The Guyanese Newspaper 10th Edition-February 13, 2015

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Issue No: 10

February 13, 2015

PPP/C ready to face electorate on its track record Page 3

-President Ramotar

Development far-reaching even in the most remote Amerindian villages

INSIDE 264 more house lots allocated Page 2

-as Housing Ministry takes “One Shop Stop” to Region Three

Former president has no interest in third term – HPS

Page 3

President announces 10% GPL tariff Page 4 reduction

– as US26M power station is commissioned at Vreed-en-Hoop

A Masakenari Region Nine youth using a computer to do his homework

Weekly Digest & Development Digest

Sundays 6:30pm - 7:30pm on Time Warner Cable Channel 96 Read the Guyanese online @ theguyanese.gy

Opposition Leader’s commending of EU withholding funds to Page 5 Guyana ‘unpatriotic’

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

264 more house lots allocated -as Housing Ministry takes “One Shop Stop” to Region Three

TWO hundred and sixty four (264) families in Region Three are now one step closer to becoming first time home owners, as the Ministry of Housing and Water took its first “One Shop Stop” housing initiative for 2015, to the region on Wednesday, February 4.

The joyful beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government for the measures put in place to allow citizens to benefit from this form of security.

A total of 69 lots in De-Willem were allocated, 54 of which are valued $700,000 each, while 195 lots were allocated in Zeeburg, 154 of which are similarly valued.

According to Minister of Housing, Irfaan Ali, this allocation will benefit 1082 individuals.

The development of this project was done through a contracted sum of $213M by Chung’s Global Enterprise. Minister Ali explained that the project is 60 percent completed, with the installation of water network and application of crusher run to soon commence.

The installation of elec-

President Donald Ramotar facilitates a beneficiary in pulling his houselot number tricity, that will cost the government $40M, will commence in these areas before December, he said.

Other consolidated expenditure that government will undertake in the areas includes the construction of the asphalted concrete main road, to the tune of $63M, and infrastructure works, at a cost of $213M. This, when added to the $40M electricity installation, shows an investment of $316M by government, all to benefit the residents of this area.

Minister Ali noted therefore that government is then providing a

subsidy of $590,909 to every household, through its housing policy, which would be equivalent to $144,124 at an individual level, and a total of $156M for the new home owners of these areas.

In reflecting on the developments and investments in the region, the Housing Minister pointed out that from the period 2000 to 2015, the government expended $17.0B in housing development, creating housing schemes such as Zeelugt North and South, Tuschen North and South, Uitvlugt, Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida,

Leonora, Zeeburg, De Willem, Parfait Harmonie, Onderneeming, Westminster, Rect-Door-Zee, Lust -En- Rust, Schoon-Ord, and Belle West Phases I and II. This investment has provided 25,000 lots to 102,500 beneficiaries, taking these persons/families one step closer to owning a home.

In addition to this, the minister added that numerous developmental projects are on-going, one of which is the upgrading of approximately 15 kilometres of asphaltic, concrete-surface roads, at a cost of approxi-

mately $1.2B in Tuschen, Zeelugt, Meten-Meer-Zorg, Zeeburg, De Willem, Uitvlugt, Ocean View, Leonora, Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Windsor Forest, Parfait Harmonie, Onderneeming, Westminster, Recth-DoorZee, Lust En Rust, SchoonOrd and Belle West.

Minister Ali reiterated that in 2009, the demand for house lots in Region Three was 6000, and taking into consideration the new applicants over the years, today this has been reduced by 66%.

He also informed that government has just secured a loan of $3B, which will see infrastructural development for approximately 310 acres of land at Stewartville, Anna Catherina and Cornelia Ida. This project will cater for the remaining applications, as government commits to reducing the figure by the end of 2017. This will see approximately $2B being invested to develop 1,500 house lots.

Minister Ali also pointed out that the administration has shown that it has the capacity to realise and address the needs of its people, and it will not rest until

the housing needs of every citizen is fully realised.

President Donald Ramotar, who was also present at the event, said that “One of the most important things human beings need in order to improve their lives and (so) add to the quality of life, is the security of home ownership, owning their own homes. I think that that is one of the most important things that contribute to a good quality of life.”

The President reflected on the past, when Guyana had no housing programme and very few persons were able to own their own homes, noting that he wasn’t able to acquire his own home until his golden days.

Region Three Chairman Julius Faerber, welcomed the new land owners to the region, and urged them to work with the administration for the development of themselves and their allocated areas.

This “One Shop Stop” which was held under the theme “Live the Guyanese dream-home ownership made easier” is the 17th such initiative which has been held in the region.

Home ownership made easier-1000 homes programme moving apace SEVENTY-FIVE persons are now proud new homeowners, thanks to the Ministry of Housing and Water’s “Turn-key Houses 1,000 Homes” project at Perseverance, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The houses were awarded within recent months, as the Ministry is aggressively constructing 150, houses during the first phase of the project.

This affordable housing initiative was designed to provide homeowners with comfort, security and a healthy family life. This project was launched by the Central Housing and Planning Authority, to expand the Ministry’s “Turn-Key Houses” programme that recommenced in 2011.

Construction began in May 2014 and by December 2014 one hundred (100) Buttercup Cottages were completed. Currently, another batch of 50 houses are being constructed.

The Ministry facilitates visits to the houses, by homeowners, during the construction phase. Infrastructure for electricity and water are already in place, and roads in the new community would boast asphaltic concrete surface, once construction is completed.

Shortly, a model of the Buttercup Cottage, which costs $4.9M, will be on display and available for tours.

The Buttercup Cottage has a total floor area of 600 square feet, and includes two bedrooms, patio, washroom, kitchen, dining and living areas.

Turn key homes at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara A furniture company Orchid. The Ministry has partnered with the Min- will commence construcistry, to furnish the model tion of the Bungalow Orhome, which is expected chid shortly. This house is to attract interested persons priced between $8M and and prospective homeown- $9M. It is a three-bedroom ers. Over 5,000 people house with a total floor area have already indicated in- of 1050 to 1100 square feet. terest in the turn-key solu- The house includes tiled tion, and these have applied floor and bathroom, ceiling, to the Ministry to purchase modern lighting fixtures, the houses. and sash windows.

Persons desirous of a Every day, the worksite larger living space could at Perseverance is bustling purchase the Bungalow with construction activi-

ties, so as to provide quality houses, that would be called ‘home’ to thousands of Guyanese. This project has provided employment opportunities for over 300 skilled and semi-skilled workers in the construction industry. The workers are divided into batches of 10 and are led by foremen.

Chaitram Geewan, who has been operating as a private building contractor for about 15 years, is the project Construction Foreman.

He is pleased with the job security provided by the project for workers in the construction sector.

According to Geewan, “being self employed as a skilled man, during the slow season, finding steady job to match your skills is difficult…though I am a contractor, sometimes I had

to go to work with other people, so I can pay my bills.”

“Working with Government on this project is good…there are always materials available… whenever you do some private jobs you turn up with all your workers and you have to go back home, because they do not have materials or money for you to work,” Geewan said.

Construction of the 1,000 Homes project is expected to open-up many possibilities to homeowners, and more so, improve the living conditions of citizens.

The Ministry is pleased to see Guyanese, responding positively to this project, that would benefit generations to come.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

PPP/C ready to face electorate on its track record

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has signed the formal proclamation, declaring May 11, 2015 as the date for General and Regional Elections in Guyana, and this will soon be gazetted, as stipulated by the Constitution.

In an invited comment, the Head of State told the Government Information Agency that the date was chosen, based on the available dates that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) provided, by which it would be ready to conduct the polls, “and all the dates that they gave me fell within the exams period, so I chose one … unavoidably we have this

(brouhaha over the date)”.

Continuing his reference to the comments about the polling date, clashing with Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations, President Ramotar said he is pleased with the preparations and alternative arrangements put in place by the Ministry of Education.

The CSEC and the CAPE were scheduled for May 11 and 16, 2015, but have now been shifted to June 15 and 16 respectively. The new dates were set after consultations with the Caribbean Examina-

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-President Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar tions Council (CXC) and other stakeholders about what might be best for the candidates.

“The main thing is that

it will not put our students at a disadvantage, and in fact I think it will give them some more time to study,” President Ramotar

stated.

Meanwhile, the President emphasised that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) will base its campaign, as it runs for office, on its track record of development, “even though the last three years were very constrictive because of the fact that the Joint Opposition got a one-seat majority in Parliament, I’m still very proud of what we were able to achieve in the circumstances.”

He added that he is also proud of the PPP/C’s record in office, particularly since it has transformed

the country, “So I think I’m running on solid ground”.

With regard to the Parliamentary Political Opposition, President Ramotar said he was not too sure about what they wanted, “because sometimes they want elections, then when you call elections, they don’t want elections, but they have to face the music anyhow. We all have to face it.”

The President will be leading his party’s campaign as it seeks another term in office, in an effort to continue Guyana’s developmental progress.

Parliament to be dissolved-keeping true to Constitution

THE announcement by President Donald Ramotar of May 11, 2015 as polling day for General and Regional Elections in Guyana has resulted in some stakeholders’ questioning of the time when Parliament will be formally dissolved. According to Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, who ventured to answer the query, the constitution states that this must be done within three months prior to the announced

date for the polls and this “does provide the drop dead date”.

Dr Luncheon added that lesser views exist on the issue, “in that it is no less than three months. In other words, you can indeed dissolve anytime, no later than after this buffer time. So you’re looking at the dissolution, three months exactly from the 11th of May….that puts you sometime around the 8th or 9th of February.”

The non-dissolution

-Dr. Luncheon

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon of Parliament before naming of the date for general and regional elections has caused some to question the legality of the Presi-

dent’s actions. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said the President’s action was legal and done in accord-

ance with the constitution.

“The constitution resides, in the President, a power to appoint a date for elections of members to the National Assembly. The constitution says that the President must exercise by the issuance of a proclamation, and the date which is fixed must be a date which falls within three months after the dissolution of the Parliament.” He added that the language which

describes the actions to be taken by the President is, in his humble opinion, not ambiguous and capable of any misinterpretation, (and) “I do not understand how these concerns are emanating.”

President Ramotar has signed a proclamation making the date official and this will be advertised as required in the Gazette.

Former president has no interest in third term – HPS THE filing of a High Court case, calling for the removal of term limits for the country’s presidency, drew an emphatic response from Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon. Addressing the media, recently, at his weekly post-Cabinet briefing, Dr. Luncheon stated that former President Bharrat Jagdeo “remains committed to not pursuing any further appointment to elected constitutional office or

posts in Guyana”.

This statement reiterates the former Head of State’s public position, that he has repeatedly declared, since he left office after the 2011 General Elections, Dr. Luncheon added.

The statement is in direct response to the deliberate attempts to create uncertainty at this particular point in time, by the filing of the constitutional motion that essentially seeks to void the constitutional amendment, that limits the term of office of Guyanese

presidents, the Cabinet Secretary further added.

It was explained that the former president, who has been named in the motion, has disclosed “his disinterest in the matter, and his firm resolution not to entertain further constitutional posts.” Dr Luncheon said for the former president, it is a matter of principle which is consistent with his earlier declarations to “all and sundry concerning this matter.”

The constitutional amendment that resulted in the term limits being agreed

to, arose out of a “historic time,” in the evolution of the return to democracy to Guyana, Dr Luncheon explained.

“If the argument is that we have matured and that amendment needs to be dispensed with, one would have to do a similar such process that led to the amendment to consider a similar such approach. I would want to believe that to the extent that we believe and we verily do, that the constitutional amendments are enforceable and indeed

have been in force over the decades of the terms in office of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic.”

He noted that even in the absence of formal cabinet declaration, its attitude to the current constitutional provision “indeed remains unaltered.”

A motion challenging the constitutional provision was brought by a Georgetown resident, Cedric Richardson. Guyana’s Constitution states that a person elected as president after the year 2000 is eligible for

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo re-election only once.

The motion has named Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman as respondents.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President announces 10% GPL tariff reduction

T

HE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) will reduce its electricity tariff effective from next month, President Donald Ramotar announced on February 10, as he delivered the feature address to formally open the US $26M Vreed-en-Hoop Power Station in Region Three.

He told the gathering that, “GPL has projected, that based on fuel prices, it will able to implement a 10% reduction in electricity costs across the board, starting with the consumption of electricity in March”.

The GPL will outline the details of this reduction via a press conference on February 10.

This follows government’s initiative to decrease the cost of gasoline, by 30%, in light of reduced

– as US26M power station is commissioned at Vreed-en-Hoop

and people of Guyana”.

US$200M The President pointed out that more than US$200M has been invested in the company hence some of the criticisms of its performance are justified.

President Ramotar said the GPL “must do better, our people deserve better.

We cannot be comfortable with the frequency and the regularity of blackouts we have”.

Touching on the damage sometimes caused by vehicular accidents to the company’s infrastructure such as posts, the president said, those responsible must pay for the inconvenience caused to people.

Stakeholders were assured by President Ramotar that despite competing demands for resources,

from almost any combustible material such as agricultural or wood waste, was cited by the president who said that government is also pursuing this technology.

President Donald Ramotar addressing stakeholders at the commissioning of the GPL’s Vreed-en-Hoop Power Station Government’s commitment to the energy sector’s development was well noted and mention was made of the fact that since 1992, more than 100,000 customers have been added to the national grid. The president recalled that when former President Cheddi Jagan entered office, his first trip was to the power facilities.

President Donald Ramotar (center sitting), Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and other officials being given a view of GPL’s Vreed-en-Hoop Power Station’s monitoring system and operations

oil prices internationally and the subsequent request by the president to GPL to see how additional savings could be passed on the consumers. This move, will see more disposal income being available to consumers, he added.

The fact that many transportation providers have not adjusted their prices was bemoaned by the president who repeated his calls for the savings to be passed on. “I do hope that those in the transportation sector will take a leaf out of the government’s book and also pass on this benefit to the consumers

government will continue to focus on improving the electricity supply and lowering the long-term costs, and efficiency.

The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project remains critical to the achievement of cheap, reliable energy and the president said that all Guyanese regardless of political persuasion should support this. He noted that both parliamentary opposition political parties, which are opposed to government’s planned construction, had listed hydropower in their respective manifestos in 2011, “and when they had it in their hands, they threw it out.”

“We cannot speak about social and economic development without looking after the energy sector that is vital and indispensable in a modern society,” the president noted.

Commenting on the issue of losses due to theft of electricity he said that these actions will only delay the overall development of the country, and undermine the ability to improve and expand the system. GPL’s capacity is currently in excess of demand which continues to increase due to Guyana’s development. The president expressed the hope that this continues to be the case, in

the future. Given that the coastal grid is interconnected, with Berbice being linked to Georgetown with only 10 minutes needed to reroute power versus some four hours previously, the challenge now is to sustain the demands for energy, the president explained.

It was explained that the national grid is linked from Moleson Creek, Corentyne to Parika, Essequibo with proposed links expanded to Leguan, Wakenaam and the Essequibo Coast.

Totally misleading In light of comments made in one of the newspapers about the status of the proposed Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, President Ramotar described it as “totally misleading”, as Government is working towards beginning the construction of the actual project before the end of this year.

A lot of work has already gone into this, and under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Norway has already transferred US $80M to the IDB. Another company has already been identified to replace Blackstone/ Sithe Global which withdrew after the non-support by the political opposition.

Government is examining “more and more” renewable energy sources, the president also pointed out.

The rice and sugar industries have huge possibilities of co-generating power using bagasse and rice husk.

The example of a private rice miller on the Essequibo Coast, who has installed a gassifier to produce power

Revenue earner The energy sector has the potential to be an important revenue earner for Guyana. The Head of State also pointed out that soon there will enough capacity to export electricity. “When you look at the Upper Mazaruni with 4,000 megawatts capacity in that area alone, you can see that we can become a powerhouse in exporting electricity to our neigbhours”. This has been recognised by stakeholders such as the IDB, he added.

There is a proposal, being mooted to have a regional interconnected system, he explained, “From Brazil’s Roraima State through Guyana, through Suriname, through French Guiana and back again to Brazil on the east that can allow us to develop our renewable energy resources even if we can’t consume all of it at the same time and we will excess to export and become a major earner for our society”. Solar and wind power can also be used the president added, noting the explorations currently underway for oil, “We have to build an energy sector that is flexible and capable of switching from one source to another”.

The creation of high paying technical jobs is dependent on the supply of cheap reliable energy, President Ramotar stated, as he noted that one of the current issues raised by disgruntled students and faculty members is that of high standards. He said, “That is the crux of the matter right now when the administration is trying to make people more accountable, trying to lift the qualifications of the lecturers so that they could deliver more quality education to our people to run our country”.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is responsible for the energy sector described the commissioning

of the power station as “a great day and a sense of achievement and a good example of Guyanese and others working together and achieving much”.

Chief Executive Officer of GPL, Bharrat Dindyal in giving an overview of the project, described it as the country’s largest power station.

Construction began with the inking of a turnkey contract in September 2012 and after the initial contractor, Sonwaru’s Investment pulled out, the second highest bidder Correia and Correia Investments took over, bringing the job to completion.

The facility uses 8.7 megawatt 20v 32 generators (the largest Wartsila internal combustion engines to be used locally) and also features bulk storage tanks for heavy and light fuel oil, lubricants, fully equipped workshop with spares, a new wharf with refuelling pipe lines, new feeders, multi-layered fire fighting system, flood control systems, a monitoring and control system covering the entire facility, noise mitigation measures, water processing and separation systems, an expanded 69KV Sub-Station and a corrosion protection system.

The entire West Demerara is now self sufficient in generating capacity, with some 26 megawatts capacity, the CEO added.

GPL Board Chairman Winston Brassington, in his short remarks noted that this latest project comes on the heels of the recently completed Infrastructure Development Programme (IDP) which provides for new transmission lines all the way to Berbice, linking the Demerara and Berbice systems, with 10 megawatts of power, and the commissioning of seven new sub-stations.

He also revealed that the Operating and Maintenance contract with Wartsila is the oldest such arrangement in the world.

He too repeated calls for persons to stop stealing electricity from the system.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Opposition Leader’s commending of EU withholding funds to Guyana ‘unpatriotic’

FINANCE Minister Dr. Ashni Singh finds it disturbing that the main opposition party would laud the European Union (EU), for withholding critical funding to Guyana.

Dr. Singh noted that the sentiments of the opposition, carried in the Kaieteur News, are unpatriotic.

“How can one be described as a patriotic leader and yet commend an international agency, for denying financial inflow, which will redound to benefit the people of the country?” Minister Singh asked.

The Minister said that

the comments were worrying, for the reason that it does no matter which side of the National Assembly politicians sit, they have an obligation constantly to ensure that jobs be created for the people they represent.

“We have an obligation as leaders to act in the national interest, and scaring away investors or creating an environment that is not conducive to investment or commending investors for withholding funds which our country has earned, those are not patriotic acts and do not serve the interest of any Guyanese person.”

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-Finance Minister

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh

In the January 24 edition of the Kaieteur News, Opposition Leader David Granger and Party Member Carl Greenidge are quoted as lauding the EU for withholding financial aid to Guyana. In the article, the two also called on embassies to follow suit with other sanctions.

The EU recently announced that it has temporarily put on hold its two latest partial payments, Euro$28.9 M for the local sugar sector, and Euro $14.8 M for sea defence works.

Government, in a public statement, had attached a communication from the EU Delegation, dated September 8, 2014, and which indicated clearly that Guyana had met the eligibility criteria, required to qualify for disbursements, totalling €25,858,025.

The statement also stated that the EU Delegation had recommended disbursement of this sum to the EU Budget Support Steering Committee in Brussels, which was due to have met on September 17, 2014.

Guyana fully subscribes to UN human rights system -accepts 75 proposals put forward at UPR group meeting

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, says that Guyana has accepted 75 of the 143 recommendations, made at the United Nations (UN) Universal Periodic Review meeting, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland on January 27.

During a press conference on February 4, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Road, the Minister, joined

by Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira, informed the media of the outcome of the meeting, which saw the second review of the human rights records of all 193-member states of the United Nations. Minister Rodrigues-Birkett represented Guyana at the forum.

This was Guyana’s second review; an initial review was conducted in 2010. This 2015 report dealt with measures taken since the 2010 review. Then, most of the UN’s recommendations focused on abolishing corporal punishment from schools, abolishing the death penalty and decriminalising adult same sex relations, and removing those sections in the laws that discriminate against, Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, and Transgender persons.

According to Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana reported to the working group, at review meeting that a Parliamentary Special Select Committee has been established, to address those issues, but that the work of the committee has not been completed.

The working group has also been informed of Guyana’s intention to take back these matters to the parliament following general election.

“We also reported too that while the death penalty has been retained, several legislative measures have been taken including certain sentenced now being commuted to life imprisonment and imprisonment with the possibility for parole,” Minister Roderigues-Bircket informed.

Further, at this year’s event 54 countries spoke during the session and together they made 143 recommendations.

As all states, Guyana had the option of responding to the recommendations, to some or all, not to respond to any, or provide a report at a later date but no later than the session of the Human Right Council in June.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs reported that of the

• Investigating promptly hate crimes based on sexual orientation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Presidential Adviser Gail Teixeira updating the media on the UPR meeting 143 recommendation, Guyana accepted 75 of those, along with an additional four, on the basis that those recommendations were already in implementation stage.

Further, she explained that the Guyana Government has committed to consider another 64 recommendations, but will be reporting to the Human Rights Council which will be held in June of this year.

Human rights recommendations accepted by Guyana The 75 recommendations that Guyana has accepted includes • Adopting measures that will promote and prevent discrimination against women • Shared parental caring, between men, and women • Addressing patriarchal attitudes towards men and women • Strengthening the presence of women in various institutions and political life • Implementing fully the Sexual Offences Act. • Adopting additional measures to prevent domestic violence • Adopting measures to prevent discrimination against Lesbians Gays Bisexuals and Transgender persons

Those recommendations which were accepted for consideration include: • Abolishing the death penalty and or establishing a formal moratorium • Investigating all allegations relating to extra judicial killings and excess of the police.

• Establishment of a Human Rights Institution in accordance with the Paris Principles and one that would be accredited by the Human Rights Council.

• Strengthening the National Child Protection Mechanism and strengthening children’s rights • Trafficking in Persons, effective implementation of laws • Expanding legal aid services • Increasing the capacity of the Police Complaints Authority.

• Continuing the implementation of poverty reduction programme and water and sanitation and housing schemes • Measures to improve the lot of persons with disabilities and guaranteeing the rights of indigenous peoples Meanwhile Minister Rodrigues-Birkett explained that the 64 recommendations which were accepted for consideration will be examined and a report to be submitted no later than the 29th session of the Human Rights Council to be held in June.

However, the Minister pointed out that many of the recommendations have deep cultural and societal considerations and will require wide spread consultations before reaching a conclusion that will find favour with the majority of persons in society.

More importantly, she said these recommendations will have to find favour with the majority of parliamentarians, since ultimately the parliament is where the laws will have to be amended.

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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 I

“Ouch Mr. Lall, libelous statements are costly!”

Dear Editor, As a young lad then growing up, there were several sayings, idioms, that I would hear every day, with the most common being “Words is wind” and “Speech is free.” Understanding their interpretation, it meant that one was

entitled to say what he/she wants about someone. This was common, especially in what is known as the “busing out” culture, and in instances of gossips, in which character assassinations are quite common.

As I began to read, gathering knowledge about

PPP/C government’s national development track record has positively changed lives; Guyana is being transformed

n little less than one hundred days, the Guyanese people will once again, be asked to cast their votes, thereby electing the party which they believe is most worthy and competent, of forming the country’s government for another five years, as is constitutionally mandated. It will be the country’s fifth national and regional elections to be held since the restoration of democracy in October, 1992.

Without any doubt, this is going to be the most crucial balloting exercise ever done within recent decades. Call it the “Mother of all Elections”, for a most pertinent description, since it will determine emphatically the future direction of our country and its people; especially as it relates to the great socio-economic successes that are now enjoyed by thousands of Guyana, and whether such will continue or not.

It is always undisputed, that the incumbent government’s performance record will bear laser scrutiny, and will be rewarded accordingly. But so also, will be those vying for the Executive office – such as the power hungry and anti-national opposition parties of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the Alliance For Change (AFC), as in the instance of Guyana.

And without any form of ambiguity, or hint of triumphalism, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/C) government is in a superb, if not, unassailable position to be re- elected, because of what it has done for the people of Guyana, since 1993.

The fact is that, the abundant fruits of its national development record, for the past two decades, manifested in its unmistakable results of improved lives for the Guyanese nation in every region, and of every class and race stands as a monument and tribute to a government that has unceasingly devoted its entire tenure and energies to the wellbeing of its citizens on behalf of whose mandate it proudly governs.

Among the major achievements that highlights the successful emergence of Guyana, from a position of a collapsed economy and bankruptcy, to a country that has been experiencing over eight consecutive years of economic growth are: an environment that has been politically stable and peaceful, with clearly defined regulations, that allows for both private sector and foreign sources of investment; an economy that is wisely managed by the government, and which has resulted in Guyana not falling victim to the fallout from the international economic contagion.

We contend that beyond doubt, this has been the catalyst for the internationally acclaimed, socio-economic success that is now Guyana’s. Then there are our foreign reserves that, based on the last available figures, now stand at a sum of over US$850M.

There are so many numerous examples of this working class PPP/C government’s outstanding track record of development, that a mere editorial is wholly inadequate to illustrate them all. However, no more is this government’s great success better exemplified than in the magnificent success that is the national housing programme, through which tens of thousands of Guyanese are now proud homeowners.

Other tangible benefits to the Guyanese people that are among the mastheads of the PPP/C’s track record of changing lives in Guyana, are an emerging, modernized national health sector that has been exponentially diffused throughout Guyana, by way of strategic geographically, located state-of-the-art diagnostic centres, newly built hospitals and health centres; increased numbers of trained medical doctors and allied personnel; and new medical services available to those who seek medical aid; a totally revamped education system, which results are yearly celebrated by outstanding scholastic performances by Guyanese CXC students. In fact, it has now become a coveted expectation for our students to emerge as the outstanding performers in the various categories of the regional examination.

Guyanese workers are today in receipt of livable wages and salaries, as a result of several adjustments to the income tax threshold, thus facilitating an increase in disposable income; while social assistance old age pensioners have benefitted from several increased in their pension rate, and subsidized state payments for water and electricity bills. Not even the former, PNC government thought of such a relief!

Even our Amerindian communities, have been a prioritized component of the PPP/C track record of national development, that has been transforming the lives of Amerindians and their communities. In fact, Amerindians are now present throughout the national public service, because of the Hinterland Education Scholarship Fund that has been producing doctors, nurses, Agri scientists, Information Communication Technology specialists, engineers, teachers, and other trained persons.

So, for all the incessant and meaningless bleats from those Jeremiahs and naysayers, this is the formidability of a microcosm, as alluded above, of the astounding development record and successes of the PPP/C government. This is what the people of this country has experienced since the PPP/C government has been in office – better living and more secured lives, socio-economically.

This is the government’s shining record of achievement, for and on behalf of the Guyanese people. And this is why the latter will again re-affirmed their faith in this government, on May 11.

the world in general, I discovered that after all, one was not entitled to utter statements about others, particularly those that were designed to defame that person, thus bringing character and reputation into disrepute. In other words, making scandalous statements, that is concocting lies about a person, was an offence before the law, and those who infringed could be taken to court. If found guilty, these “free speechers” were severely sanctioned by law.

I observed that the latter course of action was particularly commonplace in the United States.

In Guyana, this particular fact was once again highlighted in the Court of Appeal’s decision on the Dr. Walter Ramsahoye’s libel suit against the Kaieteur News and its publisher.

So grievous was the libel found to be to the eminent

physician’s person, character and reputation, that the sum initially awarded in the former High Court judgement, was in fact trebled by the Appellate Court.

This is the penalty for uttering falsehoods about persons, and has been awarded against a publishing house that has developed a reputation for defaming the characters of anyone, with whom it has a difference.

I hope that this judgment, when read by citizens, especially those who have lived with this quite erroneous understanding of speech, will finally understand that there is a grave responsibility that goes with both written and verbal expressions, and that there are legal limitations.

As to whether Mr. Lall will finally get the legal message, is left to be seen.

Peter Boston

Government housing programme visionary Dear Editor, As one who has benefitted from the PPP/C government’s housing programme, I cannot, in enough words, describe the peace, satisfaction, and deep comfort that such an achievement has brought to me and my family.

I am now paying a mortgage on a comfortable three bedroom home that family and I combined to design; and we are paying this mortgage as a family combination, which means that the time factor will be more than halved.

It is with a sense of pride and achievement that I can observe my family, living in an environment of peace and happiness.

For we have had the very unpleasant experience of

having to live, for some time, with far-off family members. It was not very nice to even repeat what it used to be, as is the case mostly with such situations.

But the government, through its visionary initiative of ensuring the housing of the nation, has enabled a working class Guyanese like me, to secure a shelter for my family.

The thousands, who have benefitted from this programme, would have never been able to do so, at such generous terms of low interest mortgages, had it not been for what the government has done.

I am very grateful.

Roger Thorne

Email letters to: ginagovgy@gmail.com

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

10th Parliament was a major disappointment compared with achievements of previous two

7

-Dr. Luncheon

Flashback March 2014: Opposition’s Chief Whip and shadow education minister, Amna Ally was the only Opposition member to listen to Minister of Education Priya Manickchand’s presentation on the National Budget. Her colleagues walked out of the National Assembly when the Education Minister stood up to make her contribution.

AS Guyana prepares to go into the 11th Parliament with elections slated for May 11, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon said for most Guyanese the 10th Parliament was a disappointment given the achievements made over the last two terms under the Bharrat Jagdeo government.

During an appearance on the National Communications Network’s “Political Scope” programme, Dr. Luncheon said it was disappointing for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration, and it is his belief that it was so for all Guyanese.

“It was kind of a disappointment in retrospect.

One might ask the question, did we expect too much in the context of the novelty of the 10th Parliament? You would recall that in the 10th Parliament for the first time in the legislative history in the post-independence Guyana, we had a governing party without a plurality in parliament.”

Dr. Luncheon pointed out that the hybrid Westminster model that Guyana inherited has been continuing. It has been something new to Guyana, and impacting to the country’s development.

“The PPP/C government did not have a plurality in parliament, and that novelty was so impactful on the developments in

the 10th Parliament that I goodwill, the ambitions would not hesitate in say- and expectation of citizens ing more than any other were frittered away. factor that it has contrib“…And President uted to what seems practically unalterable, the early demise of the 10th Parliament.”

He added that under this new one-seat majority, the opposition somehow did not have a clear understanding of the separation of powers.

“Fundamental to parliamentary democracies, the constitution, whether written or unwritten, and some clear understanding about separation of powers, somewhere along the line, the opposition in the 10th Parliament totally misconstrued, and this is notwithstanding efforts at all conceivable level, to correct this misconception, but they (the opposition parties) held fast to this misconception about separation of powers and they acted.”

As a result, Dr. Luncheon said the opposition’s entire thesis was that the parliamentary oneseat majority essentially replaced the executive government.

He added that though they themselves recognised the inherent fallacy of that argument, they found irresistible the lure that they imagine that they had where power was concerned, and inevitably parliamentary gridlock arose, and along the way, the

(Donald) Ramotar had no option, but at the penultimate moment, to make that decision that sees us

ultimately going into May 11 General and Regional Elections.”

Nonetheless, in going forward, the Cabinet Secretary said the experiences of the 10th Parliament cannot be totally rejected, abandoned and discounted.

“I want to believe that inherent in those experiences are the cords of what is needed to take this country on its new trajectory.”

In essence, Dr. Luncheon said he sees the 11th Parliament and the definitive approach to the resolution to those issues that languished in the 10th parliament and will turn up

in the 11th parliamentary agenda to be dealt with by the representatives of the people who are elected to be one of the foremost objectives of the 11th Parliament. “… moving forward we have to embrace additional resources, human resources, technology, in propelling Guyana forward, and to the extent that there are elements and segments in our society that are not maximally involved in this effort in the development of Guyana, they have to be brought onboard.”

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Walter Rodney COI completes seventh session

TESTIMONIES from the most critical witness for the hearing, Donald Rodney, who was in the car with his brother, late Dr. Walter Rodney, when it exploded, wrapped up the seventh session of public hearing into the death of the late historian.

This seventh session ran from January 26 to January 30 at the Supreme Court

and Walter in making, collecting or detonating explosives or explosive devices, but recalled meeting Smith, who was attached to the GDF’s Marine Wing (Coast Guard), at least seven times for various reasons, including testing the device on Sussex Street, on that fateful night of June 13. On that night, Donald recalled parking his car at Russell

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee with Counsel for the Rodney COI, Latchmie Rahamat Law Library building. In addition to hearing from the only eye witness of the incidents, the Commissioner also heard for the first time from Minister of Home Affairs and People’s Progressive Party Civic General Secretary Clement Rohee and Former Guyana Police Force (GPL) and Rastafarian Mark Britton. Reentering the witness stand was self-confessed doubleagent, Robert Allen Gates, and Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopaul.

Donald Rodney, who took the stands on Friday, January 30, told the Commissioners that his brother was killed, when a walkietalkie, supplied by a then Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier, Gregory Smith, exploded during what was supposed to be a test run, near the country’s major jail, the Camp Street Prison. WPA Co-Founder, Eusi Kwayana, and another of Walter’s brother, Eddie, have previously testified that Rodney had been acquiring walkie-talkies to communicate with party members and activists, during their opposition to the then People’s National Congress (PNC)-led administration of the late Forbes Burnham.

Donald told the Commissioners that he was introduced to Gregory Smith by his brother, as someone who could make walkie-talkies.

He made it clear that he was never involved with Smith

and Howes Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, and proceeding to Smith’s home on Russell Street, about 7:35 PM. “My purpose was to collect the walkie-talkie from Gregory Smith on behalf of Walter…the purpose of the walkie-talkie was to test it. That is what I understood at the time when I arrived at Gregory Smith,” he said. He said that Smith was surprised at seeing him, and asked for Walter, who he informed “was outside.”

He explained that Smith told him that the purpose of the testing on this occasion was to see the effect of the test, “what was the effect of the expansive metal on the Camp Street Georgetown Prison walls.”

“After that, he did in fact come forward with a package. The package consisted of a wooden box inside of a paper bag. One could see if he had the opportunity, a wooden box protruding outside the paper bag…At that stage, as part of giving it to me he indicated there was a switch, and I believe that the switch was on the right side and he indicated that the tests were to be in two parts or two places. And the first place, the unit was already set to that position. At the second place, you will need to turn the knob to a second position,” he said.

Six assassination plots Gates having previously testified on June 5, 6, 23 and

24, 2014, took the stands on January 25, revealing for the first time that he was given large sums of money to fund ‘moles’ or informant from within the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). He also recalled the conspiracy by the WPA to overthrow the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime and the PNC in turn plotting to kill members of the WPA. Gates told the Commissioners that he was aware of six plots to kill people. Four of those he remembers as Dr. Rodney, D. Roopnarine, and WPA activists Ohene Koama and Dublin. “I know the State wanted them killed. All were successful.

Only exception was Roopnarine because I let him go”, Gates said.

Gates had earlier testified that his own life came

on Smith, as when anyone is involved in activities for the State, it is important that counter-surveillance methods be put in place, that he doesn’t talk to the wrong people, and he wouldn’t give out any information on whatever activity he was involved in”, Gates said.

The testimony of the former Police Constable came under intense scrutiny, the following day, as Commissioners and Attorney representing various interests at the Dr. Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry sought to ascertain the truth.

Widespread dissatisfaction with Burnham’s policies and programmes Mark Britton, who took the stands on January 28, testified of the atmosphere of dissatisfaction by the

Donald Rodney (right) shares a light moment with COI Counsel Latchmie Rahamat under threat, after he failed to execute plans to killed Dr. Roopnarine. Gates was given instructions to replace the magazine in a gun to be used by Dr. Roopnarine with a faulty magazine that would have exploded, killing Roopnarine instantly. “I failed, refused or neglected to carry out my duties and that’s why Roopnarine escaped the State’s killing plot. He knows that and he owes me his life,” Gates said.

The Commissioner also hard that Former GDF Chief of Staff, Norman MacLean known by Code Name “Moon River” had given a former Guyana Police Force Officer, Ashton Barker, instructions to travel to Suriname to keep tabs on murder accused sergeant, Gregory Smith. “Ashton was a relative, and I thought it best for my own security to communicate with people like him. He told me he was going to Cayenne (French Guiana) and what he was going to do. Normal security precaution to keep tab

masses with the Late PNC leader. The 59-year old Britton, who during the time under examination was just about 24 years old, told the Commissioners that the 1978 to 1980 period was viewed as harsh by the masses.

“Ordinary workers, at that time had concerns about his policies and restrictions, and came to the conclusion that Burnham did not know what he was doing and was causing problems with the US”, Britton said.

Britton also revealed that he was asked to locate a firing range for the WPA. He stated that a plot of family land at Yarakabra was located for the party, in exchange for a weapon for his protection. However the plan fell through, at which time he was instructed to lie low, and so he decided to migrate to Aruba.

‘Never-before-seen’ violence, terror General Secretary of the PPP/C, Clement Rohee testified on Thursday,

-sole eyewitness testifies

January 29. He spoke of the discriminatory policies of the PNC regime that led to its supporters and many other Guyanese resisting the PNC rule. “Bureaucratic and parasitic bourgeoisie”

Dr. Gopaul told the COI that at the public meeting, none of the speakers who preceded Dr. Rodney were interrupted or harassed.

But as Dr. Rodney was being invited to the micro-

Robert Gates were oppressing the working-class, Minister Rohee said. Referencing the PNC administration, he said, that “They were like parasites, feeding” on the State and its resources.”

Minister Rohee also confirmed evidence that was corroborated by several other socials and political activists, who testified at the commission since its formal hearing began in 2014, of the state-sponsored House of Israel brutality against persons.

Also on January 29, Labour Minister Gopaul, during his cross examination said that Dr. Rodney was a victim of raw violence meted out by state agents.

Dr Gopaul, during his recollection of the use of the state machinery during the 1978 and 1980 period, told the Commissioners of the use of Guyana Police Force ranks to dismantle WPA meetings, in addition to the use of private enforcers, namely members of the infamous House of Israel, led by US fugitive, Rabbi Washington.

Led in his Evidencein-Chief by COI Counsel, Latchmie Rahamat, Dr Gopaul said, “I have not witnessed violence of that nature before unleashed on Guyanese by members of the Guyana Police Force,” even as he implicated the House of Israel. The Labour Minister, in his submission to the COI and under cross-examination, spoke of a massive WPA public meeting which was held at the Bourda Mall, where Dr. Rodney, the now slain Party Leader was targeted for violence, specifically by the police.

phone to speak, the crowd erupted with chants of “People’s Power!” “People’s Power!” “No Dictator!”

According to Dr. Gopaul, it was at this time that the police ranks moved in and grabbed the microphone from Dr. Rodney, but the ever-rebellious Dr. Rodney, using a large cardboard, folded in the shape of a funnel, proceeded to use it as a loudspeaker to continue to address the crowd which had gathered.

According to Dr. Gopaul, the police then began lobbing canisters of tear gas indiscriminately, causing people to scatter. In his mind, Dr. Rodney had been a clear target of “raw violence”, as there was no mistaking that the state was after him.

Donald Rodney will proceed further with his testimony, when the eighth round of hearing begins in mid-February. Dr. Walter Rodney was killed instanteously on the evening of Friday, June 13, 1980, when a bomb exploded, on John Street, in the vicinity of the Camp Street Prison.

Since the death of the WPA co-founder and political stalwart, fingers have been pointed in the direction of the PNC, accused it of using electronic experts and Army Sergeant William Gregory Smith to plant a bomb in a walkie-talkie, a device that was reportedly in the interest of the historian.

Government in 2014 set up the Commission of Inquiry to bring resolution to the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Walter Rodney.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

“Hold fast to lessons learnt from Lusignan massacre and beware of those who seek to politicise event”

AS has been the norm ever since the horrendous incident, the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) hosted a commemorative observance, at Grass Field, Lusignan in honour of those murdered, during the Lusignan massacre of January 26, 2008.

Eleven (11) persons were cold bloodedly killed, as they slept in their homes, when gunmen invaded the homes of five families. Murdered were Clarence Thomas, 48; Vanessa Thomas, 12; Ron Thomas, 11; Mohandan Goordat, 32; Seegopaul Harilall, 10; Seegobin Harilall, 4; Dhanwajie Ramsingh, 52; Seecharran Rooplall, 56; Raywattie Ramsingh, 11; Shazam Mohammed, 22; and Shaleem Baksh, 52.

Chairperson of the event, IAC Executive Member Neaz Subhan said the event is held yearly to ensure that the memories of the horrific incident will not be banished into the dustbins of history, as many would wish. He said the IAC will keep the event alive as each commemoration ceremony is done in consultation with the families who lost their loved ones.

Subhan also saluted the resilience shown by the families, who have become a beacon of inspiration to all Guyanese, “having been forced to endure such atrocities by heartless gunmen.”

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who was also present, took time to offer words of encouragement to the family and friends of the 11 victims. The minister reiterated the importance for citizens to hold fast to the lessons learnt from the incident.

What is unfortunate seven years later, Minister Nandlall said, is the fact that the wounds are reopened afresh by those who seek to politicise such a horrible event for their own political gains.

“To my horror, I saw in a newspaper in this country, a political advertisement, an

advertisement from a political party that used this tragedy, where innocent children and their parents were slaughtered while they were asleep, and made that the subject of a political advertisement for election.”

Deeming the advertisement an insensitive one at such a time when the wounds would be reopened, Minister Nandlall said it is unbelievable, coming from a group which is aspiring to take the leadership of Guyana.

The minister called on citizens to use this tragedy to derive some knowledge so that no other commu-

who were slaughtered in 2008 are among the poorest in our country.”

He added that it was clear that those who carried out the act had a clear motive for definite reason.

Further Minister Nandlall urged all to continue to celebrate the lives and legacies of those slain, as he encouraged the IAC that events like these are to be made bigger, with the aim of giving support to the families.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill who also attended the event called on all Guyanese to beware of those who

A section of the gathering at the memorial ceremony to mark the 7th anniversary of the Lusignan massacre nity will ever suffer the fate of what transpired seven years ago. The minister also sought to point out the role some of these leaders played in having those charged for the crimes acquitted in the courts.

“Many, many lessons are to be learnt from this tragedy, and if we are to properly commemorate, respect, and perpetuate the memories the legacy and lives of those who perished on that fateful day, then it is incumbent on us to ensure that we learn from those tragedies so that those lives would not have been snuffed out in vain,” the Attorney General stated.

“What happened here demonstrated without a shadow of a doubt that crime, when it raises its ugly head amongst us, and in our communities, is not necessarily crime driven by a criminal motive, this community here and the people

seek to justify that which is unjustifiable as, “No amount of justification by anyone, no amount of seeking to re-write history can change the fact that a wrong was done. What happened here in Lusignan was wrong, it will always be wrong and nobody can change the fact that it was wrong.”

He noted that all Guyanese must be reminded that there were those who condemned the act, but there were some who sought to justify it, as though the victims had done something to deserve what they received.

“People with political agendas should not pounce and seek to send messages by hurting innocent people.”

Minister Edghill called on Guyanese to reflect on some incidents that unfolded immediately after the act, as there are critical lessons in moving forward.

“We must not forget that among those, who defended

9

- AG urges at 7th anniversary memorial

those who were charged and were considered culpable of the crime that took place here, among those are some of the same people, who want to come to tell us that they would like to be leaders of Guyana.”

Speaking of some of the lessons that should be drawn from this horrific incident, Minister Edghill pointed to the fact that while there were some who offered their support to the wrong doers, the administration did everything in its power to bring the perpetrators to justice and to ensure that history will not repeat itself.

“We still have issues of crime and security in our country, but we must never mix and confuse the difference between regular crime and robbery, as against what took place here in Lusignan.”

Describing the act that occurred in the East Coast village as a ‘race hate crime,’ Minister Edghill

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, addressing the gathering noted that this incident did not see the collapse of Guyana, but instead all citizens held together.

“Once there is mature leadership, once there is a mature response we will overcome, and we will continue to go forward.”

The residents of Lusignan were also urged to reject every attempt to divide the nation, communities, and to

“put a fence” around communities to ensure that hatemongers and race baiters do not find accommodation.

Meanwhile, as is customary, representatives from the three main religions were given the opportunity to offer words of comfort and prayers, as persons sang songs of hope and offered words of encouragement.

Sase Gunraj sworn-in as new PPP Commissioner at GECOM THE People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) nominee to the post of Elections Commissioner, Attorney-atLaw Sase Rabindranauth Gunraj, was formally sworn in by President Donald Ramotar. The occasion was at the Office of the President, on Tuesday, February 3.

The Head of State, in brief remarks, said that Gunraj fills a post vacated as a result of the resignation of former appointee Dr. Keshav ‘Bud’ Mangal, due to ill-health. “It is important that this vacancy be filled quickly, because of the fact that we are going towards elections. This job has now been completed”.

The President added that the new commissioner will make a valuable contribu-

Newly appointed PPP GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj receiving his formal appointment letter from President Donald Ramotar tion at this point in time, and wished him well.

The PPP/C representative on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) acknowledged that he was joining the organisation at a crucial time, particularly since elections are due in a few months.

“I am prepared to (proverbially) hit the ground running and make my contribution in the best way possible, to the holding of successful elections in May and thereafter, as the need arises at the commission.”

He also promised to adhere to his oath of office.

10

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President urges GDF officers to conduct themselves professionally

COMMANDER-inChief President Donald Ramotar has called on the senior ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), many of whom were recently promoted, to remember the sacrifices made for them by others such as family members, and not to disappoint them.

Delivering the feature address at the GDF’s Annual Officers’ Conference at Base Camp Ayanganna, the president reminded the senior ranks that the world is now more inter-connected, and hence Guyana is affected by international events.

Mention was made of the financial woes facing the European Union, the growing threats of terrorism and prevailing issues in the Caribbean region, such as crimes and the illicit drug trade. The regional issues are aggravated by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and earth quakes, the president noted. “We in Guyana have been spared the worst of these crises by good governance of our socio-economic sector.”

The fact the Guyana has experienced positive economic growth and an increase in the provision of social services, with gains in advancing the achievement of several Millennium Development Goals was noted by President Ramotar. He said however, that more could have been achieved were it not for the challenges faced by the composition of the 10th Parliament, a situation that the upcoming General Elections, he is positive will resolve. “I have every confidence in the collective intelligence of the Guyanese people. I therefore know they will support peace, progress and prosperity.”

President Ramotar also noted that the role of armies has been changing as they contribute more to national development and also highlighted the assistance given to regular law enforcement.

The threats posed by other

Commander-in- Chief, President Donald Ramotar (center) with officers at the Guyana Defence Force’s Annual Officers’ Conference challenges like climate change will require that everyone play their part, the president noted. “These things our army must begin to think about, to help to begin to prepare for them and if it becomes necessary, for their intervention, they will not be taken by surprise.”

Increased spending to capitalise various departments of the military was also mentioned by the president, who further stressed the need for greater efficiency, collaboration, synergies between the joint services, and care of equipment.

The president urged the GDF officers to conduct themselves professionally,

especially during the General Elections period. “It is such conduct that will bring glory… greater credibility to the disciplined forces in general and the army in particular. We want all of our people to feel secure within our borders. All of the investments in the economy by the state and the private sector must be secured and allow production to increase”.

As Guyana prepares for General Elections, the president expressed the hope that peace and good sense would prevail, even as contesting political parties and their supporters “as is their democratic right, vigorously conduct their campaigns.”

He further stated that “forces of reaction and fragmentation must not be allowed to fester in our society. Any attempt to create a feeling of insecurity and fear among citizens, based on rumour or ‘gutter’ politics must be frowned upon, and action taken by the security forces to arrest any such tendency, by the application of the full weight of the laws and the constitution.”

Noting that the GDF is a non-partisan organisation, he warned that while its staff y may vote as they please, none should participate in propaganda or militancy, but seek to carry out their job as stated by the constitution, and respect

the legitimate outcome of the May 11 Elections.

Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Colonel Mark Phillips, in his remarks, said that, in keeping with this year’s theme, “Towards Greater Operational Readiness for National Defence,” readiness is the goal of all training. The GDF Head said that “As military men and women, we must master the art of training development and recognise the importance of performance-based training. This is because the measure of our military professionalism remains our success in military operations, whether deployed on our frontiers or in support of our civilian authorities, operating in a joint

services or inter-agency setting.”

Greater operational readiness involves building greater partnerships with stakeholders such as private sector agencies in the national security domain, he added. The GDF’s ranks, Brigadier Phillips said, are involved in a variety of tasks, “with our national interest being the security and survival of the state, the pursuit of the social and economic development of our people, and the need to strengthen the infrastructure of national institutions and the mechanisms for national unity.”

He further added that the army remains fully aware of the external threats to Guyana’s existence as a state, and will continue to contribute to local development, diplomatic initiatives and remain committed to safeguarding Guyana’s democracy.

The Chief-of-Staff and the president later unveiled the GDF’s 50th Anniversary Calendar and 50th Anniversary Stamp, as part of the force’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Gold declaration decreased by almost 20 percent last year

THE Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has confirmed an almost 20 percent drop in gold declaration by miners in 2014. The board’s new general manager Lisaveta Ramotar disclosed that the national declaration for gold in 2014 declined by a significant 19.45 percent, when compared with the amount produced in 2013. Total gold declaration was recorded as 387, 508.42 ounces for 2014.

Also falling, was the quality of the gold purchased by the GGB. This fell by 40.15 percent in 2014, when compared with 2013, Ramotar said.

On the positive side, dealers’ quantity of gold exported increased by 14.67 percent, she said.

On the other hand, GGB’s

quantity of gold exported fell by 40.26 percent between 2013 and 2014, she added.

Overall, the quantity of gold exported for the two periods being compared were down by 20.07 percent. The value of gold exported by dealers increased by 15.14 percent, while the revenue garnered by the GGB decreased by 43.48 percent, during the comparative periods. Total revenue for the two comparative time periods fell by 21.87 percent.

Ramotar listed poor risk management as being central among the challenges experienced by the GGB in 2014. She said management of gold price fluctuations was ineffective.

Looking forward, she

said that this year, the board will prioritise the following objectives: effective laboratory operation, stronger internal audit culture and financial control, and importantly, improving its financial risk management. The Board will also be re-opening its Bartica operation.

Ramotar explained that the 2015 work plan towards effective laboratory operation will focus on diagnosis of current defects with Mercury Abatement System and implementation of recommendations. There will also be the formalisation of training of laboratory technicians, re-tooling of laboratories, introducing modern equipment for efficient functioning, digitising of density computations, improving of secu-

rity system for laboratory, introducing of a new GPS system with stronger security features, and added functionality and integrated reporting capability.

Towards improving finances in 2015, she said that the goal will be on improving operational efficiency by segregation of the financial and operational function, on the introduction of efficient accounting system and on upgrading of the accounting system in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

In 2015, to strengthen its internal audit, the GGB will ensure: quarterly revision of Standard Operating Procedures for all laboratory staff; the improvement in risk identification through quarterly assessment; revi-

sion of procurement function within the organisation; quarterly review of financial performance; full transition from a monthly audit reporting to activity reporting; and audit of dealers transactions via site visits, Ramotar said.

To support stronger compliance, there will be the collaboration with Internal Audit to conduct full review of all dealers and agents when necessary, training of dealers and staff with regard to Anti-Money Laundering activities and the operationalisation of new reporting requirements.

There will also be collaboration with GGMC to garner information on mining potential and follow up with miners on declaration, she said.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

GFS now equipped to train ranks as fire and rescue operatives

MINISTER of Home Affairs Clement Rohee on Monday January 26 declared open the $139M Guyana Fire Service’s (GFS’s) training complex, located in the Leonora Fire Service’s compound.

The minister noted that the facility is testimony to the government’s commitment to modernise the GFS, transforming it to one that is a fully fledged fire and rescue service, and one which offers a variety of emergency services to the citizens of Guyana. He said, “It is very disappointing though that there are a few persons who have vested interest in stymieing the modernising process of this important disciplined service.”

However, he said that the government cannot continue to deny the citizens access to better emergency services such as an ambulance service, rescue from vehicles involved in accidents, collapsed buildings and structures, and other services that the GFS undertakes.

Since its ascension to office in 1992, govern-

11

-$139M complex opens in Leonora

Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee delivering his address at the commissioning ment has constructed nine Leonora. Training was also new fire stations, eight liv- done on an ad-hoc basis at ing quarters, and renovated fire stations, because there other buildings. Addition- was no established facility ally, it has provided 46 fire to undertake training. tenders, five aircraft and Since then, the GFS rescue tenders, 1 hydraulic has established working platform, three all- terrain relationships with the Cartenders, two trailer pumps, ibbean Fire Service, the four water bowsers and French Guiana Fire Serfour ambulances. vice, Gloucestershire Fire Over 168 ranks were and Rescue Service, and also exposed to overseas the Severn Park Fire and training, and the strength Rescue Training Center, of the service grew from and has benefited from 368 to 511 during that positive initiatives from period. these relationships, in the Minister Rohee noted form of training and exthat prior to 1992, the GFS change visits. was operating from two fire “The ministry and the stations, one fire tender and Guyana Fire Service have a pick up vehicle in George- realised that there is the town, and three other op- need for a new approach to erational stations at New modernise the service and Amsterdam, Timehri and has just completed a new

five-year strategic plan, to bring the service up-to-date with the modern methods of a fire and rescue service.

These are just a few highlights of the government’s commitment to make our citizens safer,” the minister emphasised.

He urged the residents to assist the service in its quest to make the country safer.

Meanwhile Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle expressed gratitude to the government

for this initiative, noting that it will be developed into the only state-of-theart fire training complex in the Caribbean. He said that the complex has received great reviews from its partners and will be willing to facilitate other smaller states interested in using it.

The head noted that “… the facility has already surpassed its expectations, in that initially it was only able to accommodate 60 persons at any one time,

and yet it successfully accommodated close to 100 students, and this is quite significant.”

He noted that the fire service must be cognisant of the pace of development in Guyana, as this will dictate the pace at which it will be rolling out its services. He stated that a fire station is currently being constructed at La Grange and will become operational soon.

The Guyana Fire Service training complex at Leonora

93 young recruits boost capacity of GFS

THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Monday, January 26, gradated 93 males and females, after they successfully completed three months of intense training, at the service’s newly constructed training complex, at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

The young recruits were exposed to both theoretical and practical skills throughout their training.

Some of the areas covered were the organisation’s structure and the Standing Order of the service, discipline, fire service equipment and their operations, fire behaviour and discipline, and other practical aspects.

Clive McDonald Station Officer noted that

much emphasis was placed on the fire fighting skills and capability of fire fighters, thus enabling them to save lives and minimise the loss due to destruction by fire.

He said that one of the major challenges encountered was the recruits’ ability to comprehend fundamental principles, associated with the operations of the fire service. He explained though that with much dedication and help from the staff, they all endeavoured and strove for excellence.

Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, also present, said that this event was historic, in that it marked the graduation ceremony for the first set of recruits to receive training,

Some of the new Guyana Fire Service recruits under the Fire Service’s Training Facility.

He urged the recruits therefore to exercise discipline, commitment, dedication, honesty and courage, as they execute their

duties. Minister Rohee also charged them to work hard and be proficient in their skills and abilities, as these are necessary for the execution of their daily duties.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle mentioned the importance of training, in light of the fire service, moving in the direction of taking its place as the premier emergency response

service in Guyana. “I say to you, the recruits, that your task is a noble one, and your functions are simple … first to save lives and then to protect property from destruction by fires,’ Gentle told the recruits.

He also cautioned the new recruits about the many criticisms that may come their way on a daily bases, and urged them to use those to propel them to do their best at all times.

Awards were also presented for the Most Improved Student, Celborne Rodney; Best Practical Knowledge Student, Kawise Rice; Best Drill Student, Roderick Hamilton; Best Runner- up Student, Grace Paul; and Best Student, Trevor Fraser.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Engineers urged to focus on getting better results

PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds implored those attending the Ministry of Public Works’ fifth Engineering Conference, of the importance of the role they play, in national development, as he pointed out the importance of engineering solutions.

The conference was held on Thursday, February 5, under the theme “Defending Guyana’s Development with Engineering Solutions” at the Guyana International Conference Centre.

Prime Minister Hinds urged national and other engineers that they should use the conference as a means of building network, with a focus on doing better engineering and getting better engineering results.

“We are called as engineers, and I think all Guyanese citizens are called to position themselves in

-at Works Ministry’s 5th Engineering Conference

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds as he declared the 5th Engineering Conference open at the Guyana International Conference Centre Guyana, and be good for Guyana, and this is a significant challenge for us.”

The gathering was also reminded that engineering solutions are not ends to society, but most importantly, they meet the needs of all societies.

Meanwhile, in his address, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn noted his pleasure at being able to

host the conference at such an ‘unusual time’.

“The environment in which we operate has been strained at the political level and at the level of the media, in respect of things we attempt and want to do in the development of our country, and we want always to take the opportunity to set the record straight with respect to our

mission.”

Minister Benn also pointed out that it is imperative to examine the role engineers play, the successes, and failures and how people can improve themselves with respect to the delivery of critical national projects.

He said it is with good intention that the conference is set out to review,

Kurupukari, Mabura and Linden.

The media was advised before of the status of the Lethem to Georgetown cable, (with Government’s quoting of the engineer, who studied the existing layout,) that there was need for a significant

–Head, Presidential Secretariat

do the rectification.

Dr. Luncheon said that the number one option that is on the table right now is for Government to work with an external party. He said that the parties are still in discussions, and as such, he is not at liberty to give

critical developmental projects, specifically the East Bank and East Coast roadwidening projects, much has still been accomplished.

Minister Benn said in going forward, irrespective of the outcome of the upcoming elections, all national development projects must go forward.

“Irrespective of the new results of the new attempts

A section of the gathering at the 5th Engineering conference

Gov’t set to correct fibre optic cable defects REPAIRS to the high speed fibre optic network, spanning Lethem to Georgetown, will be facilitated by Government in partnership with an external party. Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon made this disclosure, while addressing the media, at a post-Cabinet briefing, at the Office of the President.

In 2011, Government began the installation of infrastructure networks, inclusive of fibre optic cables and twin tracks, for the realisation of high speed delivery of e-Government content and internet products across the country.

The project comprises three components: high speed fibre optic back haul network connecting Moleson Creek to Anna Regina, working in connection with a data centre for the development of e-Government content with high speed wireless access using a 4G network. The third component is another high speed fibre optic network spanning Lethem to Georgetown, but with drop-off sites in Lethem, Annai,

assess, critique, and consult on issues, which relate to engineering construction, civil construction, and the impact, and the role of engineering in the development of Guyana, particularly as it relates to the ministry.

Further, the minister noted that since taking up responsibility for the sector, he is pleased with the growth he has witnessed

Government’s E-Governance project started in late 2009, with a concept that was designed over 18 months, but actual work on the programme began in late 2011. The project allows for a 4G network cloud system, that will serve as the premier data centre for all Government information and for the provision to Guyanese and local businesses of faster and more efficient internet access.

The cables will hook up Government entities across the country, providing them internet accessibility for activities such as video Flashback 2012: Contractors from Dax Engineer- conferencing and docuing laying the fibre optic cable at the Wisroc ment signing, via electronic Junction, Linden, Region 10 signatures, hence precluding the need for hinterland number of defects to be more details at this time. or far off residents to travel corrected along the instal- He did, however, note that long distances to access lation, spanning Lethem to work will be done to com- same.

Georgetown, Dr. Luncheon pletely rehabilitate and Recipients of Governreminded. restore the defected cable ment’s One Laptop Per He said that two pro- to serviceability, and that Family (OLPF) initiative posals for the repairs to the under those conditions, the are also set to benefit, as cables were placed before partner to be identified will well as students, espeGovernment; one is that be provided with a con- cially from the electronic Government itself move to sideration, appropriate to library that will be creatdo the correction; or that the expenditure, that they ed, utilising open software Government, in conjunc- would be incurring in cor- from the e-Governance tion with external parties, recting the defects. programme.

over the years, particularly the growth seen among engineers.

He stated that the task of his ministry, along with engineers, goes beyond the normal maintenance of public roads and bridges, miscellaneous roads, hinterland roads, and aerodromes, all of which he said bring betterment to people.

The minister also took the opportunity to shed light on some critical development projects, which will see Guyana advancing tremendously.

Making reference of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project and the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric project, Minster Benn explained the urgency with which these projects needed to be completed, as they both have far-reaching benefits for Guyana and its people.

He added that while these projects have been met with many obstacles, it is important for engineers, as their work is very critical to ensuring the continued growth and development in the country overall.

However, while admitting that there have been some slippages, as it relates to timely delivery on some

for a renewed mandate in Parliament, irrespective of the result of the upcoming elections, the national imperative projects have to go forward, and on our side, beyond initiating these projects, we see ourselves as being solidly behind these projects.”

He further urged the engineers and consultants present, to continue the good work with the aim of finding appropriate engineering solutions, to work harder and smarter to solve these problems, while optimising expenditure of money and resources in their work.

He also called on them not to be distracted by the ongoing debates in the media and other places, on how the country should be developed.

Meanwhile the conference dealt with topics such as current design and implementation challenges of road projects on coastlands, improved approach to achieving infrastructural development, imperatives for public transportation reform, and multi stakeholders’ approaches to air transportation.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

13

Gov’t wins multi-million dollar judgment against Surendra for Specialty Hospital JUDGMENT has been granted in favour of the Government of Guyana in its case against Surendra Engineering, with regard to the construction of the Specialty Hospital.

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health, on September 14, 2012, entered into a contract with Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited, a limited liability company incorporated in India and registered in Guyana. Under the contract it was agreed that the company would provide services in relation to designing, building, equipping, testing, delivering, installing, completing and commissioning certain facilities for the Surgical Specialty hos-

pital, in Turkeyen, Georgetown. The consideration or cost of the contract was US$18,180,000.

According to Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, on December 27, 2012, Surendra Engineering was given an advanced payment of 20 percent of the contract price, which amounted to US$3,636,000, and on November 18, 2013, an additional payment of US$649,440. He explained that the company eventually failed to submit payment receipts to account for the advanced payment of US$4,285,440, and “instead, the company submitted fabricated, unsigned and inflated invoices, with

no evidence of actual payments made to support the expenditure claimed. In addition, the Advance Payment Guarantee expired on March 11, 2014, and the company failed to renew same in accordance with the terms of the contract.”

After being informed of the expiration of the Advance Payment Guarantee, Minister Nandlall said that Surendra Engineering Corporation then attempted to submit an Advance Payment Guarantee, Performance, Security and Insurance from a company in Trinidad and Tobago, called “Worldwide Bankers Re Company Ltd.” “However, pursuant to queries by the Government of Guyana, it was informed by the

Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago that “Worldwide Bankers Re Company Ltd.” is not a registered insurance company, under the Insurance Act of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Consequently, he said the Guyana Government terminated the contract on the grounds that Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited failed to renew/ provide the Advance Payment Guarantee, engaged in fraudulent practices, and failed to satisfactorily perform its obligations under the terms of the contract.

The AG noted that pursuant to the termination of the contract, the Government of Guyana, through his office on October 15, 2014, filed a Writ of Summons in

the Commercial Division of the High Court, naming Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited as the Defendant and claiming the following reliefs: damages in excess of G$100,000,000; special damages in the sum of US$4,285,440; interest at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of filing to the date of judgment and at the rate of 4% until fully paid; costs in the sum of US$10,714.50.

According to Minister Nandlall, after court officials were unable to locate the company’s locally registered address in Berbice, to effect service of the writ, notice of service was made in the Guyana Chronicle Newspapers on two consecutive occasions:

December 13, 2014; and December 20, 2014. The matter was set to be heard on January 21, 2015, in the Commercial Court, he added, “However, when the matter was called, no one appeared for or on behalf of the defendant’s company. The matter was called again on January 23, 2015, and once again no one appeared for or on behalf of the company.”

Government was then awarded judgment in its favour, the Attorney General revealed, “in terms of the special damages of US$4,285,440, which amounts to G$899,942,440 and interest thereon; and costs of US$10,714.50, which amounts to G$2,250,043.

Angoy’s Avenue receives electricity for first time IT was a happy day for residents of the New Amsterdam community of Angoy’s Avenue, also called Mount Sinai, when electricity, under the Unserved Areas Electrification Project (UAEP), became a reality.

For the 400 households or so in Angoy’s Avenue, where there was no electricity for decades, the project will drastically improve their lives.

Patricia, a resident of Timmer’s Dam, who has been living in the area for over 13 years, expressed happiness, after she received electricity for the first time in her home. She said that for years, she was living in darkness, and that “today thanks to the Government of Guyana, there is light.”

Bibi Ally, who has been in Angoy’s Avenue for over 20 years, also expressed gratitude to the Government, for this life changing initiative.

“I’m very happy to get the electricity and I thank the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. for implementing this project. I must say a special thanks to the Government, for all

the things they have done.

I will benefit a lot, because before I could not have used a microwave, neither a fridge. I had a solar that could have only pushed one light and the TV, so I am very happy. Now I can afford to have a washing machine and a microwave,” Ally said. She further stated that it will also allow her to save money, since she will now be able to purchase her groceries in bulk and store them in the refrigerator.

Prime Minster Samuel Hinds, Board Member GPL Carvil Duncan and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bharrat Dindyal, PPP/C Member of Parliament (MP) Faizal Jaffarally and Regional Chairman Permaul Armogan were among officials, who gathered to commission the $16M project at Timmer’s Dam, Angoy’s Avenue on Thursday, January 22.

During the year 1966, Angoy’s Avenue was taken over by the People’s National Congress, which at that time promised to establish a housing scheme, but failed to deliver. In 1992, when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) took office, the community

A young man is being lifted up by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds so he can flick the switch to operationalise Angoy’s Avenue electricity supply became Berbice’s largest squatting settlement, and thereafter the Government tried to regularise the area, but was blocked by the Cooperative society. However, Government still managed to develop the area, by providing critical drainage, water, roads, health and educational facilities.

Prior to the electrification programme, the community had the highest illegal connections of about 99 percent. During December

last year, GPL installed meters in 331 households, and applications are currently being processed for about 100.

Prime Minister Hinds noted that when the Government took office in 1992, only 30 percent of the households in Berbice had electricity. Through the implementation of the UAEP this situation changed.

He explained that because of the issue with the co-operative society, Government was not allowed to

do much for Agony’s Avenue, therefore the community could not have benefitted from this programme.

He explained further that during that time the UAEP programme was supported by small loans, and while Guyana was readily provided with those loans from other countries, today the country has developed at a place where it is no longer eligible for small grants and soft loans, so now Government has to find the resources.

Meanwhile, Duncan told the gathering, that providing electricity to every citizen is a priority for GPL. He said that despite the challenges, GPL stood by the residents of Angoy’s Avenue and ensured that the area was electrified.

Duncan urged them to pay their electricity bills and desist from stealing current.

MP Faizal Jaffarally also acknowledged the noticeable development in the community. He said that for too long the area had been stigmatised and he urged the community to work together to ensure its further development.

Chairman Armogan noted that in every village or community, electricity is a necessity, “it is not a privilege, it is a right that everyone must enjoy.” He said that this will not only allow for persons to live better lives, but the business community will also benefit, since the residents will now be able to purchase electrical appliances.

Other villages electrified under this UAEP include Number 76, Fort Ordnance, Glasgow and Bath settlement on the West Coast Berbice.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

BIT-Making a good name for Guyana

“BIT has been a big opportunity for me. It’s a big step for me. I will follow my dream and make a better life for me and for my family.”

Those were the words of Reginald Innis, who is today a heavy-duty machine operator after being trained under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) programme last year.

Although no man is really programmed to fail, many do end up in places of incompleteness and flop.

However, no decent government will allow this reality

vide vulnerable individuals with opportunities to gain some form of qualification in technical studies. In this regard, 2,736 persons across the country graduated in 2014, following training in several areas.

These persons were trained in various regions and out of these, females numbered 1,469, while males were at 1,267. They were drawn from all the regions, except Region Eight.

Training also consists of on-the-job training and exposure to life’s skills educational classes. The

BIT graduates from Kamarang, Region Seven

youths a second chance to a secure future. This pro-

A batch of single parents at their graduation (of missed goals and lost opportunities) to remain the ultimate destiny for those many ‘first-time missers.’

This is where BIT makes a good name for Guyana.

The training provided

by BIT, under both the Single Parents Programme and the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE), offers opportunities or at least “another chance” for youths to improve their skills and marketability.

BIT continues to pro-

youths targeted are usually between the ages of 15 and 25. Most of them do not have the requisite Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) qualifications to enter the job market, or may not have completed secondary education.

BIT has trained more than 8,000 people since its introduction in 2005. It was conceived by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, and aims at giving unemployed

gramme forms part of the fundamental principles of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration to ensure the equitable access to education by all Guyanese.

Many of these BIT students actually left school prematurely, and even though this could be considered a waste of free education, these young ones are not abandoned by Government. The BIT output is all about salvaging young lives, which otherwise

might just go astray.

The graduation ceremonies reveal how valuable BIT is, as some of the graduates usually tell of already receiving jobs such as Heavy-Duty Equipment operators, concrete-block makers, caterers, and cosmetologists. Many persons also gained skills in the areas of general catering, Information Technology, and Welding and Fabrication.

With Government’s continuing investment of millions of dollars for training skills for young people, inclusive of single parents and mothers, the target focus are those who completed school, but are without any solid academic qualification. This intervention

Of worthy note is the fact that most of the persons trained thus far are now with jobs in high skilled areas. For last year, in Region Ten, 18 persons were trained and have all been placed in jobs. In Region Nine, for the first time programmes were started, while in Region Seven, the Heavy-Duty Equipment operators were trained.

The large number of people trained for 2014 represents yet another huge block of youths being invested in.

In Region Two, 100 were trained; Region Three, 349; Region Four, 641; Region Five 343; Region Six there were 907; Region Seven, 138; Region Nine, 83; and Region 10

there were 175. These all reflect the emphasis now being placed on those who did not complete school in a satisfactory manner, or those who actually left before finishing. The important thing to note is that these various groups of young people from across Guyana needed to become employable in a meaningful and dignified manner, and BIT came to the fore At the end of their training, the participants were also given specialised kits and so they are now thinking ahead. They are making themselves gainfully employed more and more.

The provision of these skills-courses was seen as the opportunity to not only offer the youths and single parents a second chance, but to give the recipients the opportunity of working for themselves, rather than with others.

In addition to the skills-training, the recipients under training by BIT were also exposed to morality teachings and the basics of Mathematics and English. The programme consists of on-the-job training and exposure to life’s skills educational classes.

Items made by BIT graduates who completed training in garment construction

BIT graduates from Region Three

is conducted through BIT programmes, which provide opportunities for participants to be empowered with skills. The 2014 graduates have expressed their pleasure at being part of the workforce and to now be able to provide goods and services to their fellow Guyanese, to the point of even making some of them entrepreneurs.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

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Guyana offers a rare natural adventure...a Birder’s Paradise

“GUYANA, South America Undiscovered” is with over 877 species of birds; it is considered a birding hotspot and paradise, which has been described as “the top new neo-tropical birding destination and one of the best birding spots in the world”.

Whether you are watching spectacular macaws, magnificent toucans, or any other showy avian icons leisurely flying overhead, bird watching in Guyana is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Seemingly endless rainforests cover over 80% of the country, but there are plenty of other habitats, including savannah grasslands, mangroves and coastal swamps which harbour wildlife and over 877 migrant and resident species of birds.

Considered one of the last ‘major tropical wilderness areas,’ Guyana is where Upper Amazonia and the Guiana Shield meet, to create one of the most awe-inspiring and pristine of all terrestrial eco-regions in the world.

ceptional place to see butterflies in a virgin natural habitat. The abundance of key Morpho, Papilionidae, Heliconiidae and Pieridae species, found here, has led to the building of a butterfly farm at an Amerindian village, within the million-acre rainforest preserve of Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation.

For the experienced South American birder, the destination provides the prospect of looking for over 70 Guiana Shield endemics and other specialities; some of the highlight birds you can expect to see on your visit are the majestic Harpy Eagle, the elusive Rufouswinged Ground-cuckoo, rare White-winged Potoo, endangered Red Siskin and Sun Parakeet, fluorescent Guianan Cock-ofthe-Rock, the beautiful Toco Toucan, the Bloodcoloured Woodpecker, Crimson Fruitcrow, and the Guianan Red-Cotinga.

Unpretentious is how to best describe a visit to Guyana. Accommodations in Guyana’s interior are

Turquoise Tanager

Guyana’s diverse habitats provide sanctuary for an impressive array of fauna, many of which are endangered elsewhere in the world. Research has identified a staggering number of species in Guyana, including 225 of mammals, 880 species of reptiles and amphibians, more than 877 species of birds; it also is home to more than 6,500 plant species. Many believe hundreds, if not thousands of species remain undiscovered.

Guyana is also an ex-

intimate lodges; meals are enjoyed with the families who run them. Amerindian guides unveil the mysteries of the forests through finely tuned eyes and ears, vast and practical knowledge and stories that mix the harrowing with the comical.

Kaieteur National Park, home to Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest single-drop waterfall, has a basic lodge, where guests can overnight in solitude while watching hundreds of swifts return to roost be-

hind the falls.

Specialities found here include Guianan Cock-ofthe-Rock, Orange-breasted Falcon and White-chinned and White-tipped Swifts.

The Iwokrama Field Station is located within a million-acre rainforest preserve, where visitors can look for a range of specialities including the Bluecheeked Amazon, Marail Guan, Guianan Red-Cotinga and Rufous-throated Antbird. The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is 155m

Surama Eco-lodge provides easy access to some great forest, and the chance to see a nearby Harpy Eagle nest, two Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock leks, and the elusive Rufouswinged Ground-Cuckoo.

Caiman House is situated on the Rupununi River, and offers plenty of good savannah, gallery forest and river-edge birds, including the Pinnated Bittern, Greentailed Jacamar and Black-chinned Antbird.

Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock

long and reaches 30m above the ground. It provides uninterrupted views across the forest canopy, and of key birds such as the Waved Woodpecker, Dusky Purpletuft, Painted Parakeet and Whitewinged Potoo.

In southern Guyana, the Rock View Lodge offers a comfortable oasis nestled in the grassland savannahs at the base of the Pakaraima Mountains. This Lodge offers access to deciduous forest and grassland savannahs. Birds which can be seen nearby include the Brown-throated Parakeet, Finsch’s Euphonia, Cayenne Jay and the Doublestriped Thick-knee.

To immerse yourself in local indigenous culture, you can stay at an Amerindian village involved in community tourism. The

Arrowpoint Nature Resort is less than two hours from Georgetown, and offers specialities such as the Red-bellied Macaw, Crimson Topaz, Paradise Jacamar and the Pointtailed Palmcreeper.

The Karanambu Ranch is located on the Rupununi River. It is an excellent place to see the amazinglooking Capuchinbird and other specialities including the Bearded Tachuri, Crestless Curassow and the fantastically colourful Rose-breasted Chat, as well as the Giant Otter and Giant Anteater.

Dadanawa Ranch is located in the far south of Guyana. Special bird species include the highly endangered Red Siskin as well as the Guianan Cockof-the-Rock, Harpy Eagle and Jabiru Stork. The area

Green Honeycreeper

is also home to the Jaguar and Giant Anteater.

Shanklands Rainforest Resort sits on the east bank of the Essequibo. An extensive trail network allows visitors to look for a wide range of forest species including Black-spotted Barbet, Black-necked Aracari, Ferruginousbacked Antbird and Painted Tody-Flycatcher.

The Baganara Island Resort lies close to the junction of the mighty Essequibo and Mazaruni rivers. Birds found nearby include the Caica Parrot, Pygmy Antwren, Guianan Warbling Antbird and Spotted Antpitta.

The Botanical Garden is also an important Birding Area in Guyana; it has a land mass of 185 acres and an amazing over 189 bird species from 41 families. It is the only bird sanctuary to be located in the heart of a city!

Guyana is also a fantastic destination for anyone keen to see an impressive range and abundance of parrot species. Parrots flying overhead are a common sight throughout the country, and on a twoweek trip, it is entirely realistic to see at least twenty of the twenty-eight species found in Guyana.

At the Iwokrama Field Station, for example, the Blueand-yellow, Red-andgreen and Scarlet Macaws regularly give great views

around the lodge clearing, and there is an excellent chance of seeing the rangerestricted Blue-cheeked Amazon a few miles down the road.

A little further south, the bizarre-looking Redfan Parrot, as well as the Caica Parrot (a Guiana Shield endemic) can often be found at the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. Nearby, at Surama Eco-Lodge, the Dusky Parrot and Brownthroated Parakeet are regular visitors.

For the more intrepid visitor, a trip to the village of Karasabai provides the chance to see one of the last remaining populations of the highly endangered Sun Parakeet. This species is now totally protected in Guyana and the community is rightly proud of its small, but growing, flock of parakeets.

Guyana’s rainforests and biodiversity exist in a raw, primordial state, and immersion in this remote land is akin to stepping back in time to an undiscovered bastion of nature, wildlife, preserved Amerindian cultures and an inspiring, unassuming way of life.

Guyana offers a rare natural adventure, the awe of which can be life changing. Come and experience the magic of the rainforest in one of the earth’s most remote, beautiful and wild places.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Region Four…Georgetown

Georgetown, the nation’s capital city is definitely the epicenter of the many transformative changes underway throughout Guyana. Physically, the city’s landscape has been changing; and even though most of this newness that now meets the eye has been private sector-driven, there have been significant inputs from the state sector, in the form of projects that add to the pace of renewal, and importantly, also address better delivery of government services.

The Georgetown Police Training Centre, a $158.4M facility, has created the type of environment needed for the better training of police ranks.

Boasting all the amenities of a first class branded quality hotel, Marriott Guyana not only transforms the hospitality landscape, but is also expected to encourage more travel and tourism development for Guyana.

Guyana’s first-ever Family Court that will handle issues such as divorce, division of property, domestic matters, adoption, guardianship and custody

The Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, has become the facility of choice for the hosting of all types of events.

The National Aquatic Centre is home to the country’s first Olympic sized swimming pool and its 25 metre warm-up pool

The new Sophia Sub Station has drastically improved the delivery of reliable energy supply to residents.

The $95.4M Hinterland Scholarship Dormitory, provides housing for approximately 120 students who are awarded scholarships, to attend secondary schools in Georgetown

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17

The Sport Resource Centre, located in the compound of the National Squash Court at Woolford Avenue, provides sportsmen and women with the opportunity to be exposed to information, critical to their career

The National Public Health Reference Laboratory, built at a cost of US$4.4M improves Guyana’s capacity in the area of clinical laboratory testing and specialised reference testing.

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the country’s leading health establishment, has been upgraded. It is now outfitted with many modern amenities, including a new 300 bed in-patient facility.

The Central Water Treatment Plant, Ruimveldt, along with another at Sophia, allow for 41,000 residents, from the two areas, to benefit from improved and treated water supply.

The new $50M school at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Center. This important facility is catering to the needs of children with disabilities.

The Guyana Forensic Laboratory outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and highly specialised evidence-gathering instruments, is providing the opportunity for enhanced investigation, by the local law enforcement department.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Gov’t’s investments in hinterland communities bearing fruit

REGION Nine, the largest of the 10 administrative regions is home to popular places such as Aishalton, Surama, and Lethem. Today, Lethem, a swath of Guyana close to the border with neighbour, Brazil, is a bustling district where one can find almost everything as is the case on the coastland.

For Head of State, Donald Ramotar, “Lethem is comparable to many other parts of Guyana as far as services are concerned, in shopping and different areas.”

While acknowledging that there is more to be done in hinterland communities, he is pleased thus far with the developments made in Lethem, and in Region 9 and other surrounding communities.

Considering the Rupununi Savannah, and assessing what recently unfolded

multi-ethnic society, and one of the important aspects of a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society is to ensure that everyone feel totally secure; it’s equal opportunity for all.”

Education It is the policy of the current administration, to enhance the social sector; however (he clearly spelled out), it was only by lifting the standard of education in the interior, can one really say that Guyana is truly moving in a direction of providing equal opportunities for all people.

For this reason, over the years, billions of dollars was spent on the training of teachers and on special incentives for those serving in hinterland communities.

Training of health workers is repeatedly done, so as to have them serve in health huts and various hinterland communities.

put in education (and that it was more than just actually the meals).

In addition to the hot meals, several other schools in the hinterland also benefit from the Cassava Bread and Juice programme, which is also more than just the provision of meals.

These programmes, the President explained, not only benefit the schoolaged children, but also the entire community in which they are implemented, and this adds a holistic touch to what Government is doing.

This is because persons from the villages are employed by the school as cooks and kitchen staff, to prepare and serve the meals, while farmers in the communities sell their produce to the participating schools.

Then there is the School Uniform programme, where residents of these villages are given the opportunity to earn. Through this intervention, the Ministry of Education provides the materials and the women in turn do the actual sewing, and so earn an extra income.

He strongly believes that the programmes implemented thus far have been working well, as there is much evidence to support this fact.

“I think many of the ini-

Happy children of Baitoon Primary school decked out in uniforms, compliments of the Government Grant) and we can probably think more about what we can do in the future, to keep that level very high.”

In going forward, the President noted that the administration is still working closely with the University of Guyana, towards making degree programmes online very soon.

Bridging communities The education investment is one thing, but the President underscored that, “In order for development to be felt, accessibility is very crucial, as it not only increases productivity, but it also provides important links for further development.”

So being cognisant of this fact, President Ramotar declared that his adminis-

School children of Shulinab enjoying a hot meal courtesy of the Government where development is concerned, the President said that bringing those far-off communities on par with the coastland would take some time, but is very foreseeable. However, in the interim, he said the administration continues to put key infrastructural measures in place in all sectors, particularly with a slant towards education, and with a solid reason.

“What we have done is to provide the facilities for education, and I think that is very important, because we live in a multi-cultural,

Each year the administration spends close to $1B on the National School Feeding programme, which sees hundreds of schools in hinterland communities, benefiting from a nutritional meal every day.

The President said that this caring initiative is bearing fruit, as reports from the various regions, including Region 9, indicate a ‘high-level increase’ in attendance rate in hinterland schools. He detailed that the bigger concern here was that of actually capitalising on Government’s in-

Tractor and trailer given to Parikwaranau by Government tiatives that we have (thus far), have worked very well in getting children to school and keeping them there. Last year, we had the $10,000 per child (Cash

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tration continues to place a lot of emphasis on bridging hinterland communities. Many strides have still been made in this area, despite some challenges,

to the much needed infrastructural works, that are so needed in the hinterland region. “We still have more work to do as far as some of the infrastructures are concerned in the villages themselves, but that will also come, as our whole economy improves, and we start to generate more wealth within the society.”

In this regard, it was pointed out that several road networks have been improved over the years, thus cutting travelling time to communities in the Rupununi by almost half.

These interventions now make accessibility easier, allowing for more services to reach persons in these once remote communities. The fact was pointed out too that in terms of personal comfort, life is easier, when transportation is more available, and according to the President, the administration always sees the big picture.

“Very soon we will be bridging Sand Creek and we have the Takutu River in one area, and we are going to work towards bridging the Rupununi River in the future, so that we can have much more efficient and effective communication, even in the rainy weather, so that no section will be cut off.”

In 2014, $48 M was spent on improving road networks in Central Lethem, while in South Central, the road networks at Potarinau were done, at

a cost of $3.4 M, and between Katoonarib and Sawariwau, $3.5 was spent.

In the Deep South Rupununi, between Aishalton and Awarewaunau, $3.6M was spent on road works, and between Awarewaunau and Maruranau, another $3.57M was spent. An additional $5.9 M was spent under current works on Central Lethem, with $11.3 M for spent on roads in Rupunau, and Shulinab, which are both located in South Central. St Ignatius and Tiger Pond also benefitted from road works, valued about $10M. So when education takes on the community and many communities are interlinked, life naturally rises to a higher level, and this is precisely what has been the transformation for many hinterland villages.

Desired effect In the modern world, electricity is a necessity, and this is where the Hinterland Electrification Programme (HEP) comes in. It was crafted by Government with remote hinterland communities in mind, with the aim of providing a reliable source of electricity, to those who never had this privilege in decades.

To date, more than 189 Amerindian communities are benefiting, and according to the President, the initiative has enjoyed its desired effect, See page 28

20

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyana and Canada sign MoU-GPF and CANU to benefit from radio sets and cameras THE Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Foreign Trade and Development of Canada, for the purchasing of two-way radio sets and video cameras.

The MoU, which was signed on Monday, February 2, at the Ministry of Home Affairs, falls under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, and will make provisions to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

These agencies were chosen, as officers from the two entities, successfully participated in a Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP’s) surveillancetraining course in November 2014.

On the occasion, High Commissioner of Canada, Ms. Nicole Giles, noted that ever since Prime Minister Stephen Harper first

made the Americas Affirm Policy Priority in 2007, with a vision of a more prosperous, secure and democratic hemisphere, there have been significant strides.

“Seven years on, our hold of Government engagement in the hemisphere has never been stronger. Our engagement in the Americas is delivering results, both for Canada and our partners in the Region, such as Guyana.”

Making reference to the MoU, which she said has been long in the making, Giles said Canada is deepening cooperation to strengthen security in the Americas and to safeguard Canada and Canadians, home and abroad.

“This MoU is an important tile in this mosaic, as these radios and video cameras will contribute to the improvement of Guyanese law enforcement investigative capacity, by enabling officers form the Guyana Police Force and CANU, to

put into practice, the skills and knowledge gained during a two-week course, delivered by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in November and December 2014.”

She added that while training is important, it is equally important that the equipment be operationalised.

“We believe that this value-added approach goes beyond the theoretical; it complements Canada’s regional effort to strengthen security and institution in the Caribbean.”

She added that transnational organised crimes pose a threat to all countries; as their corrosive reach extends throughout the Americas and they threaten sustainable economic growth, undermine public institution, and set back all major development indicators.

“That is why a key component of Canada’s strategy for engagement in the Americas is

a commitment to address insecurity and advance freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law throughout the hemisphere.”

Giles added that she is confident that the equipment provided will ensure that the investigative skills, gained during the training, will continue to deliver results in Guyana in 2015 and beyond. She further urged the ranks, who were a part of the training, to share their wealth of knowledge with their colleagues, in an effort to contribute towards raising the standard of professionalism.

Meanwhile Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, on behalf of the Government, conveyed his appreciation to the Canadian Government.

“We in Guyana hold in high esteem the relationship between the two countries; it is based on a special relationship between Canada and CARI-

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mrs. Nicole Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

COM, and Canada over the years. The relationship has grown and has manifested itself through various areas of international cooperation.”

The minister noted that within recent times, apart from the other traditional areas of cooperation between Guyana and Canada, Guyana has been the recipient of support in the area of law enforcement.

Foreign reserves not available to finance Government expenditure THE Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, noting a number of grossly misleading statements being made on the matter of the country’s foreign reserves, principally by the leadership of the Alliance for Change, said that these statements are indicative of a worrying lack of basic knowledge of macroeconomic accounts, of the framework within which external reserves are generated and managed, and of recent developments in the global and domestic economy.

In an issued statement, the Ministry stated the following facts: The Bank of Guyana, by law, holds and manages the country’s foreign exchange reserves. These reserves include foreign currency deposits, treasury bills, bonds, gold and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the IMF. The reserves are held to meet defined foreign payment obligations such as

sovereign debts, financing imports, absorbing unforeseen external shocks, and intervening in the foreign currency market during times of volatility. The Bank of Guyana has never used its foreign reserves for purposes other than those listed above. Moreover, the foreign reserves are not available at any time to finance Government expenditure.

The quantity of foreign exchange reserves can change as and when there are changes in the value of imports, exports and capital flows which are reflected in the overall balance of payments position. For example, an increase in net exports and capital inflows usually has a positive effect on the balance of payments which increases the level of foreign exchange reserves. A decrease in net exports and capital inflows will have the opposite effect.

The foreign exchange reserves held by the Bank

were US$862.2 million, US$776.9 million and US$665.6 million at the end of 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively. The decline in reserves in 2013 and 2014 is explained by its use to offset the balance of payments deficit of US$119.5 million and US$111.3 million caused by lower net exports and capital flows in 2013 and 2014 respectively. The principal contributing factor underlying the expansion in the balance of payments deficit, and by extension the decline in the foreign reserves, is the reduction in gold export receipts. Total gold exports declined from US$716.9 million in 2012, to US$648.5 million in 2013, to US$469.8 in 2014, principally reflecting the rapid decline in price observed over the period. Put simply, while Guyana’s gold exports declined by US$247.1 million from the end of 2012 to the end of 2014, and Guyana’s ex-

ternal reserves declined by only US$196.6 million during the same period.

There are many benchmarks for measuring the adequacy level of foreign reserves of a country. The most common measure is the import cover which is the level of foreign reserves to cover a number of months of import of goods and services. In 2014, the level of import cover was adequate with cover of 3.6 months, comfortably above standard benchmarks.

It is also worthwhile to note that, at the end of 2014, the commercial banks foreign assets increased by US$44.2 million from its 2012 level to US$357.6 million, additional evidence of adequacy of foreign currency assets in the financial system as a whole.

The maintenance of adequate foreign reserves, even in the face of declining export commodity prices reflects continued prudent management of the econo-

my by this Government.

The apparent bewilderment amongst the AFC leadership on the reason for the decline in Guyana’s foreign reserves, and their reckless speculation that the external reserves can be “dipped into” for the purposes of financing Government expenditure, are without basis or merit, and are reflective of an alarming lack of familiarity with both basic operations of Government finance and recent developments in the economy.

One does not need a single modicum of formal training to be aware that gold prices have been falling recently, and that this would affect export receipts, and in turn overall balance of payments, and ultimately that this would impact external reserves.

To insinuate otherwise can only be indicative of either alarming ignorance or deliberate mischief.

“We will assure you that law enforcement in this country will make the best of these equipment.

This act is another manifestation of international cooperation in the fight against illegal and criminal activities, those that run against the core of the value in the Caribbean and Guyana in particular.”

He lamented the fact that nations cannot fight against international criminal activities by themselves; hence international cooperation is necessary.

“It is important to emphasise that for this fight to be effective, there is need for the necessary tools, capacity building is an integral component to the overall thrust to fight crime locally and internationally.”

Minister Rohee further underscored the importance of the use of technology in the fight against crime, which he noted is becoming more obvious and apparent.

“Training for the new forms of crime is becoming more necessary; therefore, this assistance will contribute considerably to enhancing the technological wherewithal and strengthening their capacity.”

This course was funded by the Canadian Government’s Anti-Crime Capacity building programme. The training involved classroom and practical work, focusing on observation and communication skills, with the use of two -way radios and digital cameras.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyana stands on solid ground as regards international relations MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, in apprising Guyanese on foreign policy matters, detailed that Guyana is looking at non-traditional partners, even while consolidating relationships with the traditional ones.

Appearing on “Political Scope” on the National Communications Network (NCN) Inc., recently, the minister explained that Guyana was forging ahead, working with countries such as Turkey, recalling the CARICOM/Turkey meeting last year. In a

becoming interconnected with the technology that we have today, and we also see that diversification of power as we have many emerging economies that are doing very well and certainly those countries are looking for new partners…”

Albeit, this kind of intermingling can be sought after and even be actualised, the minister did not withhold her caution as “there will be times when we will not share the same position and there will be other times when we converge with respect to our positions … so it’s impor-

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett at the OAS’ 44th General Assembly meeting more direct manner at the bi-lateral level, Guyana has had several visits from various teams from the Turkish Government; these are already bearing fruit as some small projects have been approved by Turkey, in some key areas such agriculture and health.

Minister RodriguesBirkett also mentioned that association with Chile will unfold as the Chileans will be establishing an embassy here in Guyana, by the end of this year. She stated that was because of “our outreach down south as well … we now have an embassy in Kuwait and so we are doing some work in that region as well … so yes we have been increasing our number of partners in the International Community.”

Pertaining to the effects of this kind of amalgamation, the minister emphasised the importance of establishing relations, with so many countries, as almost natural, since “it is an interconnecting world … it’s

tant for us to have relations with all the countries in the world.”

Minister RodriguesBirkett highlighted that China is one of Guyana’s consistent partners. She revised the fact that Guyana was one of the first countries in the English speaking Caribbean to establish diplomatic relations with China, and she “thinks that they hold that fact very dearly and we also have been working very closely with China in good times and in bad times.”

She noted that China is the second largest economy in the world, with the largest foreign reserves, a major force with which to reckon. The minister also said that this power house and close ally of Guyana has been reaching out to the Caribbean and the Latin American countries, and so the China/CELAC (The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) must be lauded.

She went back and cited

the first China/CELAC forum where out of that meeting came what is deemed a ‘cooperation plan’ that included in it some $35B that can certainly come to the Latin America and Caribbean region. The details are that $5B of that is for cooperation; $10 B for concessionary financing; and another $20B for infrastructure projects.

This kind of union she suggested is “quite a major achievement … of course the implementation now is what will be important and so small countries like Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean … we have to be ready to put forward our projects under that initiative.”

UNASUR Continuing on the theme of integration, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett referred to the recent visit to Guyana by the UNASUR (Union of South American Nations) Secretary General, former President of Columbia, Dr. Ernesto Samper.

He has been visiting all of the countries in UNASUR to discuss matters concerning the organisation but, the minister zeroed in on Guyana’s priorities. She informed that a number of issues have been outlined, including inter-connectiveness of South America.

“I’m speaking about physical interconnection and already he has identified seven projects within the UNASUR mechanism, two of them include Guyana specifically, which would be the linking of Guyana, Brazil, Suriname, and then among Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname.”

This, she said, leads directly to the Corentyne Bridge, involving Guyana and Suriname. She added that due to the “amount of money China has earmarked with cooperation from CELAC, Suriname has taken advantage of that as well. There has been a submission for the Corentyne Bridge, which would benefit the two countries.

It should be noted that Guyana is member of UNASUR’s twelve South American countries, and

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UNASUR Secretary General, Dr Ernesto Samper visited Guyana in January. He shared a press conference with Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues -Birkett has been consistently work- to achieve, she said, “and US as well, “so we have ing to strengthen relations so we certainly have a lot worked very hard to mainwithin the organisation’s to learn from Chile. We are tain our relationship, we framework, as well as bi- also working with Chile in are also working closely tolaterally with the countries the CARICOM context,” gether on security matters, in UNASUR. This is why she noted. and in fact “I would think Guyana established an Arthat our security portfolio, gentine embassy here. It No fears in terms of projects, is the was pointed out too that The minster clarified largest one within the US very strategic is Guyana’s that comments about and Caribbean basin security position between the Car- concerns of neglect of part- initiative.” ibbean and South America. nerships with long term The minister added So, for the minister, “it is partners are totally un- that Guyana is also workappropriate that we have founded. She said that the ing with them (the USA) the CARICOM Secretariat United States of America on a number of other inihere in Guyana … so that is remains Guyana’s largest tiatives, such as the issue an added advantage.” trading partner in the world of Trafficking in Persons, Chile is in fact one and so it is very important and even though “we do of the countries in South for that relationship to be not always agree on some America, poised to achieve preserved and strength- of the pronouncements, Developed Country sta- ened. Also she highlighted we are working very tus very soon, because of that Guyana has the largest closely on that matter what they have been able Diaspora population in the with the United States.”

OAS/CICAD discusses further cooperation with Guyana THE Home Affairs Ministry recently welcomed a visit from a delegation from the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), the body which deals with the fight against narcotics within the hemisphere.

The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD Assistant Executive Secretary Angela Crowdy and Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) Specialist Karen Adriana Sanjines and Jean Ricot Dormeus Director of the Office of the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Guyana on Tuesday, January 27, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Home Affairs at his Brickdam Office.

Crowdy explained that the visit was to “to present the results of the multilateral evaluation mechanism, which has published its report on the 34 member states, regarding drug control progress in the hemi-

From left; Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) Assistant Executive Secretary, Angela Crowdy; Director of the Office of the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Guyana, Jean Rico sphere, and implementation of the plan of action’s objectives.”

She said that Guyana’s participation with CICAD is a very valuable one, and hence the delegation’s visit to discuss further collaboration and cooperation. She explained too that CICAD and the OAS have a new 2016/2020 plan of action, which they are crafting, and it is important for all members of state to be actively involved in that document.

Minister Rohee said that Guyana looks forward to strengthening its partnership with CICAD/ OAS, as it had pledged to do, noting that the country launched the National Drug Strategy master plan, which seeks to impose upon the country the necessity to promote international cooperation with all bodies around the world, including hemispheric bodies such as the OAS and CICAD.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Climate Change Office conducts awareness session in Kamarang/Warawatta AS Government continues on its voyage to address climate change, while at the same time promote economic development, residents of various communities in Region Seven were educated on climate change and the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS.) The Office of Climate Change (OCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, on Monday, January 26, took its awareness programme to the region, and conducted a session at the Kamarang/Warawatta Multipurpose building.

Head of OCC, Gitanjali Chandarpal, in her presentation, explained to the gathering what climate change is all about, and indicated that the climate has been changing rapidly, due to global warming, which is a result of an increase in greenhouse gases.

She stated that over the last century, there has been an increase in the Earth’s temperature, by approximately 1 degree Celsius, and also a 40 percent increase in the

Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere over the same period. These factors lead the rising of the sea level, which can adversely affect Guyana. Furthermore, the increase in temperature and CO2 has resulted in unusual and extreme weather patterns such as

ing out that there are two actions that can be taken to address these concerns: mitigation which includes reductions in the levels of carbon dioxide; and adaptation (understanding the situation and adjusting to cope with it.)

Ms Chandarpal ex-

A section of the gathering at the Low Carbon Development Strategy awareness session intense rainfalls, which have led to flooding. These extreme weather patterns not only pose a threat to the agriculture sector, but also to human health and its existence, Chandarpal said. She added that by the end of this century, temperatures can rise by up to 4 degrees Celsius, point-

plained that Guyana has been sustainably managing its forest through sustainable forestry practices, and also by creating strategic partnerships. By addressing climate change, one can help to contribute to national development, she said.

Guyana is not industrialised like some devel-

oped countries, and does not contribute to relatively high levels of greenhouses gases globally. However, climate change poses a threat to every country, and therefore, each country, including Guyana, has a role to play in curbing the problem.

In 2009, Guyana and Norway signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which resulted in a commitment from the Kingdom of Norway, to provide Guyana with up to US$250M by 2015 for its work on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).

Guyana has thus far received US$150M of that sum.

This money has been used as investments in priority projects under the LCDS such as the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF).

To date, 26 communities are in the implementation stage of the first phase of the project. The project is funded under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), for the provision of

Head of the Office of Climate Change (OCC) Gitanjali Chandarpal speaking to the residents funding, to support the socio-economic development of Amerindian communities and villages, through the implementation of their Community Development Plans (CDPs). Phase 2 of the project has commenced and approximately 160 remaining communities will begin to receive funding to implement their CDPs. The communities will receive funding of up to $5M each for the village’s development of a community based project.

Another very important project under this agreement is the Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project, which is expected to improve the drainage capacity of the East Demerara Water Con-

Gov’t assists Iwokrama with funding -in light of international community’s inadequate, untimely interventions

CABINET has approved a US$100,000 tranche from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation, which is intended to provide financial support to the center.

Iwokrama is a vast wilderness of nearly one million acres. It is a protected area and home to the Makushi people who have used the forest for generations Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, recently informed the media, that the loan to Iwokrama will assist the center in successfully implementing its 2015 financial plan.

He cited the “current dire financial situation” of the center, which will be

Canopy walkway at Iwokrama eased, with the monetary “Cabinet’s assessment lished in 1996 under a joint intervention. of the current situation is mandate from the GovernHe pointed out that due influenced by the continued ment of Guyana and the to what he described as, lack of necessary financing Commonwealth Secretari“inadequate and untimely support being provided to at, to manage Iwokrama, a interventions” by the in- the center by its partners. reserve of 371,000 hectares ternational community, That has led to govern- of rainforest, “in a mangovernment has been finan- ment’s decision to extend ner that will lead to lasting cially supporting the centre financial support to the cen- ecological, economic and over the years. tre.” The centre was estab- social benefits to the people

of Guyana and to the world in general,” the centre’s website states.

Asked about claims by some political opposition members that funds garnered by the GGMC should be placed into the Consolidated Fund, Dr. Luncheon said, “The statute is fashioned in such a way that indeed it allows the commission to retain those funds and indeed to invest those funds, but at any particular point in time, and presumably at the discretion of the administration, as has been adopted by the use of those funds”.

He further noted that it is at the “absolute discretion” of the administration to transfer funds to the Consolidated Fund as it relates to the GGMC.

servancy (EDWC) system.

Also, projects such as the Biodiversity Research Centre project, the Ecotourism Development project, the development of an aquaculture project, the development of a Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan and Implementing the LCDS Outreach programme are also funded under GRIF. Further, finance from the GRIF is also used to fast track the Amerindian Land Titling process Touching on some of the other measures undertaken by Government, to combat climate change, Ms. Chandarpal noted that the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric project was a key renewable energy one.

Meanwhile Ms Yvonne Pearson, Liaison to the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, who represented the Minister at the meeting, emphasised that “climate change is real” and it affects everyone. Therefore, it is important to understand what it is, its consequences and prevention measures that can be taken to address the issue, she told the gathering, adding that consultations are important, because it is critical to hear from the people, share ideas and work out solutions.

It is important to engage people in discussions, in order to determine the next steps for the country, Pearson noted.

Present at the session were residents of many villages, namely Chinoweng, Paruima, Waramadong, Wax Creek, Kako, Phillipai, Kambaru, Quebenang, Wayalayeng, Jawalla, and Kamarang/Warawatta.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

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Small business owners benefit from approximately $20M in grants APPROXIMATELY $20M was disbursed in the form of grants, under the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) Development and Building Alternative Livelihoods for Vulnerable Groups’ project, when the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, through its Small Business Bureau (SBB) held its first ever Grant Award and Partnership programme.

The ceremony, held on Friday, January 30, at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC,) saw over 60 small business owners, benefitting from financial aid under the project.

The Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) Development and Building Alternative Livelihoods for Vulnerable Groups’ project was launched in October 2013, and according to Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali, it has created jobs for 167 persons, while 900 others have benefited from training. Another 18 persons were able to access a low interest (6% per an-

President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali, Minister within the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill along with Sophie Makonnen, country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank pose with beneficiaries of the Tourism Ministry’s Grant Awards num) mutual guarantee facility, to the tune of $95M. The Minister told the gathering that small businesses play a very critical role, in the growth of the economy. He said that “nationally you know that there are many small businesses that contribute to the creation of employment and the expansion and development of the economy.”

He lauded the programmes which have been providing financing to small businesses, including the Women of Worth

(WOW) programme of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and which has been empowering women, through entrepreneurship and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

The SBB received US$10M from the Guyana Government, through its LCDS/ Redd+Investment Fund, GRIF facility, to be utilised over a four-year period, toward funding and comprehensive training of small business entrepreneurs.

Minister Ali noted that

this is a clear reflection of the dynamism that exists in the economy, and a good understanding of what the country needs. This is so because a lot of small businesses cannot afford the required collateral that some financial intuitions require, and in this regard, many strong business plans get tossed away, he pointed out.

He pointed out that the linkages with the macro businesses, that is the trickledown effect that is often over looked. He cited the

Mash celebrations underway

Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering at the Tourism Ministry’s first Grant Awards and partnership ceremony Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, which will create opportunities for more small businesses, especially in the catering/food industry.

The Minister also highlighted the need for mobilisation of small businesses into sectors to target larger markets, and also for small businesses’ adherence to international standards.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill, along with President Donald Ramotar, made the presentations of

the grants to the recipients.

Also Sophie Makonnen, country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which has partnered with the ministry on this project, was also present.

The ceremony also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, among the SBB and the Deeds Registry, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and the Republic Bank among others.

- Georgetown’s Children Mashramani competition completed

CELEBRATIONS of eight to ten for the country’s 45th years, St. Pius PriRepublic Anniversary mary was awarded have begun with the first position with Chutney 2015 cham“Joyful Celebrapion already crowned, tion,” St. Margaand the Georgetown’s ret’s Primary, who Children Mashcopped second ramani competition with “Praises,” and completed.

St. Agnes Primary The National Culwas placed third tural Centre came alive, with the entry “We February 2 to 6, as chilMashing as One”. dren from across variOther facets of ous schools in Georgethe Mashramani town took to the stage, celebrations are to portray their talents the Chutney, Steelto the judges and audipan, Carib Soca ence, as they competed Monarch, the Masfor the first position, Headstart Nursery, ‘Celebration of Love’ costume at the querade and Miss seeking to secure a Georgetown Children’s Mash Competition Mash Queen complace in the finals of petitions, and these derson Sport Hall, the fo- Am A Teacher” performed the National Mashramani are already well underway. cus was on the costume by Yelena Grandsoult. J.E Children’s Competition, These mostly privately and physical display seg- Burnham Nursery’s Khayslated for February 12 and sector driven competitions ment of the competition. oola Whyte came in second 13. are at different stages, with Some of the schools with her poem “Dis Time The nursery, primary each leg of the competition moving forward to the na- of the Year.” Third place and secondary school stufacilitated at various ventional finals include South was taken by Anais Pridents’ performances were ues across the country.

Ruimveldt Park Nursery, vate School with “Indian in the following categoThe Chutney comwho copped first place in Child” done by Chrisanna ries: Dramatic Poetry; Capetition however was the Dramatic Poetry seg- Cush. lypsos Singing; and Dance completed on January 3. ment, in the nursery, five And in the dancing segand Masquerade.

Roger Hinds beat a field to seven year group with “I ment, within the age group Over at the Cliff Anof 18 chutney hopefuls, to

take his second win of the Chutney Monarch within three years.

Popularly known as Young Bill Rogers, the newly crowned 2015 monarch was also the 2013 champion. His task was not easy though, but he prevailed as he “stuck to the art of chutney” and relied on his innate creativity to come up with “something meaningful and fresh. His “Searching for a good Larkie” indeed did fit the genre of chutney and his crowd-pleasing manner emanated from “my wealth of experience and love of the art from” he stated.

For the win, Hinds picked up $600,000 and his winning trophy.

Second place went to Haresh Singh, who competed strongly with his “Dulahin Runaway.” He picked up $400,000 and a trophy; $250,000 and a trophy too went to Bunty Singh, for his third place winning effort. His piece was

“Facebook Girlfriend.”

As per norm and to continue encouraging new chutney artistes, special recognition was given to the Best New Comer in the competition. This was taken by Halima Khan, who performed her “Dulaha Dulahin” for the large pool of spectators who were very well behaved even in the midst of rousing performances. Ms. Khan received a cash incentive of $100,000.

This event was held at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground, and matching the sleekness of the artistes were the organisers of the show. They had the ground well-manicured, and the performers, were backed by Guyana’s leading cross-over band, the Shakti Strings orchestra.

Mashramani 2015 is being celebrated under the theme “One People, One Culture, One Celebration.”

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Prison Service gets new Standing Orders

THE “Standing Orders” document has been developed and will now guide prison officers and ranks, in respect of their conduct and in the execution of their duties. These orders that have laid down the rules and operational procedures, by which the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) are governed, were on Friday, January 23 launched at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The development of these Standing Orders for the GPS was long overdue. Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee noted that the extant situation, in the absence of a comprehensive and singly bound Standing Orders for the Prison Service was totally unacceptable to the Ministry, and it was in these circumstances that the ministry found it necessary to constitute a committee to begin work towards achieving this objective.

In 2013 the Ministry established a Standing

Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, Chairman of the Standing Orders Committee, Cecil Kilkenny, Director of Prison, Welton Trotz and Senior Prison Officers with a copy each of the document Orders Committee to develop the standing orders for the Guyana Prison Service. Work was completed in 2014 and a total of forty three (43) Standing Orders were developed.

Minister Rohee took the opportunity to convey to the committee members, his congratulations and deepest appreciation for a job well done in the finalisation of the documents. He said that it was an evolutionary process carried out by a

Standing Order Committee, in which a ‘full proof’ strategic plan has been compiled, as a rule to govern the operational procedures of the GPS, by which the ranks are guided.

The Minister said that the Standing Order will not only benefit the Ministry of Home Affairs, but it is a national document that will benefit citizens.

He said it will contribute meaningfully to the transformation process of the

GPS, which will benefit the Strategic Management Department of the Service, in rolling out and assisting in a strategic plan.

The Minister urged that the Standing Order ought to be constituted as a permanent feature in the training of the educational process within the GPS, as the compass and guide in taking the GPS further.

The Prison Service Standing Orders Committee was headed by former

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Cecil Kilkenny, and work was done through investigation and review of prison records. Kilkenny explained that the first draft of the work was submitted on May 15, 2014, while the second draft was submitted on July 2014 and the standing orders were compiled and recommended to enhance the general changes of the administration and the service proposed for implementation.

Those that were implemented include the recommendation of four new posts and the introduction of fortnightly orders with new promotions and procedures for all ranks.

“So when we look at what was going on in the prison service, we noted that the field was not level and that to qualify to become an officer there was not an exam, all you had was what was referred to as a proficiency part A and proficiency part B, and those were only written by junior ranks, after you wrote those examinations

as prison officers, there is nothing else in place,” noted Kilkenny.

Director of Prison, Welton Trotz charged his officers to take their responsibility in ensuring that these Standing Orders will be enforced, while noting that it is not only a guide but a standing procedure which needs to be filtered down.

An exam will be written by ranks in order to effect their promotions, in which they will be needed to read the National Document of Standing Orders.

The Standing Orders Committee was put into effect by the Ministry, coming out of a board of inquiry which was held to look into the service, under the circumstances surrounding the escape of a foreign national prisoner from the Mazaruni prison in March 2012.

The Home Affairs Minister presented the National Documents to the Director of the Prison Service.

Bank of Guyana has contributed to strong financial system that exists today - Finance Minister at 50th anniversary celebrations launch

FINANCE Minister Dr. Ashni has lauded the Bank of Guyana (BoG) for persevering over 50 years, noting that the bank has played a pivotal role in the country’s growth and thus has contributed to the strong financial system which today exists in Guyana.

Speaking at the launch of the bank’s new logo, on Wednesday, January 28, as a part of its golden jubilee anniversary celebration to mark its success over the past five decades, Dr. Singh said that post-independence, the bank continued in serving the needs of the nation, and can today justifiably be proud in the role it has played.

The minister recalled his privilege of being able to work with the bank for almost 25 years and wit-

The new unveiled logo of the Bank of Guyana nessing its evolvement and growth.

The institution was established by virtue of the Bank of Guyana Ordinance No. 23 of 1965, and came into operations on October 16, 1965, seven months before the country gained its political independence.

Since 1998 the central banking legislation has been governing the bank’s operations. This, Dr. Singh pointed out, has been continuously amended and

strengthened to create a better legislative framework under which the bank operates.

The minister too recalled the global and regional economic crisis which brought many strong banking systems down. He noted that it is the establishment of strong systems for regulation and provision, the operation and maintenance and preservation of these systems, along with the good

and sound management of them that ensured their strength in the most testing times globally, regionally and domestically, as Guyana survived those trying periods.

He said that he looks forward to the year-long celebrations and urged the employees to continue with their hard work.

According to the institution’s Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, it is expected to host several other activities throughout the year as a part of its golden jubilee celebrations.

These include the publication of a book on the history of the bank, the minting of a commemorative coin, conferences with respect to addressing the financial and economic challenges faced by developing countries including Guyana, local forums, a national essay competition, display

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh addressing the gathering at the launch of Bank of Guyana’s 50th anniversary celebrations of the construction of the building, evolution of the currency, award ceremony to honour long-serving employees, and a family day for staff.

Dr. Ganga said that though this is a time to reflect on the institution’s success, it is also an occasion to recommit to the delivery of quality service and to continue to boost the country’s economic development.

“The 50th anniversary presents not only the celebration of this milestone and the past achievements, but to also look ahead and reposition ourselves to meet the new financial challenges of the 21st century as they unfold.”

The bank’s 50th anniversary is being celebrated under the theme “Promoting Financial Development for Guyana’s prosperity.”

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

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AG debunks allegations of Gov’t collusion -Executive had no say in promotion of two police officers

ATTORNEY General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall has ‘cleared the air’ regarding misconceptions over the promotion of two members of the Guyana Police Force: Sergeant Lall, regulation number 14526; and Constable Dulai, regulation number 19028.

These two have moved upwards to the ranks of Inspector and Corporal, respectively.

However, the two promotions have been eliciting much public commentary; hence a response was warranted from the AG. According to the AG, in some sections of the media, it is being falsely reported that “the Gov-

ernment “participated, authorised or concurred with these promotions” but this he explained is without any foundation. The AG stated that the view of the Government, expressed through the Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon, “related to the procedure in respect of the promotions and was not a comment in respect of the merits or demerits of the (actual) promotions.” This, the Minister said, meant that Government “was confined to the decision making process and not the decision.”

Sergeant Lall and Constable Dulai were the focus of an investigation, more than five years ago,

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall that led to criminal charges being instituted by the Director of Public Prosecutions against these two

policemen.

The matter revolved around Twyon Thomas, who was arrested on Oc-

Students encouraged to adopt energy efficient practices AS the country moves towards more energy efficient practices, students from various secondary schools were urged to do the same. This message was extended to them at a CARICOM energy forum, which was held at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC), Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara on Thursday, January 22.

Delivering brief remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Mahender Sharma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA,) acknowledged that the focus of the activity was to educate the students and encourage them to adopt energy efficient practices. “We have a mandate to keep people informed….we want to create awareness and we hope that that awareness creates some consciousness …” he said.

He urged the students to learn as much as they can from the presentations, “…so that (they) can know what are the topical issues, what are the things that (they) can do, but more importantly (actually) do them.”

“We can do all the research and create those nice brochures that you have there, but if you don’t read them, then do the things, then we really haven’t done much,” he said.

Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Samuel Hinds, who was also present at the ceremony, noted that the response to climate change problems, “requires most of all, a change in lifestyle, a change in the assumptions which have been prevailing for the last 100-200 years.”

He said that “for you students, I think there is much that you would have to learn to really grasp what is being considered, I would like to encourage you to pay additional attention, to sense additional motivation, to learn many of the things that are relevant to this question of climate change, and the challenges that it poses to all of us.”

He added that with civilisation came more needs and “by burning more carbon-based fuel, we have been putting more CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere….and we have been having more and more heat from the sun, trapped in the atmosphere, and our temperatures have been rising.”

Further the PM said, “the scientists tell me that if the atmospheric temperatures rises over 3, 4, 5 degrees Cen-

Dr. Mahender Sharma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) along with Prime Minister & Minister of Energy Samuel Hinds and the winners of GEA’s essay competition tigrade, then we can see huge dramatic long-to-reverse, if not irreversible changes, so they say there is a threat to life.”

He then pointed out that at the Government level, there have been great emphases on renewable energy, alternative energy, which do not add to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

This is so, through using energy sources that are not carbon-based, such as the sunlight, and wind. Other possible non-carbon sources include volcanic activities (for the Caribbean).

The forum was also used to reward the winners of the GEA essay and art competitions. A Student from Queen’s College copped the first place, while one from St. Joseph’s High School came in second, and another from Abrams Zuil (Essequibo) came in third, in the essay competition.

Meanwhile, two students from the School of the Nations secured second and third, while the first place was secured by the Bishops’ High School in the art competition.

The teachers representing the wining schools were also presented with certificates of recognition for participating.

tober 27, 2009, in relation to an investigation of an alleged murder of Ramenauth Bisram. The alleged incident was deemed to have occurred sometime on or around October 26, 2009. Twyon Thomas alleged that when he was taken to Leonora Police Station, he was allegedly tortured by Constable Dulai and Sergeant Lall.

Lall and Dulai were later charged by the Director of Public Prosecutions, and during the pendency of the trial, before the Magistrate’s Court, both were interdicted from duty. These charges were subsequently dismissed, for want of prosecution.

In the result, the interdictions were removed.

Then a Constitutional Motion was subsequently filed by Twyon Thomas against the Attorney General of Guyana in respect thereof. The legal proceedings filed against the Attorney General culminated in an award of damages that were duly paid by the State, paving the way for the two officers to be eligible for the promotion, since they were amply qualified.

The Minister explained that the Executive plays no part in the “recruitment, promotion, appointment or discipline” of members of the Guyana Police Force; instead these roles reside with the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner. He pointed out that “these are matters from which the Executive is specifically insulated by provisions of the Constitution and the Police Act.” AG Nandlall referred to Article 212 (1) of the Constitution, which vests in the Police Service Commission, the power to make appointments to any offices in the Police Force of or above the rank of Inspector, the power to exercise disciplinary control

over persons holding or acting in such offices, and the power to remove such persons from office. He added that in Article 212 (2), resides similar powers in the Commissioner of Police, in respect of officers in the Police Force below the rank of Inspector.

This, according to the Minister, means that in the discharge of its functions, the Commission enjoys constitutionally enshrined independence and autonomy, captured in the imperative language of Article 226 (1) “…in the exercise of its functions under this constitution, a Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.”

Even before the AG addressed the issue, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon had said that the Government was satisfied with the Police Service Commission’s (PSC’s) contention, that the two Leonora Police ranks, who were accused of burning the teen back in 2009, were dealt with in accordance with the law.

“The PSC, having satisfied itself that the matter had been concluded and that all charges were cleared from the Police Officers, they were no longer susceptible to disciplinary treatment,” Dr. Luncheon said.

Dr. Luncheon further explained that the Cabinet was informed that the Commission acted from this perspective, while addressing the “adverse, superb and adequate functioning” of the officers.

“There was satisfaction with the PSC’s contention that the law had taken its course and that Cabinet did not see the need to deny the officers their promotions which would have been a form of additional disciplinary action.”

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CRIP

WHEN a government can prolong intensity of effort on a specific purpose, then the eventuality is ease of life for people and profit for the nation. This is really a good summation of the Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP).

During the period 2011 to 2014, over 79,000 residents in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six benefited from improved roads via this massive governmental investment. The fact that some 260 roads were constructed, spells growth, possible because the Government’s interest and vision were picked up by the 12 accompanying Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) of these regions.

According to Irfaan Ali, Minister of Housing and Water, “CRIP was a programme conceptualised by Government, to develop communities within 12 NDCs across Guyana…This programme was designed to bring an engagement directly from the people of the various communities…

Indeed this investment of almost US$19M has seen the improvement of the lives of many persons across Guyana.”

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

- serving communities through improved infrastructure

Students enjoying the comfort of the rehabilitated Stewartville road The NDCs that benefited from improved infrastructure and institutional strengthening through this joint initiative are: Best Klien/Pouderoyen; Stewartville/Cornelia Ida; Tuschen/ Uitvlugt; Rosignol/Zeelust; Bath/Woodley Park; Port Mourant/John; Mon Repos/ La Reconnaissance; Industry/Plaisance; Unity Vereeniging; Enmore/Hope; Haslington/Grove; and Golden Grove/ Diamond Place.

Roads CRIP has been instrumental in upgrading these 260 community roads, and this kind of work must be contextualised. It was not

A resident of No 64 Village, Region 6 making her way through a street in the pouring rain with ease, something she could not have done a few years ago With support from a loan and grant from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Housing and Water, was able to successfully implement the project. Now, residents are having easier access to and from markets, schools, health centres, and social and economic facilities.

just a mere fixing up; it was at some places starting with mud dams, before getting to the finished Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST) or asphaltic concrete surface. This actually marked the first time some residents had access to ‘real’ roads.

According to Savitri Gopaul, Overseer of Stewartville/Cornelia Ida NDC,

“CRIP has helped us tremendously through the construction and rehabilitation of roads…we have experienced an increase in the number of residents paying their taxes and a significant reduction of complaints from residents about potholes.”

“Our residents are now having better access to healthcare…before, if persons had gotten sick in the nights, they had to wait until morning to come out, because taxis had refused to drive through the bad roads,” she added.

Couched in Ms. Gopaul’s observation is a most important and profound truth, that is, the paying of taxis and honouring of citizens’ obligation are natural spin-offs from benefits, when investment redounds into a more commodious environment.

According to the beneficiaries of the CRIP venture life is at a level where patriotism, purpose and peace are most overt.

Another positive, highlighted by Gopaul, is the opening up of more small businesses within the communities, where the roads were upgraded.

Ms. Ingrid, a shopkeeper, said that previously, trucks or vans, carrying cargo used to refuse to travel the deplorable roads.

Persons wanting to stock their businesses also had to go out to the main roads to make their purchases, she added. In other words, it was totally frustrating.

Expressing her satisfaction, she said the situation has now changed, as trucks and other large and heavy

vehicles are transporting items to any place of business.

Meanwhile similar benefits came to Haslington/ Grove NDC, situated on the East Coast Demerara, Region Four. Marva Simon, the Overseer there, noted that residents, especially those who own vehicles, are extremely pleased with the rehabilitation of the roads. She emphasised that traversing around is now smooth, and travel time has reduced significantly.

Owing to the successful implementation of CRIP, Government expanded its local component of the project, to benefit additional NDCs in 2014: Nouvelle Flanders/La Jalousie, Region Three; No.52/74, Re-

time for residents of Enterprise and Non Pariel.

According to a motorcyclist, “playing dodge ball is the fitting description of how this road was before it repair…now I can ride my motorbike and don’t have to worry about riding in a pothole…I am happy the Ministry rehab this road...”

NDC buildings The business of Golden Grove/Diamond Place NDC is now carried out in a brand new painted flat concrete building, constructed with funding from Government. It replaced a derelict wooden building which was unsafe for occupancy. Rehabilitation works such as the installation of lavatories, renovation of staircases and

Enhancement of Information Technology in NDCs was a major component of CRIP gion Six; and Buxton Foulis, Region Four.

In Nouvelle Flanders/ La Jalousie, NDC, CRIP expended $41.3M to rehabilitate Mandir Street in Windsor Forest, and Gapp Road in La Jalousie. Asphaltic concrete surfaces have replaced huge potholes and in some sections mud dams.

While existing roads and sidelines were rehabilitated in No.64 Village in No.52/74 NDC district residents in Third Street are now benefiting from a newly constructed road.

CRIP has transformed Third Street from a mud dam to DBST structure. Pleased with the development, residents have vowed to protect the structure.

Enterprise Sideline in Buxton/Foulis NDC was upgraded from a DBTS to asphaltic concrete. This upgrade has facilitated easy access to and reduced travel

painting of the buildings, extension of buildings, rehabilitation of roofs, plumbing, and electrical works were executed on the 11 other NDC buildings.

According to Kushmawattee Saroopchand, Overseer of Rosignol/Zeelust NDC, CRIP has transformed the NDC Office into a spacious building, conducive for work and inviting to residents.

She recalled that, “The former building was a small old wooden structure; built in the 1970s…It was deplorable, standing on rotten wooden columns when CRIP stepped in… We now have inside toilet and private office setting with a boardroom…we also got a computer and accessories.”

Capacity building and computerisation Ali emphasised that CRIP not only improved

roads, drainage and other infrastructural facilities including NDC buildings, but also strengthened the institutional capacity within NDCs to ensure that local governance be more efficient and reliable. He added that the training administered is geared towards helping persons, who are tasked with executing local governance, both at the political and technical level, with the necessary skills to provide services that are second to none in the communities.

A total of 304 persons including NDC staff, councillors, and community representatives were trained in different areas such as Community Engagement, Customer Service, Information Technology, QuickBooks, Management and Administration, and service delivery.

Additionally, in an effort to improve management of information and service delivery, the enhancement of Information Technology, in the 12 NDCs was a major component. Equipping the NDCs with the relevant equipment is a big step away from typewriters and manual record keeping.

From 2012 to date, CRIP has thus far installed computers and accessories, digital cameras and office equipment, totalling $19M. This will enable staff to apply their theoretical knowledge into every day operations. It is envisaged that the use of such equipment, including printers, multipurpose copiers and data storage devices will contribute towards the provision of better services.

So it is about hardcore infrastructure where CRIP was initially focused, but then Government is far more than just this, where the people are concerned. It is about more than necessities, and since its track record is so solid, the nation at large can anticipate that it will continue to deliver benefits to its citizens, towards the continued modernisation of Guyana, phase by phase and project after project.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyana-a leading light in Caribbean -Minister Edghill in public procurement GUYANA’S mechanism for public procurement and financial accountability is ranked highly in the Caribbean, according to Minister within the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill.

Speaking on the National Communications Network’s “Political Scope” programme on Saturday, February 1, the minister recalled that it was under former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s tenure, that the Public Procurement Act, the only such legislation in the region, was passed, and a National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) set up.

The process of public procurement is open to all, he explained. “Everything that needs to be done, where the government’s money, taxpayers’ money, or investment money needs to be spent, is advertised openly…there is no back room wheeling and dealing, like what obtained under the PNC administration in the past, where the permanent secretary or the head of an agency could call a friend and say: “I have a job to give to you.”

The fact that all bids are opened in a public manner,

before the media and other stakeholders was also noted by the minister. The intent of government, Minister Edghill said is “to give comfort to all Guyanese, that when your monies are being expended, everyone who’s a contractor, or supplier, you have a fair chance. There is openness, there is equal access to all and when the jobs are offered, we are getting value for money.”

These contracts are supervised either by a consultant or company, to ensure that the specifications will be met, and the contract be executed to stated requirements. All prospective bidders must be compliant with the Guyana Revenue Authority and the National Insurance Scheme, or lapses in these areas would be detrimental to the chances of anyone’s bidding, the minister said. He noted that “this has happened over and over again.”

The role of Cabinet was examined by the minister, who reiterated that if government were to be accountable to the people for spending tax dollars, it must have an oversight role, as if something goes wrong, it is the government who gets the blame.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill on Political Scope on NCN “Every contract that is out there must be under the scrutiny of Cabinet first, to ensure that the public officials who are sending something can withstand the scrutiny of the opposition, the parliament, and the people, to ensure that we have a proposal that is tight.”

He praised the evaluators, and other stakeholders such as the Regional Executive Officers, engineers, and technical staffers, for having done a tremendous job, and thus Cabinet’s having very few objections to contracts tendered.

Politics not part of procurement Claims of discrimination were dismissed by the minister, who said that

“politics must be taken out of procurement.” He referred to the bidding by Fedders Lloyd, who submitted two prices for the Specialty Hospital. He noted that the company’s legal counsel Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Khemraj Ramjattan took the government to task, when his client didn’t get the winning bid, which was won by Surendra Engineering.

“The AFC must be judged by the people of Guyana for that act. You are the lawyer for a company which lost a bid, and you’re destroying an entire project and the prospect of building a specialty hospital in Guyana, because your client didn’t get the job.

No politician should be engaged in such a lobby.”

Government later moved to suspend the contract, which resulted from due diligence and the efforts to put the country first, the minister said. He opined that government should be commended for the steps taken, and the fact that upon taking the company to court, won its multi-million US dollar case for compensation.

Redress In terms of contractors who wish to be reconsidered for a contract, there is course for redress. It was noted by the minister that an appeal can be made to the Bid Protest Committee, “but before that he/she can write to the procuring entity and ask for a review. It is during that review, if something did indeed go wrong, it can be corrected. If after doing so, the bidder is still not satisfied, he/she can approach the tender board with a protest. The tender board would then have to put together a three-person Tender Board Bid-Protesting Committee; one member will be named by the Attorney General, one by the Finance Minister, and the tender board names the

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other.”

There is a stipulated period of time in which this review must be completed.

A report has to be given, and while the committee is conducting its work, the procuring entity cannot award the contract. Everything is on pause until the committee, which has a stipulated time to complete its work, assesses the complaint. Minister Edghill explained that the contract will either stand or be awarded to another party.

Minister Edghill noted that as government continues its efforts to make the process even more transparent, events such as the Procurement Symposium will be held, to bring more information to potential contractors.

“The fact that people are engaging is a clear testimony that the rhetoric out there in the opposition camp, using this as a political talking point, is not gaining traction, because the small man, small company, small business, medium business, large business, everybody is having an equal opportunity, of getting a chance of benefitting and engaging as a result of public procurement.”

PM highlights importance of institutions like PUC to oversee service providers THE Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Wednesday, February 4 formally commissioned its new office in Queenstown, Georgetown, at which its Chairman, Justice Prem Persaud reflected on the rocky road to finding a permanent residence to house the commission.

He noted that the commission was built from savings earned through assessment fees from the utility companies, and expressed his pleasure with the commission acquiring a place. “This building is very convenient, it suits our purpose, and it is very comfortable and convenient for

The newly commissioned building that will house the Public Utilities Commission

the staff.”

He expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and his office for its continued and everlasting support towards the commission.

Words of congratulations were offered by Prime Minister Hinds, who noted that, “This ceremony marks another step in the life of the PUC.” He pointed out that the area of regulation has been magnified by the Government of Guyana, and it is seen as one in which tremendous effort should be placed. “There is a need for institutions that would oversee these utilities and ensure that the customers and the general public also receive a fair deal.”

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds & Chairman of the PUC Commission, Justice Prem Persaud, along with CEO of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph, Radha Krishna Sharma and staff of the PUC officially open the commission He further pointed out that the commission is mandated to not be under any instruction whatsoever from government, and is

working in the favour of the general public.

The PUC is a corporate body that was set up to ensure that regulated

utilities offer an efficient service to consumers at a reasonable cost. These include water, electricity, and telephone services.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Kariako’s land titling completed – 20 more villages to start soon

LAND titling and demarcation has been completed in yet another Amerindian community, as the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs continues to move forward, with its mission to ensure equal rights, for Guyana’s indigenous peoples.

During a recent visit to Kariako, Region One, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, handed over the title document to Toshao Lewis Samuels, granting the community absolute ownership for 51, 641 acres of land.

In her address to the residents, Minister Sukhai reminded them that titling of Amerindian communities is a solid commitment of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.

She said that like everything else, land titling

has its challenges, and Kariako is no exception. However, with a united position, strong leadership and consistent representation by stakeholders and other organisations that had interest in the area, this project was a success.

Speaking on the importance of land titling and demarcation, Minister Sukhai said that this project will provide an opportunity for Amerindians to better manage, protect and improve their chances of expanding their economic activities.

“But having land title is not the end of the road; residents will now have to make a commitment in the utilisation of the land. It’s a significant asset to you, the people, and you should not put it aside.” She said they must be able to recognise that they have this asset and

be able to use it in their developmental process. “Your development challenges are not over, you have to ensure that you utilise the land for the benefit of the village and the people,” Minister Sukhai emphasised.

She said that the challenges will always be present and residents must learn to resolve the issues that come before them, in keeping with laws provided through the Amerindian Act, with respect to how the community is governed.

Minister Sukhai reiterated that while government has made a commitment to ensure that every Amerindian community be secure with respect to land, she reminded that Guyana is a multi-ethnic society and every citizen must benefit from the country’s resources.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai handing over the title document to Toshao of Kariako, Lewis Samuels in the presence of Liaison to the Ministry, Yvonne Pearson, and residents of Kariako Under the Guyana REDD + Investment Fund (GRIF), government in 2013 signed a US$10.7M document for the implementation of the “Land Titling and Demarcation”

project. Currently, four communities are undergoing the process, with 20 more due to start.

In 2016, 20 other communities are due to have their lands demarcated and

titled.

This programme, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2016, will see a total of 45 villages, being demarcated and titled.

Gov’t’s investments in ....

From page 19

bringing quality of life and an increase in industriousness wherever it has touched.

“Many have spoken of what a huge difference it has made in their lives, as the Hinterland Electrification programme has had a positive impact in their lives and it will bring about more productivity.”

The President said during his many visits to hinterland communities, persons would always commend the administration for the initiative, which now sees many homes, being equipped with a solar panel.

In Region Nine, communities including Quarrie, Kumu, Shiriri, Katuur, Baitoon, Potarinau, Meriwau, Shulinab, Quiko, Parikwarunau and others have benefited from this initiative. Residents of these communities have all reported seeing improvements in their lives. Parents of school-aged children said the grades of their children continue to improve,

as they are now able to put in extra studies at nights.

Women of these communities also spoke of how livelihood has been improved, as they are now able to do more work in the evening, whereas in the past, they were only able to work until sunset.

“We are thankful for this solar panel. We (our) children now benefit. I got three and they now do homework in the night.

Thank you Mr. President,” one Aishalton resident told the Government Information Agency recently.

Security presence Another reality where the development of the hinterland communities is concerned is that of security, as concomitant with progress is this element in the form of fewer criminal activities. In this regard, many innovations have reached the communities, so that the maintenance of law and order is intact. As a matter of fact, security matters are now a priority for the current areas, more so, around the country’s borders.

In the past, communities surrounding Lethem, in the Deep South, South and North Rupununi, depended heavily on the Lethem Police Station.

However, since the disjoining of the “E” and “F” Police Divisions, several communities have seen the resuscitation of Community Policing Groups (CPGs).

For decades, many Amerindian communities and their property were left to the mercy of the borders in Region Nine, but over the past year, residents said that they feel a bit safer with the active CPGs. Eric Williams, Chairman of the F ‘2’ Division Community Policing Executive, which was formed in February of 2014, stated that since the resuscitation of the CPGs, crime in many communities has decreased. With 25 active groups in the Rupununi, these and some 200 ranks have been able to ease the pressure on the police ranks at the Lethem Police Station. The CPG members work closely with the village councils of the various

Children of Meriwau about to be taken to school with a minin bus given to the village by government communities, as well as with the Rural Constables (RCs).

From time to time, training is provided in different areas for the CPG members, including how to handle matters of domestic violence.

Williams added that the work is made easier, as they have been getting the full support from the villagers whom they serve.

Some of the communities in which CPGs have been formed include Quarrie, Kumu, Shiriri, Katuur,

Baitoon, Potarinau, Meriwau, Shulinab, Quiko, Parikwarunau, Rupunau, Awarewaunau, Maruranau, Sawariwau, Katoonarib, Aishalton, St. Ignatius, and Sand Creek.

In reality, the hinterland of Guyana is not all about pristine beauty and exotic plants and animals; it is about a thriving and emerging civilisation. It may not be as yet ultra modern, but it cannot be described as primitive. The villages are blooming with important infrastructures com-

ing into place steadily. For now, they are well set with education systems being in place, road networks being improved and expanded, electricity flowing, and economic ventures increasing; also there are many after-sunset activities, and law enforcement is not lagging.

It is only a matter of time then for Guyana’s hinterland to become all that it has so long promised.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

I

T may not be unsafe to surmise that the distance travelled in any journey could be proportional to one’s desire, or as in many instances, needs.

In this context, Guyana’s journey over the last two decades or so has been driven on both fronts with the same level of priority. With the two aspects identified previously, freedom and food, it would not be challenging to relate to the equal importance of both. None who endured during the period prior to the dawn of a new era in 1992, would dispute the yearning for freedom and the despondency that prevailed in its absence.

A brief perusal of that period would reveal the prevalence of a profound sense of fear among the masses lorded over by an

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authoritarian regime. know, their parents Dissenters caught, and other relatives were exposed to an within that age array of disciplinary group have experimeasures crafted enced both worlds; specifically to quell a then oppressed opposition and to nation and a now sustain the rampant free country. oppression. PolitiThis freedom cal leaders who defy is manifested daily these measures in through the plethora an effort to chamof dissenting opinpion the desires of ions articulated by the masses, were not any age group on immune with many about seventeen rewarded with intelevision stations Director of the carceration. This not (four in the oponly exacerbated the Government Information Agency (GINA) pressed period), Neaz Subhan sentiments of the four daily newspaoppressed, but fortiHerein lies the disparity. pers (two prior), sofied the hands of those in Today, the modern Guya- cial media and innumerable authority. nese generation, twenty- websites. The realities of One variable that must five years and younger, today, precipitated through never be ignored when are not constrained to this journey of reconstrucexamining that period, is articulate their thoughts tion, make it virtually imtime. To endure any form and emotions by any op- possible for this generation of oppression even for a pressive mechanism. They to relate to the suppression moment in this now glo- have lived and are living of freedom. Some argue balised and modern world, in a free and democratic that today’s realities make would be chastised by the society. While this free so- it difficult for the generabastions of democracy. ciety is the only one they tion alluded to, to even ap-

preciate the value of what exist now. That’s understandable. The responsibility of parents and leaders is to provide a better world for their offsprings and subjects.

In that context, it would be extremely difficult for young people twenty-five years and younger to understand a Guyana without, despite challenges, electricity; a Guyana without cell phones; a Guyana without the internet; a Guyana without computers and other related gadgets; a Guyana generally without people having their own rooms; a Guyana without stocked supermarkets; a Guyana without the choices of fast food; a Guyana without Coca Cola and Pepsi; a Guyana where many of them don’t have their own vehicles; a Guyana without paved thoroughfares; a Guyana without brand-name clothing and other prod-

ucts available through a plethora of outlets; a Guyana without freedom of travel; a Guyana without the quality of entertainment that permeates and a Guyana without the freedom to speak.

The Guyana that this generation knows has rapidly evolved from a country in despair within a very short period of time of about twenty years.

This evolution was propelled by people longing to break the shackles to be free and by leaders committed not only to restore freedoms, but to build a country befitting and deserving to all.

These realised desires provide another unit of measurement of the distance travelled over the time period; an evident manifestation of its proportionality.

Heightened focus on curbing domestic violence in 2015

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will be heightening its focus on domestic violence this year, as several interventions are on stream.

Speaking on the National Communications Network’s “Political Scope” programme, Minister of Human Service and Social Security Jennifer Webster said that that despite all the awareness on the issue, violence is still occurring and it is an issue of much concern.

There are many elements of violence, one of which is the economic aspect. “There are verbal abuse, the mental abuse, emotional trauma; there is also the economic aspect of it, dealing with economic deprivation, where some partners and spouses try to

deprive their spouses and partners and their families, by extension of financial support and trying to deprive them of income and food and so on, and that too is related to violence,” said the minister.

Turing her focus on legislations governing the issue, the minister said “Our government has enacted legislations; we have the Domestic Violence Act and just recently we had the Attorney General Anil Nandlall and myself … we have just concluded the domestic violence regulations which would have to be gazetted to bring laws into being.”

She noted that “What we have done is to try to make the process simpler and easier, with the hope that we will try to encourage our women to come forward, and social work-

ers can also help in getting those protection orders.”

The regulations have clearly identified the process for victims to seek protection and they specify the process and the period that the process should take. This, according to the minister, should not take more than 48 hours for a protection order to be granted.

They also speak to requirements of health professionals, if they recognise that the person who is seeking medical attention is a victim of violence; there are mandatory reporting requirements.

She further pointed out that there is the need for greater sensitsation because “Many of our victims are afraid to share what’s happening to them, with persons, because of many

-“Know your rights” campaign to be launched

reasons … confidentiality … they are ashamed and they are afraid of what the outcome might be, and as a society, we can no longer sit back and allow that, and this year, we have to go through those regulations and identify clearly the roles of various stakeholders.”

In 2015, the ministry will be embarking on another campaign called “Know Your Rights” which will focus on teaching women about the laws and what are their rights in the respective laws, which according to the minster is “one of the areas of weakness.”

She said that “Many women still do not know their weaknesses, so the ministry, with assistance from a donor agency, has

compiled a very simple and user-friendly booklet called “Know your Rights” which we will launch very shortly and that booklet has very essential information also on violence against women.” There are plans to disseminate the book throughout the country.

Minster Webster also added that the issue of domestic violence is an area of concern not only in Guyana but globally. She said “the issue of violence against women has taken on a different dimension internationally, and post2015 going forward, at the level of the United Nations and other international bodies, violence against women will be a priority issue.”

This, she said, was decided at a recent meet-

ing, which she attended in Chile in November last.

The meeting saw ministers of all the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean seek to discuss decisions and strategies which are to be implemented regionally.

She added that “Countries have recognised that the human development of our people is a priority issue and an issue such as violence must be addressed in a holistic way.

So I think we have all reaffirmed our commitment in all our respected countries, and at the level of the international bodies such as United Nations, the post-2015 agenda will see a heightened focus on the whole issue of violence against women.”

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Supporting the holistic rugby development in Guyana AT the beginning of the year, the Guyana National Men’s Rugby team commenced its 2014 campaign with no international titles, having lost the 2013 Caribbean Southern Zone 15’s title to Arch rivals, Trinidad and Tobago.

Similarly, in the Sevens championships, a no show in 2013 denied the country the opportunity of defending its 2010 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Rugby title and a chance to participate in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, so overall Guyana’s rankings remained at 61 out of 104 test playing nations.

But by the end of the year, the National Men’s 15s and Sevens teams re-wrote their names in the history books, with stunning performances, playing undefeated in both formats of the game. All of this led to a rising in rankings from 61st to 54th in the World Rugby ratings of teams.

This sharp steep represents Guyana’s highest position ever in the world.

Winning this NACRA title means that Guyana has now overcome its first hurdle (Mexico City), as it begins its “Road to the Rio 2016 Olympics” with engagements at the Hong Kong Sevens and Pan American Games in 2015.

Development Programmes The Guyana National Men’s Rugby team’s successes are not happening in isolation, but is in fact a result of continued focus on the goal of development of the sports, at all levels (from primary to community, club, and national representational levels).

To get match fitness and readiness skills level for international representation, the Guyana Rugby Football Union continues to facilitate the Guyana National Men and Women’s Rugby teams’ local competitions. These fifteen, ten and seven-a-side formats place emphasis on as much playing time as possible for the players, as this allows them to get match fitness and reach readiness skills levels in a short time.

The remainder of the season sees the national team in encampment and weekly training sessions at the National Park outdoors and the National Gymnasium indoors.

Then there is the other development programmes, focused at the other level of the sport, namely the “Get into Rugby Programme,” targeting youngster through all ages to the school level.

The union, under the guidance of NACRA GIR (Get into Rugby) Development Officer Ms. Kwanieze John and World Rugby GIR Development Officer Erin Kennedy embarked on this ambitious region wide programme, targeting 70 schools in nine regions in 2014. Though a shortage of financial support, from the international body, has temporary curtailed the programme to just two regions (Georgetown and Linden), there are over 60 participants in this programme that has been getting satisfying results.

Then there is the Saturday Rugby Community Development programme, that encourages youths (males and females) from different nearby communities, on the East Bank and East Coast, as well as within the

2014 Regional Sevens winners City, to come and play ‘tag’ rugby to hone their skills for the contact aspect of the sports. An average group of 40 players, each Saturday, attend this programme, held in the National Park.

There is also the annual Rugby Summer Camp programme, that also targets youths (males and females), from the East Bank and East Coast and the City as well, asking that they come to summer camp, for a period of two to three weeks, in August to play ‘tag’ rugby. A tournament is then held at the end of the camp, to determine the best players. An average group of 50 players participate in this activity annually.

There is a specific programme targeting the community of Linden, Region Ten, which falls under the supervision of Senior Vice President John Lewis, and a small team of Youth Development Officers.

This team has been visiting the Linden Community for coaching sessions and good results are beginning to be manifested, as

Tactical discussion, Saturday Rugby Community Development Programme

both a full male and female teams, of 15 players, at the under 19 and open levels, along with a very enthusiastic group of youth beach ruggers of both sexes, have adapted to accommodate the game, in the relatively short time.

The Under 19 (U/19) programme was tempo-

the inability of the union to properly sustain the growth of its available and upcoming player resource base, as well as an inability to secure sufficient sources of funding, to ensure participation at international events annually.

Nevertheless, the union has placed great impor-

In January of this year IRB Licensed Educator and NACRA Regional development Officer Scott Harland held a three day workshop, for prospective as well as existing Level One coaches and sevens’ officiating personnel.

Thirteen males and four females were success-

Outdoor session with NACRA GIR Development Officer Kwanieze John: The Get into Rugby Programme rarily curtailed, due to insufficient funding being available, as a result of all available funds being channeled towards the senior men’s national team. Nevertheless, the U/19 ruggers, under the watchful eyes of Head Coach and Youth Development Officer Lawrence Adonis, as well as Troy Yhip, have been attending the Saturday programmes, as well as playing in the local competitions, with the goal of returning to International Rugby in 2015.

On the downside, despite Guyana’s women being three time Caribbean Champions, women’s rugby continues to grow slowly, mainly because of

tance towards the rebuilding of the national junior and senior representative teams, with the appointments of a chairperson for the Women’s Rugby Head Coach, and an assistant coach, confirmed for 2015. The union is actively sourcing a female technical director, to oversee the process of returning Women’s Rugby to its winning ways.

It is expected that 2015 will be the litmus test for the ladies, as they get into competition mode, for the 2015 NACRA Championships and Qualifiers and beyond to the 2020 Olympics.

Focus has and continued to be placed on the training of the coaches and referees.

ful in obtaining/renewing their Level One Coaching Certificates. Twelve males were also successful in obtaining/renewing their Sevens’ Level One Officiating Certificates.

Meanwhile, in 2014, Head Coach Theo Henry was able to attend an elite training course for coaches in Las Vegas, compliments of NACRA and as such, Henry is currently the only Level Two Coach in Guyana.

With the aid of the GOA as well as the GRFU, Henry is currently doing an online course, in strength and conditioning, as well as sports nutrition.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Transparency, accountability strongly implemented in 2014

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-Natural Resources sector recorded good year

THE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment recorded another good year in 2014, as it continued its mandate of establishing mechanisms for effective management of the country’s natural resources.

During a press conference, held at the Herdmanston Lodge and which reviewed the sector’s performance for 2014, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud pointed out that 2014 saw the ministry’s focusing strongly on transparency and accountability.

Transparency and accountability Given the significance of the Natural Resources and the Environment Sector, transparency and accountability are important.

“We’ve made it quite clear that we will be as transparent, as open, and as forthcoming with information and clarification…all of the entities now will be bringing their annual reports up and make them current to (take to) the National Assembly. In fact I have an-

swered over 60 questions in this parliament alone as it relates to activities about this sector…we have had four appearances before the Natural Resources Sub Committee and insisted that the Auditor General be very timely, and the instances that we have to involve private auditors, that we do so,” Minister Persaud explained.

However, he said that while the ministry has done what the law requires, it has also sought to enhance its transparency and accountability system, in the multilateral and bilateral agreements which it has developed.

He stated that in terms of the Kingdom of Norway’s agreement, Guyana was the first country to develop a national scale Monitoring Reporting and Verification System (MRVS), primarily as it relates to the forestry sector.

Guyana also subscribes to the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global standard aimed at improving revenues, transparency, and accountability in the extractive sector, in 2014.

and Mines Commission (GGMC), another US$10 million was invested into the Protected Areas Trust Fund, which brought it up to $19M, Minister Persaud said. The sum of $1 billion was injected into the Mercury Free Development plan and $500 million towards the Land Reclamation Project.

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud speaking at the 2014 review of the sector Addressing historical challenges The sector’s contribution to the economy is significant; in fact it has been playing a major role in the economic, social and environmental aspect of Guyana’s development.

However, one of the questions that continue to be asked is whether there will be a conflict between

Stakeholders and others at the 2014 review of the natural resources sector

harvesting of natural resources and the environment. Minister Persaud said that the ministry has worked extensively with a number of international partners and looked at examples where this scenario exists, and found that more than two dozen countries have it and several others are taking the same approach.

The minister said that it was recognised that when these two critical responsibilities are spread out in other sectors, it creates a level of confusion, inefficiency and poor coordination, hence the approach to establish the Natural Resources Ministry in 2011.

One of the initiatives, taken to address some of the historical challenges that existed, includes the establishment of the Hinterland Infrastructure Committee. “Before, sometimes you would find one ministry, budgeting for this undertaking, another agency also planning … this Hinterland Infrastructure Committee

has allowed us to ensure that we are all on the same page and have new plans in terms of developing the type of infrastructure,” Minister Persaud pointed out.

Additionally, Cabinet has recently approved the policy for the Geographic Information System, while a Land Reclamation, Wildlife Management Steering Committee, Land Dispute Mechanisms were established.

Environmental Management The accusation was also made that the ministry is not paying adequate attention to environmental management in terms of utilisation. Minister Persaud highlighted that the passage and formulation of the Wildlife Regulation Bill and capacity building of the environmental entities were some of the actions taken in this regard during 2014.

With the government’s contribution, through the Guyana Geology

Natural Resources Management Minister Persaud highlighted some of the initiatives that the ministry has undertaken to ensure better management of the country’s natural resources.

There was the establishment of a Geographic Information Management Unit, to track mining deforestation with the use of Near-Real Time Imagery, investigation and enforcement unit-GLSC, implementation of an enforcement and compliance arm of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and construction of seven new mining stations in strategic locations. The ministry is also looking at constructing two offices; one each for the Protected Areas Commission and the EPA, in Lethem, Region Nine.

Investors Guyana has an “open door” policy as it relates to investments, and it welcomes foreign investors, and according to Minister Persaud, the largest foreign investor in the sector predates the present government.

As it relates to forestry and mining resources, access is slanted in favour of Guyanese nationals, in that there are certain areas that only Guyanese have access to and not foreigners.

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Issue No: 10

February 13, 2015

Guyana Postcard New US$26M power plant at Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three See story on page 4