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Several functions billed for Indian Arrival Day observances
THE 164th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana will be celebrated in a big way this year, with several organisations arranging functions for the event.
"Arrival Day is a major event in our country. It has to do with our history, our culture, economic and social life, etc. We've always held functions marking the occasion", Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha said.
The Sabha has organised cultural programmes for Sunday throughout the country.
On the Essequibo Coast, the programme will begin at 12:30 hrs at the Anna Regina Community Centre.
On the West Coast Demerara, the programme will be held at the Ocean View Mandir Compound at Uitvlugt starting at 18:00 hrs.
On the East Coast, a march of members of mandirs on the East Coast will precede a cultural programme to be held at the Better Hope Mandir, Persaud said.
The Berbice programme will be held at the Tain Kendra starting at 14:30 hrs.
The Sabha is also urging mandirs across the country to dedicate their services Sunday to Indian Arrival Day.
The Guyana Indian Heritage Association (GIHA) has organised its fourth Guyana Mela to be held at the Everest Cricket Ground, Georgetown, on Sunday.
The Mela (fair) will feature Indian music, dance, tassa drumming and an array of Indian foods and sweetmeats.
This year, GIHA said in a press release, the backdrop will be a 40-foot high façade of the Taj Mahal of India, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Other features of the Mela will include duck curry cooked on site and hot roti just off the "tawa".
Traditional "seven curry" will be served in purain leaves, and the sweet meats on sale will include metai, gulab jamun, gulgullah, peerha, barfikeer and vermicelli.
"Over the years the Guyana Mela has become an important date for the Indian community", GIHA said.
"Individual and family dressed in traditional Indian garb make a splendid display of their heritage. The Mela is a family event and will feature many games and rides for children.
"As usual, it is a non-alcoholic event and there will be strict security within and outside the gates to ensure a safe environment for all", GIHA said.
The Indian Commemoration Trust has put together an evening of music, dance, skits by the University of Guyana Hindu Society, presentations by various religious organisations - Hindu, Muslim and Christian, displays of Indian garments and Tassa drumming.
The event named Push Panjali (The Continuous Flow of Flowers) will be held at the Indian Monument Garden, Church and Camp Streets, Georgetown from 18:30 hrs on Friday.
The Majestics Sound System will provide music for the event, while there will also be booths showcasing various Indian foods, musical instruments, cooking utensils, clothing and other items.
Government continues to have friendly relations with unions
LABOUR Day, or May Day, is here again. At present throughout the world workers are facing some of the most difficult times in recent history.
Situation in Guyana - Workers enjoy full freedom
In Guyana the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is no longer intimidated by the Government as was formerly the case.
No Government control of TUC
One of the first initiatives of the present Government was the decision to directly remove governmental control of May Day activities.
Split in the Labour Movement- FITUG formed
The emasculation of the Labour Movement eventually resulted in a split in the ranks of the workers, with six unions breaking away and forming their own umbrella organisation, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).
No Democracy in the TUC
There was no democracy in the TUC since the former Government used various strategies to maintain its control over the TUC.
PPP/C forges labour unity
It is the PPP which was instrumental in facilitating a reunited TUC. The late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, was able to get the breakaway unions to rejoin the TUC.
Government funds TUC
The Government has been funding the TUC to the tune of some $4M since its assumption of power in 1992 and at one time this funding was increased to $6M.
TUC receives generous concessions from Government
The TUC and its affiliates have received generous concessions from the Government. These include duty-free importation of vehicles, equipment and printed materials; and facilitation of overseas travel such as when pursuing courses, scholarships; etc.
Government in regular consultations with TUC
The Government has also instituted regular talks with the TUC.
Labour record of the Government Five major pieces of labour legislation have been amended since 1994.These include the Labour Act, the Licensed Premises Act, the Labour (Conditions of Employment of Certain Workers) Act, the Hours of Work Regulations and the Bakeries Act.
Better qualified labour officers have also been employed. In addition, a Tripartite Committee to advise the Minister on labour matters was established. A National Advisory Council on Occupational Health and Safety has also made strides in the working environment. Guyana has enacted the most modern Occupational Safety and Health Act among Caribbean Community countries. The result is that industrial accidents have fallen.
Legislation dealing with the Prevention of Discrimination in Employment, Severance Pay, Trade Union Recognition, Minimum Wages, Holiday with Pay and Child Labour have also been enacted as the Government continues its transformation of the labour sector.
There are plans to develop an independent mediation and conciliation service, along with the establishment of an Authority for Occupational Safety and Health.
In addition, a National Council for Technical and Vocational Education is to be established. (GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY)
Buxton disturbances affect Hampton View Inn
-- country cove up for rent
JUST eight months after it opened for business, the rehabilitated 45-year-old country cove named Hampton View Inn is up for rent, having suffered from a lack of business because of the disturbances centred in the East Coast Demerara village of Buxton where it is located.
The five-room facility, which offered conference facilities to seat 60 persons, and catered for wedding receptions, family reunions and garden parties, has failed to attract guests, the Chronicle understands.
While it is still open with a staff of four, business is not coming in and the seafront Hampton View Inn which offered an excellent meeting place away from the hustle and bustle of the city, will soon be a thing of the past.
The Chronicle understands that even though an advertisement has been placed in the newspapers for the Inn's rental, not much interest has been shown either.
The Inn, a multimillion dollar facility, is owned and operated by the Hamilton family that also operates the Hamilton Esso Gas Station at Buxton.
But Buxton, the scene of disturbances after the March general elections last year, has been affected by more violent incidents several times since.
Protesters have dug up the Railway Embankment road and sections of several other roads in the village, and Police have been maintaining patrols in the area for several weeks after the latest incidents.
Quarry operations opened at Linden
LINDEN Quarries Incorporated, an initial investment by the construction firm BK International of US$1.5M, has been formally opened in the bauxite mining town.
The Wismar, Linden operations will transship "waste" stone from Omai Gold Mines in Essequibo to the quarry site, thence to the Berbice region for the completion of the Mon Chosi Sea Defence project, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
It quoted B&K head, Mr. Brian Tiwari as saying that the operations will require another US$4M to be completed.
Prime Minister Sam Hinds and other top Government officials witnessed the opening Sunday during the annual Linden Town Day celebrations.
Expressing satisfaction at the project, Mr. Hinds said the construction firm has taken a big step in "ensuring equal employment opportunities for all", GINA reported.
The commissioned quarry operations augur well for upliftment in the mining town, he added.
Consultant to Linden Quarries Incorporated, Mr. Raymond Gaskin, said B&K had applied to the Lands and Surveys Department for a lease of a 50-acre plot to set up the quarry and wharf and this was granted about two months ago.
However, he said, the company has only managed so far to clear 20 acres to commence operations.
According to GINA, Gaskin stated that more than 50 million tonnes of "waste" stone are lying at the Omai site and this quantity will be utilised by B&K to establish a stone crushing plant at the Linden Quarry site.
He noted that this is likely to come into operation in the next six months and create some 150 jobs.
Gaskin also said that B&K plans to set up a housing block north of the quarry for employees of the stone crushing operation.
At the moment, the quarry operation has about 50 machine and ancillary staff, GINA said.
PNC/R refutes Luncheon's charges on Local Government elections
THE main Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) has refuted claims by Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, that it had boycotted the last two meetings of the Joint Task Force on Local Government Reform.
PNC/R Chief Whip, Mr. Lance Carberry, noted at a news conference last week, the charge by Luncheon that as a result of the boycott, Local Government elections scheduled this year would have to be postponed.
"It is a crass lie to claim that the PNC/R representatives on the Task Force boycotted the last two meetings", Carberry told reporters at the PNC/R Congress Place headquarters in Georgetown.
He said that on April 9 last, a meeting of the Task Force was called off for want of a quorum.
On that occasion, one of the PNC/R members turned up late and was advised by the resource person on the Task Force, Mr. Roshan Ali, that Minister in the Local Government Ministry, Mr. Clinton Collymore had called off the meeting because there wasn't a quorum, Carberry said.
At the time of the cancellation, Collymore and Mr. Khemraj Rai were reportedly the only two members in attendance, he said.
Carberry added that the Task Force met and that was in contradiction to Luncheon's report prior to Tuesday April 13, last.
With regard to postponement of Local Government elections, he said that Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr. Steve Surujballi had announced that the polls could not be held this year.
Carberry said this was an announcement made well in advance of Luncheon's statement about the boycott.
"If anyone is to be blamed for the postponement of Local Government elections, it has to be the PPP/C (the governing People's Progressive Party/Civic), which procrastinated on the selection of the electoral expert. The Task Force having collectively and unanimously identified Dr. Reynolds as the electoral expert, was told two weeks after by letter he was unacceptable to Freedom House (PPP/C headquarters)", he claimed.
The search for a new expert lasted for another month and delayed the process by six weeks, the party's Chief Whip said.
Luncheon, also Head of the Presidential Secretariat, last week said Local Government elections are doubtful this year because of the stance by the PNC/R of "active non-cooperation" with the Government and its putting the dialogue process on "pause".
He told reporters the "unfortunate decision" by the PNC/R now threatens the Local Government constitutional reform process that was being dealt with at the level of the bi-partisan committee, set up under the dialogue process President Bharrat Jagdeo began a year ago with PNC/R and Opposition Leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte.
Luncheon noted that the Government had planned for Local Government elections this year.
He told his regular post-Cabinet news briefing at the Office of the President that electoral reform in the Local Government system was one of the many matters being addressed "only" at the bi-partisan level.
"The absence of the PNC/R at the last two meetings of the committee has now jeopardised the timely conclusion of the Local Government constitutional reform process and in so doing creates for the Administration strong concerns about the ability to hold Local Government elections in 2002."
He said the Government is "not unmindful, of perhaps, an ulterior motive of the PNC/R Opposition in attempting to frustrate the much called for holding of Local Government elections in 2002".
With the dialogue on pause, then the bi-partisan committees that arose from the dialogue are also on pause, Luncheon pointed out.
He said Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud is likely to draw this matter to the attention of his PNC/R counterpart to "allow this momentary interruption in the work of the Local Government bi-partisan committee to cease and the work concluded."
The PNC/R has adopted a policy of "active non-cooperation" with the Government because of several perceived grievances with the Administration.
But Government spokesmen have denied PNC/R claims that measures promised under the dialogue have not advanced.
Elections for members to Local Democratic Organs have not been held since 1994 and the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry last month said it was aiming to hold Local Government elections in the third quarter of this year.
Hopes and fears for Jamaica poll
Analysis By Rickey Singh
GIVEN THE level of gun crimes and criminal violence in the society, I am anxious to share the optimism of the President of the Jamaica Private Sector Organisation (PSOJ), Mr Oliver Clarke, that the country's general election later in the year could very well prove the "most peaceful" in its history.
This "reasonably hopeful" optimism, as articulated by Clarke, better known regionally and internationally as the Managing Director of the Gleaner Company, came at a media briefing last week as security forces continued their fight against criminals and arrangements were being advanced for the coming general election that could take place before year end.
Jamaica is a Caribbean society with a most unflattering image for its high rates of murder, in and out of an election season, and also as a major transshipment point for the trade in illegal drugs with which much of the criminal violence is associated.
Just last January, the Senior Associate Editor of the 'Gleaner' newspaper, Lloyd Williams, in apprehensively analysing the crime challenge facing Jamaica, wondered whether the stage was being set for violence for election 2002, as he discussed the implications of the then "l00 Lane Massacre".
"The minute a general election darkens the face of the political sky", he wrote, "malicious, ruthless, criminal excesses tend to break loose. To be more accurate, the likelihood of wanton murder and mayhem increases... There is a deadly routine to election campaigns in Jamaica. With the earliest inkling of national elections, invariably the killings start...."
Within a matter of days, some two weeks later, both the opposition Jamaica Labour Party of Edward Seaga--who strongly believes this time around he will be the next Prime Minister---and the incumbent People's National Party of P.J. Patterson, were disclosing to the public their policies and strategies in the war against crime.
A Retreat
Though differing in style of presentations and content, what both of the parties that have been dominating the political life of Jamaica even before Independence in 1962 have in common is their expressed commitment to arrest the slide into mayhem, resulting from the criminal propensities of the dons who preside over the gun smuggling and narco-trafficking.
Seaga has since had to make a tactical retreat from his original call for the death penalty for convicted drug dealers, after he realised a number of women were being used as 'mules' for the dons and their well-connected and armed collaborators.
He also ran into problems with his claim of elements within the local Police force being involved in a planned move to derail his JLP's election campaign.
There was to have been a quick and angry response from the high profile new National Security Minister, Peter Phillips
In reporting on the PNP administration's anti-crime strategy, as outlined on January 16 by Phillips, the 'Observer' newspaper pointed to the challenge facing the "war on crime". It recalled that with 1,138 murders in 2001, a 26 percent increase on 2000, Jamaica has a murder rate of 44 per 100,000 population -- one of the highest in the world.
Guns accounted for 69 percent of the murders, committed mostly in the depressed inner-city communities, said Phillips who was to subsequently denounce the claim of any involvement by his party or the Police to disrupt the JLP's election campaign, as was claimed by Seaga.
New Approach
Whatever the real story behind Seaga's original claim, the quick response of Phillips, as well as a denial by the Police Force itself, the tension that it provoked was to dissipate amid continuing efforts by both the governing and opposition parties to desist from giving any encouragement to the criminals at large.
Considering the history of the reported involvement of both parties with drug-trafficking 'gunmen' and violence at elections, the new approach by the PNP and JLP is a welcome contrast to the blame-shifting for the violence and the climate that prevailed ahead of new elections in years gone by. And as recent as that of 1997 when the PNP won its unprecedented third term victory over the JLP.
Could this then explain why the media magnate and current chief PSOJ spokesman was keen on going public with his own hopes for a relatively peaceful election this year, aware, as he would be, that many until quite recently, have been expressing deep fears---some still do--- about an explosion of violence as the election campaign gets into full swing?
Basically, as he explained to me in a telephone conversation when I sought a clarification of comments attributed to him, the PSOJ's President said he remains quite disturbed by the current level of murder and criminal violence in Jamaica.
The high level of crimes against the person--murder, assault and rape---was unacceptable, he said. But there were good reasons for him to be optimistic at this stage that "we will be able to have an election without a very high level of increased violence".
Careful choice of words, and why not, given past experiences? His own views were reinforced by his colleague of the PSOJ, Executive Director Greta Bogues, who pointed to the "Get-the-Guns" campaign initiated by Minister Phillips and also the private/public sector "Crime Stop" initiative, as assessed over the past three months.
Amid the new optimism, has come the announcement that the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) that an "election budget" of some J$360 million (J$47=US$1) has been approved and the body should soon be in "readiness" for the new election.
The preliminary voters list was scheduled to be published Monday, April 29, and the final official register of eligible electors ready on May 31 for the election that the PSOJ's Oliver Clarke hopes could well be "the most peaceful in the country's electoral history.
PPP salutes the working people of Guyana
THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is extending best wishes to workers generally and the Guyanese working people in particular on the occasion of May Day.
The PPP in its May Day message said it is important to recall that the Guyanese working people played a leading role in the fight for Independence, and in the post-Independence period led the struggle for the return of democracy in Guyana.
“Since October 1992, the working people of Guyana have had signal achievements materially and also legally and constitutionally,” the PPP said.
The struggle that workers waged to have a union of their choice has now been enshrined in law with the passing of the Trades Union Recognition Bill, the Party said.
It added that the hated Means Test, which denied thousands of senior citizens a pension, has been removed and that pension is now a right and not a privilege.
The Termination of Employment and Severance pay Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which have been expanded to include all workers, among others, testify to the benefits that were achieved as a result of “the winning of democracy on our country,” the PPP said.
“Today we see that the forces which were responsible for the almost three decades of dictatorship and the bankruptcy of Guyana, working strenuously to return to those days. To do so they are attempting to divide the working people. Racism is a tool they are using to weaken the forces of democracy of which the working class is the main bastion,” the Party said.
“The PPP calls on the working people to defend democracy. Life has taught us that we would not be able to solve our problems and achieve sustainable development without consolidating, defending and strengthening our democratic gains,” the message continued.
According to the PPP, “in the struggle to achieve greater success in economic and social spheres, democracy is an indispensable pre-requisite”.
“We must therefore stand firm and rebuff the attacks and abuse by those whose interests are better served by dictatorial and other undemocratic means,” the PPP said.
JFAP urges unity in trade union movement
THE leader, executives and members of the Justice For All Party (JFAP) are extending Labour Day greetings to the hard working Guyanese people.
In his message to workers on the occasion of Labour Day, which is being celebrated today, leader of the JFAP, Mr. Chandra Naraine Sharma, urged the leadership of all local trade unions to work together for national unity and for the improvement of social conditions for all workers.
Mr Sharma expressed concern at the current division in the labour movement. He noted that the struggle of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow needs to be remembered, since Guyana’s development is dependent on the solidarity of all.
Dr Bisnauth offers to be mediator in labour movement
THE Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Dale Bisnauth has committed himself to be a mediator between unions that are not on amicable terms.
Speaking at a recent press briefing the Minister said he had several meetings with the executives of the unions in question and the outlook is positive.
The Minister feels confident that through constant dialogue, relations, which are strained at the moment, will be greatly improved.
“I have made a commitment to the President of the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) as well as the head of the other union and they are both confident of a resolution,” the Minister offered.
He added that speedier reconciliation of relations among trade unions would help the labour movement.
Meanwhile, the Ministry, through its Board of Industrial Training, is aiming to strengthen its apprenticeship programme by advising training institutions on the skills demand of the nation.
“Part of what we intend to do this year is to set up a one-stop computerised centre to provide jobs for young people,” Bisnauth disclosed and added that the centre will also help youths to choose a career from the options available. (GINA)
The Ministry during this year will also formulate regulations for the effective implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Authority and revision of labour legislation to make them more relevant to present day realities.
Linden Town Day…
Crowd favourite Sasquea Carryll crowned queen
CONFIDENT-LOOKING 19-year-old Sasquea Carryll, representing Clark’s Auto and Diesel Mechanic Shop, was crowned ‘Miss Linden Town Day’ at the annual pageant staged Saturday night at Mackenzie Sports Club ground.
The queen won the title from five other delegates to the approval of the crowd on the second day of the three-day Linden anniversary celebrations.
Ms Carryll, a University of Guyana graduate and currently Public Information Officer attached to the Regional Democratic Council of Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice), used ‘Domestic Violence’ as her platform.
The five feet three inches tall teen probably copped the crown with her answer to the question: "What change(s) would you like to see should you be here for Linden Town Day 2003?"
While the other finalists answered positively and must be complimented for their efforts, Carryll's answer was most impressive.
She said: “The first change I would like to see, if I should be here at Linden Town Day 2003, is a bigger and better pageant. I would like to see more cultural exhibitions on the road. Since Town Day started Friday, I have only seen dancing and gyrating and I think we have drawn away from what Linden Town Day really is.
“Town Day is for Lindeners and outsiders to see what Linden
produces and what Linden has to offer," Carryll added, giving the organisers something to seriously think about.
She gained the judges’ nod in order of priority and the cheers of fans who had waited, through a delay of two hours, to be part of the ‘Queen of the Town’ Contest.
There were three contenders for the crown left vacant by an absent 2001 winner, Lestra Bourne, who was unavailable and it was passed on by last year's first runner-up, Ms Ida Hall.
After an initial two rounds of quizzing the six contestants, Carryll got the approval of the judges and all on hand, in the final questioning period which also involved Ms Tenisha Thom, sponsored by the RDC and Ms Daniele McIntyre, sponsored by LindenGuy.Com.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr Manzoor Nadir presented Carryll with one prize of a trip for two to Mainstay Lake Resort, donated by Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
Region Ten Chairman, Mr Mortimer Mingo and Miss Guyana Universe franchise holder, Mr Odinga Lumumba were among others officiating at the function.
Carryll received a trophy donated by Banks DIH, as well as, a pair of gold earrings and $20,000.
First runner-up McIntrye got a trophy, a trip for one to Mainstay, compliments of CABS Hardware Store, a pair of gold earrings and $15,000 and second runner-up Thom has the opportunity to benefit from a computer course, apart from taking away a pair of gold earrings and $10,000.
Others in the rivalry were Ms Kaisha Bascom (Phoenix Art Production) whose platform was ‘Teenage Pregnancy’; Ms Vanessa Welcome (Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council), who used ‘Sexual Abuse’ and Ms Michelle McGusty (Sparta Transportation Services) with ‘Abolition of Corporal Punishment in Schools’.
In Region Five…
HACCP seminar for food handlers May 6
FOOD manufacturers and itinerant vendors in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) are to be introduced to the internationally accepted system of processing known as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) at a seminar scheduled for May 6.
The venue for the one-day course is the Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council.
The Government Analyst and Food and Drugs Department said the programme will begin at 08:30 hours (8.30 am) and subjects to be covered are micro-biological, chemical and physical hazards, management in food production and good manufacturing processes.
Chairman of Region Five Health Committee, Mr J. Baksh will declare the proceedings open and resource persons are from the Regional Department and Georgetown staff of the Analyst Department.
“HACCP is based on focused and systematic prevention of food safety problems at each stage of the manufacturing process. It is a new approach which is accepted internationally and the aim is to have it fully implemented in Region Five,” officials said.
At least 40 people involved in food business have been invited to attend and their attendance and participation are prerequisites for the renewal of their licences to manufacture and handle products for public consumption.
The methodology is designed to identify hazards at every stage of food producing, to ensure that the end product is disease free and is quite different from concern for the safety of the product only at the end, as had traditionally been the practice locally.
Lesser grades but…
West Berbice rice planters report increased yield
REAPING of paddy from some 40,000 acres in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) is nearing completion and yield to date is, on average, 27 bags per acre, up from 23 last crop.
But grades have dropped because of paddy bug attacks in the late stages of cultivation, farmers reported.
They said the quality of grain from approximately 50 per cent of the total was adversely affected by the pests, which sucked out the milky contents, leaving discoloured, broken or empty paddy shells.
Some planters said they had sprayed fields with monocrotpohus on as many as four occasions but with little or no effect.
They are now calling for tests to be done on the chemical to ascertain whether it can still control and eliminate the bugs.
About 17,000 acres less of the usual 40,500 acres were sowed in West Berbice, because of an acute shortage of irrigation water last November/December.
The producers have expressed general satisfaction with their sales as most have received payment from the buyers, so far and some have already commenced land preparation for the autumn season.
GBTI holds Community Business Workshop at Corriverton
BUSINESSPERSONS of the Corriverton community recently benefited from a Business Workshop, which addressed the advantages of effective micro-enterprise management.
The workshop was hosted by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) at the Corriverton branch on Wednesday, April 24, and it covered such areas as the importance of record keeping, preparation and maintenance of accounting records, requirements for bank financing and loan management, a press release from GBTI stated.
The release noted that in delivering the opening remarks at the workshop, Mr Kadim Bacchus, Regional Chairman (ag) of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), pointed to the need for entrepreneurs to develop simple systems to monitor the performance of their operations and its profitability. He also spoke of the Regional Administration’s efforts at providing various support systems for micro-enterprises, and he urged them to make use of the opportunity presented by the bank to improve their management skills.
According to the release, at the end of the workshop, participants remarked that the information presented was extremely valuable and would enable them to better manage their operations.
It was the second in a series of seminars planned by the bank for all its branch locations and is part of overall efforts of the agency at deepening the relationships with the communities and improving the efficiency of the business sector.
The first workshop was held at the Anna Regina GBTI branch last November. The next session is scheduled for August this year, and it will be hosted by the Regent Street branch for entrepreneurs on the East Coast of Demerara.
The facilitators at last week’s workshop were: Mr Mario Farinha, Manager, Corriverton branch; Mr John Tracey, Director, Credit; Mr George Edwards, Regent Street branch; Mr John Barnes, Manager, Inspection; Mr Sean Noel, Junior Manager, Research and Planning; and Mrs Patricia Clarke, Training Officer.
President Jagdeo announces more help for rice industry
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has given the assurance that the agreement reached by Government with Guyana Association of Bankers (GAB) and Rice Producers Association (RPA) was not negotiated only for farmers who cannot service their debts.
It is to benefit all rice farmers who owe various banks a principal of $10M or less as of August 2001 and those servicing their debts stand to be beneficiaries of the relief package announced last January 31, the Head of State and Government told a community meeting at Reliance, Essequibo Coast, during his recent visit to Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).
Mr Jagdeo remarked that Government’s concern for the planters, who are facing great financial and other difficulties within the sector, led to the prolonged negotiations guided by the Financial Institutions Act, which, eventually bore fruit, earlier this year.
He said the deal provides for waivers on interest for non-performing loans with outstanding principals of $10M or less and for 25 per cent of the principal to be suspended and eventually written off over an agreed period, if the debt is being satisfactorily serviced.
Interest rate on the rescheduled loans will be calculated at a minimum of 10 per cent per annum, subject to the six-month average of the Treasury Bill and banks and their clients would decide the period over which the money is to be repaid, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
It reported that some 1,300 persons in the target group are indebted to a total of about $11 billion and that 1,200 of them, whose borrowings amount to approximately 20 per cent of the industry’s debt, will be relieved under the plan.
According to President Jagdeo, those who were servicing their loans prior to the announcement would see their interest rates cut by half and borrowings rescheduled over 10 years.
The indebtedness severely affected the state of the industry because there were distinct groupings involved, in terms of the level and nature of their individual debts and they found it difficult to obtain loans for either starting or resuming rice cultivation.
President Jagdeo encouraged continuation of rice growing, pledging that Government will do its part to further aid the sector.
He told the Essequibo gathering the Regional Administration is looking at ways to make more land available for farming, including for increased rice cultivation in Region Two to complement the more than 30,000 acres being planted now.
The President said Central Government is also working with the Regional Administration to alleviate many of the problems affecting the rice industry, among them the high cost of production, unavailability of places to dry and store paddy, pest infestation and crop damage caused by stray animals.
He pointed to the $15M seed paddy facility at Anna Regina, which will provide a central point for drying, cleaning and storing.
With funding from Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Building Community Capacity Project (BCCP), the project is being executed by Partners in Rural Development, following RPA efforts to eliminate the expenditure, for transport, too and hassle associated with the process at various places.
The 100 feet by 42 feet structure will have a concrete drying floor, a seed cleaner and a storage bond.
Mr Jagdeo challenged the farmers to work at enhancing their relationship with the millers, saying a collective approach is necessary to overcome the hurdles in the rice industry.
Another attempt to accommodate new secondary school entrants
THE Regional Administration of Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) will shortly be extending Novar Primary School building in East Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, to ensure adequate accommodation for secondary level students from September.
An official said the extension is a short-term solution to the problem of overcrowding which has surfaced in secondary schools in the Region over the past two years.
He said the project, which will include making furniture and installing relevant equipment, is being given top priority.
The Education Department had attempted to alleviate the situation by establishing secondary departments in four primary schools two years ago.
Woodley Park Secondary School at Number 11 Village, West Coast Berbice, was enlarged last year September to house some new entrants but statistics point to an urgent need for at least two more secondary schools in Region Five.
But, until those are built, places will have to be found for an additional 120 every year from amongst Secondary Schools Entrance Examination (SSEE) candidates, the spokesman said.
Some 1,500 primary school pupils in Region Five sat the SSEE last month and are now awaiting results.
The eventual plan calls for constructing a new ‘A’ class secondary school at Novar under the Basic Education Access and Management Support System (BEAMS) with funding from Inter-American Development Bank and two more schools at Number Eight, West Coast Berbice and somewhere else between East Mahaicony and Bygeval, East Coast Demerara.
Scores in Berbice benefit from Poverty Reduction Programme
SCORES of Berbicians have benefitted, in various forms of assistance, from the Ministry of Finance Poverty Reduction Programme (PRP).
Part of the $347M allocation is for providing such aid to the poor and underprivileged, the scheme is also aimed at enhancing the social and economic lives of needy people by helping them set up micro-business enterprises and creating more jobs.
In pursuit of those objectives, over the past week, Minister in the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Ms Bibi Shadick, Community Relations Officer (CRO), Mr Fazal Jafferally and officials of the Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB) held several meetings with residents of New Amsterdam, Eversham and Number 63.
They interviewed 120 applicants in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and 60 in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice).
Some of the interviewees received spectacles, artificial limbs and agricultural equipment to continue farming.
Other beneficiaries in that phase included youths, who received school supplies, such as books, uniform and footwear.
Another phase targeted outlying areas, including Orealla-Siparuta, along Corentyne River, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne and East Bank Berbice.
Jafferally and Ms Sandra Baldeo are the PRP representatives in Regions Five and Six, respectively.
In Region Six…
Rainfall stalls rice harvesting, affecting cash crops
INCESSANT rainfall over the past week has stalled rice harvesting in East Berbice, officials said.
They reported that heavy downpours, dumping about five inches of water on some locations, threatens the Corentyne farming community, especially in Black Bush Polder.
According to them, a significant acreage will be affected if the adverse weather conditions prevail for another two weeks.
The four Black Bush Polder settlements, Yakusari, Lesbeholden, Joanna and Mibicuri are the most severely affected, with damage to their main ingress and ingress dams that are almost inaccessible to agricultural machinery.
To save some 8,000 acres of paddy ready for reaping, farmers are using punts provided by Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) Albion and Skeldon estates but said that type of transport is adding to the already high cost of production.
Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) Administration officials said the three outfall sluices, at Joppa-Macedonia, Eversham and Adventure, have been activated and round the clock work is being done to ensure immediate relief.
They warned farmers against tampering with the drainage infrastructure and urged them to cooperate during the prevailing inclement weather.
Cash crops are also under threat and some planters are working feverishly to drain their cultivation plots.
Women's forum warned of new bondage
By Mark Ramotar
GUYANESE businesswoman, Ms. Jocelyn Dow, has lamented the fact that based on statistics, the disparity between rich and poor countries has grown enormously over the last few decades with the gap getting even wider.
She has also warned of a new bondage that has come with the changes.
"There are some startling statistics over the past few decades and one of the most amazing statistic is that in the 1960's, the richest countries in the world were 30 times as rich as the poorest; they are now over 80 times as rich as the poorest," Dow told a women's forum at the Main Street Plaza Hotel last week.
She said, too, that there are 450 men who are worth more than 2.5 billion people collectively. According to her, it could be argued that Microsoft computer magnate, billionaire Bill Gates is worth more than 140 million Americans jointly, including all their savings, future savings and pension plans.
"...there is an enormous disparity...," Dow said at the opening of the one-day workshop on `Trade Liberalisation and its Impact on Women' hosted by the Guyana Chapter of the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA) last Friday.
Dow, a businesswoman, politician and President of the Washington-based Women's Environmental and Development Organisation (WEDO), said: "I don't think I have been yet able to count a woman who fits into even these statistics."
"We're in a world in which disparity is growing," the women's activist said.
In addition, poor countries such as Guyana have enormous debt burdens and while the disparity continues to grow, Dow said they are told to clean up their act, open the markets and take advantage of liberalised trade.
She pointed out, however, that in spite of this call, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was not in a position to take advantage of global trade in goods.
According to her, in 1998 CARICOM's export was 0.31 per cent of global trade and in 1994 the figure had fallen to 0.12 per cent of global trade.
"One of the things that we know about the present circumstances in the world is that poor countries and poor people have to do an enormous amount of work; far more work perhaps than we have had to do perhaps in history, outside of the first days of imperialism and slavery to free ourselves of a new bondage," Dow asserted.
"For many of us as women, we need to work out what it is we need to do as women in the workforce and very importantly as women who are consumers of goods and services," she added.
The workshop was attended by a wide cross section of females and `feminists' in their individual capacity or representing various organisations and agencies both locally and within the Caribbean region.
CAFRA is a regional network of feminists, individual researchers, activists and women's organisations that defines feminist politics as a matter of both consciousness and action. It says it is committed to understanding the relationship between the oppression of women and other forms of oppression in society, and is working actively for change.
Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Mr. Clement Rohee, gave the opening address, and told the large gathering that in order to solve the myriad problems, they must view the gender issue within a wider context - "as part of a comprehensive programme for the development of women".
Focussing on the theme of the workshop, `Exploring Trade Liberalisation and its Impact on Women', Rohee pointed out that addressing the systemic problems of exclusion and economic inequality will prepare women to take advantage of the opportunities that arise from trade liberalisation.
"As small economies, we cannot afford to discriminate in our human resource capacity building - both men and women must have equal opportunities at education and training and retraining," he said.
He also called on the gathering of women to ensure that what motivates them "is the energy and dedication to ensuring that the global trading system is crafted in a way that addresses the special and differential needs of countries like ours."
"Let us not allow the process of globalisation and trade liberalisation to consume us all; I charge you at this workshop to advocate your positions and communicate them to regional and international bodies so that governments working in collaboration with NGO's (non-governmental organisations) can design national, regional and international policies that adequately reflect our priorities," Rohee said.
"As developing countries, the impact of trade liberalisation means a global arena filled with new challenges and opportunities; the challenges are many particularly in the area of international trade where we as developing countries are largely price takers, and have negligible and often no ability to influence the global commodity markets," he said.
"We must therefore seek to manage the process of globalisation since controlling it is not a foreseeable possibility," Rohee asserted.
It is often the case, however, that the dynamics of trade liberalisation move faster than the dynamics of gender equality, the Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Minister said.
"Moreover, we must recognise that the issues of gender inequity existed long before globalisation became a household word; what globalisation has done is to compound and exacerbate the problem," he said.
More British help for Albouystown project
THE Albouystown, Georgetown New Hope Community Project received yet another boost from the British High Commission yesterday when it was presented with a cheque for more than $1.6M.
British High Commissioner, Mr. Edward Glover and the High Commission's Second Secretary responsible for Development, Mr. Jim McCretie presented the cheque to project officials, Mr. Randolph Thorne, Ms. Sheila George and Ms. Bernice Mansel.
The Albouystown New Hope Project is involved in training young people, moreso, young girls, in cosmetology and sewing.
There are 24 students on the project, which started last year with British funding of some $1.3M.
The sum presented yesterday, from the British Government's Department for International Development, is the final installment payable to the project.
The girls attend free classes tutored by trained and experienced instructors. Apart from receiving a stipend, snacks are provided during the sessions, officials said.
According to Thorne, who serves as Chairman to the project, the money received yesterday will go towards paying the instructors, meeting meals costs, paying for security and to enhance the project venue.
At a brief handing over ceremony at the High Commission on Main Street, Thorne promised that "every cent will be properly spent and accounted for".
Glover said the project is an important one in helping young people move forward and said he was pleased to be presenting more money to the scheme, which will see the first batch of students to graduation.
McCretie, who visited the project, said he was impressed and recognised that the building where classes are held is in need of rehabilitation.
He said there is plenty room for other organisations to come on board and help out.
George said the project has served as a tremendous fillip for girls in building self respect and achieving some level of independence.
Thanking the High Commission on behalf of the young girls involved in the project, Mansel said the students consider themselves fortunate to have the British fund a scheme that is to their benefit.
In May Day message:
President says strikes must be avoided
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has said that strikes and other forms of industrial conflict must be avoided to allow reforms and more production and productivity.
He made the call in his message for May Day being observed today.
Here is the text of the President's message:
"On behalf of the Government of Guyana and on my own behalf, I extend to all Guyanese fraternal greetings and best wishes as we celebrate May Day 2002.
Guyana like the rest of the world is experiencing some economic setbacks as a result of the effects of globalisation and recession in major economies in the rest of the world, including that of the United States of America. However, through prudent management, we have been able to continue economic progress and sustain and improve the real wages of workers in this country.
This is in sharp contrast to the wages and salaries cut, which are constantly being experienced by workers in several multinational corporations around the world.
My Government has also refrained from any form of significant retrenchment in the Public Sector, contrary to much speculation that this would occur. We have also created a modern legislative framework to ensure that justice and fair play prevail at every work environment.
Much emphasis is also being placed by my government on the issue of Occupational Health and Safety at the places of work, while workers can exercise their legal right of belonging to a trade union of their choice.
While we seek to defend and protect workers interests, we expect as government a clear commitment from workers and their organisations to rededicate themselves and to examine the possibilities of enhancing productivity at work.
Workers should also constantly review and cooperate with their employers on the method of doing things, bearing in mind that outmoded methods of production and old-fashioned procedures will have to make way for competitiveness in production in keeping with the demands of a globalised world.
Every industry, business entity and service organisation must be conscious of current management trends and encourage and foster positive changes. There is also a greater need for employers, employees and other social partners to work together and to bring to an end unnecessary conflict and foster collaboration in development instead.
Strikes and other forms of industrial conflict must be avoided to pave the way for comprehensive reform and increased production and productivity.
Our nation is too underdeveloped to encourage wanton waste or loss in production as a result of unnecessary withdrawal of labour. Developed countries have found ways to improve industrial harmony, so has a developing country like Barbados.
We in Guyana, have procedures to resolve conflicts comparable to any developed country, yet we have failed as a collective group to utilise these procedures in a meaningful way.
I therefore appeal to all Guyanese to make this May Day an opportunity for greater commitment to the development of our beautiful country.
With your cooperation and commitment, working hand in hand with my government, I see a bright future for all Guyanese.
Let us rededicate our energies on this May Day towards the task of nation building and collective harmony.
Once more, happy May Day to all our workers."
Chandarpal visits Black Bush flood-hit areas
AGRICULTURE Minister, Mr. Navin Chandarpal yesterday made an emergency visit to the farming community of Black Bush Polder, Berbice, in an effort to address complaints by farmers who were affected by the recent excessive rainfall.
His visit came after two days of complaining by farmers in the area who said they were unable to harvest their crops due to the excessive rains recently, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
The Agriculture Minister made site visits to Yakusari, Johanna/Mibicuri and Lesbeholden and was brought up-to-date with the situation. According to the farmers, about 50 per cent of the rice crop is yet to be harvested.
GINA said Chandarpal immediately made some decisions including arranging with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) to provide four punts to transport paddy from the backlands. He also indicated that he will discuss with Minister of Finance, Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar, the possibility of expediting the tendering process in order to have the canals desilted.
According to GINA, Chandarpal also addressed the issue of mechanisms being put in place for the supervision of the rangers and to facilitate easy communication among the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, the Regional Democratic Council and the Region Six Drainage and Irrigation Officials.
The minister is scheduled to return to the community on Friday to further assess the situation.
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