Guyana Diary

June 2004

Previous Guyana Monthly Updates are available here.

Versión en español resumida - El Diario de Guyana

Venezuelan road link explored

A team from Venezuela is expected in Guyana shortly to discuss terms of reference for a feasibility study on a possible road link and other projects.

The visit is part of the Initiative for the Integration of South American Infrastructure(IIRSA).

Engineer Rickford Lowe disclosed that the IIRSA aims to create an infrastructure platform, such as transport, energy and telecommunications, to promote logistic and trade integration in South America.

The action plan for integrating regional infrastructure would take the approach of integration and development hubs and sector integration processes.

The inter-connection between Guyana and Venezuela could see a road link from Eteringbang, on the Guyana-Venezuela border, to Bartica.

Other possibilities include a bridge or improved crossing at the Essequibo and Demerara Rivers and a border crossing between the two countries.

IIRSA was formed after the first meeting of South American Presidents, held in Brasilia in 2000. At the meeting a pledge was made to modernise and integrate infrastructure in the region. There are 10 hubs with the Guyana shield being one.

Guyana/Suriname maritime dispute

The legal representatives of the Guyana and Suriname governments met at the end of May in London to continue their discussions about the three arbitrators for the arbitration panel to adjudicate the maritime boundary dispute.

The teams already met in Hamburg, Germany, with the chairman of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea. Foreign Minister Rudy Insanally explained that as a result of that meeting the two sides have a clearer idea as to how the process would proceed.

Guyana in February referred their long-standing maritime boundary dispute with Suriname to the United Nations for a legally binding resolution under article 287 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Guyana is being represented by a legal team headed by former Attorney General Sir Shridath Ramphal and Suriname is being represented by the legal firm of Clavard, Swain and Moore. Professors Frank Smith and Hans Smit are the arbitrators named respectively by Guyana and Suriname and, together with the legal teams of the two governments, they will name three others, one of whom will chair the panel.

The Guyana government moved to invoke the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea process after being unable to reach agreement with the Suriname government on an appropriate arrangement that would allow for the joint exploration and exploitation of the natural resources of the disputed area pending a settlement of the border dispute.

Govt, EC ink $840M micro projects pact

The Government of Guyana (GOG) and the European Commission on May 7 signed a five-year agreement to fund the establishment of a micro projects programme for vulnerable groups and non-governmental organisations.

The funding is in the amount of four million euros or $840 million and is part of a larger commitment to eradicate poverty.

Signing on behalf of the Guyana Government was Minister of Finance Saisnarine Kowlessar, while Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Guyana, Per Eklund signed on the Commission's behalf. The signing took place at the Ministry of Finance in Georgetown.

At the same time the two parties also signed a smaller agreement in the amount of 600,000 euros for project identification and monitoring.

The project aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable groups of the Guyanese population through the development of sustainable self-help schemes.

According to Eklund, consultations were held with several civil society groups prior to the establishment of the project. During the consultations, it was felt that the lack of income-generating opportunities and insufficient or low quality training and education were the two most important areas that the project should address.

The European Commission delegation working in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance has started the process of setting up a Project Management Unit (PMU) to run the project for which a tendering process has begun.

Denmark cancels Guyana’s debt

Denmark formally canceled Guyana’s debt to that country on May 19, when its newly-accredited Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Christian Konigsfeldt, signed a debt cancellation agreement with finance Minister Saisenarine Kowlessar.

The agreement signals the cancellation of US$1.073 million worth of commercial debt and interest to the Scandinavian kingdom.

That represents 100 percent of Guyana’s debt to Copenhagen up to December 1, 2003 and brings the total debt reduction by Denmark to Guyana to about US$4.3 million of G$855 million since the first debt stock reduction operation started in May of 1996.

The latest write-off is based on the terms of the Paris Club agreement signed in Paris on January last, but is also part of Denmark’s support for countries, such as Guyana, participating in the enhanced HIPC Initiative.

US, Guyana ink $4B democracy, growth pacts

The United States will over the next five years inject huge sums into Guyana's developmental challenges and to this end signed grant agreements at the end of May for US$20 million (G$4 billion) to boost governance, democracy and economic growth. The grant will be released in instalments over a five-year period with US$10 million earmarked for assistance to boost both economic growth and democracy and governance.

Finance Minister Saisnarine Kowlessar, US Ambassador Roland Bullen and USAID Director Dr Mike Sarhan signed the first two agreements on May 27 on behalf of their respective governments at the Ministry of Finance. Commenting on the democracy and governance programme for which US$1.75 million will be available this year, Sarhan explained that it was developed in full consultation with a broad array of political, business and civic leaders and is aimed at consolidating democratic governance in the country. This programme will be monitored by the meeting of benchmarks, which will determine whether funds are released.

Sarhan said the programme had three components and among the activities to be carried out under them to consolidate democracy would be the strengthening of Parliament in the performance of its oversight functions and strengthening transparency in government through support to such institutions as the yet-to-be-constituted Public Procurement Commission. The media will also benefit from an increased capacity to report accurately and fairly, as will the administration of justice particularly in the area of alternative dispute resolution, which was developed with the assistance of the Chief Justice to alleviate the backlog of civil cases now before the courts.

These activities, he said, are aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in government institutions.

Construction of Conference Centre Commences

The 14-month countdown for the completion of the state-of-the-art multi-million dollar Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) in Guyana has begun.

President Bharrat Jagdeo and China 's Ambassador to Guyana Song Tao on May 28 turned the sod indicating the beginning of the GICC project.

The Chinese Government is providing US$6M for the construction of the Convention Centre at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, adjacent to the Caribbean Community Headquarters, being funded by the Japanese Government.

Delivering remarks before the sod turning, President Jagdeo said that the GICC is a symbol of long-standing and amicable relations shared by Guyana and China.

Since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations on June 27, 1971, Guyana and China have maintained strong bilateral relations accentuated by contact in the political, diplomatic, economic and cultural arena.

Aquaculture-Rice farming consultants to arrive in June

The first team of consultants involved in the “Introduction of aquaculture and other integrated production management practices to rice farmers” is expected in early June, to commence gathering data.

In April 2004, the Government of Guyana was awarded the project by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and it is expected to run for two years. The project will be implemented in the Corentyne region, Guyana, and West Nickerie in Suriname, simultaneously. The project will cover a period of 24 months involving three crop seasons and two fish production cycles.

This project has as its objectives: to build capacity of rice extension staff to carry out integrated pest management and aquaculture extension work; to develop integrated pest management strategies appropriate to small farmers through participatory farmer field school training and action research; and to integrate aquaculture into small rice-based farming systems to diversify production for increased income and improved nutrition

As part of this project, a group of FAO technical officers visited Guyana from April 25 to 29 last. Discussions were held with the major stakeholders, including the Guyana Rice Producers Association, and the Guyana Rice Development Board, as well as rice farmers and rice extension personnel.

$1.3B development programme slated for Sophia – President Jagdeo

Government has an extensive development plan earmarked for Sophia, which will see improved living conditions in the squatter settlement.

This is according to President Bharrat Jagdeo. At a recent community meeting with residents of Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown, the President disclosed that plans are in train to develop Sophia and the financing has already been secured. Although he did not elaborate on the project, President Jagdeo said the plan encompasses an improved water facility, regularisation of the squatter settlement, construction of a health centre and roads, and installation of electricity.

The Head of State said Government will be spending about $1.3 billion on upgrading the area, which is one of the country's largest squatter settlements. Government has already expended some $250 million on the area. There are some 5000 house lots in the area and people have been squatting in Sophia since 1990.

Canada approves Cdn$5.3M teacher training grant

Guyana will benefit from a Cdn$5.3 million grant provided by the Canadian government to support basic education and teacher training initiatives. Canada's Minister of Health/Intergovernmental Affairs, Pierre Pettigrew, made the announcement on behalf of International Co-operation Minister Aileen Carroll.

The funding, which is being disbursed by CIDA, was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. The education initiatives will be conducted by Tecsult Ltd of Montreal, which has been awarded the contract through a competitive process. Tecsult will receive $2.1 million over a two-year period to continue its existing partnership with the Cyril Potter College of Education.

$189M agreement for study of transport sector

The Government of Guyana and the European Commission on May 24 signed a $189 million agreement for a comprehensive study for Guyana's air, land and sea transport system.

The study, which will last for one year, will be executed through the Ministry of Public Works and Communications. It will assist Guyana in developing a rational transport sector policy and a strategy for achieving objectives for an integrated transport network.

Signing on behalf of the Government of Guyana was Minister of Finance Saisnarine Kowlessar. Head of the European Delegation to Guyana, Per Eklund signed on behalf of the European Commission.

According to the European Commission, the main objectives of the study are to provide a coherent and consistent policy and strategy for the development of the transport sector over the next 10 to 12 years; to identify requirements in the areas of policy, legislation, regulation, institutional arrangements, service provision and implementation for sustainable growth of the sector; and to develop an indicative investment programme, consistent with Government's anticipated financial capacity.

The plan developed will be related to Guyana's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and the National Development Strategy of Guyana. The study will be conducted next year.

Guyana to host important G90 meeting

Guyana is to host a ministerial meeting of G90 countries on June 3 and 4, 2004.

The meeting will bring together representatives of both developing and developed countries. Among those invited are the Foreign Minister of Brazil, European Union Trade Commissioner Pascal Lammy, United States Trade Representative Patrick Zollick, representatives of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM), representatives of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries, CARICOM countries and a senior representative of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) who will be representing Director General Supachai Panichpakadi.

The main focus of the meeting would be to define a position that would help to put the WTO talks back on stream.

The Fifth WTO Ministerial Conference came to an end in Cancun on September 14, 2003 with member states failing to reach consensus on a number of key issues.

Developed countries stuck to their guns and refused a proposal to “unbundled” the “Singapore issues” on the grounds that such a move would impose additional commitments at a time when offers from developed countries, particularly in agriculture, did not go far enough.

WTO members in general did not agree on central elements of the agriculture draft circulated on September 13.

Proceeding with land titles for Amerindian communities

The Village Council of Karaudarnau village in Region Nine received its Certificate of Title to communal lands owned by the village from Community Development Officer within the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Douglas Cassimero at a simple ceremony on March 21, 2004.

This development occurred after Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues, visited the region in March and explained government’s policy on Amerindian land issues. It also came at a time when the villages of Baramita and Konashen were granted their land titles and the process to grant titles to four other communities in Region 10 had commenced.

MOU signed for Chinese assistance in agriculture sector

The National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) and a delegation from the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University of China on May 10 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would see China giving further assistance to the development of Guyana's agriculture sector.

The MOU was signed at the Ministry of Agriculture and, according to Minister Satyadeow Sawh, there were extensive discussions to define the framework for the MOU. He said the agreement should see further cooperation between the two countries.

Also present at the signing was China's Ambassador to Guyana, Song Tao, who noted that in the past two years, especially after the state visit of President Bharrat Jagdeo to China, there has been a rapid increase in cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of economic development, sports, culture and agriculture.

The Ambassador pointed to the mushroom cultivation and bamboo craft experts who have been working with Guyanese.

According to Ambassador Tao, the Fujian University will be sharing expertise in hybrid and dry land rice cultivation, mushroom growing and research.

11M euro grant for Guyana, Suriname rice industries signed

Guyana will begin to benefit from 11.7 million euro grant to support the competitiveness of the rice industry in the Caribbean following the signing of an agreement between the EU and the Government.

The signing took place at the Ministry of Agriculture. It gives the go-ahead for the setting up of an office of the Guyana Project Management Unit on rice that will operate from the Ministry of Agriculture building, Georgetown.

The work of this office would be to enhance the competitive position of rice industry, improve productivity, management, research, training and marketing.

But the overall objective of the programme is to develop competitiveness of the Caribbean rice industry, leading to economic development in the region, Ministry officials said. An initial financing agreement on this programme was signed in December 2003.

Mining badly hit by rains

As a result of the current rainfall, mining areas have been hit by floods forcing the stoppage of many dredging operations.

Chief Mines Officer of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Jack Morgan, said that the wet weather has severely affected operations in the Mahdia/Potaro, lower Mazaruni and Cuyuni mining districts.

Floods, according to Morgan, have also hit other areas and miners have reported that the current rainfall is the highest ever visited upon their operations since the La Niña weather phenomenon several years ago.

Though the hold-up will affect gold and diamond production Morgan said it presents operators with the opportunity to service their equipment and re-group. The mines officer also noted that there have been increased reports of malaria in Region One (Barima/Waini) and Region Seven Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

Census report handed over to Board of Bureau of Statistics

A formal presentation of Guyana’s Preliminary Report on the National Housing and Census Exercise was handed over to the Board of the Bureau of Statistics on May 7. The report was handed over by Chief Statistician, Lennox Benjamin.

Members of the Board are Chairman, Minister of Finance Saisnarine Kowlessar; Governor, Bank of Guyana, Dolly Singh; Deryck Bernard of the People’s National Congress/Reform, and Mohandatt Goolsarran, National Centre for Education and Research Development.

Members of the Board will now study and apprise themselves of the findings, after which they are expected to make a public release.

The census exercise is monitoring of the population at a particular period of time. This includes local and foreign persons who are in a country at that time. The first phase of the census exercise –the count – was conducted in September 2002.

Monitoring of the population was grouped under two broad headings - institutional population and non-institutional population. The last census exercise in Guyana was done over ten years ago

Youth Forum formed to promote agricultural pursuits

The Guyana Forum for Youth in Agriculture (GFYA) was officially launched on May 7. GFYA aims at encouraging the formulation and subsequent implementation of plans and programmes to encourage greater youth participation in agriculture and to identify and establish relationships with similar groups in the region. This is to facilitate the availability of wider resources to youth stakeholders in agriculture.

Agriculture is recognised as a major contributor to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), foreign exchange earnings, and the enhancement of rural life, employment and food security.

The group believes that there has been a lack of active youth involvement in the academic, productive and policymaking levels of the sector.

GFYA has identified a number of hindrances, which may have contributed to the lack of involvement of youths in agriculture. These include lack of training in entrepreneurship, project development and technical assistance, the lack of farm training and apprenticeship programmes and lack of support from more experienced stakeholders.

GUYEXPO launched with an overseas twist

Guyana’s largest trade and investment show – GUYEXPO – will for the first time showcase exhibits from overseas companies this year.

The initial focus of GUYEXPO was to promote and exhibit Guyana’s manufacturing and services products. However, this year, the show promises an international flavour that includes products and services from the Caribbean (Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, etc) and Canada.

GUYEXPO will be from September 23 to 27, 2004 at the Sophia Exhibition Centre. Products and services will be displayed in the main auditorium, the annex and the centre’s grounds.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, in launching preparations for the trade show on May 7, noted that Guyana’s business society has to have a change in the way commercial activities are carried-out.

He said that the notion of Government leading the way in economic growth and development is not longer realistic and the private sector should be the engine of growth.

Mr. Hinds said that GUYEXPO has been fulfilling the need for the private sector to promote itself locally, with many initiatives in local art and craft.

About 250 companies are expected to participate this year. GUYEXPO 2002, which was held for four days, saw participation of over 47,000 persons.

President sets up “phantom force”' inquiry

President Bharrat Jagdeo on May 14 announced the setting up of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations linking Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj with a phantom force claimed to have been involved in the killing of several people.

The President said in a statement he read to reporters at the Office of the President that he sought to consult with PNCR/Opposition Leader Robert Corbin on this development.

"Failing to reach him by telephone," Mr. Jagdeo noted, "it is with regret that I had to write the Leader of the Opposition informing him of my decision."

International community representatives were also informed about the President's initiative.

The commission comprises Justice of Appeal Ian Chang, S.C., retired GDF Chief of Staff and Deputy Police Commissioner (ret.) Norman McLean, and retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chairman of the Police Service Commission Ivan Crandon.

Justice Chang will chair the Commission of Inquiry, a position President Jagdeo said the judge reluctantly agreed to.

The three-member commission will begin work at a time to be determined by its Chairman and has been promised there would be no interference in its work.

Minister Gajraj, who told the President several weeks ago that he would willingly go on leave to allay fears of inquiry tampering, is expected to step aside when the commission starts its investigation. A Cabinet minister will deputize for him on his departure.

Georgetown and Caribbean chambers sign trade accord

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry on May 11 signed cooperative agreements with the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce that would set in train mechanisms to promote and encourage bilateral trade between the two countries.

The agreements, signed at the Georgetown Chamber’s office in Georgetown, come after about two years of cooperation and is a demonstration of Britain's commitment to promoting Guyana in the UK.

Pauline Wade, Operations Manager of the British-Caribbean Chamber, at the signing said this agreement would serve as a vehicle for initiation on possible commercial trade in any specific areas between Guyana and the UK, but locally it would have to be private sector driven and the UK based chambers would react to those.

She said, however, there will have to be discussions between the chambers and its members on relevant issues to come up with a strategy document in due course.

Edward Boyer, who signed on behalf of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, said the joining of the British Chamber of Commerce was in an effort to integrate with other chambers in the Caribbean to form an alliance.

Independence Celebrations at Guyana Embassy

A crowd of more than a hundred Guyanese nationals – men, women and children – gathered on the afternoon of May 30 at the Guyana Embassy in Prados del Este, Caracas, to celebrate Guyana’s 38th Independence anniversary. Despite the rainy weather, some Guyanese travelled from areas various parts of Venezuela to join with their compatriots in a relaxed atmosphere at the Embassy and took the opportunity to renew friendships and make new ones.

The gathering was greeted by Ambassador Odeen Ishmael who urged them to keep themselves updated with developments in their homeland and to promote ideas for national development and unity. He also invited them to keep in close touch with the Embassy which they should visit from time to time.

In the course of the afternoon, indoor games such as cards and dominoes seized the interest of most of the crowd, while others enjoyed each other’s company sharing a good Guyanese “gaff”.

The staff of the Embassy treated their compatriots to a sumptuous meal of Guyanese chicken barbecue, channa and cook-up rice.

News Briefs

** Residents of Nonpariel, East Coast Demerara, received landline telephone service recently. Many added that, with the increase in criminal activities, they would be able to make quicker contact with the police and feel safer in their homes.

** A business team from Hong Kong on May 24 paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister, Sam Hinds and outlined plans to set up a saw milling and wood processing plant in Linden which will purchase lumber locally and produce sized pieces for sale to customers in China.

** A delegation from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will visit Guyana next month to assess Guyana's capability to host the Bank's 36th Annual General Meeting in 2005. This decision was made at the 35th AGM in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this month.

** The Ministry of Health has budgeted $20 million this year, for chartered flights to bring out emergency cases from the hinterland regions. Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Beri Ramsaran said the allocation will cater for Amerindians, miners and loggers.

** Twenty assistant prison officers have concluded the Basic Recruit Training Course. The officers will return to their respective prison locations to execute their duties. Participants came from the Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Timehri, Lusignan and Mazaruni Prisons.

** Brigadier Edward Collins was recently sworn in as the new chief of staff of the Guyana Defence Force. At the swearing in ceremony President Jagdeo said he knows that Collins will serve the GDF with distinction and offered his government’s full support.

** The AINLIM Group of Companies has donated supplies and equipment worth $150,000 to the Female Surgical Ward of Suddie Hospital on Essequibo Coast, in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

** Chairman of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Mr Alli Baksh has disclosed that investigations are in progress into the several recent robberies of fishermen at sea off the Moruca coast in Region One (Barima/Waini). Meanwhile, the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, it is understood, is constantly patrolling the area where the acts of sea piracy took place in the vicinity of Pomeroon River mouth.

** Some additional 45,000 homes in Guyana will soon have access to electricity. This announcement was made by President Bharrat Jagdeo on May 10 at a meeting with President Stanley Troyer and workers of the Guyana Labour Union at the Union’s headquarters Camp Street, Georgetown.

** Guyana has secured first place in the first zonal round of CARICOM 30th Anniversary Regional School Quiz. Four countries – Guyana, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago - contested the quiz. Guyana's team comprised Nicolette Boatswain, Mariscia Charles, Seema Rahim and Jamal La Rose.

Credits: Stabroek News, Chronicle, Mirror, GINA

Editor: Evangeline Ishmael