aviation Services Fuel Handling facility, at the airport at Timehri is a very substantial indicator of where Guyana is heading; it is part of the larger scheme of increased traffic inflow, through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The facility will offer competition in off-jet fuel services in Guyana and forms part of the airport expansion project.

President Ramotar, who officially commissioned the facility on December 7, observed that the modernisation and expansion of the CJIA is not a luxury, but rather, a great necessity; it is not to enhance the services offered, but also to increase the country’s revenues. “…some people are saying (that) we are investing in facilities like this, when some roads in villages need to be repaired. While those roads are important, and we are trying our best to fix

them, the investment into this airport is to help increase the revenue of our country,” the President explained.

The airport expansion project is one of the most fundamental investments that have to be made, in order to develop the tourism sector.

The spinoff includes the establishment of a number of hotels across the country, benefitting not only the tourism but other sectors, the President pointed out.

“That is what seems to be missing when these things are reported. It seems that what is not appreciated is the link to the other sectors in the economy, how much it can enhance revenues and how much more we can pour into the social sectors, build more roads and clean up the country,” the President noted.

GUYOIL has played a significant role in regulating the transportation sector. While the company has done an outstanding job in road transportation, it is anticipated that the company will be even more outstanding in the air transportation sector.

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President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn at the ribbon cutting ceremony to commission GUYOIL’s Aviation Services Fuel Handling facility at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport The facility sits on one acre of land and includes storage filtration units, and offices with trained and competent staff.

Also present at the event were Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, and several stakeholders from the aviation sector.

Minister Singh, who

congratulated the GUYOIL board and management for this significant achievement, said that notwithstanding the challenges, Guyanese live in a period where they ought to be excited for their country, where large local, regional and international companies continue to express optimism in Guyana’s economy.

The storage tanks at the Aviation Services Fuel Handling facility at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

“I see today’s investment against the background of a wave of optimism, demonstrated not only by Guyanese, but regional and international investors, who are literally putting their money where their mouths are,” the Minister said.

Over the past weeks, there have been several major investments: Unicomer, the parent company of Courts, with its new distribution centre at Eccles Industrial Estate; Rubis, at Providence, East Bank Demerara, with its new storage facilities; Exxon Mobil, the international giant, setting up office in Guyana, to begin exploratory drilling offshore; and the regional giant, Massy, opening a distribution centre.

In the banking sector, two banks opened new branches: the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI) in Bartica; and Citizens Bank in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Minister Singh, in

pointing to these expansion and investment projects, said that he is particularly pleased with GUYOIL’s commissioning, because there is a stereotype, that the public sector cannot be outstanding. “I believe that GUYOIL is an example that defies that stereotype,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Minister Benn said that his ministry, along with its agencies, has always been exploring ways to bring together synergy, to enhance the effectiveness of the transportation sector, and that the investment was another example of launching Guyana onto a new level of aviation.

Over the past few years, GUYOIL has moved its distribution of fuel all across Guyana.

This company, which has been in operation for 38 years, has a staff complement of over 300, with 8 gas stations and 3 terminals.

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Issue No: 6

December 19, 2014

Guyana Postcard

Marriott Hotel Block Alpha, Battery Road, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana