Jagdeo, Corbin Begin Process of 'Constructive Engagement'President Bharrat Jagdeo and newly appointed Opposition Leader, Mr. Robert Corbin on May 2 began a long-overdue and much-anticipated process of "constructive engagement" between the ruling People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government and the main Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R). The two leaders formally met at the Office of the President during which they 'ironed out' several issues which have been contentious in the past, and which now hold renewed hope for the future of Guyana. This process of 'constructive engagement' between President Jagdeo and Mr. Corbin saw the PNC/R ending its boycott of the National Assembly; the appointment of the very important Ethnic Relations Commission, the members of which were formally sworn in on May 2, and their endorsement of the work of their representatives. In this regard, the President and Mr. Corbin agreed to the appointment of the seven new Standing Committees of the National Assembly, namely: • the Parliamentary Management Committee, • the Four Sector Committees responsible for Natural Resources, Economic Services, Foreign Relations and Social Services, the Appointive Committee, and • the Constitutional Reform Committee.
The two leaders also agreed to: • strengthen the capacity of the Parliament Office to service all of the Committees and the National Assembly as a whole; • the appointment of the Ethnic Relations Commission and arrangement for its functioning; • the Terms of Reference of the Disciplined Forces Commission which include the inquiry into the operations of the Guyana Police Force; • the amendment of Article 197 A(5) of the Constitution to provide the Disciplined Forces Commission with the authority and the powers to conduct inquiries; and • the continuation on May 5, 2003 of their meeting to conclude the discussion of the remaining matters on their agreed agenda. Members of Ethnic Relations Commission Sworn InNine persons representing various interest groups have been sworn in as members and alternates on the newly established Ethnic Relations Commission. The signing at the Office of the President on May 2 took place almost three years after the Commission was formally established by law. Those who were sworn in were: Andrew Garnett and his alternate Carvil Duncan, representing organized labor; members Bishop Anthony Juan Edghill and Radha Krishna Sharma representing the religious community; member Norman McLean and his alternate, John P. Willems representing the private sector; member, Dr Frank Anthony and his alternate Dr Rajendra Singh representing youth; and member Cheryl Sampson representing women. Other members still to be sworn in are Pandit Ramkissoon Maharaj and Shahabudeen McDoom representing the religious community and alternates Pastor Roy Thakurdyal and Shafeek Khan; and Leila Austin. The Commission will promote harmony between persons of all ethnic groups; to help investigate and end all forms of ethnic discrimination; and to promote equal access by persons of all ethnic groups to all public or other services and facilities. Guyana Taking Precautions to Restrict SARSGovernment is taking all the necessary precautions to avoid the entry of the deadly virus SARS into Guyana and to adequately inform the public about the facts pertaining to this phenomenon. Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, during an update on the issue on April 29, said there have been no indications that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is in Guyana. Minister Ramsammy said a daily consultation is being held between the Ministry of Health and its technical partners, including the Pan-American Health Organization, and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which now has a head office in Georgetown. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has in store glucose steroid drugs that can be used to treat SARS symptoms during the early stages of a diagnosis. These steroids are part of the national drug list. The Ministry has also increased its supplies of facemasks to public health workers. Port Health Workers have also been deployed at all of Guyana’s known ports of entry. At the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Timehri, the health workers are monitoring persons coming into Guyana from affected countries. They are given a green card, which contains the symptoms of SARS and where it can be reported. Meanwhile, should the dreaded threat become a reality, the Georgetown Public Hospital has made available an isolated 35-bed ward to quarantine suspected cases of SARS. Sophia Residents Receive Land TitlesA number of residents of Sophia, Liliendaal, Pattensen and Turkeyen received titles to their land on April 12 at the Ministry of Housing and Water, Brickdam at a simple ceremony. Minister of Housing and Water, Mr. Shaik Baksh and Parliamentary Secretary, Ms. Philomena Sahoye- Shury, distributed the titles to the happy residents. Minister Baksh said there are some squatter settlements in the country, which cannot be regularized because these are located on the banks of canals and trenches. He explained that people living in areas that cannot be regularized will have to be relocated. PNC/R Ends Parliamentary BoycottThe National Assembly on May 2 had a new configuration with the return of the People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), ending several months of boycotting Parliament. The atmosphere during the session was one without hostility, with pledges from both sides of the House offering to put Guyana first. Before the convening of parliamentary business, leader of the PNC/R, Mr. Robert Corbin was formally elected as the Leader of the Opposition, a post that was vacant following the death of Mr. Desmond Hoyte. Following his election, Mr. Corbin pledged to always put Guyana first in order to create the foundation for a better country for the future generation. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Gail Teixeira in congratulating Mr. Corbin on behalf of the Government, described the occasion as an "historic day" citing the opportunity for the continuation of the dialogue and constructive engagements between President Bharrat Jagdeo and the Leader of the Opposition. This, she added, would contribute towards the building of confidence in Guyana. Mr. Winston Murray, extending congratulations on behalf of the PNC/R described Mr. Corbin's participation in parliament as "a beacon of light", expressing confidence that he would contribute towards leading for a better and brighter Guyana. Guyana Ratifies Kyoto ProtocolThe National Assembly on April 14 ratified the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which came into existence in 1992. The Protocol was tabled by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Rudy Insanally in the National Assembly. The Protocol makes its own contribution to the relief of what is now universally perceived to be a threat to global security, under which both multilateral and bilateral funding will be available for areas such as adaptation to climate change, technology transfer and energy, transport industry, agriculture, forestry and waste management. In the case of Guyana, Minister Insanally noted that Guyanese have witnessed the disastrous effects which weather phenomenon like El Nino and La Nina have had on the landscape. And they are now well aware of the dangers of constantly rising sea levels which have led to frequent breaches in the sea defenses and severe flooding of coastal areas, he noted. Moco Moco Hydropower Station Gets More Technical Support from ChineseThe Moco Moco hydropower station at Lethem received further technical support from China recently with the signing of a "handing over" certificate for spare parts. Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation and the Chinese Economic Counselor's Office signed the certificate which provides for the maintenance and servicing of the station. The Moco Moco hydro-power project is currently providing energy annually to over 1,300 residents of Moco Moco and neighboring areas. And since the project's inauguration in 1999, it has been receiving technical support from the government of the People's Republic of China, including training of local technicians in Guyana as well as in China, and the servicing and maintenance of the plant. Non-traditional Crops Exports Up -- Minister Sawh ReportsMinister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, Mr. Satyadeow Sawh has reported that the total export of non-traditional crops for 2002 increased by 23 percent when compared to 2001. According to him, the exports for 2001 were 3,338 tonnes, while 4,111 tonnes were exported last year from the Central Packaging Facility (CPF) at Sophia, Georgetown. Sawh said non-traditional crops were exported to several countries in 2002, including Barbados, the Netherlands, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America, England, France, Finland, Suriname and St. Lucia. He gave the update during the recent 2003 National Budget debate in the National Assembly. The minister pointed out that exports to Barbados increased by 45 percent in 2002 when compared to 2001. He also pointed out that exports to Canada increased by 18 percent in 2002 over 2001. In 2001, about 330 tonnes of non-traditional farm produce were exported, and in 2002 about 389 tonnes were supplied to the Canadian markets. Much of these products supplied the needs of the Guyanese and Caribbean nationals, Some commodities exported from Guyana through the CPF are bora, boulanger, limes, pineapples, watermelon, pumpkins, plantains, cucumbers, peppers, oranges, cassava, tangerines, passion fruit and dry coconuts. $85.5 Million Medical Supplies Donation for Linden Hospital ComplexThe Linden Fund/USA (LFU) has made a timely donation of some $85.5 million in medical supplies to the Linden Hospital Complex. The donation, stored in a 40-ft container, was described by LFU Chairman, Dr. Vincent Adams as a "major accomplishment". The Linden Fund is a community-based funding mechanism organized exclusively to enhance the social and economic well-being of the Linden community, with an underlying philosophy and focus being community self-empowerment, effective governance and development of a sustainable and healthy community. The group comprises current and former residents and friends of the town of Linden and the fund is managed by the Linden Fund/USA; the Linden Fund/Canada, and the Linden Fund Trust (Guyana), all non-profit organizations. Speaking at the presentation, Dr. Adams said the multi-million dollar shipment with a market value of US$450,000, would be shared with the Mackenzie and Ituni hospitals. Mainstay Canning factory to be Launched Mid-MayA factory established to process pineapple chunks at Mainstay, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) should come into operation next month. Approximately 40,000 tonnes of the fruit are to be processed in the first stage. Started around mid-last year, it is a joint venture by the Amazon Caribbean Guyana Limited (AMCAR), the Canadian International Development Agency, and the village of Mainstay located near to Lake Mainstay. With the operation of the factory now imminent, Mr. Richard Xavier, a Director at AMCAR, is confident that residents' lives would be enhanced. Pineapple chunks and juices would be canned and marketed locally and overseas. Xavier said there are ready markets in the United States of America and in Europe. When the factory gets going by mid-May, more than 20 local residents would be employed and farmers would have to start expanding their pineapple production. The aim is for AMCAR to manage the factory during the first two years and then hand it over to villagers. British Help to Train Swat TeamGuyana is to receive help from the British in the training of a SWAT team, a special force to support the existing law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order, but special and suitable weaponry has to be obtained before training is to begin. This disclosure was made by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Guyana Police Forces Annual Officers’ Conference held at the Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary recently. Last June President Jagdeo announced Government’s intention to establish the SWAT Team, along with several other measures to combat the rising crime rate. This team will be a large enough group of specially trained officers and ranks, who will respond mainly to these new forms of criminal activities. The decision to establish such a team was taken to respond to the changing nature of crime in Guyana and the region. “Why is the SWAT team not being trained? This is simply because the British said that they are not going to use our equipment to do the training; they would not use the AK-47. We have to get new weapons, different types of weapons”, the President explained. Parliament Ratifies Guyana-U.S. Agreement on Illicit Sea, Air TrafficMinister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Rudy Insanally, on April 14 recommended to the National Assembly for ratification, the agreement between the governments of Guyana and the United States of America concerning cooperation to suppress illicit traffic by sea and air. The minister told the National Assembly that the vulnerability of small Caribbean states to threats from the international environment has long been recognized. Guyana's position on the South American mainland is no different, and in some cases can be said to be more pronounced: the country being located as it is on an extensive land mass bordered by long stretches of heavily forested territory that is not easily policed. He noted that Guyana's security is threatened by illicit activities such as drug and firearm trafficking, money laundering, corruption and transnational organized crime. Limited human and financial resources, he pointed out, impede the fight against these. The Foreign Minister said the need for international cooperation in suppressing illicit traffic by sea has been recognized in the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. He added that the Guyana/USA Agreement, referred to as the Shiprider Agreement, provides for ship boarding, entry to investigate, over-flight, cooperation and assistance. The Guyana/USA agreement was ratified by the National Assembly. Home Mortgages Take Off at New Building SocietyThe New Building Society (NBS) issued $2.3 billion in new mortgages last year, a 38 percent increase on the previous year’s new issues. The balances of 56 percent of the mortgages in force at the end of 2002 were for amounts under $2 million, while 30 percent were currently for sums between $2-$4 million. Total mortgages in force stood at $9.8 billion at the end of 2002, as against $8.3 billion the previous year, an increase of 18 percent. The total mortgages in force numbered 4,506. NBS held its 63rd Annual Meeting recently at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel and announced the highest profit level since its establishment in 1940 of $316 million. Profit as a percentage of average total assets was 1.55 percent and NBS Director/Secretary Maurice Arjoon in his report says this ratio compared favorably with other local financial institutions. NBS operates on a policy of profit sufficiency, allowing profit to grow at a rate that would strengthen and maintain its gross capital base. Guyana Among Beneficiaries of US$5 Million Climate Control GrantGuyana will be among a number of coastal nations and islands in the Caribbean expected to benefit from a US$5 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to help them adapt their economies to the anticipated impacts of global climate change. The World Bank recently approved implementation of the project, a release from the Washington-based institution stated, and the grant which is to be administered by the Caribbean Community Secretariat in Georgetown, is being supplemented by grants of US$3.15 million from governments of CARICOM countries. In addition, there will be contributions of US$2 million from Canada and US$0.8 million from the United States, bringing the total funds available to US$10.95 million. Titled the “Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change Project”, the release informed that other states to benefit would include: Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago. Cabinet Approves $380 Million ContractsCabinet has approved several contracts totaling more than $380 million for works to be executed in the public sector. In the education sector, the sum of $133,519,910 was approved for the construction of the Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Center Workshop Building. Two contracts were approved for the health sector, one amounting to $57,369,130 for the supply of emergency drugs for the administrative regions, and the other for the supply of dietary items for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, valued at $13,901,398. In the public works sector, the sum of $57,369,130 was approved for the rehabilitation of the Leguan Stelling, and $20 million for the supply of boulders for emergency sea defense works at Profit/Foulis, West Berbice. Guyana Assumes Chair of OAS Permanent CouncilGuyana’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), Dr Odeen Ishmael on April 1 assumed the chairmanship of the Permanent Council for the next three months. An OAS release quoted Dr Ishmael - who takes over the rotating chair from his counterpart from Guatemala - as saying that he intended to focus on democracy as well as “to see what we can do to move the process forward in Haiti.” Ishmael led the organization’s second highest decision-making body in 1994. He said that with democracy and democratic governance proposed by Chile as the main theme of the upcoming OAS General Assembly to be held there in June, the issue would be an important priority for the Permanent Council. “Democracy is under very severe threat in many countries,” he said. He added that in many countries of the hemisphere, democracy “remains a fresh idea in the minds not only of governments but also of the people, because the experience of democracy has not really taken on deep roots.” The release said he had also spoken about the need to “see how we can work together to develop and deepen democracy within our countries and at the same time to protect whatever democracy, or, levels of democracy, we have achieved”. He noted as well his intention to follow up on an initiative begun last year, to promote greater collaboration with the African countries, through their representatives in Washington, as there were a number of areas such as democratic development and managing the HIV/AIDS crisis on which African and hemispheric diplomats and experts could exchange experiences. Government Signs MOU of Intent with World-renowned Russian Alumina FirmThe Government of Guyana on April 7 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Russian Company “Rusal,” to initiate a relationship on the firm working with the local mining industry. A delegation from the company paid a courtesy call on President Bharrat Jagdeo on April 7 and earlier the same day the delegation met Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who has responsibility for mining. At their meeting with President Jagdeo where the issue of collaborative working was discussed, Rusal made a presentation on a proposal to extract alumina in Guyana. Prime Minister Hinds, who was present at the signing ceremony, said Rusal is a private bauxite/alumina/aluminium company, rated second in the world, next to Alcoa. Rusal produces four and a half million tonnes of aluminium annually, but only a half of this quota is produced in their country. The other half is obtained from the world market. Mr. Hinds noted that the company is hoping to obtain supplies from Latin America, especially Guyana. Contract Signed for New $57.3 Million T&HD Leguan StellingSIMAP on April 14 awarded a $57.3 million contract, for the construction of a new Transport and Harbors Department stelling on the Essequibo island of Leguan. Courtney Benn Construction Limited clinched the deal through Central Tender Board and the job entails building a structure between 10 to 12 feet away from the old one that would remain in use until completion of the project. SIMAP Executive Director, Mr. Harry Narine Nawbatt said the funding is from Government of Guyana resources and he hopes the work will be completed within the 14 months period. Vice-Chairman of Region Three Mr. Ramenauth Bisram acknowledged that the existing pier is in very bad shape and poses a safety risk to commuters, although no major accidents have occurred there. $407 Million for Shore Zone ManagementThe government of Guyana remains committed to securing the country’s shore line and developing the sea defense structure, Minister of Public Works and Communication, Anthony Xavier stated, following the signing of a G$407 million contract towards the institutional strengthening of its sea defense unit. The Government of Guyana and the consortia of ALHASKONING/TC/WLI/DELFT/HYDRULICS/SKRN recently signed the agreement, which is funded by the European Union under the 8th EDF. The project will soon provide Guyana with a better system to monitor its sea defense unit and to plan for flood prevention. This is expected to lay the foundation for the setting up of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management System through the development of a Sea Defenses Management System. This system will address the department’s development both in terms of administration and technology. Minister Anthony Xavier in brief remarks affirmed Government’s commitment to upgrading the nation’s preparedness to address future problems and to find solutions for the constant battle to keep the ocean at bay. Cuban Scholarship Awards to be Completed in MayThe Office of the President will commence interviews for special Cuban scholarships for the 2003-2004 academic year. This is the third phase of a three-phased plan in selecting young people between the ages 17 through 24 to study in the Spanish speaking country. On President Jagdeo's visit to Cuba in 2001, he secured 350 scholarships for Guyanese students to study in the Republic of Cuba. The first batch of 124 students left last September for Cuba to pursue degrees in human medicine, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, culture, sport, agriculture and architecture. The final group will pursue studies in agriculture, engineering, dentistry and pharmacy. In April, the departure of the second batch of 24 Government sponsored students was delayed. They will leave in September with a further 80 students, whose applications will be approved after the final interviews for the 2003/2004 academic year. The Office of the President outlined a three-phase Cuban Scholarship program. The last 80 to be interviewed will complete the last phase of that program. The first and second phases comprised the selection of 124 and 24, respectively. The first batch of students departed last year, 124 government sponsored, four sponsored by the PPP/C, two by PNCR and one by the City Council. Contracts for Education, AirportCabinet at its meeting on April 24, approved contracts for works in the Education and the Public Works sectors. A $15.5 million contract was approved for the supply, delivery and installation of Information Technology laboratory equipment in selective secondary schools countrywide. While in the civil aviation area, works entailing cleaning and maintenance of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, was awarded to the tune of $17.7 million. Earlier this year, Government allocated a contract at the cost of US$164,390 for the design and supervision consultancy service for the rehabilitation of the Arrival Terminal of the Airport, and another for $25 million for design and supervisory consultancy for the rehabilitation of the sewerage system also at the airport Message of President Bharrat Jagdeo on Indian Arrival Day – 5 May 2003I am extremely pleased to join the nation in observing the anniversary of the arrival of East Indians to our country. We are a diverse nation; our nation has been peopled by various ethnic groups who over the course of our history came from different lands and who transposed their cultures to this land, in the process diversifying and enriching the cultural mosaic of Guyana. The arrival of the vessel bringing the first East Indians to our shores was indeed a watershed event in the history of Guyana. From this beginning, the East Indian community has grown from strength to strength, making an indispensable contribution to the development – economic social and religious – of our country. I hail the indomitable spirit of these early immigrants. They came with a pioneering spirit to a land of which they knew very little but to which they were prepared to dedicate their energies in order to make a good life for themselves and their families. They came here with a conviction to struggle and to work hard, hoping that their offspring and generations to come would benefit from their sacrifice. Life was not easy for these immigrants and their descendants. But theirs was a spirit that would not succumb to disillusionment. They continued to carve out a place for themselves in this land and have distinguished themselves in all aspects of our national life. Despite occasional problems, East Indians have generally co-existed harmoniously with the other ethnic groups in Guyana, and therefore on this auspicious occasion I reiterate the need for all our people to live together in peace and unity. I also wish to reiterate our position that the Government sees our rich ethnic diversity as an asset. I wish to extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially the East Indian community on the occasion of the 165th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians to Guyana. News Briefs
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