Books for GSA from Christian Veterinary Mission
PARTNERS of the Americas, Guyana Chapter, on Wednesday handed over a quantity of books to the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), courtesy of the Christian Veterinary Mission headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA.
According to a press release, the books were made possible through the kindness of Dr. Sandol Johnson of the Clevland Community College in Shelby, North Carolina, who visited Guyana during May/June, 2007 as a volunteer on the Partners of the Americas Farmer to Farmer Programme.
During her visit to Guyana, Dr. Johnson, who was part of a team that looked at slaughter practices and meat hygiene, visited the school and met with the administration. She also conducted practical instruction sessions at the Rising Sun Abattoir on West Coast Berbice with students taking the Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health programme. It was during these sessions that her discussions with one of the programme’s lecturers, Dr. Dexter Allen, led to her making a commitment to garner much needed resources for the institution.
Handing the books over to the college, President of the Guyana Chapter of Partners of the Americas, Mr. Colin Beaton, charged the students to make full use of the books and at the same time, take good care of them.
Dr. Allen thanked Partners of the Americas for facilitating the process and said that one of the books authored by Dr. Johnson herself was one of particular importance to the students.
GSA’s principal, Ms. Lynette Cunha expressed gratitude to all involved in the process and was very grateful to Dr. Johnson for all her efforts to assist the college.
Dr. Johnson’s visit was sponsored by Partners of the Americas, specifically the Farmer to Farmer Programme. The programme serves to improve economic opportunities in rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean by increasing food production and distribution, promoting better farm and marketing operations and conserving natural resources.
Farmer to Farmer is supported by the U.S. Congress and the Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the United States foreign assistance programme. It also brings together agricultural professionals and practitioners from the U.S. and Guyana. Through the programme, volunteers from the U.S. work with farmers and agribusiness owners in Guyana to identify local needs and design projects to address them.
Founded in 1964, Partners of the Americas links U.S. states with Latin American and Caribbean countries in partnerships that use the energy and skills of citizen volunteers, their institutions and communities to address shared concerns of social, economic and cultural development. The local chapter in Guyana, linked with Mississippi, works on projects in several diverse areas including health, reproductive rights, emergency preparedness, agriculture, and cultural and educational exchanges.
Partners is a private, nonprofit, non-partisan organisation with international offices in Washington, D.C.
Remission Unit not excluded from Internal/External audits - GRA
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has said it views a recent media report that internal auditors were prevented from auditing the Remission Unit of the Guyana Revenue Authority as erroneous and offered its position on the matter.
“The Remission Unit since 2003 has been a part of the GRA’s administration. Its primary function is to dispense with the remission of taxes to qualifying persons,” the GRA said, pointing out that the Fiscal and Financial Accountability Act of 2003 paved the way for its establishment, and like any other unit or department of the GRA, it is subject to internal and external audits.
According to Assistant Commissioner (ag) Internal Audit, Ms. Ulanie Jack, audits of the Remission Unit have been on target noting that an audit of 2007 operation has started with the interviews and systems documents aspects of the audit programme already completed. The field work has started and is expected to be completed shortly.
In addition, every year the Remission Unit is required to publish a statement of remission of taxes granted. Last year a statement of Import Duty, Consumption Tax and Purchase Tax exemptions granted to Public Officers, Re-migrants and Companies during the period January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006, was published in the national newspapers on September 5 and 9, the GRA said.
It also stated that the unit has been audited by the Auditor General’s office.
The GRA further explained that the Remission Unit also has adequate systems in place to address issues arising from transactions with eligible persons and over the years, many persons who would have encountered difficulties would have visited the office to have the matters resolved. Further, a system has been installed that provides for reconciliation with entries processed at the Customs and Trade Administration on a daily basis.
The Remission Unit is also engaged in post evaluation and approval exercises which include visits to the business and personal premises of persons who benefit from tax and duty exemptions to ensure that the items are used for their intended purpose.
The GRA said it feels the statement was a deliberate attempt to further tarnish the image of the Authority in light of ongoing utterances in the media stemming from a multi-agency investigation into an alleged collusion between officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority and some businesses.
It is encouraging media operatives to desist from engaging in such hasty and irresponsible statements.
Saraswat Primary support group donates computers, stationery
THE Old Students and Teachers’ Association - USA Chapter of the Saraswat Primary School, recently handed over stationery supplies and a computer to the school, located at De Willem, West Coast Demerara.
Addressing a small gathering, which included teachers, pupils and the Head Teacher at the simple handing over ceremony, Regional Vice-Chairman, Mr. Manpersaud hailed the donation as a tangible contribution that can enhance economic and social development. He noted that the gesture was a fine example for other non-governmental organisations to emulate.
The Chairman said that government recognises the important role of partnership with other stakeholders in the education sector.
The items donated were handed over by US-based Guyanese Samsaywack Singh, a former teacher of the school.
Singh in his remarks said that the overseas chapter saw the need for pupils to keep abreast with technology and urged the pupils to make maximum use of the computer. He noted that knowledge is power and urged the students to channel their energies towards high levels of achievement. He also promised the chapter’s continued support and said that the immediate needs of the school would be addressed shortly.
In accepting the items, head of the school Esau Dookie said that over years the growth and development of the school was enhanced significantly through the efforts of the US and Canadian Chapters. He noted that the six computers and two printers were already provided to the school by the US chapter.
While expressing thanks and gratitude to the donors, Dookie opined that the items would help to reduce the economic burden of pupils and enhance the delivery of education in the school.
Gifts for NA Hospital history making triplets
THE fist ever triplets to be delivered at the New Amsterdam Hospital received gifts of essential items from the regional arm of Food for the Poor, St Francis Community Developers, East Canje Community Developers and the National Association of Islamic Sisters Association.
The donations came after the births of the children were highlighted in the Guyana Chronicle.
The gifts include disposable diapers, Lactogen, vitamin syrup, baby wipes, feeding cups, hygiene kits, sanitisers, body cream, soap powder, dish washer liquid, shoes, suits, bags, kerosene stove and lamps, nursing pads among other.
Ms. Rebecca Seegobin, making the presentation on behalf of Food for the Poor, St Francis and East Canje Community Developers, said that the organisation was pleased to make the donation which would bring much temporary relief to its beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Ms. Fazela Mohabir, executive member from the Islamic Organisation said the group's donation will be continuous as the need arises.
The mother of the triplets, Ms. Hameda Bacchus expressed gratitude for the gifts and is optimistic that others who have promised to help her will do so.
Foreign Trade Ministry coordinates Guyana/Brazil Partial Scope Agreement
THE Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation is currently coordinating work with the view to strengthen the trade opportunities under the Guyana/Brazil Partial Scope Agreement.
The Partial Scope Agreement will be renewed and extended beyond its current duration in May 2008. In this regard, the Ministry is inviting all manufacturers and exporters who are interested in exporting to Brazil to make proposals.
According to a release, the imminent completion of the construction of the bridge over the Takatu River and the recent approval by Brazil’s Congress for Bonfim to become a commercial port of entry, the bilateral trade and commerce between Guyana and Brazil is expected to grow significantly.
Interventions to ensure stock feed affordability and availability
Recently, government implemented an export quota on broken rice and banned the export of rice bran to make certain there are adequate supplies at an affordable price to the local feed industry.
This intervention is expected to ultimately result in the availability of meat, egg and other poultry products at a reasonable price to consumers.
The export commission on rice has also been adjusted to cushion the effects of the rise in rice prices, to improve trade and development and to facilitate the restructuring of the GRDB and enhance services to farmers.
In addition, Persaud pointed out that the administration has removed the excise tax on dieseline which has significantly reduced the challenges that frequently confront the rice industry.
He explained that these interventions taken by government cannot control the price levels but are intended to influence its reduction.
On this note, he appealed to feed manufacturers to be civil in their pricing to farmers even though they might experience a cut in their profit margin.
The minister reiterated his support for value added activities and underscored that this area would realise its full potential if there is a fix cost on energy.
Persaud pointed out that government has been making strides in this direction to install hydro-power and bio-fuel facilities here.
Coconut plantation
He pledged to work with the owners who have abandoned their coconut plantations to revive their estates. He acknowledged that while the reasons surrounding the closure of some are complex, efforts are being made to solicit the assistance from the Indian government to develop the industry.
The minister said the demand is there for the industry and pointed out Guyana exports 6,000 coconuts to Canada every month.
Feed stock
The price for feed stock began rising several months ago due to the shortage of grains and the upward spiral in fuel prices on the international market.
Persaud observed that the increase in food prices globally is concomitant with the increase in stock feed and underlined that in the case of rearing a chick locally, it takes three pounds of grain to produce one pound of meat.
The minister said Guyana has taken on the leadership role in the Caribbean to address the spike in both the prices for food and feed.
On the local scene, he stressed more private sector support is needed to tackle the issue.
Manufacturers’ views
Bounty Farms Limited Managing Director Patrick De Groot suggested that manufacturers use about 70 percent of local raw materials in the feed to further lower the price for the commodity.
He noted that corn and soybean cultivation trials were done in the Intermediate savannah in 2002 and although they were successful for commercial production the project never came off.
Mr. De Groot disclosed that currently rice trials are being done with a high yield variety from Brazil but he fears there will be some problems giving the rice for livestock.
Guyana Stock Feeds Limited Chief Executive Officer, Robert Badal said there is no shortage in supply but dumping and smuggling of the commodity remain a problem.
He recommended an increase in rice production and its by-products, value added activities in the rice sector, rehabilitation and expansion of the edible oil industry and local production of soybean to keep prices for feed stable and affordable.
However, NAMILCO’s General Manager Bert Sukhai lamented that since government opened the market for flour importation the company’s production has been rapidly declining.
During the seminar, presentations were made on several topics including alternative materials that can be used as feed for ruminants, supplemental feeding for ruminants, alternative feeds for poultry and pigs and health implications resulting from poor nutrition.
National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week opens tomorrow
National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week 2008 will be observed from tomorrow, under the theme: ‘Delivering today’s results for a healthier tomorrow.’
Activities in observance of this week will kick off tomorrow with a grand health walk around the city, starting at 6:30 hrs outside the Bank of Guyana Building, Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.
The walk, organised by the Ministry of Health, is being coordinated by Ms. Yvette Irving - Director of Laboratories, as well as Acting Director of Standards and Technical Services, Ministry of Health.
Leaving the Bank of Guyana, the parade, led by the Guyana Defence Drum Corps and a 50-strong contingent from the army’s Laboratory and Medical Corps, will proceed on an approximate one-hour walk, wending its way through the streets of Central Georgetown, ending up at Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, where participants will be addressed by Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy; PAHO’s Resident Representative – Dr. Kathleen Isreal; and Dr. L. Hasbrouck.
Following the brief remarks, a parade of teams will lead off a gala Day of Sports on the Guyana Defence Force playfield.
Irving said that the walk which has many health benefits, will attract participation from the Ministry of Health’s Laboratories and other stake holders – public as well as private laboratories; the Guyana Defence Force Laboratory and Medical Corps, the University of Guyana’s Medical and Lab Technician Students; the National AIDS Programme Secretariat; and Non-Governmental organisations providing laboratory and other technical health services.
Meanwhile, also as part of the week’s observances, a two-day Exhibition and CE session will be opened on Monday at the Bransville Apartments, Pike Street, Campbellville.
Museums strongly rooted in national, cultural policy
Museum and Diversity Conference opens
THE Commonwealth Association of Museums, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, yesterday opened the Museums and Diversity Conference at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony said that the concept of museums is strongly rooted in national cultural policy, which includes a commitment:
* To safeguard freedom of expression and create genuine opportunities for everyone to make use of that freedom;
* To take action to enable everyone to participate in cultural life, to experience culture and to engage in creative activities of their own;
* To promote cultural diversity, artistic renewal and quality, thereby counteracting the negative effects of commercialism;
* To enable culture to act as a dynamic, challenging and independent force in society;
* To preserve and make use of cultural heritage;
* To promote cultural education;
* To promote international cultural exchange and meetings between different cultures.
Dr. Anthony noted that it is within this context that the role and function of the Guyana National Museum must be reviewed.
He said that conceived in the 1844, the National Museum has evolved from the historic shortcomings of the country’s colonial past to the embodiment of its cultural policy vision.
He added that some have argued that museums within Commonwealth societies, especially during the colonial period, pander to the colonial ethos.
Minister Anthony remarked that confronting and dismantling this rather painful history is for former colonial peoples a precondition of institutional credibility.
Dr. Anthony explained that in the case of Guyana, much of the diversity, in terms of values, language, customs and heritage of the Amerindians and transplanted peoples from Africa, Portugal, China and India to this region, was treated with scant regard.
And much of the tangible heritage of that period has been, sadly erased, he said.
Also addressing the conference were Chairman Museum Development Committee, Mr. Tota Mangar; UG Vice Chancellor, Dr. James Rose; and Professor Rex Nettleford, Commonwealth Commission on respect and Understanding.
GRA urges self-assessment in return filing
- due date April 30
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is urging persons to ensure that they complete the self-assessment section on the Tax Return which is due on or before April 30.
Individuals and corporate entities are also encouraged to make the necessary payments. Commissioner-General Mr. Khurshid Sattaur noted that late payments will now attract penalties and interest which on account of the computerized system that the GRA has employed will now be automatically generated.
The body says so far there has been a favourable response and as the due date draws nearer it expects an influx of Property tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax, company property tax and individual income tax returns. It has noted however, that many of the returns have not included a self-assessment.
Taxpayers are urged to do a self-assessment before submission as it is critical to the smooth processing of the returns.
Mr. Eton London, Assistant Commissioner (ag.) Taxpayer Services, said that self assessment is mandatory by Section 62 of the Income Tax Act 81.01.
Self-employed persons are expected to submit their returns with an income and expenditure statement and are encouraged to complete the self assessment. Employees who are submitting their returns with emolument slips are also encouraged to conduct a self-assessment.
Mr. London also posited that the forms for Corporation Tax and Company Property Tax returns have been amended and is encouraging persons to take note of the changes and ensure they provide all the information required.
“The information that is submitted on the return is the information GRA has to use when doing the assessment,” he emphasised.
He noted that both financial and non financial data are now provided for on the cover of the return. Mr. London is also reminding persons that the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is vital when submitting the return.
According to him, the Income Tax Module of the Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS) of which TIN is an integral part is up and running, hence, if returns are submitted without a TIN that return will not be processed.
He is also urging employees who have not yet received their TIN certificate to check with their employer, who is likely to be in possession of the number since it was necessary for the employer to have the TIN of their employees before submitting their Form 2’s and their monthly PAYE remittances.
On the other hand, he is encouraging self-employed persons who are not yet in receipt of a TIN to ensure that they obtain a TIN and record it at the time of filing the returns.
Returns can be submitted to the GRA‘s Internal Revenue Registry offices at Anna Regina, Linden, New Amsterdam, Corriverton or at GPO Building in Georgetown. Tax Return forms are available at the various Internal Revenue offices and on the GRA’s website www.revenuegy.org
Container with ammunition found at Better Hope
A container with 44 rounds and 40 calibre ammunition was discovered in an unfurnished building at Better Hope South, East Coast Demerara, by persons who were cleaning the premises last Thursday.
The police were summoned to the scene and the items were handed over.
According to a police press release upon further search, the police found a hand grenade among some bush on an adjoining lot.
Police investigations are in progress.
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Berbice River labourer wounded by gunshots
THE police are investigating an incident that occurred last Thursday at Ida Sabina Village, Berbice River, where labourer Kenny Singh, 32 years, was shot and received injuries to his hands and neck.
According to a police press release, investigations revealed that Kenny Singh was aroused by noise in his home and upon checking was confronted by a man armed with a firearm who discharged several rounds at him and escaped.
Singh was admitted at the New Amsterdam Hospital, while police investigation continues.
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Kaneville contractor robbed by armed gunmen
Contractor Eldon Issacs of Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara, was attacked and robbed by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, at Shell Road, Agricola yesterday.
A police press release said that Eldon Issacs was driving his motor vehicle on his way to the SOL Office at Agricola when one of the bandits stopped him on the pretext of requiring assistance. As Issacs stopped the man pulled out a firearm, Issacs drove away with the men running behind him.
Issacs ran into the SOL compound leaving a bag with $400,000 in his vehicle which was taken away by the two perpetrators. While the men were searching the car, Issacs attempted to confront them but had to abandon the idea after the armed man discharged a round in his direction.
Police investigations are in progress.
GBTI Savers
GBTI Early Savers customers were recently awarded for their efforts towards a viable financial future.
GBTI’s officer in charge of Deposit Accounts, Mr. Raymond Forde, said he appreciates the keen interest, which was shown by the young customers in the large number of entries received for the early savers club.
Forde noted that it is the bank’s view that financial independence can guarantee success in many aspects of life and especially for young people in general.
“GBTI is happy to continue this annual activity which, whilst it may seen as traditional, is unique in that apart from recognising educational success, which we all know is absolutely important, it highlights the important fact that these young people have also started on the path to financial independence being holders of GBTI early savers account,” said Forde.
The bank’s early savers club was established in July 1995 with expressed aim of developing good saving and money management habits in young people. The 10,700 plus members of this club quality for a wide range of benefits including birthday cards, premium interest rates, discounts at selected stores, prize giveaways and participation in the annual calendar competition. Early savers members also benefit from GBTI’s one-time Bursary Awards.
Reflecting on Shahabudin McDoom
Eminent Guyanese Shahabudin McDoom died recently in London. His son, Omar, sent us these reflections…
SHAHABUDIN Mohamed McDoom passed away in London on March 8, 2008 at the age of 62. Since 2006, he had been battling myelofibrosis, a rare disorder of the bone marrow. Papa was a man of strong convictions that he used in his service to Guyana and to his faith.
He had served on the country's Ethnic Relations Commission and Constitutional Reform Commission as the Muslim community representative. He was passionate about his country, his religion, and his family.
The youngest of five children, Shahabudin, a graduate of Queen’s College, left Guyana in 1969 to seek opportunity overseas. He chose London, where he showed an aptitude for law and graduated in the top five in the Law Society Finals for his year. It is there that he also married our mother, Leila Rookmin Kishna, his former student from the Indian Education Trust College.
He was active within the Guyanese Muslim community in London and helped to establish one of the community's first mosques. After working as a Crown Court Prosecutor in the government's legal service, he took an early retirement. He chose then to re-direct his energies to the country of his birth.
In Guyana, Papa quickly became active in public service again. He applied his legal training as an advocate to tackle one of Guyana's thornier issues: race relations. He also became active in the Muslim community once again, serving on the central executive council of the Central Islamic Organization (CIOG) and was its representative on the Inter-Religious Organization.
Papa had an appetite for public debate and was not afraid to engage difficult ethical and political issues. He was a skilled orator and often spoke on public and religious occasions. He made frequent appearances on the weekly television programme, Islam and You.
He was also a prolific writer and engaged in lively exchanges of opinion through the newspapers. Papa loved and promoted his country. He was well-known for engaging Guyanese and non-Guyanese alike in lengthy discussions over the country's politics and future trajectory. And after 9/11, at a time when the climate became tinged with fear of Islamic extremism, he remained proud of his Muslim identity.
Papa also believed deeply in the importance of preserving cultural heritage. He strove to maintain Guyana's first stone mosque in McDoom, East Bank Demerara, as well as the McDoom family's first house. Both had been built by his grandfather, the Honourable Caramat Ali McDoom (1890-1950).
Just before his passing, we had been working on a family genealogy beginning with the arrival of our indentured ancestor in 1885 from India. The book is an important piece of historical evidence, detailing nearly 1000 individuals over six generations, and will be dedicated to his memory.
Papa had two children. Myself, Omar Shahabudin McDoom, and my sister, Opheera Meezaun McDoom: a well-known journalist, who runs the Reuters news bureau in Khartoum, Sudan.
With his passing we lost a father. But Guyana also lost a patriot, and its Muslim community, a passionate advocate.
