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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.

Two Brazilians killed in Regent Guest House robbery
A bloody and daring daylight robbery yesterday at Regent Guest House and Restaurant, Regent Street, Georgetown, has left two Brazilian miners dead and another injured.

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.

Regional Executive Officer of Region Eight, Ishawar Dass, said the machines were donated to help the women improve their standard of living.

Most of the women are single parents.

Dass said they will train others to sew, thereby enabling them to earn an income and also minimize their cost-of-living as they will no longer have to pay a seamstress to sew for them.

Last year, 29 Amerindian women from the Deep South and South Central communities of Region Nine were trained in a six-week certificate sewing programme in Lethem.

This initiative was a collaborative effort by the WAB, the Basic Needs Trust Fund and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. The women were trained to cut and measure and to do tie-dye and batik.

Twenty-five sewing machines were donated to various communities by several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), while the then Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues, assisted the women with raw materials when she visited the various communities.

Tobacco, over-eating cause additional health problems
- Minister Ramsammy
Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said tobacco, alcohol and over-eating are factors destroying people’s health.

Addressing a workshop, Dr. Ramsammy said tobacco is the only killer substance in the world that is legalised. “We have to fight against tobacco,” he said.

The Health Minister said all public places in the country should become smoke free zones. To this end, on May 1, all health facilities will be declared smoke free zones. There has also been a declaration by the Ministry of Education to make all schools, public and private, smoke free zones. The Minister also encouraged workplaces to become smoke free zones.

Minister Ramsammy said though Guyana is a poor country, persons eat too much. “Persons consume more calories than they should and are less active that they used to be,” he said. Adding to the problem is persons eating the wrong foods. “More than 60 percent of Guyanese do not meet the daily recommendations for fruits and vegetables,” he said.

The Health Minister said eating properly is very important in light of the recent problem of rising food prices in Guyana and around the world. Guyana has the resources to produce its own food and persons must take advantage of this, the Minister advised.

He stressed that, “VAT is not the cause of the rise in food prices. It may be contributing to some areas of the cost of living, but it is not the cause of food prices going up.”

The Minister encouraged organisations to support his million mile challenge for 2008, and walk for health at least once this year.

Police Complaints Authority Chairman in Essequibo
THE Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, Former Chancellor of the Judiciary Cecil Kennard, will be visiting Leguan in Essequibo Sunday to address members of the public, including members of the Policing Groups, on his role.

According to a release, he will be at the Secondary School at Enterprise from 11:00h, when members of the public will also be given the opportunity to lodge complaints against members of the Guyana Police Force should they so desire.

Citizens are encouraged to make use of this opportunity, the release urged.

Guyana on track to achieve MDGs in health sector
By Priya Nauth
MINISTER of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has assured that Guyana is on track in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) particularly child mortality and maternal health.

He made this disclosure yesterday during a press briefing yesterday at the Ministry of Health, Brickdam, Georgetown.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight in number to be achieved by 2015 that respond to the world's main development challenges.

The goals are eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop a global partnership for development.

The media was also briefed on a visit by Dr. Patricio Jamriska, contracted as a short-term consultant by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to work to discuss efforts to assist countries in developing a mobilisation and advocacy strategy to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health.

Dr. Jamriska will meet with influential policy makers, medical practitioners and visible personalities in education, academia and others to discuss the strategies to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health care.

The minister said that child mortality and maternal health are two of the priorities that Guyana has been advancing towards aggressively.

I want to make it very clear that Guyana has no intention of failing to meet our MDGs, in particular, maternal child care and we are on pace to achieve all goals,” he exhorted.

But he said that in spite of the progress and confidence of attaining the two goals, they are not going to allow themselves to fall in a false sense of security.

If we don’t persist in our efforts we can easily regress and we have no intention of doing so,” he pointed out.

He said Guyana would like to reach its goals prior to 2015 and have set its milestone between 2010 and 2012.

Dr. Ramsammy said in terms of maternal child care, they are working with PAHO/WHO to attain its objectives by 2012.

He said this year; they aim to meet certain significant strides including maternal mortality rate reaching single figure.

We have to be holistic in our approach in addressing the issues…one of our success stories in maternal child health is our immunization programme,” he stressed.

He said next week is Immunization or Vaccination Week of the Americas and the launching will be held in Lethem on Sunday.

The minister said representatives of Venezuela and Brazil will join the initiation which would be one of the official launching not just for Guyana.

ȂIt is a multi-country approach,” he pointed out.

He noted that one aspect of maternal child health that is rarely talked about in Guyana is syphilis - one of the very old sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Guyana has been fortunate that syphilis has remained at a relatively low prevalence, particularly in maternal child health, he posited.

However, he said, Guyana remains concerned about any disease that affect mothers and children hence it is still an area of concern to ensure new born do not have to suffer from syphilis.

Dr. Ramsammy underscored that the prevention of mother to child transmission programme is not restricted to HIV but any infectious disease particularly STIs.

He said health workers trained in the prevention of mother to child transmission are equipped to deal with all STIs.

Additionally, he disclosed that more than 150 health workers are trained in the syndromic diagnosis of STIs including syphilis.

He said the syndromic diagnosis is supported by an extensive laboratory programme and that neo-natal syphilis has now become a prominent child health issue in the global health and Guyana has to ensure that it is a part of that priority programme.

You do not have to have a crisis to make something a priority…we don’t want the crisis and so we will still be emphasising it so that it stays as a low case,” he explained.

Another issue, he said, is research, where less than 10 percent of research money is spent in developing countries.

The minister said they want to guarantee that Guyana plays a role in changing this and ensure more money is spent on research in the developing countries.

He said as part of encouraging more research in the country, all interns in the medical programme must complete a research project as a pre-requisite.

Dr. Ramsammy also congratulated the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for its high level of research accomplished over the years.

He said that Guyana must set up structures to support research and research involving humans must be done in an environment where there are board of ethics and an internal review board.

He said no research should be permitted among humans unless the research project is review on ethical grounds and therefore a country needs an internal review board and Guyana has been working closely with the United States Centre for Disease Control and PAHO to build this capacity.

He informed the media that presently two highly qualified technical persons are in Guyana to assist in establishing an Internal Review Board for ethical review of research projects involving human beings.

Dr. Ramsammy said Guyana will have the structures and regulations that govern research among humans by the end of June this year.

He noted also that next week is also Laboratory Week in Guyana, which has been playing a leading role in highlighting the work of laboratory professionals.

He noted that this has not yet been recognised as a global observance but Guyana is one of the countries leading the way in establishing a time for the world to focus on laboratory science.

Dr. Ramsammy also observed that laboratory science has now become a critical part of the health care services.

The Health Minister also took the opportunity to clarify an issue in Kaieteur News published on Tuesday, which said that during his address at the opening of the Guyana Labour Union workshop on HIV/AIDS, he said Guyanese eat and drink too much and the way to deal with the rising food cost is to eat less.

He explained that the point he was trying to make is that our average calories intake is 2,400 but the recommended amount is 2,200.

Food security is not the issue but people eat too much of the wrong food, he asserted.

I made the point in my address that more than 60 percent of our population do not eat the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables,” he reiterated.

He said he also touched on the issue of rising food costs which is a major challenge confronted globally and noted that Guyana does not face the issue of food shortage but rising food costs which are due to rising fuel prices, converting lands from food production to bio-fuels production and climate change.

He said Guyana has to look at ways to mitigate the rising food cost and it can exasperate the public to eat the wrong food since they might go for cheaper products.

PAHO Country Representative, Dr. Kathleen Israel, said that Guyana was not selected because of any specific problem but many countries are at risk of not achieving the MDGs with respect to maternal child care, she noted.

She noted that it was decided to visit countries and explore how they can improve the visibility of issue surrounding maternal and child mortality.

Dr. Jamriska, a former Minister of Health of Ecuador, said they want to ensure good conditions for the people and his visits to the various countries will seek to promote all partners to join and work hard towards achieving the MDGs.

He said one of the concerns is the quality of health care for mothers and children.

GECOM meets PPP/C, PNCR on registration issues
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has met with separate teams of senior representatives of the ruling and main opposition parties on issues surrounding the ongoing national house-to-house registration process.

The meeting with the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), took place on April 1, while the meeting with the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) took place last Tuesday, GECOM said in a press release.

The PPP/C’s team comprised General Secretary Mr. Donald Ramotar, Chief Scrutineer Mr. Ulric Ramanah and executive members Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha.

The PNCR’s team comprised its leader Mr. Robert Corbin, General Secretary Mr. Oscar Clarke, Chief Scrutineer Ms. Amna Ally, and executive member Mr. Lance Carberry.

The meeting with the PPP/C witnessed the tabling of some areas of concern which it believes should be addressed to give further credence to the exercise, GECOM stated.

The main areas of concern were the non-acceptance of the existing National Identification Card as a valid source document for Registration as a matter of Commission policy, the non-acceptance of assumed names by which potential registrants are known, and difficulties associated with accessibility to Birth Certificates, pertaining especially to persons from the hinterland areas.

Responding to the concerns about the non acceptance of the national ID cards, GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally, emphasised that this decision has a direct bearing on the integrity of the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) that is to be established as a result of House-to-House Registration.

He said in previous registration exercises, some persons had been registered on the basis of having provided baptismal certificates, letters from priests, elders, headmasters, Village Captains/Toshaos and Justices of the Peace, thus becoming registered in the National Register of Registrants (NRR) and would have been issued ID cards.

This had led to the registration database which was used for the creation of the Official List of Electors (OLE) for the 2006 elections being questioned.

Regarding the PPP’s second contention, the Chairman pointed out that any potential registrant who has been using a name or names other than that documented on their Birth Certificates, and who was desirous of being so registered must, regularize his/her name(s) by way of Deed Poll to become registered, otherwise there is no legal basis for his/her registration by the preferred name(s).

With regard to the third complaint of the ruling party, the Chairman noted that GECOM is aware that there would be many persons who might (i) not currently be in possession of their Birth Certificates and other supporting source documents, (ii) whose births might have never been registered (particularly in hinterland areas), (iii) whose Passports might have expired and (iv) who might have been using names other than those under which their births were registered.

He assured the PPP/C that these concerns had led the Commission to have consultations/exchanges with Ms. Priya Manickchand, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues, former Minister of Amerindian Affairs and representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs including past and present Ministers and Mrs. Greta McDonald, the Registrar General.

GECOM said the Commission was assured that these Ministries and the General Register Office are working assiduously towards registering the births of all persons who are now not registered.

During the meeting with the PNCR, Mr. Corbin sought assurances from the Commission, its decision pertaining to the unacceptability of an ID card as a source document for registration remained unaltered.

Similarly, the PNCR Leader stressed that his Party is expecting that new ID cards will be produced at the end of the House-to-House Registration exercise. Dr. Surujbally gave the assurance that the Commission’s decisions on these matters were still current, GECOM stated.

According to the Commission, Ms. Ally queried whether, as was initially intended, the Commission would be displaying monthly publications of the progressive list of registrants.

Mr. Gocool Boodoo, Chief Elections Officer (CEO), pointed out that the Secretariat could not have so done to date because of the need for compliance with the multi-tiered quality control measures.

He assured however, that the first list of registrants was on the verge of being prepared for internal use by all Registration Officers. He said that electronic copies of this list would be shared with the Parliamentary Political Parties, as would be the lists of the particulars of new registrants to be added thereto, the Commission said.

Both Parties expressed concerns about initial teething problems and episodes of non-cooperation on the part of temporary registration staff and scrutineers, as well as inaccuracies in the documenting registrant’s particulars resulting in revisits to the residences of the relevant applicants for registration.

However, Mr. Ramanah and Ms. Ally conceded that the problems encountered by their Partys’ Scrutineers were easily resolved through consultations with the CEO, and that occurrences of inaccuracies were far less than what obtained at the commencement of the exercise due to the improved efficiency which comes with practice.

Notwithstanding their respective concerns, both teams expressed satisfaction and congratulated GECOM on the satisfactory pace of the House-to-House Registration exercise, the Commission stated.

Nine Berbicians in custody following unlawful march
NINE persons are in police custody following an unlawful march in Berbice yesterday.

Police in a press release said the protest march for which no permission was given by the police commenced about 05:30h from Betsy Ground, Canje, Berbice and proceeded to the main public road.

The protesters were subsequently stopped at Adelphi, some distance away, by the police who informed them that the procession was unlawful and that they should desist and disperse, police said.

However, they refused and proceeded to block the roadway, preventing vehicles from passing, and began to make abusive remarks to the police ranks.

Police reported that at this stage nine persons were arrested while the others dispersed.

Meanwhile, while doing so, they threw a number of obstacles including parts of derelict vehicles along the roadway which were removed by the police.

Prashad meets hoteliers on CARIFESTA accommodation
The Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, yesterday met with hoteliers at his South Road office to discuss the issue of accommodation for the upcoming Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA X) and participants for the event are being urged to book for accommodation early.

The minister said his Ministry was tasked with the responsibility to facilitate accommodation for visitors during the event. As a result, the minister met with the hoteliers with the aim of enlightening them on the expectations of CARIFESTA X.

Prashad disclosed that during the event, a massive influx of visitors is anticipated to be larger than that of Cricket World Cup last year. He said for this reason participants are being urged to book early for hotel accommodation.

All hotel managers and owners across the country were invited for the meeting and they were encouraged by the minister to initiate CARIFESTA packages for visitors.

“You should come up with some plans on what you can do to package the event. Create a good package and have quality services that will impress our visitors. This would trigger them to visit again. Let’s come together and work as an industry to make this right,” Prashad noted.

The minister stated that the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) is once again making a move to re-launch ‘Bed and Breakfast’ for the event, since a huge amount of visitors are expected. He said that not only hoteliers have a major role to play for this event, but every Guyanese, since tourism is everyone’s business.

“From all indications this event will be huge. This will be the biggest event ever in Guyana and we must ensure that there are adequate rooms available and there is quality service for our visitors,” Prashad emphasised.

The minister advised the hoteliers to ensure that rooms are available during CARIFESTA and that special packages are advertised for the event. He said that his Ministry is not responsible for placing visitors in hotels, but is responsible to ensure that there are adequate rooms available.

Some hoteliers suggested to the minister that there should be more details on CARIFESTA, so that they can be informed early on what to expect during the event. The minister promised to keep them up to date with information on the event and to host more meetings.

He also pointed out to the hoteliers to host training sessions for their staffs. He promised to assist in some of the training sessions.

According to the minister, this year’s CARIFESTA will be even better than the first event in 1972 and persons can hardly wait for the upcoming event of excitement, which includes dances, plays and other celebrations. CARIFESTA X is scheduled to be held for 10 days in August this year. (Nathalene DeFreitas)

Garbage contractors resume work in city
AFTER withdrawing their services for two days the major private contractors responsible for garbage in the city resumed collection yesterday, Director of the city’s Solid Waste Department, Hubert Urlin disclosed.

Mr. Urlin in an invited comment told this newspaper that the Council has been able to secure some $18 million fund to pay contractors for January, while an arrangement for payments for the other months will be put in place shortly.

This announcement was made prior to a press conference held on Monday to enlighten the public of the city’s financial crisis.

However, he added that the municipality had been in discussion with the contractors to make the payment feasible.

He noted that there will be a slight modification regarding garbage collection pointing that collection was done yesterday for places where pick-up is usually done on Mondays, while removal will be done today for places where collection is normally done on Tuesdays.

Meanwhile, other areas will have their pick-up pattern as per normal until the situation is rectified. Speaking at the press conference, Mayor Hamilton Green highlighted the city’s looming financial crisis. He underscored that the municipality’s revenue has proven grossly inadequate to provide its compulsory services to citizens.

He had emphasised that the city was unable to honour a $50M solid waste management bill, explaining that the Council was engaged in constant dialogue with the contractors and found them to be “reasonable and understanding,” reflecting on the present situation.

Green explained that the city’s expenditure was in excess of $40 million which is above its revenue even if there was optimum collection of taxes, the gap that exists between collected revenue and expenditure would remain substantial.

Public Relations Officer at City Hall, Mr. Royston King, has expressed satisfaction with citizens for their understanding and cooperation during the two day period. King said he is pleased at the manner in which the citizens controlled their disposal of garbage.