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REO reports…
Region Four 2009 developmental projects nearing completion
THE Regional Administration in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) has reported that developmental projects in its 2009 work programme are nearing completion.
A release said, to date, 93 per cent of capital works and 90 per cent of current works have been done.
Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Shafdar Alli said the scope of the capital programme spawned education, drainage and irrigation, roads and bridges, costing $150.6M.
He said, although much is complete, a few are unfinished because the contracts for them were terminated and had to be subjected to new awards.
Alli said, in the education sector, the Practical Instructional Centre at Buxton, East Coast Demerara and Susannah’s Rust Primary School, along Demerara River, Lusignan and St. Andrew’s Primary Schools, also on East Coast Demerara and Silver Hill Primary School on Soesdyke/Linden Highway were rehabilitated.
He said the Ministry of Education has allocated a further $8M to finish the Buxton job.
The heavy-duty concrete bridge at Pigeon Island, on East Coast Demerara, too, is currently being constructed but the delay with it was due to the late award by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Alli explained.
He said, from savings, a greenheart bridge was built at Company Path, Buxton and emergency work was undertaken on Golden Grove School bridge.
In the area of health, Alli said Cane Grove and Unity Health Centres were erected and rehabilitation to Dr. C.C. Nicholson Hospital and doctors and medex quarters is ongoing.
He said undertakings on roads included rehabilitating Cummings Street, Buxton; another street in North Vryheid’s Lust, Ogle Old Road and Pay Office Street, Enterprise which is finished while continuing work on Cummings Street, Buxton will soon begin.
Alli said, in addition, the Ministry of Finance Road Maintenance Programme has made available a further $57M to undertake works on several roads within the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) throughout the region and they are in progress.
In the realm of agriculture, he said greenheart revetments were constructed at Cane Grove, Enmore and Busby Dam, Craig.
Alli said the excavation of canals at Supply has been executed as well as the rehabilitation of Beterverwagting East Sideline and he anticipates all the outstanding tasks will be completed by next month end.
Parents must keep tabs on their children at school
by Tajeram Mohabir
PUPILS in their early transition from primary to secondary school often encounter various disciplinary problems which can be avoided if parents pay keen attention to their activities in school.
This view was expressed by Assistant Chief Education Officer (CEO) Ms. Melcita Bovell in her address to parents of students from nursery, primary and secondary schools in Central Georgetown in the first “face the community” meeting at St. Angela’s Primary on Thomas Street, Georgetown, as part of activities for Education Month 2009.
Bovell said this simple but effective approach will significantly help teachers in moulding disciplined students in the school system.
She pointed out that parents are their children’s first teachers and should not neglect listening to the views of their children at secondary school, as their failure in this regard can negatively affect them in some of the decisions they make.
Bovell urged parents to gauge the diverse views of their children and provide counselling that will point to practical, workable and reasonable solutions.
These regular “check-ups”, she said, can reveal the reason for students’ poor performance, poor punctuality, and lack of discipline, as well as ways to get around these shortcomings.
Bovell stressed that for a child to perform at his/her best, that individual must be disciplined and be regular and punctual at school.
Bovell lamented that when students are absent, the curriculum does not freeze to accommodate them, and as a result they miss vital lessons.
Bovell encouraged parents too to ensure their children keep and adhere to a study timetable as one of the goals of the Ministry of Education is that every child leaving secondary school should have at least six Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects.
She noted that the Ministry, in an effort to realise this goal, has introduced 40 Sixth Forms in secondary schools this term, catering for the poor performers at the National Grade Six Assessments (NGSA).
The senior education officer said unlike the established Sixth Form secondary schools, the new Sixth Form schools will dedicate the Form One level to bring unsatisfactory performers at the NGSA on par with normal secondary school students.
These classes, she pointed out, are being taught by experienced teachers who will, apart from improving the students grades, will focus on building their morale and self-esteem.
Acting CEO Primary, Mrs. Bibi Ali, who also spoke at the meeting, emphasised the importance of reading, noting this is a responsibility which does not rest only with teachers, but requires the involvement of parents as well.
She reported that the results of a reading survey conducted by the World Bank on Grades Two, Three and Four pupils last year showed that 60 per cent cannot read simple passages and pronounce simple words.
Ali appealed to parents to encourage their children to read more and look at television less, stressing that the TV is their major distraction.
She also urged parents to tell their children stories with good moral values and set high standards for them to emulate.
She contended that parents drinking and using indecent language in the presence of their children will send the wrong signal to them, as they have a habit of adopting their parents’ behavior.
Education Minister Shaik Baksh, at the recent launching of activities to mark World Literacy Day at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD, urged teachers to resuscitate their school libraries.
He warned head teachers who failed to do this will be sanctioned.
Meanwhile, NCERD Director, Mr. Mohandatt Goolsarran, said that the Ministry of Education has received some $US5M worth of text books from overseas, and these have been distributed to schools throughout the country.
Work on Crabwood Creek control structures half way complete
By Tajeram Mohabir
REGION Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) Chairman Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha has reported that civil and earthen works on the Crabwood Creek control structures are some 50 per cent complete.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Mustapha pointed out that current civil works on the creek structures will control the flow of water from the back lands to the cultivation and residential areas.
That project is being executed by BK International, with a 15-month duration.
He also said the number one, two and three drainage canals at Crabwood Creek have been rehabilitated and very soon earthen works will commence there.
These canals, the Chairman noted, will link with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) main canal, providing irrigation water for farmers affected by the prevailing dry weather.
Apart from the multi-million dollar Crabwood Creek project, Mustapha said earthen works on the rehabilitation of canals in the Number 52 to 74 areas will begin next week.
He disclosed that more than 25 canals are listed to be rehabilitated; and on that score, as long as 50 to 75 per cent of the earthen works are completed, civil works will commence on projects there.
The Crabwood Creek project is part of a wider $1.2 B programme to improve drainage and irrigation structures and access roads at the Vergenogen/Bonasika, Den Amstel/Fellowship and Vreed-en-Hoop/La Jalousie areas in Region Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands) and Golden Grove/Victoria, Region Four, (Demerara/Mahaica).
The Vergenoegen/Bonasika, Den Amstel/Fellowship initiative has 20 months duration, Crabwood Creek 15 months, and the Vreed-en-Hoop/ La Jalousie and Golden Grove/Victoria projects one year each.
This newspaper made several attempts to contact officials from Regions Three and Four to provide an update on the works of the projects there, but efforts proved futile.
The contracts involve the installation of 12 main head regulators, 30 secondary head regulators, 37 secondary check structures, 13 secondary tail regulators, 17 secondary culverts, one main tail regulator, 12 main outfall sluices, two secondary inverted siphons, 80 bridges and 112 kilometers of farm-to-market roads.
These are expected to increase farmers’ productivity as well as their economic status.
They are being supervised by BK International and Roopan Ramotar Investments, and monitored by project staff as well as internal and external supervisors.
Other D&I works being pursued are the rehabilitation of pump stations in Regions Four and Six, rehabilitation of D&I control structures and access roads in Canals Number One and Two Polder, and D&I systems at Cane Grove, Black Bush Polder.
Altogether, these undertakings seek to raise income of farmers on the coastal plain through increasing efficiency of agricultural production.
Specifically, the aim is to rehabilitate D&I structures, organise farmers to operate and maintain these structures, and support rice research and agriculture diversification.
Workshops ongoing towards establishing child friendly schools
By Vanessa Narine
THE National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) has organised several workshops aimed at enhancing capacity in the sector.
Participants at the Information Technology workshop. |
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One such, of three-day duration, started Tuesday, through collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
With the focus on child friendly schools, the objective is the ultimate establishment of such institutions in all 10 Administrative Regions.
Continuing in the NCERD auditorium, Kingston, Georgetown, the participants are education officers and teacher trainers, who are discussing required components for the type of school in the 21st Century; the costs of and benefits from them; their functioning in protective environments and mainstreaming the concept.
One of the facilitators, Mrs. Evelyn Hamilton said the exercise is to fulfill the mandate of the Education Strategic Plan.
“The plan has a goal of making 25 child friendly schools annually, so that, at the end of five years, there should be 125 such countrywide,” she said.
Hamilton explained that those schools would emphasise improved physical infrastructure, better curriculum, enhanced delivery of education, inclusion of parents and the community in the process and involving the children to actively participate.
“At the end of the day, we are expecting quality in learning and output,” she said.
WHOLE CHILD
Assistant Chief Education Officer (Primary), Ms. Bibi Shariman Ali added that the initiative takes into consideration the whole child.
NCERD Director, Mr. Mohandatt Goolsarran. |
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We try to look at the psychological, emotional, physical and intellectual needs of the child. If a child is happy to go to school, then that child’s output would be better,” she opined.
Ali said the objectives of the workshop were to understand the comprehensive nature of child friendly schools; the responsibilities of duty-bearers, identify the needs of teachers and the schools and integrate best practices of methodologies for quality education.
In relation to quality education, NCERD Director, Mr. Mohandatt Goolsarran said this and several other workshops are a quintessential element to ensure capacity building in the education sector.
Of the rest, one, today and tomorrow, will surround language, another, on September 22 and 23 will concentrate on social studies and a third, September 24 and 25, on information technology (IT).
The last is geared to equip teachers with the skills necessary to make use of computer-aided education.
Goolsarran pointed out that NCERD has 600 computer systems which will be distributed to schools across this country and the criteria for distribution is to recipients of average or below average performance according to geographic location.
However, the preceding workshops are part of the Computer for Schools Project for preparing educators, he said.
Goolsarran said, if teachers, after some training, are able to make maximum use of computer-aided education, their delivery would be better and the students’ output as well.
SIMILAR NUMBER
The 40 teachers trained this week, under the supervision of Ms. Marcia Thomas and Mr. Sheldon Blair, are in addition to a similar number who benefitted previously during the first half of the August holidays, he said.
Goolsarran said 40 more will undergo the same process by the end of October as NCERD presses on with the task to train 150 teachers.
He said NCERD’s commitment to the accomplishment is physically evident as it transformed a section of its building to accommodate another laboratory.
Goolsarran also said NCERD is in a position to provide school-based tutelage at the end of the IT workshops to further assist schools.
He said all the activities were towards fulfilling the Education Ministry mandate to secure better education for all Guyanese children
Minister Prashad meets ARCC on strengthening ties, cooperation
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad hosted a lunch meeting, last week, with the Presidents of the Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce (ARCC).
A press release said it was in an effort to strengthen the Ministry’s relationship with the grouping.
The ministry noted that its Commerce Division is an integral component of ARCC, which serves as a vibrant force behind Guyana’s free market and contributes to an improved climate for business and the structuring of the economy for competitiveness.
The release said the ARCC plays a critical role in the development of the local Private Sector and it is in that context the discussions were an innovative move by the Minister to create a stronger relationship and cooperation with that body.
“The main objectives of the meeting were to renew a working partnership, as well as increase trade and business opportunities between the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and ARCC,” the release said.
Prashad said this initiative is to be the first of many meetings between the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and ARCC and he encouraged members of the latter to become stronger, noting that their association is very important and should not lose its effectiveness.
He reported that the two-hour session gave each representative an opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions about issues pertaining to their respective regions.
President of Berbice Chambers of Commerce and ARCC Chairman, Mr. Gyandat Marray thanked Prashad for the lunch and pledged continuous support to the Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Ministry stated.
“The Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce continues to execute the mandate which is to formulate and provide an effective mechanism for the implementation, evaluation and improvement of policies and facilitate economic and social improvement through coordinating actions in areas of commerce, tourism, industrial development and consumer affairs,” the release added. (Priya Nauth)
After more attacks…
Santa Rosa mystery illness prompts request for psychologist
By Vanessa Narine
THE mystery illness continuing to plague North West District has caused unease in Region One (Barima/Waini), prompting an emergency meeting last Monday.
The gathering, at Santa Rosa Secondary School, heard that, since classes resumed, 12 teenage girls were affected.
In attendance were members of the Parent/Teachers Association, Village Toshao Marco De Souza, educators including some retired teachers and Roman Catholic Priest, Father Oscar Barraza.
Headteacher of Santa Rosa Secondary, Mr. Glynn De La Cruz said those gathered recommended that the Ministry of Education be requested to post a psychologist in Region One until the mysterious sickness subsides.
“The health personnel that were here only stayed a few days and were unable to properly understand the situation. We need someone to stay longer,” he said.
De La Cruz reported that, of the 12 girls who took sick, nine live at the dormitories and the others reside in the community.
Three among them are new cases but the rest were previously afflicted.
To date, 76 students, between the ages of 11 and 18 years, have been stricken. All experienced unexplained trance-like situations, their eyes closed and arms flailing about.
The incidents first resurfaced in October 2008 after three years and returned in February 2009, affecting only girls.
UNSUCCESSFUL
Analyses done by health personnel were unsuccessful in diagnosing what manifested itself in no obvious genetic or other links nor resulted in long term physical consequences.
As a result, the cause remains the subject of speculation.
According to De La Cruz the latest four attacks occurred yesterday in the dormitories and the victims were 11-year-old Sherol Williams, 14-year-old Celina Harris, 16-year-old Shevie Thomas and 14-year-old Sabrina Rahaman.
Another cause for worry, he said, is that two girls who were transferred from Santa Ross are still suffering.
One of them, 15-year-old Mollyann La Rose took a transfer to North West Secondary School and currently lives away from her family in Mabaruma.
However, she was struck yesterday morning around 05:00 h, her mother, Mrs. Graciann La Rose related.
The student did not attend school yesterday but would probably go today, as she is feeling better, the woman said.
She lamented that she had sent her daughter away to put some distance between her and the sickness.
Another former patient, Amanda James, now attending Kwebanna Primary School which has a Primary Tops, had a similar experience last Friday.
In an invited comment, Minster within in the Ministry of Education, Dr Desrey Fox said the Ministry will be looking into the matter.
We have to find an alternative way of dealing with this,” she said.
‘Glimpses of Amazonia’ exhibition at Walter Roth Museum
By Michelle Gonsalves
Artifacts on Display at the ‘Glimpses of Amazonia’ Exhibition. |
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GLIMPSES of Amazonia’, an exhibition of Amerindian artifacts and books from five countries opened Tuesday, is continuing at the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, on Main Street, Georgetown.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony declared it open as part of Amerindian Heritage Month 2009 celebrations and called it “a linkage to our brothers.”
Minister in the Ministry of Education, Dr Desrey Fox, who was also present, was fervently praised for her hard work in the museum by Director of Culture, Dr James Rose who encouraged others in attendance to support museums by donating artifacts.
In photo, from left, Dr Desrey Fox, Minister in the Ministry of Education; Ms. Jennifer Wishart, Curator of the Walter Roth Museum; Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport; and Dr James Rose, Director of Culture, as they look at some artifacts on display at the "Glimpses of Amazonia” exhibition on Tuesday. (Adrian Narine photo) |
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Ms. Eve Williams, daughter of the late anthropologist, Dr Denis Williams, was also there when eight students were awarded certificates in Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology.
The awardees were certified by the Dennis Williams Summer School of Anthropology under the auspices of the University of Guyana.
The recipients were Nicole Cole, Diana Fernandez, Shenisa Miller, Ryan Chabernauth, Jabaun Corriea, Anil Roberts, Rae Smith and Yannick Sobers.
Ministry to repossess idle lands in Region Nine
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud has said lands which have been allocated to investors in Region Nine (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo) for agricultural purposes and have not been utilised would be repossessed.
Persaud pointed out his ministry has received a number of proposals from prospective investors to invest in the region and if these are accepted, the lands not in use will be given to those with the proposals.
Government is currently spending close to $60M to enhance agriculture activities in that part of the country, including a rice and genetic stock improvement projects.
Persaud said this sum will increase in accordance with the level of interest shown by investors.
Persaud stressed that his ministry is interested in seeing the region unleashing its full potential in agriculture with the creation of large
Amerindian communities to hold individual Heritage Days in Region Two.
by Rajendra Prabhulall
The nine Amerindian communities across Region Two will hold individual Heritage Day celebrations as part of several activities to mark Amerindian month.
At a meeting of the Amerindian and Hinterland sub-committee and the Regional Democratic Council on Monday, Toshaos from the eight communities presented their programmes of activities for the month of September.
The reports said all communities started their month of activities with church services.
On 25th September Wakapao will hold its Heritage Day celebrations. Residents of St Monica/Karawah will also be involved in community work to clean all Government buildings and clear overhanging bushes from Cemetery Road.
Toshao Mr. Thomas Charles said the village will hold its heritage celebrations on the 25th at St Monica and another one on the 30th at Karawah.
Meanwhile at Akawini, Toshao Mr. David Wilson said their heritage celebrations will take place on the 22nd . According to Mr. Wilson, there will be a special treat for senior citizens and residents will be involved in several community projects.
At Tapakuma (St Deny’s), Toshao Ms. Doreen Jackobus said residents will be involved in community work to repair the pavilion and Hill Top Road. A new standby generator will also be installed and commissioned during the month. She said a big heritage day celebration will take place on the 30th .
Toshao of Capoey, Ms. Valarie De Younge, said her Village Day celebrations will be held on the 27th , on the beach, as the lake is dried up. She said residents will be involved in community work during the month.
Mainstay/Whyaka celebration will be held on the 27th Toshao Ms. Yvonne Pearson said villagers will be involved in community work at Hill Top well, trimming of the trail and cutting of a tent frame. The Hill Top well and the IT centre are projects that will be commissioned for the month.
Toshao Mr. Sylvin Raphael of Mashbo said his village day celebrations will be on the 20th , while Kabakaburi will hold its celebrations on the 19th .
Toshao Mrs. Lorna Williams said residents will be involved in several community projects. The celebrations and month long activities are being held under the theme “securing our livelihood while sustaining our cultural diversity”.
XM Royal Gold 10-year-old acclaimed by Industry Experts at London Tasting Meet
Guyana's XM Royal Gold 10-year-old Rum has received top rating at an international tasting event in London.
Top rated Guyana XM Royal Gold 10-year-old Rum
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XM Royal Gold 10 Year Old, produced, bottled and exported by Banks DIH Ltd., registered the highest score as bartenders and industry experts evaluated 12 rums from Central and South America at a blind testing event held at London rum emporium Cotton's recently.
Each spirit was evaluated on appearance, aroma, flavour and finish, with marks out of 100 awarded for balance and complexity, and XM Royal Gold top scored with 81 points.
Mr. Chris Seale Managing Director of Specialty Brands, distributors of the product in the United Kingdom, said he was delighted with the brand's performance.
"Our range of spirits doesn't feature big-name brands, but the spirits in it are chosen for their high quality and consistently perform well in blind tasting such as this," he added. “They are perfect for enthusiasts who want to take their appreciation of rum to the next level."
Mr. George McDonald, Banks DIH Ltd. Marketing Director, said that he was extremely pleased with the news coming out of the United Kingdom on the performance of XM Royal Gold, one of the world's finest rums.
"This is extremely good news for us as we continue in our quest to penetrate the UK market," he added.
XM Royal Gold 10-year-old has won several industry awards and been described as the "cognac of rums". Aged for more than nine years in oak bourbon casks, the component rums are then blended and aged for a further six months in sherry casks to achieve an optimum finish.
House broken into at Bounty Hall and robbed.
Thieves early yesterday morning broke into a house at Bounty Hall on the Essequibo Coast and robbed a housewife of several household articles, jewellery and cash.
Mrs. Sanita Boodhoo, also known as Sherry, who was alone at home when the robbery took place at around 2:00h, said the thieves removed several louvres from a window to gain entry to the one flat concrete house.
According to Mrs. Boodhoo, who is a member of the Voice of Faith Miracle Ministries Church, her house was ransacked and a new DVD set, camera, cell phone and a gold chain valued over $100,000 were stolen, along with $5000 in cash.
She said the thieves also took away biscuits and soft drinks from her refrigerator, escaping through the back door.
Police visited the crime scene, took finger prints and are investigating. (Rajendra Prabhulall)
GWI monitoring water supply in Region Nine
By Michel Outridge
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is currently monitoring the prolonged dry season in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), with the aim of ensuring that the level of water within the aquifers remain at a standard level and can provide residents within these areas with adequate water supply.
The region is primarily served by a combination of hand and solar operated pumps fed by wells which are dug several feet into the aquifers.
According to GWI’s Scientific Services Manager, Savitri Jetoo, “During the dry season, aquifers take a longer time to replenish their water supply due to little or no rainfall. Hence, the level of the water in the aquifer tends to decrease during the prolonged dry season.”
Hinterland Manager of GWI, Mr. Akram Hussain, stated that they were closely monitoring all the aquifers which supply water to the residents of Region Nine, and while there is currently no reason for alarm, GWI remains vigilant in testing the level of water supplied by the aquifers.”
In addition to the current monitoring programme, GWI’s Hinterland Unit has developed a relief programme in the event of a water shortage. The Hinterland Manager emphasised that his teams in the Region have not noticed any indication of depletion, but should this occur, GWI, without delay, will execute its relief programme, part of which would involve drilling deeper wells in order to source more ground water.
Hussain further stated that work has started on implementing the relief plan to counteract any instances of water shortage. “We recently drilled new wells in the areas of Hiowa and Parishara, and will install pumps shortly – it is pivotal that we ensure that all measures are in place to source more ground water, should the aquifers indicate any decrease in normal water levels.”
He further stated that Bio- Sand filters will be implemented as short term relief, and would allow residents to use surface water resources such as creeks, lakes and streams in the absence of water supplied by underground aquifers.
Bio-Sand filters are household water treatment devices which remove harmful bacteria from raw water sources, such as creek water. This is an inexpensive method which can easily make water safe for consumption.
GWI urges all residents of Region Number Nine to avoid wastage, especially at this time, and to use water only for beneficial purposes.
INTERVENTION FOR CUSTOMERS OF PLAISANCE AND VRYHEID’S LUST
GWI teams working around the clock to provide relief
THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the nation’s supplier of water and sanitation services, yesterday responded to statements published in last Tuesday’s edition of the Stabroek News in the article “Bareroot to get water by next Monday – GWI”.
GWI, in a statement, said it would like to, firstly, express gratitude for the publication of the article which presented facts about the intervention the Company is undertaking to restore regular water supply to customers of Bareroot.
“However, we wish to address the statements made regarding the water supply problems encountered by customers of Plaisance and Vryheid’s Lust.”
Alluding to an earlier press release dated Monday September 14, GWI said it has implemented a comprehensive programme to provide relief to all customers who are without water supply.
All areas currently experiencing disruptions have been identified, including Vryheid’s Lust and Plaisance, the water company stated.
It said interventions are in process for both areas. Customers of Plaisance, Sparendaam and Ogle are currently experiencing disruptions to their water supply resulting from the prevalence of power supply challenges affecting GWI’s production site at Sparendaam.
The Company has partnered with the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) in the interest of regularising power supply, not only to its Sparendaam pump station, but to a number of similarly affected locations along the coast.
“We take this opportunity to thank our valued customers for their continued patience and tolerance and assure consumers that normal service delivery will resume once power supply to our affected production sites has been regularised,” GWI said.
“To provide the community of Vryheid’s Lust with improved water pressure, the Company is in the process of re-commissioning a well within the area,” it added.
Currently, customers of Vryheid’s Lust are served by the Better Hope Plant. However, due to a significant surge in demand, there has been a decrease in the level of service. With the re-commissioning of the well, GWI said customers will experience an improvement in service.
GWI is also urging all customers to contact GWI’s divisional offices or the Company’s Customer Call Centre on 227-8701 for information regarding affected areas.
In the interest of providing customers with accurate and beneficial information, GWI said it continues to welcome the partnership and cooperation of the local media.
PROTECTING RICE FARMERS
By Ralph Ramkarran
QUOTE:
The chronic non-payment of farmers, though a reducing problem, still has a debilitating effect on production in the industry. It also diverts attention from other important issues such as developing new varieties and increasing yields.
THE vast majority of rice farmers are small scale producers. One successful crop finances the next.
When one crop fails, the consequences are devastating. Farmers are unable to garner the resources for the raw materials for the next crop. A vicious cycle can ensue causing great hardship.
But the industry has recovered from many years of low production and low prices.
Up to 1980, the industry operated under a regime established by the PPP governments of 1957-1964.
The Rice Marketing Board (RMB) on which the Rice Producers Association (RPA), a statutory body created by the Rice Producers Association Act, had the majority of members, purchased rice from farmers and marketed it.
The RPA’s representatives on the RMB, being the majority, had the dominant say in the price given to farmers. This period saw the rapid expansion of rice production and the opening of new markets, including that of Cuba.
With the change or government in 1964 the fortunes of rice farmers declined dramatically.
The RPA was removed, first as a majority on the RMB, then completely.
The market in Cuba was abandoned and the price to farmers was reduced, making production, especially for the small farmers, unprofitable.
One of the first signs of things to come was the letting loose of police dogs on protesting rice farmers.
By 1980, rice production declined to about half its 1964 level. And by this time, rice farmers were mercilessly exploited by millers who arbitrarily gave them poor grades for good quality rice and engineered the scales so that the accurate weights would not be reflected. Years of protest went unheeded by the authorities.
The Hoyte Government privatized the industry by abolishing the RMB and removing the government’s role in marketing.
The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) was established as the regulator. Since 1992 rice farmers and their organization, the RPA, once again has a major voice in the industry by its representation on the GRDB.
Also, regulations were enacted to address long outstanding problems.
Measures were established in relation to grading, weighing and selling of paddy so as to address the long outstanding concerns of farmers. While all their problems are not yet solved, government’s intervention by way of regulations have gone a long way in ensuring that farmers are satisfied that their interests are protected.
In recent years farmers were mercilessly exploited by millers who would purchase the paddy produced by farmers, mill it into rice and export it.
Millers in the past used farmers as bankers. They took paddy on credit and waited until they milled it, exported it and received payment from the export of the rice, before paying the farmers. Sometimes they never paid.
Sometimes the market price went down and they claimed that they couldn’t pay.
Sometimes they simply decided to rob the farmers. While most of these problems have been resolved, many still remain. No matter in which way it is packaged, the refusal or failure of millers or purchasers of paddy from farmers to pay them for whatever reason makes them guilty of gross exploitation.
Some action was finally taken. A series of regulations were enacted to protect farmers as I mentioned above. In connection with the payment for paddy supplied by the farmer to the miller, the Rice Factories (Amendment) Act 2007 provided that: (1) a sale of paddy must be evidenced in writing by a specified form; (2) interest shall be paid on late payments; (3) the miller’s debt must not at any given time exceed five percent of the miller’s gross turnover of the previous year unless certain conditions are satisfied. This amendment has gone a long way in reducing the incidence of millers’ excesses against farmers even though, as recent news suggests, they are still alive and thriving.
The growth of the rice industry over the past twenty years has been accompanied by the growth of rice milling capacity. During periods of downturn in the amount of paddy produced, millers compete for paddy and send out agents to acquire paddy for their mills.
This in turn has resulted in the development of ‘middleman’ services to rice millers. Some farmers are happy to sell their paddy to these middlemen not realizing that there is no protection against them except the normal court.
Some middlemen purchase as agents for the millers and thus the farmer obtains the legal protection available under the Rice Factories (Amendment) Act.
However, some middlemen are not agents of millers. They act on their own behalf as purchasers of padi. They then sell to millers at a profit, receive their money and then refuse to pay the farmers. Some farmers are encountering great difficulty in recovering their money.
There is a simple solution to problem which may well grow. It is to amend the appropriate legislation to provide that the middleman be licensed and is registered as an agent of whichever miller he/she sells paddy to.
Where he/she sells to several millers, he/she can be registered as agent for those millers and a mechanism of proportionality can be easily worked out to ensure that the farmers who purchase from farmers are protected. This situation should be watched closely and the government should be ready to take action at short notice if it becomes a problem.
The chronic non-payment of farmers, though a reducing problem, still has a debilitating effect on production in the industry. It also diverts attention from other important issues such as developing new varieties and increasing yields. (www.conversationtree.gy)
GRA urges self-employed taxpayers to pay up their taxes
- calls on public to provide information on defaulting taxpayers
THE Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Khurshid Sattaur is reminding all taxpayers particularly the “self-employed” that the payment of taxes is a “legal and moral obligation” as the country cannot be administered if revenues are not collected.
In a press release, the GRA said the self-employed pay their taxes in four quarterly installments for the year (April 1, July 1, October 1 and December 31) as compared to the P.A.Y.E taxpayers.
“The self-employed continue to benefit from the taxes paid by the employed taxpayers even though the self-employed comprise of all professionals such as doctors, lawyers and businessmen of all categories. These professionals have a greater ability to contribute to tax payment than persons who are employees,” the GRA stated.
He said the introduction of the Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS) has brought several tax dodgers into the tax net resulting in the recuperation of millions of dollars in loss revenues.
In addition, it has made it practical for the GRA to detect other methods that are used by taxpayers to undermine revenue collections, he added.
The GRA also said it is pleased with the responses from the public about recalcitrant self-employed taxpayers who, even though are not contributing to the payment of taxes, are nevertheless benefiting from the development taking place in the country.
The GRA assured that information provided on taxpayers who are not paying their taxes are, and will be, treated with the strictest of confidentiality.
“The Commissioner-General, Mr. Khurshid Sattuar would like to encourage persons to become more active in this regard as it will benefit not only the GRA but the entire country.”
Persons desirous of providing information on any activity to the GRA can call the Intelligence Hotline on telephone No. 225-6687.
Mashramani central planning committee discusses 2010 plans
THE first meeting of the central planning committee responsible for the Mashramani activities was held yesterday with a focus on ways to improve the Republic Day celebration and its allied activities.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony chairs the committee which comprises representatives from the Ministries of Local Government and Education, Guyana Fire Service, Mayor and City Council, Guyana Police Force among others. The meeting was held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
Among those in attendance were Mash Coordinator Lennox Canterbury, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Alfred King, and new Director of Culture Dr. James Rose.
Musical icon Dave Martins was also in attendance and indicated his willingness to be involved in the planning of some of the activities.
Next year’s Mashramani celebration promises to be one of significance given that it will usher in 40 years of Guyana as a Republican nation. In this regard, the planning committee has taken into consideration, promoting the cultural event to reflect such an achievement.
Mashramani day celebration is usually the highlight event on a calendar of planned activities that includes masquerade, calypso, chutney, children’s steel pan and costume competitions, regional activities and flag raising ceremonies.
Convenors for the various competitions who were part of the meeting, updated the minister on the successes and short-comings of previous years activities and ways in which the upcoming ones can be better organized.
Minister Anthony stressed on the importance of early planning, given the uniqueness which he intends to give to ‘Mashramani 2010’.
The Minister also proposed some new ideas which he believes can add to the dynamism of next year’s celebration.
The Mash Secretariat, located on Middle Street, is up and running and has already advertised for entries to the 2010 theme competition which requires the theme to be reflective of the spirit of the Mash festival, not more than eight words and accompanied by a brief explanation.
The Secretariat is requesting that entries be submitted to the Mash Coordinator. A sum of $30,000 is up for grabs.
The competition closes on September 25 and will be judged by a panel chosen by the Central Mash Committee. The winning entry and the creator will be rewarded, during the launch of Mash 2010. (GINA)
Following recent spate of accidents…
Several victims warded at GHPC
By Shirley Thomas
NINETEEN-year-old Omari Wharton, of 227 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara remains in a critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) following an accident on the Hope Public Road, also on the East Bank Demerara on Sunday night.
Wharton, who is currently on life support systems, suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to hospital unconscious. To date he has not regained consciousness.
Soon after arriving at the GPHC on Sunday night, the injured teen was taken to the Mercy Hospital to have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan done. However, this newspaper understands that he is also to have a CT (computerized tomography) scan done to determine the nature and extent of injury to the brain and other sensitive parts, since it is feared there might be internal bleeding in the brain.
But late yesterday, the CT-scan was still not done, since the patient is hooked up to life-saving machines and cannot be removed at this time.
Wharton’s relative said he was struck off his cycle by a speeding PRISM mini van which hit him from behind. At the time of the accident, the lad was returning home after visiting his cousins at Friendship.
Meanwhile, Clifton Brown, 39, of lot 99 David Rose Street, Bagotsville, West Bank Demerara is also on life support systems in the Intensive Care Unit of the GPHC, after being involved in an accident on the Stanleytown Public Road, West Bank Demerara.
Brown’s reputed wife, Jacqueline Halley said he was struck down by a motor vehicle shortly after 22:00 h, as she was being chased by a man with a stick. The woman said her husband suffered life-threatening injuries to his head, back and both hands and feet, adding that his face is now swollen, almost beyond recognition.
The driver of the motor vehicle was held for questioning, but has since been released Halley said.
And still at the GPHC, at 00:05 h yesterday, 27 year old Reshma Singh, of Grove Squatting Area and several other persons were rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit after a motor car in which they were travelling reportedly ran off the road and crashed into a nearby electricity pole on the Grove Public Road.
Those injured were: 20-year old Cerdina Elliot, of 95 Grove Public Road; 27 year old Mehondia Prashad of 2265 Diamond New Scheme; 34 year old Mohamed Khan of 26
Friendship Squatting Area; 17 year old Nyron Singh, of 500 Section A’ Great Diamond; and 19 year old Devionie Robertson, of 95 Public Road, Grove, E.B.D.
Reshma Singh sustained injuries to her neck and face; Elliot – to his left foot, hand and about the body; Prashad - to the head and right hand; Khan – his forehead and left foot; Nyron Singh sustained injuries to his nose and eye; and Robertson sustained injuries to her head and left eye.
Reshma Singh, Elliot and Robertson were admitted to the Female Surgical ward. Prashad and Nyron Singh were admitted to the Male Surgical ward. Khan was treated and discharged.
We pray for a year of reconciliation and peace
(Allah is Great, Allah is Great, and there is no God save Him. Allah is Great, Allah is Great, and all praises are for Him)
Today is Eid-ul-Fitr, the greatest festival of Muslims, being observed by over one billion people worldwide. Every nation has its celebration, and today is our celebration. It is the celebration which marks the end of a month of fasting and sacrifice. It is an occasion for rejoicing and an opportunity for Muslims to gather in joy, as well as in remembrance of those less fortunate. It is a Day of graduation for all those who have faithfully observed the commands of God Almighty. It is also an opportunity for all of us to rededicate ourselves, not only to achieving spiritual growth, but also to the cause of peace between all people of the earth. Today, the responsibility is on us as Muslims to erase the negative stereotype created about Muslims. No Muslim is a weapon of mass destruction! It is our common challenge and our shared responsibility to create a better world for ourselves and our children.
Fasting is a trial of physical endurance and also a way of developing empathy for the poor and destitute. It is a bridge by which Muslims can reach out to the needy in all communities. Muslims today represent an increasingly important element in the tapestry of human society. Civilisation was made stronger by the core values of Islam, we must not allow anyone, within or without of us, to destroy that.
Muslims the world over are also united in their commitment to being an integral part of the human family and building a society rich in diversity and grounded in mutual respect. The world is made stronger by the core values of Islam -- commitment to family, compassion for the disadvantaged, and tolerance for other human beings and groups.
As the appearance of the new moon brings to a close the holy month of Ramadan, we all pray that it will usher in a year of reconciliation and peace. We extend to all our Muslims a blessed celebration of the Eid-ul-Fitr and peace, health, and prosperity in the year ahead. May peace be with you and your families.
BADRUDDIN HASSAN
President
THE GUYANA UNITED SADR ISLAMIC ANJUMAN & THE SHAHEED BOYS & GIRLS ORPHANAGES
EID-UL-FITR MESSAGES 2009
Peace, health and prosperity in the year ahead
Allahu Akbar kabira. Wal hamdu lillahi kathira. Wa subhanallahi bukratan wa asila.
Allah is Great, immensely so! And praise be to Allah, abundantly! And glory be to Allah, both early and late.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of a month of fasting and sacrifice. It is an occasion for rejoicing and an opportunity for Muslims to gather in joy, as well as in remembrance of those less fortunate. It is a Day of Graduation for all those who have faithfully observed the commands of God Almighty and an opportunity for all of us to rededicate ourselves, not only to achieving spiritual growth, but also to the cause of peace between all people of the earth. Our challenge now becomes one of finding ways to maintain our focus. As the appearance of the new moon brings to a close the holy month of Ramadan, we extend to all our Muslims a blessed celebration of the Eid ul-Fitr and peace, health, and prosperity in the year ahead. May peace be with you and your families.
Eid finds us more content and happy with ourselves. We have reawakened our faith. We stand at a crossroad today: how shall we continue this journey toward Islam? How shall we remain at peace? The habits that we have established during this month must be nurtured. As we return towards our roles in this society, the world in which we live faces us with difficult choices. Our guidance comes from our willingness to turn toward Allah and to find peace within ourselves. Then and only then, will we feel content in our choices. Our global society could and should be an example of co-existence and cooperation, of mutual benefit and human concern. Muslims need to create an inner environment of peace and faith, of tranquility, non-violence, and security. Then we can hope to find solidarity and to create cooperation by supporting one another, standing by one another in what is good and right and needed for success, growth, and sustainability. We are to let everyone know the true basis of Islam, its real values, its true principles, its way of life based on pluralism, democratic principles, faith, and mutual respect. Muslims today represent an increasingly important element in the tapestry of human society. Because of the growth of Islam, people of all faiths are coming to appreciate the significance of these great Islamic Festivals and Observances. Muslims the world over are also united in their commitment to being an integral part of the human family and building a society, rich in diversity and grounded in mutual respect. The world is made stronger by the core values of Islam -- commitment to family, compassion for the disadvantaged, and tolerance for other human beings and groups. We must not allow anyone, within or without of us, to destroy that. Islam espouses peace and security and safety for all people regardless of nationality or religion or gender or race.
It is our sincere hope and prayer that we are able to affirm the unity possible among Muslims, and between Muslims and other religions. We face the challenges of living in a globalised world where there is greater alienation and distance between classes of individuals based on economics and education. We must work hand in hand with people who have faith in the essential goodness of humankind. The ethical, social, economic, political and spiritual challenges before us are enormous and demand mature, sincere, tolerant, open-minded "good people" to meet the growing challenges. We extend to all Muslims a blessed celebration of the Eid-ul-Fitr and peace, health, and prosperity in the year ahead. May peace be with you and your families.
EID MUBARAK! EID MUBARAK! EID MUBARAK!
SHABIR HUSSAIN,
President
Muslim Youth League of Guyana
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