Dr Fox calls for empowerment of disabled persons
By Sarada Singh
MINISTER within the Ministry of Education, Dr. Desrey Fox, yesterday called for greater recognition, re-integration and empowerment of persons living with disabilities in society.

“There are some societal expectations that your children should be normal but the problem arises when there is not equity,” she underscored.

Dr Fox made these remarks at the launch of a Community Based Deaf Awareness Action programme at the Diamond Community Centre, East Bank Demerara.

The East Bank Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) initiative is sponsored in partnership with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Guyana Democratic Consolidation and Conflict Resolution (GDCCR) project.

The project seeks to provide appropriate community based support activities to improve awareness of the problem and includes improved access to education, health and other social services for deaf and hearing impaired children on the East Bank of Demerara.

The minister appealed for a collaborative effort from Guyanese to address the problem since it cannot be undertaken by her ministry alone.

Fox stressed that the Ministry of Education strongly supports the concept of inclusive education and plans are entrain to make the programme part of the school curriculum.

In Guyana only a small proportion of deaf children have access to education, health and other social services.

Project coordinator Leon Walcott disclosed that a core of 32 persons consisting four teachers, eight parents and twenty community leaders including religious leaders, parents of deaf and hearing children, business persons, teachers, nurses, health officers, National Democratic Council (NDC) members and police officers will be trained.

He added that the underlying premise of the project is the multiple benefits that will be provided to the community by giving parents, teachers and other stakeholders the opportunity to work together to improve the lives of deaf children.

According to Mr. Walcott, the project will seek to increase awareness, social skills, knowledge of fundamental rights and group identification by increasing the levels of family and community involvement through communication devices such as sign language, drama, sports and dance.

The project coordinator highlighted the requirements of the project which include:

- the collection of baseline data to influence the action plan;

- the organisation of two workshops with a practicum component to allow teachers and community leaders to have experiences with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing;

- the facilitation of 32 hours of sign language training whereby deaf persons will work as facilitators;

- the organisation of a concert showcasing the talents of deaf persons;

- the organisation of a one-day craft workshop to demonstrate livelihood skills for deaf persons;

- the organisation of a public symposium on deaf awareness.

NDC Chairman Mr. Omar Khan in his presentation also acknowledged the importance of community participation. He said the Golden Grove NDC has expressed its gratitude to be involved in the project. “We know how important it is for our community to assist young people with a disability to develop the skills they need to work towards their goals, increase their independence and participate as valued and active members in the community,” Khan remarked.

He also noted that the community has many persons with disabilities but they are ashamed to admit that they have friends or relatives with inability.

In addition, the Chairman posited the CBR has been part of the community for several years and encouraged residents to step forward and give support to this initiative aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities.

The Guyana Community Based Rehabilitation Programme (GCBR) began in 1986. It has made many strides since its early beginnings, when it was regarded as a rehabilitation service for children with disabilities but has now evolved into its present status as a multi-faceted programme to also include adults with disabilities.

More funding needed for vaccine research
MINISTER of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, yesterday called for the support of other countries to join Guyana’s call for increased funding for vaccination research.

Speaking at the launching of the ‘Vaccination week of the Americas’ in Lethem, and which was attended by representatives of neighbouring Venezuela and Brazil, Dr Ramsammy urged that, “We must raise our voices so that the world invests more money in vaccine research.”

Guyana has an excellent track record in immunisation and was awarded the prestigious Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), Henry C award for its successful Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in 2006.

This award was granted for the country’s outstanding vaccination coverage in children and for maintaining good surveillance in vaccine preventable diseases.

The EPI programme has been in existence since 1995 and has made significant advancement with regard to the eradiation of polio, yellow fever and measles. It had progressed to such an extent that Guyana was granted polio free status in 1994 by PAHO/WHO.

The programme also became a beneficiary of the Global Alliance on Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI) which introduced a special vaccine for hepatitis B, haemophilus influenza, diphtheria, pertussis, whooping cough and tetanus.

In his vaccination week message Dr. Ramsammy said over the last year new vaccines have been introduced for children. The pnemococcus vaccine for some children has been introduced, and there is advanced preparation for the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine. In 2004 Guyana initiated the Rotavirus Surveillance at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to analyse the magnitude of the disease among children under five years-old.

The Health Minister alluded to the fact that there are constraints in vaccination production. He mentioned that there is a current shortage of yellow-fever vaccines which is a problem since there have been a number of yellow-fever outbreaks in the Americas.

Dr. Ramsammy stressed that vaccination is vital for all children, and wealth should not determine if it is administered.

“Access, availability and coverage for vaccines in our immunisation programme must not be one of the factors that contribute to the gap between rich and poor countries, between the north and the south and between countries. Vaccines must be seen as a global good,” he said.

He noted that Guyana has invested significant sums of money to improve this inequity, but greater efforts are needed to strengthen health systems so that an equitable status is achieved.

PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr. Kathleen Israel, assured that since vaccination week has been observed it has received the support of PAHO and every PAHO member country in the region of the Americas and has since been adopted by some European countries as well. “The vision of PAHO/WHO is to have a week devoted to increasing awareness and coverage of immunisation,” she said.

Since its launch six years ago, this initiative has delivered vaccines to more than 195 million people in 45 countries and territories. This year a record 62 million children, adults and elderly people are expected to receive free vaccines against leading infectious diseases as part of the sixth annual Vaccination Week in the Americas .

Dr. Israel said this effort is expected to prevent thousands of deaths and illnesses from diseases such as measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, yellow fever, influenza, rotavirus, hepatitis B, and whooping cough.

Minister Ramsammy said though Government has a major role to play, parents and caregivers of children have their part to play also. Dr. Israel encouraged “all concerned: national health authorities, parents, teachers, family members, health care providers, community leaders and individuals in general to use the opportunity to gain as much information as possible about the importance of vaccination and to do whatever lies in their power to ensure that all children are fully immunised.”

Vaccination Week of the Americas is being observed under the theme

“Vaccination - An Act of Love: love them, protect them, immunise them.” (GINA)

Improving Linden/Lethem roadway remains primary objective
ESTABLISHMENT of a paved highway from Linden to Lethem remains a primary objective of the administration, and while this development is being pursued, investments are continuing to maintain and upgrade the current roadway.

This was highlighted over the weekend during which Prime Minister Samuel Hinds led a team of technical, economic and other personnel on an official inspection of the roadway to assess its current state and how it can be improved.

The team included members of the Thematic Group on Infrastructural Development in Guyana which involves representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Communications, Ministry of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation and the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the National Agricultural Research Institute are also represented on the Thematic Group. In addition, there were officials from the National Competitiveness Strategy Secretariat, LINMINE Secretariat and the business community of Region Ten.

The team, which departed Georgetown on April 18, stopped at various sections and main points along the roadway where discussions were held based on the assessments conducted. The areas inspected included Mile 40, 42, 47, 58 and 63, Mabura Hill, Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) sawmill, Kurupukari, Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve, Fairsview, Wowetta, Annai and Hunt Oil.

Prime Minister Hinds noted that while there are good sections of the roadway, there are patches that need to be upgraded since the aim is to provide an entire route that will allow easier and continuous transportation access. This is important since the roadway is likely to serve as the main artery from Boa Vista and Manaus through Lethem and Linden to Georgetown.

It was noted that another technical and economic study for paving the roadway is underway. Establishment of the paved road from Linden to Lethem is estimated at US$150M while improvement of the bridges may cost an additional US$100M. Consideration is being given to the economic feasibility of the project at this time when there is limited traffic averaging about five vehicles per day.

Government’s investment to improve and maintain the roadway has been costing $200M to $300M annually since 2005. The current maintenance arrangement for the route involves DTL, Omai Gold Mines, Mekdeci Machinery Company (MMC) and Central Government.

An inventory was conducted for the sections that are often flooded by the overflow of surrounding rivers in the rainy season and a programme has since been developed to raise and enhance the areas including the Hunt Oil section.

Plans are currently underway to invest $50M during this year to upgrade the roadway while there is a programme that focuses on maintenance and upgrading of the bridges.

Senior Engineer of the Works Services Group (WSG), Leon Goring, said there are three other bridges to be addressed under this programme after which focus will be placed on increasing the weight-bearing capacity of the structures.

Engineer Joe Holder pointed out that the existing bridges from Mabura to Kurupukari were established mainly for logging operations and are ‘bush-type’ structures that have served their function over the years. However, there is need to replace these with modern structures.

It was noted that the section from Kurupukari to Lethem includes timber bridges that were built with the road and some of these structures now need upgrading. These include the Piarara Bridge for which proposals have been submitted to the Indian and Japanese Government seeking support to facilitate re-construction.

The Linden/Lethem roadway currently supports economic activities such as lumber and mining for communities along the route.

In recent years, a corridor development plan was established that sets the framework for investments and utilisation of certain sections along the roadway for housing, agricultural and other purposes. (GINA)

Plant health meeting focuses on rising food prices, invasive species
AT a time when countries the world over are developing strategies to deal with the challenges brought on by rising food prices and the real threat of food shortage, Caribbean Plant Health officials will meet this week and among the issues to engage their attention is the issue of positioning themselves to positively contribute to the issue of rising food prices.

In this inaugural meeting, Regional Plant Health officials from across the Caribbean are expected to engage in discussions on issues of access to and availability of food. They will strategize on how to formulate the movement of plant and plant products across Caribbean countries. They will meet at the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters in Guyana 23-25 April 2008. The meeting is being hosted by the Secretariat in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and CIRAD

“There is tremendous potential for trade in plant and plant products in the Caribbean but the issue of plant pests is one which poses serious constraints to that potential for trade. Therefore the focus is on seeking to find solutions for more effective prevention, management and control strategies for pest threats in the Region,” said Ms Margaret Kalloo, Deputy Programmer Manager for Agriculture at the CARICOM Secretariat.

She added that while countries are seeking to improve availability and access to food, countries need to be enabled to “more efficiently and effectively move agricultural products across the borders of the Caribbean countries.”

In this regard the issue of invasive species will be on the front burner as these continue to negatively impact on trade in plant and plant products in the Caribbean. In the not too distant past, Caribbean countries were faced with an outbreak of Pink Hibiscus Mealybug (PHMB) which devastated crops such as okras, papaya and sorrel. The countries have also had to deal with infestations of Fruit Flies which impact on the export of most fruits. The outbreak of Black Sigatoka continues to be a source of concern for banana producers.

Currently, Caribbean countries are faced with a serious attack on palms, including coconut trees with the outbreak of the Red Palm Mite. This has adversely affected the domestic trade in, and national consumption of, coconut water as prices have increased as a result of decreased production.

A proposal to deal with the issue of Invasive Species will be presented to the meeting.

Sash remains an irreplaceable loss to Guyana-PPP
ON the occasion of the second death anniversary of former Agriculture Minister and central committee member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said his assassination remains an irreplaceable loss to Guyana.

In a statement yesterday, the party said that Sash as he was popularly called, was a committed member of the PPP during the years of the People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorship, as a youth and later as an adult.

“During the period he spent in Canada he organised several activities to expose the harsh conditions that Guyanese had to ensure under the PNC regime,” it noted.

“Sash served Guyana with distinction as a member and leader of the PPP, as an ambassador and as a Minister of the Government,” it pointed out.

“Comrade Sash would always be remembered, he has already become an example to others in his hard and dedicated work,” the statement emphasised.

“We will continue to work to bring those who committed this crime to justice; this must include the intellectual authors of his assassination,” the party said.

GSPCA supports improved legislation for animal care, ownership
THE Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) yesterday stated in a press release that it fully supports the call for improved legislation to address the issue of animal welfare and ownership.

The organisation also expressed condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Charles Roopchand, who was tragically killed in the recent canine attack.

According to GSPCA the increasing incidence of canine attacks appears destined to become common in society and the society have recognised that the existing local animal laws are ineffective, and do not adequately empower law enforcement bodies and GSPCA to actively pursue legal resource for the many animal related crimes committed in Guyana, especially those involving cruelty towards animals.

In his regard, the GSPCA has contracted the services of a local lawyer to review the existing animal legislation of several selected countries and to draft new or amend local animal laws based on improvements identified from this review. This activity, which is fully funded by the GSPCA, commenced early this year and progress has been made thus far in this venture.

It was further noted in the release that the GSPCA is soliciting the public’s support to the draft legislation and for ensuring their enactment into the laws of Guyana. It is intended that the new regulations specifically address issues of responsible pet ownership, dog fighting and breeding among other issues.

GSPCA is appealing to the Guyana Police Force and all other relevant bodies and government ministries for their support and cooperation in ensuring an effective partnership with the society in the enforcement of animal laws in Guyana.

The society is also appealing to the legal fraternity to provide additional assistance that may be needed.

GRA joins businesses in urging consumers to
‘SHOP SMART’
– VAT not responsible for increasing prices
THE Guyana Revenue Authority GRA) has joined with the business community in urging consumers to shop smart in order to get value for their money and in order to ensure there is maximum competition as Guyana and the world over grapple with soaring food prices.

Some local businesses have realised the power of the consumer and in spite of the ongoing high input costs, they claim they are making significant efforts to ensure that consumers are not overburdened by the escalating prices on the world market and the local market.

According to the GRA, Mr. Harri Mattai of N& S Mattai Limited, on Water Street, Georgetown, said he believes that consumers need to start shopping smart in order that they get value for their money.

He pointed out that in an effort to cushion the effect of increasing food prices; he has introduced many off-brand products which are quality products that actually cost less.

Mr. Mattai made reference to the Banquet brand tin sausage which is being sold at $116 when compared to Grace sausages which are being sold at around $150.

He said too that some brands of oats for instance, which by the way are also zero-rated, can be obtained for a price difference of between $200 and $300.

“Consumers can offset the increases by being smart in their shopping,” he emphasised, pointing out that businesses need to be fair to their customers too.

Mr. Mattai has assured that his enterprise is not charging VAT on the following food items which have been zero-rated under the VAT law.

Among the basic food items are plain bread made with white or whole wheat flour, plain white wheaten or whole wheat flour, including roti-mix and self-rising flour, raw white and brown rice, cooking salt, raw brown sugar, cow’s milk and milk powder, evaporated milk, liquid cow’s milk inclusive of Ultra High Temperature (UHT) milk and fully or partially skimmed milk, powdered milk (skim and full cream); baby formula excluding Nestum, cooking oil, fresh fruits, except apples, grapes, dates, prunes, peaches, plums, strawberries; fresh vegetables such as plantains, bora, callalu, boulanger, cabbage, pumpkin, tomatoes, ochroes, eddoes, eschallot, squash, cucumber, and corilla Onions, Garlic, Potatoes, Dried split peas, Dried blackeye peas, dried chick peas (channa), dried kidney beans, and dried pigeon peas.

Other food items such as Margarine, Lard, Ghee, Shortening, uncooked bird eggs, locally produced jams, jellies, peanut butter, cashew nuts and peanuts, unflavoured cracker biscuits, (not including sweet biscuits) plain barley flour; plain plantain flour; oats; sago; cassava bread; cassareep; cheddar cheese except grated, powdered, or single-sliced cheese; and farine are also zero-rated.

The GRA commends N & S Mattai for distributing updated brochures of all the zero-rated food items which are issued to every customer who makes a purchase at the store.

Addressing a main perception by consumers that some businesses calculate VAT on the overall cost of the items on an invoice, Mr. Mattai explained that the computer is pre-programmed clearly identifying the taxable and zero-rated items, hence while some may tend to believe that the VAT is calculated on the total as per invoice, Mr. Mattai demonstrated that the VAT, though clearly stated on the invoice is only applicable to the standard rated items.

Consumers are encouraged, however, to ensure that they re-check their invoices to ensure that the applicable VAT is charged.

To assist consumers further zero-rated items are clearly marked with a 0-rated tag and is reflected at the point of sale, Mr. Mattai explained.

His explanation for the increase in prices is that items change size, packaging, quality as well as the associated inputs may suffer increased costs ultimately leading to the overall increase in the price of the commodity.

“Consumers must be conscious of these things,” he said pointing out that at the end of the day it is the consumer who has to spend his or money and would only want to receive the best value for it.

The main food items that have been experiencing rising food prices include peas, beans, milk, and oil.

“These are commodity items that are dictated by world prices and has nothing to do with you and me, with VAT or my mark up or anything of that nature, but largely by the increasing oil and other global price increases,” Mr. Mattai said.

Mr. Parshuram Arjune, proprietor of Survival Supermarket on Vlissengen Road dispelled criticisms that the increase in basic food items are VAT related.

“I don’t think that VAT is a main contributory factor because there are many zero-rated items. The increases are coming from the world market and passing through us,” he said.

“I think one major contributory factor is the fact that we import more than we produce. In excess of 90 percent of the items we sell are imported products,” he pointed out.

Since the introduction of VAT, the GRA has been encouraging consumers to shop around in order to get value for money as well as to stimulate a more competitive market, which for sometime has been manipulated by a few businesses.

NO MERIT
in calls for VAT reduction -GRA
WITH the overwhelming price increases gripping nations around the world, some Guyanese politicians seem to believe that the solution is to reduce the rate of the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Mr. Khurshid Sattaur believes that such a statement has “no merit” since it is not practical for any country to give up one of their main revenue sources.

“The VAT, as you know, accounted for 60 percent of our revenue collection last year and we anticipate that it will make a substantial contribution this year as well,” he said in a statement issued by the agency yesterday.

“One who is in his rightful sense cannot practically believe that the removal or deduction of VAT will solve this growing world-wide phenomenon,” Sattaur contended.

Mr. Sattaur, however, pointed out that the government has given consideration to the event and even before Guyana began to feel the growing impact; it zero-rated more than one hundred and fifty items.

“The rationale behind this move was to stabilize prices on the market,” Mr. Sattaur pointed out.

He said the GRA has put the necessary systems in place to ensure that the Customs and Trade Administration apply the correct treatment to zero-rated goods when imported and in turn it is expected that businesses, particularly VAT registrants should pass on those benefits to consumers.

He said to a large extent therefore, businesses have a lot of influence on the prices of goods based on their mark up policy.

Mr. Sattaur pointed to the 32 additional items which were zero-rated from March 1 this year and which will see a $1.2 billion shortfall in revenue collection.

“If the rate of the tax were therefore to be reduced or removed altogether, what will our revenue collection be at the end of the year?” Mr. Sattaur asked.

He noted that the GRA is only authorised to collect maximum revenues for the state which are re-invested into social, welfare and economic programmes from which all Guyanese benefit.

The GRA Head said it is clear that persons who are using allegations against the VAT in their politicking are doing so to the detriment of other Guyanese and is aimed at achieving political mileage.

The VAT, Mr. Sattaur maintains, was introduced as efforts continue to reform the tax system which is ongoing and which make businesses more competitive and the economy more investment friendly.

Mr. Sattaur said he is confident that Guyanese consumers are observing what is taking place in our sister Caribbean states and other countries around the world in terms of rising cost of living being attributed to the constant increase in prices and that they would not be gullible to those narrow-minded politicians who are clutching at straws and blaming the VAT for the current situation.

Persaud advocates promotion of cultural development, national unity
Sarada Singh
MINISTER of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, is advocating the need for promoting cultural development and national unity as the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) commemorates the 170th anniversary of the arrival of Indians to Guyana.

Persaud made this pitch at the launching of the Indian Arrival Day activities held at Sizzling Platter on Main Street, Georgetown.

He underscored that several groups over the past few years have been trying to instigate tension in society noting that the IAC has played a major role in advocating unity.

The minister said the need exists constantly for members of each group to learn about, understand and, in doing so, not diminish the quest for national unity.

At the same time he emphasised that all must be cognisant of the fact that Guyana is a multi-ethnic society and there must be mutual respect for cultures.

As such, he further urged the gathering to respect and propagate their culture in the context of a multi-ethnic country.

Persaud said he looks forward to the day when May 5, Arrival Day, will be celebrated not only by Indo-Guyanese but by Guyanese of every culture and ethnicity.

He further urged that Guyanese use the month of May to celebrate the country’s diverse country, since the month marks several auspicious occasions.

Also present at the celebrations were executive members of the IAC and the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Subit Kumar Mandal.

According to executive member of the IAC Neaz Subhan, a series of melas to mark the occasion is set for Sunday, April 27, at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground followed by the second one, which will be held on May 4 at the National Park while the third will be held on May 5 at the Albion Community Centre Ground.

He noted that the event this year will be different this year contrary in that patrons will be treated to cultural presentations by Indian dance troupes in addition to dance pieces from the Academy of Apex Dance Troupe. He added that the IAC has been proactive in engaging the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Indian High Commission to have the dance troupe from India perform at the melas.

Subhan also disclosed that tributes will also be paid to those who were killed in the Lusignan and Bartica massacres.

Meanwhile, Mandal who endorsed the launching expressed his gratitude to be a part of promoting Indian culture locally, and more so pleased to be part of celebrating the 170th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana.

Among the activities held to celebrate the occasion included the launching of a publication entitled, “Kaal Aaj Aur Kal” which means “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” which was chosen to represent the unceasing efforts of the organisation to preserve our history; and to work assiduously now and with focus on cultural, educational and social issues to help to mold our future.

The IAC over the six years of its existence has constantly pursued works related to its cultural, educational and social foci. During the year 2005, the organisation introduced an award to honour outstanding Guyanese of Indian ancestry for their contribution to the development of Guyana. Among those honoured included the late Satyadeow Sawh, Ayube Hamid, Dr. Ranjisinghi Ramroop, the late Laxhme Kallicharran and Shri Prakash Gossai.

Security was top priority in 2007
-11 security Bills passed in National Assembly
Government has been placing major emphasis on security to enable every Guyanese to live in a safe environment and to achieve this objective, over the years it enacted several security legislations and in 2007 more Bills were passed.

During 2007, out of the twenty nine (29) Bills that were passed in the National Assembly, 11 were security Bills which included: the Firearm (Amendment) Bill which will allow for increases in fines and penalties for persons who are found in possession of unlicensed firearms. One of the penalties is the refusal of bail to persons who are charged.        

When enacted, this measure will further impact on crime reduction and the Minister of Home Affairs is likely to announce the date of implementation of the Act shortly.

There were also the Juvenile Offenders (Amendment) Bill that allows for the establishment of holding centres for youths and for maintaining them for the reception, care and custody under the orders of the court or for any other appropriate reasons as the Minister may determine.

The Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) (Amendment) was also passed for penalties for those who are engaged in harbouring criminals. The Bill also allows for the offenders on conviction to be liable to a fine of not less than $50,000 nor more than $80,000 together with imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years.

The Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2007 which was passed in December will allow for skilled CARICOM workers to be granted a permit to enter and remain in Guyana for a period of up to six-months.

Like other Caribbean countries, Guyana is seeking to implement the new system which was agreed to by CARICOM Heads of Government for nationals’ Passports to be stamped for six-months.

The Pounds and Certain Other Enactments (Amendment) Bill of 2007 will regulate the issue of stray animals and under the amended Bill. The fines will range from $1,000 to $5,000. Under the previous Act the fines were $100 and $150.

Meanwhile, the most controversial security Bill for 2007 was the Gambling Prevention (Amendment) Bill 2006 that will allow only new hotels and resorts to establish casinos on their premises.

Under Section 29 (1) of the Bill, the Gaming Authority could issue a casino premises licence authorising any place to be operated as a casino, and further, the body could issue a casino operator’s licence authorising the person to operate a casino.

The primary purpose for the introduction of the legislation is to attract and develop the tourism sector by providing one of many forms of entertainment which will be at the disposal of visitors, and will also help in the creation of jobs for many Guyanese.

President Bharrat Jagdeo had requested that Security legislations take precedence over other sectors in order to arrest criminal activities and ensure a safer country.

Several other security Bills are slated for Parliament this year including the Traffic Offences Bill, Use of Cell phones Whilst Driving Bill, and Regulations of Internet Café Bill which is expected to ensure that all internet cafes are regulated. There will also be the Hijacking and Piracy of Fishing Vessels Bill which seeks to make piracy a non-bailable offence. (GINA)

Ministry launches $115M anti-literacy programme
By Tajeram Mohabir
The Ministry of Education yesterday launched a $115 M programme to reduce illiteracy chiefly among primary school students, as well as among school drop-outs and young adults countrywide.

Minister within the Education Ministry, Dr. Desrey Fox, speaking at the launch at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) in Georgetown, said government has recognised the problem and is committed to addressing the deficiency at the grass-root level.

The occasion was attended by the programme’s regional coordinators and several senior officials from the Ministry of Education.

Dr. Fox pointed out that her ministry will be working with parents and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) over the next year to ensure the delivery of high quality education to the beneficiaries.

The Ministry of Education will provide specially tailored reading materials for the students and young adults.

The minister told the regional coordinators that literacy is critical to overcoming the educational disparities and keeping abreast of the rapidly changing society driven by science and technology.

NCERD Director, Mr. Mohandat Goolsarran, explained that the initiative was introduced to address the unsatisfactory performance of students at the grades two, three, four, five, six, and nine levels, and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination.

The programme aims to bring primary students who score below 50 points in their examination to acceptable standards. The school drop-outs and young adults will be taught at schools, church halls and community centres, Mr. Goolsarran said.

He noted that some 21 NGOs are part of the initiative, and 300 literacy educators will be employed to facilitate the programme.

The Director said the literacy educators and regional coordinators will receive a stipend and the Ministry of Education reserves the right to withhold this emolument if their work proves unsatisfactory.

He pointed out that the students will be taught five days a week, while the school drop-outs and young adults will receive two hours tutoring at weekends.

The veteran educator expressed optimism that the initiative will significantly improve the beneficiaries’ literacy skills, and that government will extend it for another year or two.

Chief Education Officer, Ms. Geneveive Whyte-Nedd, in brief remarks, stressed the project is in keeping with government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Millennium Development Goals, and the ministry’s vision to eliminate literacy and modernise education.

She emphasised that the programme is fashioned to equip and empower students with the necessary skills for their daily survival by bringing out the best in them.

NCERD yesterday began a three-day workshop to familiarize the regional coordinators on the methods of imparting the initiative.

Two cyclists narrowly escape death
A 24-year-old motor cyclist and a 17-year-old pedal cyclist narrowly escaped death when their machines collided on Dennis Street, Sophia, on Sunday night.

Seventeen-year-old Glenroy Fraser, of 𠆋’ Sophia, was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital shortly after 19:00 hours, suffering severe head injuries, and in an unconscious state. Meanwhile, twenty-four-year-old O’Neil Ramsammy, a Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard rank, was admitted also suffering head injuries, a broken right leg, and injuries to the right arm.

Fraser who regained consciousness yesterday, has a visible swelling in his head. The teen initially began crying out for severe pains in the head and discomfort in his neck. He eventually became delirious and had to be restrained to his bed. Relatives said that he was taken to St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital for a head scan the same night and they were waiting to meet with his doctors for details.

Meanwhile, Ramsammy whose condition appeared to be stable, was experiencing much pain and discomfort, and was yesterday being closely monitored by doctors and nurses at the hospital.

Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela launch Vaccination Week
IN observance of “Vaccination Week of the Americas 2008” which began Sunday and will run until this weekend - Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela have joined in the vaccination drive to ensure that every child is offered vaccines to make certain that they are protected from deadly diseases.

Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said it was important to recognise the need to strengthen the vaccination programme in the regions, especially Region 9, as the regions along the border are more vulnerable and therefore must be prepared to deal with vaccine preventative diseases in Guyana and other countries.

 “Our peoples in all the Americas can observe with much pride. However, they are still many children who are not fortunate to be vaccined and as public health workers we must continue until every child is vaccinated,” Dr. Ramsammy declared.

He added: “At present the Americas is under threat from Yellow Fever and it is paramount to work together to eliminate this threat. In this regard Guyana extends its gratitude to Brazil and Venezuela for their assistance in the vaccination programme for Yellow Fever, which will contribute tremendously to Guyana.”

Dr. Ramsammy said Guyana has kept its promise from last year by introducing new vaccines that are now available.

Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran said Guyana has done well in the programme, especially Region 9 where there is 90 percent coverage and it is the intention of the Ministry to continue to work with its neighbouring countries towards strengthening the programme.

Six years ago Vaccination Week started when there was an outbreak of measles.

It is symbolic that the three countries are observing the week of activities since the disease does not recognize borders and are common in all three countries. Therefore it is important to ensure the immunization is expanded in all the countries.

Since the launching of this initiative, vaccines have been delivered to more than 195 million people in 45 countries. The programme continues to focus on its original goal of reaching the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities, indigenous groups, people living in border areas and geographically isolated communities, which are often left behind during national immunization campaigns.

This year, 62 million children, adults and elderly people are expected to receive free vaccines against leading infectious diseases as part of the sixth annual Vaccination Week in the Americas.

Ten thousand health workers and volunteers will be participating in this year’s initiative, which covers 44 countries throughout the Americas. (GINA)

Regional Cultural Committee to discuss CARIFESTA
REPARATIONS for Carifesta X, the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) premiere Festival of Arts, will be one of the priority issues on the agenda of the Nineteenth Meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee (RCC) slated to open in Guyana today.

Coordinated by the Interim Festival Directorate (IFD), the regional advisory body on Carifesta, the Festival is positioned by the Council for Social and Human Development (COHSOD) as a world-renowned hallmark festival of Caribbean cultural and artistic excellence, that generates economic benefits, unites the Region and excites all the peoples, a release from the CARICOM Secretariat stated.

Guyana, which has responsibility for hosting Carifesta X on August 22-31, 2008, will provide the RCC Meeting with a comprehensive report on the progress of preparations and promotions for the Festival.

Set to take place at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara, the RCC Meeting will agree on an appropriate timeline for the completion of all the necessary actions for the staging of Carifesta X, under the theme: One Caribbean, One purpose - Our Culture Our Life.

In addition, broader issues related to the governance, management and financing of Carifesta will be the focus of intense discussions, as the RCC seeks to arrive at concrete decisions regarding the restructuring of the Festival and the establishment and financing of a permanent Board of Directors and a Festival Directorate to promote continuity and increased efficiency in the planning and management of future festivals. 

The Sixth Meeting of the IFD, to be convened tomorrow, will also precede that of the RCC and it is expected that the IFD will provide a progress report on the implementation of the New Governance Model.

Elements of this model were incorporated in Carifesta IX in 2006; and the IFD, which is the transitional body in the new management structure of Carifesta, is expected to integrate more elements of this new Carifesta model into the 2008 Festival, the release further stated.

With regard to financing of Culture in the Region, the RCC will discuss further developments in the proposed merger of the CARICOM Foundation for Art and Culture and the CARIFORUM Cultural Support Fund which gained the support of the Sixteenth Meeting of the COHSOD.

It was agreed that such a merger could ensure a pool of resources not only to finance Carifesta, but also to support public and private cultural initiatives in the Region.

Another centre of interest at the Meeting of the RCC will be a proposal for the adoption of a permanent Carifesta Logo in accordance with the recommendations of the New Strategic Plan for Carifesta.

Currently each Host Country has to design its own logo which means that Carifesta has nine different logos since its inception (Trinidad and Tobago used one logo for the 1992 and 1995 hosting of the Festival).

However, at the 25th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, it was agreed that a permanent logo would serve to brand and re-image the Festival and also facilitate merchandising and other licensing arrangements.

To this end, the CARICOM Secretariat has announced a regional logo competition in its bid to find the most suitable logo to brand CARIFESTA. The details of the competition will be discussed at the RCC Meeting.

Commenting on the anticipated impact of the meetings, Dr Hilary Brown, Programme Manager for Culture and Community Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, said both the IFD and the RCC meetings will serve to raise a regional awareness of CARIFESTA X.

Although contending with a full agenda, the RCC, while in Guyana, will take time to participate in the official launch of CARIFESTA X this evening.

Boosting infrastructure for Carifesta homecoming
AS it prepares to host, for the second time in 36 years, the premier Festival of Arts in the Caribbean, the Government of Guyana is working at full speed to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place for the Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts, Carifesta X, slated for August 22-31, 2008.

Hosted under the theme: One Caribbean, One purpose, Our Life, Our Culture, the 10th staging of Carifesta boasts an impressive lineup of activities, including the opening and closing ceremonies, culinary, visual, literary  and performing arts, community festivals, a  grand cultural market, child/youth fora, symposia and workshops as well as signal events and super concerts.

The Government of Guyana has invited participation from just under 50 countries, including CARICOM Member States and Associate Members, the wider Caribbean, Latin America and outside the Hemisphere.

To date, confirmations of their intention to participate have been received from 19 invitees, including Associate Members, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands; Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Turks and Caicos Islands and Trinidad and Tobago, and non-members, Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Netherlands Antilles and Venezuela.

Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, told the Guyana media that his Government had allocated $305M in the Capital Budget for Carifesta preparations and work is already advanced in several areas.

Minister Anthony said work included the ongoing installation of night lights at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, and the light mast, fixtures and their equipment for that project would be delivered before the end of this month.

The 57-acre National Park, which is earmarked as the site for the Carifesta Children and Youth Village, as well as calypso and religious shows, was also singled out for significant upgrading; and according to the Minister, a contract to repair two of the stands in the National Park had been awarded and work would commence shortly, while another, for the third stand, is being evaluated and will be tendered shortly. The tarmac in the park, he said, would also be upgraded.

One of the exciting features of Carifesta is the Grand Cultural Market featuring fashion shows, booths for designers and displays, cultural performances and a culinary arts festival. 

Guyana will host the Grand Market at its expansive Sophia Exhibition Complex; and according to Minister Anthony, the pavilion at the complex will be upgraded and more exits and convenient parking facilities created.

The award of a contract for the construction of an Amerindian village to showcase the culture of the indigenous peoples of Guyana will also be made soon.

Carifesta has returned to Guyana after 36 years, Guyana being the host for the initial festival in 1972.

And so for us in Guyana, Carifesta X is a sort of coming home.
( CARICOM Secretariat )

Major rehabilitation works for Demerara Harbour Bridge
By Wendella Davidson
THE Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), a vital link in bridging the administrative regions of West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands and Demerara/Mahaica (Regions 3 & 4), is to have rehabilitation works executed on 79 pontoons which support the structure.

In 2006, local contracting company, Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited, Water Street, was contracted to build three pontoons to replace the uni-float pontoons currently supporting the retractor/acceptor spans of the bridge.

The last major rehabilitation works on the 30 year-old facility, extending from Bagotstown/Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of the Demerara to Meer Zorg/Schoonord on the West Bank, was in 1996.

The works extend the lifespan of the Harbour Bridge by a further 15 years and experts have determined that with proper and effective maintenance and periodic rehabilitation, the lifespan could be further lengthened.

The two-lane facility was also resurfaced as part of the government’s efforts to give longevity to the bridge and make it safer for traffic, particularly under wet conditions.

In 2004, a computerised system to upgrade the toll collection was established.

Since then, management of the Bridge Corporation has been tasked with executing day to day maintenance to prolong the structure’s lifespan and have been utilizing a local workforce to do the job.

In an exclusive interview recently with Acting General Manager of the DHBC, Mr. Rawlston Adams, he said the bridge which was constructed in the 1970s, accommodates the crossing of approximately 24,000 commuters daily and some 10,000 vehicles.

Maintenance works being done currently, according to him, include replacing of galvanized deck plates and this is done by the DHBC engineering workforce.

The team, he noted, replaces about four plates per day, adding that the replacement components are manufactured by the corporation as they are no longer easily acquired; and even when they are, the price is too exorbitant.

Adams, who was recently appointed to the position, further explained that since the replacement deck plates are not asphalted, and not as sturdy as the imported one, the rate of deterioration of the plates far exceeds the rate of production.

The top bridge official spoke also of the on-going problem of heavy overloaded vehicles and transiting the facility.

Noting that greater fatigue is then placed on the structural components of the bridge resulting in faster wear and tear, Adams asserted that the installation of a weighing bridge on the eastern side has served to alleviate the problem, somewhat.

Vehicles, when found to be loaded beyond the weight limit, are made to dump the excess weight.

Reminded that there is no weighing facility in place at the West End of the Bridge and asked whether the facility stands to lose revenue as a result, Adams revealed that a contract has already been awarded to cater for this anomaly.

In the meanwhile, vehicles crossing from the West End, would upon arrival at the East End, weigh and pay the matching freight.

Adams however contended that it is the configuration of the double axle trucks transporting heavy cargo that creates the most damage to the decks of the facility.

He is of the opinion that much emphasis needs to be paid to that aspect.

Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn, during a prior interview with the Guyana Chronicle, had said that a revision of the total operations, the maintenance programme and status is being undertaken.

The toll charges as per vehicle classification are motor cycles $20; motor cars $50; minibuses and buses $200; tractors $150; trailers 1 axles $150; trailers with 2 axles $250; motor lorries 2 axles $400; motor lorries 3 axles $500; goods vehicles up to 2, 200 lbs (1000kg ) $100; goods vehicles up to 2201 - 4400 lbs ( 1001-2000kg) $150; goods vehicles up to 4 401 – 6,600 lbs $250, while the cost for a hearse to transit is $100.

It is the view of the public that the fees charged are woefully inadequate to allow for the bridge to sustain itself and undertake any proper maintenance.

Responding to the observation, Adams explained that while some thought was given to that issue sometime ago, it is still open to further consideration.

The bridge receives a subvention from the government which aids the maintenance.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge, a floating steel bridge across the Demerara River, was designed by Thomas Storey Engineers Limited, using Acrow Panel Bridge and Uni-float, and the contract was signed on May 24, 1976. On April 14, 2003, a bridge management was incorporated.

Located four miles outside of Georgetown, the facility is about 1.25 miles long and has 61 spans.

A high-level span provides a horizontal clearance of 105 feet or 32.0 metres and a vertical clearance of 26 feet or 7.9 metres to permit small craft to pass at all times.

In order to permit the passage of large craft, two retractor spans retract fully to leave a horizontal clearance of 254 feet or 77.4 metres. There is also a pedestrian footwalk.

A toll station is located at the eastern approach.

Meanwhile, a feasibility study is being undertaken to explore the possibility of a new crossing over the Demerara River.

Funding for the project is by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the overseeing unit is the Works Services Group in the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, headed by Mr. Rickford Lowe

CCWU/MOH host HIV/AIDS peer educators workshop
By Priya Nauth
THE Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health is hosting a three-day Peer Educators Workshop on HIV/AIDS with the objective of developing a pool of trained Peer Educators from union members; provide more trained persons to deal with HIV/AIDS related issues on the job; and increase the knowledge and skills needed for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at the opening of the exercise, Coordinator of the programme, Mr. Sherwood Clarke, said that HIV/AIDS is a workplace issue hence the CCWU came up with this initiative to assist the health ministry in providing educational programmes.

He reiterated that HIV/AIDS is a major concern and affects workers around the world.

“Today we seek to impart the knowledge and skill to fight this disease…we are all stakeholders in this whole process,” he emphasised.

He said the CCWU is fighting for workers struggle for 60 years and has build a foster relationship with employers in the public sector to fight for justice and protect workers rights.

The coordinator observed that HIV/AIDS is a concern for the working class in Guyana; however this pandemic not only affects workers but their families.

“We have to go out and reach out to the workers families and the community…every stakeholder should be involved in this fight”, he urged.

Clarke also posited that HIV/AIDS is a leadership issue and all members should rally around their leadership to fight this epidemic and ‘unite to win this fight’.

One of the objectives of the exercise, he said, is to implement and develop a workplace policy and programme to engage all members in the fight against HIV.

Also, he informed the participants, that another plan is a workplace campaign which must be holistic for the working people of the country.

He encouraged the partakers to impart the