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ARCHIVES FOR JUNE 12 2009

Guyana intensifies Swine Flu watch
HEALTH Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy yesterday said Guyana is boosting mechanisms to try to prevent the entry and contain any outbreak of Swine Flu here.

Reacting to the declaration of a global flu pandemic by the World Health Organisation, he said the Health Ministry has consistently argued that the emergence of the flu virus here was inevitable and the mechanisms in place to prevent entry and contain any outbreak will be enhanced.

He said that at the country’s borders, particularly airports and seaports, a more intrusive monitoring mechanism will be implemented.

“In the past we relied completely on the airlines and shipping authorities to inform us of any health problem a passenger or staff member might have encountered during travelling. This strategy will now change and we will require all passengers and staff members to provide more detailed, individual health and travel information before entry into Guyana. All persons entering Guyana will be required to fill out the Health Declaration Forms before presenting themselves to the immigration officers”, he said in a statement.

Ramsammy said these measures may require the authorities to subject travellers to medical examination and require laboratory testing. “These measures may also require persons to be placed under observation and may require these persons to be placed under medication and prophylactic treatment”, he said.

From yesterday, the ministry moved to require all health facilities and providers to notify it of any SARI (severe acute respiratory infection), he said.

The ministry is advising the public that routine good hygiene practices must be complied with, including frequent hand-washing with soap and water.

“We also discourage persons to engage in frequent hand-shaking and other forms of touching people in public. Above all else, people must cover their mouths and faces when coughing and all persons should stay clear of persons who are openly coughing without taking adequate measures to cover their faces”, he said.

The minister said persons with fever and acute respiratory infections, such as cough and cold, should seek medical attention at the nearest health centre, hospital or at any health care provider.

The following symptoms should arouse people’s suspicion and are used as part of the Ministry of Health’s Index of Suspicion:

? Sudden onset of high fever (greater than 39C)

? Cough (dry or productive)

? Sore throat

? Head or body aches

? Shortness of breath, difficulties in breathing, or any chest discomfort

Ramsammy said the ministry has more than 30,000 doses of Tamiflu for use in case of an H1N1 outbreak.

He said if more is needed, stocks can be produced by the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation and supplies are available at the regional Pan American Health Organisation warehouse in Panama.

“In order to reduce vulnerability, especially among the elderly and children, Guyana will vaccinate these groups over the next several weeks against the seasonal influenza. A stock of such vaccines arrived in Guyana (yesterday) and we will begin the vaccination process (today)”, he said.

WHO declares first 21st century flu pandemic
-- CARICOM intensifying efforts to contain spread
THE World Health Organization yesterday declared an influenza pandemic and called on governments to prepare for a long-term battle against an unstoppable flu virus.

With the alert, the Guyana-based Caribbean Community secretariat said the community is intensifying efforts to contain the spread of the H1N1 virus, popularly known as Swine Flu, within the Caribbean.

It said the most recent initiative was strengthening national laboratories with special equipment and relevant training of lab staff to enhance testing capabilities in identifying the virus.

Reuters news agency said the United Nations agency raised its pandemic flu alert to phase 6 on a six-point scale, indicating the first influenza pandemic since 1968 is under way.

"With today's announcement, WHO moves from an emergency to a longer-term response. Based on past experience, this pandemic will be with us for some months, if not years, to come," WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said in a letter to staff, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters.

People aged 30-50, pregnant women or people suffering from chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or obesity are deemed at highest risk, she told a news conference.

Countries from Australia to Chile and the United States are also reporting that the new virus is "crowding out" seasonal flu, becoming the predominant influenza strain, she said.

For now the virus was "pretty stable," but Chan warned that it could still mutate into a more deadly form, taking on characteristics of the separate H5N1 bird flu virus circulating widely in poultry.

"So it is incumbent on WHO and all members to stay vigilant and alert for the next year or two or even beyond," she said.

WHO's top flu expert Keiji Fukuda agreed, saying: "When you're talking about pandemic influenza, you are talking about a marathon, you are not talking about a sprint."

Acting on the recommendation of flu experts, the WHO reiterated its advice to its 193 member countries not to close borders or impose travel restrictions to halt the movement of people, goods and services, a call echoed by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

A unanimous experts' decision was based on an overall assessment in the eight most heavily hit countries -- Australia, Britain, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, Spain and the United States -- that the virus is spreading in a sustained way in communities, according to Chan.

"Collectively, looking at that, we are satisfied that this virus is spreading to a number of countries and it is not stoppable," she said.

The CARICOM Secretariat said that at a recent meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) in Jamaica, the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) that of the 362 cases tested to date, 32 were diagnosed as positive in The Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, The Dominican Republic and Jamaica, with one death recorded in the Dominican Republic.

It said the report also recorded some of the initial challenges confronting the regional health sector in fighting this virus. Those included limited human resource capacity, procurement of supplies, lack of reserves, specimen transfer and specimen contamination, however adequate supplies including treatment were now available, the report indicated.

“Against this background, the COHSOD agreed that more vigorous efforts should be made to update existing national plans to a state of ‘readiness’ to strengthen surveillance, and under the guidance of the caucus of Ministers of Health and in consultation with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to establish and sustain a more effective and efficient Caribbean Laboratory Network”, the secretariat said.

It reported that CAREC and the collaborating centre at the University of the West Indies, Mona were designated as two reference laboratory facilities fully equipped to do the testing required for identifying the type of influenza virus.

Cheaper flight for Guyanese Kaieteur enjoyment available again
By Priya Nauth
A SPECIAL domestic tourism package, to afford Guyanese the opportunity to visit and experience the beauty and wonders of Kaieteur Falls, was put on offer, again, yesterday at Air Services Limited (ASL), Ogle Airport, East Coast Demerara.

It was made possible through the collaborative efforts of ASL, Rainforests Tours, Kaieteur National Park (KNP) and National Parks Commission (NPC).

The reduced price of $32,000 per person, from $54,000, is already on offer and will continue to be available every Saturday until the last one in August and flights are departing Ogle at noon.

Those who take advantage of the cheaper fare will get to see sheer drop of 741 feet in the total 822 feet falls from which water flows at a rate of 30 million gallons a minute.

This is the sixth year since this bargain has been made available and, speaking to the media, Managing Director of Rainforest Tours, Mr. Frank Singh recalled it started with a call, by President Bharrat Jagdeo, to develop domestic tourism, by private tour operators making tourist sites more affordable and accessible to the local population.

“A lot of people were saying that it is much cheaper to go to Trinidad. Well now we are making it affordable to go to Kaieteur which is cheaper than going to Trinidad,” Singh pointed out.

He said the charge includes the seat on the aircraft, the National Park permit, the tour guide and transportation, so all the passenger has to do is carry a snack pack.

Singh said the concession will not only allow Guyanese to see the magnificent falls but, more than that, they would be able to experience and learn about the culture, history and biodiversity of the surrounding KNP.

He disclosed that, since the promotion began, every year it is attracting more and more response.

“What is happening now is it is kind of word of mouth and I have noticed that the people who are going on these trips are more from out of Georgetown,” Singh said.

He said those who have made the journey would share their enjoyment with others and encouraging them to do likewise.

Reservations can be made at Rainforest Tours office, at Lot 232 Middle and Camp Streets, in the city, or by calling telephone number 231-5661.

Flight Operations Superintendent, Ms. Annette Arjoon said: “We are committed to the development of tourism in Guyana, which is why we are here today.”

She said the tourists will have opportunities to photograph and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest during the one-hour flight.

Arjoon suggested that, in light of President Jagdeo’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, passengers can see and learn more about the rainforests while flying.

Berbice Educator laments rapid decay in the moral fabric of society
- contends that, rather than a practice where families “pray together” in order to “stay together”, they instead “drink together” and “fight together”
BY PARVATI PERSAUD-EDWARDS
‘Adults in families are often to be blamed for the moral turpitude of the children under their care, and if inculcating false values into children is an instance of abuse then many adults are guilty of both abuse and the misdemeanor that the children under their care commit.’
My Editor indulges my idiosyncrasies and allows me absolute leeway and latitude, except when he has special needs, so when a young girl, with whom I associated innocence, began an affair with a married man, who has very young children, and displayed virulent and vicious behaviour towards someone who has always shown her kindness, and under whose largesse and beneficence she is living, it derailed my equilibrium to the extent where I had to abandon the research in which I was engaged, so I decided to read a book, which always calms me, before continuing my mentally challenging activities.

The book I picked up was an autobiography entitled ‘A Goodly Heritage’, written by Elma Seymour, wife of A.J. Seymour, renowned Guyanese writer, and I will take the privilege of quoting and underlining some passages from this enlightening chronicle.

(In the absence of their mother, who was visiting her elder daughter in the USA) *Aunt Car was truly a second mother to us, and papa left many of our problems in her hands. She was always helpful and kind. Besides, we all had to be very polite, well-mannered, and obedient; and no loose-talking or (loose) jesting was allowed in our home.”

“Aunt Car was always one for encouraging the members of the family, especially those who were married and had started to raise a family, to establish the “Family Altar,” where prayers and Bible reading were said daily every morning.”

“It was a blessing for these children when the Schools’ Medical Service came into being and the school was visited regularly by a team of nurses headed by Dr. C.C. Nicholson, Schools Medical Officer. Their teeth were also examined for caries and their general health assessed.”

“On the advice and concern mainly of the writer, a breakfast centre was started mainly for malnourished children. But before the centre was built by the Education Department, Miss Gertie Wood, social worker, who carried on a soup kitchen in the Kitty market, was asked to supply the needy and malnourished children with meals from a donation solicited from the late Mr. R.G. Humphrey……..I remember him saying, “If the children are hungry I must help to feed them”. Mr. Cyril Farnum, Chairman of the Kitty Local Authority, also contributed from Council funds towards the meals. A cheque was sent every month to pay for the meals supplied.

“The soup kitchen was built on the school’s compound and headed by Miss Edna French, the Domestic Science Teacher, and the children were able to enjoy a hot meal cooked right there on the premises and served to the children between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.

“The children who could afford it paid a penny a day, and the deserving others were given free meals as the School Feeding Programme was subsidized by the Education Department.”

“The primary schools system in those days was administered by a governing body for primary schools, and priests and ministers of the various denominational schools were appointed to monitor the administration of the schools. For example, at Carmel R.C., while I was there, Fr. McCaffrey was the priest who visited the school once or twice per month to sign the payroll and the attendance register of teachers, look into any problem facing the headteacher, and sign in the logbook the date of his visit and any remarks he might have to make concerning the discipline of pupils or staff.”

This was during the first PPP Government, when C.V. Nunes was the Minister of Education.

The products of this system were decent, well-behaved law-abiding adults, who believed in the basic principles of honour, respect for their fellow humans, and compassion for the less fortunate in society.

The system involved training in decorum, deportment, and good manners, with the requisite and necessary inputs to achieving equitable intellectual, social and physical development, which started from the home, and which was strategically supported by a strong network involving the educational system and the community.

On Monday I received a call informing me that the headmistress of a primary school in Berbice had been summoned by a magistrate to attend court.

This perturbed me, as I have known this headmistress from childhood, and she was an exemplary and studious child, who always aspired to, and achieved, academic heights, and who have received lucrative offers of employment in the entrepreneurial world, but who loves to teach and refuses to abandon her profession of choice.

She balances her family life with her profession and, together with her husband, has brought up high-achieving, well-behaved children.

I immediately called her, and she related a story to me that made me realize how far down the ladder we have descended in social behaviour from the days when Mrs. Elma Seymour taught school.

She said that after school had been dismissed at 14:30 hrs she was conducting a staff meeting in a room adjacent to a classroom where some students were copying their homework, when she heard a commotion.

Upon investigation, she discovered that a parent had entered the classroom and slapped a child with whom her child had a dispute.

The headmistress contends that, irrespective of any consideration, no adult has a right to accost and/or assault any child in or out of the school premises.

She says that if a parent has a complaint there is a procedure in place to address such issues, which has to be adhered to at all costs, because the consequences are very detrimental to both children, and the morale and morals of the entire school population.

She is particularly concerned that educational institutions are supposed to be protected environments for both students and teachers, but often members of the public just march into schools and assault both teachers and students at will.

She expressed her concern over the growing indiscipline in some students, whose behaviour is spiraling alarmingly out of control, with severe negative impact on overall security and the morale of teachers and the students who are genuinely trying to achieve goals within what is quickly becoming widespread lawlessness in the school populations.

She contends that, rather than a practice where families “pray together” in order to “stay together”, they instead drink together and fight together, and she thinks that the only solution to this rapid decay in the moral fabric of society is that a holistic approach be taken, as in the days of yore, where there is total involvement of societal sectors to upgrade and enhance social behavioural norms.

Adults in families are often to be blamed for the moral turpitude of the children under their care, and if inculcating false values into children is an instance of abuse then many adults are guilty of both abuse and the misdemeanor that the children under their care commit.

For instance, many children are encouraged to covet and steal the possessions of others by the adults in their lives.

One woman, who for some inexplicable reason has taken a dislike to a neighbour, encourages the neighbourhood children to enter the woman’s yard during her absences and steal and destroy her property.

She also constantly abuses and threatens, and has even physically assaulted, the woman, who largely ignores her, then encourages her grandchildren to support her lies when she makes false allegations against the woman to the police.

How could these grandchildren define and apply the principles of wrong and right, truth and untruth as they evolve into adulthood?

The headmistress thinks that the Guyana National Service should be re-established in a more structured way, where children with severe discipline problems should be sent to obtain their education under paramilitary conditions, which may serve to restore their sense of social responsibility

However, she says teachers are constrained from punishing children because of widespread concerns about abuse, and quoted a recent incident where a very dedicated teacher gave an erring student a few lashes and was severely persecuted by students, their parents, and officialdom.

According to her, discipline has to be left completely to the parents as teachers are allowed no latitude, despite the most provoking behaviour from troublemaking students, who even walk with weapons and threaten other students over trifling incidents.

Parents, on the other hand, can withhold privileges within the home environment, but without a simultaneous programme where the school is allowed some leeway, even with monitoring from officials from the Education Department, the problems of society will continue to deteriorate into more violence…..and more violence…..and more violence.

At Berbice Assizes
Pools table argument manslaughter case begins
By Jeune Bailey Van-Keric
A MANSLAUGHTER trial began at the Berbice Assizes yesterday, with State Prosecutor Fabayo Azore stating that it surrounds an argument between two men who were playing a game of pools.

In her opening address, she said, on April 23, 2006, Narvin Raghoo and Ramraj Sankar were the players at Red Rose Liquor Restaurant.

The Prosecutor said, after the two began arguing, they were cautioned and, as Sankar left, riding his bicycle, Raghoo was seen pelting beer bottles after him.

She said Raghoo returned to the bar with a broken bottle and Sankar was seen lying motionless on Nigg Public Road, with injuries about his body.

The latter was later pronounced dead on arrival at Port Mourant Hospital and an autopsy report revealed that his death was due to a ruptured spleen and a stab wound.

Azore said two persons were arrested for the crime but the other has absconded and Raghoo is indicted for the unlawful killing of Sankar.

A witness, Bartender Bemanenen Nandesan recalled, to Justice Diana Insanally and the mixed jury, that he was on duty at the Red Rose on April 23, 2006, between 8 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. when four persons, including the victim and the accused, argued over the use of the pools table.

He said he spoke to the group and ordered them to leave the premises in which there were five lighted energy saving bulbs.

Nandesan said, up to when he closed the business at midnight, neither of the four had returned.

In answer to Defence Counsel Hukumchand, the witness said, although he was the bartender for seven years, he did not know the fourth man in the quartet but the third was named Joshua.

Nandesan said he did not pay much attention to the argument as it was a regular feature in such an environment.

However, he maintained that no one was stabbed in the bar whilst he was in it.

Questioned by the jury, Nandesan said he could not say whether the persons were drinking whilst playing pools, as a waitress usually serves tables.

Another witness, Khemraj Donarine Ramsook, also called ‘Long Hair’ and �ithu’, said he had known the deceased as ‘Tiger’ and ‘Tiger Laugh’ for between 10 and 12 years whilst he worked at a sugar estate.

On that tragic day, Ramsook said he was awakened by the sound of Sankar’s voice calling him.

He looked through a window above his shop and the caller lying motionless, face down on the road parapet.

Witness said he telephoned Sankar’s sister and she arrived at the scene.

Under cross-examination, Ramsook said he did not see the accused when Sankar called him.

Answering the jury, he said he did not know who called the Police nor how the victim got on the parapet but there were lights on the street about 50 feet away and in front of his shop.

Sixty-eight-year-old Khemraj Rajnauth called Kenneth, who was a watchman at Belvedere Inn, said he saw the wounded man sitting on a bench at his work site and, when he asked him what was wrong, the man got up from and then fell unto the roadway.

There were bloodstains on his clothing and where he laid, the witness said.

He said his employer shook the lying man a few times but got no response.

Police Constable Ron Coojah said he witnessed the post mortem examination performed by Dr Nehaul Singh at New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary on April 27, 2006, after the sister of the dead man, Lilawattie Ramjattan, identified the body that was interred, tgwo days later, at Hampshire Cemetery.
The trial is continuing.

Friday Musings
Cat Men
By Sharief Khan
I WAS surprised when I spotted a fellow Tom Cat this week in a most unusual place and I just had to scamper over to meow with him a bit.

There was this Tom Cat sitting and looking real comfortable in the packed auditorium of the International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara for the formal launching by President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana’s draft Low Carbon Development Strategy.

A Tom Cat at the launch of such a strategy?
The centre was jam-packed and extra chairs had to be quickly placed to accommodate stakeholders and invitees.

And as I tried to see just who and who were there, I had to check myself from getting into some serious cat calls when I discerned this Tom Cat looking as pleased as the cat that had just got the milk.

What was he doing here?
President Jagdeo, in an historic and ambitious move, unveiled the strategy in his detailed presentation and talked about Guyana’s offer to preserve almost all of its 15 million hectares of pristine forests to advance avoiding deforestation and forest degradation to help avert global catastrophe caused by the impact of climate change.

As he went through his speech, I saw my Tom Cat friend nodding appreciatively and he looked like he was having a good time.

Now, I know some people think I will rank among the lower class tom cats that jump around the place getting into all kinds of feline antics.

But I swear I am not. I prefer to stay in my corner, keeping quiet and minding my own business.

I can get frisky at times and can be as playful as a kitten. (I can see some of you smirking and wondering about kittens and I!)

So to set the record straight, I am just an Honorary Tom Cat in the band from which that fellow Tom Cat I am talking about sprang.

My Tom Cat buddy is no other than Paul Stephenson (Paul Cat), Chief Executive Officer of Cara Hotels which has holdings here and in the Caribbean.

Paul Cat was at one time top cat at the Pegasus Hotel with his cat partner and fellow Irish-born Sean McGrath.

They are now into Cara Hotels and Paul confided with pride in me after we caught up on Monday that he this week also uplifted his new Guyanese machine readable passport.

He is still Paul Cat but also a proud Guyanese who felt he had to be part of history in the making at the Monday launch of the Guyana path towards low carbon development.

“I was very impressed by the initiative as presented by the President. I feel it will have very positive effects on Guyana’s tourism industry, hotels and eco-tourism activities. This will place Guyana on a new level of international acceptance in the green policies and any discerning eco-tourist will derive great comfort from such strong governmental policies”, said he, stressing that he means every word.

Listening to him and reading his emails since then I am no longer surprised at Paul Cat and his wanderings.

He and his band have always had a love for Guyana, especially for the pristine beauty and wonder of its forests and hinterland.

When he was with the Pegasus, he and a group called the Tom Cats mounted a safari to the hinterland and I reported on the experiences for the Stabroek News with which I was employed at the time.

I was among those invited to the post-safari celebrations and what an event it was – they made me an Honorary Tom Cat, recognizing that I had done enough to earn my stripes without undergoing the travails of the trek.

I felt good then and I feel good now knowing that with backers like the Tom Cats, Guyana’s low carbon development trajectory can get additional thrust in some key circles.
Good to see you again, Paul Cat.
Meow!

Blood Bank doing well but encourages more volunteers
- NBTS Coordinator
By Vanessa Narine
COORDINATOR of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Ms. Shameeza Mangal said yesterday that, although the current need for donors is not urgent, continuing recruitment is necessary.

She made the comment after disclosing that the Blood Bank surpassed its weekly buffer stock of 170 units and now has 184 units in stock.

On Tuesday alone, it received 20 units through recruiting by the Red Cross Society in its monthly blood drive.

It was in addition to the 240 units on May 24, a collection that set a new largest single blood drive record in Guyana and the English speaking Caribbean.

That was spearheaded by Swami Aksharananda of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, where the exercise was conducted for the second time in two years and will now be maintained annually.

Mangal said this latest donation also puts Guyana on track with its goal of acquiring 8,000 units by year end and 10,000 units by 2010.

At the end of last month, NBTS had collected 3,286 units and, of that amount, 2,549 were accumulated at the transfusion centre in Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) compound, she reported.

Mangal said Berbice Regional Health Authority was responsible for 244 units and Red Cross 178 units.

Suddie Hospital on Essequibo Coast contributed 118 units; St Joseph Mercy Hospital and Woodlands Hospital 41 units and 107 units, respectively, in the city, too.

FAMILY REPLACEMENTS
Mangal said 60 per cent of the 3,286 units secured as of the end of May were from volunteers and 34 per cent represented family replacements.

She said, because there is a higher risk associated with accepting blood from the latter source, NBTS, supported by the Ministry of Health, favours voluntary donors instead.

Mangal pointed out that, during the recruitment process, due to the imperative need for the blood, family members tend to withhold certain information in the interview session and this had negative impacts on the procedure.

However, NBTS recorded the most successful voluntary donation programme with a 72.4 per cent rate, ahead of the country target of 70 per cent in that category by 2009 year end, she stated.

Mangal reiterated that persons willing to volunteer are always welcome at all six sites nationwide- NBTS Headquarters in Georgetown; New Amsterdam, Berbice; Suddie, Essequibo Coast; Linden, Upper Demerara River and West Demerara Regional Hospital, West Coast Demerara.

Two nursing gunshot wounds
TWO men are nursing gunshot wounds following a drive-by shooting on Wednesday night at Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown.

The injured - Christopher McLean, 17, of Bel Air, Georgetown and Richard Philadelphia, 20, of Newtown, Kitty, also in the city, was shot and injured when two men in a car discharged a volley of bullets at them and sped off.

The incident occurred at about 20:20 hrs Wednesday, when the duo were standing outside of a parked motor car owned by a friend, Bradley Sampson, 19, of Norton Street, Lodge, another city ward.

McLean was shot in his neck and Philadelphia to his lower back. They were admitted patients at a private hospital.

International Day Against Child Labour
Message by the Hon. Minister of Labour
Mr. Manzoor Nadir, M.P.
Today, June 12, Guyana joins the International Labour Organization and over 160 countries in observing World Day Against Child Labour.

Worldwide, millions of children have their future compromised because they are forced to work. While a lot of our Guyanese children are not in this category, we do have many concerns regarding the full development of our children.

Unequivocally, the Government of Guyana abhors any form of child work that will prevent our children from getting an education and from enjoying a reasonable amount of leisure and play.

Over the years the PPP/C Government has embarked on numerous initiatives that increased the access of our children to education. This has been done not only through investments in the education system but also by providing assistance to vulnerable children through the school uniforms programme and the school-feeding programmes.

Through the Labour department, Government has also raised the age of employment of our children to fifteen years and increased the surveillance process at worksites to detect and deter the instances of Child Labour.

Through the Ministries of Education and “Labour portfolio” two programmes with international assistance have been implemented - The EDUCARE Project (2005 to 2009) funded through the United States Department of Labour and the TACKLE Project (2009 to 2011). These programmes are designed to influence more parents to ensure that their children get an education by staying in school.

Government by more aggressive initiatives from the Labour Department, the Child Protection Agency and the Ministry of Education (Truancy Unit) will step up to the task of policing our anti-child labour policies. But to effectively fight and eliminate and vestige of child labour in our society, we need our people to change attitudes.

The employer, who feels that they are helping a family by employing a child, is hurting and harming rather than helping. The parent who cares for his or her child must nurture that child on a solid dose of education re-enforced by regularity and punctuality at school.

Workers and neighbours should become involved to report on those who will compromise the laws and the norms.

We can end all forms of child labour, but we must care enough and act together.

Luncheon explains…
Low carbon strategy accords with avoided deforestation commitment
By Priya Nauth
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon said Guyana’s historic low carbon development strategy, which seeks to set the example for the rest of the world about the appropriate responses to climate change, is all about development.

He proffered the explanation during his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday at Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, after President Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday formally outlined Guyana’s policy which aims to transform the national economy to mesh with a new global climate change regime.

Speaking at the Guyana International Conference Centre, the Head of State told a wide cross-section of stakeholders: “What we are trying to do in Guyana has never been tried in the world.”

President Jagdeo said the Monday deliberations were just the beginning of the consultative process on the documentation through which the Government is seeking to reconcile competing interests.

He said Norway is helping the consultation and supporting a study to assess the state of forest law enforcement and governance here.

Luncheon said: “The development strategy was launched on Monday and the point needs to be made that the strategy is all about development. Development that is designed around a low carbon economy.”

“The emphasis on the low carbon feature in the strategy accords with the overwhelming concerns about the global environmental health adversely affected by human activities over the past century.

“For Guyana to continue to develop its economy in a low carbon way, the strategy is intended to contribute to climate change mitigation through Guyana’s commitment to avoided deforestation, a commitment that sees almost the entire rainforests of Guyana being preserved,” he reminded.

Luncheon, who is also the Cabinet Secretary, hinted that compensation for preserving standing forests is the reasonable expectation of Guyana and other rainforest countries.

“International financial support for nations preserving standing forests must become a part of the post 2012 Kyoto Protocol of the Climate Change Convention,” he insisted.

CENTRAL PLANK
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) is trying to forge a successor agreement to the current Kyoto Protocol at Copenhagen, Denmark, in December and President Jagdeo has been leading this country’s lobby for forest preservation to be a central plank of that new convention.

Luncheon underscored that the approach which was unveiled Monday presents two tasks for the Administration.

“One that calls for work with Guyanese to consolidate the national position in support of the policy and the second is working with the international partners to get agreement on a feasible market financial solution on the compensation for services provided by standing forests, specifically carbon trade,” he stated.

Further, he said the national consensus that is expected from the first task, is targeted to be arrived at by the end of September 2009, following rounds of national and sub-national consultative activity.

On the international front, Luncheon said seeking the market solution for compensating rainforest countries will continue to be the subject of aggressive action and negotiations by Guyana among the stakeholders, rainforest nations and the developed world that have already subscribed to the Kyoto Protocol and are anticipated to subscribe to its renewal after 2012.

He announced that three months of consultations would commence in about a week’s time and see the Administrative Regions One (Barima/Waini), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice) being targeted.

In that duration, the documents would be explained and opportunities provided for stakeholders in those regions to have the greatest clarity about the strategy, Luncheon assured.

“It is anticipated that an awareness programme would also be launched,” he revealed.

“Certainly the ability of the stakeholders, particularly special interest groups, to meet among themselves, supported by the Administration with resource persons and access to information, it is anticipated that that offer and opportunity would essentially lead to the September refinement of the strategy to one that is embraced by Guyana,” Luncheon posited.

Continuing annual introduction…
NWO puts organically produced coffee on local market
By Tajeram Mohabir
NORTH West Organics (NWO) introduced a new variety of coffee on the local market Wednesday, in keeping with its objectives to develop and sell fine Guyanese organic food products.

At left, Minister Persaud, two Region One farmers and Mrs. Arjoon with the new brand of ground coffee (Adrian Narine photo).

Speaking on the occasion at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, NWO founder, Mrs. Annette Arjoon said the introduction meshes with today’s demand for organically produced foods and dovetails with President Bharrat Jagdeo’s low carbon development strategy.

She told the gathering, mostly of Region One (Barima/Waini) farmers, that the production processes involved are carbon neutral and, on the whole, contribute to income generation in impoverished communities.

The beans from which the coffee is made are grown by farmers at Hosororo and Bunbury and sold to Blue Flame Women’s Group, also in Region One, which does the processing,

NWO then packages and distributes the processed coffee.

Arjoon said limited consumer testing has established that the coffee has a distinctive flavour, probably attributable to the fertile lateritic soil and environmental conditions of North West District, known as the organic area of Guyana.

She pointed out that NWO, which is an offshoot of Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society (GMTCS), of which she is the Project Coordinator, intends to continue putting out a different product annually, as it has done over the past few years.

SUPERMARKETS
Arjoon said the coffee now being marketed is available at Bounty, Nigel’s and Bonny’s supermarkets in the city.

She said, too, that NWO works in collaboration with Blue Flame to make crabwood oil, crabwood soap, cocoa sticks, peanut butter, cassava bread and cassareep, although mainly to meet their community needs.

Arjoon lauded the support of Go-Invest and the Ministries of Agriculture and Amerindian Affairs in the promotion of the various business ventures of NWO and farming activities in Region One locations.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, who was at the ceremony and sampled the coffee, announced that his ministry will make available to the maufacturing group vacuum packaging equipment valued at $350,000.

That machine will enable the product to retain its flavour and have a longer shelf life, he explained.

Mr. Persaud said his ministry’s partnership with NWO is aimed at bolstering their agro-processing activities and empowering the women of Region One to transform their traditional disadvantaged roles, by raising their standard of living through worthwhile economic opportunities.

He said, though the group’s plan to make an annual innovation is bold and innovative, the members must also look at widening their product range and exploring other ways of ensuring a sustainable enterprise.

Persaud said his ministry would be even more supportive of particularly the women’s activities and noted that, under the Rural Enterprise Agriculture Development (READ) Programme, assistance is given to women farming groups, in recognition of their vital contribution to their families and communities.

He said, over the past several months, such benefits have trickled down to groups with a clear vision to improve and expand their services.

In this regard, Persaud said much emphasis is being placed on quality, volume and markets availability to better the lives of members of the respective organizations, as well as women farmers on the whole.

He encouraged consumers to value and appreciate locally grown merchandise and buy the newly produced coffee.

GPS gets $500,000 more towards prisoners reintegration
- from Food for the Poor
By Delana Isles
FOOD for the Poor made another significant donation to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) this week, to assist with the prisoners reform process.

Chief Prison Officer at the New Amsterdam Prison, Maple Blades-Nedd, accepts a check from Food for the Poor CEO, Leon Davis. Looking on is Cadet Officer, Kevin Pilgrim at left and Food for the Poor, Public Relations Manager, Michelle Branker.

Through the handing over of a $500,000 cheque, by Food for the Poor Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Leon Davis to Chief Prison Officer, Agriculture Department, New Amsterdam, Berbice prison, Ms. Maple Blades-Nedd, on Wednesday, at the donor’s Festival City, Georgetown headquarters.

The contribution, in the second phase of a self-sustaining poultry project at the penitentiary, will be used to construct a slaughter house, a feed bond and a reservoir.

The donor had also provided 3,000 broiler chicks, as well as feed and vitamins, for the project.

The overall cost of this part of the scheme is $2.5M and adds to the $3.3M that Food for the Poor has put into the prison system.

Blades-Nedd said the charitable organisation had, last year, donated 3,000 chickens to kick start the venture but, because of the need to construct the three structures, it was approached, again, for help that was generously given.

She expressed gratitude on behalf of the GPS for the additional provision, admitting that it would greatly aid the drive to develop skills in prisoners thus enabling them to secure gainful employment upon their release from incarceration.

Davis, in his remarks, said his organisation is always willing to assist and work along with the GPS in any enterprise that aids the reintegration of prisoners into society and he mentioned a number of other initiatives in which it is involved.

Amazing
He said it is amazing the difference the prison scheme has made and shows what a little bit of help and compassion can accomplish.

David added that the proceeds from the sale of the chicks are being used to procure more chickens and pay participating prisoners.

He also committed to helping prisoners if, upon being discharged, they would like to establish their own poultry farms as a means of earning a living and being gainfully employed.

Davis encouraged those interested not to hesitate in approaching his office.

Project Coordinator, Ms. Andrea Benjamin, who narrated an overview of the entire project, said this latest undertaking is the result of the success of the first, the accountability of the GPS and the dedication exhibited by the prisoners.

She said the first stage helped tremendously in improving the sustainability and the addition will certainly make it fully sustainable.

Low carbon development strategy entails US$1billion expenditure- President Jagdeo
By Tajeram Mohabir
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has announced that the country’s low carbon development strategy, unveiled on Monday, calls for US$1 billion to address long term climate adaptation requirements.

Speaking at Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Greater Georgetown, he said the plan entails a portfolio of urgent, near term investment in the highest priority areas.

Mr. Jagdeo said these include maintenance and reinforcement of the seawalls, repairs to the conservancies and support for switching to flood resistant crops.

One part of the documented approach addresses challenges in Guyana, with the aim of building better resilience into the economy, by upgrading defences against climate change induced flooding, he said.

President Jagdeo said 39 per cent of Guyanese and 43 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are in regions exposed to significant flooding risk.

Yet the drainage and irrigation (D&I) infrastructure is not up to dealing with the changing weather patterns being experienced today, he noted.

According to him:“We are still working to establish the climate change adaptation needs of the hinterland regions but these are likely to include empoldering communities and building new river defences, as well as protecting Guyana’s people and productive land.”

Flooding
The Head of State explained that investing will enable Guyana to reduce the equivalent of 10 per cent of the GDP, which could accrue on average each year, without the damage caused by flooding.

President Jagdeo also said his government is proud of its record in working with Amerindian people to title and demarcate their lands and, over the past decade, the amount of land under Amerindian ownership has grown from about six per cent of Guyana to about 14 per cent today.

He said, currently, 96 village communities, including satellite villages, have titles to their lands; eight have had their lands extended and another nine have made similar requests.

President Jagdeo said those requests are being processed by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and individual communities in line with the process set out in the Amerindian Act which allows communities to request titled lands.

“Few countries in the region or globally have such a track record. But there is still more work to do – nine villages are now awaiting titling,” he asserted.

“This is very costly work and I am hopeful that, if REDD and other forest payments materialise, then we will have the resources to complete this work more quickly than otherwise would have been the case. And then these communities will also be able to decide whether and how to opt in to the national forest protection scheme.

“Over the coming thee months, consultations will take place to discuss how this might happen but there will be no deadline imposed as to when forest communities choose to opt in to the overall framework,” Mr. Jagdeo related.

He said, in the next three months, a series of consultations will be held, mainly where Amerindians reside in Regions One (Barima/Waini), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro/ Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) and a national meeting will also be facilitated, to bring together all elected leaders of the Amerindian peoples.

Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre hosts diabetes workshop
By Shirley Thomas
MEMBERS of Guyana Diabetic Association yesterday participated in a diabetes workshop organised and hosted by Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, on Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

a section of the participants at the Diabetic Workshop and the Ptolemy Reid Centre

It attracted 50 participants, from the city and its immediate environs, who were briefed extensively on the chronic disease that continues to wreak havoc locally.

Facilitators and trainers were drawn from the Ministry of Health and they focused primarily on diabetic foot care, nutrition for diabetics, diabetes related complications and how to prevent and manage them.

A nutrition demonstration for diabetics

According to Ministry of Health statistics, there are at least 35,000 diabetics in Guyana, many of them amputees.

The sessions also looked critically at the types of diabetes, namely type one - insulin dependent; type two - non-insulin dependent and gestational diabetes- high blood sugar which starts during pregnancy.

Foot Care Specialist - Ms. Jacqueline Williams provides foot care for a diabetic amputee.

Ms. Audrey Mofatt spoke on Nutrition and the Diabetic; Mrs. Emily Cumberbatch dealt with the blood sugar challenge and diabetic complications while Ms. Jacqueline Williams, foot care specialist within the Ministry of Health, talked about diabetic foot care.

Following the interactive three-hour programme, there was free glucose and blood pressure testing, as well as demonstrations on foot care.
Those who participated, particularly the amputees, expressed gratitude to the staff of Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the Ministry of Health for undertaking this educational initiative.

Cuyuni boating mishap Court Martial…
GDF Officer found guilty
Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Second Lieutenant, Duane Rigby, who a military court on Tuesday afternoon convicted on one of four counts of disobedience to Standing Orders, that of being out of barracks beyond 18:00 hrs, has been “dishonourably discharged” from the Guyana Force.

The sentence of dismissal was confirmed yesterday by the officer who convened the Court martial, according to a release from the GDF.

The young Army officer was court-martialed following a late December 8, 2008 boating mishap with a civilian vessel on the Cuyuni River, near the Venezuelan border, and which claimed the lives of two soldiers, Corporal 19012 Wesley Hopkinson and Private 20523 Colwin Harris.

Rigby, at the time of the incident, was Officer-in–Charge of the Eteringbang border location where they were stationed.

Presiding over the military trial was Major Lawrence Fraser sitting as President and with retired High Court Judge Winston Moore as Judge Advocate, and five panelists with the ranks of Captain and Coast Guard Lieutenant.

The GDF’s case was presented by Attorney-at-law Melissa Yearwood-Stewart while the defence was led by Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, in association with attorneys, retired Colonel Gregory Gaskin and Ms Tanya Warren.
(Wendella Davidson)

Santa Rosa Secondary classes suspended amidst mystery illness
By Vanessa Narine
CLASSES at Santa Rosa Secondary School, in North West District, have been suspended from yesterday, following more reported incidents of the mystery illness that has struck in Region One (Barima/Waini).

Headteacher, Mr. Glynn De La Cruz, who made the announcement, said alternative venues are being used as classrooms, including the Roman Catholic Parish Hall and the Amerindian Hostel in the community.

He noted that this is the second time that the sickness has disrupted the routine functioning of his school, which, in addition to conducting end of term tests is also preparing candidates for the upcoming Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams.

Initially affecting students of the Santa Rosa Secondary three years ago, the mysterious ailment has been evident one month now.

However, as no medical diagnosis has been proffered, people have resorted to prayers to cure what is evidenced at first, primarily in girls, as belly aches and headaches before seemingly losing consciousness.

Four girls, the most recent victims, were taken to New Amsterdam, Berbice, last weekend to pray with Roman Catholic priest, Father Terrence Montrose.

Before that, last Friday, the quartet saw Sister Julie Matthews of Mercy Convent, who is also a trained social worker, during her visit to the North West.

She said she helped the girls to deal with their fears through counselling.

According to the nun, she made the trip at the request of the Roman Catholic Bishop Francis Alleyne, who saw it fit to extend a hand of assistance to Father Oscar Barraza, the village priest.

Bishop Allen told the Guyana Chronicle that the church is concerned and the priests, dealing in the realm of the unknown, are relying on prayers.

Barraza agreed all they can do is pray for the frightened people and offer them moral support.

The Abrahams family, whose 17-year-old youngest, fifth former Fiona is afflicted, said they feel helpless as they seem unable to ease the suffering.

Adding to the dilemma is the uncertainty surrounding the continuation of the girl’s education at Santa Rosa Secondary.

Her brother, Troy Abrahams said she is doing well after having seen Father Montrose but is not sure she would return to the school.

The girl’s sibling said, after experiencing her fourth attack last Friday, she was left in a state of blackout for almost an hour, after which she appeared stable and ate something before resting and making the trip to New Amsterdam.

The general belief in the community that some evil spirit is to blame was discounted by Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, who said hysteria might be the cause.

He said samples were taken from victims but results of the tests were inconclusive.

“There are no long term effects and the illness seems to be a transient one and not prolonged,” the CMO had said.

Select Committee to examine two more critical pieces of Local Government legislation
By Tajeram Mohabir
LOCAL Government Minister Mr. Kellawan Lall yesterday tabled the Fiscal Transfers, and Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bills before the National Assembly and requested both pieces of legislations be sent to a Special Select Committee.

The bills follow on the heels of the presentation of the Local Government Commission and Local Government (Amendment) Bills to the House the previous Thursday.

The Fiscal Transfers Bill seeks to give effect to article 77 (A) of the constitution by aiming to make a local democratic organ as autonomous as possible including its ability to sustain itself financially.

According to the Bill, under the present financial dispensation, the revenue sustaining the local authorities comes from rates and taxes that are collected by central government and other sources.

The fiscal arrangements set out in the Bill, places emphasis more on revenue collection.

There is provision in section four of the legislation for the eligibility for fiscal transfers to a local democratic organ governed by three conditions, each of which has to be complied with in order to benefit from the transfer.

These are, one, the budget estimates of a local democratic organ for the following year has to be submitted to the given council by November of the current year.

Two, the budget as submitted, has to include expenditure and revenue data relating to the last year for which actual expenditure and revenue are available, along with the previous year’s budget estimates.

And lastly, the budget as submitted shall include notes indicating the basis for all revenue forecasts, including with specific regard to property rates and percentage of billable rates collected or are to be collected.

These will also carry notes providing explanations for any differences in expected and actual collection of property taxes for all actual budget and supplementary information required to be contained in that budget.

The bill specified that the formula for fiscal transfer shall be prescribed by regulations and all grants and disbursements shall be aimed at improving the overall performance of the local democratic organs.

The other piece of legislation, the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill, aims to amend chapter 28:01 of the Municipal and District Councils Act, to revise the provisions pertaining to municipal councils.

“During the course of this revision, no distinction is made between individual councils and towns,” the Bill stated.

The legislation seeks to update various fines, fees and charges in order to make them meaningful in view of current currency values and present day market prices for goods and services.

“Provision is also made for the devolution of powers from the minister onto the various Town Councils; and for the Town Councils to report directly to the minister rather than go through the relevant Regional Democratic Councils,” the Bill noted.

Meanwhile, the Administration of Justice Bill, the Bills of Sale (Amendment) Bill, and the Summary Jurisdiction (Lay Magistrates) Bill, all piloted in the name of Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Mr. Charles Ramson were read for the first time.

The Administration of Justice Bill seeks to increase the limitation of the jurisdiction of a Magistrate’s Court. Currently, a Magistrate may hear a civil matter involving a sun of $50,000. The amendment aims to up this amount to $100,000.

The Bill of Sales (Amendment) Bill aims to remove the requirement for annual renewal of bills of sales and substitute the requirement of renewal every three years.

The other legislation, the Summary Jurisdiction (Lay Magistrates) Bill provides for the constitution of Lay Magistrates’ Court, the appointment of such magistrate and for the regulation of their jurisdiction, practice and procedure.

According to the Bill, the law as regards the present magistrates remains unchanged and magistrates and lay magistrates will work side by side in the magisterial districts.

“A lay magistrate shall have jurisdiction throughout Guyana. Fit and proper persons with certain experience may be appointed as lay magistrates, who would be protected when acting judicially,” the Bill stated.

It explained that a lay magistrate may try any criminal offence ‘triable’ summarily if the punishment does not exceed $10,000 and may try a civil case where the dispute does not exceed $25,000.

The legislation pointed out, too, that it is their duty to promote reconciliation and encourage and facilitate settlement in an amicable way in proceedings of common assault and non-felonious offences.

Improving the nation’s water sector
The capacity to provide an adequate potable water supply to its populace by governments across the globe is proving to be increasingly challenging as the demand surges through a swelling global population, increasing urbanisation and the drying up of fresh water sources.

With the world’s population continuing to grow, adding as many as 3 billion more people to the current population of 6 billion by 2050, there is obvious reason for serious concern about the ability of known water supplies to support such increases even at the inadequate levels of per capita supply that we currently have around the world.

Added to the problem of global growth is rapid urbanisation in developing countries. The United Nations has predicted that 19 of the world’s 25 mega cities (more than 10 million inhabitants) will be in the developing world by 2025. This urbanization will exacerbate the potable water supply problem because dense populations increase the complexity and cost of water supply and sanitation, often to levels beyond the financial ability of many cities. (Source: Peter Rogers Drinking Water for All: A 21st Century Challenge)

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Discussions about potable water supplies around the world are usually framed as catastrophe scenarios, built around a set of seemingly incontrovertible facts: growing populations, rapid urban growth in poor countries, climate change and lack of proper governance.

Here in Guyana the government is working feverishly to meet provide an adequate supply of potable water across the country, having inherited a water supply system which was on the verge of collapse resulting in severe water woes across the country. While the problem has not been fully solved, undoubtedly there has been significant improvement in the water sector with scores of communities which previously were not a getting single drop of water are now getting a reasonable supply of potable water.

And the prospects of further improvements in many other communities are now brighter with the signing of massive contracts for potable water supply projects. Most recently over $107M in contracts have been signed for projects in Lusignan on the East Coast Demerara and the Diamond/Grove on the East Bank Demerara which will benefit some 10,000 residents. This of course is in addition to several other massive projects which have been completed or are ongoing and these include those at Cooriverton, New Amsterdam, Lethem and Vergenoegen to name a few, while several others are to come on stream.

Unfortunately, some cynics continue that this government has done and is not doing anything for the people of this country. What they fail to acknowledge is that with the multiplicity of problems inherited by this government with scarce resources it is impossible to all of Guyana’s problems simultaneously. But its record irrefutably demonstrates its commitment towards addressing the needs of the people.

However, while improving the water supply is most laudable at the same time it is equally important to improve the management of the water sector as there is too much wastage of water through broken mains and taps being left on etc.

Peter Rogers notes: “Increasingly we see that the major problem of water supply for existing populations lies in the lack of effective governance by national and local governments. This was the major theme expressed in the recent U.N. Development Programme Human Development report, Water for Life. Governance does not mean just the institutions themselves, but functioning institutions with effective interactions among civil society, politicians, and nongovernmental organizations. Lack of effective governance and institutions is not confined to developing countries; it is often the source of misallocations of water and financial resources in the developed world as well.”

Teen on fraud charge merely collected his wages – Defence Counsel
SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Joseph Bissessnauth has been charged with fraudulent misappropriation of $30,000 entrusted to him by Rasheeda Azeez.

The teenager appeared before Magistrate Chandra Sohan at New Amsterdam Court yesterday and was granted $25,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to the May 9 offence.

The case for the prosecution is that the defendant was entrusted with the money to pay the virtual complainant’s land rates to Cumberland Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), also in Berbice, but converted it to his own use and benefit.

However, prior to the adjournment to July 9, Defence Counsel Jodaswir Misir told the Court the defendant was employed by Azeez and had merely collected his wages.

Charge of advocating a terrorist act sedition...
Magistrate’s prima facie ruling on Oliver Hinckson set for Tuesday
By Wendella Davidson
ACTING Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson is expected to give her ruling on Tuesday on whether a ‘prima facie’ case has been made out against ex-Army officer, Oliver Hinckson, in the March 11, 2008 charge of advocating a terrorist act sedition.

Yesterday, she adjourned the matter and set that date for the ruling after Hinckson’s lead defence attorney, Nigel Hughes, applied to the Court for the case against his defendant be dismissed or abandoned and the accused be discharged.

It happened after the Acting Chief Magistrate waited over an hour for Special Prosecutor Sanjeev Datadin to put in an appearance and subsequently declared the case for the Prosecution closed.

Earlier, the Prosecutor’s clerk had on two separate occasions, as the Court awaited Datadin’s arrival, tendered excuses on his behalf saying he would have arrived shortly.

However, legal luminaries contacted by the Guyana Chronicle have pointed out that despite the Prosecution’s case being closed, Datadin can, if he so desires, on Tuesday, when the matter is called, approach the Court and apply for the case to be re-opened, thus giving him the opportunity to furnish his final witnesses.

When the case was called Monday, the Prosecution requested an adjournment to yesterday when he would have presented his final witnesses.

But when the matter was called, the Court was informed through his clerk , of the Prosecutor’s pending arrival and too, that the witnesses were present.

The latter explanation backfired when no witness approached the Court despite the Court Orderly making calls, prompting the Chief Magistrate to summon the defence attorneys, Hughes and retired Colonel Gregory Gaskin, as well the Police Prosecutor Denise Griffith to the Bench.

It was agreed following the discussion that Datadin be given further time to make his appearance and at 15:45 h, the Chief Magistrate further directed that another call be made for the witnesses.

With still no appearances by Datadin or the witnesses, Hughes made a brief no-case submission in which he submitted that the evidence led by the Prosecution in the case had failed to establish the basic requirements of the charge against the accused.

Hughes, at this point, applied for the case to be either dismissed or abandoned and that the Court discharge the accused.

Remanded wounding accused alleges abuse by victim
EX-SOLDIER Lindany Phillips, 22, who is alleged to have wounded her paramour during an alternation last June 7, was remanded to prison yesterday.

She faced an indictable charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Carl Halley, before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle, who refused her bail.

Phillips, of Lot 1 Meadow Bank, Georgetown, told the Court that the virtual complainant would usually provoke and abuse her for no reason and, that day, he attacked her with a screwdriver and she picked up a knife to warn him off.

In tears, she claimed she did not injure Halley intentionally.

However, Prosecutor Denise Griffith, prosecuting, pointed out that, although the accused wrote her own statement, she did not include the attack on her by Halley.

The Prosecutor objected to Phillips being granted pre-trial freedom, on the ground that Halley is still hospitalised and the Police are awaiting a report on his medical condition.
The case will be called again on June 18. (Nathalene DeFreitas)

Knifepoint robbery defendant also refused bail
ORIN Birkett, 43, of Lot 16 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown was yesterday refused bail when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle on a robbery under arms charge.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which said, on June 7, being armed with a knife, he robbed Harold Gaskin of $12,500.

The defendant said he went into a shop to purchase cigarettes and the virtual complainant and another person were outside drinking.

Birkett claimed, when he returned to get his bicycle, he saw the person with Gaskin leaving with it and, upon enquiring where the man was taking the bike, he was wounded with a knife.

He denied robbing Gaskin but Police Inspector Denise Griffith, prosecuting, gave a different narrative.

She said the defendant ventured into the shop, put a knife to Gaskin’s neck and relieved him of his money.

Birkett was remanded to prison and his case was transferred to another Court for June 18.

In the same Court, Rakesh Roshan alias ‘Fish’, 35. of Lot 59 Robert Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, also failed to secure pre-trial freedom and will remain incarcerated until June 15.

The simple larceny charge against him, to which he pleaded not guilty, said, last May 27, he stole a cell phone valued $50,000, property of Valerie Sealey.

The defendant said he directs traffic at Fogarty’s Store and is no thief.

He declared God told him the virtual complainant is a wicked woman and she framed him.

But Sealey said she disembarked and went into the business place while her driver had gone to park her motor car.

She said, when she emerged after her shopping, the defendant approached her, asking if she was looking for it and took her to where the car was parked.

Sealey said Roshan then asked her for $40 and, as she was looking for the money to give him, he grabbed the phone that was in the car and fled the scene.
(Nathalene DeFreitas)

THE BIG PICTURE
By Hydar Ally
‘Such was the extent of our relative prosperity that many people from the English-speaking Caribbean, including a significant number of Barbadians came to Guyana in search for a better life. Ironically, Barbados is now taking a tough line against Guyanese and other Caricom nationals, a clear case of not remembering its past and out of naked self-interest.’
I am not one of those who have any inclination to become pre-occupied with small and insignificant matters. I like to focus on what is sometimes referred to as ‘big picture issues’ that is, issues that are substantial enough to affect the lives of people in significant ways.

This is why I always sought to avoid responding to those who either lack the ability to see the big picture or bluntly refuse to see and acknowledge changes, especially when such changes run counter to their already preconceived minds.

As the saying goes, none so blind as those who cannot see. There are people, unfortunately, who are so blinded by prejudice that they cannot see anything good emanating from this current administration. They look for every opportunity to score political points and to downplay any positive development that this current administration has achieved for the Guyanese people.

This is not to suggest that issues of concern to the people should not be highlighted or brought to the attention of the relevant authorities. After all, criticism and self-criticism are good for the health of any society. A society that suppresses criticism and free speech impoverishes its citizens and stifles their creative potential.

Such criticisms however should be constructive, aimed at fostering the national good. Criticizing just for the sake of criticism and not offering solutions to problems, real or imagined are counter productive and cannot advance the common good.

What some people fail or refuse to understand is that there is no such thing as a perfect society. A perfect society is what is referred to in the literature as a ‘theoretical construct’ which does not exist in reality. Such society represented an ideal to which societies may aspire to reach but in reality cannot achieve.

The fact is that progress achieved in terms of the realization of this ideal state cannot be measured in relation to comparisons with other countries but in relation to one’s past.

Just as an individual measures his or her progress in life on the basis of past experiences, so too must a nation be judged on the basis of its own historical past. And in doing so, it is important to look at the objective and subjective conditions which could either advance or retard the pace of such developments.

In the case of Guyana, the country has had a mixed past, one that has been interspersed with moments of progress and decay.

It is an established fact that Guyana during the early 1960’s was among the more advanced economies in this hemisphere and certainly was ahead in per capita terms and in terms of living standards than most of the countries of the Anglo-phone Caribbean.

This came about as a result of the prudent management of the country by the PPP-led administration despite the fact that the government was denied developmental assistance by the colonial powers and also its limited ability to negotiate loans and grants from friendly countries.

Despite such limitations, the PPP regime managed to revitalize the economy and created opportunities for Guyanese to create their own employment with the establishment of farming communities, the expansion of agricultural lands, creation of industrial sites to promote manufacturing and trade among other developmental initiatives.

Emphasis was also put on education and health with the establishment of the University of Guyana, the secularization of education and the construction of a number of health centres and cottage hospitals throughout the length and breadth of the country.

Such was the extent of our relative prosperity that many people from the English-speaking Caribbean, including a significant number of Barbadians came to Guyana in search for a better life.

Ironically, Barbados is now taking a tough line against Guyanese and other Caricom nationals, a clear case of not remembering its past and out of naked self-interest.

Regrettably, the social and economic gains made by the PPP government of the late 50’s and early 1960’s were eroded by the failed policies and undemocratic practices of the successor PNC administration resulting in the country being reduced in less than two decades of PNC misrule to become the poorest country in the western hemisphere.

It took the return of the PPP/C in the elections of 1992 to once again restore the country to economic viability after nearly three decades of authoritarian rule.

For those who cannot see the big picture and the role played by the PPP in the evolution of this picture, it would be helpful to consider the following facts:

- it was the PPP that led the struggle for universal adult suffrage and the right to vote

- it was the PPP that blazed the trail for a free and independent Guyana

- it was the PPP that led the fight for free and fair elections after it was stolen from the Guyanese people by the PNC for close to three decades

- it is the PPP that is today transforming Guyana to a modern and democratic state, one that is gaining respect in regional and international community.

These are some of the big picture issues that some people conveniently chase to ignore. Let us think big.

Blaming the government the easy way out
Mr. EMILE Mervin’s letter in the Kaieteur News on June 11, 2009 is one of repetition. All matters raised by Mr. Mervin are past issues that were already addressed by the appropriate authorities. Mr. Mervin’s intent is to stir up hostility among the people of Guyana, brainwashing them to think that the Government is responsible for all the corruption that exists in Guyana today.

Mr. Mervin just like the main opposition rants about blaming the Government of Guyana for all the mistakes that people working within the Government make. Press reports seem to suggest that investigations have been conducted for queries as they arise; and these investigations were subjected to legal procedures and provided some level of confidentiality for the protection of the people involved, whether they are guilty or not.

Mr. Mervin should try chipping in the shoes of any leader and test himself to walk a straight line. Governing a country is not easy, and mistakes will be made, corruption will be present and the usual opposition vie for political power will exist. Many of us, including Mr. Mervin make unproven accusations against the government without knowing the full facts of the matter. The people themselves who work for the government are the real culprits, and those guilty of corruption should be blamed for their own reckless actions. For this reason, investigations are conducted and once found guilty; they will be subjected to prosecution. There are examples of these scenarios in Guyana. Mr. Mervin should check out the press for more information, instead of speaking in parables.

So Mr. Mervin should bring to a halt his weeping saga, especially because of his constant repetition and his presentation of serious flaws in his storyline. Blame the government! Blame the government! The laments continue; this is unacceptable.

When are we going to take responsibility for our own actions?

When systems are implemented to manage, the people themselves do not abide by the rules; and, inevitably, the blame falls on the Government.

Presently, it seems as if the government is working to attain the highest rates of economic growth that is possible; to eliminate poverty; to achieve geographical unity; to attain an equitable geographical distribution of economic activity; and to diversify the economy; the successful accomplishment of these goals requires the cooperation of all.

It is unfair not to recognize the developments that are happening; it is not fair to say that the Government did nothing for this country. We must unite as Guyanese and battle the harsh realities of life.

Mr. Mervin also needs to realize that remittances in any developing countries are part of its economic makeup, whether he likes it or not. And so, his argument of taking away the almost US$1 billion in remittances is insanity. Guyana needs remittances to help sustain its financial viability and this is not wrong. Should Mr. Mervin remain oblivious to the fact that a remittance is part of macroeconomic fundamentals, then I refer him to Kimberly James’ letter in Kaieteur News on June 11, 2009 titled, ‘Remittances – a plus for Guyana’s economy’, pointing out the importance of remittance to developing countries, including Guyana.

I am not speaking as pro-Government or anti-Government, but rather from the rationale of your everyday Guyanese life. Like any other Guyanese, I want to see my country progress; and so, regardless of our individual opinions, we need to support the Government of the day, whether it is the PPP/C, PNC/R1G, AFC, etc., and be constructively critical; but certainly not to become a nuisance to which Mr. Mervin has evolved.
NIGEL WILLIAMS
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Mitigation is a relatively painless bandwagon to ride
WORLDWIDE, there is a groundswell of calls to take mitigatory action to stem climate change. In this respect, Guyana appears to be taking the initiative to preserve its forest cover and hopefully reap the economic bounty that this brings. This is a noble effort and equally noble is Norway’s commitment to facilitate Guyana’s approach to mitigating climate change.

I would like to caution that as much as mitigation against climate is important, equally so is adaptation to climate change. Based on the Guyana Chronicle report on the conference on Guyana Climate Change Strategy, the threat to Guyana was acknowledged through reference to the Great Flood of 2005 but there was no concern that Guyana has not yet begun planning/adapting for the inevitable impacts. These impacts have the potential to stymie all of the plans to cash in on climate change mitigation.

If all nations or at least the most significant contributors to greenhouse gases reduce their emissions to pre-industrial age levels, the earth would still have a hangover for at least another hundred years. Climate change has a momentum and it is likely to get worse before it begins to get better, at least so all mankind hopes. Therefore, in parallel with our mitigatory initiatives we should also prepare to manage the adverse effects that climate change brings. Sea level rise, adverse temperature, and adverse precipitation or lack there of are anticipated throughout the world. Associated with these changes are potential impacts to ecology, human health, agriculture, recreation, transportation, etc. Do we have any idea what to expect in Guyana? If we do not know then how are going to plan for the consequences?

It is important that Guyana to begin taking take steps to forecast the effects of climate change to the year 2100. We have to prepare a sustainable future for our descendants in the same responsible way our fore parents did for us. This process has already been accomplished in some countries and is underway in many others. The United Kingdom, for example, started this effort in 2000 through the Thames Estuary 2100 or TE 2100 project. New York City is following suit and has just begun to formulate its planning, locally and regionally. We do not need to reinvent the wheel as we can learn much from the nations that have already embarked upon this process. However, we have to tailor the forecast model(s) to match our conditions to understand what is in store for us. There are at least 16 universally accepted Global Climate Models (GCM) that Guyana can use to peer into the future.

I am not sure that we have that level of experienced climatologists and computing hardware to pursue this forecasting effort but I suggest that we capitalize on the connections we have established with Norway to seek help from their Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research in Bergen (http://www.bjerknes.uib.no). The Bjerknes Centre Global Climate Model is one of 16 GCMs being used by the New York City Panel on Climate Change. Alternatively, we can use the proceeds for the mitigatory efforts to hire the right outfit such as the UK Met Office (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/) which has one of the best consulting services in this area. We can also pursue a regional effort through the Caribbean Meteorological Institute (CMI) and thus share the cost of this undertaking.

This is a long term effort as these models have to be maintained and reassessed as often as climate science evolves. There is uncertainty as we have all been hearing but this uncertainty is only related to the magnitude of the changes.

Mitigation is a relatively painless bandwagon to ride on and thus easy to embrace. Adaptation needs stomach as it carries significant economic, social and political impacts. Adaptation will require a truly national effort as all of us are going to be equally affected.

There are risks and cost to a programme of action but they are far less than the long range risks and cost of comfortable inaction (John F. Kennedy).
DEREK A. BRAITHWAITE
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Guyanese should be proud of Guyana’s LCDS
GUYANESE should be immensely proud of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) because of its great value to Guyana and the entire world.

Guyana’s rich diversity has always been known to lure explorers as was told in our rich history that encompassed the legend of El Dorado. This rich legend has provoked battles among several nations adding flavour to our already colorful history as wealthy nations vied for possession of our rich diversity.

With the launching of the LCDS, Guyana has revealed another of its prized possessions, our rainforest; one of the most unique features of the world which holds the key to the survival of future generations.

Our untouched rainforest has ensured that Guyana remains one of the few countries that contribute minimally to the carbon emission level. This pristine rainforest makes Guyana a key player in inventing a solution to the harsh consequences of climate change.

Mr. Editor, I find it amazing that for so long we remained unaware of the value of our forest while it provided free service by compensating for the damages done by the developed world to the environment.

Had it not been for the wisdom of President Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana’s forest would have continually served as a buffer for the world against climate change without compensation for its invaluable service.

The LCDS is a commendable initiative which deserves the support of all Guyanese.

Guyana should also be appreciated for its important role in helping to reverse the current trend of climate change and for preserving a world that future generations could inhabit.
MARCIA DeFREITAS
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Kaieteur News report headed “Low Carbon development Strategy – No `special’ consultations for Amerindians” off target
FOR the record, here’s what Dr. Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, told the Kaieteur News in response to a question from one of its reporters:

“The consultations with stakeholders start with the most comprehensive of outreach. It is indeed to provide comprehensive awareness.

It is not targeting specific stakeholders. So whether Amerindians, indigenous communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten opt in or opt out, they will be a part of the consultative process.

Their opting in and opting out is a decision that the communities would make at some point in the implementation of the strategy.

But our consultative process now is not dedicated to the soliciting of opting in or opting out or even specific stakeholders participating in unique ways. The consultative process now is to build a level of comfort among stakeholders about the strategy, its design, what it intends to do, how it intends to do it. This is the intention of the consultative process.

It then really begs the question. The provision of documentation, access to facilitators, resource persons, to stakeholders at consultations hosted by the administration, at consultations that are organised by focal groups -- they would all benefit from maximal support by the administration.

In terms of timeliness, the strategy, frequently asked questions, all of these would be provided to the communities before the formal consultative process begins.”
KWAME Mc COY
Press and Publicity Unit
Office of the President
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Protests outside Amerindian Affairs Ministry were uncalled for
I strongly support the stance that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is taking in relation to the Orealla-Siparuta elections and dealing with the “John King Issue”.

I was appalled at the way a few persons behaved, picketing and protesting in front of the Ministry. This act displayed a high level of ignorance and was uncalled for.

Minister Sukhai stated that all the elections that were run were deemed to be highly successful generally.

The disqualification of John King was the right thing to do, since residents in his area claimed he had not been living there consistently for the last three years, prior to the elections, and this being mandatory under the new Amerindian Act for the elections, was grounds for him being removed as a candidate.

He refuted this claim by stating he “goes and comes”, but has a house in the Orealla-Siparuta area. However, this place of abode turned out to be his parents, and by no means, his own property. And since the elections were done by the Amerindians themselves, they saw it fit to make the decision of removing him from the elections. So how then, can the protestors blame the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for this course of action?

Besides, the party which John King belongs to was given the opportunity to nominate another candidate before the elections began, and this they failed to do. So it is highly impossible to say that this group was not treated fairly.

Even if these persons felt it was unfair, why did they not see it fit to approach the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on this issue? Why did they take their complaints and voice them to the AFC party, and seek representation from them, instead of the Ministry?

From the inception, the protestors should have realized that in order to be heard properly, they need to talk with the Ministry and not other agencies or parties. The AFC should not use the issues of the Amerindian people as excuses for trying to divide persons and instigate problems.

The disgruntled group of persons has not even had the decency to officially send their complaint to the Ministry, however, the Minister acknowledged receipt of a copy of the complaint from the AFC. How can the members of this group expect to gain satisfaction, when they are not approaching or even contacting the Ministry on this issue?

Minister Sukhai was correct in saying that if the group wants to go elsewhere, they cannot stop them, however, the Ministry will only respond when these persons come directly to them. Also, there is a three-month grace period, after such elections to allow for complaints and issues to be raised, and the matter will be dealt with in due time.
STEFANNA SANKAR
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City garbage a threat to people’s health
GARBAGE piles up in Georgetown by the Mayor and City Council and this should be a concern for the EPA because it is about people’s health. It is a concern about the human condition: how the people live and work in a dirty city. All methods for managing waste have some serious environmental impact. Waste disposal delayed can cause pollution of groundwater and surface waters when rainfall leaches hazardous substances from materials in the waste.

And as organic waste decays, methane accumulates, creating the potential for explosions. According to Kaieteur News Wednesday June 10, 2009 the contractors Puran Brothers Disposal Service and Cevon's Waste Management, as of Monday, decided to withdraw their service from the municipality, claiming that they were unable to continue without being paid.

The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown should recognise frankly and from the beginning that it is the duty of the Finance Committee and the Town Clerk (ag) to intervene actively in the Puran/Cevon's affairs with a view to guaranteeing them some payment for their services rendered.

Time and time again the citizens of Georgetown are made to suffer because of poor or no management by the Council. The state should be actively concerned not merely to preserve but to improve the quality of life of its people in the city, the quality of their environment, the quality of their society and the nature of their business.

I think everyone will understand that it is time for local government election. As I understand it as a former Deputy Mayor, the City Council of Georgetown is no rubber stamp of any body's wishes, but since the outcome is not yet known on the election all that I can discuss at this stage is that the local government minister should act urgently to arrest this unhealthy situation. A municipality is likely to be lifeless if it is seen by the people as an instrument to be operated by others while their role is limited to taxes without proper service.
MOHAMED KHAN
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Mr. Gossai has come around to seeing things my way
IT is usually excruciatingly painful to read Mr. Gossai’s letters. But on Thursday morning June 11th, it was indeed a joy to read his letter. In fact I was almost moved to tears. In his letter, he stated that the Gospels are regarded as “God-inspired teaching by sensible Christians”. These are the most beautiful words Mr. Gossai could ever pen.

Mr. Gossai has finally come around to seeing things my way. I guess burning the midnight oil to respond to seemingly insignificant letters in the scope of what I dealt with on a daily basis has finally produced some fruit. It is easy at times to adapt the attitude of “why bother”. But one should never underestimate the work of a pastor. These “inspired teachings” declare in the Gospel of Saint John chapter 1 that God created all things, the heavens and the earth and all that is therein, by the word of his power.

Of course, Mr. Gossai is not really serious when he said to disregard the scientific evidence because he thinks I am a ghost writer. I am no more a ghost writer than Casper is a friendly ghost.

I would be more than happy to disclose to Mr. Gossai the scope of my background as a pastor. However, it would only be right to follow protocol. The one who is asking for my credentials should be the first to disclose his identity and background which would only serve as a basis to follow and will reveal by what authority he has to demand my credentials. I had asked the question a couple years ago, “Will the real Mr. Gossai stand up?” I believe it is time for Mr. Gossai to stand up and bow.
PASTOR DANIEL SINGH
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The law on child custody is biased against men
VERY often we hear people say men are to be blamed for not participating in their children’s lives, but the Laws of Guyana do not cater for a man’s participation in their upbringing. In my opinion they only serve to reduce a man’s contribution to their children's lives to that of financial donor.

My personal experience is with a judge in a custody matter where the mother of my child applied for custody and without an investigation the ruling was made in favour of the applicant.

The applicant is poorly educated, unemployed, alcoholic and a party junkie who lives in a two bedroom house with another child, a sister (adult) and her father. No one in their household is even capable of assisting the child academically. Yet the judge saw her as the best person to take care of the child, as opposed to a man who’s in a stable job, earning a stable income, has two diplomas, owns a comfortable home and has a good standard of living.

If this is an example of how justice works when it comes to child custody matters in Guyana, is it any wonder that so many men are not present in their children's lives?
NAME WITHHELD
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Army ranks should carry out civil works
I have noted with interest a publication under the caption, “Invitation to tender” – Guyana Defence Force in the Kaieteur News of June 2, 2009, to construct fences, bridge, etc.

What a shame and waste of funds. Why were they allowed to reach this deplorable state in the first place? It is a known fact that soldiers of other countries, USA, England, Brazil, etc, engage in civil works within their barracks and in their countries. They even assist other countries as goodwill gestures. Guyana has benefitted from many such visits; St Mary’s Primary School is one such project by the US army.

Agreed that these countries would have been independent for many years, 43 years can be considered a lengthy period. It is now time for the Guyanese soldiers to venture on their own and effectively carry out this developmental works. I remember a saying, “you must not enter the pool unless you know to swim”. Is this a case of the GDF ranks? They would not do any civil works unless they are qualified.

I am eagerly looking forward for the announcement that the GDF has successfully done the works tendered for.
H. RAGHUBIR
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Do not attack the messenger debate issues
PLEASE point this final official response to Mr. Sasenarine Singh’s second correspondence with respect to his views on the achievements of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, under the stewardship of Minister Dr. Frank Anthony.

Singh juxtaposed his critique and latterly, his personal perspectives laced with emotional attacks on me, once his political comrade and colleague, against the policies, projections and programmes outlined in the last 2006 PPP Manifesto.

Mr. Editor, I had intimated that the Ministry’s achievements, whether in sport or culture, included unprecedented (international) events not even listed in the Manifesto. We – both in our political and professional capacities at the Ministry do not need to be ‘lectured’ to by Mr./Comrade Singh about election campaign manifesto being ‘contracts’ or ‘road-maps’ with the people. So too are countries’ constitutions, but even those are documents of aspiration and intent, rigid guidelines to be followed and upheld if sudden, unexpected exigencies do not require amendments for the greater good. So if it is determined that the nation’s food, (agriculture) health or education must take temporary precedence over promised Sports Complexes that is how it must be.

Sasenarine Singh diplomatically salutes the work of Minister Anthony so far. However, I know that the Minister prefers to await the end of his tenure for a more sincere, collective assessment of his stewardship. Speaking for myself, I refuse to be drawn to the level of the former PYO metamorphosed gentleman, despite his personal attacks on me. (I am the Director of Sports, Not Youth).

Except to mention that I appreciate his admiration for Minister Robert Persaud knowing that the minister once provided employment for Mr. Singh’s well-being before he (Singh) migrated and yes Sasenarine, I am still “Jaganite.” I have not compromised Comrade Cheddi’s principles by seeking the one time colonial master’s scholarships or now living in Britain’s domain. No, I have remained to contribute right here, in Guyana, through thick and thin.

You have had your moments of fame whilst attempting to denigrate or diminish one Minister and his Ministry’s achievements so far. We will not feed your new-found British arrogance or indulgence any further. From your new home, you would do better to debate ideas and issues – than to emotionally attack the messengers, who are former colleagues. Perhaps you may go through the 2006 Manifesto to lambaste other ministries now. You have a right to talk and write, whilst we act and deliver. Go prioritise your next critiques.
NEIL KUMAR