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Scores of Lindeners attend food prices consultation
THE countrywide consultations on rising food prices continued last Friday at the Linmine Constabulary Hall, Linden, with the governmental team comprising Ministers of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Henry Jeffrey and Presidential Adviser on Empowerment Odinga Lumumba. Regional Chairman of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Mortimer Mingo was also present.

Dr. Jeffrey in outlining the importance of the consultations to all Guyanese said that generally persons knew that the food prices were increasing on the world market owing to short falls in production of certain basic items due largely to extreme weather conditions affecting the agriculture industry in different parts of the world, and the rising price of oil among other factors.

He noted that the consultations were aimed at finding medium and long-term solutions to deal with the situation.

He pointed out that government had already implemented several initiatives to cushion the effects of the increased prices on Guyanese but there must be an understanding by the citizens as to what is taking place.

He identified the ‘Grow More’ campaign as an initiative that could bring relief to communities in the short-term as persons could supplement their diet with what they produce.

Benn, in his remarks outlined the effects on economies when fuel prices increase. He however, pointed out that Guyana is fortunate in that it produces a staple (rice) and that its exports could be controlled to ensure adequate supplies on the local market.

What cannot be stopped, he said, is the increase in price, as that is determined by the demand and supply forces on the market.

Lumumba said that the situation could be abated if persons were willing to change their lifestyle, by becoming involved in farming.

Mingo spoke of the availability of land for the Region’s residents, noting that many farmers are willing to expand their farms, but are unable to access lease for the lands.

Some residents claimed that they are farming for over five years on state land and are not in possession of a lease so they could not access loans from the banks to extend their activities.

Others claimed to have used their household items to secure loans but this is insufficient to allow them to access the amount of money needed to get into commercial production.

Some residents suggested that government should implement a minimum wage that will allow persons to have more money to spend, that price control be re-introduced and that the ‘price buster’ programme be expanded to include all food items.

Replying to these suggestions Dr. Jeffrey said that while their suggestions sound good, history has proven that they are not workable as governments cannot compete with private merchants and therefore, what government can do is ensure an enabling environment for business and to have the market forces determine prices.

In response to the suggestion to implement a minimum wage so that persons could earn more, Benn used the example of Zimbabwe where persons earn millions of dollars but with no value.

He said that Guyana should never make the mistake of spending more than it can produce as such situations lead to economic devastation.

Other residents expressed appreciation for the consultations and assured the ministers that the Region has recognised the importance of turning to agriculture in the face of the collapse of the region’s bauxite industry.

Decisions taken by the regional administration resulted in an increase in agriculture production over the last three years, residents said.

The countrywide consultation is seeking the inputs of citizens in order to inform additional measures to help cushion the effects of the rising prices.

Earlier similar consultations took place in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) at Leonora and Greenwich Park Primary Schools. (GINA)

Soaring food prices put MDGs at risk--President Jagdeo
GUYANA has, over the past few years, maintained steady progress towards implementing the much touted Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, especially in the areas of reducing hunger, increasing access to social services and benefits, empowering women and achieving environmental sustainability.

Guyana’s prospect in achieving the MDGs, depend on sustained economic growth and its effect on household income, revenue generation and public expenditure outlays, among other things.

But the current high food prices, which also is affecting other CARICOM countries and the world at large, may put this country’s efforts at risk, President Bharrat Jagdeo said on Friday.

He made the observation during a press conference and subsequent launch at the CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, of the Regional Agri-Business Investment Forum to be held on June 6 and 7 next, here in Georgetown and under the theme “Investing in our future: Agri Business is Good Business.

The forum is aimed at providing potential investors and financial institutions with information on changes in global and regional markets and in agro industry systems which could mean business opportunities for the Caribbean.

Participation is expected from investors and fund managers seeking solid investment projects, banking executives, other financiers, agro-business entrepreneurs wishing to network with potential partners, regional and international agency officials involved in developing and financing agricultural projects and others.

The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS, and providing universal primary education, all by the target date of 2015 – form a blueprint agreed to by all the world’s countries and all the world’s leading development institutions.

They have galvanized unprecedented efforts to meet the needs of the world’s poorest.

The eight MDGs are:
** Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
** Achieve universal primary education
** Promote gender equality and empower women
** Reduce child mortality
** Improve maternal health
** Combat HIV/AIDS, maternal health and other diseases
** Ensure environmental sustainability
** Develop a global partnership for development
Since their establishment in 2000, the Millennium Development Goals have become a universally shared framework for development.

They are a means for developing countries and their development partners to assess their ability to work together to reach meaningful targets in key areas.

Governments, United Nations agencies and other international organizations, and major civil society groups are actively using the MDGs as benchmarks for their development efforts.
(WENDELLA DAVIDSON)

PM urges Bush Lot residents to grow more food
PRIME MINISTER Samuel Hinds urged residents of Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice to adopt measures at the home and community levels that will increase food production in response to the rising food prices phenomenon.

The Prime Minister was at the time speaking to residents at the Bush Lot Secondary School during day five of the countrywide consultation on rising food prices. Accompanying the Prime Minister was Chairman of Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice), Harrinaraine Baldeo.

He said growing more food is perhaps one of the basic and most important responses to the prevailing situation as it will ease the pressure on the demand.

“If half of us grow more vegetables at home so we don’t have to go to the market, it will also help the others because the market prices would be reduced. We think that is a necessary move,” the Prime Minister exhorted.

He referred to the grow more food campaign that was spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture aimed at increasing production to meet the demand in and out of Guyana.

“There are things that could be done at the home level. One could think of a bed or two of vegetables… we need people’s help in talking about what are the opportunities for increasing food production,” the Prime Minister said.

Residents were also encouraged to explore the idea of cooperatives, an initiative which was undertaken in the past where groups of people can pool their resources to purchase a quantity of goods.

“The question is, what are we to do? We need to get together, understand what’s happening and come up with some solutions that should help to ease the situation,” he said.

The Prime Minister alluded to several global factors responsible for the rising food prices phenomenon. He referred to the high fuel prices globally, climate change, the notably high consumption of food in countries such as China and India and the move by some countries to produce bio-fuels from food products such as ethanol.

He reassured the residents that government will be playing its part at the regional and international level to promote the need for improved agricultural production.

He referred to the move by government to cancel taxes and duties on diesel which is the driving force behind all production and the zero-rating of several food items which was announced in this year’s budget.

He also mentioned the upcoming regional agri-investment forum which is intended to increase agricultural production through the facilitation of dialogue between investors and financial institutions.

During the consultation some residents, while expressing their concerns about the rising cost of living, called for government to intervene by implementing price control measures.

The Prime Minister, however, urged that this option be reconsidered since attempts to fix prices at a rate lower than the market is often problematic for the seller and consumer. (GINA)

Woman found dead with throat slit at Enmore home
A 23-year-old Enmore housewife was found dead yesterday morning, an apparent victim of a volatile relationship. The body of Shanieza Khan was discovered by a female relative in the bedroom of the modest Grassfield house she shared with her companion of four years, and her four-year-old daughter from another relationship.

According to the relative who discovered the body, she went to check on her sister who had left their mother’s house to collect some clothing. She stated that the man, a cane harvester, started physically abusing Shanieza some four months ago. When the battering became too much, the young woman eventually moved backed to her mother’s home in Foulis approximately four weeks ago.

Shanieza Khan left unaccompanied for Enmore at around 13:00 hours on Saturday, but when the woman next saw her sister, she was lying on the bedroom floor of her house with her throat slit and a knife next to her body – this was around 10 hours yesterday.

The sister told this newspaper that Shanieza was “the best” sibling of the family of five sisters and one brother. She stated that Khan’s husband had made several threats against her. At one point the man hung two ropes in the house threatening to kill both himself and Khan. Reports were made at the Enmore Police Station but, according to neighbours, the man would constantly evade the officers who came in search for him. Ranks had arrived at the home as recently as Saturday in search of the man but with no success in apprehending him.

A post-mortem on the body of Shanieza Khan is expected to be performed today. Police are continuing their investigations into the incident.

Indian dance troupe to perform at IAC melas
THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) yesterday held a special appreciation ceremony and launched a publication at the Sizzling Platter Restaurant on Main Street, Georgetown, as part of the celebrations for Arrival Day which is observed on May 5.

Among those present were several executive members of IAC, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Mr. Subit Kumar Mandal and several patrons of the organisation.

The appreciation ceremony was held in observance of the sponsors for undertaking the responsibility of funding the grand IAC melas to be held in the three counties beginning on April 27.

Delivering brief remarks at the ceremony, IAC executive member Mr. Neaz Subhan said the melas this year will be featuring dancers from India among other cultural items.

He noted that the IAC has been proactive in engaging the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Indian High Commission to have a dance troupe from India perform at the melas.

Meanwhile, Persaud during his presentation underscored that the East Indian ancestors who came 170 years ago as indentured labourers brought with them a rich culture, which has contributed positively to moulding the country’s heritage.

Governance important to environment issues
THE recognition of the need to focus on the governance of the various strands of the environment and natural resources issues was one of the most instructive outcomes of the meeting of officials of the Twenty-Fifth Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Integration (COTED) on the Environment.

This was the view expressed by Dr. Edward Greene, Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat as he spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the Ministerial Session on Thursday April 17 at the International Conference Centre, Georgetown, Guyana.

Dr. Greene said that from the discussions earlier in the week, the officials felt that the governance of the issues was key to ensuring that whatever framework was designed could be meaningfully executed with the participation of all partners in Member States, with the expertise of the Regional Institutions and with the support of the Development Partners.

“In this regard, several options are being placed before this Ministerial Council for consideration. Are we going to perfect the existing Regional Coordinating Mechanisms to Sustainable Development now being pioneered by UNECLAC? How do we include the Social Elements of the Mauritius Declaration which placed emphasis on education, health and culture as critical components of sustainable development? Do we hark back to the essential features of the SIDS Programme? Has the current focus on climate change, important as it is, diverted the programme from its broader objectives? And what about the mechanisms for sustainable resource mobilization and funding? Are the programmes engaging the Region to be donor driven? From whence are the resources to be derived to sustain the environmental agenda? And on what priorities are they to be bestowed,” Dr. Greene asked.

At the level of the officials, Dr. Greene noted that there was recognition that the key to a coordinated approach to the environmental issues under discussion was the formulation of a Caribbean Environment and Natural Resource Framework, and a strategy that allowed partners to knowingly contribute to the objectives which they have shaped, and which they therefore had a commitment to deliver.

Cohesive leadership of the process was also identified and officials recommended that the Ministers consider the establishment of a Bureau of Ministers on the Environment. That body is envisaged to act as an executive group with connectivity through a networking mechanism to Member States, relevant regional institutions and developing partners.

The officials, Dr. Greene said, were cognizant of the need for a regular forum for consultation and decision-making and recommended that there must be regular meetings of the Council with a focus on the environment. (CARICOM release)

VIEWPOINT
By David de Groot
“Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.” This age-old adage readily comes to mind whenever I encounter television owner Sharma, whilst flipping through the channels to settle on something that can stimulate my mind and attention.

On reflection, I am reminded of the advent of the Sharma channel on the television screen of our sets some years back. The recent history of this advent will disclose that it provided comic ignorance and became a light diversion from the more serious and informative programmes. In other words, no one took him and his station seriously, if only because of the abysmal ignorance being displayed by the politically aspiring Sharma.

There was blissful ignorance in pursuing a course of blatant infringements of basic broadcast rectitude, total ignorance in the belief that freedom rights will protect him from slandering government ministers, heads of public sector entities or any other public figure. Well, he will soon learn that freedom of speech does not permit anyone from bellowing “fire! Fire!” in a crowded and packed auditorium or cinema or any other similar situation.

This brings me to what I consider the uncalled hullabaloo that has been mounted by all the various elements that are opposed to the government over what must be a case of straight forward appropriate action against Sharma and his television station. There is clearly no doubt that he is guilty using his television station to advocate the killing of the president of the country. He is clearly wrong, and it is an infringement of the conditions of the licence under which he is permitted to operate a TV station. Indeed, Sharma himself pleaded guilty to the charge and attempted to apologise, but he deliberately and almost immediately committed the infringement by again airing the specific advocacy of the killing of the Head of State, not once, but thrice! What disrespect for the rule of law!

Now that there could be no doubt that Sharma is guilty of a severe infringement of the conditions of the licence granted to him by a government agency, and considering that the very Sharma and his station were previously taken off the air, the infractions of another serious complaint, it is my view that the suspension of four months is extremely light. Serious consideration should be given towards closing down the station by the withdrawal of the licence.

To permit any television station to operate and to project the degree of non-educational programmes is tantamount to a national disgrace. The misuse of the English Language and generally poor quality of the programming on Sharma’s channel is clearly having a negative impact on the education of the younger generation of the viewing public.

Maintaining a higher standard must be a core intent of any properly-run station. Unfortunately, Sharma is obviously ill-equipped to undertake the kind of responsibility that is necessary to aim for the desired standard required.

To introduce specious arguments on the question of the denial of some freedom or other are quite palpable attempts at politicising the issue. Also for Sharma to cry out about his 30-odd workers being deprived of their earnings, he should have had them in mind in the first place. So as I started, I will end by emphasizing that: “Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.”

UG/USAID host media workshop
MEDIA practitioners participated in a two-day workshop as part of a series of workshops organised by the University of Guyana (U.G) Centre for Communication Studies and the Guyana Press Association (GPA) in collaboration with the USAID Guyana Democratic Consolidation and Conflict Resolution (GDCCR) Project.

The workshop which began last Friday at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, Georgetown, and concluded on Saturday, focused on effective news gathering and production and was facilitated by Professors Sandra Haggerty and Vibert Cambridge, both of Ohio University, United States of America and Lecturer of UG Centre for Communication, Mr. Terrence Esseboom.

At the opening ceremony, President of GPA Dennis Chabrol said that the media faces a number of challenges and such programmes can provide a significant and strong grounding for media workers to pave the way for the development of the media.

He noted that they play a vital role in the development of the country hence training is also important and also encouraged the media fraternity to strive for fairness and make the best of the opportunity so as to ensure they play a greater role in development of the country.

Mission Director of USAID, Mr. Peter Hubbard, explained that the workshop is designed to facilitate the enhancement of quality news gathering and production to promote excellence in journalism.

Assistant Registrar of UG, Mr. Vincent Alexander in his remarks, said he hopes these workshops will provide the media with a more professional outlook in the execution of their tasks and urged that they be more responsible in carrying out their duties.

He also said that the media is involved in the formation of public opinion and hopes it will have a positive influence on society.

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences UG, Dr. Michael Scott, also reiterated the important role of the media and noted that the university has a long and productive association with Ohio University and this workshop will provide new knowledge and skills to enhance the media.

“… the media is a critical agent of socialisation,” he noted also.

He added that the media has significant contribution in the building of the democratic process and fostering integration.

Dr. Scott also observed that they are part of a global process and in most instances what they see and convey can make a difference and frame the public’s opinion.

“…you must recognise your roles,” he emphasised.

Topics discussed during the workshop included sources and news gathering; preparations for interviews and interviewing styles; questioning techniques and strategies; the role of news and qualities of good journalism. (Sarada Singh)

Blue Band promotion launched
Bryden and Fernandes have launched another promotion under the theme, ‘Spreading the Blue Band Goodness’. The promotion includes 4 fortnightly draws over an eight week period.

According to a press release, customers would be required to submit 1 cover or seal from Blue Band margarine in an envelope along with their name, address and telephone number.

More so, entrants are also required to list 2 benefits of Blue Band Margarine and the winners will be the beneficiaries of items which include gas stove, microwave oven, cake mixer and toaster.

The release further noted that at each fortnightly draw, 10 winners would be randomly selected of which six would be selected for the consolation prize package of a mixing bowl and a pair of baking gloves.

Meanwhile, the seventh chosen individual would receive a toaster, the eighth would receive a cake mixer, the ninth a microwave oven and the tenth selected person would receive the first prize of a gas stove.

The closing dates for entry are as follows April 26, May 11, May 24 and June 7.

Brisk health walk kicks off Lab Professionals Week
By Shirley Thomas
A rejuvenating and challengingly brisk health walk yesterday morning from the Bank of Guyana Building, Avenue of the Republic in the city, to Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, set the tone for a week of activities in observance of National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week 2008.

Among the hundreds marching under banners which boasted the week’s theme: �livering today’s results for a healthier tomorrow’, were Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy; PAHO’s Resident Representative - Dr. Kathleen Israel; Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat – Dr. Shanti Singh; CDC’s Dr. L. Hasbrouck and Director of Laboratories/Acting Director of Standards and Technical Services, Ministry of Health, Ms. Yvette Irving.

The event attracted participants from both the public and private sectors in Georgetown and outlying regions.

Following the march, brief remarks were made by Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Dr. Kathleen Israel and CDC’s Dr. Hasbrouck; Director of Laboratories, Ms. Yvette Irving delivered the Vote of Thanks.

The speakers all congratulated the Laboratory Professionals for the great job they are doing “working from behind the scene,” in the health sector. They concurred that the clinical laboratory professionals are indeed ‘key members’ of Guyana’s health care team.

According to Ms. Irving “Laboratory professionals have the skills to unlock important medical information that is pivotal to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases.” She noted that daily, physicians, nurses, and other medical workers depend on them to perform tests and deliver results that provide a complete picture of a patient’s health.

“Without this precise and valuable information,” she stated, “medicine would simply become guess work.”

Dr. Kathleen Israel who commended the laboratory personnel for the work they do in Guyana, observed that they have been able to distinguish themselves as a professional group, while coordinating and harnessing an admirable public/private sector partnership in Guyana.

Noting that the challenges of the job are huge for any health care provider, Dr. Israel urged them to stay interested in their work, and assured that entities such as the Ministry of Health, PAHO and CDC will be there to support them.

Meanwhile, an eminently elated Dr. Ramsammy expressed kudos for his laboratory professionals. The Health Minister observed that laboratory professionals in Guyana have many things to celebrate, and the march and the week of activities are being used to make people more aware of the new things unfolding in the sector.

Proud that Laboratory Week has now become a part of the Public Health landscape in our country, Dr. Ramsammy announced that Guyana is now one of the leading countries in promoting laboratory science, and the pioneer country in CARICOM when it comes to highlighting the work of the laboratory professionals.

And CDC’s Dr. Hasbrouck had more words of commendation and appreciation for the work of the laboratory professionals: “Those of you who have chosen this profession, have indeed chosen a high calling,” he asserted.

Dr. Hasbrouck also commented on the National Public Health Institute – the state of the art facility of which Dr. Ramsammy spoke, and announced that CDC is a proud partner in the project which is due to be completed some time June. He said the building will stand as a testament to CDC’s commitment, in terms of their partnership with the Ministry of Health.

He also expressed the view that the facility will stand as a commitment to giving the Ministry of Health the highest level quality Laboratory sciences in the country, and hopefully in the region.

M.V Canawaima forced to halt operations for two days
THE M.V. Canawaima which plies between Moleson Creek on the Guyana side and South Drain in Suriname, was forced to halt operations for two days-Monday and Tuesday last week.

This was as a result of recent adverse weather conditions in neighbouring Suriname which caused the access road leading to ferry terminal at South Drain, a vital link between the two neighbouring countries and contributes to the economic development and opening up of the western part of Suriname, to be impassable for vehicular traffic, the Guyana Chronicle was told.

And on resumption on Wednesday, the vessel transported 12 vehicles and some 80 passengers from South Drain and 11 vehicles and about a similar numbers of passengers from the Moleson Creek end.

The 32-kilometre stretch which passes through a farming area and facilitates traffic from South Drain, the Suriname berthing port for the M.V. Canawaima, a $233.4 M state-of-the-art vessel, is currently being upgraded into a fair-weather road with funding from the European Union.

The project which is being tackled from the Nickerie and South Drain end is slated for completion next year.

It is anticipated that the 13.2 million euros EU-funded undertaking will not only increase the movement of people and goods but bolster tourism, trade and opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Suriname officials concurred.

Guyanese Director/Secretary, Mr. Ronald Charles who confirmed that the ferry had not worked for the two days, said that travel during the Easter holidays was also heartening and is indication that once the road is completed people from both sides, as well as French Guiana, are desirous of doing business with each other and are inclined to utilise the service more.

The M.V. Canawaima currently makes one trip each from both berths daily, the first originating from the Suriname end, but according to Mr. Charles, due to the heavy traffic on Easter Thursday, the authorities was forced to have the vessel make three trips which went well into the night.

The ship operates on a rotation basis and can convey 20 passenger cars, cargo and passengers, between South Drain and Moleson Creek, on the Guyana side, in less than 30 minutes. Currently a Guyanese crew is on board.

Meanwhile, work is ongoing on the US$34M New Amsterdam/Moleson Creek road which is being done in two phases and when completed will aid communication and transportation of people and goods and reduce the cost of vehicular maintenance.

It will also strengthen the integration of East Berbice with the rest of the country and with neighbouring Suriname.

The project is being constructed in two phases-from New Amsterdam to Number 36 Village and from Number 36 Village to Moleson Creek.

The first phase which began in 2006 is slated for completion in July this year, while the contract for the second phase was signed in February last for a duration of 20 months.

The overall project caters for the upgrading of 87 kilometres of roadway and various structures along the route and construction of two roads that provide entrance and exit to New Amsterdam. (Wendella Davidson)