Guyana/UK security plan moving apace
- Commissioner Greene
- 911 system already upgraded
THE implementation of several aspects of the Governments of Guyana and the United Kingdom’s three million pounds sterling Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP) is continuing.

Commissioner of Police (ag), Henry Greene, who expressed satisfaction with the speedy implementation process pointed to the many areas which are progressing including the improvement in the 911 system.

“We are getting ahead. We have also had special phones installed which can alert our ranks when the 911 phones are ringing… We have recently requested that some 911 phones that do not have separate lines at some stations be given separate lines. That is one of the reasons why sometimes the phones are busy,” Commissioner Greene said.

In relation to training, the Commissioner pointed out that there have been several interventions in this area especially in relation to improving intelligence gathering.

“It is expected that the anti-crime unit and the special firearms unit will be significantly upgraded and we are expected to create quite a number of teams and to work along with the recommendations that have been submitted to us.”

He noted that members of the intelligence team from the UK have done the first part of the package relating to support for the intelligence sector and are to return sometime between June/July to look at training in that particular area.

He said another UK officer is in the country to conduct training from April 9.

“Training our ranks in the use of night vision goggles (which will be handed over to us as soon as that training is completed) is expected to start on Wednesday of this week. That is all part of the build-up of the special firearms unit and the anti-crime unit.”

The GOG/UK four-year security plan caters for: improving intelligence gathering, rapid response, forensic capability, leadership, accelerating professionalism and accountability and improving traffic management and is all part of government’s national security plan.

An Interim Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the plan was signed by British High Commissioner to Guyana Fraser Wheeler, and Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon on August 10, 2007.

Several aspects of the far-reaching plan were accelerated in wake of the two massacres at Lusignan and Bartica in January and February respectively this year.

Government’s anti-crime strategy is fitted into its comprehensive security plan that will serve to enhance the work of the Police Force through government’s financial support, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded Citizens’ Security Programme and the UK SSRAP. (GINA)

Guyanese/Irish impressed with developments here
By Chamanlall Naipaul
AN Irish woman who adores this country and is currently on her sixth visit here is impressed with the development she has seen and is very optimistic of the future of Guyana.

Ms. Patsy Downey, a regular visitor to Guyana and the Caribbean, who describes herself as “Guyanese/Irish”, in an interview with this newspaper, said that in her travels across Guyana she has seen significant improvement in infrastructure and all facets of life.

She recalled that in her earlier visits, which began in 1970, there were serious difficulties in obtaining basic food items, hospitals and infrastructure in general were all run down.

“I am particularly impressed with the vast growth in the food business here. I believe Guyana has more restaurants and food outlets more than any other place. (per capita), and the prices are good compared to those in other countries,” Ms. Downey observed.

However, she fondly remembers that despite all the hardships and difficulties, the Guyanese remained “warm and hospitable.”

“My association with Guyana began when I became married to a Guyanese in 1962,” she said, adding that she has become familiar with Guyanese proverbs, cuisine and culture.

Ms. Downey said despite what she heard of “things getting bad here”, prior to her first visit, she came with an open mind.

One incident that brings nostalgic feelings, she said, was that she went into Fogarty’s - one of Guyana’s oldest and popular stores, and bought a toy for her daughter which was made in her Irish hometown of Bawalina. She disclosed that her daughter still has that toy.

Another incident, she vividly recalled, is that once how upset she was about not being able get ‘potato ball’ at the Rosignol Stelling. “There was cassava ball, which is local….and I have nothing against it. But being Irish I cannot do without potatoes, she related, adding that it nearly influenced her not to return to Guyana.

Political and Charitable work
Ms. Downey has been a member of the UK People’s Progressive Party (PPP) group in London for several years and also has dedicated herself to charitable work providing assistance to the Guyanese indigenous communities.

Asked how she became interested in Guyanese politics, she replied that it all began in the 1960s during the political turmoil here.

“I went to a meeting in Red Lion Square which Dr. Cheddi Jagan addressed…and there was this packed hall.”

She said she was marveled listening to Dr. Jagan. “I was struck most by his honesty. He was one of the few honest politicians.”

The turning point was during one of her visits (probably in the 1980s) here, she saw Dr. Jagan and members of his party and supporters protesting during a CARICOM meeting.

“Immediately, I thought to myself - this man is still struggling for what he believes in”, she recalled, adding that this made a tremendous impact upon her and led her to become a member of the UK PPP.

Ms. Downey has no regrets of becoming a member of the PPP. “It is hard work and there always will be differences among members, but I am proud to be a member,” she stressed, adding that her group worked extremely hard for free and fair elections in Guyana.

Touching on her charitable work, Ms. Downey reckoned that it was influenced by the “throw away society” from which she came lamenting how things are dumped which the less fortunate could use.

Her formative years in charity began with the Alvin Kallicharran Sports Foundation, where she began collecting books, clothing and other items which are being shipped to the Amerindian communities.

On this note, she expressed her gratitude to the Director of Europa Shipping, Roland Beepat, for being extremely helpful with regards to shipping the items to Guyana.

She added that funds for her charitable work in which she has been involved in for over a decade now, are derived primarily through fund raising activities.

Issues that must be addressed
Ms. Downey believes that the incidence of serious crimes has to be arrested by getting down to the “root.”

She feels strongly that the crimes like the Lusignan and Bartica massacres have political elements behind them, adding that if such serious crimes are not halted it could hamper the developmental thrust of the country.

However, she noted that crime is on the increase worldwide, and while it cannot be eradicated by whatever means the serious types have to be stopped.

She is also concerned about the level of corruption with the police force with which she has had first hand experience.

Another of her concerns too is the wanton of dumping garbage, and then the same people who do it complain of blocked drainage and flooding.

Ms. Downey feels everything has to be done to reverse this attitude to the disposal of garbage.

Nevertheless, this Guyanese/Irish feels that she “belongs here.”

“I feel at home here,” she proudly declared.

Golden Fleece woman missing
A 23-year-old woman of Golden Fleece Village on the Essequibo Coast is reported missing since last Thursday.

According to reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the missing woman, Sarojanie Dadolall, left her home in the company of her brother at around 01:00 am on Thursday for the Adventure Ferry Stelling to travel to Georgetown.

The young woman was expected to return home by Thursday evening.

In an interview with the Chronicle, her brother, known as Romel, said he accompanied his sister to the Adventure Ferry Stelling and she travelled to Parika via the Transport and Harbours Ferry.

According to Romel, his sister had to go to Georgetown to receive a tetanus injection in preparation to migrate to Canada. She had recently completed a one year training programme at the Ocean View International Hotel in preparation for a job overseas.

According to the brother, he tried, along with other family members, to make contact with her via her cellular phone, but there was no answer.

Romel said checks were also made at homes of relatives and friends in Georgetown.

The matter has been reported at the Suddie Police Station.

Sarojanie is about five feet three inches tall, of a light brown in complexion, with shoulder length, black hair.

Courts hosts cook show
COURTS Guyana Inc. yesterday hosted its first cooking show at their Main Street office, with famous Baganara Chef Mr. Trevor Marques, spearheading the show, which is part of the Courts ‘White Goods’ promotion.

The chef demonstrated how to use the appliances, which he said makes everyday cooking easier and exciting.

Ms. Molly Hassan, Marketing Manager of Courts said the cooking show is in support of the ‘White Goods’ promotion and to showcase the wide range of white goods products, which are only available at Courts.

Hassan noted that the promotion was designed to afford customers the chance of owning a branded product and at the same time ensuring affordability to customers.

The ‘White Goods’ promotion began on March 31 and will conclude on April 28, 2008.Other cooking shows will be conducted at Courts branches.

Region Two Nursery to assist in ‘Grow More Food’ campaign
Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Chairman, Mr. Alli Baksh, has reported that another plant nursery will be set up in the southern area of the Essequibo Coast.

Addressing Councillors at their statutory meeting for April on Tuesday, Mr. Baksh said private farmers will be encouraged to venture into the plant nursery project.

The Chairman said since the launching of the ‘Grow More Food’ campaign in the region, farmers are eager to put more land under farming and the plant nursery in the south of the Coast will provide plants to farmers on a regular basis.

New REO in Region Two
Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) has a new Regional Executive Officer.

According to a release from the Regional Administration, Mr. Desmond Kissoon, assumed duties from April 1 as the Regional Executive Officer (REO).

Mr. Kissoon, who served as REO of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) before coming to Region Two, also worked at Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) as REO.

Mr. Kissoon is also the clerk of the Regional Democratic Council.

Former REO of the Region, Mr. Mohamed Khan, has been was transferred to the Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government in Georgetown.

High tides flood lower Pomeroon
People’s National Congress Reform Councillor, of the Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Mr. Rudolph Garraway, has reported that high tides on Monday overflowed the river defence dam in the lower Pomeroon River and flooded several farms and the compound of the Liberty Primary School.

According to Mr. Garraway, the school had to be closed yesterday.

Mr. Garraway said the lower Pomeroon area is always under the threat of flood during extreme high tides because of the close proximity of the Pomeroon River mouth.

Meanwhile, another Councillor, Mr. Archie Winslow Cordis, of the Alliance For Change (AFC), has reported to members that the sea defence structure at Good Hope is in a terrible state.

However, Chairman of the Local Government and Coop Sub-committee of the RDC, Mr. Pooran Persaud, reported that officials from the Sea Defence Department in Georgetown had held a meeting with residents of the Good Hope area concerning the sea defence there, and had inspected the site.

Mr. Persaud said the officials also inspected the Johanna Cecelia sea defence which is also very vulnerable.

Winners in Canada C’wealth competitions announced
By Tajeram Mohabir
The winners of the Canada Commonwealth Day Art and Environment Competitions were yesterday presented with their prizes, compliments of the Canadian High Commission.

The Canadian High Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, sponsored the competitions under the theme ‘My Mind is Clean, so is My Environment’.

West Ruimveldt Primary copped the winning trophy in the schools environmental enhancement contest. Five other Georgetown schools competed. Among these, Winfer Gardens Primary came second, North Georgetown Primary third, South Ruimveldt Primary fourth, Ketley Primary fifth, and Sophia Primary.

In the art competition, category A-grades 1&2, Rasheed Franklin of Winfer Gardens Primary emerged winner and won $ 20,000. Sarah Pittam of West Ruimveldt Primary was second and won $ 15,000, while Zakiah Bunbury of North Georgetown Primary, the third place winner, walked away with $ 10,000.

In category B-grades 3&4, Rebecca Hill, also of Winfer Gardens Primary, copped the top slot and the $ 25,000 prize. Second place winner Tia Hector of North Georgetown Primary, and third place winner Nafeesa Ramnarine of Ketley Primary, were presented with $ 20,000 and $ 15,000.

Keziah Ali of North Georgetown Primary was adjudged victor in category C- grades 5&6 of the contest, and pocketed $ 30,000. Shauna Hernandez of South Ruimveldt Primary brought second place and won herself $ 25,000, while third place winner Godlyn Lyte of Winfer Gardens Primary was presented with $ 20,000.

Minister of Education, Mr. Shaik Baksh, delivering remarks at the ceremony at the Canadian High Commission, High and Young Streets Kingston, Georgetown, lauded Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Charles Court, who was responsible for the initiative, and underscored his support for school sanitation.

He said his ministry will fund a similar competition in all the regions, and this should get underway by the end of this term.

Mr. Baksh noted the relevance of the competition’s theme and pointed out that the school is the ideal environment for promoting the principles of a healthy environment.

The minister disclosed that from next September, environmental education, along with moral and physical education, will be more actively promoted in schools’ curricula.

He stressed that his ministry will work with the various Parent Teachers’ Associations (PTA’s) to have students keep their class rooms clean and tidy, and he commended some head teachers who are already doing this.

On this point, the minister praised the St. Winifred’s Primary PTA for their sterling effort in restoring the school’s compound from a dirty scene to a state of cleanliness.

Mr. Baksh stressed that a clean environment translates into a clean compound, an effective sanitary and water system, and proper drainage and disposal of garbage.

He promised that the pit latrines at the Whales Primary School will be demolished and replaced soon.

Mr. Court pointed out that the competition sought to build capacity, create a sense of pride and extract the creative potential of students on a topical issue in society.

Speaking on behalf of her fellow judges, Ms. Sharon Patterson-Campbell, said the submissions were of high quality, indicating that the competitors were environmentally conscious.

T&HD focuses on improving efficiency
GOVERNMENT’S commitment to continued improvement of the country’s transport sector is heightening with further efforts to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided by the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD).

Currently, focus is being placed on maintenance of the vessels while efforts are being pursued to procure several new engines to be installed aboard vessels such as the MV Malali.

Approximately $395M has been made available by government to undertake activities such as docking of ferry vessels and dredges, acquisition of spares, and rehabilitation of stellings and navigational aids.

In addition, the point-of-sale ticketing system at the Rosignol and New Amsterdam stellings in Berbice is expected to be in operation within the next week. The system will be linked into Georgetown for monitoring purposes.

The initiative is in keeping with ongoing efforts to modernise the T&HD operations, reduce the level of confusion associated with the current system and provide better services to the travelling public.

When the Berbice River Bridge is completed, the system will be implemented at the Parika/Adventure crossing.

During the presentation of the national budget last February, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, had assured that government remains committed to reducing the travel time and improving market access between Parika and Supenaam.

To this end, discussions are advancing satisfactorily on the acquisition of two roll-on and roll-off ferries to augment the existing fleet of vessels as part of the upgrading of the ferry service while the re-design for the Parika stelling has been completed.

Last year more than $600M was expended to continue modernisation of the country’s ferry services through rehabilitation of the New Amsterdam, Morawahanna and Stanleytown stellings and upgrading of the MV Malali and MV Makouria.

Other improvements made with regard to ferry services include the reintroduction of services to Port Kaituma after more than a decade. Previously, ferry services were only being provided to Kumaka from where passengers were required to use speed boats to get to Port Kaituma and surrounding communities.

Additionally, various aspects of the ferry service to the North West were addressed including improvements to seats and decks, toilet facilities, documentation of passengers travelling on the vessel and the provisions of first aid kits.

The boarding point for the vessel was relocated from Stabroek to Kingston, where better facilities are available.

Ferry services in Guyana are heavily subsidised by government and are offered from New Amsterdam to Rosignol, Parika to the Essequibo Islands and Adventure, Essequibo Coast. The services include transportation of passengers, vehicles and cargo and are beneficial, particularly to farmers and business persons transporting goods and services. (GINA)

Embryo Textel sheep transplant starts this week
FOCUS continues to be placed on improving the country’s livestock breeds as efforts are underway to undertake artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transplant for the development of the Textel sheep in Guyana.

This is being done under a programme that started last year and which is facilitated by Government with support from the United Kingdom (UK) through the British High Commission in Guyana.

The AI activity is expected to take place on Thursday, April 10, at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, while the embryo transplant will be done the following day at the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). A public ceremony to officially launch the programme is planned for Friday.

This is the first time that embryo transplant is being done in Guyana with the objective of breeding for commercial purposes.

The Textel sheep is well-known in Europe and in the continents of Africa and South America as a high quality meat producer. It is also known in many countries as a breed that transmits its qualities to its off-springs when used for cross-breeding and embryo transplant allows for 100 percent development as against the use of artificial insemination.

An assessment was conducted during last October by a team from the UK including personnel from the Texel Sheep Society to determine the possibility of importing the new breed of sheep, Texel which has been primarily developed for meat.

Subsequently in November, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, announced that the initiative was being further pursued and that the Texel sheep embryos will be implanted into the Black Belly sheep being bred at NARI.

During a previous visit to the UK in November, Minister Persaud held discussions with officials from the Texel Sheep Society and the scientific firm that are involved in the transport and implant of the embryos. Another component of the project targets training of local personnel who will be exposed to advanced techniques and technology.

Other areas of services will be explored through cooperation between the Scotland Agricultural Centre and NARI.

Government has undertaken various initiatives to develop the livestock industry such as the importation of different breeds of animals including the Boer goat, Black-Belly and Virginia White sheep and Brangus and Zebo cows. This is in recognition of the sector’s potential and its role in socio-economic development, particularly in rural communities.

On April 7, the national pig-breeding programme was launched as a joint initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to develop the swine industry as apart of the diversification thrust.

Apart from the importation of improved breeding stock and embryos, focus continues to be placed on continuation of AI, establishment of animal breeding farms and more pastures to cater for advancement of the livestock industry.

Region Eight records significant development
REGION 8 (Potaro/Siparuni) has recorded significant development due to the government’s commitment and vision for Amerindian people, especially in far-flung regions.

During the recent Safari to the Pakaraimas, officials were impressed with the level of development in the Amerindian communities.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prasad, and Coordinator of Hinterland Development Harripersaud Nokta were welcomed at the various communities and spent some time listening to the villagers’ concerns.

After 20 years of visiting the Pakaraimas, Nokta said that he sees a region with tremendous potential and a bigger population.  He pointed to the roads, schools, health facilities and other infrastructure that once never existed.

Nokta said that schools in the region will have to be extended soon with more facilities, due to the increasing population. He indicated that hinterland development remains a major focus for the administration

Minister Prasad said that apart from the beautiful sceneries and waterfalls, he was awestruck with the beauty of the Pakaraima Mountains and the roads built in the region.  

He said that he is not surprised since the Government believes in equal rights for all, and Amerindian development was always on the ‘front burner’ for the Government.