Guyana Embassy outreach in San Felix and Puerto Ordaz

At four different centres in the city’s large municipalities of San Felix and Puerto Ordaz, the Ambassador and his team during the two-day period concentrated their efforts on assisting more than 200 Guyanese in renewing their passports and another 200 to apply for new and first-time passports.

Many of the Guyanese in this city are illegal residents and a sizeable proportion of them do not possess Guyanese passports or even copies of their birth certificates which form the essential requirement for them to apply for passports. A great proportion of them are also without Guyanese identification documents although they have been living in Venezuela for as long as twenty years. As a result, they cannot apply for Venezuelan residency which many of their compatriots with the relevant documents have already acquired.

Ambassador Ishmael also in addressing the Guyanese nationals, who turned out in large numbers at the four locations, explained to them how they can acquire other documents such as copies of birth and marriage certificates, and also of the process they have to follow to enable their children born in Venezuela to acquire Guyanese passports.

At a lengthy meeting on April 12 with the mayor of the city, Mr. Clemente Scotto, Ambassador Ishmael discussed the problems of the Guyanese nationals and sought the city government’s assistance in helping to more rapidly incorporate the Guyanese community into the general Venezuelan society. The Ambassador reminded the mayor that many Guyanese children, due to their non-possession of (Guyanese) birth certificates, face problems in obtaining admission to schools.

The mayor responded that he was aware of this particular problem and that it was currently being addressed. He added that the Guyanese, because of their language and religions, tend to form a closed community and generally they would not participate in civic programmes organised by the city authorities. But Mayor Scotto said that he noticed a positive shift in February when a representative organisation of the Guyanese in the city organised a food fair to mark Guyana’s republic anniversary to which the general public was invited.

Minister Ramsammy is President of World Health Assembly

The World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body for the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is one of the most powerful instruments of the United Nations.

Dr. Ramsammy’s appointment makes it the first time for a minister of the Americas to hold the post since 1972, and he becomes only the second representative from the region to do so. The Assembly this year meets from May 19-24 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Assembly meets once a year and is attended by delegations from all of WHO's 192 member states. Its main function is to determine the policies of the Organisation.

Minister Ramsammy said that the world, in setting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), neglected to focus attention on chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. He said that chronic diseases are the leading cause of death in the Americas, and it his intention to highlight that gap in the formulation of the MDGs and thereby address the growing concern about these “neglected” diseases.

Guyana gets G$8B for sugar reform

Minister of Agriculture Mr. Robert Persaud said the agreement is an indicator that the Guyana sugar industry will survive and continue to be sustainable and viable. He said, too, it holds proof that the EU is supportive and considers the objectives of the Guyana National Action Plan for sugar achievable.

Head of the European Commission to Guyana Ambassador Geert Heikens said while the plan has a good start, challenges remain ahead to reach the specified targets.

He also noted that “while economic conditions are favourable, the inclusion of EU support will foster a smooth transition to a long term profitable sugar sector.”

The EU support is helping the government in its aim to reform the sugar sector by upgrading sugar factories, establishing a sugar packaging plant at Enmore, increasing total sugar production and mechanising the field operations of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, thereby improving the cost effectiveness of the sugar industry.

IDB supports Guyana’s bio-energy plans

The funds will be used by the government of Guyana to promote the development of its nascent bio-energy sector through policy development, training, feasibility studies and incentives for private investment.

“These grants will help the government of Guyana to turn the country’s extraordinary bio-energy potential into a reality,” said Christiaan Gischler, the IDB project team leader for the technical cooperation.

“Guyana has ideal conditions to develop bio-energy alternatives that can lower its oil import bill while attracting investment to the agricultural sector and generating new jobs — all in a socially and environmentally sustainable manner.”

The grants comprise US$675,500 from the IDB’s Japan Special Fund and US$250,000 from the IDB’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Initiative Fund.

President advocates strong legislative support to fight crime

The two-day summit was convened in the face of increased arms and drug-trafficking, a rash of kidnappings in Trinidad and Haiti, and an upsurge in homicides in Jamaica, the Bahamas as well as in Guyana.

The president called for tougher penalties and suggested a survey of the legislation landscape across the region to come up with real solutions that all the countries can use.

Noting that concerns over privacy issues and political backlash were the main reasons why several Caribbean governments have not introduced wire-tapping legislation, President Jagdeo said that it might be easier to get such legislation through the political processes of some countries, but it must not be seen as an imposition or a privacy issue at the national level, but a regional tool to fight criminals.

Recognising they have a problem threatening their countries, some Caribbean nations have sought to tackle the problem by recruiting retired Scotland Yard police officers and spending thousands of dollars on consultants from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair

However, equally outstanding was St Roses High among the “sixth form schools” with their “Harnessing energy from waves” in the Physics category and claiming the “best oral prize” through presenter Angela Bispat; while Rose Hall’s Cyril Potter College of Education also won acclaim for their “solar water purifier”. Zeeburg Secondary emerged the winner in the category of “best tertiary project” for junior secondary schools.

The best secondary school project was that of Christianburg/Wismar Secondary with their “Living to dye”, while for the oral presentations, St Margaret’s Primary School was outstanding with their “Corn surprise – promoting a healthy and staple diet”.

Shevon Cobis of the Wisburg Secondary School Annex also excelled being the best oral winner for junior secondary schools. A special prize was won by St. Stanislaus College for being most innovative with their “shampoo machine”.

Gunns Strip rapidly developing

Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn recently made a three-day visit to the area. He was accompanied by a team of officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Ministry of Health and Guyana Environmental Capacity Development Project (GENCAPD).

During interactions with residents, requests were made for the community’s airstrip to be upgraded and for the trail to be improved from Gunns Strip to Parabara on the southern side of the Kassaikaityu River and on the opposite side from Parabara to Aishalton.

At present, the journey from Gunns Strip to Aishalton takes 12 to 16 days by foot for residents to purchase goods. In addition, several children from the community attend the secondary school in Aishalton.

Benn pointed out that the community is almost dependent on air services and arrangements are being made for engineers of the Public Works ministry to inspect the airstrip and explore the possibility of undertaking repairs.

Additionally, efforts will be made through the Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to upgrade the trail to a standard that will allow access and transport of goods with four-wheel drive vehicles.

Residents volunteered their services to establish the trail while it is expected that necessary tools and resources will be provided by the government to carry out the project.

The main objective of the minister’s visit to the Wai-Wai district was to present the results on the levels of mercury found in mining and non-mining communities. He also officially announced the start of a monitoring programme that will protect infants from potential damage related to indirect absorption of mercury present in large carnivorous fish.

Over the past weeks, a team of scientists from the Canadian Centre for Minerals and Energy Technology (CANMET) visited several areas in southern Rupununi and updated residents on the results of the environmental study. The areas included Micobie, El Paso, Campbelltown, Isseneru, Aishalton and Massekanari.

Guyana/UK security plan moving apace

Commissioner of Police (ag.), Henry Greene, who expressed satisfaction with the speedy implementation process pointed to the many areas which are progressing including the improvement in the 911 system.

In relation to training, the Commissioner pointed out that there have been several interventions in this area especially in relation to improving intelligence gathering.

“It is expected that the anti-crime unit and the special firearms unit will be significantly upgraded and we are expected to create quite a number of teams and to work along with the recommendations that have been submitted to us,” Green explained. He noted that members of the intelligence team from the UK have done the first part of the package relating to support for the intelligence sector and are to return sometime between June/July to look at training in that particular area. He said another UK officer is in the country to conduct training.

“Training our ranks in the use of night vision goggles (which will be handed over to us as soon as that training is completed) is expected to start. . . . That is all part of the build-up of the special firearms unit and the anti-crime unit.”

The four-year security plan caters for: improving intelligence gathering, rapid response, forensic capability, leadership, accelerating professionalism and accountability and improving traffic management.

An interim memorandum of understanding for the plan was signed by British High Commissioner to Guyana Fraser Wheeler, and Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon on August 10, 2007.

Several aspects of the far-reaching plan were accelerated in wake of the two massacres at Lusignan and Bartica in January and February respectively this year.

Mass literacy programme gets underway this month

Education Minister Shaik Baksh said the $115 million programme will target mainly primary school students but attention will also be given to school drop-outs between the ages of 15 to 24, as well as adults.

Mr. Baksh pointed out that some 14,500 students will benefit from the programme and appealed for donor support to extend the initiative for another three to five years.

The minister disclosed that already a national literacy coordinator has been appointed and soon those at the level of the regions will be identified.

This month about 300 literacy educators under the programme will be trained and Mr. Baksh expressed optimism that the project would have a significant impact on those who are deficient in this area.

Several non-governmental organisations will assist in the delivery of the programme, particularly the Adult Education Association and the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education.

This programme will supplement the Ministry of Education, Basic Education Access Management Support literacy and numeracy programme.

Guyana, Brazil sign security agreement

Also at the meeting were Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Commodore Gary Best and Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee.

Following the high level meeting which saw the countries’ bilateral and multilateral matters regarding security being the focus, an agreement was signed.

The agreement will see Guyana benefiting from a donation of military equipment to the GDF, and GDF Officers being provided with training through various Brazilian military academies.

It is expected that Guyana will be receiving, among other equipment, an electric powered generator, computers, high precision rifles, radio equipment, Global Positioning Systems (GPSs), night vision goggles and helmets.

Meanwhile, Brazil will also be assisting the GDF with the construction of a command post near Bartica, which the Brazilian officials described as ‘the jungle warfare centre’.

The Minister pointed out that the assistance came following a request by the GDF. He disclosed too that his country is also in the process of considering for further donation a list of equipment submitted by the GDF.

Another issue discussed was the formation of the South American Defence Council, a body being mulled as a forum for discussion between Ministers of Defence of South American countries in order that they may find common ground on matters occurring worldwide which may affect the countries.

Sanata textile complex privatised

The investor envisages the creation of 1200 jobs, of which 600 will be new permanent jobs by the end of this year. Rehabilitation and construction of the facilities, which commenced in June 2007 is being phased over a three-year period, according to a joint statement signed by Head of the Privatisation Unit Mr. Winston Brassington, and Executive Chairman of QAII Dr. Ranjisinghi Ramroop.

Installation of machinery and renovation works on the complex are currently moving apace with an estimated G$1.5 billion in investments to date. Prior to this, G$400 million was spent on the removal of asbestos from the buildings. Upon completion, the complex will house the following facilities: a modern textile mill for gauze, bandages and denim production; a state of the art printery; an antibiotics plant; a pharmaceutical export processing facility; and a hardware manufacturing division.

170th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana

The first Indians were first brought to Guyana as indentured labour on May 5, 1838. May 5, designated Arrival Day, is a national holiday.

The show at the National Park was organised by the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), and it included a packed programme of mesmerising classical and popular dances from various troupes, as well as singing, poetry reading and tassa drumming. One of main highlights of the show was the Bhojpuri Folk and Dance Troupe from India.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony said in the past 170 years since the first Indian immigrants came to Guyana, they have made tremendous progress helping to change and transform the Caribbean society. He also noted that Guyanese should remember the other immigrants who came to the country.

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) also honoured three Indo-Guyanese for their outstanding contributions to the development of Guyana. Those honoured were Imam Shaheed Mohamed of the Queenstown Jama Masjid for his sterling contribution to religion; Harry Ramsaroop of the Dharm Shala for his services to humanity; and a posthumous award for the late Chanderpaul Persaud, popularly known as ‘Paul O’Hara’ for his work and role in the field of journalism.

A two-day exhibition to mark the anniversary was held at the Providence cricket stadium. Arrival Day activities were also held in various parts of the country on May 5.

President announces measures against rising food prices

President Bharrat Jagdeo, who announced the measures at a news conference, said he would be looking to the private sector to also take steps to help their employees meet growing costs for key commodities.

The $4,000 tax-free cost of living adjustment will go towards government workers, teachers, soldiers, policemen, firemen and prison officers whose basic salaries are below $50,000 a month. The 5 percent salary increase will be retroactive to January this year.

The cost of living adjustment will be added to the salaries of government workers until the end of the year, following which there will be a review.

To stave off increases in the price of bread, biscuits, and pastries, the government will bear the price increase in flour sold to 22 bakeries which control about 95 percent of the market.

He said these “transitional measures” for flour, costing the treasury $200 million, are temporary, as there are indications of a possible stabilising and even partial reversal in the price of wheat on the world market in coming months, with some analysts suggesting price declines within four months.

Mr. Jagdeo also announced that under the "Grow More Food” campaign – which promotes increased production by commercial and subsistence farmers – chemicals and fertilisers, along with some 600,000 packages of vegetable seeds, will be distributed across all ten regions of Guyana at a cost of approximately $20 million.