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May Day sees a divided labour movement again
- FITUG says its efforts at unity with GTUC unsuccessful
By Tajeram Mohabir
WORKERS from the various unions, decked out in traditional white and red, yesterday marched through the streets of Georgetown in full numbers to celebrate Labour Day. But once again the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) parted company at Woolford Avenue.

FITUG’s rally was held under the banner of: ‘Fighting for Workers’ Economic and Social Advancement.’

The united march kicked off at the Parade Ground and the workers made their way through Main Street, then into High Street, Kingston, from there to Duncan Street and then into Albert Street and again like in recent years the two trade union factions separated for the Critchlow Labour College (GTUC) and the National Park (FITUG).

However, amidst the relatively calm and peaceful atmosphere, a group apparently activists of an opposition party, were very vocal in airing their anti-government sentiments. But they were ignored by the workers and the proceedings went on incident free.

The allied unions of the TUC included the Guyana Public Service Union (GSPU), the Guyana Workers’ Union (GWU), the United Minibus Union and the Guyana Postal and Telecommunications Union (GPTU).

The unions comprising the FITUG contingent were the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU).

President of FITUG, Mr. Carvil Duncan, addressing the packed western wing of the National Park stadium stressed that Labour Day reminds the working class of the struggles of workers in the past to be represented, have a decent salary/wage and satisfactory working conditions.

This struggle, he reminded ought not to be forgotten and should be the premise to inspire local trade union unity.

However, Mr. Duncan underscored that while FITUG is committed in bonding with the TUC, its efforts seems to be of no avail. He disclosed that four meetings were held with delegations of the TUC to have a united march yesterday but at every meeting their representatives dwindled.

At the last meeting, the FITUG President said, two members of the TUC were in attendance and clearly indicated that they cannot make any decision on behalf of the union.

Mr. Duncan lamented the separation of the unions and declared that the TUC’s action would only cause further division and exploitation of workers.

Food Prices
He also slammed dissidents who blamed the rise in food prices on the administration’s failure to institute measures to control the situation.

That scenario, the FITUG boss clarified is experienced globally and is caused by the increase in oil prices on the international market which has led to the doubling of prices for fertilizers. Oil is a key ingredient in the production of that commodity.

Other factors he cited for the increases include the allocation of lands previously used for food cultivation for bio-fuel production and climate change.

GAWU General Secretary Komal Chand pointed out that government has recognised the problem and has removed VAT on most food items. The administration has also reduced the excise tax on gasoline and received the financial backing from the Guyana Power and Light and the Guyana Water Inc. to curtail their high rates.

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture recently launched a ‘Grow More’ campaign which is geared to ensure adequate supplies of fresh fruits and vegetables locally and for export.

“ However, in view of the steady deterioration with no end in sight, we would like to see the government subsidising some basic food items, restricting the export of certain commodities to ensure adequate supplies locally, taking considered measures to cap prices on basic food items and at the same time introduce stringent anti-hoarding measures,” he appealed.

The GAWU General Secretary underlined that the unions welcome any relief to workers and suggested the establishment of a broad based national task force to monitor the situation.

Crime
He condemned the Lusignan and Bartica massacres which claimed the lives of 23 persons and expressed support for increase financing, improved training and technical equipment for the joint services by the administration and other friendly governments to crush the criminal enterprise.

Mr. Chand lamented that the motion to consolidate the united action agreed upon by the stakeholders at the National Stakeholders consultation did no get the approval of several members when it was taken to parliament.

“While some parliamentarians seek to play their games, the criminals are still at large raising the troubling questions, when where and who will they hit next,” he pointed out.

In spite of these unfortunate happenings, the GAWU General Secretary highlighted that the work of the criminals has not deterred the investment atmosphere.

“The Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI) has just had the sod turned for its multi-million dollar edifice going up now. Another bank from Trinidad is nearing completion in the heart of Georgetown and, by and large, the financial and fiscal sectors are in good shape even as excess liquidity is still not threatening exchange rates,” he noted.

Critchlow Labour College
Mr. Chand related that when the college was established in the 1960s, its objective was to provide trade union education to workers, but that purpose for many years now has been shattered.

The General Secretary said he understands that the institution’s new role is to provide another opportunity for school drop-outs.

“We do not wish to offer objection to giving persons another scholastic opportunity having failed to fully use the opportunities at primary and secondary schools. However, the college must focus primarily on workers’ education. Today more than ever this is required. Look around at some striving businesses, the influx of foreign enterprises and note the unimaginable exploitation of workers of many spheres of employment, he implored.

The top GAWU official recommended that a workers’ representative board be established and it should spare no effort to ensure the state restores funding for the college.

May Day
In Guyana, May Day 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of May 1 as a national holiday. It was approved by the then Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP) administration following a motion in the legislative council moved by Mr. Rupert Tello, who was at time General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress.

However, the genesis of Labour Day struggles started on May 1, 1886 when 80,000 workers marched into Chicago to demand an eight hour work day with no reduction in pay. Just after the Chicago’s march more than 350,000 workers went on strike throughout the United States of America demanding an eight hour workday.

These workers’ militant actions formed the basis for the 1889 congress of the Second International, an organisation of socialist and labour parties, held in Paris, for a resolution which declared that May 1 to be celebrated as International Workers Day worldwide.

GPHC describes Stabroek News headline as ‘erroneous and misleading’
THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has expressed its disappointment at what it said is the erroneous and misleading headline ‘Bee Hive smash-up – Failed plea was made for ambulance’ which was carried in the Wednesday, April 30, 2008 edition of the Stabroek News.

In a release the GPHC said: “The headline and accompanying article gives the impression that an ambulance from the GPHC was never dispatched to the accident scene. Our records show that an ambulance (BHH 4102) was dispatched at 19:31h and returned at 20:25 h with two male victims.”

“The woman referred to in the article, called an ambulance driver on his personal phone to report the accident. The cellular phone was given to the dispatcher on duty but because of the woman’s frantic state, the dispatcher was unable to understand what was being said.”

The release explained that in an effort to understand the woman’s plea, the phone was given to another person on duty who advised her to call either the La Bonne Intention (LBI) estate or the Melanie Estate because of their proximity to the accident scene. Having complained about the limited credit in her cellular phone, the caller was advised to call 913 because that is free. 

It is important to understand that in such cases, the ambulance which is nearest to the scene is the one most suited to respond. The GPHC ambulance would have to cover a distance of thirty-seven (37) miles from Georgetown to Bee Hive.

The GPHC also pointed out that paragraph three of the article is inaccurate: “He advised her to call 913. She said that when she dialed that number she was asked all sorts of questions and then told to call the LBI estate. At this point the woman’s credit on her cell phone was running out and she all but screamed at the operator for an ambulance which was desperately needed,” the article stated.

According to the GPHC, she was told to call the LBI estate when she called on the cellular phone and 913 is free, so it is puzzling as to why her credit was running out.

However, before she called 913, the supervisor on duty was made aware of the situation and having realized its seriousness, he dispatched the ambulance. When the woman called 913 she was told that our ambulance had already been dispatched, the release said. 

“The GPHC cannot comprehend why the reporter could not get through to the Ambulance Dispatcher’s office since this service is operated on a 24 hour-basis,” the release said.

Additionally, the release stated that it has been repeatedly stated that only the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Khan and the Director, Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Madan Rambaran are authorised to speak to the media on any incident involving the hospital.

Fifteen persons were brought to the GPHC on April 28, 2008 following the accident. Three were pronounced dead on arrival, five were admitted and seven were treated and sent home. The victims were transported to the hospital in a minibus, police car, Enmore Ambulance and GPHC ambulance in that order, the release said.

The GPHC reiterated commitment to assisting the public but persons must understand that like any other system, procedures need to be followed.

“When erroneous statements are reported in the media, it is very disheartening to staff who work diligently to ensure that members of the public are given quality care,” the GPHC declared.

World Bank committed to Guyana’s development
WORLD BANK Director for the Caribbean Country Management Unit, Latin America and the Caribbean Region, Ms. Yvonne Tsikata, who is on an official visit to Guyana, has pledged the institution’s continued support and assistance.                                                  

Tsikata met with President Bharrat Jagdeo and visited Santa Mission, an Amerindian community in Region 3.

“We talked at length about the World Bank’s relationship with Guyana and the Bank’s commitment to continue this good relationship and strengthen it further,”

Tsikata said of the meeting with President Jagdeo.

Currently, the World Bank is discussing with Government officials the details of the upcoming Country Assistance Strategy which will cover a period of three years (2009-2012).

The World Bank Director referred to government’s position on the transparency of its operations. She noted that the government has emphasised competitiveness and that the Bank has been working on the ‘Doing business indicators’, indicating that while the trend is in the right direction there are challenges.

Some of the challenges that Guyana faces are regional, such as vulnerabilities in dealing with natural disasters and climate change, the global environment in terms of prices for energy and food and also the challenges of preference, erosion and elimination.

Ms. Tsikata said that the important thing is moving forward and the challenge of high food prices can be dealt with if there is increase in productivity and investment in the agricultural sector.

“Guyana has shown great leadership in this respect in the CARICOM discourse, there is going to be an agricultural sector investment, and I think these kind of interventions and bringing in the private sector are critical to enhance food security not only for Guyana but the Caribbean,” she noted.

Discussion is ongoing with the Government stakeholders to ascertain what the priority areas are for Government and the role the World Bank will play. 

The Director noted that President Jagdeo was clear that he was not seeking funding for a particular area, but that he wanted to emphasise what Guyana values at this point.

“He (President Jagdeo) would like to move from analysis to concrete practical solutions and actions,” Tsikata said.

The areas that were discussed at the meeting with the President are the social sectors, supporting vulnerable groups, infrastructure as key and the need to bring in the private sector, and how to get the assistance flows from the World Bank directly to the beneficiaries.

The Director posited that there have been gains in terms of macro stabilisation in Guyana. However, faster growth along with what is happening on the trade front is critical. She said that the World Bank will look at this and other aspects in its economic report on Guyana.

The World Bank Director also posited that in the meetings with the various sectoral ministers that she was encouraged by their perception on how the projects are being executed.

“My sense is that the operations are doing well, some of them have just begun like the Conservancy project. So what we can see today is physical progress rather than the ultimate outcome, which is to reduce flooding,” She noted.

Tsikata said that the monitoring of the World Bank programmes comes from the organisation’s counterparts in Guyana. In addition, World Bank staff that work on specific projects will periodically visit to look at the development of the project.

The World Bank has funded several significant programmes in Guyana including the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control project that amounted to US$10M, the Water Sector Consolidation Project that costs US$11.3M, the Education for All Fast Track Initiative that amounted to US$45M, and the US$3.8M Conservancy Adaptation Project.
(GINA)

Government hosts World Press Freedom Day media conference
THE Government of Guyana is hosting the first Annual Guyana Media and Communication Conference today at the International Conference Centre, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

The event is being held under the theme ‘Media Freedom Functioning To Empower People.’

It intends to attract media reform advocates, activists, media makers, educators, journalists, academics and other citizens.

Among the issues on the agenda are evolution of press freedom in Guyana; the prerequisites of media credibility; the role of the state media; strategies for reporting on developmental issues; public interest responsibility in broadcasting; landscape discussions on the new media.
NEWS

Media environment in CARICOM
-focus on Georgetown conference
Analysis by Rickey Singh   
A CARIBBEAN MEDIA and Communications Conference is currently taking place in Guyana to coincide with this year's observance of "World Press Freedom Day"--May 3

Funded by UNESCO and involving national/regional media managers and practitioners, as well as members of the academic community, the conference got underway in Georgetown yesterday (Thursday) and is scheduled to end tomorrow (Saturday).

One of the highlights of the conference is expected to be an overview of the state of media freedom in the region and focused on Caribbean Community partner states.

Except for occasional pockets of media/government conflicts in a few member states, our Community boasts a generally healthy reputation for press freedom.

This perception is shared by Secretary General of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), Patrick Cozier, with whom I spoke earlier in the week, when we discussed the proliferation of radio and television stations and cable operators and wondered whether "more" has really translated to "better". It's an ongoing debate.

In relation to the few cases of government media conflicts of recent vintage, these would include developments in Guyana, Grenada and Dominica. Jamaica had a different kind of controversy last month--one resulting from threatened sanctions by the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) against "News Talk 93 FM" for violating the terms of its broadcast licence.

Suspension was avoided by the station's expression of regret and, more importantly, its moving expeditiously to ensure relevant internal control mechanisms are in place for call-in programmes.

In the case of Guyana, where CNS Channel 6 broadcast licence has been suspended for four months by President Bharrat Jagdeo, the hope is that the government will reconsider its harsh penalty and significantly reduce the suspension. 

Those in and out of the Guyanese media sector genuinely interested in helping Chandra Narine Sharma--businessman, maverick politician and operator of CNS Channel 6 television--should perhaps take the opportunity of the current Media and Communications Conference to find a path of compromise instead of confrontation.

Resolution of the dispute involving "News Talk 93 FM" and the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica seems to offer an example for resolution. Anyone, friend of Sharma, or foe of the Jagdeo administration, who really believes that although it originally acknowledged violation of its broadcast licence, then to repeat the offence (a criminal threat) on three subsequent broadcasts, the station should be spared from any form of sanction, cannot be taken seriously. Freedom without responsibility is a dangerous route

President Jagdeo should, however, indicate willingness for a compromise resolution once Sharma comes forward with a practical approach that reveals both regret for the offensive broadcast and willingness to have in place required internal control mechanisms to avoid a recurrence of the crude violations.  

Having finally authorised the resumption of public sector advertisements to the Stabroek News--the suspension of which, in my judgement, should not have been imposed in the first place--President Jagdeo should not now close the door to a reasonable compromise for CNS Channel 6, although it is quite a different case to that of the advertisement controversy involving a privately owned newspaper.

Since the collapse, some 16 years ago, of the Caribbean Publishing and Broadcasting Association (CPBA), a once high profile media owners body, and the earlier death of what existed as an independent and respected Caribbean Press Council (CPC), the region's need for critical re-assessment of how to collectively enable a more responsible environment for defending and sustaining freedom of media and freedom of expression now appears all the more urgent.  
(Courtesy, Barbados Weekend Nation's "Our Caribbean" column)

UNESCO says Caribbean lagging in Freedom on Information legislation
-as Caribbean media confab opens in G/town
By Neil Marks
THE Caribbean is lagging on the enactment of Freedom of Information legislation, according to Mr. Isidro Fernandez-Aballi of the Jamaica regional office of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Mr. Fernandez-Aballi, speaking at the opening of the Caribbean Media and Communication Conference in Georgetown, said only three countries in the region – Trinidad, Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines have enacted law for Freedom of Information.

He said that access to information and freedom of expression are the founding principles of good governance, development, and peace, and can be the safeguard for other rights and freedoms.

Mr. Fernandez-Aballi made his comments as Caribbean media workers from across the Caribbean gathered at the Cara Lodge for the annual conference, which is held in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day. World Press Freedom Day will be observed on May 3, the final day of the conference.

The conference, in its 10th year, is being held in Guyana for the second time, and has as its theme: “Freedom of Expression, Access and Empowerment.” The organisers of the conference are UNESCO, Caribbean Broadcasting Union, and Association of Caribbean Media Workers in collaboration with the Guyana Press Association and University of Guyana.

Professor Vibert Cambridge of Ohio University, U.S.A., called for a fund to encourage excellence in programming, failing which there will be a proliferation of “shout out” programming as is the norm on Guyanese television.

He said too that there is need for a harmonisation of the communications education curriculum across the Caribbean.

Professor Cambridge also touted the needs for some aspect of “conflict resolving journalism” to address the conflicts in Guyanese and Caribbean societies, as journalists are being seen as the “mediators.”

He said there is a need for media practitioners to be equipped to report on new challenges, such as rising food prices.

The conference has six plenary sessions: The state of the media in the Caribbean, including the state of the media in Guyana; Public media policy in a market-driven communication and information environment; Role and relevance of media and communication in regional development; Communications technology – Impact and Implications for the Media; Empowering citizen participation in society through media and communication; Behaviour change communication.

TPL takes GFC to court on alleged forestry breaches
By Tajeram Mohabir
AGRICULTURE Minister Robert Persaud last Wednesday announced that Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL) has taken the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to court in an attempt to stifle that body from addressing several of its breaches in the forestry sector.

Speaking at a press briefing hastily convened at his Ministry, Persaud stressed that TPL is trying to use the court to prevent the GFC from fulfilling its statutory mandate as prescribed by the Laws of Guyana.

“I wish to advise that the GFC emphasised that as custodians of the State Forest Estate, it will continue to make every effort to ensure that the utilization of our forest resources occur in a manner that is legal and sustainable,” he underscored.

According to Persaud, TPL was the holder of a Timber Sales Agreement (TSA) that expired on December 31, 2007 and in the latter part of 2006, all TSA's and Wood Cutting Lease (WCL) holders were reminded at a meeting held in the GFC lower conference room of the procedures which must be followed for approval of their harvesting operations in 2007.

The minister with responsibility for forestry pointed out that the meeting was followed by a public notice further reminding TSA and Wood Cutting Lease (WCL) holders of the procedures and the consequences of non-compliance.

He said, in February 2007, the company was directly written again advising on the

procedures to be followed before approval could be granted for commencement of harvesting operations but to no avail.

Persaud also disclosed that in the latter part of 2007, a GFC audit revealed that TPL was guilty of harvesting in at 27 blocks for which no 100% inventory information was submitted to nor approved by the GFC.

In addition, he lamented the company was in breach of the guidelines by harvesting in two (blocks which were not stated in their Annual Operation Plan (AOP) for 2007.

“The total volume that was harvested without approval was 24,153m³ of logs and 28,719 metres of round wood (piles, poles, posts).  Compensation payable to the GFC for these breaches was calculated at G$ 80,289,100.00,” Persaud stressed.

On the basis of this evidence, he said the GFC held several meetings with the management of TPL to address the issue and at no time during these discussions the company denied the occurrence of these breaches.

The minister said the GFC after completing an exhaustive investigative process, which had included discussion with management of TPL, formally wrote to TPL advising them of the specific contraventions committed and the compensation payable in accordance with the procedures for calculating compensatory payments.

Subsequently, he noted the GFC via correspondence reminded TPL of it infringements and the need for the matter to be resolved urgently.  

But Persaud said the GFC received correspondence from R. N. Poonai and S. J. Poonai, Attorneys-at-Law on behalf of TPL on March 18, 2008 which clearly indicate that company did not committed any breach.  

The GFC then held additional discussions with the management of TPL, but the company maintained its position which forced the commission to issue a stop order for activities on the TSA, he said.

On April 30, 2008, the GFC received notice of legal proceedings instituted by TPL. The matter will be heard in court on May 7 and the commission will formally respond to TPL’s arguments which the minister declined to disclose.

“The GFC is very concerned that despite its best efforts of encouraging the sector to do sustainable forest management practices, TPL has committed blatant breaches and when so advised, they have chosen to take legal action.

Of note, however, is the fact that other companies such as Barama Company Limited, Caribbean Resources Limited, Guyana Sawmills Limited, among others have agreed on settling the liabilities for similar breaches,” he pointed out.

He commended companies in the forestry sector which have been working with the GFC to ensure compliance with the procedures and supported the national quest for sustainable management of the forest resources.

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is responsible for the proper management of the state forest resources. To fulfill this mandate, a number of procedures and guidelines consistent with international standards were developed to encourage sustainable forest management at the level of the forest concession.

Guyana is today held as a model of sustainable forest management.

These guidelines include companies submit their AOP to the GFC, by November 30 for the following year's operation.

The AOP must contain the number of 100 hectare blocks to be harvested, accompanied with the 100% inventory information for all of the commercial species to be harvested from these blocks.  Approval for harvesting is given after the GFC has conducted field checks to confirm the level of accuracy.

GT&T demands protection for staff on assignments
THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) has expressed its disgust at the robbery committed against one of its employees while on assignment and at the absence of any response from the community despite pleas for help.

The incident occurred last Monday morning when two technicians travelled to McDoom to effect the installation of new services. They were attacked by two young men, one with a gun and the other with a hammer.

While one technician was able to run away, the other was held by the man who had the hammer raised threateningly, as the one with the gun went through his pockets relieving him, of a cell phone, a ring and other personal belongings.

The technicians reported that while the attack was taking place, some villagers were walking, some were riding and some were sitting on their steps and went inside, without making any attempt to assist them.

According to the Company’s Deputy General Manager (Public Communication), Mr. Terry Holder. “It is not unreasonable to expect that technicians who have gone into a community to provide services in the interest of that community would receive some level of protection. What the incident does is to bring home to us the difficult situation to which our staff are being exposed.”

“The Company does have a responsibility to the public and it has a responsibility to its staff. But even as the primary responsibility is to the public, we will have to review that commitment against the threats posed to our employees.”

GT&T is to identify the areas where there have been incidents and an assessment is to be done about the future deployment of staff in those areas.

Discussions will be held with community policing groups about the level of protection of the Company’s personnel assigned to do work in the various areas.

Intensive School of Nations summer programme in Business/Economics
DR. Dexter Phillips will be conducting an Intensive AS and AL course in Business and Economics for the month of July at School of Nations in Georgetown. Dexter was formerly the Deputy Head of School of Nations and is now teaching at an International School in China.

According to a School of Nations release, Dr. Phillips has extensive teaching experience with the Caribbean Examination Council (CSEC) in Principle of Business and Principles of Accounts, with Cambridge AS and A Level in Economics, Business Studies and Accounting and with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) at the Standard Level and Higher Level in Economics and Business and Management. 

Dr. Phillips is an International Baccalaureate Organization Examiner and Moderator for Business and Management. He has taught at School of the Nations in Guyana and at International Schools/ IB World Schools in the Philippines and currently in China. Dr. Phillips has held many admin and counselling roles, e.g. Vice Principal Secondary at SON, College Careers Counsellor, IB Coordinator, Dean of Student Affairs. 

He holds a Masters of Arts in Education (MA), Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D): Institutional Planning. 

He has recently been awarded a scholarship by the Swiss Management Centre in Vevy Switzerland to read for a Doctor of Business Administration. 

Dr. Phillips is the author of : ‘Higher and Standard Level Business and Management Class Notes: A Revision Guide for Use with the International Baccalaureate Business and Management Program’ . The book will be published in August 2008 by Tafford Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-4251-7149-0 Catalogue #: 08-0216

The Business Studies AS will include modules on: Business and the environment, Operations Management and Business Finance and Accounting. The Economics AS will cover; Basic Economic Ideas: Cores 1 to 3. 

Other Cambridge AS and AL courses will be offered in: Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, English Language, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Mathematics and Thinking Skills. A detailed brochure on the month of classes can be obtained from Nations 6th Form College.

The courses will make extensive use of very detailed handouts. The Workshop will be held daily from July 8th to 30th at School of Nations, 120 Parade Street, Georgetown. Information on the course can be obtained from the school or call 2265784 or 628 4533.

The way of life: Answers to contemporary problems
- Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj.
“True freedom is experienced when the mortal form which is entangled by lust, greed and anger is emancipated from those qualities that inevitably paint a false picture of the true purpose of this temporary life” - Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj
By Sarada Singh
GUYANA, even though blessed with political freedom which includes freedom of speech, the right to vote and religious persuasion among others, is still not enough for the true enlightenment for its populace.

This view was expressed by Spiritual Director of the Cove and John Ashram Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

He explained that true freedom is experienced when the mortal form which is entangled by lust, greed and anger is emancipated from those qualities that inevitably paint a false picture of the true purpose of this temporary life.

These qualities of false pride the Spiritual Director noted have reduced great kings, leaders, millionaires and even religious aspirants from the platform of success to the dungeon of hopelessness.

According to the Swami, the freedom Guyana enjoys is a gift from God that came through great sacrifices of disciplined leaders and ought to be preserved for the benefit of its children who are the future leaders.

He contended that the beauty and freedom of any country rest upon its young people who must be engaged in programmes conducive to augment their leadership skills.

Leadership roles
He asserted that the secrets of this imperative quality is enshrined in the teachings of great personalities like Swami Acharaya Pranavanandaji Maharaj (1896-1941), a life long celibate who advocated that educational and marriage institutions play a pivotal role in molding a disciplined society.

But this he underlined could only be achieved through the inculcation of the principles of abstinence and obedience in the child at an early age.

“Those who persevere in achieving the human ideals through preservation of semen and abstinence are dearer to me than my life itself. Whenever, wherever and in whatever situation they may be, my help shall always be due to them: my soul-force shall ever shield them like talisman,” Acharaya Pranavanandaji has declared.

Abstinence
According to him, abstinence in a broad sense means to control the senses. More specifically, it refers to chastity and contended that illicit sex is the one that is the most depleting pleasures to the human psychic and nervous system.

“Most people do not like to hear this but, everyone should practice self-control to the best of their ability. Many eminent spiritual leaders like Sankara Acharya, Jesus, Lakshman, Hanuman, Bishma were lifelong celibates. Emperors like Pritviraj, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and in our time a character like Swami Purnandaji Maharaj (1906-1986) founder of the famous Hindu College Cove and John Ashram are also exemplary personalities,” the Swami said.

Benefits of Abstinence
The spiritual leader emphasised that there are many benefits to be derived from this practice such as good health, peace of mind and long life.

He noted it invigorates the mind, nerves and helps to conserve physical and mental energy which are essential elements for strength and vitality.

Swami Vidyanandaji posited that those who practice abstinence are endowed with lustrous eyes, sweet voices and beautiful complexions. The spiritual leader pointed out that great leaders of religion, politics or science world over have observed self-discipline to some extent for freedom and liberty in order to make the world a better place.

Role of the educational institution
The Swami is of the view that educational institutions play an integral part in nation building and advocated a vibrant teacher-disciple relationship.

“For a disciplined society, the foundation of education must be in the hands of disciplined teachers from nursery to higher institution of learning. The bitter truth is that lack of self-control by some teachers and irresponsible behaviour of some parents at home are to be blamed for violent and rebellious behaviour of children in and out of school. Students look up to their teachers, parents and leaders as role models and emulate them”, he noted.

Views on the introduction of sex education in schools
According to the celibate priest, sex education in schools without the discipline of self control by students will create more criminals and violence in society.

“The uncontrollable sex drive in an individual is responsible for the different dimensions of crime and violence everywhere,” he lamented.

He stressed that in an already diseased society; the use of condom will only prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but will not prevent the magnitude of crime in society. The benefits of self-discipline must be embedded in the lives of every boy and girl. The use and abuse of condoms will prevent the spread of HIV but will continue to deplete the energy of the young and old, the priest underscored.

Self Control in marriage
On the completion of student life, youths are ready for marriage and householders must practice self control in all aspects of life. They must have proper family planning to take care of their children. The home is the cradle of civilisation, the religious leader declared.

Behavioural pattern of parents
He pointed out that the foundation of an ideal society begins before birth, that is, during the embryonic stage of the child’s development. The negative or positive behaviour of the parent significantly impacts the behavioural pattern of the child thereafter he said.

Swami Vidyanandaji disclosed when parents are free from self abuse, drug-abuse, mutual quarrel and prayer is part of their life style, the mental faculty of the child becomes more conducive to positive learning.

“It is true that there are ups and down in a home but parents must exercise caution. Remember children imitate their parents. A boy imitates his father and a girl imitates her mother. It is important that the husband and wife must be devoted to each other for a harmonious life. Irresponsible behaviour and abusive language of the husband and wife at home will bring forth delinquent children in the future,” he cautioned.

The Swami asserted that it is everyone’s responsibility to help to solve contemporary problems by exercising control over their emotions particularly greed, lust and anger.

NAC welcomes move against lewd, homophobic singers
THE National AIDS Committee (NAC) welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Home Affairs to restrict Jamaican singers Bounty Killer and Movado from entering Guyana. The move brings Guyana in line with a growing number of countries regionally and internationally unwilling to tolerate the promotion of violent and homophobic lyrics in their concert halls and theatres.

According to the NAC the restrictions constitute an important move in recognising the link between violent lewdness and sexual violence against women as well as hatred of gays and lesbians.

The NAC, along with other organizations, has called for such action for some time. In commending the Minister of Home Affairs, the NAC would like to believe the announcement constitutes the first step in a policy to tackle homophobia in the society in general. 

While Minister Rohee refrained from reference to homophobia directly in his published comments about the ban on the Jamaicans, he should be able to expect more explicit support from other leaders. Leadership on confronting homophobic stigma and discrimination has been assigned the highest priority in the fight against the HIV virus. Yet, unfortunately, to date the international, private and public conglomerate of agencies active in the HIV field in Guyana are still to publicly address this problem, the NAC noted.

It added that moving beyond the entertainment and health fields, the reports of two recent murders suggest possible homophobic motive. Even if this is not the case, there is enough evidence in the English-speaking Caribbean to make credible links between stigma and lethal violence against people of different sexual orientation.

Action by the political leadership on the homophobia issue, the NAC opined would no doubt be more forthcoming, if the society in general and the religious community in Guyana in particular would adopt more enlightened attitudes to violence and homophobic discrimination.

It also said that predictably, the reactions to the ban by promoters of concerts reflect a woeful inability to get over their narrow self-interest. Hopefully, the religious community will find the courage to explicitly support the move as a step towards bringing Guyanese culture a little closer to reflecting peace and respect for all Guyanese. 

The National AIDS Committee (NAC) is a voluntary body which promotes HIV/AIDS policy and advocacy issues, advises the Minister of Health and assesses the work of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) in relation to the National AIDS Programme. The NAC also encourages the formation of Regional AIDS Committees (RACs) and networking amongst NGOs involved in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Panchyat system still relevant
FORMER Regional Education Officer of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Youman Singh declared last Tuesday that the Panchayat system (village court) which was used in the olden days by our fore-parents may still be relevant and can bring about desired results.

Noting that when the court system was not in operation, many conflicts and problems were resolved amicably by using the panchayat system engineered by our fore-parents, Singh recalled.

He noted that the system then was used as a mechanism to save hard earned cash, which today is spent wastefully in the courts.

Singh made these observations while delivering a feature address on Indian Immigration at the Windsor Forest Primary School, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Region 3 administration.

Reflecting on the contributions made by Indian immigrants, Singh posited that the rice, sugar and coconut oil industries were developed by our fore-parents who were very skilled in agriculture.

He noted that even up to today most of the workers in the sugar, rice and coconut industries are of East Indian descent.

Singh declared: “Our fore-parents were industrious…the money they earned was used to educate their children who later became doctors, lawyers, teachers and successful businessmen. They were committed to their family”.

He also posited that they were the first money-lenders who sought to help each other in their personal development.

Singh added that the contributions made by our fore-parents, maintained their cultural identity even though they are living in a multi-cultural society, and should motivate and inspire our youths to move forward.

Regional Information Officer Jaidev, Dudhnath in his remarks congratulated the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for organizing the activity describing the gesture as a timely one in view of the 170th anniversary which would be celebrated on May 5.

Dudhnath said that when the history of Guyana would be written, the contributions of indentured labourers would find a prominent place in its pages.

He also said that it is of great importance that young people are sensitised about their fore-parents’ contributions to the development of their country.

UG communication students mount World Press Freedom Day exhibition
By Tajeram Mohabir
A GROUP of third-year University of Guyana (UG) communication students mounted an exhibition on Tuesday, ahead of World Press Freedom Day observance on May 3.

It was staged under the theme ‘Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Empowerment of People’.

The exhibits, that were displayed on the catwalk opposite the entrance to the Centre for Communication Studies (CCS) at the Turkeyen Campus, are part of the undergraduates’ course work for the Degree in Public Communication (DPC 321).

The display included the names of journalists killed between 2007 and 2008, the winners of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, writings on the theme and publications on the free press.

She said, even though there is some degree of press freedom here, much more needs to be done, in keeping with the Chapultepec Declaration which states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.

Guyana became a signatory to the declaration in 2003 and Jordan acknowledged that freedom of expression should not be interpreted as freedom to abuse and media houses guilty of it must be reprimanded accordingly.

Yesterday’s programme in the CCS also included a panel discussion moderated by communication studies lecturer, Mr. Terrence Esseboom and including Faculty of Social Sciences Dean, Dr. Micheal Scott, Kaieteur News Editor, Mr. Adam Harris and Professor in the School of Telecommunications at Ohio University, Dr. Vibert Cambridge.

World Press Freedom Day is an occasion designated by the United Nations (UN) to create awareness of the importance of a free press and to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the freedom of expression enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

First proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, the day is observed annually on May 3, the anniversary of the Windhoek, South Africa statement on free press principles compiled by African newspaper journalists in 1991.

UNESCO marks World Press Freedom Day by conferring the Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize on a deserving individual, organisation or institution.

The prize is in honour of Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza, who was assassinated in front of the offices of his newspaper, El Espectador, in Bogota, Colombia, on December 17, 1986.

His writings had offended the powerful drug barons in his native country.

This year, Mexican free lance reporter Lydia Cacho Riberio, who writes for the La Voz del Caribe daily newspaper, has been adjudged winner of the prize.

Ms. Riberio, through her investigative journalism, uncovered the involvement of businessmen, politicians and drug traffickers in prostitution and child pornography.

She also reported on the violent death of hundreds of young women in the Northern Mexican City of Ciudad Juarez.

UNESCO Director General, Mr. Koichiro Matsuura, will present Riberio with her prize on May 3, at a ceremony in Maputo, Mozambique, where the official celebration will include a conference on access to information.

The UN agency, as part of activities to commemorate the occasion, will gather together media professionals, press freedom organisations and other UN agencies to access the state of press freedom worldwide and discuss solutions for addressing challenges.

Region Four Administration warns defaulting contractors
THE Regional Administration in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) has warned that it will be harsh on contractors who fail to carry out works according to specifications.

A press release said sanctions will be meted out to those who deviate from the contract agreements, inclusive of timely completion of jobs.

The release said, last year, at least four of the target groups, who failed to sign them had their agreements terminated, while others lost theirs as a result of slow pace or failure to commence execution.

All were involved in the building of roads and culvert doors, excavating drains or supplying tubing.

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Shafdar Alli, said the Works Committee of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) must play a vital role to ensure that projects are executed according to specification, including through close monitoring.

He said the Engineering Department will increase supervision of the contractors on a regular basis to make sure quality services, which are demanded, are provided within the given time frame.

Alli also pointed out that residents within the region have an important part to play in the developmental process and emphasised that, when they observe any inferior or defected works within their respective communities, they should immediately inform the Administration.

GRDB begins sale of paddy today