ARCHIVES FOR MARCH 23 2008
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Sea defences shored up
against spring tide

NECESSARY interventions are being made to strengthen the sea defences and enhance the residential drainage capacity of lower East Coast Demerara villages affected by overtopping caused by the current spring tides plaguing not only here but the entire Caribbean region.

The current spring tide phase is likely to last until March 25, and residents of coastal areas and mariners are being urged to take the necessary precautions during this period.

At present, focus is being placed on the northern sections of Better Hope, Vryheid’s Lust and Montrose, the main areas being affected by the unusually high surge of the tide, the Government Information Agency (GINA) says.

President Bharrat Jagdeo and several government ministers including the Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Hinds; Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Mr. Robeson Benn; Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud and Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, visited communities early on Good Friday to assess the situation and to mobilise necessary interventions.

Several excavators have been deployed by the Ministry of Agriculture to clear drains and waterways so as to allow the accumulated water to disperse to surrounding drainage systems in Plaisance and Montrose where it could be stored and discharged when the tides recede.

As Minister Persaud explained, the residential drainage system in the affected areas cannot accommodate the excess water, so the plan is to divert it to the larger drainage system operated by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco).

Personnel of the Sea Defence Unit of the Ministry of Public Works and Communications have also been working feverishly on heightening those low-lying areas affected by the overtopping. 

During a television interview on the National Communications Network (NCN), Minister Benn pointed out that the overtopping would not have had such a severe impact had the residential drains not been restrained by garbage build-up, small culverts and encroachment on the reserves by some residents and businesses.

This restraint, the minister was quoted by GINA as saying, has prevented the excess water from flowing effectively into the larger drainage system where it could be discharged by pumps located in surrounding communities.

Engineers have been on the alert since the beginning of the Spring Tide and have been monitoring the sea defences in all the districts, especially at Wakenaam, Leguan on the Essequibo River, and areas along the Corentyne Coast.

However, to date, there have not been any reports of these or other areas being affected by the Spring Tide, except for a sluice that was damaged at Anna Catherina, but which has since been addressed.

Chief Hydrometeorological Officer, Bhaleka Suelall, explained that the Spring Tides are compounded by a low pressure system in the Atlantic that is generating wave action and that it is this wave action that is responsible for the abnormal swells and excessive high tides affecting the Caribbean.

In addition, the current La Nina condition is associated with easterly gusty winds that are further aggravating the situation.

She pointed out that these events are linked to climate change and urged that Guyanese, particularly those living along the Coastland, to become better aware and take necessary precautions.

Dumping of garbage into drains and waterways and the occupancy and destruction of sea defences are issues that can have serious implications especially during high tides and rainy seasons.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms Priya Manickchand; Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Dr Henry Jeffrey; as well as the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development have also been in the field assessing the situation.

Beware the flood waters!
By Priya Nauth
RESIDENTS of East Coast Demerara areas affected by flooding as a result of the overtopping caused by Spring Tides are urged to exercise caution and to keep children away from the flood waters since it has been observed that there is livestock rearing in the area.

According to the Ministry of Health, the warning is in effect because of the high concentration of animals’ urine in these areas, which when mixed with water, poses the threat of Leptospirosis.

As such the Ministry is advising that if there is need to enter the water, persons should take precautionary measures such as applying Vaseline to their feet or wearing long-boots.

The Ministry, in quickly responding to the situation on Friday, launched an emergency clinic replete with doctors and other ancillary medical staff. That clinic is being operated from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuco) Better Hope Dispensary Primary Health Care, and manned by a team of five doctors, including two Cubans, and the Director of the Environmental Health Unit, Dr Ashok Sookdeo.

Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran told the Chronicle on Friday that he had been to the affected areas earlier in the day to evaluate the situation and had initially decided to use the Lusignan health centre but later opted to use the GuySuco facility instead because it is closer to the main areas affected by the flood.

He said that based on his assessment, there is no imminent crisis but within two to three days people may start to show signs of flood-related illnesses since these outbreaks usually occur after an incubation period and not right away.

The ministry was also distributing fliers in the flooded areas advising residents on steps that should be taken to ensure the safety of the water they use for drinking purposes and what measures to take to prevent flood-related illnesses.

To keep you and your family in good health, ensure the following steps should be taken every time you prepare food:

* keep food separate and protected from the flood water

* throw away all food that has been in contact with flood water

* before cooking vegetables wash your hands (water treated with bleach)

* wash all fruits with safe water and peel before eating

* do not eat raw vegetables

* cover cooked food from flies

* always wash hands with soap before and after handling food and eating

* cook food thoroughly, eat immediately or refrigerate within two hours.

Also, the following steps can be taken to prevent diarrhoeal diseases:

* Using boiled water or water treated with bleach for drinking, cooking, making ice and brushing teeth

* Wash vegetables with water treated with bleach and peeling before eating

* Wash hands before and after eating meals and after going to the toilet or latrine

The Centre was open Friday and yesterday, and the Ministry said that if the need arises the centre’s operation will be extended, and that similar centres will be opened at Lusignan and at Plaisance.

The main areas affected by the floods are the northern sections of Better Hope, Vryheid’s Lust and Montrose.

Necessary interventions are continuing to mitigate the effects of the current situation in the lower East Coast Demerara villages that have been affected by overtopping caused by the current Spring Tides, as the entire Caribbean Region is confronted by strong tidal wave action during this period.

Those interventions include the placing of sandbags at areas that have been breached by the force of the water, while other efforts are ongoing to ensure that the water drains off quickly.

The overtopping started around 01:30h on Friday morning.

Corlette’s dictatorial behaviour will not go unchallenged
- Kwame McKoy
PEOPLE’S Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor on the Region Four Regional Democratic Council, Mr. Kwame McKoy, who was expelled from a council meeting by Regional Chairman, Clement Corlette last Tuesday, said the chairman’s “dictatorial behaviour will not go unchallenged.”

In a press release issued over the weekend, McKoy said: 𠇌orlette often comes into dispute with Councillors, including those on the PNCR side of the Regional Democratic Council, for disallowing their views that either differ or counter his….”

Noting that Corlette is mistaken to believe that no one has the right to challenge him as Chairman, McKoy said that this is wrong, and insisted that he will continue to stand up, without hesitation to Corlette whenever and wherever he attempts to deny him or any of the other Councillors the right to be heard.

Insisting that his stance at the meeting in question was the “most appropriate demonstration” of his ability to stand up to anyone who tries to deny or suppress his right to be heard, McKoy said: “The PPP fought long and hard for the right to freedom of expression which is allowed in its abundance today [and that] Corlette has no monopoly on free speech in the RDC.”

Adamant that the Chairman may have the wrong approach to dealing with Councillors, McKoy noted that during his sojourn as Councillor, he has observed Corlette’s attitude to be ‘dictatorial, domineering, self-centred and suppressive’.

He further stated that, “they” are all legitimately elected Councillors of Region Four in their respective constituencies, adding that the constituency that he (McKoy) represents on behalf of the PPP/C, expects him to defend, protect and secure his rights.

“I give all assurance I will not be forced into a passive role. I will stand up to the PNCR or anyone who attempts to impose their bully tactics,” he asserted.

And contending that the Chairman needs to recognise his disrespect for refusing to recognise the rights of other Councillors, McKoy concluded: “We are all in the business of governing Region Four.”

McKoy was suspended last Tuesday after his motion condemning the Lusignan massacre was rejected by Opposition councillors who subsequently left the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC) statutory meeting.

The motion raised was in condemnation of the Lusignan massacre where 11 people, including five children, were brutally gunned down by an apparent terrorist gang.

The motion also called for the unequivocal support for the efforts of The Joint Services and the government’s National Security Action Plan.

It further called on the RDC and Councillors to help promote and foster good community relations in Region Four.

The incident came about because McKoy continued to reiterate his position on the issues citing various references, one of which entailed the United States’ report on narcotics which the Opposition councillors deemed irrelevant to the issue at hand and as such, he was subsequently suspended from the meeting.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle following the disruption, McKoy said the behaviour of the Main Opposition councillors was a clear indication of the PNC agenda of saying one thing and doing another.

“They seem to give their sympathy but then, on the other hand, all their actions give comfort to the criminal elements in our society. And this is a development we need to watch, and we need to judge the records of the PNCR and see how responsible we are on these important national issues,” he said.

Rapid response to fix Anna Catherina koker damaged by high tides

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) has undertaken to effect immediate repairs to a section of a sluice at the West Demerara village of Anna Catherina which was damaged during the recent spring tide.

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, visited the site Thursday afternoon to inspect the ongoing works and assess the impact of the situation on the community where it was observed that the area was minimally affected.

“It was detected, and works had started and it is unfortunate that before those works were completed a section of it gave way leading water back into the canal,” the Minister said.

General Manager of West Demerara Estate, Aaron Dukhia, explained that it was detected on Wednesday that a section of the structure’s door was damaged and works immediately commenced to have it fixed, but the high tide hampered these from being completed. The pressure of the high tide subsequently caused further destruction of the door which led to excess water getting into the drainage system.

Efforts were made by Guysuco to contain the water in the system, which is used for navigational purposes, by closing a koker to prevent the excess water from spilling into the villages.

Temporary works were expected to be completed before the next spring tide which was due at 06:00h Friday. It was also anticipated that the excess water in the system will have been discharged by a sluice at neighbouring Cornelia Ida before the coming of the high tide, after which the focus will then shift to the construction and installation of the new door, a project that is expected to cost approximately $3M.

Residents are appreciative of the quick response although there was a claim that the situation was reported earlier to Guysuco, an issue that will be investigated. 

Minister Persaud pointed out that the integrity of sluices and other structures along the coast are usually threatened by the high tides. Many of the sluices were constructed about 30 or more years ago, hence, there have been regular checks of the sluices through which the situation at Anna Catherina was detected while further efforts are being made to deal with the issue.

A condition survey of all sluices is scheduled to be conducted shortly whether they are operated by Guysuco, NDIA or the Regional Administration. Additionally, it will focus not only on the doors, but the general integrity of the structures.

Minister Persaud pointed out that the exercise is very important, particularly in light of climate change which has resulted in sea level rise. It was noted that the tide that caused the structure to be damaged was close to three feet while the next tide is projected to be higher.    

Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Mr. Walter Willis, and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lionel Wordsworth, were among those present at the location. (GINA)
NEWS

Bank institutes Insolvency Act against defaulters
- seeking to recover $30.2M in unpaid judgments
Local bank, GNCB, has, for the first time, used the Insolvency Act to sue four defaulting clients and to collect unpaid judgments amounting to $30, 245, 476.

Under the Insolvency Act, defaulting clients have within seven days of the Insolvency Notice being served on them to pay the respective judgments at the prescribed rate of interest with costs.

Insolvency notices, dated March 5, 2008, have been served on Lindsay and Marjorie White of Plantation Cottage, West Coast Berbice for $14, 723, 120, for which sum final judgment was granted since September 2, 2002.

Notices have also been served on Sodeen Lall of Lot 50 ‘B’ No 11 Village, West Coast Berbice for final judgment totalling $1, 420, 778 granted since 1997; on Eon Small of 60 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, for a final judgment totalling $5, 521, 865 granted in January, 2005; and on Mookram Muneshwar and Dasmat Muneshwar of Mora Point, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, for a final judgment of $8, 579, 713, granted in March 2000.

In the matter of unpaid judgments, there was no current stay of execution in force.

The notices pointed out to offenders that one of the consequences of not complying with the requisition prescribed therein is that they will have committed an act of insolvency for which insolvency proceedings may be instituted against them.

They went on to state: “If, however, you have a counter, set-off or cross-demand which equals or exceeds the amount claimed by the Bank in respect of the judgment, and which you could not set up in the action in which the judgment was obtained, you must, within three days, apply to the Court to set aside this notice by filing with the Registrar an affidavit to the above effect.”

The notices were issued by Ms. Marcia Nadir-Sharma, the Bank’s Attorney-at-Law. This is the first time that the institution has used the Insolvency Act to sue clients.

Insolvency proceedings allow a Creditor, in this case GNCB, to approach the Court for a declaration that a defaulted customer is insolvent; and the appointment of a receiver, with a view to investigate the debtor’s possible asset/property and dispose of such assets for the benefit for the creditor.

Assuming that a Debtor/defaulted customer fails to satisfy an insolvency notice that is issued, the Creditor can petition the Courts for a declaration of insolvency and the appointment of a receiver. When a person is declared to be insolvent, that person is precluded from disposing of all of his assets until the debt is satisfied and the Receiver takes control and possession of all the Debtor’s assets.

According to the general manager, the Bank will go to the extreme -- in that they will utilise all options available in the legal system -- to recover the monies owed it as it is tax-payers’ money. The Bank also plans going after some very ‘big fishes’ that also owe it money. (George Barclay)

Have a joyous and fulfilling Easter
- PNCR
THE PNCR wishes to extend Easter greetings to all Guyanese of the Christian Faith and members of the Christian community throughout the world on the occasion of the celebration of one of the most important events in the Christian calendar.  

The festival of Easter commemorates the death of Jesus Christ and the celebration of His Resurrection.  This festival in its symbolic significance and secular relevance contains an important and powerful message.

In the judgment of the PNCR, that message says to all Guyanese who have the future of this nation at heart that it does not matter what difficult conditions or circumstances the nation has to navigate, the people will ultimately triumph once they have enough faith in God and are inspired by a vision of the future though intelligent, courageous and God centred leadership. In other words, the dream of a united and prosperous Guyana may appear on occasion to be crucified by the many problems the nation faces from time to time. However, that dream is always resurrected by the faith, energy, innovation and courage of the Guyanese people.

It only remains for the People’s National Congress Reform to wish each and every Guyanese, who celebrate this event regardless of religious persuasion or ethnic background, a joyous and fulfilling Easter.
Scenes of Phagwah 2008
AROUND the city yesterday in observance of Phagwah, Guyanese took to the streets in their numbers to celebrate the occasion with family, neighbours, and friends by dousing each other with water and powder of many colours.

In Albouystown, a city ward, mostly children and teenagers crowded the streets to play Phagwah among themselves and with passers-by.

In the suburb of Kitty, meanwhile, the atmosphere was a sea of colour as pockets of people moved from house to house to rub the faces of each other with powder in a variety of hues.