Veterinary lab boosted by PAHO/USAID donation
THE capacity of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture has been significantly enhanced through a donation of scientific equipment by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The equipment, valued at some $ US 10,000, was handed over yesterday and included a pH meter, a microscope, a turbo water bath and a scientific timer which will enhance the laboratory’s operational capacity to carry out critical testing for various animal diseases.

The materials were handed over by PAHO representative to Guyana, Dr. Kathleen Israel, to Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud, at the Laboratory located in the Ministry’s compound on Regent and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

Dr. Israel said PAHO and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are committed to working with government in strengthening initiatives designed to improve the health of the local people.

The representative of the two global organisations pointed out that many common human diseases have their genesis in animals and the equipment will assist the Ministry to detect these problems at an early stage.

One example, she cited is the Bird Flu which started in Asia and resulted in the death of more than 100 people in that part of the globe.

The health expert also underscored that while Guyana has systems in place to address the problem, it cannot be prevented because the disease is being transported by migratory birds.

Persaud expressed gratitude to PAHO and said the equipment will greatly assist the laboratory in carrying out more in-depth tests for various diseases.

He stressed that it will enhance the Ministry’s drive to ensure a healthy poultry and livestock industry which is pivotal to Guyana meeting regional and international export requirements.

Persaud also appealed for the private sector’s support to his Ministry in carrying out its programmes.

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture commissioned a state of the art diagnostic laboratory at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Agriculture Diversification Project.

Technical Manager with responsibility for animal services, Mr. Michael Welch, said the initiative apart from ensuring a healthy animal population will also guarantee the availability of safe and wholesome foods.

The laboratory located in the ministry’s compound was established on June 22 2006.

Veterinary Officer attached to the institution, Dr. Renard Overton, said since its inception some 522 parasite analysis sample tests and 200 blood analyses have been carried out. (Tajeram Mohabir)

London suggests duty-free spares, gasoline at special price
- to deal with minibus fares issue
FORMER President of Guyana Mini-bus and General Workers’ Union, Mr. Claudius London, who previously represented operators for ten years, yesterday suggested ways in which the fares increase issue could be settled.

He said Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, should ensure that spare parts for minibuses are duty-free and gasoline is available for a special price at GUYOIL outlets.

“These are things he needs to look at. If they are realised, only then can the minister make a request for a reduction of fares,” London declared.

London told the Guyana Chronicle that the present increased cost of fuel and the overall operational expenditure are creating confusion in the arena of public transportation.

He observed that, recently, minibus owners met with Prashad to discuss the proposed fare hikes but the latter should have consulted his predecessor, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, to understand that he has no authority to control transportation fares.

London said the minibus association was right to have discussions on the problem with Prashad and then meet those operating the various routes, with a view to reviewing the present crisis and their roles in determining the new tariffs.

London said, after that, they should have informed the minister who has a responsibility to commuters and consumers.

He also disagreed with President Bharrat Jagdeo’s announced quest for cheaper fuel acquisition, declaring: “That is not good for the transportation sector. It would compound the problem, as the mileage would not be the same.”

Guyana not insulated from global food prices
- despite being a net food exporter
AGRICULTURE Minister, Robert Persaud, is cautioning that even though Guyana is a net exporter of food it is not insulated from the impact of global food prices.

In a statement to the National Assembly yesterday Persaud declared:

“We also need to understand that our status as a net exporter of food (the only country in the Caribbean basin which can claim this) does not necessarily cushion us against the impacts of the price of food, as the prices of the world's commodities are a function of global supply and demand. And of course, we are particularly vulnerable to the inexorable rise in the cost of fuel and other inputs needed for food production…

So what is necessary, and this is why we have seen His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday (Wednesday) unveiling a number of additionally pivotally important economic interventions to cushion the impact on Guyanese, especially the most vulnerable groups.”

The minister noted that across the world, the crisis has been unfolding at an alarming speed, whereby food prices have been increasing on a daily basis and by the end of last month in less than a year the price of wheat had risen by 130%, soya by 87% and rice by 74%.

However, he said there have since been some minor improvements in prices, with wheat falling by 40% since its peak in February.

“Although rice prices were expected to ease as producing countries respond by boosting rice production, we are currently witnessing the devastation of Myanmar's rice crop (65% destroyed) by Cyclone Nargis. This is expected to have a significant impact on the price of rice, which is now most probably not going to record the improvement in prices predicted,” he observed.

He added: “As Joachim von Braun, the Head of the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington, has said “world agriculture has entered a new, unsustainable and politically risky period” shown by the food riots that have erupted in countries all along the equator. This is in itself something which we must look at, however.”

Persaud asserted that the productive capability of countries clustered around the equator is climactically advantageous, and the region, rather than being the early indicators of social upheaval when food prices are affected can begin to look at these situations as opportunities.

“Guyana, although relatively better off, due to the aggressive steps taken by Government to cushion prices by zero-rating more food items and significantly reducing taxes on fuel whilst significantly increasing disposable income, is poised to take advantage of the opportunities. However, a concerted, patriotic effort is needed across the entire spectrum of our society to begin to grapple with the changes we must make. Our future can be a bright one, even as the world faces a dawn on whose horizon looms the issues of climate change and the increasingly erratic weather phenomena associated with it, unaffordable and increasingly unavailable fuel, and increasing demand for food as consumer patterns change in emerging economies and competition for food acreage from bio-fuels,” Persaud offered.

He also contended that the nexus of climatic impacts, geo-political strategies, energy inflation and fertiliser inflation, and shifting consumer patterns have formed an inter-related population of factors which all contribute to increasing food prices, whether they are emerging and their effects only now being felt, or they have been around for a significant length of time.

“What is clear is that the combination of global factors is now fuelling the current high prices across all continents and here at home.”

The factors identified by the minister include:

* Record oil prices have increased the cost of agricultural production by boosting the cost of fertilizer and pesticides, mechanized cultivation and transport of inputs to production and processing centres and outputs to markets. We have seen fuel go from below $30 a barrel to over $122 a barrel, in less than two years.

* Increased demand for food and change in eating habits. Rapid economic growth in many developing countries, especially China and India.

Regatta committee assists those affected by Bartica killings
THREE persons directly affected by the Feb. 17 Bartica massacre were recently given cash donations by the Bartica Regatta Committee.

The beneficiaries who each received $50,000 are Debra Bobb-Gilkes, widow of slain Banks security guard Edwin Gilkes; Sheelisa Khan, reputed wife of slain taxi driver Dexter Adrian; and Raymond Whyte who was badly injured. The monies were taken from the profits of the recently held 2008 Easter regatta.

Meanwhile, the wife of the late Ervin Perreira is presently out of the country, and a similar donation will be made to her when she returns.

Regional Chairman, Mr. Holbert Knights, will also be working with the Regional Agriculture Department to assist these families with agriculture projects they are interested in.

Another half million for Theatre Guild from Courts
COURTS Guyana Inc., last Wednesday, made its second contribution of $500,000 towards the restoration of the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston, Georgetown.

Country Manager, Mr. Lester Alvis, who presented the cheque to a representative of the board of Trustees, Major General (ret’d) Joe Singh, said it was in keeping with the entity’s commitment to the development of art and culture in Guyana.

He also appealed to other business organisations to partner in the scheme, by making substantial financial contributions to the Guild’s restoration fund.

The cheque from Courts will go towards completing the substantial restoration works being carried out at the Playhouse.

Singh disclosed that the works are almost at an end, with an extended auditorium which can accommodate 300 people, including 75 in the new balcony.

He added that some $50M was raised for the renovation and transformation of the building, while quite a tidy sum was spent on lighting and sound equipment yet to be installed.

Singh said that some $9M is still required to finish the job by the end of the month.

The playhouse has already been identified as one of the venues for staging of Carifesta X performances during the festival to be staged here from August 22 to August 31, 2008.

Brazil and the world food crisis
By Guilherme Cassel
(Brazil’s Minister of Agrarian Development)
We are convinced that the present crisis puts the world model of production and supply of food into discussion.

The world at present witnesses a rise in the price of foodstuff of alarming proportions, with deep repercussions on the global food safety. The present situation requires serious and responsible thinking. There are, at least, four major factors that explain the rising motion of agricultural prices.

The first factor is maize-based ethanol production in the USA. That country is now using 10% of the world maize output in order to produce ethanol. That is equivalent to two Brazilian harvests of maize. In 2007 alone, there was a 37% rise in the consumption of maize for ethanol production in the US.

The second factor is financial speculation. As a consequence of the US real estate crisis, with the attendant dollar depreciation coupled with new surge of inflation and low economic growth in developed countries, commodities have become the target of financial speculators.

Another factor is the growing demand from developing countries, especially China and India, pulled by population growth and changes in nourishment patterns. However, as FAO has pointed out, there is a small decrease in the per head consumption of grains among all developing countries.

What explains the apparent contradiction between those phenomena is the fact that large sets of the populations of developing countries have adopted middle class consumption patterns. For instance, over the last 15 years, meat consumption has risen 100% in China, 70% in Brazil and 20% in India. As, on average, 7 kilograms of cereals are required to produce 1 kilogram of meat, that change in food diet is also pushing the grain prices upwards. On the other hand, that overall price rise negatively and deeply impacts 2.5 billion people worldwide that have incomes lesser than USD 2.00 per day.

Finally the rise in world petroleum prices and the bad harvests of grains brought about by global warming also contribute to that overall difficult situation. In Australia and in some African countries there have been significant losses in production due to climate problems.

It is important to stress that Brazil is managing to face the present crisis of world food prices owing to her strong household agricultural sector, which is responsible by 70% of national output. Since 2003 that sector has been stimulated by credit policies, agricultural insurance, technical assistance and rural extension. At the same time, Brazil has successfully implemented a national policy of food safety based on the programme Zero Hunger. The Household Agricultural Act and the Organic Law on Food and Nutrition Safety have also made major contributions to the attainment of that goal. Over the last 36 months, while the world food price index has risen 83%, the Brazilian similar index has risen just 25%.

The price of milk, a good traditionally produced in agricultural household units in Brazil, has risen just 25% in the last 24 months, while it has risen 120% in world markets. Brazilian milk production has risen from 16 billion liters in the 1990’s to 27 billion liters in 2008, which ensures national self sufficiency, as a result of several public policies in favor of household agriculture and land reform.

Other countries that paid scant attention to regulation policies and that turned their agricultural output entirely to foreign markets now face supply crises and inflation. But Brazil is not completely immune to those events and must consolidate the progress already made in order to reduce possible negative impacts, such as decrease in purchasing power, concentration of land ownership and distribution chains and harms to domestic supply.

The long term solution for food safety and price stabilization involves several structural steps. For that purpose it is necessary to ensure adequate food supply by means of strengthening household agriculture and implementing land reform, so that agriculture will be mostly devoted to food production and not to speculation. Brazil aims at reaching those goals in order to ensure full sovereignty and food safety for all her citizens. 

Police to charge man with illegal shotgun cartridges
A MAN was arrested with fifty 12-gauge shotgun cartridiges in his possession at a Joint Services roadblock on Number 19 Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, on Wednesday.

Police said the suspect, who is not a licensed firearm holder, is in custody and will be charged shortly, following the midday arrest.

He was searched after he disembarked a mini-bus that stopped a short distance away from the roadblock.

Enhancing literacy, numeracy skills of NGSA exams candidates
THE Ministry of Education has embarked on an initiative to further enhance the literacy and numeracy skills of students who have just completed the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations.

Education Minister, Mr. Shaik Baksh made the disclosure Tuesday, at the start of one-day training programme for educators engaged in the recently begun mass literacy campaign, at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).

He said the programme was initiated because his ministry recognised that students leaving the primary school system still lack basic literacy and numeracy skills.

They will be evaluated before and after implementation of the process, Baksh said.

The eight weeks duration, started May 2, will involve 2,529 participants from 45 primary schools in the 11 education districts, he said, noting that during the upgrading, teachers from the participating schools are expected to identify and correct the students’ major weaknesses in English and Mathematics.

Coordinator of the exercise is Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) (Primary), Mr. Nashrullah Khan.

Baksh also said his ministry intends to double the number of trained teachers over the next five years, to better address the problem, through its strategic plan in which literacy is a top priority.

Teacher training by distance education, as well as supervision of schools, will intensify, he indicated.

Government looks to hire overseas team to investigate fraud
- as fraud investigations continue into GRA
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday, said the government was looking to hire an overseas firm to dig deeper into the fraud allegations at the Guyana Revenue Authority, GRA.

The Police, Ministry of Finance and the Auditor General Office are currently leading an investigation into fraud at the GRA, which started with a discovery that import duties for Polar Beer by Fidelity Investments were not properly paid.

Mr. Jagdeo said the government has inquired of the U.S. about companies which conduct forensic audits and investigations into serious financial fraud. The President said it is government’s intention to expand the investigation beyond Fidelity and to zoom in on the financial and non-financial assets of members of GRA.

Mr. Jagdeo said that, that dismissal would not be the only end game for those found guilty, saying the government would be seeking prosecution against them.

The existence of a fraud ring at the GRA surfaced when Fidelity claimed that it paid money to its broker and the broker split the money with Customs officers in clearing for soft drinks instead of beers, Mr. Jagdeo said at a press conference Wednesday.

The President said “Fidelity broke the law and have to face the penalties, but the fraud case the government is building is largely because of Fidelity.

The customs officers claimed they cleared some three million bottles of soft drinks, but not a single one was recorded in the reporting system at GRA.

Early this year, the GRA Enforcement Section went to Fidelity’s Lot 20 Broad and Charles Streets location, demanding to see all registers, Customs declarations, tax and sale invoices, tax credit and debit notes for all beverages imported and sold by the company.

The GRA also moved to collect similar documents from the company’s Lot 212 Regent and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown office and ordered that a stock inventory be made at the Charlestown and Ruimzeigt, West Coast Demerara Fidelity bonds.

GRA said checks revealed that the business had 72,556 cases of Polar beer while an audit showed that 119,353 cases had been delivered to suppliers, although information received from the GRA Total Revenue Integrated and Processing System (TRIPS) disclosed that Fidelity made an entry of 33,220 cases.

IICA hosts accountability seminar
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Guyana Office, will be hosting its Annual Accountability Seminar in the Rupununi Room, Tower Hotel, on Monday starting at 09:00 hrs.

This seminar, targetting a wide cross-section of stakeholders from the agricultural and related sub-sectors and at which Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, will speak, seeks to bring participants up-to-date with IICA’s activities in the country, as well as provide an opportunity for the Institute to receive a feedback.

In addition, the report which will be presented by IICA’s Representative in Guyana, Mr. Ignatius Jean and IICA’s Technicians, Dr. Vincent Little, Coordinator of IICA’s Regional Technical Cooperation Agenda, will offer perspectives on the Regional Food situation and the Jagdeo Initiative.

GDF Basic Recruit Course underway
THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is maintaining its commitment to training that will ensure appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes are inculcated, at the Basic Recruit Course (BRC 2008-01) which was officially declared opened last Thursday at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, Tacama, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).

Last December, Chief-of-Staff Commodore Gary Best, outlined the Army’s focus on pursuing a process of re-engineering during 2008 with heightened emphasis on various areas including training opportunities.

The current 12-week course that seeks to produce fit, obedient, loyal and disciplined soldiers, who possess high standards of skills and marksmanship abilities, is part of the re-engineering process.

Two hundred and one recruits are being trained in areas such as foot and arm drill, map reading navigation, open country warfare and physical coaching.

The training is expected to be completed in June.

In his address at the opening of the BSC today, Commodore Best stressed the need for the recruits to understand, embrace and protect national values and interests that are based on a system of governance that promotes broad based participation in national decision making.

“Development of a harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights and the rule of law and a nation that is indivisible, secular, democratic and sovereign which promotes peace and forges worldwide comity; those are the national values of the land and values which you and all soldiers should possess,” Commodore Best said.

It was pointed out that the recruits, apart from receiving military training are being taught non-military essentials such as the development of social skills and knowledge on how to conduct joint operations and the legal rights of a soldier. Reference was made to the exposure to the various types of careers that recruits can choose after they graduate from the course. 

“I should highlight that the Guyana Defence Force is committed to providing each soldier with the opportunity to acquire academic education in addition to military skills. We will educate you right to the university level through our army programme,” Commodore Best told the students.

He also noted that the training staff has a responsibility to train and not oppress the students since it is an institution of instruction and no physical violence. The students were assured that the punishment for physical violence by trainers or others is immediate dismissal.

He added “but you also have responsibilities to the force and to the country as a whole. Never abuse the power and authority given to you as a soldier in the Guyana Defence Force and in particular always put your country first and defend it with your life if necessary.”

Reference was made to the changes in the environment and the need for soldiers to serve as role models to the youths in their respective communities and to stamp in good values in their lives. They were urged to serve as the ‘big brother’ for their neighbours to keep the communities safe from crime and other disasters and view the security of the GDF’s weapons and ammunition as a sacred duty and to report any misuse of the Army’s resources.

Additionally, they were advised of the current rise in oil and food prices that is impacting on all and the interventions announced on May 7 by the Commander in Chief, President Jagdeo, to help Guyanese deal with the issue including another increase in salary for public servants and financial subsidies to lower income groups, measures that benefit the soldiers.           

No one charged in Parks shooting as yet
TEN days after 22-year-old Travis Parks was allegedly shot and killed by members of a private security service at Holmes Street, Tiger Bay, in the city, no one has been charged.

According to the young man’s mother, Ms. Michelle Parks, following a visit to the Brickdam Police Station on Thursday, she was told that the file regarding the matter was with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) awaiting advice.

A post mortem revealed that Parks died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Parks, a minibus conductor, was allegedly shot in his back by a MMC Security Force guard, after being asked about a gold chain about which he claimed he knew nothing.

Reports said after being pulled out of a yard where he had gone to relieve himself, he was accused of stealing the gold chain, and was shot in the back as he was being led to the security firm’s vehicle. He was reportedly kicked and hit by the four guards.

Eyewitnesses said after Parks was shot, the men picked up the bullet casing, got in their vehicle and drove away, despite pleas for them to assist the wounded man.

Parks was eventually transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital by another vehicle, where he succumbed while receiving treatment.

MMC has declined comment until the completion of the police investigations into the matter.

Police nab one in Soesdyke/Linden robbery
THE timely report of a robbery at a dwelling house at Soesdyke/Linden Highway resulted in police nabbing one of the two men suspected of perpetrating the crime.

Police reported that about 02:00 hours the victim, Wilson Bacchus, 54, a painter, was attacked and robbed at his home by two men armed with a handgun and a knife.

Wilson Bacchus and his family were asleep when they were aroused by a noise in his home. On checking, he was confronted by the two robbers who held him up and took away an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of jewellery and escaped, Police said.

Bacchus immediately reported the matter to the police who promptly responded and subsequently arrested three men who were found in the village.

Police added that one of the men was found with three rounds .22 ammunition and his accomplices have been identified as the perpetrators of the robbery. Jewellery and cash believed to be part of the articles stolen were recovered.

Police pointed out that in this instance the quick reporting of the incident by Wilson Bacchus enabled the police in their response to nab one of the suspects, unlike the armed robbery committed on two employees of a city store on Tuesday last where the victims returned to their place of employment and reported the matter to a senior supervisor before reporting the robbery to the police some time after, resulting in valuable time being lost.

The police are calling on members of the public to report incidents as quickly as possible to the police as the time factor is crucial to the response and investigations by the police.

O’Lall laid to rest with glowing tributes
By Priya Nauth
THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) bid the last farewell yesterday to the long standing member and stalwart of the party, Joseph O’Lall by “remembering his life and work”.

There was a flood of emotions and tears as the curtains came down for the former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) when scores of sorrowing families, relatives, friends and also party members gathered to pay their last respects.

O’Lall’s body was first taken to his mother’s home at Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara then to the PPP’s Headquarter, Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown where members of the party gathered to pay their final tribute to their passionate member.

He was then taken to his residence at Duncan Street, Campbellville for further viewing, also in Georgetown, prior to being taken to the Good Hope Crematorium, East Coast Demerara where he was cremated.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport and First Secretary of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), Dr. Frank Anthony, expressing his shock at the passing of O’Lall, and expressing sympathy and condolences, noted that, there were the elements of disbelief and shock as the news slowly and painfully sunk in.

“I think it was hard to believe because he had such zeal, vigor and vitality…the passionate way in which he lived his life from engaging in debates with friends and comrades to the quiet and humorous moments of a light joke,” he recalled.

“Joseph O’Lall lived a full life and a significant part of his life was dedicated to this party… he was a solid and loyal comrade, he served in various leadership roles at the district and regional level and he was never afraid to lead from the front,” Dr. Anthony outlined.

He said that O’Lall worked “foot to foot” with every one and never refused any particular task despite how big or small.

Dr. Anthony alluded that the comrade’s exemplary attitude has made him a true stalwart of the party.

…to the PYO especially those comrades in Georgetown, he was like a big brother, always there to give advice and assistance,” he posited.

“We will miss him dearly,” Dr. Anthony emphasised.

“…I guess death reminds us that we are not eternal but human… but during the interlude we must achieve and accomplish so that people cherish our good deeds and wonderful moments,” he encouraged.

General Secretary of Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), Indra Chandarpal, in her brief contribution, described O’Lall as very jolly and lively, always on the go and ready to take up a challenge.

“Like many of you who heard of his death, I myself was completely surprised,” she admitted.

“He always sought to give advice, to smile and to give support…he has been a dedicated and committed comrade,” she recalled.

“So as we reflect on O’Lall’s life, for all of us there will be different memories because he meant different things to different persons…he lived a full life and we will remember him this way,” she asserted.

In his tribute to the ardent party member, Chairman of PPP’s Region Four, Mr. Clinton Collymore, in reflecting on O’Lall’s life too, said he has known O’Lall for several decades and he was always a very strong supporter who was very active and always full of ideas.

He said O’Lall who was admired, never refused an assignment and carries out his tasks with minimum protest or complains and if anything bothers him, he brings it to the party to be dealt with.

“In some cases, it may not be to his satisfaction but he always accepts our decisions,” he noted.

“One facet of O’Lall is that he liked to dance…he is a professional dancer,” he said.

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