Out of concern…
Minister Persaud gives assurance on security of fishers
MINISTER of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud, who is also responsible for fisheries, has given the assurance that his ministry will continue to work with all stakeholders to improve the security of fishers.

Expressing concern over two recent incidents, relating to the health and safety of fishermen at sea, he said both occurrences spotlight the ever present dangers to which they are constantly exposed.

A press release said the ministry has received a report that a ‘Red Snapper’ fishing vessel, ‘Palpos 111’, which left McDoom, Greater Georgetown, last January 23, has failed to return to port, despite being expected since February 13.

The release said Persaud is concerned about the fate of the three persons aboard that boat and noted that the ministry is fully engaged with all stakeholders and is presently examining several courses of action to assist in the matter.

The ministry, on Thursday, was advised, too, of the sinking of a trawler belonging to Guyana Quality Seafoods. However, unlike the other incident in which the fate of the crew remains unknown, the ministry is pleased to note that all the crew of the trawler have been accounted for in good health, the release said.

Meanwhile, the trio, Mahadeo Ramdeo called Vishal and ‘Pholourie’, 24, of Lot 190 Coldingen Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, Ramnarine Jagmohan also known as Omesh, 46, of Lot 356 Craig Public Road, East Bank Demerara and an unidentified man, who all were aboard Palpos 111, registered to Pritipaul Singh Investment (PSI), are still missing.

A search was launched after nothing was heard about them for more than two weeks.

Media role underscored at first CARIFESTA X symposium
THE first media symposium for the tenth Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA X) took place yesterday at CARIFESTA Sports Complex, on CARIFESTA Avenue, Georgetown.

The forum highlighted a number of plans for the mega event to be staged from August 22 to 31 and among the presenters were Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony and media and advertising representatives.

The focus was mainly on the role of the media, prior to and during CARIFESTA X.

Anthony, in his presentation, underscored the social responsibility of the media in the staging of the mega event that, will, by far, be the largest ever in Guyana, after the successful hosting of Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007.

He pointed to the need for mobilisation of the Guyanese population for the promotion of cultural diversification by way of the tourism industry.

CARIFESTA X is the biggest event that is going to happen in Guyana and it offers a number of opportunities to showcase Guyana, Minister Anthony said.

He said, this year, culture is being used to promote the country and it is an opportunity to develop cultural tourism and showcase Guyana and the Caribbean.

“We must demonstrate, to the rest of the world, that we have the capability of being good hosts. To do so, we need to mobilise the entire Guyanese population. In one way or another, everybody is involved with culture,” Minister Anthony stated.

He said maximum coverage will be required leading up to the event and even after the conclusion, in order to generate awareness.

CARIFESTA X Secretariat Logistics Director, Colonel Lincoln Ross said the media is responsible for providing information, like the history of CARIFESTA, excerpts from previous programmes/activities and updates and progress of the celebration.

He said several activities have already been planned for the occasion and they include training programmes for individuals in theatrical performances. Those sessions will be conducted by University of Guyana (UG) Communications Lecturer, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, whose name is synonymous with local drama and a winner of the Guyana Prize on three occasions.

CARIFESTA X is themed ‘One Caribbean, One Purpose, Our Culture, Our Life’ and will feature a number of activities, including the opening and closing ceremonies, culinary, festival, literary, performing, philatelic and visual arts and a grand cultural market and trade fair, to be held at Sophia Exhibition Centre, a child/youth forum and CARIFESTA calypso competition, Ross disclosed.

There will also be community festivals in Regions Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Five (Mahaica/Berbice) Three (West

Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice), to commemorate the milestone, he said.

Ross said 46 countries from the Caribbean, Central and South America, as well as the diaspora have already committed to participating and several groups and individuals have volunteered their support to ensure the success.

CARIFESTA was previously hosted by seven other countries, after the 1972 first in Guyana, followed by Jamaica in 1976, Cuba in 1979, Barbados in 1981, Trinidad and Tobago in 1992 and 1995, St. Kitts and Nevis in 2000 and Suriname in 2003.

Books donation deepens CI relationship with UG
THE University of Guyana (UG) yesterday received a collection of books on the environment from Conservation International (CI).

At the simple ceremony, in the main library of the Turkeyen exhibition area, Greater Georgetown, CI Executive Director. Dr. David Singh, gave a commitment to continue the partnership and provide resources for students interested in pursuing studies in the environmental field.

The texts are expected to be used primarily by the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at UG and the donation is part of the CI ongoing undertaking to promote such education countrywide.

Singh, an alumnus of UG, said he is particularly pleased that CI could contribute to the improvement of academic study at the institution.

He hopes the presentation marked the deepening of the relationship between the two institutions.

Singh also challenged students in the field to stay the course, telling them: “Environmental science will need the input of the best minds to help us overcome the crisis that we now face.”

He said: “We, in Guyana, must become educated and be part of the solution rather than passive recipients of the results of the global challenge posed by climate change.”

Among others present were CI Vice-President for the Guianas, Ms. Lisa Famolare, who advocated that the two institutions actively seek innovative ways to collaborate with each other.

She pointed out that CI is interested in carrying out its work through strong partnerships in the countries where it operates and wants to see stronger and greater collaboration with UG.

CI and UG have a memorandum of agreement, which has seen previous donations by the former and the establishment of the ‘Jenman Herbarium Data Basing’ project.

LIAT to meet with unions next week
(Bridgetown/Barbados)
A call for a meeting, initiated by LIAT some weeks ago, with its Board, the Unions and select staff will come off next Tuesday, March 4th, 2008 in Barbados. Tabled for discussion is the proposed Trinidad and Tobago Base, recent disruptions in service and other outstanding matters.

The airline has noted that while these and other issues have been commented on in the media and furthermore some of the views expressed are not shared by the management, in light of the approaching talks it would prefer not to publicly address any of the concerns raised, at this time.

This decision has been taken as a courtesy to its workgroups and as a precaution against any measure that may derail the upcoming consultation. However, subsequent to the Tuesday discussion, the airline will be issuing a formal statement with the outcomes of the meeting.

LIAT is confident that it will be able to resolve these challenges as the airline moves to the next level in its development

Lt. Col. Ross court martial
Defence objects to proposed amendment
By Wendella Davidson
The defence in the court martial hearing of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant Colonel ( Lt. Col.) Tony Ross yesterday “strenuously objected” to a proposed amendment of the second of four charges against the officer.

Further, the defence submitted that where the Prosecution has an aversion to proceeding with the charge as read, that the charge itself be completely withdrawn as being untenable

The amendment for which State Prosecutor, Melissa Yearwood-Stewart is seeking to have the Court’s approval to have the words ‘instructed WO2 Gordon’ deleted and replaced with ‘gave instructions’.

The Court comprises Colonel Jullian Bruce Lovell functioning as President, retired High Court Judge Oslen Small the Judge Advocate and Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Patrick West, Lt Col. Trevor Blenman, Lt. Col. Brian Bristol (Base Commander, Camp Ayanganna) and Major Paul Arthur, and which is being conducted in Base Camp Ayanganna.

Ross is the first high-ranking officer to be charged by the GDF with the disappearance of 33 AK-47 rifles and five pistols from the Camp Ayanganna arms store in 2006.

He is, in accordance with military law Section 209 (1) of the Defence Act 15:01, charged with three counts of “Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline contrary to Section 75 of the Defence Act Chapter 15:01” and a lone count of “Neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline contrary to Section 75 of the Defence Act Chapter 15:01.”

Particulars of the allegations against the GDF officer are that on or about February 13, 2006, without proper authority he:

* * instructed Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Gordon to establish an armstore for personnel of the Ordnance Corps (Ord Corps), an instruction which he knew or was reasonably expected to know he had no authority to issue.

** instructed WO2 Gordon to have weapon numbers assigned to soldiers of Ord. Corps for the purpose of issuing the weapons to the soldiers.

** failed to ensure that the keys to the Keys Cabinet were booked in at Defence Headquarters Operations Room, a duty which he knew or was reasonably expected to know.

** at the Ord. Corps during the period March 2005 to February 2006, failed to manage an effective Booking In/Out system for the Keys Ledger, a duty known to him or reasonably expected to be known by him.

Representing him at the court martial are Attorneys-at-law Leslie Sobers and Gregory Gaskin, who both have military associations with the GDF, the former a serving reservist holding the rank of Major, and Gaskin, a retired Lt. Col.

At the court’s resumption yesterday, Gaskin said any amendment to the second charge as for the reasons stated by the prosecution would amount to “an abuse of process”, result in “undue prejudice and unfairness to the defendant”, and is “bad in law”.

He said the defence agrees that the charge as it stands does not accurately reflect the summary of evidence, as nowhere is there to be found testimony that the officer in question “instructed WO Gordon to assign weapons.”

Additionally, no where in the statements is there to be found testimony that Ross had instructed anyone to have weapon numbers assigned for the purpose of issuing the said weapons.

Referring to the dicta of ‘Lord Chief Justice Parker in R versus Hall’ which the state relied on during its submission, the Defence argued that the proposed amendment failed on the second portion of the authority, as “it attempts to construct a charge which has not been disclosed by the testimony taken at depositions.”

Continuing, the attorney said while the Prosecution seeks to rely on “the condition of precedent” contained at Section 82 (2) of the Defence Rules of Procedure, it is the contention of the Defence that the proposed amendment “is not prepared in the interest of justice, is an abuse of the Court’s process, fails to satisfy the condition of precedent”, and as a consequence should be effectively disallowed.

Expounding on defence’s submission of “undue prejudice and unfairness to the defendant”, the defence pointed out that while the State presented several authorities that treat with the matter, and each concludes with an affirmation of the application to amend, the State did not provide the Court with authorities that point in an opposite direction, namely Rex versus Erlington (1922), Rex versus Jennings (1949); Rex versus Hughes (1927) and Regina versus Johal, Ram (1972).

The defence notes too, that in two other cases cited by the State, R versus Pople (1951) and R versus Teong Sun Chuah (1991), the facts are contained herein are irrelevant to the cause of the defence.

It is the defence’s contention that a charge which is undisclosed by evidence has been laid against its client, and the Prosecution is now seeking to insert a charge which is also undisclosed by evidence.

That action the defence sees as “a clear and vehemently unjust proposal which operates to the acute detriment and injustice” to the defendant.

Additionally, the defence claims that with its client having prepared his defence along particular lines of reasoning and with varying foci on prospective witnesses, to amend the charge as proposed would “bring to bear further injustice upon the accused and such injustice can only be corrected by the recalling of all the witnesses who have so far given viva voce evidence” in the matter. The defence further cited Tracy Alphonso and Downer (Andrew) versus R (1998) as the supporting authority.

And, on proposed charge being “bad in law”, the defence says should the amendment be approved over the strong and considered objection it has praised, then the main point of defence by the accused would be that the charge reflects no triable offence.

An adjournment was taken to allow the Judge Advocate to review the authorities laid over by the defence in support of its objection, and so advised the Court.

IDB sponsoring exhibition on L.A., Caribbean migration impact
THE Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) and Cultural Centre of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is sponsoring an exhibition titled ‘Far from home: the migration experience in Latin America and the Caribbean’.

For that purpose, it is inviting artists from throughout the region to submit art work that tells the story of migration impact on individuals, communities and nations.

MIF General Manager, Mr. Don Terry, said “migration has become an integral part of economic development, both inside and outside the region.”

A release said he stated that the MIF has made great strides on the financial side of remittances and the display is intended to show the human and community dimension.

“It seeks to challenge conventional wisdom by showing the less well known dimensions of migration, both as a rising trend between countries in the region and to new countries of destination, such as Spain and Japan,” Terry explained.

He said, the MIF, through its development projects with the Private Sector, has put remittances and human capital development in a more global and interconnected world economy in the spotlight.

“This exhibition on the migration experience of the region in the 21st Century seeks to share the dreams and tears of the migrant experience in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Director of the IDB Cultural Centre, Mr. Felix Angel.

The release said artists interested in submitting exhibits should note the following guidelines that:

* the showing is open to all born in Latin America and the Caribbean, regardless of where they live;

* each artist must submit a portfolio with the following materials:

(a) a statement about the interest of the artist in the subject;

(b) the artist’s resume (not exceeding two pages) listing all relevant information about his or her career;

(c) up to ten images of work available for exhibition;

(d) works should not exceed six feet in any direction, in the case of bi-dimensioned works (painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media) or three feet in any direction for tri-dimensional works and

(e) installations, video, multi-media works or performances will not be accepted.

* The portfolios must convey the experience of migration and its impact on individuals, communities or countries.

About submissions deadline:

* portfolios must be received at the IDB Cultural Centre on April 18;

* all entries must be mailed to Elba Agusti, IDB Cultural Centre, 1300 New York Avenue, Washington D.C. (20577), U.S.A. Phone 1-202- 623-1239. Send portfolios via courier service, since regular mail at the IDB is subject to biohazard decontamination and the material may be ruined due to radiation;

* selected artists will be notified by May 2;

* the exhibition will take place June 9 to 20;

* the IDB will cover the expenses of packing, transportation, insurance and return of the selected works to their original destination;

* a jury, of experts in the arts and officials from the MIF and the IDB Cultural Centre, will select works from those submitting proposals;

* the exhibition works will be displayed in the Atrium of the IDB Headquarters building, 1300 New York Avenue, NW. Washington, D.C., U.S.A.;

* a catalogue of reproducing all the selected works and the artists’ biographies will be published for the occasion and

* the MIF, in coordination with the IDB Cultural Centre, will promote the exhibit in Washington, D.C.

Gov’t agencies, forestry stakeholders enlightened on export procedures 
THE Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has been working towards enhancing the export process and this aim was furthered Thursday with the hosting of a workshop to promote greater awareness and understanding of the requirements for exporting forestry products.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), in collaboration with the Forestry Marketing Council of Guyana Incorporated, held a workshop towards ensuring that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Customs and Trade Administration (CTA) and stakeholders are fully aware of their obligations.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who spoke at the opening of the workshop at the Customs and Trade Administration building, Main Street, said that it is always impressive when a country’s Gross Domestic Product is steadily escalating, but this is only achievable when all stakeholders produce and sell goods and services of a better quality and greater worth.

He noted the timeliness of the workshop which he said would indeed improve the services while creating more consistent, predictable and quicker processing by all agencies.

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said there were some complaints by exporters of delays in the procedures, and subsequently the Ministry, through the GFC, engaged with the CTA to address this matter and the workshop was decided on.

Stakeholders participated in an interactive consultation with the objective of sharing ideas, and better improving the system of processing documents to ensure that there are no delays in exports of forest produce, Minister Persaud said.

Commissioner General of  the GRA Khurshid Sattaur said not only is it important to ensure there is maximum revenue collection, but to demonstrate the highest level of transparency and accountability in executing duties involving all parties-- the packagers, exporters and customs brokers.

He pointed out that they are aware that the present customs control applied to goods may not be adequate and are in the process of undertaking major restructuring of the system.

This involves large-scale computerization which will reduce the human intervention in the process. In addition, part of this system called the “Manifest Module”, which requires the sharing of data on goods moving from one country to another, will allow for more effective identification of high-risk traffic.  

Head of Finance Department GFC Edward Goberdan said over the past years exports of forestry products have increased significantly and more markets are now demanding these products from Guyana.

“Export plays a key role in boosting foreign exchange earnings in the country and we certainly would like to see this increasing over the coming years; for this reason the GFC has been working with exporters and the CTA, to enhance the process of exporting,”  Goberdan said.

BLUEPRINT FOR DEVELOPMENT
By Hydar Ally
The Budget Estimates for 2008 has been presented by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh. This is the second budget since the re-election of the ruling PPP/C and therefore could be seen as a continuation of the Party’s Manifesto promise to the people of Guyana, namely to build a modern and prosperous Guyana, one in which there is an expansion of economic, social and political space for all Guyanese in order to live decent and comfortable lives. The Budget seeks to further advance the transformation agenda of the ruling PPP/C administration.

As Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh pointed out in his Budget speech, the Budget is aimed at consolidating the impressive gains already made in transforming our economy and improving the lives of our people. In this regard, the Budget builds on the foundation already laid with respect to the maintenance of macro-economic stability and the creation of an enabling environment for the generation of wealth.

Like all previous budgets presented by the PPP/C administration, this budget is essentially people-oriented and has as its centre-piece the expansion of social services in particular education and health. The emphasis continues to be that of human development which entailed among other things providing opportunities for Guyanese to own their own homes, have access to jobs and educational opportunities, security of person and property and the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana.

The Budget is presented against the backdrop of a relatively stable international economic environment which in 2007 saw a growth rate of 4.9 %, a slight drop from last year which was 5.1%. The growth trajectory was led mainly by the emerging economies which grew by an average of 7.8% with China leading the way with an impressive 11.4%. This year the Guyana economy grew by 5.1%, a marginal increase over last year’s growth of 4.9%

The services component of the economy has also grown appreciably over the years. There was a time when taking a taxi to move in and around town was out of reach of the vast majority of Guyanese. Today, taxi service has become a flourishing business with car rentals and taxi services mushrooming all over the country. The same is true of hair dressing salons and other places of entertainment. The sea wall on the East Coast corridor is taking on picnic proportions especially on weekends.

All of this is pointing in the direction of greater disposable income and an enhanced quality of life. There is also the fact of an increasing number of Guyanese owning their own homes and other consumer items such as motor vehicles, refrigerators, washing machines, big-screen TV sets among others.

As a Party of the working people, the ruling PPP/C administration is committed to pursuing policies and programmes to benefit the ordinary people. This is why there is so much emphasis on the social sectors in particular education, health, water and housing which together consume the lion’s share of the budgetary allocation. Under the previous PNC administration, the social sectors were starved of resources which resulted in a run-down social and physical infrastructure.

The Budget can therefore be regarded as a blueprint for development which if effectively implemented could take the economy to greater heights. The PPP/C economic script seems to be, by and large, successfully implemented over the years, having regard to the specific tasks it had set itself at different periods of time. For example, the first phase of the PPP’s term in office was one of rebuilding the economy after over two decades of mismanagement and squandermania by the former PNC regime. The second phase was one of consolidation and laying the conditions for economic take off.

This current period could very well see a turn-around of economic fortunes especially when some of the major investments come to fruition including the Skeldon Modernisation Project and the completion of the Takatu and the Berbice Harbour bridges. The completion of the road network linking all the ten regions of the country and that of the neighbouring countries of Brazil and Venezuela has the potential to catapult this country into the ranks of the more advanced countries in this hemisphere in terms of living standard.

A bright future beckons us all. It is for us to take advantage of the opportunities before us and in so doing create a prosperous and secure environment for ourselves, our children and future generations to come.

Clousseau
Clousseau has noted the current attention being given to the National Stakeholders Meeting, which was scheduled to reassemble on Wednesday, 27th February, 2008 at the Office of the President.

Much effort and time has been expended in producing voluminous documents all of which were quite exhaustive in details of the various sectors affecting the National Security Plan. Some of those were the Justice Programme, Summary Security Sector Reform, Action Plan, Citizens Security Programme, Modernisation of the Justice Administration System, etc. But it was the Paper detailing the programme for 2008 on the Modernisation of the Justice Administration System which was most detailed, which included projected expenditure for at least fifty sub-heads that caught the attention of Clousseau which he found most impressive indeed.

Then there was the agenda for the meeting which included presentations by Parliamentary political parties providing for one representative from each of the five political parties making a presentation – PPP/C, PNCR, AFC, GAP/ROAR and TUF – followed by presentations by civil society organizations – one representative of each cluster starting with the religious community with presenters for each – Christian, Hindu, Muslim and IRO; trade unions; private sector; bar/legal profession, women, Amerindians, Guyana Citizens’ Initiative, the GHRA, ACDA, IAC and GRPA.

One hour was allocated for an open floor discourse and finalising with conclusions – summarising and way forward.

Clousseau can only hope that all went well and that there was enough time to have caused full ventilation on the various topics. He wonders on the affliction of crime on the country and believes that there will be general acceptance that the major cause is the question of unemployment, so that his thoughts took flight and concluded that if this is indeed the major cause then the problem can be solved within a year.

Guyana’s land space offers the solution and Clousseau would urge that a national land settlement project be launched immediately. There must be a call for all unemployed Guyanese, both men and women who are prepared to go to the land, to be registered with the appropriate ministry; there should be a time limit established. Clousseau envisages that land be identified and between the government and civil society and private enterprise share the task of clearing, as well as providing basic needs. This admittedly sounds fanciful, but the idea is attractive and professional inputs should be solicited to come up with a comprehensive plan.