GWI points to developments in response to Jaffarally
GUYANA Water Inc. (GWI) yesterday responded to criticisms by Faizal Jaffarally, published in Kaieteur News of February 25, while pointing to developments.

The critic had said he is disappointed with the service provided by the utility in Berbice, despite millions of dollars expended by Government to improve the sector.

Jaffarally said residents are still not satisfied with the quality of service and quantity of supply and called on GWI management to do what is necessary and to take a more proactive approach to ensure improvement.

He had also stated that it is an ongoing battle between the regional committee and the company and charged that there is no proper supervision of the distribution system and more than a fair share of non-responsiveness from the authorities.

But GWI, in a press release, said Jaffarally is not the Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) Housing and Water Committee and does not have any credibility to speak on its behalf.

The release said he is “clearly trying to mislead the public for his political gain, by being mischievous.”

GWI said it and the committee have never encountered the battles to which Jaffarally alludes and the utility has always communicated information to the Regional Chairman and respective Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) whenever there is any development or disruption.

The release said the series of disruptions, to which Jaffarally referred, transpired a long time ago and were rectified immediately.

It noted that, contrary to Jaffarally’s assertion, repairs were already administered to the overhead tank at New Amsterdam water treatment plant and the facility only serves that township and not the entire East Berbice/Corentyne.

GWI disclosed that works towards the commissioning of the plant at Number 56 are ongoing and improvements will accrue upon completion.

The release said, indeed, with the support of the Japanese Government, Region Six will benefit from the construction of two water treatment plants, the other being at Queenstown, Corriverton.

Meanwhile, GWI said Number 55 and 56 villages have existing pipelines and those areas will both be served by the plant in the latter village.

“GWI, no doubt, has its share of setbacks in Region Six. These are primarily due to major leakages and power supply disruption problems are progressively being rectified,” the release said.

The statement said GWI has implemented a leakage control strategy to monitor and control leaks and sends out timely media advisories if there are disruptions, as well as announcements are made within the affected areas by way of a public address system.

“However, we must side with Jaffarally’s call to urge customers to desist from using potable water for agricultural purposes,” the GWI statement ended.

PNCR says national stakeholders meeting first step in right direction 
THE main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) yesterday said it considers the complete stakeholders meeting held Wednesday to be the first step by the Government that makes any sense in the resolution of the present crime and security crisis.

“If the (ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic) PPP/C expects stakeholders support for any measures that they contemplate it is hoped that the Government will not consider that meeting the end of the process, but rather the commencement of a course of action that can lead to the resolution of the problems which the country has faced over the last twenty years,” the party stated at a press conference.

The PNCR said time will confirm the seriousness and commitment of the government.

Wednesday’s meeting with President Bharrat Jagdeo included all Parliamentary political parties including the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and  the Alliance For Change (AFC), religious organisations, the Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Commissioner of Police, Trade Unions, women’s organisations, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), the Private Sector Commission and other representatives of civil society.  

A joint press release later issued to the media noted that the meeting discussed the national security plan and views by all stakeholders on how to address the serious escalation of crime in the society currently.

“The national stakeholders held a cordial and constructive meeting at which it was agreed to (1) support the national security sector plan and its various components and (2) tabulate all the recommendations which were presented for consideration and agreed that another meeting would be held in two weeks time to examine these recommendations”.  

Commenting on the meeting, President Jagdeo said it stemmed from a series of engagements he had last week with members of civil society and members of the Opposition parties.

“We agreed that today we will focus on a review of the Government’s security plan. A lot of people were not familiar with what we were doing, so many of the suggestions that were coming in were things that were already being pursued and part of the national plan.

What we have been asking for is additional suggestions to add to what we are already pursuing so we presented the security plan, 3 major areas,” the Head of State explained.

The meeting stemmed from two massacres which took 23 lives at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, and Bartica, Region Seven.

GECOM says it did not act in bad faith in the payment of Scrutineers 
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) yesterday had cause to emphasise again that it is not in possession of, nor does it receive, funds for the payment of Scrutineers, debunking the claim of Opposition Leader Mr. Robert Corbin who suggested that the Commission had acted in bad faith on the matter.

The Commission quoted Mr. Corbin as saying in another daily newspaper that his party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) only received one-third of the money for a two-month period.

GECOM said the modus operandi for the preparation of payment for Scrutineers is identical to that which was done during Continuous Registration.

Accordingly, GECOM prepared separate paysheets for those Scrutineers whose names were submitted by, and who worked for, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). 

The paysheets delineated the names of Scrutineers to be paid for January and February, 2008, after deliberations with and acquiescence by the Chief Scrutineers of those Political Parties which submitted the names of the Scrutineers.

The paysheets were forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for lump-sum payments to be made to the Chief Scrutineers of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and the PNCR respectively, in order that they could coordinate payment of their own Scrutineers. 

GECOM said it has learnt that the Ministry of Finance has allocated $100 million for the payment of Scrutineers for the entire House-to-House Registration exercise.

This amount has been pro-rated by the Ministry of Finance for the payment of Scrutineers over the six month duration of the exercise.

Consequently, the amount of money that was made available by the Ministry of Finance to pay to Scrutineers for January and February, 2008, is far less than that which was required in accordance with the paysheets prepared and submitted by GECOM.  

“In view of the foregoing, it is abundantly clear that GECOM holds no responsibility for the short payment of Scrutineers.  Further, it obviously follows that GECOM’s actions on this matter are certainly not demonstrative of ‘bad faith’, GECOM stated.

President meets with relatives of Bartica murder victims
HEAD of State, Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday met with the relatives of the civilians who were killed at Bartica on February 17 when gunmen went on a robbery and murder rampage in the area.

The relatives met the President at his office on New Garden Street in the city. It is expected that Government will be providing assistance to the victims’ families. 

Meanwhile, another meeting was also held with relatives of the policemen who were killed while on duty at the Bartica Police Station during the rampage by the gunmen.

The killings at Bartica took place less than a month following the murder of 11 persons at Lusignan by a gang of heavily armed men. Police believe that some members of the Bartica community were also involved in the crime, since the perpetrators seemed familiar with the layout of various buildings that were stormed, as well as the community.

Three persons in the community have since been arrested by the police. 

Minister Anthony clears the air
on a number of thorny issues
by Linda Rutherford
CULTURE Minister Dr Frank Anthony might be heartened at the way things have turned out this year in the ‘Mash’ Calypso Competitions, particularly the HIV/AIDS aspect of it, but he’s not too happy with the tenets of a Chronicle editorial that seems to suggest that taking the finals out of the city was a roundabout way of reining in the participants.

“In a way, it suggested that we’re exercising censorship over the calypsonians. We take umbrage to that because…in getting the competition organised, we worked with the regions: They were asked to decide … what aspect of the competitions they wanted to host; whether it was the finals, the semis or the quarter finals,” the minister told the Guyana Chronicle last weekend.

He’s also taken issue with the Chronicle’s coverage of the Chutney finals saying that the reporter seemed to be “more or less [intent on] voicing his own opinion rather than reporting the event.”

The article in question, in which the author, among other acerbic comments he made about the event, questions not just the judges’ decisions, but the propriety of some of the stage performances, was carried in the February 18 edition of the Guyana Chronicle, while the editorial was carried three days later and published under the title: ‘Calypso Needs A Shot In The Arm’.

The offending paragraph in that opinion piece reads:
“…. while there was some substance in the rationale of taking the Calypso competition out of Georgetown in order to give outlying regions exposure to the art form, the competition's continued absence from central Georgetown smacks frankly of censorship by proxy, via geographical alienation.” 

The author then goes on to say: “There is absolutely no reason that the finals of the Calypso competition can't be held in the capital city while the other legs of the competition are held in outlying townships and other communities.”

Addressing the ‘Chutney’ issue first, Dr Anthony said that “as with everything, there will be deficiencies; I don’t doubt that. But, I suppose that one will have to look at where we started and where we are today and the progress we have made, rather than just try to knock what has been happening.”

Noting that as with the calypso competitions, that the judges in the chutney competitions also benefited from a rigorous training programme run by the ‘Mash’ Secretariat prior to the hosting of the events, and that part of their training was how to score, the minister said:

“I think it’s unfair …if you have a panel of judges ...that somebody should just decide to state their opinion. It’s the judges who make the decisions; we don’t interfere with how they judge; they decide who gets first, second, or third.”

On the subject of the calypso competitions and its perceived manipulation by the powers-that-be, Dr Anthony said the ‘Mash Secretariat’, which is the agency responsible for coordinating ‘Mash’ events countrywide, has always left it to the ‘Regions’, meaning the ten administrative districts into which the country is sub-divided, to decide what aspect of the Soca, Chutney, or Calypso contests they wanted to host.

“So it’s not like we’re deliberately putting it out there to isolate people,” he said, noting that last year, for instance, the Calypso finals were held at the National Park here in the city at the behest of Region Four, of which Georgetown is a part. This year, on the other hand, Region 10 (of which the township of Linden, where the calypso finals were held, is the seat of administration) decided that it was their turn to host the finals, having not had the privilege of doing so in a long time. “And that was their major ‘Mash’ event,” the minister said.

‘Mash’ Coordinator, Mr. Lennox Canterbury supported him on this saying that “ the Central ‘Mash’ Committee, which has representatives from the various Regions… feels that ‘Mash’ is a national activity in which all Guyanese should participate.”

Warming to the topic, Canterbury said: “We have this calendar of events and we ask each Region to tell us what they would like to host and make a bid for it. We try not to have an event more than two years at the same venue. Our goal is to make sure that each Region hosts a national ‘Mash’ event.”

Interjecting, Dr Anthony said one of the little perks in all this is that each host Region gets to have all the proceeds from the gates and the bar as well so as to help with their ‘Mash’ activities.

“While we provide all the arrangements and facilitate everything, we don’t take the gate. That is given to the Region; it’s a little incentive for them to have these activities out there. We also give them the bar,” he said, adding that part of the rationale behind all this is not just to help those Regions build capacity but to also get a feel of what it’s like to plan or host a major event in the event they’re ever called upon to do so.

Expanding a bit on the judges’ workshop, which was not just for the Calypso and Soca competitions but the Costume and Float Parade as well, Canterbury said what they did was not just review the rules that had been in effect over the years but also trained new judges as in recruiting a whole new breed of people who knew something about the various art forms they were being called upon to adjudicate.

Asked about the yardstick used in the selection process, Canterbury said the Regions were asked to find people within their respective districts who were interested in any of the three art forms and ask them do a little ‘bio’ about themselves which were submitted to the Secretariat and helped in determining who had the requisite potential. Those who were eventually selected after careful screening during the training sessions were then asked to sign a disclaimer of sorts saying that they will not be knowingly involved, socially or otherwise, or have any other ties, whether familial, monetary or else, with any of the participants in any of the competitions. The penalty for contravening this edict is, of course, disqualification.

Of the 48 persons who underwent training, some six to eight were selected to judge the Calypso and Chutney competitions, while another 15 to 16 were earmarked for the Costume and Float Parade.

On the matter of the lack of adequate corporate sponsorship for the Calypso contest, which was also mentioned in the disputed editorial, albeit adroitly, and equally struck a dissonant chord with the minister, Dr Anthony himself chose to respond, saying that beverage giant, Banks DIH Limited did come on board this year “to offset some of the expenses incurred” in hosting this event.

One such occasion, he said, was the hosting of the Bartica leg of the contest, the expenses of which were taken care of in full by ‘Banks’. The Linden leg of the competition was also financed by ‘Banks’, we’re told, but whether in part or fully we’re not at all sure.

Noting that the overall cost of hosting the competition (inclusive of prizes and other ancillary arrangements) was in the vicinity of $9 million, Dr Anthony said that in light of the foregoing account, it would “not [be] totally true to say that corporate entities are not supportive of Calypso.”

He noted, too, that whereas in the past, just three companies, namely GT&T (Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company Limited), DDL (Demerara Distillers Limited) and Ansa McAl, sponsored all of the events associated with ‘Mash’, this year the ministry was able to get others to chip in their lot so as it wouldn’t appear that the three entities at reference were hogging it all to themselves.

“So this year,” the minister said, “we actually got more people to come on board… because we got ‘Lotto’, who more or less sponsored the masquerade band competitions; GT&T, who contributed to the Children’s Parade and all the prizes for the Costume & Float Parade; and Ansa McAl, DDL and ‘Banks’.” He said that with good going, they just might be able to get even more people to come on board come next year.

A favourite subject of the minister’s, it seems, is the introduction last year of an HIV/AIDS component to the Calypso competitions as his face fairly lights up at the mere mention of it.

Touching briefly on the topic, Dr Anthony said: “I see it as an indirect way of giving the artistes more popularity because they’re singing on serious issues and helping to educate people; to spread the word.”

Recalling the early days and what it took to bring those calypsonians who’ve so far shown an interest in participating in the contest to where they’re at today, he said:

“It was an educational experience because they themselves did not know all the nuances [involved in HIV/AIDS]. This year, however, they were more au fait; more conversant. They understand the issues…the lyrics were spot-on… so there’s now a totally different quality [about their compositions].”

“But why calypso?” we asked, and his response was: “I thought it was a very important medium by which to spread the word…so I think that that also is a very positive thing.”

On the question of how both he and the minister saw the Calypso, Soca and Chutney competitions evolving over the years in terms of lyrics, performance and maturity, Canterbury, who elected to respond, said:

“What we’re seeing in calypso now is a new breed coming to the fore…especially in the Junior ‘Mash’ competitions. And, if you would have seen the results, a lot of the ‘old stagers’ [in the senior leg of the contest] have been upstaged by the youngsters.”

The closest he came to explaining what he meant by ‘upstage’ was: “I think there is a zeal amongst the youngsters…and it’s coming to the fore now…that’s topic-wise…a little more humour and so on.

“My view about the whole situation … is that most people used to want to go political, so when ‘Mash’ was over, the songs are no good any more. That’s one of the big problems they had; everybody wants to sing about…and ‘buse’ the government and so that song is only good for that period.”

“What we’re finding now is that the tunes that are coming in are more creative…and that the youngsters who’re penning them understand that the permanence of a song is important to the development of the art form.”

CARICOM, CANADA , HAITI MOVE ON CSME PROJECT 
(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown)     The first meeting of a Tripartite Committee established to oversee the implementation of a Haiti CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Project was held on Tuesday at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters, Georgetown, Guyana .

The Tripartite Committee comprises representatives of Haiti, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and was established under a CARICOM/Canada Contribution Agreement which was signed last October 15 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

The Contribution Agreement includes two components, one of which is the Haiti/CSME project, and the other seeks to strengthen the administrative, functional and participatory effectiveness of the CSME.

In welcoming representatives to the meeting, the Deputy Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite said, “The objective of the Haiti CSME programme is to help Haiti strengthen its capacity to function effectively within the regional economic integration process of the Caribbean Community encapsulated in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.”

Ambassador Applewhaite observed that the Haiti CSME project was part of the wider effort of the international community to help Haiti in its own attempt at social, political, economic and institutional development. 

“The Government of Canada must be commended for the continuing support and attention it provides to Haiti and the pride of place it has granted to this sister CARICOM country in its co-operation programmes,” the Deputy Secretary-General added. She also took the opportunity to thank the Government of Canada and CIDA for the financial support granted to the Community. 

Dr Paul McGinnis, Director Caribbean Division, Americas Branch of CIDA, led his Agency’s delegation, while Mr. Jean Mathurin, Chief Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of Haiti, led his country’s delegation. 

Haiti’s Parliament ratified the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas last October and Foreign Minister Jean Renald Clerisme presented the published Notice of Ratification to the Chairman of the Caribbean Community Council of Ministers, on 7th February, clearing the way for the country’s full participation in the CSME.

Hinterland students to have increased educational opportunities
-$50M allocated for hostel  
SIGNIFICANT emphasis continues to be placed by the Administration to develop the lives of Guyana’s first people and allow for their integration into the mainstream of society.

The 2008 budget, Staying the Course: Advancing the Transformation Agenda, has allocated $50M to construct a new hostel in Georgetown for hinterland students who are undergoing studies at City institutions.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Emile McGarrel said this will facilitate the education of those students from outlying areas who are currently studying at City institutions and staying with guardians and other persons in the City. 

It was noted that with the new hostel, more Amerindian students will have the opportunity to learn new skills and further enhance their education capabilities. 

The hostel will house students attending the Carnegie School of Home Economics, the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), the Guyana Industrial Training College (GTIC), President’s College and some secondary schools in Georgetown.

These students will be guided by House parents and their basic needs will be provided for by the Government, through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

An Amerindian hostel was established on Princes Street, Georgetown to house Amerindians from remote areas who have been referred to Georgetown for medical reasons among others. 

It also caters for Toshaos and Community Development Officers who, from time to time, conduct business in Georgetown. 

This hostel takes care of the Amerindians’ general needs until their departure, providing meals, laundry and welfare services as well.

The 2008 budget also caters for the continuation of Government’s school uniform and feeding programmes in hinterland areas.  Both programmes are among Government’s efforts to further enhance the education system, especially in remote areas, to boost attendance rate, obtain better grades and minimize poverty in the communities.

Hinds very upbeat about mining after 2007 developments
PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds has reported that 2007 was a very good year for mining in Guyana.

He said total investment in the sector was estimated at US$100M, with in excess of 12,000 small claims and 4,000 medium scale permits issued.

“The declared production of gold was 246,100 ounces and diamonds 286,925 carats, all from small and medium size operations,” said Mr. Hinds, who has portfolio responsibility for the industry.

He said the year 2007 saw an upsurge in prospecting, with 26 foreign companies actively exploring for minerals, among them Aranka Gold, Strata Gold Resources, Sacre Coer Minerals, Gold Port Resources and BHP Billiton.

Hinds said an estimate of 4.56 million ounces of gold (indicated and inferred) was mined at Aurora along Cuyuni River, an area with a number of other prospects.

He commended Guyana Goldfield Inc. for embarking on a feasibility study for developing a hydropower site at the nearby Devil’s Hole rapids, on Cuyuni River, as well, to supply electricity for a mine at that hinterland undeveloped forest location.

Hinds pointed out that the Government welcomes and fully supports all investment, foreign and local, specifically in mining.

“Our resounding message is that Guyana is open for business,” he stated.

Hinds said the mining industry continues to be one of the main contributors to Guyana’s exports and provider of foreign currency.

He said Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) expects the industry will grow from strength to strength and continue as one of the main legs of the country’s economy.

Hinds said he is exuberant and extremely upbeat about the future of mining, because of the many developments last year

Steps being taken to drain excess Helena water
MINISTER of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud, has said that steps are being taken to drain the excess water at Helena, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.

He gave the assurance to a group of farmers he met recently after they complained that the high water levels in the backlands are affecting their rice and cash crops.

A release said an arrangement has been made to have an additional pump temporarily installed to supplement others already in operation at the location.

The release said some farmers also made a complaint that others are vandalising dams and drainage structures, resulting in the build-up of water.

The minister said this should be stopped immediately and he made it clear that, if anyone is found guilty of such acts, the person will be penalised.

The Police should be informed of any such actions, the statement said.

It said the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) are currently repairing the Supply/Blairmont sluice.

Officers of the Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) visited the area on Wednesday to assess the situation and the progress of those works, the statement explained.

Meanwhile, an appeal was made to fishermen not to leave their boats at the mouths of the kokers/sluices because they affect the water flow.

Accident victim, 70, appeals for scan help
A SEPTUAGENARIAN pensioner, admitted to Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) after being hit by a truck, is appealing for help to get a machine readable imaging (MRI) scan.

Agnes Ramkissoon is nursing injuries to the head and ears, following the accident at the corner of Lamaha and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown.

The 70-year-old patient, of Lot 108 Carmichael Street, said she retired after working at Guyana Museum for 26 years but is seeking compassionate help to pay the $19,000 required to have the examination done.

The woman, who lives alone, recalled that she was hit about 10:00 h last Thursday while returning home from a city market.

Ramkissoon said she had just disembarked a minibus and was crossing Lamaha Street when she was struck.

However, porters on the motor vehicle and a passer-by put her in a car which rushed her to the hospital, where a doctor has advised that she do the test to determine the extent of her injuries and facilitate the appropriate treatment.

However, after one week, she has been unable to raise the funds and is being discharged with tablets to, hopefully, to prevent her developing seizures.

Ramkissoon, who is also hypertensive, said traffic policemen visited her in hospital and she has not heard from the driver or owner of the truck

PPP announces commemorative programme for Dr. Jagan
THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will be celebrating the life and work of the late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, next month, in observance of his 11th death anniversary.

A press release said the recurring theme is ‘Cheddi Jagan’s Vision, Our Living Guide.’

The former President died in office on March 6, 1997.

The release said, throughout his lifetime, he exerted himself in fighting to liberate the Guyanese people and was the principal figure in the anti-colonial movement.

After independence, Jagan fought tenaciously to restore democracy in Guyana and that was achieved in October 1992, the release said.

It added that PPP groups countrywide, including the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) and the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), will be hosting a variety of activities reflecting his relentless struggle and unwavering contribution to the development of Guyana.

The commemorative programme will begin with the annual Tribute and Wreath Laying Ceremony on March 2 at the Babu John crematorium, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, PPP General-Secretary Donald Ramotar and former President Janet Jagan, will deliver remarks at that forum which entails cultural performances, the release stated.

Among the Georgetown events to commemorate the occasion are the ‘Night of Reflection’ from 17:00 h at Freedom House, Robb Street, on March 6; Cheddi Jagan Fitness Walk on March 16, beginning at 07:00 h in the National Park, Family Fun Day the same day, from 14:00 h at State House and Cheddi Jagan annual lecture on March 27, at Red House, starting 17:00 h.

In Region Six…
Regional Hospital gets Rotary donation to establish ICU
THE Regional Hospital in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), located at New Amsterdam, has received a donation of medical supplies and equipment, worth US$33,721, to establish an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).