 |
The Guyana Update -- March, 1998. |
PRESIDENT Janet Jagan escaped injury on Thursday, February 26, when anti-government protesters hurled rocks and other missiles at her official car outside Parliament building. The President's vehicle was dented in several places and the back wind screen of a Police escort vehicle with her was damaged in the incident.
A Police Inspector on duty at the scene was hit in the chest by a missile hurled as the President left Parliament. The injured officer was taken to hospital where she was under observation...
It was not immediately clear if the vehicles carrying Barbados Prime Minister, Mr Owen Arthur and Grenada Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, who left the Parliament compound after President Jagan, were hit by the missiles.
The two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders were at the ceremonial opening of the new Parliament elected at the December 15 elections.
The main opposition People's National Congress (PNC) of former President, Mr Desmond Hoyte, has refused to accept Mrs Jagan's accession to office and persons wearing PNC tee-shirts were among the crowd of about 200 protesters.
The demonstrators shouted "Janet must go" and "We want Desmond (Hoyte)" as they milled behind Police barricades on the street outside the Parliament compound...
In an initial statement, the PNC said it was "not in any way associated with the demonstration" outside Parliament. The statement said the demonstration was "not organized or authorized" by the PNC.
The attack on the President's vehicle came as she was leaving Parliament after the ceremonial opening and security rushed in a cordon around the car as huge pieces of concrete and other missiles rained down...
As the Presidential party moved away, the mob raced behind, pelting more objects.
A small crowd moved to State House where they kept up a demonstration after the incident.
In a later statement, the PNC said it understood that "some members of a mobstoned Mrs Jagan's car and indulged in other acts of violence."
The PNC said it dissociated itself "from these incidents and deplores them most emphatically."
It said (Police Commissioner) Lewis should "launch an urgent and vigorous investigation with a view to identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators."
But the PPP accused the PNC for "unleashing unprovoked thuggery and violence outside Parliament Buildings in a desperate attempt to disrupt the convening of the new Parliament."
In a statement, the major partner in the PPP/Civic alliance government, said known criminal elements "who participated in previous marches and demonstrations since the PNC was defeated at the free and fair polls of December 15 last, spearheaded the attack which was clearly calculated to cause harm to (President Jagan).".....
The PPP said some of the attackers wore PNC t-shirts with the slogan `Our Vote Must Count'.
It said the unlawful assembly and demonstration breached the CARICOM Accord in the presence of Mitchell and Arthur and "is an indictment of the PNC."
"We therefore call on the Caribbean Community to deplore in no uncertain way this resort to political thuggery and terrorism, and to condemn this wanton assault on the institution of democracy in Guyana", the PPP declared.
The party also called on "all civil forces and individuals in Guyana to come out in forceful condemnation of this latest assault and to say to the PNC that this nation will no longer tolerate its blatant hooliganism."
The PPP said it has "exercised monumental patience and calm in the face of an undeclared hostility and violence from (PNC headquarters) Congress Place."
It charged that yesterday's attack raised "ominous signs that the PNC is bent on creating trouble and to further undermine peace, stability as well as law and order in the society."
"The PPP has remained faithful to the requirements of the (Herdmanston) Accord and has organized no public celebrations, solidarity meetings or demonstrations since the elections. Our supporters have exercised tremendous fortitude in the face of the repeated PNC's provocations", the statement said.
It added: "The PPP now demands that the PNC resist from its destructive campaign."
(Courtesy of Guyana Chronicle)
Her Excellency Janet Jagan made history on Thursday 26th February, when she as Guyana's first woman Head of State opened the seventh parliament.
Present at the opening of the session were two CARICOM leaders , Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr Keith Mitchell (CARICOM's Chairman), and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr Owen Arthur. Members of the Diplomatic Community were also present.
During the session, Mr Dereck Jagan was reelected Speaker of the House, while Mr Martin Zephyr was elected Deputy Speaker.
Parliamentarians from the People's Progressive Party, Mr Manzoor Nadir of the United Force and Mr Albertino Peters of the Alliance for Guyana were sworn in.
Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) Dr Cesar Gaviria, paid an official visit to Guyana on February 22 to 24. He was present for the Republic Day, Flag Raising Ceremony at the National Park in Georgetown.
During his visit, Gaviria met with President Jagan, Prime Minister Mr Samuel Hinds, Foreign Minister Clement Rohee, other government Ministers, and Minority Leader, Mr Desmond Hoyte.
Gaviria also met with the newly organized committee that has been set up to plan a series of activities to mark the 50thanniversary of the OAS.
President Janet Jagan has performed the historical 'sod turning ceremony' at the site identified for the construction of CARICOM's new headquarters in Guyana.
President Jagan was accompanied in the exercise by four CARICOM Prime Ministers in Guyana for follow-up talks on the peace process brokered to ease tensions after the results of December 15 elections.
Grenada's Prime Minister Keith Mitchell (CARICOM's Chairman), Dr Kenny Anthony, St Lucia's Prime Minister, Mr Basdeo Panday, Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, Mr Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados, and Secretary General of CARICOM Dr Edwin Carrington were all a part of the historical exercise.
The land which was presented to the Government of Guyana by GUYSUCO is located at Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara, four miles from the capital city, Georgetown and not far from the airport at Ogle which is in the process of being upgraded and standardized to meet international requirements.
Thousands from all walks of life streamed into the National Park on the eve of Republic Day to be a part of history -- the country's first woman President and Commander-in-Chief, Janet Jagan, inspecting a Guard of Honor and delivering a Republic Anniversary address to the nation.
The night's event was rich in culture and pageantry with brilliant displays and performances by members of the disciplined forces, two local musical bands, several national calypsonians, young dancers from the National School of Dance, Indian and African drummers, and the famous young Kabakaburi dancers.
The Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Mr Cesar Gaviria, was given a loud applause as he made his way on to National Park tarmac. He was escorted by two outriders from the Guyana Police Force.
President Janet Jagan, in her address, told the nation: "We have gone a far way in developing a common Guyanese identity and culture... It is a challenge to all Guyanese to see that the collective will of all our people rises above divisions, communalism and partisanship. We have seen that nothing good can come out of divisions and hatred.
She said, in her inaugural Republic Day address: "My Government is interested in creating a free Guyana and a new society -- a society free from oppression, where human relations will prevail on the basis of social justice, equality , and the upliftment of the living conditions of all.
The President appealed to all Guyanese "to have faith in our institutions, to bury our political hatchets, and to find creative ways to work for the common good of Guyana. One such institution which can become a symbol of our unity at the political level is our Parliament. It is there that all the healthy and patriotic forces can have a constructive engagement and to deal collectively with the many issues of national importance, and to solve our many problems."
Following her address, President Jagan and the heads of the disciplined services made there way to the base of the flag mast to witness the raising of the Golden Arrowhead
Mr Samuel Hinds on February 27 was sworn-in as the Prime Minister of Guyana.
The 54-year old former Bauxite Executive took the oath of Office from President Jagan in the presence of Ministers of the Government, in the Credentials Room, at the Office of the President.
The Prime Minister became President of the Republic of Guyana on the death of President Cheddi Jagan on March 6, 1997.
Mr Hinds holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University in New Brunswick in Canada in 1967. In October 1994, he was conferred with an honorary Doctorate (DSc) from his Alma Mater.
The Prime Minister now holds responsibility for Home Affairs and Public Works.
Recently a $69.5 million contract for the construction of a new school at Stewartville on the West Coast was signed at the Ministry of Education boardroom.
A committee comprising the Headmaster, the Deputy Headmaster, Chairman of the PTA, Regional Education Officer and Project Officer of the school was formed. The committee then shared their ideas with Vikab Guyana Limited (consultant), the firm which will design the building.
The three-storied structure will accommodate six hundred students.
Meanwhile a contract for the refurbishing of the St Philips Primary School was signed. The work would be executed by General Contractors Company Limited at a cost of $10 million. This project is being funded under the Primary Education Improvement Project(PEIP).
At Hosororo (Region 1) work is moving apace on the new $52 million school also being done under the PEIP. The school should be completed in September.
Guyana has strengthened diplomatic ties with the Holy See when President of the Republic of Guyana, Her Excellency Janet Jagan received letters of credence from His Excellency Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro Apostolic of the Holy See.
Diplomatic ties between Guyana and the Vatican were established on June 9, 1997 and Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro is the first Pontifical Representative to Guyana.
Archbishop Sbarbaro in his address said, "Our relations are a sign of our mutual determination to work together for integral development and welfare of the citizens of this nation in a climate of peace, justice and respect for each other's competence.
The Guyana Government has announced a $150 million drought emergency scheme for key agriculture areas and a $20 million water distribution operation for Georgetown. The Government is taking this measure to stave off threats of an unprecedented drought from the El Nino weather phenomenon.
"Operation Melon" was launched in mid-February to distribute potable water in several parts of Georgetown. The capital cost for Operation Melon is about $20 million and six sites have been identified as distribution points.
In relation to the economic sector and El Nino's impact on farming, that matter has attracted the attention of the appropriated governmental technical officers and a number of studies have been commissioned.
Meanwhile President Janet Jagan has appealed to citizens to conserve on water as much as possible to help Guyana get through the current El Nino weather crisis.
Speaking on GTV-11 "Conversation with the President", Mrs Jagan said she does not see El Nino having an effect on Guyana's 'Water for all by the year 2000 project'. She said the massive three-year program to improve the country's water supply involves sourcing from wells.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lt. Col. Fairbairn Liverpool led a five-member delegation to Brazil for a Guyana/Brazil Joint Border Commission meeting, in Belem. The talks ended on February 11.
The Joint Border Commission meeting is being held following an agreement reached last year between Brazilian Foreign Minister, Luiz Felipe Lampreia and Guyana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Clement Rohee.
Over the years, the two countries have expressed concerns about the conservation of boundary markings along the Guyana/Brazil border, which were done since 1939. While on a visit to Brazil in 1993, late President Dr Cheddi Jagan discussed with his counterpart, a proposal by Brazil to set up the Guyana/Brazil Joint Commission to deal with the preservation of these markings.
The Commission first met in 1994.
The Ministry will this year step up its anti-malaria campaign. The exercise will also involve the army, police, the Customs Department and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission which will all join in the battle against the dreaded disease.
The campaign against malaria will be emphasized in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), which has seen an upsurge in malaria cases recently. The rise of malaria cases in that region is as a result of extensive mining activities there, Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Tiwari said.
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh will lead a two-man delegation to Malaysia from March 1 to 9.
While in Malaysia Minister Sawh who will be accompanied by Senior Assistant Commissioner of Forests, Mr Godfrey Marshall, will have a first hand look at the Barama company's timber and forestry operations and visit the company's headquarters there. They will also hold discussions with top management officials of the company.
Minister Sawh is also expected to hold discussions with senior officials of the Malaysian Government and potential investors in the oil palm sector, aqua-culture and agro-industries.
The British Overseas Development Agency (ODA) will provide financial backing for the learning sector in Guyana. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr Lennox Bobb, stated this on February 5 last. Mr Bobb said that following talks between the Finance Ministry and the ODA, the British body would make more finances available to brace Guyana's education sector. Mr Bobb said that much more money would be allocated in the budget for education to procure teaching and learning equipment for schools.
The Ministry of Agriculture is discussing the possibilities of deploying twenty-six mobile pumps in Regions 2 and 6 under the Ministry of Agriculture's Drought Emergency Work Program which is being formulated to counter the effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon.
Under the program the Ministry hopes to send six pumps each to Region 3, 5, and 6 and four each to Region 2 and 4.
The total cost of these pumps is estimated at $104 million and is expected to be funded out of the drought program's $150 million budget.
The water would be pumped from rivers to conservancies and recirculated from drainage canals to irrigation canals. When the drought period is ended, the pumps could be used for efficient drainage of agricultural lands in spells of excessive rainfall.
The Ministry of Agriculture has projected that over the next few months, a total of some 290,000 acres of land will be cultivated in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and the corresponding water usage in these regions is expected to be in the vicinity of 500,000 gallons.
The Ministry says more than 150,000 farming households are expected to benefit from the emergency water program when it is implemented.
The Ministry of Public Works will soon shortlist six contractors to submit tenders for the bridging of the Berbice River.
Public Works Minister, Mr Anthony Xavier said there has been a big response to advertisements regarding the project. He said his Ministry had invited pre-qualification bids for designs to build the bridge.
Minister Xavier said that a report by an Indian expert who came to Guyana last year has not been received by his Ministry. A top official of the Indian High Commission in Georgetown said recently that the mission was awaiting the report from New Delhi and it was due in February or early March.
President Jagan had stressed her Government's commitment to bridging the Berbice River during a reception to mark India's 49th Republic Anniversary.
Citizens of Georgetown are set to receive better medical care, and in order to make this possible, the Ministry of Health is going ahead with its plans to corporatise the institution.
Health and Labor Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey, said there is a proposal "to allow an autonomous board, similar to those which exist at state-owned enterprises such as SIMAP, GS&WC, and GUYOIL among others take control and manage the Georgetown Hospital, according to the policies and performance guidelines agreed to with the government.
He however, noted: "The Ministry could introduce cost recovery at the PHG. We do believe that if we are to provide better services by the material and human resources at our disposal, . . . an element of cost recovery will be introduced."
The Minister said this would be done gradually and selectively, bearing in mind the government's commitment to provide medical services to all citizens.
President Janet Jagan has praised the human rights practice of Guyana as the best in many decades, and said that she was not surprised that the US State Department Report for 1997 confirmed this.
In her weekly broadcast, the Guyanese leader said that the 1997 elections, for example, were absolutely free and fair as was reported both by independent observers and the State Department.
In its report the US State Department noted that Guyana's 1997 polls were "free, fair and non violent," and acknowledged President Jagan's comfortable victory.
Asked for a reaction by TV journalist, Martin Goolsarran, the President commented that it was very correct for the US report to mention the civil rights performance in Guyana in the way it did because since 1992 most of these have been restored by the current Government.
The Report commented favorably on the state of the free press, the independence of the judiciary and the functioning of parliamentary democracy. But President Jagan said not mentioned was the restoration of local government democracy. Elections, which were denied for over twenty years of authoritarian rule, were held in 1994.
She said that Guyana should be proud of its human rights record. She concluded by quoting from the Report about Government's interest in minority rights. She assured that the focus will continue on promoting racial harmony and inclusion among all of our people.
The demarcation of Amerindian lands is continuing apace and there is no truth that the process is being delayed because of the lack of funds. Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Vibert DeSousa made this emphatically clear , in response to a US State Department Report on Guyana.
The Report claimed that the Government had "identified a total of 78 villages and reservations to be demarcated, but despite the late President Jagan's promise at an international meeting in February 1996 to speed up the process, only one of these areas has been legally demarcated." The Report added:
"In September President Hinds renewed the promise to speed up the demarcation process, but many Amerindians and NGOs (Non Governmental Organization) feel that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs does not have adequate funding or technical capacity to carry out the demarcation."
In refuting the charges, Minister De Souza explained the provision was made in the 1997 budget for $50 million to start the demarcation process. Subsequently, a Task Force was approved by Cabinet to implement the process of all titled Amerindian lands.
The Task Force fully consulted Amerindian Captains and representatives from the Amerindian Councils, and matters of extension, dispute and clarification were noted for future studies.
Demarcation began in October, last year in eleven blocks, which had been identified. Five blocks have been completed.
Surveying of the remaining five blocks is due to be completed by the end of March this year, according to the Minister.
Minister De Souza said that in this year's budget, a further $70 million is to be allocated for the purpose of demarcation of other areas not selected in 1997. He pointed out that as soon as the legal aspects have been completed villagers would be presented with their titles.
President Janet Jagan has admitted that there is urgent need for prison reform in Guyana to deal with the situation of over-crowding. The criminal as well as the prison population, she said has increased considerably.
In his first public duty, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has toured prison locations, and assured action to deal with over-crowding.
The Guyanese leader, a former Minister of Home Affairs, said there is globalization of crime, and Guyana is witnessing the operation crime gangs, drugs rings and crime cartels and syndicates.
In addition hundreds of Guyanese who became criminals in the United States, and who have learnt the crime trade there, are being deported here. Some of these criminals, she said are armed with sophisticated weapons.
She urged human rights groups, including the US Human Rights lobby in Guyana, to understand the situation here. These hardened criminals have to be dealt with in an incisive way, she said.
An agreement was concluded in mid-February between the OPEC Fund for International Development and the Guyana government for an US$18.2 million loan to finance an imports program..
The agreement was signed in Vienna, Austria, by Finance Minister Bharrat Jagdeo and by Dr. Saleh A Al-Omair, Chairman of the Governing Board of the OPEC Fund.
A release from the Finance Ministry explained: "The Commodity Imports Program, which the loan will finance, will afford Guyana the opportunity to clear its arrears and normalize its relations with the OPEC Fund."
"This would allow the country to benefit from the reactivation of the Fund's operation through the implementation of new programs. It will also clear the way for the OPEC Fund to contribute to the debt write-off that Guyana secured under the highly indebted poor country initiative. "
The El Nino weather phenomenon will cause the first rice crop production figure for this year to fall short by about 50,000 tons. According to figures from GRDB, the first crop production target is 170,000 tons, but due to the prolonged dry season only 120,000 tons may be produced. As a result of the low production estimate, Chairman of the Guyana Rice Development Board, Mr Charles Kennard, said Guyana may not be able to sustain its newly-won rice markets. Mr Kennard stated that out of the 182,000 acres of rice land prepared, only 125,000 acres were actually planted for this crop. The areas that are reported to be severely affected are the two rice planting Essequibo River Islands of Leguan and Wakenaam, sections of West Demerara, areas between Mahaica and Abary, and Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara. He also stated that farmers in the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary Agricultural Development Project are not seriously affected because of the more advanced drainage system in those areas.
Six entities including a local group have been short-listed for selective tendering. This move comes as the Government pushes ahead with its plans to create a new Guyana Electricity Corporation since the SaskPower Commercial deal fell through.
Secretary to the Cabinet Roger Luncheon, said an Offering Memorandum was presented to Cabinet by Prime Minister Sam Hinds for the capitalization of GEC. Cabinet has mandated Mr Hinds to be the point-man on a subcommittee on the project to take the process forward.
Among the entities short-listed were Leucadia, Texas-Ohio Limited, Commonwealth Development Corporation, a consortium of which SaskPower Commercial is part, and a local group These firms will soon be invited to tender for the 50% equity in the New GEC.
Several villages in the south and Central Rupununi areas have been hit by a prolonged dry season resulting in a steep drop in their agricultural production. Regional Development Minister Harripersaud Nokta, was instrumental in bringing to Cabinet's attention the impending development in the areas and have started to put relief arrangements in place. The most affected villages are Rupunau and Shea which are isolated communities n the Rupununi region.
Other hinterland regions are expected to experience similar problems.
The Board of Directors and the consultant chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Airways Corporation (GAC), Dr Frederick Duncan, are carrying out a comprehensive cost-cutting program.
Contracts and other administrative arrangements are being explored to cut costs and waste at the airline while financial and managerial plans are now being fine-tuned. It was also noted that the high indebtedness of the national flag carrier is being examined with the aim of remedying the situation.
Meanwhile, Cabinet is expected to deliberate on the serious situation of GAC at a future session. The poor financial showing of the airline saw the Board of Directors hiring the management consultant while sending its four top manager home on one week's special leave.
While steps are being taken to improve GAC's financial situation, the government is exploring a joint-venture arrangement with a local or international partner.
The Ministry of Housing says it intends to distribute about 10,000 house lots during 1998.
Squatters and other illegal occupants of state land are urged to send in their applications for these house lots.
Housing Minister Shaik Baksh has stated: "The most needy cases will be addressed as a matter of priority,"
Since 1993, the PPP/Civic administration has allocated more than 14,000 house lots for low and middle income families in all coastal regions and also in Region 10.
Currently, the Housing Ministry is moving to clamp down on a new wave of squatting along the lower East Coast Demerara.
President, Head of State and Govt............Mrs. Janet Jagan
Prime Minister, Minister of Public Works and Minister of Home Affairs......Mr Samuel A Hinds
Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Adviser to the President on National Security........Dr Roger Luncheon
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.........................................Mr Charles Ramson
Minister of Finance:..................................................Mr Bharrat Jagdeo
Minister of Foreign Affairs.......................................Mr Clement Rohee
Minister of Information.............................................Mr Moses Nagamootoo
Minister of Agriculture and Parliamentary Affairs:.........Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud
Minister of Public Service.........................................Mr George Fung-On
Minister of Education................................................Dr. Dale Bisnauth
Minister of Amerindian Affairs.................................Mr F Vibert De Souza
Minister of Local Government..................................Mr Harripersaud Nokta
Minister in the Ministry of Local Government..........Mr Clinton Collymore
Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism:..................Mr Michael Shree Chan
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics:.......................Mr Anthony Xavier
Minister of Labor and Health.....................................Dr Henry Jeffrey
Minister of Human Service and Social Security:.......Mrs Indranie Chandarpal
Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture:.......................Ms Gail Teixeira
Minister of Marine Resources.......................:............Mr Satyadeow Sawh
Minister of Housing:..................................................Mr Shaik Baksh
Hundreds more residents in Upper Corentyne are receiving electricity for the first time. The Guyana Electricity Corporation has reported progress on the installation of facilities for electrical power to Skeldon, East Berbice. The local construction firm has completed the electrification of Linepath, Skeldon. The remainder of the phase, Crabwood Creek, will be completed by the end of March. In addition, six more villages have been added to the 17 villages originally identified for electrification.
The New Guyana Marketing Corporation recently opened an outlet at Lethem. Present for the official ceremony were Ministers Sash Sawh and Harripersaud Nokta.
The demarcation of Amerindian villages is continuing apace in Regions Two, Three, Five, Nine and Ten. Surveys have commenced in eleven blocks in the regions identified.
The new multi-million dollar rice mill at Evergreen, Essequibo Coast has been put into operation. The new facility is equipped with dryer and storage facilities so that large quantities of farmers' paddy can be purchased. Meanwhile, construction of another rice mill is in progress. This facility is to be established at Devonshire Castle.
The rehabilitated Tutorial High School on Woolford Avenue was formally commissioned recently by Education Minister Dr Dale Bisnauth. Also in attendance was Canadian High Commissioner Dr Allan Bowker.
According to Public Works Minister Tony Xavier, between 50 and 60 contractors have shown interest in pre-qualification bids invited for designs to bridge the Berbice River. India has provided technical experts who have provided various design alternatives for the proposed Berbice Bridge.
Residents of Fyrish, Lower Corentyne are soon to benefit from the construction of a new primary school. The building is scheduled to be completed by mid-March. Meanwhile, the new primary school at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast will be soon handed over to the Ministry of Education.. About 600 students will be accommodated in the school.
Work continues apace by a private developer to restore the Mainstay Lake resort, Essequibo. A number of accommodation units have also been repaired as part of the restoration efforts.
The Guyana Water Authority (GUYWA) Division in Region Six has commenced a program to refurbish 10 mechanical pump stations.. The program is funded by the government and is be executed by GUYWA at the cost of $16 million.
Finance Minister Bharrat Jagdeo recently met with representatives from the Trades Union congress (TUC) to continue his series of pre-budget discussions. TUC General Secretary Joseph Pollydore was present for that meeting.
SIMAP recently signed two contracts for the construction of an extension to the Rosignol and Mon Repos markets.
Members of the Police Anti-Narcotics Branch destroyed over $400,000 worth of marijuana at the municipal incinerator on Princes Street A day before that some $12 million worth of cocaine was dumped by the cops into the Demerara River.
Cabinet recently gave the green light for the establishment of UNESCO Chair at the University of Guyana for the ecological and sustainable utilization of rain forest projects. UNESCO approved grant funds for the project costing 70,000 British pounds for three years and made a commitment for finding addition funds for the project.
Three projects relating to the implementation of the Secondary School Reform Project were approved recently by Cabinet. In addition, a contract valued at $55 million was approved for the construction of the Overwinning Primary School. Another project, costing $10 million, to repair St Philip's Primary school was approved.
Trade Minister Michael Shree Chan says government intends to spur employment throughout the country by establishing many more new industrial estates. He said almost 60 local and foreign-based investors have already applied for factory shells at the Eccles industrial estate on the East Bank of Demerara.
The farming communities in Regions 7 and 8 will be given a further boost with the acquisition of a quantity of tools and farming implements. Cutlasses, spades, axes, files and wheel barrows will be presented shortly to the captains. Some $14 million has been spent to help several Amerindian communities improve their standard of living.
The West Indies defeated England in the fourth cricket test match which was played at Bourda in Georgetown on February 27 to March 1. Guyanese Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored a century (118 runs ) in the West Indies' first innings.
The economy grew by an annualized 6.1% during the first six months of the year, matching growth for the corresponding period in 1996. The annual rate of price inflation for the first six months was 6.6%, rising marginally from 6.4% for the same period in 1996. . .
The economy maintained a high rate of growth achieved over the previous six years. Critical indices such as inflation and the exchange rate remained stable, boosting investor confidence. The economy continues to be underpinned by the export of primary commodities which, such as with gold and rice this year, can be subject to the vagaries of external market conditions. Moves to enhance investment in manufacturing and service industries, and not simply further exploitation of the country's rich endowment of natural resources, are therefore needed. The major impediment to economic and social progress remains the poor state of the country's infrastructure. Efforts to rehabilitate physical assets, to upgrade the education and health systems, and to improve institutional capacity at all levels should be continued and accelerated wherever possible. The prospect of further debt relief next year (1998) provides the opportunity for increased public investment and enhanced business confidence in the economy, which could see respectable growth in output into the medium term.
(From Annual Report of the Caribbean Development Bank, 1997)
For information on Guyana on the Internet, please check the Guyana News and Information Page at www.guyana.org. This Page is linked to other sites which also provide useful information on Guyana. The Embassy's E-mail addresses are: Guyanaembassy@hotmail.com and Guyanaem@erols.com
All payments for services officially rendered by the Embassy must be made in cash or by money order, bank draft or certified check. Personal and company checks are not acceptable.
To publicize your group's activities in this forum , FAX the information to 202-232-1297 or call 202-265-6900.
To receive a copy of Guyana Update send $5.00 to cover one year's postage to the address below.
Please note that the Embassy hours will be between 9 a.m and 4 p.m until March 31, 1998
Embassy of the Republic of Guyana
2490 Tracy Place NW
Washington DC 20008
202-265-6900/FAX 202-232-1297
(After hours and holidays, FAX 301-365-9467)