CARICOM ministers pledge to improve well-being of region’s children
THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ministers with responsibility for children have pledged their commitment to undertake work in several key areas to improve the well being of the region’s children.

The ministers supported by delegations and organisations from the various Caribbean territories gave the assurance at the conclusion of 12th special meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD).

The recommendations titled “The Georgetown Declaration” seek to build a Region Fit for the survival, development, protection, dignity and participation of children within the Caribbean Community.

Belize’s Minister of Community Development and Transformation and COHSOD Chairman Mr. Peter Martinez addressing the media at a press briefing convened at the Guyana International Convention Centre, East Coast Demerara, underscored the commitments agreed to during the three day deliberations include:

* the establishment of mechanisms to improve the quality of, and increase access to inclusive early childhood care, education, and development services, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised children;

* the strengthening of protective environments in homes, schools and communities;

* the reformation of legislation and protection systems for children;

* the extension of social protection and welfare programmes to ensure equity of opportunities and to enhance life chances to guarantee holistic development;

* the implementation of Health and Family Life Education for children in and out of school;

* the completion and adoption of the Caribbean Corporation in Health 111 with a particular focus on continued reduction of children and infant mortality, nutrition related non-communicable diseases and increase physical activity in and out of school;

* the consideration of children and their particular needs in the revision of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework for HIV and Aids and;

* the retention of children and in education, enabling both boys and girls to complete their schooling to the best of their ability.

In addition, he said the following recommendations were made:
* raising awareness of the importance for immediate action to address the causes and consequences of climate change;

* advocating to effect the policy, technical, attitudinal and behavioural changes needed to ensure the survival and development of the next generation in a world affected by climate change;

* strategic planning in disaster preparedness and management for and with children;

* educating the region’s children of all age groups on the dangers of substance use and abuse;

* strategic planning and advocacy for addressing violence against children and

* monitoring the progress of implementation at the national level through National COHSODs and reporting to COHSOD on an annual basis.

Mr. Martinez affirmed the Community’s commitment to ensure children’s rights are realised as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The COHSOD Chairman also confirmed that investing in children will be both a national and regional development priority.

He disclosed that some of the grave concerns that affect the region’s children which will be given strong attention include the adverse effects of natural disaster on children, climate change, violence, HIV and AIDS, child abuse and exploitation, family aspiration and migration, malnutrition and obesity.

“ Optimising the development of children from an early childhood to adolescence, through health care, early stimulation, development monitoring, parenting and community support, quality education, and safe and protective environments is fundamental to determining the well being and life chances of our children,” Mr. Martinez highlighted.

He also said emphasis will be placed on the importance of the family, spiritual and intellectual development, cultural identity and diversity, physical activity and the psychosocial well-being to holistically develop the region’s young minds.

Continued emphasis on agriculture this year
- through improved drainage and irrigation, certification of farms, training
CONTINUED improvement of drainage and irrigation; certification of farms; resuscitation of farmers organisations; training in areas of apiculture; and increased production are some of the initiatives planned for Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) this year.

This was outlined last Sunday during a farmers’ meeting at the Linden Constabulary with Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo and several senior officials of the Agriculture Ministry.

Chief Crops and Livestock Officer, Brian Sears told farmers that focus will continue to be placed on preparing them for export through the certification of their farms and re-establishment of groups which became defunct over the years.

In addition, surveys for various pest and diseases will continue and heightened focus on the delivery of better quarantine services, he added.

Several training sessions will be held, including pesticides use and apiculture for farmers in the area since it is observed that there is growing interest in this sector.

Workshops will also be conducted aimed at helping farmers to expand cultivation and increase production to meet export market demand and these include the deployment of extension officers and advice farmers.

Alluding to livestock development, it was noted that the Pig Breeding Programme is expected to be launched in Region Ten later this year where selected farmers will be given improved breeds of pigs as part of a revolving programme.

Farmers were informed that approximately $20M will be spent on drainage and irrigation through the regional administration primarily in the West Watooka area while at the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) level, a similar amount will be expended on improvements in other parts of the region.

It was pointed out that projects implemented through the NDIA are developed in consultation with the Regional Administration and residents represented by their Community Development Councils (CDCs) or farmers’ groups.

Among the issues raised by farmers were the need for de-silting the mouth of the Kara Kara Creek and diverting the upper sections of the waterway around the area that is silted up as a result of the landslide due to the earth tremor experienced late last year.

Persaud pointed out that these issues are important and efforts have been ongoing through the NDIA, Regional Administration and BOSAI to find solutions.

Other major issues raised were the rising cost of livestock feed and fertilizers and it was explained that these are triggered globally due to the expanded interest in bio-fuels development using corn and other agricultural items as feed stock.

Depreciation of the United States (U.S) dollar was also outlined as another factor for the rising cost of some items.

Persaud recalled that during a meeting with stock feed companies last year and it was pointed out that the possibility of developing local inputs such as corn to make feed should be pursued.

He said although lands have been made available in the intermediate savannahs for corn cultivation, few farmers have taken advantage of the opportunity and noted that several farmers in the Berbice River are pursuing corn cultivation.

Persaud urged others to get involved and committed to provide seeds to assist them to cultivate their crops.

Another local input being explored is rice in which the broken rice could be used as input for pig feed and it was noted that a certain variety of rice is being grown in Brazil to make feed and testing of this variety is underway in Guyana.

With regards to fertilisers, it was said that efforts are being made by the Guyana Marketing Corporation to explore the possibility of importing this and other basic agricultural inputs and making it available to farmers through groups and organisations at affordable cost.

Farmers were told that the increased cost of food globally creates opportunities for Guyana and were urged to gear themselves while the government continues to support them. (GINA)

Cabinet maintains focus on requirements for entry to UG
-- among other issues at the institution
By Neil Marks
INCREASED pay for university staff and incentives for students to pursue subjects relevant to the economy are among recommendations in a new strategy for the University of Guyana (UG), Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon announced last week.

He said Cabinet, at its meeting last Tuesday, mandated Education Minister Mr. Shaik Baksh to conclude the review process for the university.

The pay of university staff has been a constant bugbear, with the university losing its staff, in one instance, and failing to attract staff due to the salary scale.

Dr Luncheon said increased remuneration for university staff, both tutorial and non-tutorial was recommended during public consultations and it also was reported on by a Cabinet sub-committee set up to look into the new strategy for the university.

Regarding the student population, Dr Luncheon said the university is not attracting the students who would meet critical human resources needs in the country, such as in the sciences, technology and the productive sector, namely agriculture, mining, geology, et cetera.

Dr Luncheon said that to attract students for these areas, a system of incentives has been put forward.

Other recommendations include a dedicated entrance examination which would be weighed on various counts.

He said, too, that Cabinet’s immediate attention was focused on priority issues of enhancing management, improving academic performance and the physical environment.

Cabinet maintained its earlier insistence on paying to other issues including independent review of scripts, academic standards and appointments.

In concluding its review, the Ministry of Education has been urged to involve external institutions, particularly the University of the West Indies in charting the way forward.

Hinckson to make another court appearance today
EX-GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant Oliver Hinckson will be making another appearance in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court today after he was further remanded to prison when he appeared on the last occasion.

The 64-year-old Army veteran, of Lot 167 Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown, will today, again appear before Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys.

Hinckson has been charged with the capital offence of sedition and of advocating the commission of a terrorist act.

He initially appeared before Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle last March 11 and was remanded to prison. He later appeared before Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys on March 13 and was further remanded to prison.

Particulars of the indictable charges said, last January 31, Hinckson advocated to commit terrorism, and uttered a seditious speech to the public and news media, the purpose of which would bring hatred and contempt and promote public disorder.

Thousands turn out at inaugural Berbice Mela
- Let's reflect on the message of Phagwah and work towards peace in our land – PM Hinds
THE inaugural Berbice Mela held at the Bath Settlement Community Centre, West Coast Berbice on Saturday last, saw thousands of Guyanese celebrating Phagwah (the festival of colours).

The event, organised by the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) and sponsored by several business organisations, was also attended by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and several Ministers of Government.

Heads of various Mandirs from Georgetown and around the country joined the large gathering of celebrants for the grand Holi celebrations.

The event showcased a cultural programme with dancing, chowtal and chutney singing.  

Indian cuisine, art and craft, jewellery, games and the spraying of colourful powder and abeer were among the features enjoyed by the celebrants.

The Prime Minister and Ministers were drenched with abeer and colourful powders and joined in the Phagwah celebrations.

Prime Minister Hinds in his message to the large gathering said that Phagwah marks the end of one season and the beginning of a new one.  He called on all Guyanese to use the message of Phagwah - triumph of good over evil - to bring peace and to destroy all evil forces.

He observed that there were all races celebrating Holi which is the first step to bringing peace in the country. 

He urged everyone to continue working to build a prosperous Guyana.

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand, said Phagwah is the celebration of good over evil and the message should stay clear as it is to overcome all evil that wants to bring darkness in the country.

Observing the mixture of participants from all walks of life, Minister Persaud said that these occasions remind everyone that they are one people who should work to let peace continue to prevail in Guyana. 

He said despite the recent tragedies, let the Phagwah celebrations be an example “to show those criminals that Guyana will stand and not fall because of their fear”.

During the celebrations, the IAC sent greetings to Muslim community and the Christian community.

It was noted that it is a significant period in Guyana when the three major religions are being celebrated which the IAC recognised and encouraged all to look beyond religion and race and live in peace and love.

The IAC is a non-governmental organisation which looks after the welfare of Indo-Guyanese.  The first Mela was celebrated at the Everest Cricket Ground, Georgetown in 2004.

The successful Berbice Mela was in response to residents of Berbice and they expressed their gratitude to the IAC for making the event such a successful and memorable one.

Members of the IAC said this initiative will continue to be held annually.  At the event three young Berbicians won three cellular phones from the GT&T Cellink Plus ‘Blue Power’ competition for persons who were dressed in blue.

Phagwah was also celebrated in various parts of the country and by Hindus worldwide.

Phagwah or Holi, is observed as a national holiday in Guyana and is the Hindu celebration of the Spring festival and the dawning of the New Year. The festival was brought to British Guiana by Hindus who arrived as indentured labourers to work on sugar plantations in the early 1840s.

Caribbean has shown notable progress in HIV/AIDS care-UNICEF Regional Director
THE 2007 UNAIDS epidemic update has shown a real decline in the rate of new HIV infections in some countries, and in many countries the epidemic has stabilised, this is according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Director, Mr. Nils Kastberg.

He made the disclosure at the opening of the 12th Special Council for Human and Social Development on Children (COHSOD) convened recently at the Guyana International Convention Centre.

The top UNICEF official pointed out that the Caribbean has shown notable progress in the coverage of treatment and care of the disease.

&#xSeveral Caribbean countries have reported near universal access to anti retroviral treatment for women and for paediatric AIDS, even though overall it is only 50% of the people in need of treatment who access it. This is still high by world standards. However more efforts need to be deployed in preventive interventions,” he underscored. 

The director revealed that the HIV prevalence rates in young people range from 0.08% to 3.2% and young people have yet to adopt consistently safer sex behaviours.

They also have difficulty accessing sexual, reproductive and HIV health services and young women in particular are subject to pressures for intergenerational and/or transactional sex, Kastberg highlighted.

He lamented too that forced sexual debut is an issue affecting approximately 20% of young people and to address this situation UNICEF will support the region in implementing prevention programmes that target young people and adolescents.

&#xThe new Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework 2008-2012 takes a more country-centred approach, recognising that success in individual country programmes is essential for overall regional success in achieving Universal Access to prevention, treatment, care and support. We are pleased to note that this time issues concerning children and young people, orphans and other vulnerable children have been given prominence and UNICEF will continue to provide support in its implementation,” Kastberg noted

The UNICEF Director acknowledged that one of the areas not covered in the Framework for Building a Region fit for Children, but inherently crucial to doing so, is that of positive adolescent development.

However, he said in 2007 UNICEF Belize assumed focal point responsibility for Sub- Regional Adolescent Development under the mechanism established to advance coordination among UNICEF offices in the Caribbean.

&#xThis has resulted in the establishment of a strong partnership on adolescent and Youth Development with CARICOM which places UNICEF in a strategic position to advance the regional adolescent and youth development agenda,” the director posited.

According to Kastberg some key outcomes of this partnership with CARICOM include:

* Collaborating with CARICOM to conduct a Regional Situational Analysis of Caribbean Adolescent and Youth for presentation to the Heads of Government in July 2008. UNICEF is undertaking the analysis of the 10-14 age cohort which also includes a social spending analysis on adolescent and youth by governments in the region;

* UNICEF currently chairs the CARICOM Interagency Steering Committee on Adolescent and Youth Development which comprises of representatives from key international agencies, CARICOM and selected Youth Directors. The committee was established to provide technical assistance and coordination for the implementation of the Regional Strategy for Youth Development;

* Through this partnership UNICEF also provided technical support for the convening of a Regional Youth Directors Meeting and the 2007 COHSOD on Youth and Culture which promoted the utilisation of the Life Cycle approach to planning and programming for adolescents and youth.

He emphasised that an issue of particular interest to Guyana’s President, and of critical importance to all, is the effects of climate change on the region’s children.

The senior UNICEF official disclosed that children born today and going through school in the next 18 years will emerge as productive adults in a world profoundly altered by climate change. He explained that they will not only become familiar with water shortage, food insecurity, poor sanitation and health but also with the major consequences of these impacts for the potential acceleration of migration, conflict, poverty, social and economic instability. 

Need for a change in attitude to the environment
- in light of climate change
THERE has to be a national attitude of change with respect to the manner in which the environment is observed to ensure greater awareness and preparedness for climate change which can have severe impact on the country’s social and economic welfare.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, this was highlighted Sunday last during the hosting of a farmers interactive session and mini-exhibition at the Linden Constabulary, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) in observance of World Meteorological Day, held under the theme “Observing our planet for a better future.”

Among those present at the event were Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, Region Ten Chairman Mortimer Mingo, Chief Hydrometeorological Officer (ag) Bhaleka Suelall and other senior officials of various departments and agencies within the Agriculture Ministry.

Persaud said citizens need to be more aware of climate change and to place more emphasis on issues such as weather forecast and advisories that can help them better prepare for the occurrence of unusual weather patterns.

Reference was made to the disastrous 2005 flood and the recent overtopping of sea defences in several lower East Coast Demerara villages in the Spring Tide period.

It was pointed out that while Guyana does not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, it is vulnerable to climate change and despite limited resources, efforts are continuing to help with mitigation and adaptation measures.

Last year, the National Climate Unit was established to lead necessary interventions while approximately $13.5M was allocated in this year’s Budget toward climate change activities. Additionally, a Climate Change Adaptation Programme will be launched this year with support from the Caribbean Community Centre for Climate Change (CCCCC).

Implementation of the Conservancy Adaptation Programme, development of advanced technology and agricultural practices to withstand the changing weather conditions and additional drainage and irrigation projects designed to deal with the phenomenon are other initiatives to help deal with the phenomenon.

Capacity is also being developed where technical personnel will be able to respond to emergency situations in the areas of crops and livestock, Persaud indicated, adding that for example, during ‘flashfloods,’ staff could be deployed immediately to provide advice and guidance to affected farmers.

In addition, efforts are being made to create linkages between Guyana and the United States meteorological Office and similar entities in Cuba that will enable local capabilities to be enhanced in areas of monitoring and responding, Persaud disclosed.

Other activities are focused on enhanced weather monitoring capabilities for better early warning systems such as an expanded network of rain monitoring gauges across the country and construction of the Doppler Radar, scheduled for completion during this year.

Mingo highlighted the importance of climate change and its impact on the lives of Region ten residents particularly in the areas of forestry, agriculture and mining. He commended the national observance of World Meteorological Day in Region Ten and described the initiative as a step towards greater sensitisation of residents as it relates to climate change, its impact on their lives and measures that can be adopted to be better prepared to deal with the effects although the region is considered ‘the highlands.’

Suelall, in her presentation, strongly described investments in enhancing the country’s weather, water and climate monitoring systems as an excellent one, since it is clearly recognised that climate change and weather impact on all facets of life.

She pointed out people must willingly join forces and volunteer to make a positive national difference by helping the Hydrometeorological Service in monitoring on-the-ground activities to determine change in weather, water and climate patterns.

During the interactive session, farmers spoke about issues such as enhancing the environment, need for tougher actions to deal with garbage disposal and drainage and irrigation matters.

A publication developed by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) was launched as part of efforts to educate people on climate change in observance of World Meteorological Day which has been observed annually since March 23, 1950 when the WMO Convention was entered into course. (GINA)

Agri ministry continues to support…
Overtopped Sea Defence affected communities
THE Ministry of Agriculture yesterday indicated that it has been supportive of the work of the Ministry of Public Works and other agencies in responding to problems caused by the overtopping of the sea defence at Montrose/Vryheids Lust and Better Hope areas along the East Coast Demerara.

From early Friday last, the Ministry of Agriculture's National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) were deployed to spearhead interventions to bring quick drainage to the flooded areas.

The ministry, in a statement yesterday, pointed out that excavator equipment as well as technical support were deployed to the affected areas to carry out much needed works which included the excavation of 300 rods of façade drains which aided in the collection of overtopped water and channel it to the Montrose Drainage Pump.

In addition, the NDIA in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works dismantled illegal structures on reserves that were impeding drainage.

Several inadequate culverts were also replaced with new and larger ones to improve the drainage of the area. As a result, when there was the tidal overtopping, the water was removed much faster.

Minister Persaud also visited the area everyday since early Friday morning, working along with his colleague Minister of Public Works, Mr. Robeson Benn and other Ministers, and making on the spot decisions such as clearing encumbering drainage canals and additional outlets to remove the Atlantic Ocean water as quickly as possible.

Further, although the area is not an established farming community, Minister Persaud deployed the Ministry's Extension Service to carry out an assessment of residents who may need advice and supply for their affected crops and livestock which may be affected.

Yesterday, a team of Veterinary Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture distributed veterinary supplies (oral) and seeds to residents of the Montrose/VryheidsLust/Better Hope area whose livestock and crops were affected.

A vaccination exercise to target affected livestock will also commence today, while technical officers will be available to provide assistance and guidance.

SPECIAL ADVISORY
Meanwhile, businesses and residents whose structures were removed as part of the drainage relocation and improvement in the Montrose/Vryhieds Lust/Better Hope areas must first seek permission and receive an approved design from either the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority or the Ministry of Public Works Road Division.

The Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) or any other body is not allowed to issue any permit for these structures unless they have been cleared by the central government agencies, the Ministry of Agriculture announced in an advisory yesterday.

Meanwhile, the ministry's National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will continue to support the implementation of the Ministry of Public Works' mandate to clear road and other reserves which are encumbering the road ways and limiting effective drainage of residential and farming communities across the country.

Vulnerable children receive one hundred kites from Human Services ministry
AN estimated 100 vulnerable children under the care of the Government through the Drop-in Centre, Mahaica Children’s Home and Mission Child’s Protection spent a day of entertainment in the National Park on Sunday where they were given kites by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand, spent the day with the children as they flew their kites and enjoyed meals and snacks provided by the Ministry.

She said these activities allowed the children to meet new friends and enjoy the day in the spirit of Easter.

&The children are playing, flying their kites and enjoying other fun games in a safe environment under the supervision of Social Service officers,” Minister Manickchand said.

Coordinator of the Child Protection Agency, Ann Green, said these are children who were seriously abused and they are participating in activities such as flying kites, socialising and playing with other children.

This, she said, would give them time to heal their wounds, gain more confidence in themselves and enable them to move on.

The Ministry continues to work with vulnerable children creating comfortable living environments and programmes to help them to adequately deal with their circumstances.