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Investing in Caribbean agriculture
- questions on way forward as food crisis deepens
By PHIL PASCAL (Special Contributor)
TOMORROW PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo will address a special discussion forum, organised by the CARICOM Secretariat, in preparation for the forthcoming major "CARICOM Agriculture Investment Forum" in Guyana, scheduled for June 9-10.

Guyana's significant role in arrangements for the two-day "Investment Forum" is in accordance with its recognised potential as the "food basket" of CARICOM and the lead responsibility President Jagdeo holds among Community Heads of Government for regional agriculture expansion and modernisation.

Tomorrow's event will also include brief presentations by CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington, Assistant Secretary General for Trade and Economic Integration, Irwin Larocue and James Moss-Solomon, Chairman of the Preparatory Task Force for the coming Agriculture Investment Forum.

Both tomorrow's event and the work being done by the Task Force planning the Investment Forum, are occurring at a time of growing outcries and even violent demonstrations--as in Haiti--and even industrial action and protests in some CARICOM states over sharp increases in food prices and the general cost of living.

Arrangements for the Agriculture Investment Forum were mandated by last month's Inter-Sessional Meeting in The Bahamas of CARICOM leaders in the quest for answers to effectively address the spreading food crisis triggered in large measure by external factors in spiralling oil prices and vital consumer commodities for which comparatively little substitute exist at present in our region.

Now that increasing food prices are having a devastating effect on the cost of living, especially among low-income groups, any effort of concrete action to boost our food production and help relieve the exorbitant US$ 2 billion food imports bill, would be most welcome by the people in every CARICOM state.

The "quick-fix" action by some of our governments to reduce duties on basic food items and adjust/remove the Common External Tariff (CET) from commodities such as milk, cheese, cooking oil, flour, baby food etc., are really short-term measures to the deeper problem of food security.

Some questions
Key, binding constraints to address the deeper problem had already been clearly identified before the current crisis situation, and outlined in what is regionally-known as the "Jagdeo Initiative", named after President Jagdeo for work done in his lead role for regional agriculture development.

What, however, bothers many who are keen to witness "progress on the ground", is why is it taking so long for the "Jagdeo Initiative" to really start delivering solid and integrated action?

Perhaps President Jagdeo himself may wish to explain to what extent he is personally satisfied, or dissatisfied with the pace of implementation of recommended actions to address the constraints that have been identified in the "Initiative"?

For example, who is in the "driving seat" for monitoring implementation? What targets have been set and which ones are on the way to being achieved? This brings us precisely to the planned Investment Forum in June.

Who are the investors targeted in the private sector? With all the excess liquidity in many CARICOM countries, what large-scale investments are likely to boost increased production on lands that the Guyana Government is willing to offer at very reasonable rates?

Will factory shells and industrial parks for agro-processing be located in one or other countries and the shipping and transport equipment be encouraged by incentives for prospective investors in the Caribbean, or with joint ventures overseas? What about the new technologies and experience from Cuba to boost fruit and vegetables production?

It is the understanding that the coming Investment Forum is consistent with commitments made at the Port-of-Spain Conference in June last year at which it was identified that approximately US$350 million would be required to pursue so-called "Medium Term Investment Profiles"--both national and regional.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), had collaborated with regional institutions, among them CARDI, IICA and the CARICOM Secretariat to advance the process. Question of relevance is: How much of that identified US$350 million has actually been raised?

Have donors been invited to pledge? The role of the CARICOM Secretariat itself needs to be objectively assessed in the context of its capacity to help deliver the required resources and for the Investment Forum.

Tomorrow's inaugural event may provide some answers to questions raised and, hopefully, inspire hope for a successful Investment Forum in June.

Dogs maul security guard to death
By Michel Outridge
A vicious attack by a group of dogs, believed to have consisted of pit bulls and cross breeds, on a security guard left him dead early yesterday morning along the Ogle Airstrip Road, East Coast Demerara.

The owner and his nine vicious dogs were yesterday taken into custody after the dogs attacked and killed a security guard who was on his way to work at Ogle Airstrip Road, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is Charles Roopchand, 54, of Lot 2 ‘C’ Lusignan Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

According to reports shortly after 05:30 hours yesterday the dogs pounced on the Cops security guard as he was walking to work.

For him death was instantaneous as the dogs chewed on the man’s neck and face while they dragged his body several feet from the road.
Reports said Roopchand tried desperately to fend off the ferocious dogs after they threw him off his feet but he was quickly overpowered and mauled to death.

A woman who was jogging was also attacked and mauled by the dogs after they killed Roopchand.

She was however, treated at the hospital and sent away.

Roopchand’s son, Michael, 24, told the Guyana Chronicle that his father left home about 05:hours for work and he later learnt of his demise via a telephone call from the police.

The shocked and grieving young man said that his dad was the sole breadwinner for the family of two siblings and their ill mother who is bed-ridden.

At the time of his death Roopchand was attached to Cops Security Service where he provided security for the Guyana Telephone and Telephone (GT&T) tower at Ogle Airstrip Road, East Coast Demerara.

At Roopchand’s residence yesterday, his three sons were still in deep shock as they recounted the last time they saw their father.

Meanwhile, it is unclear how the dogs actually got out of the yard where they are housed but when the police was summoned the owner was alerted and managed to contain the dogs.

Agriculture Ministry moves to stabilise rice price, supply
By Tajeram Mohabir

THE Ministry of Agriculture has moved towards stabilising the price and supply of rice on the local market and in this regard yesterday announced an adjustment of the export commission on rice to cushion the effects of the rising price for the commodity and to enhance the operations of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud, told reporters at a press briefing convened at his Ministry that the changes are as follow:

* export of bulk cargo rice has now moved from US $ 6 to US $ 10 per tonne;
* export of bulk polished white rice from US $ 6 to US $ 9 per tonne;
* export of packaged rice (10 kilos package and below) from US $ 6 to US $ 8 per tonne and ;
* export of broken rice from US $ 2 to US $ 5 per tonne

He pointed out adjustment was made under section 45.2 of the GRDB Act which states that the board may with the approval of the minister, charge fees for certifying the quantity, quality or both of any quantity of rice under sub-section (1).

Persaud noted that the existing export commission was charged when the average export price for rice was about US $ 250 per tonne but presently the average export of the commodity has jumped to around US $ 650.

The minister disclosed that the measure will take effect today and will apply to all contracts and export arrangements for this crop. The rate of the commission will be reviewed at the end of this crop.

He explained it will allow for the restructuring and modernising the GRDB operation; the improvement of its capacity for trade and industry development; better extension service to farmers to improve yield, quality of seed material and adequate research support.

Persaud said the adjustment would not affect the price of paddy for farmers and may further ensure that the local market is adequately served at an affordable price.

Rice levy are charged in many countries with the most recent being Pakistan. China also has export taxes ranging from 5 to 25 per cent on food grains with process rice alone fetching a 10 percent charge. Australia, apart from its export taxes, has a 2 per cent interest on late payment.

No ban on rice export
The minister declared contrary to speculations, government has not implemented a ban on rice exports, but has restricted the sales to ensure adequate supply for local consumption and export. He said exporters and millers have pledged their commitment to the process.

However, he revealed that the export of rice bran has been banned and export for broken rice has been confined to 10,000 tonnes to allow for adequate supply to the local feed industry.

The Ministry through the GRDB has concentrated focus on increasing production on this crop to maintain exports to local markets.

Government is monitoring closely the supplies and exports of the commodity to make sure there is enough for the local market.

Persaud pointed out that the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) soon will extend its price buster campaign targeting several communities to not only ensure ample supply but to maintain stability in price.

Meanwhile, harvesting in Region 2 (Pomeroon/ Supernaam) is some 83 per cent complete; Region 3 (Essequibo Island/West Demerara) about 50 percent; Region 4 ( Demerara/ Mahaica) close to 80 per cent; Region 5 ( Mahaica/ Berbice) 20 per cent and Region 6 around 30 per cent.

The minister stated that the delay in Regions 5 and 6 is due to the unfriendly weather but the process is expected to be in full swing in another three weeks.

He disclosed also that rice exports for this year are expected to be 271,000 tonnes as against 269, 000 tonnes last year.

Globally rice stock has fallen to its lowest in 30 years – less than half of where it stood in 2000 0- prompting the United Nations (UN) to warn of millions facing starvation.

The average prices for rice have doubled over the past five years and have reached its highest in 20 years this month.

The price of medium-grade Thai rice, a market benchmark, has skyrocketed from $ US $ 360 a metric tonne at the end of 2007, to US $ 795 last week, and is expected to hit US $ 850 this week and US $ 1000 over the next three months.

Cambodia has joined Vietnam, India and Egypt in curbing their export of rice, fearing that they would not have enough to feed their own population. They blamed the recent rice price on the surging demand in Africa and the Middle East.

In addition, Thailand, the world’s top rice exporter, rice farmers are hiring guards to protect their crops from bandits. Over 90 per cent of the country’s crop is now used for local consumption.

GPL to save US$5M annually from new projects
- Brassington says projects will ensure reliable power supply until hydro can come on stream
THE Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) will save in excess of US$5M annually from the three new electricity projects coming on stream, Chairman Mr. Winston Brassington said yesterday.

The projects, costing some US$30M altogether, entail the setting up of a state of the art 20MW power station at Kingston, running a new 69KV transmission line linking the new Skeldon factory to GPL’s power station at No.53 Village (Corentyne), and the rehabilitation and conversion of the engines at the Canefield Power Station to heavy fuel oil operations.

Brassington said the three projects will allow GPL to improve the reliability of electricity transmission and also reduce its cost of operation, since the new Kingston plant will also operate on heavy fuel oil.

He said the investments are also expected to ensure a reliable level of power until hydro power can be obtained.

In this regard, engineering, procurement and construction bids of the hydro and the transmission line to Sophia, Georgetown, are expected to be received by the sponsors of the Amalia Falls project by September this year.

He said the project sponsors now include Sithe Global of New York, a company that has experience in constructing and financing large hydro projects. Sithe Global is currently the key shareholders in a 250 MW hydro project underway in Uganda.

“GPL projects that by the end of 2011, the hydro project should be on-line,” Brassington said.

Spending for the new projects which were announced a few weeks ago by Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, comes from government’s 2008 allocation to GPL of $4B, Brassington told reporters at GPL’s Middle street, Georgetown office.

Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Hinds, who has responsibility for the electricity sector, said the government remains committed to the upgrade of the power sector.

When the new projects are completed next year, Brassington said GPL will be generating over 95% of its electricity using heavy fuel oil as against the more expensive diesel.

At today’s prices, he said, heavy fuel oil sells for US$70-US$80 per barrel, versus diesel at US$130-US$140.

Mr. Brassington said GPL continues to be challenged by rising fuel costs but is taking all measures to avoid increasing tariffs beyond the 15% increase implemented at the start of the year.

GPL has budgeted to spend US$85M on fuel this year, a comparative amount to the total revenue it collected last year.

&Con should note that GPL’s financial position continues to be challenged by rising oil prices, and consumers are encouraged to pay their bills on time and to conserve on their use of electricity,” Brassington stated.

Brassington said the company’s conservation programme has borne fruit, with some consumers using less electricity. This has resulted in a reduction of the regular peak demand; and by extension, this has resulted in a reduction of diesel generation.

these new capital projects coming on stream, Guyana can expect a more stable and reliable supply of electricity from GPL,” he said.

Government of Guyana is indeed very pleased with these recent developments and will remain committed to further enhancement and development of the power sector,” Prime Minister Hinds stated.

Police said about 13:10h yesterday Brazilian miners, Severino Pequeno Alves Junio, 45, and Francisco Lima, 46, were shot and killed by two men armed with handguns.

The duo along with Brazilian miner Jose Alenor Ovidio D’Oliveira and another Brazilian national had earlier gone to transact business at Pure Diamonds Establishment on East Street, Georgetown, where D’Oliveira collected $1.5M, Police reported.

Police said the Brazilians later returned to the Guest House at Regent Street, where they were staying and were in the bar when one of the bandits entered and ordered an aerated drink.

However, while being attended to, he pulled out a firearm and attacked D’Oliveira hitting him in the head with the firearm and relieved him of the bag containing the money.

Police said Alves Junio went to D’Oliveira’s assistance and was shot in his head.

Meanwhile, upon seeing what was happening Francisco Lima ran out of the building and tried to escape but was shot in the abdomen by the other bandit who was outside, Police added.

The gunmen managed to escape on a motor cycle that was parked nearby.
The Brazilians were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where Alves Junio was pronounced dead on arrival and Francisco Lima died while receiving medical treatment.

D’Oliveira was treated and sent away.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident police are investigating the break and enter of The People’s Choice Pharmacy located at Nooten Zuil, East Coast Demerara (E.C.D) on Tuesday morning.

Proprietor of the Pharmacy Mr. John Anderson told the Guyana Chronicle that when he woke up he discovered several articles missing which includes a quantity of cash, one pair Nike sneakers and a haversack containing personal documents.

Mr. Anderson said he has since informed the police who are investigating.

Moraikobai farmers encouraged to enter the swine industry
AGRICULTURE Minister, Mr. Robert Persaud, has pledged his Ministry’s support to Moraikobai farmers who are desirous of entering the swine industry or expanding their herd.

The minister made the promise to scores of farmers on Monday last during his visit to the Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) community which is located some 80 miles up the Mahaica River.

He said recently his Ministry distributed 47 improved breeds imported from Suriname and the United States to selected farmers countrywide, which fetched a cost of some $ 27M.

Mr. Persaud disclosed that during next month, more of the animals will be distributed to about 70 farmers not for consumption but for reproduction and genetic improvement.

He said that the herd of swine will produce a greater quantity and quality of meat and will position Guyana to move away from production for local consumption to regional export.

The minister pointed out that in CARICOM, the pork market is worth some $US 12M and if Guyana manages to secure at least US one million dollars of that share of the market in the coming years, it would significantly boost the economy.

Currently, there are about 2,000 registered pig farmers in Guyana who operate mainly on small scale production.

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) started an artificial and embryo programme using the Barbados Black sheep to improve the breed. The transplanted embryos will produce pure Texel sheep while the animals artificially will create mix breed. These Animals will also produce greater quantity and quality of meat.

In addition, the Ministry had imported a number of Boer goats which are originally from South Africa for the same purpose.

These interventions are part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s diversification programme which will be further intensified under the Inter-American Development Bank / Government of Guyana (IDB/GoG) funded Agriculture Diversification programme. (Tajeram Mohabir)

FIRE SAFETY IN HOTELS
Over the past two years Guyana has seen a proliferation of new hotels. These hotels were constructed to cater for the large influx of visitors that came for last year’s Cricket World Cup. In light of these new constructions in the building sector, the Guyana Fire Service has integrated itself into this process in an attempt to promote a high level of protection. The need to protect life, limb, and property cannot be ignored, especially since hotels pose a peculiar risk. Of particular interest in this type of occupancy are:

1. The occupants are generally in unfamiliar surroundings.

2. The prevalence of highly flammable furnishing, decorative materials and an abundance of combustible materials.

3. Large scale cooking with excessive fuel storage.

These factors, among others, contribute to a high degree of danger to both occupants and property. In response to this threat, the Guyana Fire Service recommends that hotels be certified for ‘Fire Safety’. In the process of certifying these premises, the issues with regard to a high level of safety are addressed.

Among others, the following issues are given priority:

1. The provision of an evacuation plan must be conspicuously displayed throughout the hotel for the benefit of all occupants. This plan must clearly indicate all the necessary actions (by occupants) whenever there is a fire.

2. Adequate means of escape must be provided. There must be proper identification of all escape routes, exit signs, directional arrows, doors, passageways, etc.

3. Installation of fire protection equipment is imperative for early detection, notification and possible fire outbreak. Consequently, all hotels must be provided with alarm systems, as well as fire extinguishers, hose reels sprinkler systems or dry risers.

4. Good-housekeeping and maintaining high ‘Fire Safety’ standards are also necessary to secure certification from the Fire Department.

Certification of all electrical installation by a competent authority, the proper disposal of waste, good storage practice, maintaining clear passageways, and the elimination of fire hazards all compliment the efforts of ensuring there is a high standard of ‘Fire Safety’ in Hotels.

SIMAP, WAB donate sewing machines to Region 8 women
More than 20 Amerindian women of Mahdia and Micobie in Region Eight (Potaro / Siparuni) are now equipped with sewing machines that will enable them to earn an income.

The Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB) of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in collaboration with the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP), donated several sewing machines to the women.