Workshop begins crafting national agro-tourism action plan
By Tajeram Mohabir
TOP officials of the Tourism and Agriculture ministries met with others on Thursday to craft innovative measures for inclusion in the National Agro-Tourism Strategy and Action Plan.

Mr. Ignatius Jean, Country Representative of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), which facilitated the one-day discourse at Hotel Tower, in Main Street, Georgetown, said the scheme will outline strategies for:
* linkages to agriculture and tourism specific activities that can be developed from mutually beneficial agro-tourism products;

* the institutional framework for development of the agro-tourism sector and

* the promotion of key areas of competitiveness for private investment.

He said the discussion was also to identify two investment projects that are ‘bankable’ and the owners will participate in a two-day regional investment forum scheduled for Barbados next month.

The workshop, on which the Organisation of American States (OAS) also collaborated, is part of an agro-tourism venture that was started here in 2005, under the theme 'Strengthening of the tourism sector through the development of linkages with the agricultural sector in the Caribbean.'

Some topics that were considered for development at yesterday’s meeting included Guyana’s unique tourism products, culinary and wellness and agro-heritage tourism, both local and overseas.

According to Jean, a spectrum of investment opportunities exist, ranging from in direct production, distribution and marketing to joint ventures for local tours and trans-Caribbean plantation routes and Diaspora trails.

“Opportunities also exist in greenhouse, hydroponics and organic systems to supply hotels, restaurants and spas…in the promotion of fruit orchards and the production of cottage preserves for distribution in the Caribbean,” he pointed out.

“The strengthening of linkages between the tourism and agricultural sectors is a 'win, win' opportunity to renew the tourism market while providing a viable alternative to the livelihoods of the people of the region, especially in the rural communities where there has been significant marginalisation, due to the shrinkage of the agriculture sector,” Jean explained.

He said the agro-tourism enterprise mooted in 2005 has entered its second phase and is part fulfillment of IICA’s mandate under the ‘Jagdeo Initiative’, to revive and expand agriculture in the region to ensure food security.

Jean said, on the local front, it has been tailored to meet the national agenda as outlined by the Ministry of Agriculture.

He said IICA has led the development of agro-tourism linkages with the establishment of a Regional Agri-Tourism Linkages Centre in Barbados, which has since forged alliances with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotels Association (CHA), to demonstrate the benefits that could be obtained from the new agriculture sector.

Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud, told the participants that Government is committed to the development of the sector and recognises the benefits of linkages with the other sectors.

He expressed optimism that the development of a strategy and its implementation will help strengthen these linkages for a vibrant and thriving agro-tourism industry locally.

“It is my hope that this will not be another talk shop or just another strategy which remains on our bookshelves…let us use the opportunities presented to benefit both sectors and make our communities prosperous,” Persaud appealed.

He said the forum is timely and relevant, given domestic efforts to strengthen the two key sectors as well as regional and national concerns over food security.

Persaud said the ‘Jagdeo Initiate on Agriculture’ is a major undertaking by CARICOM to address the issue regionally, through stimulating agricultural production and value-adding to ensure the region’s food security.

“…to an extent, our conservancy areas, while providing a reservoir of fresh water for our crops, is also a wetland habitat, with biodiversity that is rare, unique and even endangered. These conservancy areas are not only accessible but are protected and managed and can offer a range of opportunities for tourism activities, such as bird watching and fishing, among others,” he suggested.

Persaud added: “Our organic farming initiatives in the Rupununi, Essequibo and North West can all serve to diversify Guyana’s tourism product and be developed for agro-tourism. So, too, our projects in aquaculture and inland and marine fisheries.”

He underscored the critical role of local communities, including the indigenous, as well as that of the tourism sector, in packaging and promoting the product and said it must be an integral part of the plan.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues, another of the featured speakers, agreed that the prospect for community agriculture in agro-tourism development is bright but said, for it to succeed, Amerindians will have to expand production.

She said cassava can serve as a tourist attraction, simply by showcasing its many fascinating uses, ranging from the extraction of poison to its preparation as a dish.

Rodrigues said other Amerindian communities and Mainstay Resort on Essequibo Coast, where pineapple is planted for export to Europe, can play key roles.

She said Mainstay is not only a visitor’s paradise but the residents can be engaged in successful entrepreneurship.

Rodrigues said similar opportunities abound in more indigenous communities with produce but a good strategy and proper training are needed to convert the potential to reality.

Overwhelming response to ‘Rice Price Buster’ operation 
- GMC General Manager
THE ‘Rice Price Buster’ exercise, being implemented by Government to help local consumers deal with the increased price for this staple, has proven successful and has stimulated similar interventions on the West Coast of Demerara, Berbice and Linden

Through Government’s intervention, quantities of rice were sourced from various millers and exporters and are being sold at lower prices. The commodity is being retailed at a cost of $325 per gallon at the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) Guyana Shop located at Robb and Alexander Streets, Georgetown.

In addition, two private businesses at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, are involved in the exercise while a similar venture is being considered for Kitty.

GMC’s General Manager, Nizam Hassan, said consumers have been responding well to the exercise, which came into operation on January 28 since more than 140 bags of rice were already sold during the first two and a half days.

He explained that there was limited response on the first day which may have been because of the lack of awareness among consumers. However, there have since been more advertisements including frequent notices on the radio which have contributed to more persons utilising the opportunity. 

Although there are adequate stocks, arrangements have been made for more supplies which are expected shortly. This is being facilitated by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) which has been very instrumental and supportive in ensuring adequate supplies.

Hassan explained that GMC’s involvement in the activity is in keeping with its responsibility to address hiccups that may exist in the distribution chain, for any particular commodity.

The exercise will be taken to other locations in the country during the weekend.

The demand for rice on the regional and international markets have increased significantly in recent years, particularly as a result of heightened focus on ethanol using corn and other agricultural crops as the feed-stock.

This has resulted in more market opportunities while at the same time, it has contributed to increased cost for certain agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, spare parts for agricultural machinery and fuel.

In Guyana, Government has made several interventions to help farmers overcome the high cost of input so that they can benefit from the increased market opportunities.

The exemption of Value Added Tax from basic input such as fertilisers, removal of the tax from spare parts for tractors and combines used in the rice industry and reduction of Excise Tax from fuel, are among some of the main initiatives.

Approximately $8B is currently being invested in the industry to improve drainage and irrigation, provide technical assistance and water management in Essequibo, enhance extension services and research development and carry out other necessary infrastructural improvements. Another major intervention by Government includes establishment of the $1.6B financial facility that provides credit at low interest rates to farmers, producers, exporters, millers and other stakeholders. (GINA)

Republic Bank, UG celebrate five-year awards partnership
REPUBLIC Bank (Guyana) Limited and the University of Guyana (UG), on Wednesday, celebrated their partnership by recognising and honouring three graduates.

At a simple ceremony, Senior Manager, Corporate and Management Services, Mr. Keith Johnson, said Republic Bank is strongly committed to enhancing the power to learn and succeed, which promotes and rewards academic excellence through its ‘Power to make a difference’ initiative.

Ms. Dionne Frank, who was valedictorian at last year's UG graduation, got the Bank Chairman’s Award, as the best graduating student in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Mr. Ryan Clarke was awarded as the best graduating student in banking and finance and the best graduating student from Tain Campus, in Berbice, Mr. Imran Alli also got an award.

Manager of Legal Services, Ms. Christine McGowan, pointed out that the bank joined UG five years ago to promote and reward excellence at the institution.

Today, the areas of collaboration between the two entities include subscriptions to business journals for the university library, scholarships for students and a soon to be unveiled programme for empowering final year undergraduates to enter the workplace.

“At Republic Bank, we believe that, at the core of our corporate responsibility, lies the need to make a difference in the lives of Guyanese. We also believe that we have the power to make a difference,” he asserted.

“Our major focus, in this regard, is the promotion of education and youth development across our nation and it is a distinct privilege to partner with other entities, in giving our youth the power to learn and succeed,” McGowan said.

JFK terror plot...
Trinidad judge postpones ruling on Guyanese extradition challenge
THE two Guyanese among those charged with conspiracy to blow up fuel tanks at JFK Airport in New York will now have to wait longer to know if they are going to be extradited to the United States (U.S.).

That is because High Court Judge Nolan Bereaux has delayed, until February 12, his decision on their extradition from Trinidad.

The ruling was originally scheduled for Thursday but Justice Bereaux postponed it as he had not completed writing his reasons.

Abdul Kadir, 56, former Member of the Guyana Parliament and Abdel Nur, 57, along with 62-year-old Abdul Kareem Ibrahiim, a Trinidadian, are challenging an order previously made by Trinidad Chief Magistrate, Sherman Nichols, last August 6, to extradite them.

Meantime, the trio remains incarcerated in a Trinidad jail where they have been since June 2007.

Another accused, Guyanese-born Russel DeFreitas, a former cargo handler at JFK, is imprisoned in New York awaiting trial, too.

Rotarians celebrating ‘World Understanding Day’ February 15
THE Rotary Club of Georgetown will join in the international celebration of ‘World Understanding Day’ with a February 15 gala dinner at Le Meridian Pegasus Hotel.

At that function, the feature address will be delivered by Mr. Perry Christie, Leader of the Opposition and former Prime Minister of The Bahamas.

A release said invitees to the occasion include other parliamentarians, Government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of civil society and Rotarians in the Guyana family.

The release said, during the month of February every year, 1,200,000 Rotarians in 166 countries celebrate World Understanding Month, as a reflection of the horrors of ignorance, poverty and conflict and the importance of energising the efforts of those who promote understanding through a continuing search for justice, peace and development.

It was once thought that international understanding would be achieved through the expansion of world trade and instantaneous communication. However, although globalisation contributes to bringing the world closer together, the challenges for universal understanding, tolerance and peace are becoming increasingly elusive, the release stated.

Prominent GEPAC member laid to rest
…Consul General Doobay among hundreds paying last respects
By Frederick Halley
TORONTO - There was an outpouring of grief at the All Nations Full Gospel Church in Toronto, Canada on Saturday last, as hundreds turned out to pay their last respects to the late Cleveland Charles Moore, a prominent member of the Guyanese community.

The 70-year-old Moore, credited as being a stalwart member of the Guyana Ex-police Association of Canada (GEPAC), died on January 10 at the Sunnybrook Hospital following a prolonged illness.

At the time of his demise, he was the Business Manager of GEPAC, after serving in various capacities including that of president and secretary.

Among those in the packed church were Guyana’s Consul General Danny Doobay, executives and members of GEPAC, representatives of the Guyana ex-soldiers of Canada and members of the Guyana Ex-police Association of America.

In a moving tribute, the Consul General said the community and indeed the country had lost a great son.

According to Doobay, he first met Moore in 1993 when the now deceased was instrumental in spearheading the Palms Restoration Project. “His honesty, intensity, firmness and commitment to his community and people were steadfast,” Doobay pointed out.

“Let us commit ourselves in his name that we are going to walk in his footsteps and do the things that he would have done,” Doobay advised the large congregation.

Current president of GEPAC William Henry, in his tribute, spoke highly of Moore, pointing out that his wisdom and intuition were remarkable. According to Henry, “as a member of GEPAC, he became so prominent in the way he articulated, the reports he presented, his Motions on the Floor, citations from the GEPAC Constitution, The Human Rights Code, and his advancement of Robert’s Rules of Order, that he became one of the pillars upon which we leaned.

“Cleveland learned quickly the thing he liked. He was always thoughtful and kind. He knew the meaning of brotherhood. Unlike the average person, he would die for his convictions rather than give up on his beliefs.

“Like Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s Wartime Prime Minister, Cleveland, had the capacity, ability and determination to rally troops. A politician, strategist, communicator, debater, tactician and philanthropist – this brother was a combination of all of these rolled into one,” Henry asserted.

“In paying tribute to Moore, it would be remiss, should I neglect to mention three ‘big ones’:

(i) The GEPAC first international re-union of May, 1999 was the brain-child of Moore.

(ii) that in the current re-written GEPAC Constitution, although I was the advocate of adding siblings of policemen to the membership, it was Moore who successfully fought the issue for their equal rights.

(iii) In the Collation, Communication and Information on members and membership – In these matters, I sincerely believe that the late Cleveland would give even the great past president Gordon Collins a good run for his money.

“Cleveland has lived an enjoyable life. He did have good times. Now he moves on to the realm of painlessness and eternity; but the memories and contribution he left will last forever in our hearts,” Henry disclosed.

The New York Chapter of the Guyana Ex-police Association of America was represented by Glydon Coleman, who told the audience that Moore’s passing was also observed in New York where a service was held in his honour.

Coleman and Moore were members of the same batch who joined the then British Guiana Police Force in the early 60s. Moore, whose regulation number was 6272, however, migrated to Canada in 1965 and has been living there until he passed away.

Among others paying tributes were GEPAC’s treasurer Cleveland Chester and Trustee Roy Soobrian while Past President John O’Dell rendered a solo and member Lance Alexander did a poem.

Former members of the Guyana Police Force Band, Jan Morgan and Casburt Jeffrey, blew the Last Post at the Beechwood Cemetery where the remains were buried. Morgan had earlier done a fine rendition of Amazing Grace during the nearly two-hour long funeral service.

Moore leaves to mourn his wife Joyce and two children from the relationship among other relatives.

SOCIAL PATHOLOGIES
By Hydar Ally
THERE are in the life of every nation, pathological situations which create in the collective conscience of the body politic, spasms of pain and revulsion. One such situation was the recent slaughter of eleven persons, including five children of the Lusignan community, whose lives were snuffed out by criminal elements in the most savage and barbaric manner imaginable.

The incident, as to be expected, generated widespread anger and hurt. People from the Lusignan and the adjoining communities were particularly agitated to a point where they took to the streets to demonstrate their collective anger and rage over what they perceived to be the inability of the security forces to protect them from criminal elements.

Members of the security forces and senior government officials were made in no uncertain terms to experience the wrath of citizens for their apparent failure to provide them with the protection as provided for in the Constitution of Guyana.

What is disgusting and sickening about this unfortunate tragedy were the attempts made to politicise the issue and in the process create the impression that the responsibility for the deadly attacks were that of the ruling administration and not the criminal gangs which had openly vowed to create mayhem and disorder in the society.

The fact that the murderous attacks took place in the vicinity of the Afro-centred Buxton community sand-witched by predominantly Indo-Guyanese communities, created fertile ground for ethno-cultural imputations. Buxton, after all, had been at the centre of numerous attacks, some deadly, in which the majority of the victims were of East Indian descent.

It is common knowledge that criminal elements sought sanctuary in the Buxton community and the adjacent backlands from which they unleash their criminal actions.

In the case of Lusignan, the overriding motive was certainly not economic as nearly all of the victims were of extremely modest means. There were no evidence of conspicuous lifestyles which showed clearly that the motive of the killings were anything but economic.

It seems logical to assume therefore, that the underlying motive behind the Lusignan killings was to create fear and a sense of paralysis among the Guyanese people and a perception that the Government of Guyana is unable to live up to its constitutional mandate which is to protect the nation from attacks against person and property.

As to be expected, calls were made in the media by well known anti-government elements for the resignation of key government functionaries, including the Home Affairs Minister and the Police Chief. Some were even calling for the resignation of President Jagdeo.

Even more worrying were attempts to drive a wedge between the two major ethnic groups - Blacks and East Indians, by imputing ethnic considerations into the murders.

One newspaper, the Kaieteur News, in its front page comment even went to the ridiculous length of accusing the PPP for being behind the spontaneous protest actions in an effort to create mischief and drive a wedge between the ruling Party and the Government.

There are still others who accuse the government of being incapable of dealing with the crime situation but are vehemently opposed to the army being called upon to render assistance to police and civilian forces in the fight against crime and terrorism. The fact of the matter is that no society, no matter how strongly endowed in terms of policing and military strength, can guarantee the safety of all its citizens from criminal attacks.

Crime regardless of its source knows no geographical boundaries and affects everyone regardless of race or ethnicity. Our experience in the early 1960’s demonstrated that no ethnic group is spared the deadly and chilling effects of ethnic strife and tension. The scars of the 60’s are still too fresh in the institutional memory of this nation for any right-thinking Guyanese to even contemplate a return to such a sordid past.

It is to the credit of the PPP/C administration and the security forces that genuine expressions of anger were not allowed to degenerate into manifestations of ethnic conflagration as some people were seeking to provoke. The security forces have a duty and responsibility to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that society is not reduced to a state of anomie and lawlessness in which men are reduced to a state of nature in which there is, in the words of the English Philosopher Thomas Hobbes, a state in which there is “war of all against all’ and where the laws of the jungle prevails.

Modern society is based on the rule of law and a governance mechanism in which the rights of both the majority and minority are respected and upheld. Guyana has come a long way in this regard. This does not mean, however, that there is not room for improvement.

The search for a more inclusive and participatory society must continue to be on the front burner.

Now that the eleven Lusignan victims have been laid to rest, we should all recommit ourselves to a crime free society where attack on one must be seen as an attack on all, regardless of race, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is the best way in which we can honour the memories of the Lusignan victims and those who were killed in the line of providing security service to this society of ours.

My deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends of all those who perished at the hands of