The Guyanese Newspaper - January 16th 2015

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Issue No: 8

January 16, 2015

India extends US$50M line of credit to Guyana for further road expansion projects, assistance in other areas forthcoming Page 3

INSIDE

President vows to Page 4 continue building on solid foundation already laid My Gov’t will deliver Page 8 Amaila Falls Hydro Project to Guyanese -President restates

Indian Gov’t bestows President Ramotar with prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award

Page 3

President Donald Ramotar and another recipient with India’s Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and External Affairs Minister of India Sushma Swaraj, share a light moment after the conferral of the award

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

Opposition’s propagandistic ‘criminalised economy’ statement offensive Page 9 to ordinary Guyanese – Teixeira Land is life for Amerindians – Minister Sukhai - land titling project will provide tenured security Page 11

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

New Year’s Eve: How Guyanese rang in 2015

IT has been a long 2014, but finally we said goodbye to the year and hello to the next. Guyanese ushered in the New Year at church; some with parties and fireworks, and others welcomed a new addition to their family. “The Guyanese” followed the celebration as it traversed in and around the city.

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) base Camp Ayanganna

It has now become a tradition for thousands of Guyanese to flock to the seawall, to catch a view of the dazzling display of fireworks, which normally illuminate the night sky over the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) base Camp Ayanganna, on the stroke of midnight.

President Donald Ramotar, First lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Mrs. Yvonne Hinds, Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips, Mrs. Phillips and Senior Guyana Defence Force Officers witnessing the stunning fireworks display, from their vantage point at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown

Police Officers Mess

The First Couple was also at the Guyana Police Force’s Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary, where, they interacted with senior ranks, and danced.

Fireworks explosion at Base Camp Ayanganna.

These revellers at the Kitty seawall were clearly enthused about welcoming 2015

Heralding the New Year at Church

Others brought in the New Year with prayer and hope at their churches

Heralding the New Year at St George’s Cathedral President Donald Ramotar greets party goers at the Police Officers’ Mess Hall, one of his many stops in joining the Guyanese people in welcoming 2015

2015 New Year’s babies

The first baby to be born in the year, Anesha, with her mother, Adesa Johnson

Across the country, hospitals welcomed the first babies of the New Year. A total of 36 were born on New Year’s Day: Ushering in the New Year at the Brickdam Cathedral

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

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India extends US$50M line of credit to Guyana for East Bank road expansion, assistance forthcoming in other areas PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, following the opening of the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) at Gandhinagar, held fruitful bilateral discussions, with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to the Guyanese Leader,

and expressed his appreciation that the President had accepted the invitation to participate in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event, despite his heavy domestic schedule.

US$50M line of credit The Prime Minister also informed President

Ramotar that India would grant a line of credit of US$50Million, for the East Bank Demerara Road expansion, as well as funds in the amount of US$8Million, to assist in the acquisition of an ocean ferry vessel.

The Indian Government will also work with the

President Donald Ramotar and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a light moment at the inauguration of the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Gandhinagar, India Guyana Government, in a pilot project on renewable energy using a rice husk gassifier.

Chief Guest, President Donald Ramotar arrives at the inauguration of the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Gandhinagar, India alongside India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi

IT Centre Prime Minister Modi, in referring to the announcement which he had made at the BRICS Summit

Indian Gov’t bestows President Ramotar with prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award

HIS Excellency, Donald Ramotar was presented with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, an honour that is endowed on individuals of exceptional merit, and is in appreciation of their roles in India’s growth and development.

President Ramotar on January 9 was honoured for his immense contribution in the field of public service and for fostering ties between India and Guyana. He was among 15 Non-Residential Indians (NRIs) who were honoured.

The Award is conferred on an NRI, Person of In-

dian Origin or an organisation or institution established and run by NRIs or Persons of Indian Origin, who has made significant contribution in any one of the following fields: better understanding abroad of India, support to India’s causes and concerns in a tangible way, building closer links between India, the overseas Indian community and their country of residence, social and humanitarian causes in India or abroad, welfare of the local Indian community, and philanthropic and charitable work, eminence in one’s field or outstanding work.

The award ceremony,

held in Mahatma Mandir Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, concluded the threeday Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention which was attended by approximately 4,000 delegates from different countries.

The Convention is an initiative to connect India to its vast overseas diaspora, and bring their knowledge, expertise and skills, to a common platform. This flagship event has been coordinated by the Government of India, through the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), since 2003.

PBD is celebrated on January 9, every year, to mark the contribution of

the Overseas Indian Community in the development of India. This date was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion, in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, who returned to India from South Africa on this day in 1915, and who led India’s freedom struggle, which changed the lives of Indians forever.

These conventions provide a platform to the Overseas Indian Community, allowing them to engage with the government and people of the country, as part of their ancestral history and for mutually beneficial activities.

in 2014 in Brasilia, regarding the establishment of Information Technology (IT) Centres in the region, indicated that the Indian Government had taken the decision that Guyana would be the first country in which they would establish an IT Centre, and that this would

commence very soon.

Meanwhile, President Ramotar will be among the 15 Non-Residential Indians (NRIs), who will be given the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.

The president is on a six-day official visit to India.

India’s Vice President, Mohammed Hamid Ansari, decorating President Donald Ramotar with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman medal

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President vows to continue building on solid foundation already laid

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar is impassioned to continue building on the many accomplishments that have become the hallmark of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

In his New Year’s address to the nation, he declared emphatically that high amongst the priorities will be to ensure the achievement of more affordable and reliable energy.

“At the heart of all these developments, will be our aim to improve the quality of life, enjoyed by every Guyanese citizen.

Opportunities will be created for persons to find gainful employment, and to acquire the skills necessary to take up those opportunities. Amongst the initiatives we will pursue, is the aim of achieving Universal Computer Literacy, (so) ensuring that each and every one can assume his/her rightful place in the modern, technology-driven world,” he stated.

Developments The example of the One Laptop Per Family Programme (OLPF) is illustrative of far-sightedness, success and initiative, and statistics shows that approximately 50 per cent of the entire OLPF Project quota has been completed.

The genesis of the programme goes back to 2011, when it was launched, and the objective was and still is about providing ‘athome’ Information and Communication Technology (ICT) opportunities for an estimated 90,000 Guyanese families. The goal is that Guyana must become computer literate.

This is just one example of what the President means by ‘continuing the good work.’

New road link The idea of road/bridge networking was also mentioned. The President explained that “… the feasibility study for the East

Coast-East Bank bypass road has been completed and (in discussion are the) next steps to advance this project, that has awesome ramifications. “It is set to … catalyse US$65 million in investment, building 20 kilometres of roads and supporting infrastructure. Furthermore, in the first half of 2015, we will be constructing an alternative link between Diamond and Eccles that will greatly relieve traffic congestion for commuters on the East Bank of Demerara,” he explained. This of course means thousands of job opportunities.

“During the next term of office, my Government will work with our partners to bridge the Corentyne River and to complete the road from Brazil along with the accompanying deep water harbour,” he added.

Affordable energy Another ambition that is percolating in President Ramotar’s mind is the foundational and all-important Amaila Falls Hydro Power (AFHP) Project. In fact he declared emphatically that “high amongst (the) priorities will be to ensure the achievement of more affordable and more reliable energy.” The reason he proffered is manifold, and what it can realise when completed.

“For too long, Guyanese have looked forward to harnessing our country’s vast hydropower potential. The time for realising this dream is long overdue.

Unreliable and unaffordable electricity continues to be the biggest impediment to investment and job creation in Guyana. My Government will deliver the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project to the Guyanese people, along with all its attendant benefits.”

The President’s vision is definitely not over-ambitious as “Within months, (he is expecting) to achieve financial closure and (so) commence construction…”

The flagship of the Low

versity to the world and to school children, some of whom have not had the opportunity to travel to interior locations.

President Donald Ramotar Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is the AFHP, he said, and added that, “I am pleased to announce that Norway has transferred earnings from our partnership of approximately US$80 million to the InterAmerican Development Bank to fund part of Guyana’s equity share in the project. This is a significant accomplishment. It demonstrates that all partners have strong confidence in Amaila. The project is once again moving forward.”

The President repeated the truth that Guyana is one of the very few countries in the world, receiving compensation for the sustainable management of the forests. Under this LCDS and in partnership with Norway, Guyana recently received its fourth payment, bringing the total earned thus far to US$150 million. It is the funds earned from this kind of prudent management that the AFHP is becoming more and more visible.

In 2015, he stated the Government will continue to break new development ground under the LCDS. “We will launch initiatives targeted at flood prevention dealing with both coastal community drainage systems and the larger conservancies. We will catalyse the ecotourism sector through several interventions so that Guyanese can more fully take advantage of our country’s natural and cultural assets,” he said.

In addition, work will advance on a Biodiversity Centre that will showcase Guyana’s unique biodi-

Housing The areas of works to be continued include just about every sector, as each has seen significant progress in the recent past. For example, the housing sector has seen impressive growth over the past five years.

The President detailed that, “From 2009 to 2014 the budgetary allocation to the sector has grown by 400%. In 2009, the Ministry was implementing 51 projects, now in 2014, there are 170 projects under implementation. The sector has been a boom for job creation, directly creating 3,500 jobs in 2014, a figure that is projected to grow to 4,250 in 2015.’

Vulnerable There was a time in Guyana’s history when some of the vulnerable were not just marginalised, but almost visually extinct.

This area has seen a huge turn around. The President showed his humane side, by promising to add more to the amelioration of the elderly.

“In just the past three years we have increased monthly Old Age Pension by 75 percent to $13,125.

This is light years from where we came when it was a paltry few hundred dollars and our seniors were subjected to the humiliating means test.” Now the criterion is just age.

The history of the PPP/C’s success story is well documented, but that is not all that can energise any President to become more visionary. Guyana was once paying a service debt of 94 cents out of every earned dollar and bank loans were astronomical. Investment had all but ceased. Evidence during the late 70s and 80s is still lodged in the collective psyche of many; it is rife with images of ‘lining up

An OLPF recipient benefits from personal training for food’ and ‘weeding for hampers.’ This ambience is no longer visible physically and with reasons that give rise to a boast that is a really a pledge.

Resolve and Foundation “At the heart of all these developments, will be our aim to improve the quality of life, enjoyed by every Guyanese citizen. We will work hard and invest heavily …”

This kind of promise is not hollow as “It is significant that 2014 saw Guyana growing economically for the ninth successive year.

History delineates that it is the longest period of continuous economic growth in the recent history of the country, and what is amazing is that the growth was achieved in the most testing of circumstances.

Economic growth President Ramotar reminded all that “Over just the two and a half years to mid-year 2014, the size of the economy increased by 25 percent to $650 billion, (and) our country has attracted more than US$629 million in foreign direct investment, credit to the private sector has grown by 41.5 percent to $190.5 billion, and total deposits in the commercial banks has grown by 22.1 percent to $334.6 billion.”

All of this was achieved despite the fact that the international environment was not favourable for some of the important sectors of the economy, he said, as he mentioned the

notable fall on the international market for the price of gold, the decline in sugar price on the world market by 60 percent, and rice facing similar challenges of market availability, unfavourable price movement, and late payments.

No partner in the Opposition Guyana could have been a better place if the Parliamentary Opposition had not kept stymieing developmental projects, namely the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion, Specialty Hospital and the AFHP, and not supporting critical pieces of legislation.

“The Opposition displayed remarkable recklessness and disregard for the welfare of our people by twice opposing the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill in the National Assembly. In so doing they are endangering our Financial Sector, exposing it to International sanctions. I ask how can one speak about fighting drug traffickers and money launderers, how can one speak about fighting corruption and oppose the passage of the AMF/CFT Bill.”

Things could have been further ahead and growth could have been more massive. The hope for ‘continuing to expand’ lies not only on the evidence of recent accomplishments, but with a working majority; hence the call of the President is based on facts and intellect.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

India can be developing nations’ voice

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- President highlights during address at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas meeting PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar, in offering his perception on the opportunities for India, in the world of today and tomorrow, said that just as that country played a pivotal role in providing the intellectual and political leadership that led to the granting of political independence for many nations including Guyana, so too today, India can provide leadership in representing the interests and concerns of the developing nations of the world.

The Head of State was at the time addressing the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas meeting in India; a get-together which brings together peoples of Indian origin, as well as members of the Indian Diaspora.

The fact that India occupies a seat in many of the major councils of the world (like the BRICS, G20 and others), where smaller countries like Guyana have no voice, was noted by the

President Donald Ramotar president. “Countries like mine turn to larger, more influential friends like India, to be the voice, through which the concerns of the developing world could be expressed”.

President Ramotar, Chief Guest at the event, explained that there are opportunities for India to be more active as a participant in the global development effort. “Whilst India is a member of some of the re-

gional development banks (for example the African Development Bank), in my own hemisphere India’s absence as a member of the regional and sub-regional development banks (IDB and CDB) is striking.”

Apart from the obvious political opportunity that it presents, he said membership will also bring important business opportunities for Indian companies and nationals.

The decision to develop this bi-regional mechanism was taken by the Heads of State and Government of the region at the 2nd CELAC Summit which was held in Havana, Cuba in January, 2014. Six months later the CELAC - China Forum was officially launched in Brasilia in the margins of the BRICS Summit in July, 2014.

The President of China, Xi Jinping chaired the opening ceremony which was also attended by H.E. Luis Guillermo Solis, the President of Costa Rica and Pro Tempore Chair of CELAC; the Honourable Perry Christie, Prime Minister of the Bahamas and the current CARICOM representative on the CELAC Quartet; H.E. Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador and incoming Pro Tempore Chair of CELAC and; H.E. Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela.

The meeting which was

held under the theme “New Platform, New Starting Point, New Opportunity - Joint Efforts to Promote China-Latin America and the Caribbean Partnership of Comprehensive Cooperation”, adopted three main documents: the Beijing Declaration, the Operating Rules of the Forum, and The 2015-2019 Plan of Action.

Speaking at the historical Forum, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said, “We are encouraged by the potential role of the CELAC-China Forum in promoting increased South-South cooperation between China and the Latin America and Caribbean region. The proposed areas for cooperation cover in large part our common interest, and once implemented will redound to the growth and development of our peoples. We in Guyana see great value in the initiatives as outlined in the Cooperation Plan and

The annual Indian Diaspora homecoming event was particularly significant this year, President Ramotar said, as it marks the centenary of the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India. “He was no doubt one of the world’s greatest men and he made a contribution in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. He led the heroic people of India in the epic struggle for Independence.” That struggle was indeed important not only for India, the president noted, but for the peoples in the colonies, who were exploited, many of them from India.

He stated that Gandhi became a world figure, who was recognised as one of the greatest leaders. “The victory of the independence movement in India was a great inspiration to oppressed peoples everywhere, and it inspired leaders in the colonies, to intensify the fight for freedom.

Actually the victory here

was the beginning of the end of colonialism in the world.” This independence struggle, he revealed, was a major influence on the founder and subsequent actions of the PPP leader, the late Former President Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

President Ramotar called for Indian companies to be more aggressively outward looking, opining that India’s potential role as a major source of outward foreign direct investment is still to be fully realised. Indeed, he said, considering the size and diversity of the Indian economy, there are many opportunities for Indian companies and entrepreneurs to establish a bigger global footprint. A further call for air and maritime links to be strengthened, to allow for the easier flow of goods, services and peoples between the two countries, was also made by the president.

Guyana, President Ramotar said, was apprecia-

tive of the role India continues to play in the global community of nations and amongst the developing countries of the world, “and we look forward to the further consolidation of this role in the future.

India today, must play an important role in confronting the global challenges of climate change, a cause his government continues to champion in the international arena, via its Low Carbon Development Strategy.

Other issues of priority include the post-2015 development agenda and the reform of the United Nations Security Council.

As it relates to the latter, he emphasised the Caribbean Community’s continued advocacy for its restructuring. The Guyana government’s support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat on an expanded Security Council was also reiterated by the Guyanese Head of State.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett highlights need for CELAC Summit’s cooperation plan to be converted into workable projects

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett led a delegation to the First Ministerial Meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) China Forum which was held in Beijing, China on January 8-9, 2015.

The CELAC-China Forum is a bi-regional mechanism aimed at promoting cooperation between the CELAC Member States and China in a wide range of areas including: training of human resources; transfer of technology; infrastructure development; climate change; energy, natural resources; cultural exchanges and agriculture.

The Government of China, in collaboration with regional financial institutions will provide concessional financing for many of the projects developed within the framework of this mechanism.

Guyana’s delegation to the CELAC forum embrace all opportunities afforded to be part of such collaboration.” She also concurred with the Chinese Foreign Minister that the easiest part is completed (the Cooperation Plan) and highlighted the need for the plan to be converted into workable projects which must be implemented with alacrity so that there can be an early harvest.

The Minister also took the opportunity to mention the issue of Climate

Change. “Not to underestimate the importance of the other areas listed in the Plan, but since it is the greatest challenge of our times, I must refer to the issue of climate change.

Guyana, as a low lying coastal developing state together with our Caribbean colleagues are pleased that climate change is given prominence in the Cooperation Plan since we are very vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

Indeed several of the most vulnerable countries in the world are found in the Caribbean. The consensus that Caribbean States must be treated differently is therefore welcomed.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi also met with the Caribbean Ministers in a special private meeting to discuss issues of interest to the Caribbean countries vis-a-vis the Forum.

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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

Rupert Roopnarine fails to see the larger picture of Hope Canal project

Dear Editor, I must confess utter astonishment, at the media report, that Dr Rupert Roopnarine is complaining about the ‘unnecessary extravagance’ and the ‘nonnecessity’ of the Hope Canal, now in its final stages

of completion.

If this is another opposition election tactic of soliciting sympathy, then it is as crazy as it is unreasonable.

Yours truly is not an engineer, and therefore plead

A vastly improved power supply to the nation- GPL delivering its mandate

A

nation without a reliable supply of energy is one that will not progress, given the fact that such an essential is intrinsic to its socio-economic development. This was undoubtedly the most serious of the many chronic deficiencies that Guyana experienced before 1992, as its socio-economic infrastructure gradually collapsed. It was a period that will be remembered for its unending periods of power failures that resulted in foods being spoilt and dumped; and students having to study in the discomforting glare of candlelight, among the many painful inconveniences.

But the reality of the nation’s power supply system at that time was that it specifically emanated from an overworked, archaic, and largely unserviceable grid that was unremittingly limited in its ability to even extend its service to areas that did not have any. For instance, within Region Six proper, GuySuco had been responsible for assisting with power generation for many areas.

That the People’s Progressive PartyCivic(PPP/C) government, recognising the linkage between a national power system supplying a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity, to the imperatives of national development, commenced a programme that has, during the past two decades, resulted in the gradual modernisation of the national power system.

Among the critical interventions in this sector, since 1992, has been the pivotal Unserved Areas Electrification Project (UAEP), executed in two phases, which finally brought electricity to over 24,000 homes. While the first phase of this US$7.1M project, has brought electrification to the new housing communities in Linden, Timehri, East Berbice, East and West Coast Demerara, Essequibo and Georgetown - the second phase has brought illumination to the locales of Goed Intent; Phoenix Park; some sections of Best Village; De Groot; Chateau Margot; Industry Railway Embankment; Felicity; and Lusignan East. This means that thousands of homes within communities are for the first time enjoying a vital utility.

Since reliability of power generation and its sustainability, has been a perennial problem with national power supply, the implementation of the US$42M Infrastructure Development Project (IDP) is geared towards arresting this deficiency. Launched in accordance with Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) seminal Infrastructure Development Programme, seven new sub-stations have been built at strategic points such as Columbia, South Backlands, New Sophia (Liliendaal), Good Hope, Vreed-en-Hoop, Edinburgh, and Golden Grove. This project also caters for the upgrade of existing sub-stations, thus meeting the demands of consumers.

Even the Hinterland, a victim of criminal neglect on the part of the former People’s National Congress(PNC) regime, has been included in this modernisation process of the national electrification system. Via the Hinterland

Development Programme series, over 80% of this vast geographic space is now in receipt of power supply. It is instructive to note that in excess of 15,000 solar panels have also been distributed to over 300 communities, as well as development works already started to harness hydropower capabilities from the Chiung River at Kato in Region Eight.

Coupled with these developments has been the commissioning of the new US$20M Wartsila facility at Kingston that has since been contributing approximately 16 megawatts to the national grid.

This is just a microcosm of the four-fold changes that GPL, since its inception, has sought to usher in, in its conscientious efforts to fashion an entirely new culture of strategic management, and relevant design of systems, geared towards the supply of reliable power to both domestic and industrial sectors. For this, the institution’s management and technical staff deserve the highest gratitude, given the dire situation of poorly maintained structure and inadequate transmission that it had inherited.

We agree that that there are still the chronic challenge of technical loss; and the even more serious one through flagrant electricity theft. The former is being addressed through the gradual overhaul of the national system that seeks to erect others that will allow for better efficiency in transmission and distribution, among other aspects. But the latter, sad to say, is threatening to become a national culture, because of the dishonest perceptions of those who are of the conclusion that utility services are free. It is a mindset that can only be addressed, by the realisation that electricity theft severely hampers GPL from its rehabilitative programmes, designed to deliver a better national service; or, failing which, then legal action ought to be a resort, in prosecuting the recalcitrant.

Finally, it is unfortunate that the parliamentary opposition parties, the A Partnership for National Unity(APNU) and the Alliance for Change(AFC), have failed to understand the larger picture of what the power institution’s programme to enhance its delivery capabilities, has really been doing for the improved comfort of Guyanese.

It is even more so, given the gross neglect that this sector had experienced during the PNC government. For the power company to have suffered cuts to its budgetary subsidy, effected by these two parties, details an abysmal ignorance, but a frightening pretence, as to how very little their respective “shadow” spokespersons understand about the necessity for sustained power supply.

But GPL, despite such impediments, has continued to fulfill its mandate. The nation has been the undoubted beneficiaries of its conscientious efforts. This entity deserves our gratitude.

ignorance of such technicalities. However, resorting to a layman’s common sense understanding of what those unfortunate residents in the Douchfour area especially, had to face during voluminous rainfall, then such an outlet, a by-pass more or less, was the natural solution to deal with the inundation of the area and the surrounding locales, precipitated by the East Demerara Water Conservancy.

So many farmers have lost their crops and other forms of livelihood, during those periods! If Roopnarine had only understood what it meant to plough, plant, and lose the fruits of hard labour through natural disaster, then he would

now be able to understand the distress of those people and residents in general.

Of course, it is quite common for there to be set backs, regarding such large developmental projects. So a few hiccups should not be a cause for accusations.

Roopnarine has even failed to see the larger picture of such a project, being a strategic ally to the pumps, already in place along the coastland.

No doubt, these guys cannot fathom what national development is all about. As a reminder, it is about ensuring the wellbeing and security of the people.

Sheldon Meertins

How can David Granger, ever claim to be a serious political leader?

Dear Editor, How can David Granger ever claim to be a serious political party leader, and yet cannot settle an internal quarrel? It has to be a surprise that the Vanessa Kissoon matter, has not been settled, and is still throwing embers!

In any organisation, particularly those of a political nature, there will always be internal dissension based on differences of opinion; social backgrounds, and plain personality clashes, among the myriad causes. These are inevitable. But what is important, is that whenever such situations arise, good leadership must brought to bear, in effecting a solution. For any such sce-

nario, to continue without remedy, calls into question the ability to lead.

I will not tarry on the issues surrounding the Kissoon matter, except to say that from the latest observation, one should ask – who is in charge?

Also, it is reported that the party member at the centre of the row, Vanessa Kissoon, has been gagged! Well, no surprise, since Granger and party orchestrated the same undemocratic act on the Minister of Home Affairs, until overturned by judicial decision.

Habits die hard, eh!

Some democrat is danger!

Peter Jacques

Email letters to: ginagovgy@gmail.com

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

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Wakenaam residents enjoying 24-hour electricity for first time-following similar service in Leguan

RESIDENTS of Wakenaam, one of the largest islands located in the Essequibo River are now benefiting from a 24-hour electricity service, as the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) officially commissioned the upgraded Wakenaam Power Plant in December.

Recently, neighbouring island, Leguan, had its power plant commissioned. The plant has three new 513 KVA units and auxiliary supplies.

Wakenaam, which has a population of approximately 10,000 people, is mostly agriculture driven, and according to President Donald Ramotar, who unveiled the plaque to commission the plant, this new service will pave the way for greater economic growth in the Region Three Island.

President Ramotar was accompanied by Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, GPL’s Chairman, Winston Brassington, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bharrat Dindyal and Region Three Chairman, Julius Faerber.

During his address, President Ramotar highlighted the importance of electricity and its role in national development.

Wakenaam, he said, possesses great potential, as it is known for its production of rice, coconut oil and cattle.

“The Island has been blessed with talented farmers and hard working people…and what is needed to help with the development of the Island is infrastructure, because I am convinced that we have the human capital to move the island forward. And one of the most important elements of this is electricity which will make life easier for the people,” the President emphasised.

A reliable electricity service will also create greater opportunities, especially for women, in order to increase income generating options and ease the burden of house chores, to which many have been subjected, he said.

President Donald Ramotar along with Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) Chairman, Winston Brassington and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bharrat Dindyal inspecting a component of the Wakenaam Power facility “This service is important, as not only you will have the opportunity to watch television, but because it will have the possibility of creating jobs…to diversify your own livelihood, moving from just rice to other crops. It will also develop the social industry, where people can have more places to relax, time to engage in cultural activities and so forth.”

Since 1992, Government has been placing tremendous emphasis on education, and the President noted that this is another step of ensuring that students have the opportunity to utilise the services offered, since they will now be able to use the computer labs.

“We are convinced that the most important factor for development is people, and developing the quality of people is what will take us forward, and we have seen numerous examples of that all over the world… many countries of great natural resources still have poverty, but those which have a high level of education have been recording positive development and growth rate,” he stressed.

Social expenditure has moved from less than 8% of the National Budget in 1992, to more than 30% today, with the aim of increasing services in vital areas, especially education and health.

Over the last two years (up to mid-2014), the size of

Guyana’s economy grew by 25% (US $650B) President Ramotar highlighted.

He said that in the same period of time, when some of the most important exports

were affected such as gold, rice and sugar, the economy recorded its ninth successive year of economic growth.

President Ramotar further noted that the realisation

of the Amalia Falls Hydro Project will see the country develop even further.

He charged the residents to desist from electricity theft, and instead to legally utilise the service that is being offered to them.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hinds, in his capacity as being responsible for energy, noted that GPL, having provided a 24-hour service to Wakenaam and Leguan, is now looking to link the islands, allowing for a more improved service in the future.

He reminded all that electricity has been on the front burner of the PPPC’s agenda for many years. He expressed satisfaction that it has had done well in this regard, ensuring that all of

Guyana receive electricity.

Prior to the improved service, the residents received electricity from 4:00 pm to 8:00am.

The Prime Minister urged the residents to ensure better management of the service provided to them. He challenged them to pay their electricity bills, because Guyana is developing and there is need for the people to develop a higher standard of living.

Recently as well, GPL commissioned a sub-station at North Ruimveldt, the final component of the power company’s new system, which is catered for, under the US$42M Infrastructure Development Programme (IDP), and which links Demerara and Berbice.

8

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

My Gov’t will deliver Amaila Falls Hydro Project to Guyanese

DESCRIBED as Guyana’s largest and most ambitious project to date, the Amaila Falls Hydro Power (AFHP) Project is closer to becoming a reality. This was revealed on December 31, when President Donald Ramotar gave his annual New Year’s Address to the nation.

He announced that, “Norway has transferred earnings from our partnership of approximately US$80 million to the InterAmerican Development Bank to fund part of Guyana’s equity share in the project. This is a significant accomplishment.”

The President who de-

Artist’s impression of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project

scribed the AFHP as the flagship of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), emphasised that Government will continue to invest heavily in the

physical infrastructure, “that is so critical to creating jobs and improving livelihoods.”

The realisation of the transformational project,

he said, is high amongst Government’s priorities, “to ensure the achievement of more affordable and more reliable energy.”

President Ramotar said

-President restates that for too long, Guyanese have looked forward to harnessing the country’s vast hydropower potential, “The time for realising this dream is long overdue”.

Unreliable and unaffordable electricity, he explained, continues to be the biggest impediment to investment and job creation in Guyana.

The Head of State said firmly that “… Government will deliver the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project to the Guyanese people, along with all its attendant benefits. Within months, we expect to achieve financial closure and so com-

mence construction, and this project will come into operation during our new term in office.”

The project involves the construction of a hydropower plant in the area of west-central Guyana, where the Amaila and Kuribrong rivers meet. Electricity produced at the plant will be delivered to Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, and its second largest town, Linden, by an electric transmission line. Once operational, approximately $9 billion will be saved annually from fuel import.

GuySuco’s surpassing of 2014 target bodes well for industry’s future AS predicted earlier this year, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) has surpassed its 2014 production target of 216,000 tonnes. This achievement is a first since 2005, and in thanking workers at all levels of the corporation for attaining this goal, GuySuco’s Chief Executive Officer, Raj Singh said that there is still much to be done to ensure a return to profitability.

The CEO described the performance of the industry as encouraging, noting that most of the key performance indicators were achieved. The target was surpassed when grinding for this year officially halted on December 24, at all estates.

Meanwhile, the ability of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) to meet and exceed its 2014 production target was welcomed by President Donald Ramotar.

In an invited comment, the President said that internationally sugar prices have declined sharply moving from US$700 per tonne in 2013 to around US$300 per tonne, in 2014. Despite the interna-

-President Ramotar

tional market being very volatile, he commended all of those who made the company surpass its target of 216,000 tonnes, adding that “it bodes very well for the future”.

The president expressed the hope that sugar prices will rise again in 2015, and strengthen GuySuco’s financial position, thus enabling it to “make the great contribution, they have traditionally made to our country”.

Also congratulate and expressing his profound gratitude to the workers, the management and the Board of GUYSUCO for reaching the 2014 sugar target was Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ram-

Cane harvesters at work sammy. The Agriculture Minister noted that it was not an easy target to reach given the many difficulties that GUYSUCO confronted in 2014. “The calamitous drop in sugar price on the global and preferred market scene proved to be a challenge for all sugar industries. The dramatic fall in earnings and, therefore, cash flow would prove precipitous for any industry or any business. In addition, while generally rainfall was down in 2014, rain fell and affected the industry at critical times. Yet the Board and Management and, particularly the workers realized that the industry is too important for us to allow negative situa-

tions to thwart our efforts.”

The workers too continued to face many challenges, Dr. Ramsammy pointed out. “While the industry faced financial challenges, workers, like workers in other settings in Guyana and internationally justifiably expect better remuneration. They did not get all they wanted, but they also recognize that this is a Guyanese industry and will serve Guyana and her people for more centuries to come. Workers faced many challenges in terms of weather and infrastructure. Yet, they stuck to the task,” he noted.

“For that I am grateful and dedicate our success this year to the workers.

They are our heroes and I am profoundly moved by the many times the workers spoke to me and assured me that nothing will prevent them from doing what is necessary to see the industry overcome its many difficulties,” he stated.

The Agriculture Minister noted that the 2014 target was a modest target, “but given where we were climbing from, it was a difficult target. We must congratulate Blairmont, East Demerara, Uitvlugt, Albion and Rose Hall for surpassing their 2014 targets.”

The other estates also came very close to meeting their targets.

“We recognize that critics will hone in on Skeldon, given the investments we have made. But Skeldon in 2014 showed signs of finally beginning to meet expectations. We are concern that more rapid progress was not made. But we are encouraged that Skeldon has again improved in 2014.

We look forward to 2015 when the target is being set significantly higher than the 216,000 target for 2014.

I am confident that 2015

will be another successful year in terms of the targets and efficiency of production,” he outlined.

GuySuCo will be focusing in 2015, on increasing production, reducing production cost, enhancing its mechanisation programme, expanding market base and diversifying its lines of business with new products, particularly value added ones.

GuySuco has benefitted from more than $6 billion from government, in 2014, as it works to reverse its fortunes by modernising and streamlining its operations. In addition to the 18,000 workers, more than 120,000 people benefit indirectly from the company’s operation.

Government transferred a total of US$195 million to Guysuco over the period 2005 to 2013 in support of its various restructuring and turnaround initiatives.

This exceeds the total of €110.1 million, equivalent to US$145.9 million received from the EU under the accompanying measures programme since its introduction.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Opposition’s propagandistic ‘criminalised economy’ statement offensive to ordinary Guyanese

GUYANA is a market driven economy, led by the production of rice, sugar, gold, diamond, timber, bauxite, services and other resources, and while Government cites statistics to tout the nation’s economic growth, it is the average Guyanese who help to drive and expand the economy.

This is the view of Presidential Adviser on Governance, Gail Teixeira, who spoke on a recent edition of the television programme “Political Scope,” aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) Inc. Speaking on the issue of governance and the opposition’s catch phrases such as Guyana’s having a ‘criminalised economy,’ she queried if “ … the opposition is (actually) saying that the famers, who borrow money from the bank, who cultivate their lands, who sell their produce, who take that

Presidential Adviser on Governance, Gail Teixeira money and buy equipment well as foreign-owned opand fix up their houses…..if erations … all of them who are facilitating the high these are criminals?”

She alluded to the wom- production, even amidst an, who gets a small loan fluctuating prices for the from the Women of Worth metal. The Political Oppo(WoW) Programme and de- sition and its ‘so called’ incides to start a hairdressing tellectuals are attempting to operation at her home, to fudge these issues. She notbetter her economic circum- ed that “If the famer doesn’t stances, and again asked if produce and the market all of these persons can be vendor doesn’t come to her stall and sell it, and there classified as criminals.

She cited gold produc- isn’t a group of people who tion, and stated that it was can afford to buy it, then the small miners, medium she doesn’t make any monand large scale miners, as ey. She then tells the farmer

that she can’t purchase as much from him as before…

That’s the economy.”

She said it is the wildest statement emanating from the opposition and described it as “highly offensive” to ordinary hardworking Guyanese. These sweeping propagandistic statements were further viewed as ‘par for the course,’ especially as the nation prepares for General and Regional Elections, Teixeira said, “They have been simmering these things for a while since 2001, but they haven’t caught on…one has to say to the opposition, that if they live in glass houses they have to be careful”.

The issue of campaign financing, she noted, should have been addressed, since a bill to deal with this was mooted, before the last elections. It was agreed that the issue would be dealt with before the next elections, the upcoming one.

To date, there has been no

9

– Teixeira

indication from the Combined Political Opposition, she said, noting that APNU Executive Member Joseph Harmon has publicly declined to disclose the party’s sources of funding. Teixeira said that by law, political parties are required to disclose this information, after the conclusion of an election, hence it would be interesting to find out when was the last time the APNU, formerly the PNC, submitted any documentation about same, to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The Joint Opposition cannot attack Government’s integrity when they have not had a single member submit any documentation to the Integrity Commission. The public should demand from the Political Opposition answers on what they are doing and actually saying, she stressed.

A dilemma faced by

the opposition is the emergence of a middle class that is benefitting from an expanding economy, according to Presidential Adviser Teixeira. This fact is confusing to the opposition as they do not comprise the traditional middle class of years past.

The ‘new’ middle class comprise Guyanese of all races and they drive the economy. The description of these persons as criminals is an offence to them, she added, “basically it about the opposition’s not living up to what Guyana has become.” She opined that the Political Opposition should have a “mea culpa (‘by my fault’)” and apologise to the Guyanese citizens, for several issues such as rigged elections…just like the Pope has apologised for certain things and certain countries have apologised for wrongs done.

Critics, opposition media houses seem to be against Police reform HOME Affairs Minister Clement Rohee is of the view that the reportage by some media houses, as well as statements coming out of opposition parties, do not augur well for the reform of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The minister was at the time presenting his ministry’s “Year-in-Review” for 2014, at the Police Training Centre, Georgetown.

“Yes, there will be critics and the cynics, not to mention prophets of ‘doom and gloom’ who have well established themselves, through their writings, in the print media, criticising

the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Law Enforcement Agencies.”

In this light, the minister said that he would very much like for the ‘known critics’ to show their support to GPF’s reform, which is currently underway. Too often, Minister Rohee says, he gets the impression that the critics do not want reforms, as their actions speak louder than their words.

“Their criticisms are of course political in nature, notwithstanding the pretence at wanting an improved security situation in our country.”

A section of the gathering at the Ministry of Home Affair’s 2014 report

Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee presenting the ministry’s 2014 report.

The minister also mentioned that as a result of some of the reporting and political statements, the GPF was recently forced to issue a statement addressing the issue.

Part of the Statement reads that “The Guyana Police Force is appealing to members of political parties not to use the Guyana Police Force for political mileage and wishes to inform the public that it is making great efforts, to improve the quality of service it provides and to gain public trust.”

Minister Rohee named the Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, Channels Seven and Nine, Demerara Waves, and INews as being guilty of this bad reporting.

He noted that the Kaieteur News, while acting as if were a “friend” of the Police, pays enormous sums for leaks, while the Stabroek News is always on the lookout for potential “stellar performance” awardees, but never ever finding any in the security sector.

“Channels Seven and Nine, for their part, play the role of parroting what “Dem Boys Seh (Kaieteur News’ satire column)” about developments in the security sector, and INews and Demerara Waves compete and jostle with each other, in and out of Guyana, to paint the gloomiest, crime-ridden picture of the situation in Guyana.”

The minister explained that whilst the crime situation in Guyana must not be hidden, the negative reports of these media are

-Minister Rohee ironic, given the fact that the Police themselves publish on a monthly basis, statistics on crime and traffic.

“It is the sensationalising and the ‘front-paging’ of these stories, 365 days each year, and the view that since such a practice hurts the operatives in the security sector most, the media houses mentioned earlier, consider it their duty to do more of it, more so, since it reaps huge profits.”

The Home Affairs Minister said that the end result of the analysis therefore is that “ … in Guyana, there are several deeply prejudiced and profit-driven media houses, which for their own selfish interests, view the security sector as a ‘golden goose’ whose droppings must be exploited fully.”

Meanwhile, in his review of the performance of the GPF, the minister noted that his ministry is satisfied with the output, but

acknowledged the fact that more needs to be done.

“To the hierarchy of the GPF, I say this: the lessons drawn from ingenuity, and innovation boil down to the following-it does not matter how good you are, you can always do better and ultimately, it doesn’t matter how better you become, you can always strive to be the best.”

He further pledged the PPP/C Administration’s continuous support, to provide the necessary resources needed, to see the overall reform of the force at all levels.

“And in setting these challenges, I intend to continue the PPP/C Administration’s pace of reform, to encourage a culture of excellence, which will allow officers to grow in their profession and to strive relentlessly, in the pursuit of efficient delivery of service to the people.”

10

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Government pursing various options to complete Specialty Hospital

GOVERNMENT is keen to have the Specialty hospital completed, so as to provide world class medical services, locally, which can now only be accessed at huge financial cost overseas.

Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, addressing the media, during his weekly post-Cabinet briefing, said the status of the contract hinges on the termination of the contract to design, build and supply the Specialty Hospital; this by Surendra Engineering Company. He explained that three steps were taken

by Central Government,

Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon one of which saw officials’ informing, both the Indian Exim Bank and the Government of India, of the Guyana Government’s “ab-

solute resolve” to have the hospital built, at the Turkeyen site.

The PPP/C Administration has reached out to the Indian Government with certain proposals, Dr Luncheon said, as regards to the project’s future, “how specifically concessionary loan financing can continue to be provided and be utilised for the completion of this project.” Government is awaiting a response from India’s “officialdom” before taking the next step.

Work on the transformational project’s construction was suspended after Government uncovered several improprieties on Surendra’s behalf, as regards to its fi-

… Dr. Luncheon

Artist’s Impression of Guyana Specialty Hospital nancial support and operations. Legal proceedings were then instituted against the company, to recoup monies paid thus far by Government to the

engineering company.

According to Dr Luncheon, Government “feels rather strongly” that a good case has been made and apart from the

“exhaustively slow preliminaries”, monetary compensation for damage for delays and distress caused can also be recovered successfully.

GPHC receives $11M ambulance to enhance emergency medical response

THE Ministry of Health, via its subject minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, on January 8, handed over an ambulance to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC’s) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) team. Procured at the cost of $11M, the mobile medical vehicle is symptomatic of Government’s trend of enhancing Emergency Medical Response (EMR) capacity.

This EMT team has been complementing the services offered at the hospital over the past year. It was set up since February 2014, after the technicians underwent training in Emergency Response.

Members have thus far responded to approximately 3000 emergency calls, coming out from the various regions and districts in the country.

The service is designed to provide emergency medical response for patients, who are in need of urgent medical care, before actually making them to the hospital. The pre-hospital intervention is administered

by EMTs, who have been specially trained, to deliver emergency medical care to patients on scene and en route to the hospital. These

individuals are tasked with the responsibility of retrieving patients and delivering them to the emergency room in a safe, efficient and prompt manner.

In 2014, the team delivered the first baby in an ambulance in Guyana; it also delivered three other babies, before reaching the hospital, including a twin delivery. Members of the unit have delivered multiple-sick patients to the emergency room and who needed immediate care, including those in motor vehicular accidents, those having heart attacks, and even those from the hinterland communities, requiring Emergency Medical Evacuation (EME).

According to the Head of the hospital’s A&E Unit, Dr. Bux, this batch of technicians are the first in a pilot project, which aims to have emergency medical response services available at the country’s five main hospitals and possibly across the country. This pilot initiative will gradually expand in phases, to the different regions of Guyana.

He also noted that close to 50 individuals have been trained as EMTs, including persons from the Guyana Police Force (GPC), Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Fire Ser-

Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran handing over the keys of the new ambulance to Director of the Accident and Emergency Department, Dr. Zulfikar Bux vice (GFS), along with Hence, work is being con- been collaborating with the ducted to develop a Medi- Ministry of Health and the medical personnel.

He added that the major vac (medical evacuation) GPHC, to develop Emergoal is to have a National response system, to have a gency Medicine in GuyEMS body, which will con- timelier and more efficient ana. It has thus far trained three specialist emergency trol the daily operations of evacuation system.

Minister of Health Dr. doctors and is expected to EMS services in Guyana.

The target facility for the Bheri Ramsaran has noted graduate 12 others, over the housing of this unit is Pro- that there are plans to fur- next three years.

These doctors are exject Dawn, Liliendaal, East ther expand the skills of the EMTs, by training them in pected to continue the deCoast Demerara.

Also, communication the administration of blood velopment of Emergency is a key aspect of any re- and oxygen. This will also Medicine so that Specialsponse system, so in this include the matching of ised Emergency Medicare will become accessible to light, a dispatch system is blood groups.

This project has re- Guyanese. currently being developed, The Vanderbilt Medical and when in force will be ceived tremendous support a part of the National EMS from the Vanderbilt Medi- center has also partnered cal Center and the Morris with the Morris Foundabody’s housing unit.

Further, Dr. Bux noted Foundation in the U.S.A. tion, to provide Guyana that medical evacuation is The former, which is re- with the necessary resourcvery important, especially nowned for being one of es for the development of with regard responses to the best Emergency Hos- this sector.

Recognising the hard accidents in the Hinterland. pitals in the U.S.A, has

work of the team, Minister Ramsaran expressed gratitude, not only to the technicians, but also Dr. Zulfikar Bux, who has been emphasising the need for EMR and has been fully supporting the team, whose members were all urged to continue the good work.

Further, to express gratitude for the work carried out by the team, the members were treated to breakfast. They were joined by the minister, GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Khan, and Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Sheik Amir, along with Dr. Bux. Following the breakfast, a trophy, as a token of reward for the hard work, was presented to the team.

Ron Morris, Training and Development Officer, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was also presented with a trophy, as he was recognised as the best performing EMT in 2014.

Morris expressed his delight at being a part of the team and is proud of the success they have had in terms of helping so many people, despite some challenging situations. He added that there is still a lot more that the team can and will strive to accomplish.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

11

Land is life for Amerindians – Minister Sukhai

AMERINDIAN Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, has described land as “life” for Amerindians, explaining that it’s a strong asset base, which they would be able to manage, protect by themselves and so improve their chances of expanding their economic activities.

This point was made during an interview on the National Communications Network’s “Political Scope” programme on January 8. The Minister was joined by Adviser, Yvonne Pearson and General Manager of the Amerindian Land Titling Project, Anna Correia.

This description of the land was reinforced

- land titling project will provide tenured security

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Adviser to the Ministry Yvonne Pearson and Manager, Land Titling Programme, Anna Correia being interviewed by Neaz Subhan, Director, Government Information Agency pleted by the end of 2016.

The Land Titling programme, the minister noted will give Amerindians “tenured security” as it replaces the “ad hoc” arrangement which existed previously. She opined

being taken into consideration, and actions and projects are being attached to each one of these major concerns, particularly the international mechanism the UN (United Nations) raises with respect

Flashback: President Donald Ramotar with Toshaos who recieved land title certificates in 2013

by Pearson who said that, “You cannot take the Amerindians from the land.

We depend on the land … our whole livelihood depends on the land….spiritually, we are also connected to the land”.

The fact that there are cadastral plans to prove the geographical location of lands also adds to the sense of ownership, according to Correia, who explained that four communities are currently undergoing the process, with 20 more due to start soon.

In 2016, another 20 communities are due to have their lands demarcated and titled.

Land titling Addressing the issue of land titling, Minister Sukhai said that this process, which began three years ago, should be com-

that there is no other country which has achieved the milestones made annually by Government, with regards to Amerindian and Hinterland development. It was pointed out that Guyana’s economic performance and Government’s political will have helped in the provision of more financial resources, to ensure that all the policy directions be adopted to improve the lot of Amerindians.

On the international front, Guyana is seen as doing “very well” with regards to indigenous matters, she added. Locally, there have been several critics, the minister acknowledged, but explained that “Land is being addressed, economic interventions are being addressed, social improvement, cultural aspects are

to countries where Indigenous populations reside.”

Minister Sukhai said it was important to note that the Amerindian Act has a “cut off” point for Amerindians to claim ownership of lands, since they too like many others are wont to speculate on ownership. The minister explained that history and its various interventions have proven that Guyana is a “land of six peoples,” and the rights of all must be considered and taken into consideration.

Forestry concession The granting of mining and forestry concessions was also addressed by the panelists. These concerns are being sorted by a joint board of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Guyana Geology and Mines Com-

mission (GGMC), Guyana Land and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), Amerindians and Ministry officials. There were several cases such as Rivers View, which had forestry concession in the proposed area of demarcation, Minister Sukhai revealed. This was resolved when representatives and stakeholders met at the community level.

The meeting included officials from the GFC and the ministry. The end of the discussions saw the concessionaires agreeing, with the GFC not to have the leased lands fall within the village’s boundaries and the villagers’ agreeing to shift their prior claim to another area, a move which also freed up more areas for potential concessionaires. For resolution of issues, there must be “reasonable” discussions, the minister stressed, along with respect for all titles.

With respect to small and large scale mining, the Natural Resources and Environment Minister ultimately makes a decision, especially if any exploitation of minerals is deemed to be in the national interest, in accordance with the Amerindian Act, the minister said.

GRIF For the naysayers, Minister Sukhai advised that they look at what has been achieved, the transparency of the titling exercises, and the resolution of issues and challenges thus far. Some US$10 million has been set aside for this programme through the Guyana REDD+ In-

vestment Fund (GRIF), a multi-contributor trust fund for the financing of activities identified under the Government of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

The GRIF was established in October 2010, with the World Bank as Trustee, following an agreement signed between Guyana and Norway in November 2009, in which Norway agreed to provide Guyana up to US$250 million by 2015, in performancebased payments for avoided deforestation in support of Guyana’s LCDS. Funding from GRIF, totalling some US$8.1M

ecute. The funds are administered via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to ensure transparency and accountability.

Villagers are happy to participate in this project, particularly as it is to their community’s economic benefit, the Minister stated. One example given was that of Barabina, which has successfully set up a chicken rearing operation and started selling. Previously the community imported chicken to meet their needs. Santa Aratack has also opened a guest house which is also bringing in money to the

Flashback: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Khadija Musa, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, sign the $ 1.3B agreement to facilitate Phase II of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) Project. has been allocated towards the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF). This fund is being used to finance various projects in 187 hinterland communities. Minister Sukhai described these projects as being in areas such as tourism, farming, mining or forestry. Twenty five of 27 communities, selected randomly with regards to sectors and regions, have already benefitted from this programme and 161 others are due to have their projects come on stream over the next two years.

The ADF offers $5 million to each community which shortlists up to five projects and the villagers determine which they would like to ex-

community.

The move by the Joint Political Opposition earlier this year, to cut funding for the Amerindians, was described as “a big mistake” by the minister.

Amerindians were previously marginalised and now they receive positive attention in terms of opportunities, it was noted, as the present PPP/C Government has always sought to enhance their development. The delay was unfortunate and Government’s commitment is not going to be daunted and it will persevere as it continues to make major headway in the quest for Amerindian development, she said.

12

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Police Marine wing gets $71.9M boat

GUYANA Police Force (GPF) Marine Department has been boosted to better enable the force to patrol and respond to crimes on the waterways, as the Ministry of Home Affairs, on December 31, handed over five boats, valued at $76.8M to the GPF’s

Marine Department.

The MV Baramani, (a Coast Guard patrol boat,) was procured at the cost of $71.9M while four wooden patrol vessels were acquired at a cost of $4.9M. “It is the first time in our history that we have a vessel that can actually do

coastal patrol and this will go a long way in bringing relief to fishermen and other persons who operate offshore and who feel threatened by piracy,” Police Commissioner (ag) Seelall Persaud said.

The commissioner also pointed out that the boat will aid in enhancing

-to patrol riverain and coastal areas

joint operations between the force and other agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard in dealing with smuggling of goods, cargo that can be cleared and also illegal

Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee handing over the keys to the vessels to Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud as ranks of the Guyana Police Force Marine Department look on

Guyana to begin equipping police with body camera THE Guyana Police Force is likely to see the introduction of body cameras for its officers. This is according to Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee.

Speaking at the ministry’s year-end presser, Minister Rohee said that the use of the body worn camera has become a necessity and will be introduced in 2015.

Body cameras for officers are likely to become an industry standard over the coming years.

Just recently, President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, announced that he will seek $263 million in order to better train police officers and that a large chunk of that money will fund the purchase of roughly 50,000 body cameras for the roughly 750,000 cops across the country.

Obama’s proposal came in response to protests over the shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri this summer by Officer Darren Wilson, who was not wearing a body camera during the confrontation One study has confirmed that body cameras reduce police use of force and citizens complaints. The study, an experiment conducted by the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Criminology (IoC), on the Rialto Police Department in California, found that police officers, who were not wearing cameras, were twice as likely to use force as against those who were wearing.

During the 12-month experiment, the police department also saw a reduction in citizens’ complaints compared with previous years, from 0.7 complaints per every 1,000 police contacts with the public to 0.07 complaints per 1,000 contacts. For the year 2014, the Police Complaint Authority, of the Guyana Police Force received approximately two hundred and forty-three (243) written complaints, into which investigations were launched.

substances.

Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, explained that the vessels were catered for in the 2013 budget although the Ministry has been emphasising on its procurement long before.

The newly procured MV Baramani

He added that though Guyana experienced a few pirate attacks on fishermen over the years, (especially during the period 2010 -2012 and in the Corentyne River,) it is important to clear up the misunderstanding that Guyana is infested with pirates.

He noted that this misinformation has created a hindrance in tourism activities as regards ships and vessels entering Guyana, because of the imaginary fear/danger factor.

The supply of the vessel is to build capacity for the force to carry out its duties more effectively, the minister explained. He pointed out that in order to be able to be a part of the “contest” between the underworld and the officers, “we need to be ready and equipped in order to be on top of the situation.”

Several officers were earlier in the year trained to use the vessels.

New machine-readable passport for 2015 Guyana Passport office

HOME Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has announced that in an effort to safeguard the integrity of the Guyana Passport a new re-designed document will be introduced in 2015.

Minister Rohee, speaking at an end-of-year press conference at the Police Officers Training Centre, said the process to upgrade the machine readable passport, in keeping with Border Control System, began in 2013, while a contract was signed in 2014 with Canadian Bank Note, for the upgrade to commence in 2015.

The contract will see the decommissioning of the old system, and the installation of new software and hardware systems. The current machine readable passport will eventually be phased out.

“This process is almost completed and the new redesigned passport will come into being in 2015. The old one will be phased out,” Minister Rohee stated.

Also in the area of border control and passport issuance, 2014 also saw the decentralisation of this process to Divisions B, D, E, F, and G, bringing relief to persons who had to travel to uplift passports as was the case in the past.

Guyana joined the Caribbean in 2007 when it introduced the machine-readable passports. Canadian Bank Note was awarded the contract to produce them.

The passport was introduced to protect against multiple issuance of the travel document to persons under fraudulent identities by maintaining and checking all passport holders.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

13

Existence of free press is a basic tenet of democracy

PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Governance, Gail Teixeira, underlined that conditions such as a free press, is one of the basic principles of a democratic society, noting that an open and free press exists in Guyana.

She noted that Government has only one television station, one radio station and a single newspaper. In contrast there are 20 television stations, 13 radio stations and four daily newspapers, and hence the private sector is in control of the mass media, she said.

Speaking on the issue of governance on the television programme, “Politi-

cal Scope” on the National Communications Network (NCN Inc.), she added that the media houses, however, are expected to comply with the laws of Guyana.

Five free and fair elections Examining the electoral laws, the presidential adviser said that dictators do not like or hold elections, and, “If they do, they are often rigged.” Guyana has had five ‘free and fair’ elections since 1992, overseen by international observers, she pointed out, and unlike in years past, at no point were they described as fraudulent. “We are proud of that fact … the fact people have

the right to vote unencumbered, unfettered.”

Speaking on the rule of law, Teixeira explained that this is supervised by the executive, the legislative and the judiciary. She said the judiciary is intact, independent and doesn’t bow to Government, which she added, incidentally also loses many of the cases brought before the court and wins some.

There is no saluting or allegiance pledged to the flag of the ruling party, as obtained during the PNC regime, she further noted.

Persons are also free to bring constitutional motions before the courts, if they feel that their basic

Guyana Times and Kaieteur Newspapers which came into being under this current administration

- disputes claims of dictatorship … Teixeira

human rights are being violated.

“We are free to go to rallies … we are free to picket. The Joint Opposition (A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change) have not been prevented from having a say; they have not been prevented from holding their picketing in front of Office of the President… what they are told is that there are certain rules in law that you have to obey and that’s it”.

Fallacious claims The claims that Guyana is a “failed state” were also dismissed by Teixeira, since “If you have a failed state, nothing works, the institutions of the state do not work the judiciary, the executive, the legislature-they do not work. That is when we talk about a failed state”.

These terms are being “thrown” around by the “intellectuals” and leaders of the Political Opposition and are absolutely falla-

$185 M spent in 2014 to improve hinterland airstrips

The Ministry of Public Works was able to carry out major rehabilitative work on four airstrips in 2014, despite the fact the Combined Opposition cut the ministry’s budgetary allocation.

These airstrips are in Region One; at Matthews Ridge ($74 M) and Port Kaituma ($50 M), and in Region Seven, at Kamarang ($35 M) and Imbaimadai ($26 M).

Resident contractors, who were paid on a quarterly basis, did all routine maintenance works.

According to information from the ministry, the Aerodrome Division was successful in achieving most of its objectives for 2014, with regard to routine and corrective maintenance at hinterland airstrips for the year.

Further the ministry noted that there were no ad-

verse reports from aircraft operators, nor members of the various communities, in relation to works carried out on these airstrips.

Site visits by the aerodrome inspection team were done to ensure that all works were carried out, in keeping with the required standards of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority.

Meanwhile in going forward, normal routine and corrective maintenance to all 46 government aerodromes, in Regions One to Ten, and any other related works, which may be required will continue.

With an estimated budget of $205 M, in 2015, capital works will be undertaken for the rehabilitation of four airstrips in Regions Seven, Eight and Nine.

These will include the airstrips at Eteringbang, Mahdia, Annai, and Kurupung.

In April of 2014, when

A hinterland airstrip Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh presented the National Budget, the Combined Opposition voted against funding for the rehabilitation of several hinterland airstrips.

This saw Amerindians, from some remote locations, staging protests, declaring that their developments were being stymied and it was a move to cut them off from the coastland.

However, in keeping with the constitution, some of the money was restored, and this was used for the hinterland airstrips, and other developmental projects.

Many remote communities in the hinterland depend heavily on domestic flights to shuttle food and other critical supplies to their communities, most of which are also hubs for gold operations.

cious, she stated. “They are trying to ‘mamaguy’ or fool people.” It is easy, she added, to say these things, instead of saying that there are some things that they do not agree to.

Who are the real dictators?

She labelled the Political Opposition as the actual dictators, who through the “myth” of the one seat, feel that they can run Government from the outside. The fact that the opposition took such strong positions and cut some $ 90 billion in total from the National Budget, is an indication, Teixeira opined, of what will happen if they should ever gain power, since their position is dictatorial already.

Teixeira is confident that Guyanese will be able to analyse the statements made by the opposition and be conscious of what they are attempting to do. She recalled that a study done in 1991 showed that 67% of Guyanese were living below the poverty line, and the APNU, formerly PNC, is uncomfortable with this fact. The PNC Government, which is recognised as a dictatorship, was unable to “deliver the goods” because the leaders were busy catering to one sector of society (supported at the time by the army and or police) and or rigged elections. The situation that obtains at present is reversed with 67% of the people living above the poverty line, she noted.

Claims that Government is not listening to the people were also debunked

by Teixeira, who noted that programmes such as the Low Carbon Development

Strategy (LCDS), bills and various programmes have all been vetted by stakeholders and civil society, before even reaching Cabinet for final consideration.

There have been no real compromises reached in the Parliament by the Political Opposition, and with the one seat majority, they operate in a dictatorial manner, she restated.

The example of the United States of America’s Congress, which is now controlled by the Republicans was cited by the presidential adviser, who said, that despite their differences, they have “risen to the occasion” when there arose the need to support the Democratic Party, which controls the Executive.

In Guyana, neither the APNU nor the AFC has risen to the call to “put the nation first” but rather they both have gone on record for the last three years, as doing the exact opposite.

The claims were also set aside by Teixeira that President Donald Ramotar was dictatorial in his refusal to assent to four bills passed by the opposition.

She said that in meetings with the Political Opposition and Government officials, the offer to assent to the contested bills was made by the President, but close to a year has elapsed, Teixeira said, yet the two opposition forces have not moved to the courts. “They know that these bills are unconstitutional”.

The aforementioned actions can have an impact, but people must think for themselves and recall “then and now, pre92 and now.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Gov’t facilitated training for 2,600 local doctors in Cuba THE Public Service Ministry has a mandate of ensuring competent management of key public institutions, development of the human capital, and providing for ready and uninterrupted support to the Government of the day, while ensuring a peaceful industrial climate.

According to the Subject Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Government continues to provide the necessary funds to maintain the trend of improving the country’s human resources.

Since 1992, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) had embarked on revitalising the training of professional

A batch of Cuban trained Guyanese doctors with President Donald Ramotar and Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran and Cuban officials after their graduation ceremony staff, thereby improving and increasing the number of persons trained in the various entities, with spe-

cific emphasis on the health sector.

“We targeted mostly the health sector, which we

Public Service Minister Dr Jennifer Westford being greeted by Guyanese students returning after completing training in Cuba

all know was run down … there were no professionals. I can recall we could have counted the number of doctors at the Georgetown Hospital with my two hands …. now there are so many, we can’t even start counting them. So we embarked on forming professionals in the health sector, with the aim of improving service delivery to the citizens, and we have been successful thus far,” Minister Westford noted.

Doctors To date, Government has facilitated training for 2, 600 medical doctors, 348 of whom are currently in training; 140 of whom were sent off during 2014/2015.

In 2013, over 300 trained Guyanese returned from Cuba, more than 100 of whom are doctors.

Minister Westford added that outside of the health professionals, whom Government targeted principally, the agriculture sector was also earmarked, a sector geared at putting Guyana on the map.

“Guyana was deemed the ‘bread basket’ for the Caribbean and we are aiming to do that again, and we can only do that if we have the professionals, who are there to offer that service to the farmers, because doing things scientifically will increase our agriculture yield and we are very successful so far in that area (too),” the Minister highlighted.

She explained that the goals Government set have not been met as yet, because this is a continuous process and as service delivery improves, the human capital will want more.

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is now equipped to facilitate cardiac surgery and soon will make possible neurological surgery; in fact recently, neurologist, Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, who hails from Region Six, returned to Guyana and is about to perform his first surgery.

GPHC’s Maternity Ward to benefit from $235.9M upgrade AS Government strives to ensure its citizens benefit from a higher quality health care, there has been continuous investment in the development of facilities. In this light, $235.9M million has been approved for the extension of the Maternity Ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), GPHC’s Director of Facilities Management, Kamal Haricharan, noted that the money, which was approved for the project will see the addition of 70 beds for pre-natal as well as post-natal care.

It will also cater for the addition of a new operating

theater, to ease the burden on the two existing ones at the ward, especially in what is known as the ‘peak periods.’

Part of this funding will also be used for redesigning the 24-bed level, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the hospital, which has been delivering a greater level of care to neonates since its establishment.

In 2014, $50M was budgeted for this project and has been used as a consulting fee. Upgrade works on the ward are expected to commence in early February.

The Health Ministry continues to work towards achieving the United Nations Millennium Devel-

The maternity ward at the GPHC

opment Goal (MDG) 5, which is to reduce by threequarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortal-

ity ratio.

Also in 2014, $22.6 million was allocated for the establishment of ma-

ternity waiting homes, in Lethem and Bartica, to cater for antenatal highrisk mothers.

“So far Government has been living-up to that expectation and we intend to continue to try and provide the services they, the people, are asking for and we can only do so if we have the environment, create the environment, have the staff and the institutions …questions were asked about why Government is training certain professionals. (Well) for a country to provide a service, it must have the professionals to do so. We can’t wait until we have the institution and you know that we have intentions of building the Specialty Hospital…so we are training because it takes about seven or eight years for a neurologist to be trained,” Minister Westford reiterated.

Former Presidents of Guyana and Cuba, Bharrat Jagdeo and Fidel Castro respectively, years ago, inked the Government of Guyana/Cuba Scholarship Programme under which 500 students would be trained in Cuba in the disciplines of medicine, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, culture, sport, agriculture, and architecture among others.

At that time, Guyana was experiencing a shortage of doctors. Prior to this, a normal quota of 25 were sent for training.

There is some perception that the scholarship programme has somewhat dwindled. Minister Westford explained that Government sat and determined the number of doctors needed to man the health care facilities; hence an agreement was established in 2006, expanding the programme of cooperation between Guyana and Cuba in the medical field.

“That is a project that happened over a three-year period and we have continued with the normal scheme of things, sending persons out.

However, if we get back to a point where we might need that influx of trained professionals, to get the sector up and running, we will embark on similar projects,” the minister further noted.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

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Come Home in 2015!

Much to Experience as “Guyana Homecoming 2015” kicks off “Guyana: South America Undiscovered”-an exciting and exhilarating line up of activities await visitors travelling to Guyana over the next few months, beginning with Mashramani in February and running until Phagwah and Easter celebrations in March and April.

The Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority are encouraging all of you to join in the stream of activities planned for the coming months, whether your preference is basking on the beaches of a secluded resort, joining the revelers in the street parades, trekking through the jungles, making your way to Kaieteur Falls or soaking up the scenery.

This electrifying period commences with the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival on February 13th -15th. This is a unique event in Guyana. A camping opportunity, an environmental adventure, an exploration of a beautiful country, an Eco-oriented event… a musical experience like no other! Musicians from across the globe gather to perform in the heart of Guyana’s Rupununi Region.

The Mashramani celebrations heighten on February 23rd with the massive street parade; this is an annual country-wide celebration, in observance of Guyana’s Republican Anniversary. It symbolises ‘celebration after hard work.’ All Guyanese, along with thousands of visitors, converge in the country’s capital, Georgetown, to experience and participate in this grand Carnival. On this day, the streets come alive with the costume band and float parade, both of which are colourfully designed. One can sway or dance to the calypso sounds and soca music which often emanate from the huge trucks following their separate floats, as these make their way along the city streets.

Night time heralds moonlight celebrations at various pubs and street parties.

Leading up to the big day, several calypso, steel pan and music competitions area also staged.

In March, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha hosts the spectacular Phagwah Mela and Bazaar, just days before Phagwah on March 6th. Visitors to the bazaar can enjoy nu-

Heritage and Culture display during Mashramani merous food stalls, offering a variety of sumptuous dishes and sweets, mehndi booths, games for all as well as great shopping deals on everything from Indian clothes and jewellery to Phagwah supplies.

The Folk Dance Concert features electrifying performances from groups coming from Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara. A grand Phagwah Festival is held on the same day as Phagwah, and is organised by Inspire Inc. This activity brings together all Guyanese from different ethnicities and religious backgrounds to a common venue.

March 27th-29th gives way for the highly anticipated Wedding Expo at Roraima Duke Lodge.

Over the years, the annual Wedding Expo has proven to be a highly successful event. The event continues to grow and provides a wide range of weddingspecific information-planning, catering, entertainment, transportation and clothing! Everything you need to know about getting married in Guyana and celebrating your honeymoon in paradise can be found at the Wedding Expo.

The annual North Pakaraima Mountain Safari will be staged between March 29th and April 5th.

Dubbed the ‘adventure of a lifetime,’ this journey, via 4x4 vehicles, traversing more than 600 miles, winds through 25 Amerindian Villages, between mountain passes and over mountain tops to the amazing Orinduik Water Falls. This frontier is blessed with a wide

range of flora and fauna and the rich history of our indigenous peoples. This mountain safari is organised by Rainforest Tours.

The culmination of the safari coincides with the annual Rupununi Rodeo, held in Lethem, Region 9, from April 4th5th. While here, visitors will have the opportunity to see cowboys, from the various ranches, pit their skills against one another, in friendly competitions. With its origins in the 1960’s, the event has gained national and international reputation, drawing increasing spectators and participants from around the world. It is a historical tradition and a celebration of the cowboy lifestyle that Guyana’s Rupununi Savannahs are renowned for.

The Easter Weekend Celebrations commence with Good Friday observances on April 3rd and stretches to Easter Monday, April 6th. Picnicking, kite flying and general enjoyment are all components of the annual Easter festival in Guyana. In Georgetown, the Botanical Gardens, National Park and along the sea-wall, families gather to celebrate together. Every year, these areas are hot spots for Easter activities, where you can see thousands of kites of all colours, sizes, and shapes, fill the air, as adults and children alike hoist them high. In other parts of the country, such as in Berbice, residents and people from the coastland area travel to the #63 Beach to engage in

a fun-filled day of picnicking and even participating in the kite flying competition, organised by the Ministry of Tourism. Easter is celebrated in grand style in Guyana.

Further along the month, April 26th-May 3rd, the annual Linden Town Week is commemorated in Region 10. All visitors are welcomed to join the residents as they enjoy a week of fun, folk music and festivities. This event is held during the last week in April in Linden, which is approximately 65 miles from Georgetown. During this period, residents show-

hair-raising Easter Rodeo in Lethem, enjoying the grand Phagwah celebrations across the country, or taking the ride of a lifetime on the world-renowned Pakaraima Safari, all are assured of having a grand time during the upcoming period.

According to the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali, this period is most opportune for Guyanese, at home and abroad, and for visitors, to all explore the vast richness the country has to offer.

“The opportunity is at hand. More than any other

Phagwah celebration case their achievements, make known the town’s history, and give recognition to its famous and respected residents. There are displays, exhibitions and competitions of various kinds; for example, agricultural and local art and craft exhibitions, chainsaw competitions, beauty pageants and more. Join in the historic tours around Linden and nature tours to areas such as Gluck Island, with more than 140 species of local and migrating birds, grand otters, black caimans and many other rare animals. This is a perfect time to take in the events and enjoy the bauxite mining town and its surrounding attractions.

Whether participating in the annual street parades at Mashramani, enjoying traditional kite flying activities in the National Park and along the seawall, travelling to witness the

time in history, more airlines are flying to Guyana, making it easier and more affordable for anyone to visit the destination .We also advocate for more domestic tourism and for more Guyanese to travel the length and breadth of their country. Here we have the Mashramani period approaching, filled with dozens of activities across the country, followed by the Easter-Phagwah period. We are encouraging persons to come to Guyana in 2015, visit these places, experience local culture, and seize the opportunity to get to know “Guyana: South America Undiscovered,” Minister Ali encouraged.

Several major carriers currently service the North American route, including Caribbean Airlines, COPA, Suriname Airways, Insel Air, Dynamic Ariways and Fly Jamaica.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed�

Region Three modernisation taking shape

Houses in one of the largest housing schemes-Parfaite Harmonie, Region 3 The West Demerara Regional Hospital is the tertiary referral hospital in the region, serving thousands of people, residing on the West Coast, West Bank, as well as the Essequibo islands, including Leguan and Wakenaam.

The state-of-the-art Tuschen Nursery School, built at a cost of $98.8 million. Currently it has an enrolment of 180 students

The new pump station at Patentia, West Bank Demerara-an investment of G$265M. It provides better drainage of the Patentia and surrounding areas, including the Canal Polders.

Inside the new Leguan Power Station, now providing 24-hours of electricity to the residents of the Essequibo Island. Initially the Island was receiving 12 hours of electricity, from Monday to Friday, and 24 hrs. throughout the weekend.

The state-of-the- art Synthetic Athletic Track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. This facility is the fulfillment of a promise, by the PPP/Civic, in its manifesto to develop and expand sports and the requisite facilities, to help local sportsmen and women reach their full potential and continue to represent Guyana well internationally.

The $427.5M Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre has the capacity to house 250 fulltime students and 200 part-time ones.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

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The new $604M, 3.5 kilometre access road, benefitting residents of Parfaite Harmonie, a new housing area on the West Bank of Demerara.

Rip Rap sea defence at Crane, West Coast Demerara. Government spent $200M to construct a total of 4450 metres of ‘rip-rap’ structure at Ruimzeight and Crane, West Coast Demerara, under separate projects, covering 225 metres in each.

GBTI Branch in Parika-its opening on 7th February 1999 expanded the bank’s operations into the East Bank Essequibo and the Essequibo Islands.

Leonora Diagnostic Centre, Region 3. This facility was built in 2008, at an approximate cost of G$111M.

The $293.5M Leonora Secondary School has the capacity to house 1,000 students.

The new $79.8M Leguan Stelling is 604 feet long and 18 feet wide. It is located 16 feet south of the old ferry stelling site.

Belle West Health Centre has an ophthalmology unit, a waiting area and a doctor’s living quarter.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Berbice electricity supply enhanced

A NATION without a reliable supply of energy is one that will not progress, given the fact that such an essential is vital for its economic development. This was one of the numerous de-

Hinds, after the PPP/C took office in 1992, a complete overhaul was undertaken, with the goal of establishing for the nation’s use, a reliable, daily supply of electricity.

The Prime Minister

phase one, 28 communities in Region Six benefitted, followed by seven in phase two. Furthermore, in areas such as Black Bush Polder, the sum of $200, 000 per household was invested in this

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, with GPL Chairman, Winston Brassington, and Chief Executive Officer, Bharrat Dindyal. ficiencies that Guyana experienced before 1992, with unending periods of power failure as well as other dependent critical services.

But the reality of the nation’s power supply system at that time was that it specifically emanated from an overworked, outmoded, and largely unserviceable grid, which was unable to extend its service to areas not having any. In fact, within Region Six, GuySuco had been responsible for assisting with power generation for some areas.

However, according to Prime Minister Samuel

was at the time speaking on a special programme on the National Communications Network (NCN), along with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. Chairman, Winston Brassington, and Chief Executive Officer, Bharrat Dindyal.

In 1997, the Government embarked on an electrification programme in Regions Five and Six, and communities such as Canje, Gangaram and Crabwood Creek received electricity for the first time.

In 2004, the Unserved Areas Programme was launched, and during its

regard.

The Prime Minister explained that that one of the issues that took precedence was the weak connection between Demerara and Berbice.

Over the years, generation was greatly improved for over 30,000 GPL customers in Berbice. More recently, with the advent of the GPL Transmission Upgrade Programme, there was a greater link, enhancing the connection between Berbice and Demerara.

“This has enabled us to transfer power between the Demerara and the Ber-

-overhaul to be done on some areas this year

bice sides; quite enough power to meet needs…

The particular thing in our period is the extension of electrification into the Berbice area. Perhaps for a number of reasons, the electrification programmes in the 70s, particularly with our country being short of money and economic difficulties and political consideration, a lot of areas in Regions Five and Six were not connected to the grid and you would (deem as successful) our Unserved Areas Electrification Programme, which ensured that all those areas were brought onto that programme, from about 2004 to 2009.” Prime Minister Hinds pointed out.

Speaking on the issue of cost, he said that the charge for electricity is standard to that of other countries in the Region.

Prime Minister Hinds noted that GPL has advanced to a place where it can determine losses and urged the residents to move away from the culture of stealing electricity.

Further, he said that the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project will significantly reduce some of these challenges. “We have been feeling that we are at a point where Amaila makes a good fit to our grid…with Amaila, we are looking at 12 cents per kilowatt hour in some five years, dropping down

New sub-station at Mahaicony

The generator that was installed in Moraikobai, Region Five

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to about 7 cents, and then about 3 cents per kilowatt hour,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Brassington said that while much more needs to be done, the power company has been looking at Berbice for a number of years, seeking ways in which it can improve the services in that area.

He noted that the most significant achievement of the power company in 2014 was linking Berbice with Demerara. “We now have an interconnected grid between Berbice and Demerara, and so power can be transmitted at a significant level from Georgetown, all the way to Berbice. So when a transmission line goes down and Berbice gets black out, we feel it in Georgetown,” Brassingtown further explained.

He recalled in 2006, when GuySuco brought its plant online, a few years later GPL completed a 69 KV transmission line, between Skeldon and 53 Village, while the Canefield Power Plant was rehabilitated.

According to Dindyal, the delivery of electricity service to Berbice has come a long way, coming from a very frustrating operating system, to a more modernised one, where every citizen can access electricity.

“We have done some

investments at the Canefield operations and with the commissioning of the Skeldon facility in 2009, our expectation was that we would have largely been able to stabilise the generation situation in Berbice, but there are challenges.

However, compounding the generation problem was the poor performance of our transmission lines in Berbice and the distribution feeders.” Dindyal pointed out.

He said in 2013, there were 78 transmission line trips between Canefield and Onverwagt and this was increased to 208 in 2014. Moreover, much work was done on the distribution system, which resulted in a reduction of distribution trips from 178 in 2013 to 67 last year.

Dindyal Highlighted that despite these challenges, the level of supply of electricity has remained constant between 2013 and 2014, and that GPL was able to deliver 97.5 % of the total energy required, which means that power outages only accounted for 2.5 %.

This year, GPL will be embarking on some new strategies, in order to mitigate the issue, one of which is comprehensive overhaul programme for both of the old Canefield/53 Village and Canefield/Onverwagt transmission lines.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

General Recap of 2014 …A year of success despite many challenges

THE year 2014 can be best described as a mixed one, as there were many challenges, and one in which historical events occurred. The mettle of Government was tested, but the PPP/C Administration persevered to bring goods and services to Guyanese, amidst a tense political climate.

Despite the challenges experienced, Government’s determination resulted in the country’s still experiencing another year of economic growth, as new opportunities were created, bringing further improvement to the lives of Guyanese.

Parliament and Prorogation One of the biggest and historical events for 2014 was the President’s Proclamation on November 10, to Prorogue the 10th Parliament (in keeping with the constitution,) having been confronted with a No-Confidence Motion from the Joint Opposition.

Following the President’s decision, Opposition Leader David Granger later declined to engage in meaningful dialogue with the President, forcing him to announce that elections will be called early 2015.

Cuts again to the Budget As has been the norm over the past three years, with the new political dispensation in the National Assembly, the Combined

Amerindian Youths protesting Opposition’s cut to the 2014 National Budget which hampered their development Opposition, using their one seat majority, for the third consecutive year effected cuts to the National Budget.

The 2014 Budget of $220B, as delivered to the National Assembly by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, (under the theme, “A better Guyana for all Guyanese,”) was subjected to the largest cut.

It was reduced by $37.46B and affected key transformational projects, such as the Amaila Falls Hydro, the Specialty Hospital, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion, airstrips maintenance across the country, and Amerindian development, as the entire capital programme was cut from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.

Government, acting within constitutional parameters, restored some of the money, ensuring some amount of progress in the country. In retaliation, the

Joint Opposition moved towards the passage of the No-Confidence Motion against Government.

AML/CFT One of the highpoints of 2014 was the Political Opposition’s obduracy as regards their lack of support for the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Bill. This drew sharp criticism from a wide cross section of local and international stakeholders, and despite entreaties by officials of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), who travelled to Guyana for meetings with both sides of the National Assembly, the Political Opposition refused to support the bill. This came despite Government’s numerous efforts to reach consensus, to enable the critically needed legislation’s passage, to

Newly constructed Linden Magistrate’s Court

prevent Guyana from being blacklisted.

However, Government persisted and put in place all the non-legislative aspects, and following a high level commitment by President Donald Ramotar to implement the action plan developed between the Guyana Government and the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG), Guyana was granted a reprieve from being blacklisted until September 2015.

Education success Amidst these tense situations, the Ministry of Education did remarkable work, in carrying out its mandate.

The Hinterland Education Improvement Project (HEIP) was launched in several hinterland regions. This venture was very broadbased and had specific objectives: targeting improved quality of teacher education; aligning teaching-learning resources to improve students’ outcome; enhancing physical facilities; fostering community alliances; and strengthening management supervision.

A major highlight of the sector in 2014 was the distribution of the “Because we Care” $10,000 cash grant. The consensus was that Government did an excellent job, having launched this initiative, which saw parents, whose children are in the public education system, receive $10,000 for each child, to assist parents to ensure their children at-

tend and stay in school.

During the year, several schools were also built, in keeping with the PPP/C Administration’s belief that education is the only sure way out of poverty.

Paramakatoi, Region 8, benefitted from a primary school, which was built at a cost of $80.5M, while works continued on the $780M, Kato Secondary School Complex. In Linden, Region Ten, works were almost completed on the $170 M One Mile Primary School, while extension works were carried out on St. Agnes Primary and L’Venture Secondary had a section that was gutted by fire rebuilt.

Even more evident also is that Government’s investments in the sector are paying off, as Guyana again secured regional awards for top performances at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, thanks mainly to Elisa Hamilton, Aliyyah Abdul Kadir, Ryhan Chand and Kishan Crichlow. Hamilton, of Queen’s College (QC), won the award for Most Outstanding Candidate in the region, after she copped 19 Grade Ones and 1 Grade Two. Aliyyah Abdul Kadir and Ryhan Chand, also of QC, took top regional awards for Most Outstanding in Humanities and Most Outstanding in Business Studies respectively while Kishan Crichlow, of the New Amsterdam Multilateral School, was awarded the Most Outstanding Student in Technical Vocational studies.

Agriculture sector-a shining star Meanwhile the agriculture sector is been touted as 2014’s highest average Gross Domestic Product contribution, with its growth exceeding 5 percent.

Every sector under this ministry accounted for more than half a billion dollars in export earnings, with rice earning more than US$250 million. Rice was most outstanding as it broke two re-

cords for 2014: production reached an unprecedented, record breaking 633,000 tonnes; and exports surpassed 500,000 tonnes.

Sugar also surpassed its target of 216,000 tonnes.

This was the first time since 2005, the set target was achieved.

Drainage and irrigation capacity was further boosted as the East Demerara Water Conservancy’s Hope Canal Project main structures and several new pumps were operationalized, in areas such as Three Friends in Region Two; Windsor Forest, Patentia, and Canal Polder One in Region Three; Paradise in Region Four; Pine Ground in Region Five; and Number 19 Village, Rose Hall, Number 56 Village and Canje in Region Six.

Health care delivery upped Notwithstanding the challenges thrown in its path, the major one being no funding for the Specialty Hospital, the health sector improved on its delivery of health care in 2014.

The maternity facility at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was expanded to ensure increased bed capacity, while maternity waiting homes in Lethem and Bartica were set up, to cater for antenatal high-risk mothers, as Government continues to work towards achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 in 2015. Several modern neo-natal units were established as well at the Linden, Suddie, New Amsterdam hospitals and at the GPHC. While Guyana was affected with the Chikungunya disease, it was not of the magnitude as that experienced by other Caribbean states, due to the fact that the ministry was putting necessary measures in place, to safeguard its citizens. The ministry managed to provide training for medical personnel, while they were able to acSee page 21

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

21 jor success and remains in high demand. The ministry completed more than 100 of the Perseverance Housing Scheme 1000 Butter cup cottages.

The ministry has also closed in on its targets of offering 5900 house lot allocations and 5000 new titles.

Guyana, resulting from the confidence that both local and international investors placed in the economy.

ExxonMobil, an American multinational oil and gas corporation, announced its intention to invest US$200M for exploratory drilling offshore in Guyana.

Then Rubis commissioned five fuel storage tanks at Providence, doubling the company’s storage capacity.

In the mining sector, Guyana Goldfields Inc., a Canadian company began developing the Aurora Mines, located in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven.

It intends to invest US$1B. Others include: Troy Resources, an Australian company investing US$86 M in the Karouni Gold Project; China’s Bosai Mineral; Rusal-Russia aluminum giant; Arrowhead Gold Group; and Alicanto Minerals.

In the agriculture sector, there are Barbados-owned Santa Fe Inc., which expanded and Alexis Rice and Soya, Henry’s Farm of Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean

the Caribbean’s largest conglomerate, formerly Neal and Massy, now Massy, invested US$ 10M at its new location at Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

Security and Justice In 2014, $1.8 B was allocated to the justice sector and with that, much was Catering for the achieved, including the vulnerable commissioning of a new The Ministry of Human Linden Magistrate’s Court, Services and Social Secuand the commissioning of rity, with its mandate of the Mediation Centre in providing services to those Berbice. sections of society that are Several laws were inaffected by poor sociostituted and revised dureconomic circumstances, ing the year. The Customs Neonatal Care Unit at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation relocated 30 persons from Act was amended in order From page 20 preciated by all. many people. the Night Shelter in Georgeto remove from it, a disThis project was com town, to the Hugo Chavez criminatory element, which quire the Elisa Testing kits Infrastructure Centre for Rehabilitation would have made citizens to accurately detect the pleted in the city as the year came to a close, with focus 2014 also saw some and Reintegration at Onvercompliant with Guyana’s virus. infrastructural wagt, Region Five. treaty obligations under the Also, Guyana was more on Le Repentir Cemetery, massive Over 42,500 pensioners Treaty of Chaguaramas. prepared for the eventuality the main drainage canals works being carried out This adjustment would now of the deadly Ebola virus. and communities. Guyana throughout the country, in- benefited from an increase, see the removal of barriers, An isolation unit was set up needed this, as years of cluding roads and bridges. which upped their monthly which are discriminatory, at the CJIA, with local per- mis-management, by the Between Diamond and Ec- grant to $13,125. Senior from goods manufactured sons receiving training to incumbent Mayor and City cles on the East bank of citizens also benefited from electricity within the region and which deal with the likelihood of Council led to a decadent Demerara, 11 new intercon- Government’s and filthy city. necting roads were built to subsidy of $30,000 per year. traded inter-regionally. This any possible cases.

Clean-up activities were the tune of more than $3 B. Ninety-seven women was however rejected by also done in other adminisThere was significant were granted loans under the the joint opposition, resultYouth development progress on the East Bank Women of Worth (WoW) ing in Guyana now having Meanwhile, 248 stu- trative regions. four-lane highway, to pay a Surinamese dents graduated from the Aggressive tourism as well as on the East company US$ 6M, a Kuru Kuru Training Censtrategy Coast highway, as a tocost awarded by the tre (KKTC) in 10 different In 2014, the tourism sec- tal of $13.7 billion was Caribbean Court of skill areas, while the nonJustice. residential programmes at tor saw great strides in pro- allocated for same.

The way was paved The Education the Sophia Training Centre, moting Guyana, as a prime Bill has already been Vryman’s Erven, and the tourist destination. This for the US$46M west tabled, while the New Opportunity Corps was via a series of activi- coast road modernisacomprehensive Hire(NOC) also continued to ties, including the inaugural tion that will make that purchase Bill is inprovide opportunities for Guyana Festival. This event corridor safer, while the offered a mixture of the Linden to Lethem road tended to correct a lot the nation’s youth. of laws where there The President’s Youth country’s traditional music, was repaired, making are none.

Award: Republic of Guyana dance, food, art and craft travelling easier.

Guyana’s first fiveOther Bills in (PYARG) also saw 1500 and served to bring awarethe pipeline include youths all qualifying for ex- ness of Guyana’s diverse star hotel, the Marriott, the Whistle Blowpeditions and 682 complet- cultural heritage, and gener- was close to compleing the award, while capaci- ally the nature of its tourism tion at the end of 2014, The new Republic Bank Branch at D’ Edward Village, WCB ing Legislation, the Act of Terrorism Bill ty building workshops were product locally, regionally raising the country’s accommodation status. and the E-governance held for 25 youth organisa- and internationally.

Guyana’s image as a Parfaite Harmonie, micro-credit initiative, to Rice Mill of Trinidad and Bill, as well as others waittions across the country and volunteering programmes yachting destination was one of the largest housing support income generating Tobago, and Baron Foods, ing to be tabled.

Training and Capaclaunched in 10 city schools. bolstered when the second schemes, got a $604M ac- activities, while the ministry but more than any other secFor the first time, the min- Nereid rally arrived in the cess road, which now pro- collaborated with the United tor, banking continues to ex- ity building were also high istry hosted a Youth Award Essequibo River, bringing vides easy access for thou- Nations Development Pro- press confidence in the Guy- on the judicial agenda for gramme (UNDP) in a series ana economy and has been 2014, as sitting magistrates ceremony, in which 36 a diverse group of yachters. sands of residents.

The annual Pakaraima In addition to these, sev- of awareness campaigns establishing new branches and judges were given the young people received variSafari and the second South eral other roads in Region in hinterland communi- at strategic points across opportunity to participate ous awards of excellence.

The Synthetic athletic Rupununi safari created Three as well as in other ties, especially in the min- the country. The most re- in training programmes to track’s surface was laid and great opportunities for the regions were redone, under ing areas on trafficking in cent was the Republic Bank sharpen their skills.

Meanwhile, in the seinternational athlete Kristi local promotion of the coun- the Community Road Im- Persons ( TIP). Awareness branch, which was opened programmes were also done at D’Edward Village, West curity sector, the police Castlin paid a visit to the try’s tourism product and provement project (CRIP). in 30 schools. There were Coast Berbice, the Guyana force moved closer totrack at Leonora. The warm- opened up new avenues for Housing more than a dozen cases of Bank for Trade and Industry wards its goal of developup pool at the aquatic centre additional markets.

Then there was Focus during the year TIP reported for 2014. which was commissioned ing a professional unit, is now close to completion. the launch of “Homecom- was also on advancing the in Bartica, and the Citizens capable of adapting to ing Guyana” which targeted turn key homes, and openInvestment Bank in New Amsterdam modern trends of crime, $1B National clean-up The year 2014 started Berbice. with its first formalised The $1B which was al- the return of Guyanese from ing up of new opportuniUNICOMER, the par- Special Weapons and located in the 2014 National the Diaspora. Finally, the ties, as well as improving off well and at mid-year, Budget for the “Clean-up rebranding of “Destination occupancy and building Guyana recorded 3.2 per- ent company of Courts, ex- Tactics (SWAT) unit and My Country” initiative, Guyana” as “Guyana: South the assets of Guyanese. cent growth. There con- panded its operation in Guy- the commissioning of the Undiscovered” The first ever young pro- tinued to be investments ana in Eccles Industrial Site, Guyana Forensic Science $500M of which was for the America City, was welcomed and ap- took place to the delight of fessional project was a ma- and business expansion in East Bank Demerara, while Laboratory.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Significant inputs and improvements seen in Natural Resources and Environment sector

THE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and its respective regulatory and supervisory agencies, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, performed well in 2014. This can be attributed to the governance of the sector and the protection of the environment as a result of significant inputs, expansion and improvement during the year.

Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Each of the nine areas under the purview of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) showed marked advancement.

The Guyana Mining School and Training Center Inc. trained in excess of 220 interested persons while the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative was employed to advance revenue transparency and accountability.

Under Support for Hinterland Infrastructure, the GGMC spent approximately G$1,064,247,723 and G$477,403,837 on road and building infrastructure for 2014 respectively, adding to the ease of movement of people and products.

Environmental Management in the mining sector advanced with the Ministry and WWF Guianas signing a grant agreement ($28M) to support national capacity-building.

The Land Reclamation Project saw Government’s allocating of $500M for the execution of restoration, replanting and rehabilitation of areas subjected to mining.

Government signed and ratified the Minamata Convention in 2013 and 2014 respectively, as this overall is about seeking to address a global consensus that ‘mercury use’ must be done with attention always being paid to health and environmental risks. Government earmarked a sum of $ 1 Billion for a revolving fund, towards mercury-free

Tagging a leather back turtle on Shell Beach mining development, in another effort to safeguard the environment.

The Oil and Gas Policy was approved at the Cabinet level and is really premised on investment in upstream exploration activities, and effectively regulating an upstream oil and gas sector.

The extractive industry is targeting primarily the mining sector also, another global initiative to which Guyana has subscribed.

Today, the country is now linked to the EITI website.

Guyana has spent $25M on a consultancy to develop the scope of the study to prepare for that. It should be noted that a firm out of the United Kingdom has done a preliminary report and is due back soon, so that Guyana’s membership in the EITI can be advanced A Foreign Direct Investment Study was completed on the impact of investment in the local extractive sector. It catered for the assessment of the impact of investment in extractive industries on fiscal revenues; employment and local content; technological capabilities; and the environment.

The gold trade, covered under the GGMC, must be seen in the context of the international drop in price for the metal. The price fell on average by 22% in 2014.

Total declaration at De-

cember 20, 2014 showed a decrease by 22.61% over the corresponding period in 2013; and goldpurchase by the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) fell by 41.24%. Dealers’ quantity of gold export increased by 10.16%, while the GGB’s quantity of gold export fell by 40.26%. Thus, the overall quantity of gold export is down by 22.73%.

Moreover, the value of gold export by dealers increased by 10.86%, whilst the revenue garnered by the GGB decreased by 43.48% during the comparative periods. The total revenue for the comparative time period fell by 23.45%.

Environmental Protection Agency The agency proposed a national ban in the form of the Environmental Protection (Expanded Polystyrene Ban) Regulations 2015, due to the fact that Styrofoam is adding immensely to the solid waste challenges in Guyana.

Enforcement and Compliance Regulations were advanced as the agency, in partnership with WWFGuianas (World Wildlife Fund), embarked on a project to strengthen the EPA’s capacity for the management of environmental and social impacts of development activities.

Government enacted

the Environmental Protection (Litter Enforcement) Regulations, with the goal of reducing litter nationwide. The Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations were gazetted in late 2013. They are intended to provide for the domestic management and conservation of wildlife, to regulate the capturing, gathering, collecting, hunting, killing or taking of wildlife for any purpose.

Also the regulations cater for appropriate arrangements for the classification of wildlife and areas.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is aimed at implementing the Con-

vention on Biological Diversity, as Guyana has crafted its Strategy and Action Plan for Bio-diversity Conservation.

The ministry advertised for a consultancy to restructure the EPA with the aim of improving its organisational structure, supported by improvements in revenue generation options and commitments to enhancing institutional capacity.

There were 438 applications for environmental permits which are in varying stages of processing.

Applications are in the areas of mining, forestry, industry, infrastructure and energy, agriculture, fisheries and tourism, hazardous waste/materials and air quality management.

Wildlife Division The Wildlife Import and Export Bill is intended to create a national framework and mechanism to govern the international trade of wildlife in Guyana, while at the same time, fulfill obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES). The final Bill has already been vetted by the Ministry of the Legal Affairs and was presented to Parliament for enactment.

Guyana Lands and Survey Commission

Road in a mining district

This body works in three general areas, one of which is National Land Use Project which was developed with the support of the European Union (EU).

It is not a prescriptive document; it is rather intended to provide the overarching policy framework for land use decision-making co-ordination amongst land-based sector agencies.

The document is still to be completed.

Another aspect, the GIS Policy, was submitted to Cabinet for approval and a recommendation has been made for an Advisory Council to govern its implementation. It deals with the use of geographic information systems and the building of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), in pursuit of sustainable national development.

Meanwhile the establishment of the GL&SC’s enforcement unit was approved by Cabinet to deal with illegal occupation of all state lands and Government reserves.

Investment and Environmental protection Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud noted that environmental protection is a challenge that countries like Guyana will always See page 23

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

23

Gold extraction underway in one of the mining districts From page 22 face. Guyana is covered with 85% tropical rainforest, and boasts very sensitive biodiversity systems in different parts of the country. Speaking on a recent programme “Eldorado Shines,” (on the National Communications Network), he noted that over the years Guyana has demonstrated that those challenges can be addressed through opportunities presented.

These include the exploitation and development of the natural resources which exist in the general environment, along with the sensitive biodiversity within the rain forested area. Guyana benefits through the development of its natural resources as these bring about economic benefits that the country’s eco-system and eco-services within the rainforests and rich biodiversity present.

Whilst this is the approach taken, there continues to be that challenge. It is constant work and sometimes varies. This requires innovation as to how to maintain that balance in terms of protection management, and of the environment, Minister Persaud said. It also points to developing natural resources and creating opportunities through the attraction of investments, local, as well as foreign.

This has been the main focus of the ministry in 2014. Thus, during the year, Guyana developed the implementation framework, in terms of legislation, policies, plans and working

and engaging stakeholders.

The underlying objective/ thrust of that has been how to ensure/regulate the equilibrium for environmental management, as well as development of the country’s natural resources.

Transparency Minister Persaud added that one of the hallmarks of Government is to create transparency and accountability. Being the only country in the Caribbean with a procurement act, Guyana has also subscribed to a number of international conventions. However, there continues to be accusing fingers pointing at the Government.

Every single question that has been asked of the sector has been answered, and a number of annual reports have been made current, he said, and so the sector has now moved to another level. Stakeholders and opposition Members of Parliament have access to the ministry’s staff as well.

Foreign companies Minister Persaud stated that foreign companies operate in accordance with the laws of Guyana with no discrimination between neither foreign nor local companies. All across the political spectrum are convinced that foreign potential is essential for producing growth across the country.

Whilst the political spectrum of Guyana agrees that foreign direct investment is essential to catapulting growth in the national economy, Guyanese should be proud of the fact that people want to bring

their hard earned investment dollars to develop opportunities for the people of Guyana.

He added that with no ambiguity in terms of the national consensus, specific terms of the details of investment are also very clear and open. These agreements include loans publicly made available with documents being provided to parliament when required. No laws are violated and dossiers of additional information are also

and rehabilitation of infrastructure in each of these “green” spaces, and thus increasing the ability to generate revenue for longterm sustainability.

Meanwhile, the Petting Zoo, part of the Three Parks initiative became operational. It was constructed to improve the aesthetic and educational experiences of children and adults visiting the zoo.

Under the National Protected Area System, the Protected Area Commission, established under the Protected Area Act of 2011, was equipped with a newly constructed office building. It continues to develop and manage Guyana’s National Protected Area System through Management Plans. In 2014, the National Protected Area Trust Fund was launched with an immediate commitment of $2 Billion from Government.

Guyana Forestry Commission The ministry has publically made available Guyana’s Monitoring Reporting and Verification System (MRVS), Year 4 Report (2013). The findings of this

sources utilisation flow to the right beneficiaries; preventing unfair competition between illegal and legal produce; maintaining a low rate of deforestation and forest degradation; making sure of sustainable development of forest dependent communities; and mitigating against climate change in a REDD+ framework.

The support for the REDD+Readiness Programme in Guyana is a three- year, US$3.8 million Technical Cooperation (TC) programme, the objective of which is to assist Government in REDD+ efforts.

The Geospatial Information Management Unit, one of whose main functions is to provide information on monitoring and compliance to the ministry and agencies under its purview, was engaged in mining deforestation analysis, land reclamation project support, Amerindian land titling project support and near real time analysis during the year.

Logging Minister Persaud explained that Guyana is

Land Reclamation Project at a mined out site provided.

Protected Areas Commission The Three Parks Initiative: the Botanical Gardens, Zoological Park and National Park form the core components of Georgetown’s network of green spaces. The ministry has proposed a comprehensive plan with the objective to enhance key facilities

assessment provide a useful basis for planning an on-going monitoring programme, focusing on key hotspot areas.

Guyana and the EU are seeking to form a partnership, under the existing EU FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade) Action Plan, that places direct emphasis on recognising all forest legalities: ensuring that the benefits from forest re-

currently struggling with the issue of under production which means that the perception of large scale, deforestation is a total case of misunderstanding. The increased production of just above 40 percent over 2013-2014 is heartening whilst the monitoring report of verification system points to the monitoring enforcement and system that are well below in terms of the rate of deforestation.

Mining The minister added that whilst mining is a very critical sector of the economy, it’s not only for gold, but also bauxite. There has been sustained, as well as intense attention given to what is taking place such as gold prices dropping as much as 22%.

With the miners themselves taking the situation in hand with the removal of mercury within the mining sector, bringing in mercury free technologies, this has shown that the sector itself is not only adjusting to the economic imperatives, but also social and environmental ones.

Finding oil/ gas in commercial quantities in 2015 Minister Persaud explained that with the intense interest along with two companies close to the point to commence exploratory drilling, which Exxon and Repsol will both be advancing, they are looking at the interpretation of the data which they have collected to complete that exercise within January and February. CGX has also seen some sort of foreign input of larger companies coming to work in terms of gathering the data to go about the process of identifying areas where work can be done.

2015 should also see some renewed activities in the process of oil exploration. Exxon Mobil will be investing in excess of US$300M in drilling next year. Minister Persaud pointed out that it is expected that very soon Guyana would be in a position where there will be a commercial discovery. The US geological surveys have shown that Guyana has in excess of 16 billion barrels off shore.

Projection In 2015, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment plans to continue to work to provide the legal frameworks and institutions, to support growth, to ensure the effective management of natural resources on which development depends, and protect the human rights of its citizens.

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

2014…Security sector advanced its reforms

SECURING, the safety of citizens, through combating crimes, has been a major priority since the ascension to government by the People’s Progressive Party Civic. Not only has a tremendous sum of money been spent on equipping the Guyana Police Force (GPF), but also efforts to acquire critically essential investigative and crime solving capabilities have been made.

Government, in 2014, continued to fulfil this national obligation of protecting its citizenry and safeguarding their property, by continuing many programmes and improving the legislative framework to address the emerging challenges. Among the gains realised were the commissioning of the longawaited forensic laboratory and the operationalising of the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team.

Enhanced digital forensic abilities Outfitted with stateof-the-art equipment and highly specialised evidence, the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory is the

partment in crime and the prosecution of offenders, by providing quality, scientific evidence and expert testimony.

ter, being used by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, was provided by the United States, under the Caribbean Basin Secu-

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and former Police Commissioner (ag), Leroy Brummell with police officers who completed the SWAT course

Other high-tech crime fighting technologies In addition to enhancing its digital forensic abilities, the security sector now has other new, additional, high tech, crime fighting equipment. Some purchases were made possible with funds provided through

rity Initiative (CBSI).

Elite team The year also witnessed 26 carefully handpicked officers, who became the country’s first formalised SWAT unit, moving the country closer towards the goal of developing a professional GPF, capable of

The Guyana Police Force’s Forensic Laboratory latest in a series of national developmental projects, brought into fruition, after significant investments and a strong political resolve, to enhance the country’s capacity, to better address issues of security and crime fighting.

This $1.049B edifice, which came in line in July of 2014, now provides the opportunity for enhanced investigation, by the local law enforcement de-

agement and Development, Money Laundering, Fingerprint, Intelligence, Kidnapping, Travel Document and Security and Extortion

the budget, earmarked for crime fighting items and strategies. Others were financed through international support from donor foundations.

Two new technologies, helping the fight against crime include an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) that allows for rapid identification of finger prints from crime scenes, and three fast-patrol metal shark-boats. The lat-

adapting to modern crime trends. This new unit of elite officers better position the force to make specialised interventions, thereby ensuring the maintenance of law and order.

More training Other officers also benefitted from several rounds of training, both locally and overseas. Overseas training was conducted in areas such as Leadership, Man-

Negotiation-all these made possible, through collaboration between the GPF and its regional counterparts.

The force increased strength The year 2014 also saw Cabinet’s giving the nod to increase the GPF’s strength, moving from 3410 to 4956 in various ranks, commensurating with the demands of Guyana’s significantly changed security environment. Also approved was an increase in complement for the special constabulary from 322 to 968.

Recruitment during the year saw the force improve its human capacity by 161 ranks, and its traffic department welcomed its first all-female batch of newly trained traffic wardens. Additionally, the number of data entry clerks, recruited, to support the force’s Integrated Crime Information System was boosted to 81.

Covering Divisions ‘A’ to ‘F,’ these clerks are essential to the capturing of electronic data, to allow for analysis for operational and policy/decision making.

New leadership Also embraced in 2014 was a change of management leadership, as on April 1, following the retirement of Police Commissioner,

Leroy Brummel, the force’s management was handed over to Deputy Commissioner and Former Crime Chief, Seelall Persaud. The force also got a new legal advisor, former Justice of Appeal, Claudette Singh.

Meanwhile, the combined E/F Division was delinked and now functions as separate single (E and F) Divisions. The force continued its implementation of its Strategic Plan, with 2014’s witnessing of the filling of the vacancies of three staff of the Strategic Management Department, who resigned in 2013, and the hiring of a consultant, to conduct a management audit, to assess the state of the implementation of this plan.

175 years The force celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2014.

In keeping with a tradition that was started in 1990, it hosted award ceremonies to recognise the various ranks, who served the institution with distinction, and who have lived up to the force’s mandate, of providing service and protection. Over 1,300 officers, inspectors and other ranks received monetary awards, totalling approximately $12.3M. Youths and conflict In 2014, the force continued a number of projects, to foster good policing relations and encourage trust, including continuing its collaboration with faithbased organisations and NGOs, to launch impact projects in vulnerable communities, such as Albouystown and Tiger Bay. Meanwhile, the Cops and Faith Network, supported by the religious community, saw the force’s making some 100 interventions, involving 49 males and 47 female juveniles, between the ages of 7 and 10, for offences such as assaults, throwing of missiles, simple larceny, wandering using indecent language, and threatening behaviour.

Complaints against police For the year 2014, the Police Complaints Author-

ity received approximately 243 written complaints, into which investigations were launched.

Protecting prisoners’ human rights For the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), in 2014, a total of 43 Standing Orders were developed to guide officers and ranks, with respect to their conduct, in the execution of their duties.

The service also benefitted from new management, as Welton Trotz was appointed, Director of Prisons and Carl Graham, Deputy Director of Prisons.

There was also the supply of equipment and training of officers. The latter was supported by the establishment of Training, Sentence Management, Recruitment, Parole and Agriculture Development Boards.

The Strategic Management Department of the GPS was also established in 2014 and the vacancies for Technical Officer, Prison Management, Technical Officer, Planning, Research and Mobilisation and Senior Policy Analyst were filled.

Following beefed-up security infrastructure (cameras, monitors and electronic scanners at all prison locations), complemented by regular body searches of both inmates and officers, there was increase in detection of illegal drugs entering prisons.

Improvement were also made to the Lusignan Prison, to provide better accommodation for prisoners, in keeping with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ policy, of having a secure environment, for prisoners, while at the same time protecting their human rights.

Challenges In 2014, there were five escapees, four of whom were recaptured. There were two incidents to note; one at the New Amsterdam Prison and the other at the Mazaruni Prison.

The prisons also See page 25

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed” From page 24 continued to suffer from overcrowding.

Fire Safety In 2014, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) marked its 40th fire prevention observance under the theme “Fire Safety, a national priority, get involved.”

The service engaged members of the public on the importance of fire safety, with exhibitions outside of its headquarters at the Stabroek Market square and at the National Park.

It received close to 1200 calls of fire, a 14 percent increase from 2013.

The Service did, however, benefit from 10 fire fighting vehicles from the People’s Republic of China, and this allowed for better response time to fire calls and incidents.

Several ambulances were also bought as Government continued to institute the changes necessary to complement its effort to rename the GFS to the Guyana Fire

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cious setting of fires.

Tackling illicit drug use The issue of illicit drug use and trafficking is one that is not unique to Guyana and as such, the country continues to partner with various organisations to help fight the scourge.

In June, Government welcomed the news that a United States (US) Drug Enforcement Authority (DEA) country office in Guyana was given congressional go ahead. In August, Guyana sent a strong signal to drug traffickers, that its law agencies are on the alert and are very active, following the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit’s (CANU’s) interception of a Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) vessel.

In 2014, Government also collaborated with the Organisation of American States to host a two-day Sub-Regional Meeting of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission.

CANU’s total drug seizure for 2014 is compara-

Guyana Defence Force’s metal shark boats With the re-introduction of bedside birth registration, especially at public institutions, registration increased significantly, and in 2014, the office received 1,382 affidavits to effect correction to birth records and 375 court orders. The year also saw the commencement of the process of computerising GRO. Interpersonal violence and safety There was also a focus on domestic violence with the Home Affairs Ministry’s convening of its first meeting of a national com-

Police Traffic Department gets new motorcyles and Rescue Service.

Training in 2014 also favoured the renaming and officers were trained in first aide and emergency care, road trafficking and rescue.

During the year under review, Cabinet also granted approval for an additional 84 places in the authorised strength of the service, bringing the total number to 511. This increase provides for the requisite strength, to manage the new fire stations, that were constructed at Bartica, Diamond and Onverwagt.

Challenges The GFS’s challenges continue to be the high number of derelict buildings and the acts of mali-

tive with that of 2013, with a total of over 97kg of cocaine and over1223 kg of cannabis, with a significant increase in seizure on the latter over 2013.

An effort to enhance the unit’s operational plans for 2015 saw Cabinet’s granting in 2014 of an approval for the restructuring of the unit, for an increase in the number of persons to be employed and with a pay scale adjustment.

Universal birth registration In 2014, the General Register Office (GRO) visited all the regions with significant work done in areas such as Soesdyke/Linden, Kato, Kabakaburi, Chiung Mouth, Itabali and Batavia.

mittee to address this.

The National Commission on Law and Order (NCLO) also embarked on a series of consultations with residents to discuss public safety issues. A number of meetings and discussions were also held on the noise nuisance and traffic congestion, caused by music cart vendors, and in this regard, the force launched a campaign against these vendors.

Meanwhile, efforts to manage traffic in and around Georgetown saw the NCLO, taking the decision to divide Georgetown into four quadrants: North West, North East, South East and South West.

Fuel smuggling and contraband The Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband in 2014 continued to forge ahead with its mandate of coordinating the activities of its constituent members, to effectively curb smuggling of fuel and contraband. Among the specific actions embarked on, by this Task Force in 2014, was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to facilitate the joint use of the GDF’s Floating Patrol Base, which is located in the Pomeroon River. The Task Force continued to monitor and guide the implementation of the amendment of the Immigration Regulations, all of which resulted in Eteringbang, Charity, Parika and Ogle, being designated official ports of entry.

Trafficking in Persons Focus on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) saw the introduction of a new action plan, which will be implemented in a twoyear period (2014-2015).

This seeks to reduce vulnerability (especially among youths), to the lure of traffickers, expand on sensitisation and awareness, broaden the involvement of civil society, counteract traffickers, strengthen law enforcement response and ultimately eliminate TIP. The TIP Task Force also conducted a number of awareness and sensitisation sessions, throughout all the administrative regions, with a focus on Region Nine. Sessions were conducted in 59 secondary schools, reaching a total of 600 students, as well as with members of the Guyana Police Force in Bartica.

The Task Force also met with US State Depart-

ment officials, in exchanging of views and information, on the issue of human trafficking.

House of Justice A total of 596 persons in Regions 2 and 3 benefitted from the services of the House of Justice.

Community Policing With a membership of over 5200 citizens across the country, the Community Policing Organisation of Guyana celebrated 38 years of voluntary service, in 2014, with several activities.

Community Policing Groups received much needed items including uniforms, motor cycles, boats, brush cutters and vehicles, to aid their efforts in empowering their communities.

Strays In an effort to rid the roadways of stray animals and to make it a safer zone for traffic and citizens, the ministry’s stray catching unit impounded 3650 animals. This represents a 7.6 percent decrease from 2013, when the unit impounded a total of 4434 animals.

Road deaths In relation to traffic, 2014 witnessed a 30 percent increase in road fatalities. There were 135 fatal accidents resulting in 146 deaths in 2014, as against 103 fatal accidents and 112 deaths in 2013.

Legislation 2014 also saw Government’s passing three security legislations, critical to the reform of the security sector. These are the Evidence (Amendment) Bill No. 23 of 2013, the Sum-

mary Jurisdiction Procedure Act, and the Firearms (Amendment) Bill.

The Evidence (Amendment) Bill expands the range of documents/reports that can be admitted as evidence, while the Summary Jurisdiction Bill improves the traffic ticketing, by allowing a person, who is issued with a traffic ticket for an offence, to pay the prescribed penalty to the clerk of the court of any magisterial district, regardless of where the offence was committed. The Firearms (Amendment) Bill is a law on gun control, and it makes it harder for criminals to obtain weapons, and is expected to see fewer criminals using weapons.

The Ministry of Home Affairs in 2014 had tabled bills in the National Assembly, seeking to rename the institution, to reflect its new mandate from the GPF to the Guyana Police Service, the GPS to the Guyana Prison and Correctional Service and the GFS to Guyana Fire and Rescue Service. However, these bills, which will be re-tabled, like many others, did not find favour with the Political Opposition.

Crime For 2014, the country recorded a drop in serious crimes. In 2013 from January 1 to December 22, 4022 serious crimes were reported, while for the same period in 2014, 3478 serious crimes were reported to the Police.

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

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

2014: A bright year for the Tourism Sector

TOURISM as a sector is very important for showcasing a country’s cultural diversity, as well as its socio-economic potential.

And with the attention “Destination Guyana” is receiving, there is no doubt that the sector will be propelled to greater heights in 2015.

In 2014, the sector, through a series of tourism activities, experienced great strides in promoting Guyana as a prime tourist destination. The activities provided perfect opportunities for thousands of tourists and locals to experience the country’s rich, diverse culture.

Guyana is now internationally recognised as a viable eco-tourism destination, as well as a bird watching sanctuary. The country has already been featured in many British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC’s) programmes on these two areas (eco-tourism and bird-watching). No doubt it has been getting the attention of thousands of visitors, coming here eventually to experience its tropical delights, inclusive of the rich flora and fauna, and its cultural diversity.

Tourist arrivals The Guyana Tourism

Authority (GTA) recorded another growing year of arrivals, and as of November 2014, Guyana scored a 13% increase in its tourist arrivals, as opposed to the same period in 2013.

The country also registered several record months, including July, August, September and October, topping the ‘bestever’ since 1995.

This increase represents visitors from across the Caribbean Region, especially from Suriname, and Jamaica, and from Brazil. Several tourists have come to Guyana on ‘familiarisation trips’.

Investments From January to July 2014, nine new and continuing projects were undertaken. The total value of the investment ranging from hotels to airlines, amounted to GYD $ 9,783,500,000.

In fact, Jags Aviation recently added a new Cessna Caravan to its fleet.

It now boosts the local airlines seating capacity and adds a new level of comfort and luxury.

The spin-off from these projects will see 200 persons being hired soon.

International features Guyana continues to receive international rec-

ognition and several new documentaries were completed over the year. These add to the major publications featuring the country. They usually highlight several aspects of the growing tourism industry.

Guyana was also featured in several renowned magazines, namely the National Geographic.

Films and Documentaries In addition, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) also provided an endorsement letter to Discovery Channel TV, whose officials visited Guyana in October to film episodes of “Naked and Afraid.”

The GTA also requested temporary importation of film equipment for the film company. Further GTA provided an endorsement letter to BBC Television, to film Britain’s Secret Slave Owners in October.

An endorsement letter was also provided to CNN, to film “Big Earth” (August 14-20) in Guyana. Big Earth was commissioned by AlArab Channel, to produce a documentary in collaboration with CNN. Big Earth Productions featured Guyana in its “101 Amazing Adventures of the World” book, and is known for

Sun and Sand Hotel’s Director, Bushan Chandra and President Donald Ramotar turn the sod to break ground for construction of the company’s five-star hotel

its exhilarating television productions, which feature extreme sports and travel adventures.

Inaugural Guyana festival The Guyana Festival which featured the heart of Guyana through “sound, taste and soul” showcased the country’s culture, as well as tourism potential.

This Festival was held from August 08-10 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, and it offered a mixture of the country’s traditional music, dance, food, art and craft.

Bird watching The 2014 International British Bird Watching Fair, held in Rutland, England, had over 35 international bird watching companies selling Guyana. At the Fair, there were 20 international birding companies selling “Destination Guyana.”

In 2013, there were 16 companies selling Guyana.

This is the tenth year the country has been attending the event.

Safaris The 12th Pakaraima Mountain Safari was hosted under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, and the GTA, in collaboration with the private sector, particularly Rainforest Tours, whose owner, Frank Singh, became integrally involved from the beginning.

This event continues to grow each year, attracting larger participation from neighbouring countries.

This year, a convoy of 20 vehicles, with over 70 adventure seekers, loaded with fuel, food stuff and other supplies, took part.

Guyana also held its second annual South Rupununi Safari, which commenced on November 25 and culminated five days later. The event kicked off on Robb Street and Avenue of the Republic and saw several vehicles, including trucks, pickups and a bike, making their way up to the Savannahs, to enjoy nature’s beauty and the rich Amerindian culture.

Unveiling of Guyana’s new brand logo Yachting Yachting has become a major tourist attraction, particularly now that Bartica has been declared a port of entry, in order to promote this activity. This sport is reserved for yachts and larger sailboats.

In 2014, yachters came to Guyana as part of the second Nereid Rally and anchored their boats in the mighty Essequibo River.

Expos GUYEXPO 2014 created great opportunities for the local promotion of tourism. This annual event began in 1995 and is now an annual expo, going back to 2004. The event showcases locally produced goods and services, while serving as an initiative for the creation of new markets, exports, and awareness for exhibitors.

In 2014, the expo saw another very successful year, with 116 international exhibitors participating.

The annual Moruca Expo, in its 10th year, served to showcase a variety of products and craft, produced by the community. The event also showcased the country’s ecotourism potential.

Homecoming Guyana The Ministry of Tourism is now beginning to get set to welcome Guyana’s many sons and daughters of the Diaspora. This initiative is a special plan to bring back at least 100,000 (10 per cent) of overseasbased Guyanese, to enjoy all that the country has to offer.

The long-term goal of the plan is to target all the major capitals around the world, where there is a significant Guyanese population.

Guyana rebranded “Guyana: South America Undiscovered” is the country’s new destination brand. It was unveiled at home and in London along with its new logo. The main purpose of the rebranding is to help Guyana meet its aspiration of becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination in the Region.

New Tourism Ambassadors The ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) hosted its 8th annual tourism award See page 29

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

27

Immensity of effort keeps Guyana afloat- AG

“Fortunately we have been able to prevent Guyana from being blacklisted and that is a significant accomplishment in regard to the state of delinquency in which we are in ….”

This was Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall’s summation of the situation Guyana was faced with in 2014 with regards to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill. He was at the time speaking during an interview on NCN’s “Political Scope,” addressing Guyana’s position, due to the non-passage of the AML/CFT Bill.

The AG explained that in many ways, in 2014, AML/CFT dominated life in the Legal Affairs Ministry, as he “… was confronted with the issue of the its non-passage, that resulted in Guyana’s present situation of duress, that is, “… being put under very pronounced scrutiny and a very intense regime of evaluation and monitoring.”

This Bill’s occupancy

directly engaged the AG, and his aid is the Ministry of Finance’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the agency that is leading the initiative to make Guyana comply with all the very stringent evaluation processes, to which Guyana is now subjected as a country.

However, it is the international forum that must first be tackled, and this is what can be energy-sapping and

intellectually challenging.

IN 2014, a total of 1,244 complaints were lodged with the Ministry of Labour, of which 821 or 66% were resolved.

While in 2014, more complaints were lodged, fewer were concluded and this was because many of the complaints lodged were related to the mining industry, noted Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopaul. He said that in the mining industry, both employers and their complainants seem to always be out of touch with the ministry.

Minister Gopaul stated that from the 1,244 complaints, only 24 or 1.9% were related to non-payment of wages below the National Minimum Wage.

This is an indication that the National Minimum Wage is now settled and the defaulters, despite some amount of resistance, have

now accommodated the request.

“Out of the complaints, the sum of $31.5M was recovered on behalf of workers, representing $4.2M for annual leave, $1M for overtime, $12M for terminal benefits, $13M for wages, and $18.2M for complaints. During the course of 2014, $49.7M was received on behalf of workers, filing cases with the ministry, Minister Gopaul said.

In addition, the sums collected constituted ‘out-of-court’ settlements against employers and the number filed in 2014 was 141. The number of matters closed was 38 and the number of employers taken to court in 2014 totaled 57.

The minister said that the number of charges was 362 in 2014, with 130 cases

AML/CFT Bill confronting the challenges An example of this arduous work was manifested at the Plenary Meeting XL, and Special Ministerial V Meeting of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), that took place on November 24, 2014 in San Salvador, El Salvador. Guyana was represented mainly

by the AG, along with a team from the said FIU. Guyana did provide the required update of its position, following the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting in Paris, France in October 2014, another phase of hard work.

The AG provided that update, informing the meeting, that Guyana had submitted an Action Plan, after collaboration with the

American Regional Review Group (ARRG). This Action Plan was submitted and approved by FATF at the Paris meeting, where a high level commitment was given by His Excellency, Donald Ramotar, pledging Guyana’s commitment to implement this Action Plan.

At the ARRG engagement, after a presentation by the AG, who explained the challenges faced by the Executive Government in Parliament, Guyana, was granted until September 2015, to implement the legislative measures, and until May 2015 to implement the non-legislative measures.

This salvaging recommendation was impressive and was therefore accepted at the FATF meeting in Paris.

The work for the reprieve was vital. If it had been otiose and thus refused at FATF in Paris, then potentially all of the work of the government could have been jeopardised. The reason lies in the fact, that even though the Joint Opposition members dominate the Parliamentary Committee and made recommenda-

pending and filed, including paying of wages, failure to provide severance pay, in lieu of notice, and grant leave with pay.

Meanwhile, resolving from the complaints that were lodged, $31, 508,000 M was recovered on behalf of the complainants.

This includes payment of annual leave, overtime, terminal benefits, wages and others.

In addition to these sums, a further $ 18.263 M due on complainants for the previous year 2013 was collected with the total collected for the year being $49.771.

The important thing of note within the Ministry of Labour was that there were some successful prosecutions for erring employers in 2014.

The Labour Ministry was quite success-

ful in this aspect of its mandate and in fact was able to recoup large sums for workers who were exploited.

The Minister of Labour told the Guyana Information Agency (GINA) that a total of 141 prosecution cases were filed in 2014 against 57 employers, while 362 charges were instituted against the delinquent employers.

There are 38 prosecution cases that were closed in 2014, while 130 cases (2013- 2014) are currently outstanding.

The charges instituted against the employers include failure to pay the entire amount of wages and severance allowances, no notices of termination, overtime neglect, and the non-honouring of the national minimum wages order.

The most significant cases for 2014 include the Management of Tower Hotel and Strategic Action Security Agency.

Employers who are delinquent and pay their staff less than the national minimum wage will, if found guilty, have to pay a fine of $35,000 for the first offence. The second offence will result in a fine of $75,000 and one month in jail.

The recent decision

by Government to implement a national minimum wage will result in a higher standard of living, in addition to increased wages for approximately 31,000 workers. The National Minimum Wage which was established in 2013 saw workers receiving up to $35,000 per month, during a forty hour week.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall presents President Donald Ramotar’s letter pledging to implement the action plan, to FATF’s president, Roger Wilkins

Labour Ministry received 1,244 complaints in 2014-prosections also meted out

tions, they still play a weird kind of politics-avoiding meetings and voting down the Bill-even after contributing significantly to its amendments.

Challenges in the Bill’s actual content The minister pointed out that the Bill by itself is a huge challenge as when the recommendations come, they do so in a very complex and technical language, so first one has to understand the language in what they are seeking to propagate as a law, then (documents) have to be subjected to scrutiny against the constitution to see whether (or not) they are going to be unconstitutional.

It gets even more intense, he further explained as “the recommendations come in a vague language and that technical way of expression, so it has to be subject to all these analysis at various stages during that process … (then) you will have to send it back to CFATF for them to examine what you have done, and to ensure that you have satisfied requirements or recommendations that they want at that point in time to be implemented. So it is quite a complicated and tedious task to get the draft done.”

“When you get the draft, you have to take it to the Parliament where you meet another ordeal, that is, of getting it passed … not because of complexity in the legislation bill, but because of political reason, as no one has really objected on merit to anything in these bills.”

The opposition parties, which have been rejecting all the clauses put forward under the AML/CFT requirements have really rejected them for reasons unrelated to the bill itself.

He explained too that Guyana right now is still at the level of the CFATF Caribbean Latin American Region, where all the countries are obligated to take appropriate sanctions, to protect themselves from a risk which Guyana itself poses (by having this bill in limbo).

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Industrious Reg. Five does well in education, agri sectors WITH a sum total of $1.982B allocated to the region, to realise various development schemes, its leaders maximised, making the region the highest rice producing one of 2014. Gains made in 2014, also include realisation of Universal Secondary Education. This is according to Regional Chairman, Bindrabhan Bisnauth, who recently updated the media on the region’s 2014 performance.

Agriculture According to Bisnauth, of the total of $203.118B that went towards the delivery of agriculture support, the largest chunk was spent on the provision of drainage and irrigation intervention, given that the region is driven mainly by agricultural activities.

Bisnauth explained that a sum total of $155.5M went to the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), to support the rehabilitation of canals, sluices, and to provide for access to farms, rehabilitation of farm to market roads and some bridges.

Some of the ‘farm to market’ roads upgraded include a stretch on Esau and Jacob, upgraded to asphaltic surface to the tune of $7.6 M. Another, upgraded at Champagne, Mahaicony, is benefitting both farmers and residents.

Rice production Meanwhile, the region garnered close to 60 percent of the country’s total rice production in 2014.

For 2014, the targeted amount for land preparation and cultivation was 66,600 hectares. However, due to the diligence of farmers and an upsurge in the crop, 81,042 hectares was prepared, out of which 80,442 hectares was sown.

When 142 hectares was left to harvest, the region’s paddy stood at 405.66 metric tonnes and rice at 263,679 metric tonnes, Bisnauth boasted.

Sugar production Meanwhile, Blairmont, the only sugar factory in the region, was still able to surpass its projected target for 2014. The factory had a projected target of 29,312 tonnes, and achieved 33,499 tonnes.

Cash Crop production Cash crop cultivation for the year was no different. The region produced over 800,000 acres of cash crop, Bisnauth said.

Education With an allocation of $1.1B for 2014, the Region Five Administration was able to achieve a lot of work in the education sector.

In 2014, a lot of focus was placed on improving the environment of several schools, with an emphasis on the renovation of all the

sanitary block and creation of better spaces for the children, Bisnauth explained.

Schools that benefitted from new tarmacs include the Fort Wellington, Number 8 and Novar Secondary Schools, and Belladrum, Blairmont, and Cotton Tree Primary Schools.

There was also the establishment of two additional secondary schools, previously primary tops: the Woodley Park the Novar Secondary Schools.

Extension on the building which was accommodating the upper primary level, the region has boosted the capacity of the Woodley Park Secondary, to accommodate an additional 350 students, and the Novar Secondary, to cater for 250 more students.

“We have the capacity to accommodate every school child who is of the age for secondary school,” Bisnauth explained.

A total of 11,406 of the region’s children benefited from the Government’s “Because we Care” $10,000 cash grant, while 334 persons, from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) programme, profited in 2014.

Health services effectively carried out in 2014 Focus on the region’s health saw an injection of over $362.9M in 2014 that was used to rehabilitate work on several medical facilities in the region.

Headteacher’s quarter, Karamat

The Woodley Park Secondary School annexe The Fort Wellington Hospital was also boosted with a complete rewiring, costing some $6.2M, adding to this a generator was purchased, to the tune of $13.7M, all to address major electrical concern at the facility.

Also a new $14.3M two-story administrative building was constructed to house the RHO and his team. The bottom flat of which is being used as a lunchroom for the staff.

Renovation was done on the two incinerators at the hospital at a cost of $2.2M and the pharmacy bond was also extended, to enable better housing of drugs.

Rehabilitation works were conducted on all the

health centers across the region and major repairs and refurbishing work were also done on the Mahaicony Diagnostic Centre, especially the housing quarters for the Cuban doctors.

A new ambulance was bought for the region that is being housed at the Mahaicony Diagnostic Centre.

Several aspects of infrastructure upgrade Under public works, projects undertaken by the region, under its capital budget in 2014, include the upgrading of Cotton Tree School Street to asphaltic concrete at the cost of $7.2M. Rehabilitation work was also done on the Central Mahaicony wharf to the

tune of $12.8M. This is the discharge point for Amerindians, who live in Moraikobai, and who are heavily dependent on logging for a livelihood.

Further, a green heart timber bridge was constructed at Number 5 village, with the aim of creating easier access for the farmers, fishermen and other residents. Another such bridge was constructed at Bath Settlement, Block D 1, to the tune of $1.2M, to create easier access for cash crop farmers.

The main entrance of the Zorg-en-Hoop Land Development Scheme was also upgraded from a crusher-run to an asphaltic concrete base.

The new pharmacy bond at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

2014: A bright year ...

From page 26 ceremony; it saw several local personalities, including Dave Martins, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Andrew King, Clive Lloyd, and Nicolette Fernandes, all being appointed Tourism Ambassadors.

Meanwhile 19 stakeholders were awarded in 11 categories for their contribution to the tourism sector during 2014. The ‘Pillar of the Tourism’ was given to Teri O’Brien.

Industry Training At the end of 2014, a total of 606 persons were trained in the areas such as Bird Guide, Basic Conversational Spanish Language, Boat Captain, Culinary, First Aid/CPR, Customer Service, Servers, Front Office, Housekeeping and Front Desk. Training was conducted in the North Rupununi, Georgetown, Linden, Essequibo, Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and Ogle International Airport.

Spanish Language barrier was also tackled as the GTA facilitated a four-day training session in basic Spanish, for the staff of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

CJIA Expansion The main airport’s modernisation was hampered due to the combined opposition’s denial of $5.3 billion which was budgeted for its upgrade and expansion through the construction of a new terminal building, aprons,

air-bridges, taxiways and the extension of the runway by a further 3500 feet, to allow for the landing of larger aircraft at the airport. This airport is crucial to the local tourism industry, hence during the year, some foundation work was done for the runway.

Airlines A number of new airlines commenced operating the Guyana route in 2014COPA, Dynamic Airways, Conviasa and Curacao registered Insel Air. Jags Aviation and Golden Arrow Airways joined the local industry. Golden Arrow Airways, a tour operation conducting tours to Kaieteur Falls/Orinduik was officially launched in May while Jags as well will be involved in conveying people to remote and hinterland areas for tourism and other purposes.

Of note is that the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL) commissioned an Aviation Services Fuel Handling facility at the CJIA. Hotels The India-based Sun and Sand Group of Companies turned the sod in July for the new Sun and San Hotel, which will be located at Lilendaal.

The five-star hotel will include a casino, along with a commercial block and club house. It will house 163 rooms and provide jobs for hundreds of Guyanese.

Park Vue Hotel, located in Providence on the East Bank of Demerara

was officially opened in January.

Further the US based hotel group Ramada will be spending US$7 million to rebrand the Princess Hotel and Casino at Providence, East Bank Demerara to Ramada Georgetown Princess.

This announcement was made in April.

Also, the Rupununi Eco Hotel, located in Lethem, was officially opened in April by His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar.

Cruise ships Guyana welcomed the first cruise vessel for 2014 with the return of the passenger ship Minerva to its shores. The 437foot long 12,500 tonnage passenger ship, with its 350 passengers and crew of 174, of mainly Filipinos and Ukranians, took a two-day cruise in Guyana, under its 83 nights “Grand Faces of South America” tour, sailing from the Bridgetown round-trip.

Also the Internationally-known cruise liner, Vista Mar, on December 23 docked at the Demerara Sugar Terminal Wharf, Ruimveldt for the third time.

2015 Arrival Projections The ministry is projecting a 15 % increase in arrivals in this New Year. Several FAM trips are scheduled to be conducted and will result in more persons visiting Guyana.

President Donald Ramotar admidst other government officals joining in celebration at the inaugural Guyana Festival

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In 2014…Guyana featured in many international publications, films and documentaries DESTINATION Guyana continues to receive international recognition, and to this end, several new documentaries were completed over the past year.

These add to the major publications featuring the country, thus highlighting several aspects of the growing tourism industry.

The country also made its way into several renowned magazines.

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) provided an endorsement letter to Discovery Channel TV, whose officials visited Guyana in October to film episodes of “Naked and Afraid.” The GTA also requested temporary importation of film equipment for the film company.

Another such letter was provided to BBC Television, to film “Britain’s Secret Slave Owners” in October, and one to CNN, to film “Big Earth” (August 14-20) in Guyana. “Big Earth” was commissioned

by AlArab Channel, to produce a documentary in collaboration with CNN. “Big Earth” features Guyana in its “101 Amazing Adventures of the World” book, and is known for its exhilarating television productions, which feature extreme sports and travel adventures.

In addition, the year saw a number of huge documentaries being recorded and filmed: French Film Crewon Mount Roraima; Japanese crew-on the unique aspects of Guyanese Culture; Russian crew-on aspects of Guyana’s wildlife and forest; and Blue Paw-on the source of the Essequibo.

Animal Planet also filmed a documentary in Guyana.

In terms of international publications, Guyana has made its way into the limelight of several renowned articles and/or publications.

These include National Geographic-Best Trips for 2014-Guyana-Green is the New Gold; National Geographic-Best of the World, 2014-11-25, COPA In-flight

Photo of the majestic Kaieteur Falls, featured in the New York Times’ “Saving and Splurging in Guyana“ Magazine, Caribbean BeatBiodiversity BonanzaGuyana’s Rupununi (MayJune 2014), and Caribbean Beat-Far Essequibo (March –April 2014).

Below are some samples of the features that were published on Guyana in 2014.

Saving and Splurging in Guyana Where I come from, we don’t put ice in our Guinness or Red Bull. But in the gold-mining frontier town of Bartica, Guyana, I became a (temporary) convert. Ice-cold beer makes sense in the steamy jungle town, and a little extra alertness can’t hurt in an area where it seems as if half the population is armed.

That revelation was just one of many surprises I found in Guyana, the offbeat first stop on my offbeat route to the World Cup in Brazil. That trip would take me through Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana, en route to Natal, Brazil. It began with the cheapest one-way ticket I could find to South America, a $334 direct flight from New York to Georgetown, the Guyanese capital. Formerly British Guiana, the country of about 725,000 has a complicated colonial legacy … descended from indigenous peoples, African slaves and Indian laborers. (http://www.nytimes. com/2014/06/22/travel/ saving-and-splurging-inguyana.html?_r=0) Biodiversity bonanza: Guyana’s Rupununi The Rupununi savanna covers a vast region of

Guyana, but its rich flora and fauna are still little known to scientists. As Burton Lim explains, a recent biodiversity survey by the World Wildlife Fund sought to make this natural bounty known to the world. (http://caribbean-beat.com/ issue-127/biodiversitybonanza#ixzz3HaS5yN00) A Winding, Watery Way to the World Cup In the last few days, I’ve explored a gold mining town, eaten lots of curries and taken a boat down the Essequibo River to visit waterfalls and old Dutch forts-all in Guyana, the English-speaking, Caribbean-influenced country on South America’s north coast. What brings me to this virtually touristfree nation of 750,000? (http://www.nytimes. com/2014/06/03/travel/awinding-watery-way-tothe-world-cup.html) To the Cup, the Long Way Round It can take about 16 hours and two flights to get from New York City to Natal, Brazil, where the United States took on Ghana in their World Cup opener last week.

It can also take about 16 days and four flights, three collective taxis, three minibuses, a Toyota 4x4, a ferry, two motorized canoes called pirogues and a river boat that crosses the mouth of the Amazon. (http://www. nytimes.com/2014/06/25/ travel/to-the-cup-thelong-way-round.html)

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Warm-up pool completed

THE construction of the warm-up pool, at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, has been completed.

The pre-fabricated 25 X 21 metre pool was assembled by Myrtha Pool Company, at a cost of US$258,000. This was outside the base and other ancillary works, nearing completion and being done by a local contractor.

These preliminary works

cost $37.5M and are being executed by D&F Construction Company and supervised by Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services (I.E.C.S). The locally contracted works entailed the removal of several pipelines, and excavation of the site.

The new pool will work in tandem with the Olympic size 50-metre pool, at the facility and the idea is to enhance Guyana’s

capacity to host internationally-sanctioned swimming events.

Government commenced building the first 50-metre pool in Guyana, recognising the constraints placed on athletes, due to the lack of such an infrastructure. Prior to the construction of the 50-metre pool (of international standard) athletes were seriously disadvantaged.

Pool size in Guyana is

The completed warm-up pool at the National Aquatic Centre

normally of 25 metres. This old set up always created difficulties for the athletes, who went out to international competitions, as all of them utilise the 50 metre pool.

When Government completed the Olympicsized pool, however, many persons within the swimming fraternity in Guyana suggested that in tandem with the 50-metre pool, there should be

an additional pool, which would work as a ‘warm up’ facility for athletes in competition.

The suggestion was made on account of the fact that swimmers must have their muscles ‘warmed-up’ before they go into competition, as this eliminates the risks of injuries.

Government too felt that this additional pool was necessary to complete the construction of a swim-

ming complex, supporting international competition, and thus began the journey to the warm-up pool.

Both pools were constructed by Myrtha Pool Incorporated, a company recommended by the International Swimming Federation. This company is known to provide pools at all major swimming events in the world.

The Olympic size 50-metre pool which works in tandem with the warm-up pool

Government’s Community Grounds Development Grant

2014 is the third year, since the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport began engaging in the process of giving assistance for the development of community grounds across the country. This now annual support has been critical, to not only the enhancing of these facilities, but also to the bringing of communities closer, and for encouraging youths to stay away from unproductive pursuits.

For many years, grounds which once supported strong community engagements and promoted some common grounds, became waterlogged or simply descended into a state of disrepair. The Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC), under whose purview these fall, was not able to ensure their maintenance because of a lack of finance, Recognizing this, the

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport did a survey, as regards how many community grounds there are in Guyana. The data collected was taken to Cabinet, where the argument was made that the same must be done for the grounds, as was being done for the roads and drainage systems. That is, like these infrastructure, a programme must be created that addressed the rehabilitation/repair and maintenances of these grounds.

This Community Grounds Development Grant initiative was introduced in 2011, with a total of $100 million being allocated to upgrade 90 sport and community ground facilities, throughout the 10 administrative regions, with each ground receiving at least $1 million.

Mechanism for accessing the grant was easy. The ministry advertised the grant in the papers, calling on communities or sports associations to apply. Com-

munities then had to apply, providing they first possessed basic criteria, spelt out in the advertisement.

Once everything was verified, they were able then to access the money.

Since the introduction of the programme, the monies allocated have increased, based on the recognition and demand.

In 2013, over $200 million was spent, and in 2013 and 2014, some $300 million further went towards the initiative.

In 2013 a total of 300 grounds benefitted, whilst in 2014, 246 grounds were upgraded countrywide. In 2014, fewer grounds were done for the reason that some of the grounds required more the $1 million.

The grounds facilitated in 2014 include in Region 1-32 grounds; Region 2-20; Region 3-26; Region 4-24; Region 5-28; Region 6-44; Region 7-5; Region 8-9; Region 9-12; and Region 10-13. The ministry also

…brings improvement and promotes stronger communities

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, presents a grant for the ground enhancement project, to Region Nine Chairman, Wilson Lorentio. did direct work with other in implementation. gion 4; 54 in Region 5; 98 sporting associations in the As the aesthetics of the in Region 6; 10 in Region region and this accounted grounds across the country 7; 23 in Region 8; 31 in for the remaining 23 grants. continue to be improved, Region 9; and 22 in Region Residents and commit- people are once again be- 10. tees are using the funds ac- coming attracted to these This is a huge comquired properly and so the facilities. They are again mitment, given that beimprovements are being beginning to engage in fore this programme, done correctly. The minis- physical activities-not the communities were try also recently began dis- only cricket and football, not able to access funds bursing the funds through but also in relaxation and for the ground improvethe various Regional exercise. ment. Moreover, some Democratic Councils. This In the past three years, communities have benmove has seen the RDCs’ the ministry was able to efitted from two tranches having more ownership of shore up 548 grounds: 60 of grants, where the minthe project and so ensuring in Region 1; 83 in Region istry did additional work a lot of ‘check and balance’ 2; 77 in Region 3;90 in Re- on the some grounds.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Japan’s Vice Foreign Minister pleased with Hope Canal project

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– checks on JICA- funded irrigation projects

GUYANA’S ability to implement adaptation measures to deal with climate change were applauded by Japan’s Vice Foreign Affairs Minister, Takashi Uto, who along with Minister of Agriculture, Dr Leslie Ramsammy and National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chief Executive Officer, Lionel Wordsworth visited the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) on January 9.

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding the Guyana Conservancy Adaptation project which will aid in better management and operation of the conservancy, thus, tackling climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The project is being done in two phases. Under phase one, eight excavators and two pontoons were procured, while under phase two, US$3.8 million was provided for the rehabilitation of six structures

within the EDWC, which includes, Sarah Johanna, Nancy, Annandale, Hope, Shanks and Maduni.

These works will complement the Hope Canal project for which Government is investing some US$15M. According to Minister Ramsammy, the ministry is currently engaging in a maintenance programme within the conservancy.

He said that the equipment which was procured are currently being used on

National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chief Executive Officer, Lionel Wordsworth explaining works ongoing at the Northern Relief Channel (Hope) East Coast Demerara, to Japan Foreign Affairs Vice Minister, Takashi Uto and team during a visit.

safeguarding of the 45 mile long dam and on the in-lets and out-lets within the conservancy canal.

The Minister explained that the conservancy is an important irrigation source for all the villages along the East Coast and East Bank.

“This conservancy has never been in the condition it is in right now … it is well maintained and we are very proud of the works being done here with the support from the Japanese Government, the IDB and the World Bank,”

Minister Ramsammy further noted that under the Guyana Conservancy Adaptation project which is supported by the World Bank, four pump stations will be constructed along the East Coast this year.

During a visit to the Northern Relief Channel (Hope channel), Minister Ramsammy explained that the doors of the head regulator (a sluice system that allows water from the conservancy to enter into the relief channel), are completed.

He said that the next

step is to break the dam, which will be done in about two weeks. However, he said that currently, the dam is being strengthened at both ends. “We want to make sure that the water level in our conservancy doesn’t go below 53 GD which is our dead space, because if it does so, the dam integrity is affected, and we want to make sure that is doesn’t get above 57, because if it does, the dam will be compromised with overtopping,” he further noted.

Works ongoing at the Northern Relief Channel at the Hope Canal

Drop in fuel price should not be basis for reduction of hydropower’s significance in Guyana IN reaffirming government’s position on the importance and urgency for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall is of the view that no country with the ambition to achieve first class status for it citizens can continue to place reliance on fossil fuel for electricity generation.

According to the AG, while there has been a decline in the price of fuel

internationally, which is good, it cannot be the basis for the reduction of the significance of hydropower to the developmental equation of Guyana.

“Hydropower and every source of power alternative to fossil fuel are essential in today’s world from every conceivable perspective; one from an environmental perspective, from an economic perspective in terms of the fluctuating, and highly unpredictable fluctuation of the price of fuel internationally.”

He pointed out that the quantity of fuel that is available in the world and the fluctuation of price are factors that lead to the conclusion that reliance on fossil fuel as the source of electricity generation for a country cannot be the modern way to go, “…and Guyana perhaps in the last country to have recognised this. Throughout the Caribbean small countries such as Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts, they have hydropower. Where a waterfall does not exist, one is creat-

ed to ensure that there is an elevation from which water falls to move the turbine.”

He stressed the fact that Guyana is gifted with perhaps the best potential for hydropower in the region, having regard to the number of waterfalls it has. “… therefore hydropower is indispensible to the developmental equation of our country, hence the president reiterating despite the opposition’s rejection of this, the government will continue to preserve with making that project a

-Minister Nandlall

reality.”

Minister Nandlall added that while the combined opposition has rejected this project, to date they have not intelligently outlined to the Guyanese what issues they have with it. He noted that every possible document pertaining to the feasibility of the project was submitted to the opposition members, but nothing has been forthcoming about the rejection of the project.

Nonetheless, the AG stated that government will

continue to pursue this initiative with the aim of making it a reality.

In his new year’s message, President Donald Ramotar announced that, Norway has transferred earnings from its partnership with Guyana of approximately US$80 million to the InterAmerican Development Bank to fund part of Guyana’s equity share in the project.

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Issue No: 8

January 16, 2015

Guyana Postcard Just completed section of East Bank Demerara four-lane highway in the vicinity of Diamond. This project in intended to ease traffic congestion along the East Bank Corridor. The road extension runs from Providence to Diamond.

See story on page 31