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Sugar industry negotiations…
GuySuCo abandons cultivation in disputed Diamond area
By Tajeram Mohabir
WORK at Perseverance, payment workers for the removal of obstacles on the Diamond, East Bank Demerara cultivation, has been abandoned.
Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President, Mr. Komal Chand disclosed that the decision was announced by Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) during wages and salaries negotiations at La Bonne Intention (LBI) Training Centre.
He said GuySuCo pointed out that canes in the area (which the Guyana Chronicle learnt is about 10 acres) will not be harvested as the economic value has depreciated.
Chand said the abandonment will result in a loss of 50 tonnes of sugar valued $4.7M.
The Diamond workers were demanding $1,620 for clearing the obstacles but GuySuCo maintained it will not pay more that $700.
Chand said, if GuySuCo was willing to compromise on its offer, the cultivation would have been saved.
But GuySuCo will now have to burn new canes for harvesting and the workers at Diamond who are on strike will resume work at the LBI, he said.
Chand said GuySuCo has also insisted that the weekly production target at LBI/Diamond Estate for this week remains 1,114 tonnes, as compared to the union’s demand for this figure to be scaled down to 870 tonnes.
Approach
He said the union finds this approach by GuySuCo unorthodox and inflexible and the workers cannot meet the employer’s request because the estate does not have adequate amount of high quality canes to achieve the 1,114 tonnes sugar target.
Chand said the union rejects the corporation’s resort to blaming the workers for not meeting the tonnage, emphasising that GAWU members on the estate have been the same in number for the past 18 months.
“Poor production has to do with the unavailability of adequate amount of canes and the quality of the canes,” he reiterated.
Chand said the average weekly production of canes at the estate, this crop, is 851 tonnes.
According to him, nearing the end of the harvest, production tapers down and that is another reason why it would be impossible for the LBI/Diamond Estate workers to make the target GuySuCo is demanding.
Chand reported that the corporation, for this crop, has set out to complete harvesting of the estate’s cultivation in 10 weeks, targeting of 11,930 tonnes of cane.
But that projection has not materialised and the workers at the LBI/Diamond Estate are now working in unscheduled weeks, he said.
Chand said, although the workers have exceeded the 10 weeks period and completed 11 weeks, to date, the target at last Saturday stood at 9, 369 tonnes.
Fire hydrant problem needs comprehensive response-Dr. Luncheon
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon has indicated that fire hydrants are a government responsibility but insisted that the issue is a comprehensive problem and, as such, the response has to be undertaken in this regard.
He was replying to questions from the media at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, about most of the fire hydrants not functional.
Recently, a number of fires have occurred and questions have arisen about who is responsible for the operation of fire hydrants.
Dr. Luncheon admitted, “This is a government responsibility” and alluded, “I have a feeling that nothing short of a comprehensive response by the administrative, nothing short of that would address the matter properly,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the facilities can be fixed but what good it would be if there is not a good water main available and vice-versa.
“So, it is a comprehensive problem and I think that were one to see it from that perspective and recognise it’s a government undertaking, it has to be comprehensively undertaken then we are not going anywhere trying to particularise obligations and responsibilities into each sector,” he stressed.
The HPS agreed that it has to be addressed and the work in providing and repairing the mains will have to be part of the programme to address this subject.
"The work in providing and repairing the mains and doing the rehabilitation will have to be part of the programme just as they are working on sewerage in Georgetown…,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has said that the Act under which it is governed does not hold it responsible for the operation of fire hydrants.
A statement issued by the utility’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Yuri Chandisingh said: “GWI wishes to make clear its position regarding the fire which occurred on Sunday October 18, 2009. Firstly, we wish to state that GWI is governed by the Water and Sewerage Act of 2002. The Act outlines GWI’s responsibilities with regard to water supply and sanitation system in Georgetown. However, the Act makes no mention of the issue of fire hydrants.”
“Secondly, we wish to advise that GWI regularly cooperates and provides full support to the Guyana Fire Service in the event of a fire. We have maintained a strong working relationship with the fire service for several years. This involves increasing water supply to the area in which the fire has occurred and having relevant operatives present at the scene to render any further assistance and advice as it relates to water supply, as was the case during the Regent Street fire of October 9, 2009.
The statement added that GWI was not informed of the fire which occurred last Sunday and all relevant GWI operatives have confirmed that no call was received from the Guyana Fire Service regarding the fire in question.
“In the event that adequate pressure was not available at the time of the fire, the customary call from the Guyana Fire Service would have corrected the situation since our Shelter Belt Plant is manned round-the-clock and once a fire call is received, our operators would promptly start our pumps and direct water supply at high pressure to the relevant section of the city,” the statement stressed. (PRIYA NAUTH)
Bored, horror board and plyboard
The Parrot noticed how, of recent, some people are obsessed with “boarding”. Generally, people like to board; aircraft that is. Whether for vacation or to take up residence elsewhere, people like to board. There are other similar types of boarding too; some not so pleasurable like boarding a mini-bus or a crowded speedboat that traverse between ports on the East Bank of Essequibo and its coast. A recent unfortunate development along the Essequibo River has caused boarders to look over their shoulders to see if after they board, whether rogue elements of the Coast Guard would. So it is boarding and over-the-shoulder looking.
Of course there are pleasurable boat boarding; yacht travellers and tourists who are boated around in many of the local waterways for sight seeing. This brings me to another form of “boarding” that also facilitates seeing: exhibitions. Many photographic exhibitions involve the mounting of pictures on nicely decorated boards. These “mounted boards” provide a mechanism for chit-chat; some idle, some constructive and some totally unrelated. Whatever the board, chit-chat follows. One such board belongs to Uncle Bob from the Place of CONgress and his few cohorts.
They have mounted a board which they call “Board of Horrors”. The board has pictures of some people they claim lost their lives under questionable circumstances. The board is a form of protest which is supposed to pressure Uncle Henry to investigate. All kinds o’ pictures on the board. Dem boys seh how plenty o’ de pictures are of people with questionable backgrounds and who may have been involved in criminal activity. One man, who had nobody to chit-chat with, seh he taught it was an exhibition of Guyana’s most wanted. He seh how some of these men were either associates of gunmen who terrorised innocent people or was de gunmen themselves.
Uncle Bob’s media friends who highlighting de board didn’t carry the man’s comments. They claim his comment is not in keeping with their position on the board. Their position is just to “sit” and execute the wishes of Uncle Bob; the board’s “chairman”. Dem same boys seh that the board chairman put up de board because he bored. Since CONgress done, the excitement done. He ain’t got much to do. So as old people seh, “idle hands are tools fuh de devil”. Since the devil is synonymous with horror, no surprise de board name, “Board of Horror”.
The board faces a past colonial Monarch, Queen Victoria. Dem same wicked boys seh that even though she is a statue, she still frightened; so frightened that she nose fall off. The parapet the board is on belongs to the City. How come Hammie, the overripe Mayor, ain’t fussing? A town-hall bird tweeted that Hammie ain’t fussing because he now back with Uncle Bob and whenever he passes by the board, he wears blindfold.
The board ain’t attracting much patrons. Plenty many people asking how come de board only exhibiting people who dead not too long ago. They want to know how come the board is devoid of pictures of people who were killed during the time when Hammie’s Party was in Office. These same people seh how they will mount their own board. Pictures of Uncle Rodney, Uncle Father Darke and plenty others would dominate that board. Hints are that they might even be a Lusignan board, a Bartica board, a Lindo board, a Sash board and even Kissoon plyboard that Barama killed.
Uncle Bob and his boarders have proven they are veterans in initiating boarding. They have earned the nickname “hurricane” synonymous with the effect hurricanes have on residents. People in vulnerable areas are forced to “boardup” doors and windows as the violent storms approach, same when Uncle Bob’s protestors take the streets. So, maybe another board that can be mounted is one exhibiting the aftermath of the destructive protests over the recent years. That will be a horrifying one, suitable for the upcoming Halloween!
Halloween is fast catching on. With that and with everybody wanting to bring a horror board, as part of the observance, dem seh boys seh some people don’t need a costume or a board to make a statement for the occasion. They say Uncle Freddie might be in this category; all he has to do is turn up. That said, the boarders are afraid of a particular man turning up--the Son of Robe. He makes an entrance when he turns up; an entrance with excavators, bulldozers and all. Can the board withstand such an entrance? The “kissing” bridge and KP couldn’t. Squawk! Squawk!
Book theft equals deprivation
A popular store in Georgetown has a stringent policy to monitor potential shoplifters. If caught, the shoplifter is not only handed over to the police, but his/her photograph is taken and placed prominently in the store. The mounting of the photograph serves as a form of embarrassment to the perpetrator and a deterrent to others. The bottom line is that shoplifting, which is prevalent in many societies, is a crime which can result in imprisonment. Theft of any kind can result in similar punishment.
An incident relating to the theft of books from the National Library by a columnist of a local newspaper is attracting much attention. Last week a former staff member of the Library, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, wrote a letter documenting the details. According to the said staff, the columnist stole eighty-eight books some years ago. The incident was well documented both in the courts and at least one newspaper then.
The incident has since attracted much debate to the point where some, in defence of the columnist, say, to the effect, that the incident is trivial and should be dismissed. They also see it as revisiting the past. What they fail to understand is that when someone is found to be a thief, he/she is a thief rregardless on what is stolen and when it was stolen. Theft is theft. If for example, a lad is caught shoplifting from any store, regardless of what was stolen, it’s theft. That lad can be handed over to the Police and can be charged.
Some may argue whether compassion by the proprietor could prevent court action in such cases. That could be a consideration. But what about the basic moral principle of when one is in need of something, he/she must ask? If every proprietor who loses as a result of frequent shoplifting shows compassion on every occasion, then the severity of such offences would be tremendously diluted. A parallel can be drawn on compassion by law enforcement for traffic offences. In most cases, many unsuspecting persons have lost their lives as a result of careless drivers.
Over the years, many societies have clamoured for drastic action to be taken against errant drivers. Of recent much debate was centred on stringent laws to curb drunk driving. The point is that if things are ignored then they fester and either become acceptable or extremely difficult to control. The fatal consequences of drunk driving are excruciatingly painful. In the case of the book theft mentioned, some have written that the perpetrator, the columnist, must be emulated. Those who have ventured to make such reckless statements in the public domain are directly encouraging others to blatantly break the law.
If those who would have read such irresponsible comments and were to do as advised, then theft from stores and other public places would become a fad and would pose a serious challenge to the law enforcers. What about the financial loss proprietors would incur as a result? Is this the message those who have access to newspaper and television spaces want to send to others, especially young people? The columnist committed a crime by his own admission in his article that followed the revelation of his actions years ago. Why is it then that others are glorifying such a crime?
The current value of the eighty-eight books would be somewhere in excess of two hundred thousand dollars. This amount can be categorised as grand larceny! Is it that those who defend such actions are supporting such larceny? This is ludicrous and must be condemned. Some cohorts of the columnist are questioning the timing of this incident being brought back into the public domain. Given the time that has elapsed since it was perpetuated, they posit that it should be forgotten. Herein lies my reason to differ. The columnist in question goes daily on a rampage in personally attacking officials of government and those who are associated with the administration.
His misrepresented and inaccurate venom-filled tirades spare no one whom he sees as articulating favourably on government policies. Conversely, if anyone is to articulate an anti-government position, he sees that person as his compatriot. His bias and sometimes libellous rants are facilitated unabated in a newspaper which is known for its sensationalism and anti-government position. It is therefore not a coincidence that the newspaper’s editorial policy is similar to the columnist’s writings. They have formed a focused alliance in denigrating government and those favourable towards it.
The way this columnist crafts his writings one would never doubt his high moral standings and adherence thereto. His open castigation of others and his unsubtle threats serve to falsely propel him to the peak of the moral pedestal. He skilfully ensures that the belief of his high moral adherence is not a figment of anyone’s imagination. As a result, none who were unaware of his past book theft incident would believe he was capable of such a crime. If the former Library staff was not meticulous in his detailed description of the incident and was unable to substantiate what actually took place, many would have dubbed the statement a fabrication.
The staff in question was present and was able to debunk the subsequent inaccuracy the columnist peddled. This staff must be commended for exposing such an incident committed by someone who professes to be an advocate for high moral standing and decency. Here is a columnist who daily falsely accuses pro-government persons of being immoral and to be involved in shady activities. His immorality has been exposed. His proclivity to steal books has been exposed. This is not an accusation. How then can he have the gall to accuse others when he has been guilty of theft?
What is even more laughable is that two particular persons have been vehemently trying to defend such immorality. Maybe this is not surprising given that one has been accused of defrauding hard-working Guyanese of their hard-earned money in a scam to get them to a foreign country. He was arrested and subsequently sued the said newspaper that publishes the columnist’s tirades! The other was fired from his position on the Fraud Squad for reasons not known to the general public. Is this a coincidence that three with a questionable past are in unison in their anti-government thrust? Is it a coincidence that their “voice” is being facilitated by a known anti-government publication?
Clearly, the answer is no. This is part of a plan by an opportunistic few who have nothing but hate for this administration. Now that the columnist has admitted to stealing some books in the past, the question that can be asked is: is it too late for the DPP to press charges? Books are the conduit to education. Its theft deprives others from benefiting from such enlightenment. This deprivation must be condemned forthwith, without condition. By extension, those who have sought to defend such a dastardly act can be deemed guilty by their hypocritical senseless defence. Their actions must also be condemned. Awaiting such in the newspapers. It wouldn’t be surprising if Libraries adopted similar policies like the store mentioned.
Rights Commissions to be located at BDCO House
IN anticipation of the completion of the outstanding parliamentary work on constituting the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, the BIDCO House is being rehabilitated to house all four of the Rights Commissions.
This was disclosed by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.
He said, specifically, the Queenstown three-storey facility would house the offices of the Chairpersons, the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and the staff of the Secretariat of the following four Commissions – the Rights of the Child Commission; the Women and Gender Equality Commission; the Indigenous Peoples Commission; and the Human Rights Commission.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that the Commissions would have been assigned locations on the ground first and upper floors.
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) will comprise a chairperson and the four chairpersons from the National Rights of the Child Commission, the Women’s, The Indigenous, and The Ethnic Relations Commissions (ERC).
Asked if the ERC is going to be removed and what is causing the prolonged delay in the work of the already established commissions; he said that the building is also the home of the ERC which is also a Rights Commission.
He said it could accommodate all of the commissions and significant rehabilitation works are currently being carried out to make available all the spaces on the ground floor, the first floor and on the upper floor.
Regarding the work of the Commissions, he said there is an “interlocking mechanism” and explained that the Secretariat is a joint one that is based on membership from the four Rights Commissions which comes under the HRC.
“Essentially in this interlocking arrangement that is a constitutional hallmark, if you don’t have the four Commissions in place then it is impossible to start,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he announced that the offices of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Administration will be relocated from its current site at the IAST building at Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana (UG) to the former Guyana Water Inc (GWI) headquarters building on Fourth Street in Kingston. (PRIYA NAUTH)
Police seeking information to support ongoing investigation of criminal activities-Dr.Luncheon
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon has noted that the appeal by the police for persons to come forward with any information regarding criminal activities is to “support the ongoing investigation.”
He was replying to questions at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.
The Cabinet Secretary observed that heightened interest has developed in not only the facts but also different claims about the Roger Khan period.
“That has been the subject of ongoing investigations but I suspect that the police are looking at additional opportunities to garner useful information and, therefore, this public appeal for those with knowledge, those purporting to have information for them to provide that to the police - that arrangements have been put in place and that appeal has been mounted,” he noted.
He reiterated that it is to support ongoing investigation “into isolated and the collective criminal and other activities that took place during this period”.
He added: “So Roger Khan and the Buxton gang and all these gangs, whatever information that is out there, some of it may very well be a repetition of what the police has already but still the police is urging and the police is of the belief that out there, there is information that can add substantially to what they actually possess, and may even contribute to a fuller, a better review and understanding of the whole period.”
The Guyana Police Force last Monday notified the public that it has launched a special investigation team based at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown to enquire into the alleged murders which have surfaced during the court hearing of drug dealer Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan.
The police are calling on all individuals, organisations or groups who may have information or vital evidence concerning alleged murders involving the “Fine Man” gang, Roger Khan’s gang, or any other gang or individuals who may be involved to come forward and provide whatever information or evidence may be available.
Persons may make contact with Assistant Commissioner Seelall Persaud at CID Headquarters or call the following numbers: 225-2227, 226-6978 or 225-8196. (PRIYA NAUTH)
Photo in Graphics file as GPL 22
New Kingston power plant undergoing tests
GUYANA Power & Light (GPL) Kingston Plant and Transmission Lines Project Manager, Mr. Lennox Mc Gregor reported yesterday that the new facility is currently undergoing tests.
He said every piece of equipment is being tested and the engines will be “fired up” next week.
Mc Gregor said, the following week will see the installation process that would lead into the performance mode for the pre-commissioning on November 5.
He said production from the 20.7 megawatts factory will be fed into the Demerara Interconnected System, resulting in a significant reduction of generating problems being experienced in various areas presently.
McGregor said GPL is also now undertaking transmission and distribution lines maintenance countywide and that has caused electricity generation shortfall.
He pointed out that negotiations are ongoing for a major project with support from China, that will see seven new sub-stations established in Demerara and East Berbice within about two years.
That accomplishment would ease current transmission and distribution difficulties, McGregor said.
Meanwhile, GPL is laying a cable link from its Sophia complex to the Kingston Station simultaneously with a frequency conversion programme. (MICHEL OUTRIDGE)
Guyana achieved significant advancement towards
MDGs - UNICEF report
A UNITED Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report on progress with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has said Guyana is one of the countries which has seen significant advancement.
The compilation, five years after the first such, said the status was achieved even though the current pace is insufficient to meet some of the 2015 goals.
UNICEF said, although effectiveness could be enhanced in an environment of economic progress and civil stability, the targeted interventions are meeting the objectives of the MDGs.
The compendium said, about:
* MDG1 – concerning rights to freedom from poverty
and hunger, Guyana has already met the target of
halving the proportion of the population suffering from
malnutrition when compared to baseline data from
1995. The third Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey
(MICS), in 2006, showed that the percentage of
children under the age of five years were underweight.
* MDG 2- in the area of right to basic education and
gender equality, geographic disparities in access to
education between coastal and the interior regions
have almost disappeared for primary education. With
the net primary school enrollment rate of 96 per cent,
Guyana is on track to achieve the second MDG 2 but
there is a need to focus on the transition rate to
secondary school.
Reduced
* MDG 3, 4 and 5 – the third MICS indicates that Guyana reduced the infant mortality rate as well as the under five-years-old mortality rate by approximately one-third, between 2000 and 2006, to 37 and 47 per thousand live births, respectively. Additionally, although progress towards MDG 4 is positive, additional accelerated efforts will be needed to achieve this goal, particularly for the hinterland areas, since the disparities are still large between the coast and the interior. The report highlighted Guyana’s progress in maternal and child health, with regards to immunisation. The encouraging improvement was duly noted when Guyana was conferred the ‘Henry Smith’ Award by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) for most improving country in 2006.
* MDG 6 – rights relating to HIV/AIDS and malaria -
achievement of this is potentially possible, in terms of
HIV, yet unlikely for malaria. Important progress has
been made over the past few years to combat
HIV/AIDS, with zero prevalence currently at 2.4
per cent according to UNAIDS. More than half the
women (58 per cent) have knowledge of mother to child
transmission of HIV and the number of women being
tested has doubled. Comprehensive knowledge about
HIV/AIDS is lower than in the rural and interior areas
and highest in the urban areas. Another concern
was the percentage of women (over 60 per cent) still
displaying discriminatory attitudes towards persons
living with HIV/AIDS. While the coastal areas are
considered malaria free, the interior areas are
considered to be high risk. The third MICS found that
70 per cent of children under the age of five sleep under
mosquito nets and, since 2000, this has increased ten-
fold.
Disparities
* MDG 7 - rights related to water and environmental
sanitation - although the use of improved drinking water sources and sanitation facilities has increased, from 83 per cent in 2000 to 91 per cent in 2006, the disparities between the coast (97 per cent) and the interior (52 per cent) are still large. To this end, MDG 7 will, probably, be achieved with respect to access to drinking water and improved sanitation, if access is improved in the interior.
Deputy UNICEF Representative, Mr. Rudi Luchmann, in an invited comment, assured that his agency is committed to contributing resources to facilitate the achievement of the MDGs.
He said current UNCIEF partners are Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Culture, Youth and Sport; Labour, Human Services and Social Security; Amerindian Affairs; Health and Education, as well as several non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The diplomat acknowledged that the MDGs constitute an important development framework. (VANESSA NARINE)
Foreign Minister on official visit to Cuba
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, is currently on an official two-day visit to Cuba at the invitation of her Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parilla.
During the visit Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett will hold official meetings with the Cuban Foreign Minister and, Vice President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba, Mr. Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz to discuss pertinent issues of interest in the Guyana/Cuba bilateral relationship; as well issues of interest to both countries in the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
She will participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument of Cuban National Hero, José Marti and also hold talks with Guyanese scholarship students studying at the Latin American School of Medical Sciences.
Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett is scheduled to return to Guyana tomorrow.
Sugar industry negotiations…
GuySuCo abandons cultivation in disputed Diamond area
By Tajeram Mohabir
WORK at Perseverance, payment workers for the removal of obstacles on the Diamond, East Bank Demerara cultivation, has been abandoned.
Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President, Mr. Komal Chand disclosed that the decision was announced by Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) during wages and salaries negotiations at La Bonne Intention (LBI) Training Centre.
He said GuySuCo pointed out that canes in the area (which the Guyana Chronicle learnt is about 10 acres) will not be harvested as the economic value has depreciated.
Chand said the abandonment will result in a loss of 50 tonnes of sugar valued $4.7M.
The Diamond workers were demanding $1,620 for clearing the obstacles but GuySuCo maintained it will not pay more that $700.
Chand said, if GuySuCo was willing to compromise on its offer, the cultivation would have been saved.
But GuySuCo will now have to burn new canes for harvesting and the workers at Diamond who are on strike will resume work at the LBI, he said.
Chand said GuySuCo has also insisted that the weekly production target at LBI/Diamond Estate for this week remains 1,114 tonnes, as compared to the union’s demand for this figure to be scaled down to 870 tonnes.
Approach
He said the union finds this approach by GuySuCo unorthodox and inflexible and the workers cannot meet the employer’s request because the estate does not have adequate amount of high quality canes to achieve the 1,114 tonnes sugar target.
Chand said the union rejects the corporation’s resort to blaming the workers for not meeting the tonnage, emphasising that GAWU members on the estate have been the same in number for the past 18 months.
“Poor production has to do with the unavailability of adequate amount of canes and the quality of the canes,” he reiterated.
Chand said the average weekly production of canes at the estate, this crop, is 851 tonnes.
According to him, nearing the end of the harvest, production tapers down and that is another reason why it would be impossible for the LBI/Diamond Estate workers to make the target GuySuCo is demanding.
Chand reported that the corporation, for this crop, has set out to complete harvesting of the estate’s cultivation in 10 weeks, targeting of 11,930 tonnes of cane.
But that projection has not materialised and the workers at the LBI/Diamond Estate are now working in unscheduled weeks, he said.
Chand said, although the workers have exceeded the 10 weeks period and completed 11 weeks, to date, the target at last Saturday stood at 9, 369 tonnes.
Fire hydrant problem needs comprehensive response-Dr. Luncheon
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon has indicated that fire hydrants are a government responsibility but insisted that the issue is a comprehensive problem and, as such, the response has to be undertaken in this regard.
He was replying to questions from the media at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, about most of the fire hydrants not functional.
Recently, a number of fires have occurred and questions have arisen about who is responsible for the operation of fire hydrants.
Dr. Luncheon admitted, “This is a government responsibility” and alluded, “I have a feeling that nothing short of a comprehensive response by the administrative, nothing short of that would address the matter properly,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the facilities can be fixed but what good it would be if there is not a good water main available and vice-versa.
“So, it is a comprehensive problem and I think that were one to see it from that perspective and recognise it’s a government undertaking, it has to be comprehensively undertaken then we are not going anywhere trying to particularise obligations and responsibilities into each sector,” he stressed.
The HPS agreed that it has to be addressed and the work in providing and repairing the mains will have to be part of the programme to address this subject.
"The work in providing and repairing the mains and doing the rehabilitation will have to be part of the programme just as they are working on sewerage in Georgetown…,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has said that the Act under which it is governed does not hold it responsible for the operation of fire hydrants.
A statement issued by the utility’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Yuri Chandisingh said: “GWI wishes to make clear its position regarding the fire which occurred on Sunday October 18, 2009. Firstly, we wish to state that GWI is governed by the Water and Sewerage Act of 2002. The Act outlines GWI’s responsibilities with regard to water supply and sanitation system in Georgetown. However, the Act makes no mention of the issue of fire hydrants.”
“Secondly, we wish to advise that GWI regularly cooperates and provides full support to the Guyana Fire Service in the event of a fire. We have maintained a strong working relationship with the fire service for several years. This involves increasing water supply to the area in which the fire has occurred and having relevant operatives present at the scene to render any further assistance and advice as it relates to water supply, as was the case during the Regent Street fire of October 9, 2009.
The statement added that GWI was not informed of the fire which occurred last Sunday and all relevant GWI operatives have confirmed that no call was received from the Guyana Fire Service regarding the fire in question.
“In the event that adequate pressure was not available at the time of the fire, the customary call from the Guyana Fire Service would have corrected the situation since our Shelter Belt Plant is manned round-the-clock and once a fire call is received, our operators would promptly start our pumps and direct water supply at high pressure to the relevant section of the city,” the statement stressed. (PRIYA NAUTH)
Bored, horror board and plyboard
The Parrot noticed how, of recent, some people are obsessed with “boarding”. Generally, people like to board; aircraft that is. Whether for vacation or to take up residence elsewhere, people like to board. There are other similar types of boarding too; some not so pleasurable like boarding a mini-bus or a crowded speedboat that traverse between ports on the East Bank of Essequibo and its coast. A recent unfortunate development along the Essequibo River has caused boarders to look over their shoulders to see if after they board, whether rogue elements of the Coast Guard would. So it is boarding and over-the-shoulder looking.
Of course there are pleasurable boat boarding; yacht travellers and tourists who are boated around in many of the local waterways for sight seeing. This brings me to another form of “boarding” that also facilitates seeing: exhibitions. Many photographic exhibitions involve the mounting of pictures on nicely decorated boards. These “mounted boards” provide a mechanism for chit-chat; some idle, some constructive and some totally unrelated. Whatever the board, chit-chat follows. One such board belongs to Uncle Bob from the Place of CONgress and his few cohorts.
They have mounted a board which they call “Board of Horrors”. The board has pictures of some people they claim lost their lives under questionable circumstances. The board is a form of protest which is supposed to pressure Uncle Henry to investigate. All kinds o’ pictures on the board. Dem boys seh how plenty o’ de pictures are of people with questionable backgrounds and who may have been involved in criminal activity. One man, who had nobody to chit-chat with, seh he taught it was an exhibition of Guyana’s most wanted. He seh how some of these men were either associates of gunmen who terrorised innocent people or was de gunmen themselves.
Uncle Bob’s media friends who highlighting de board didn’t carry the man’s comments. They claim his comment is not in keeping with their position on the board. Their position is just to “sit” and execute the wishes of Uncle Bob; the board’s “chairman”. Dem same boys seh that the board chairman put up de board because he bored. Since CONgress done, the excitement done. He ain’t got much to do. So as old people seh, “idle hands are tools fuh de devil”. Since the devil is synonymous with horror, no surprise de board name, “Board of Horror”.
The board faces a past colonial Monarch, Queen Victoria. Dem same wicked boys seh that even though she is a statue, she still frightened; so frightened that she nose fall off. The parapet the board is on belongs to the City. How come Hammie, the overripe Mayor, ain’t fussing? A town-hall bird tweeted that Hammie ain’t fussing because he now back with Uncle Bob and whenever he passes by the board, he wears blindfold.
The board ain’t attracting much patrons. Plenty many people asking how come de board only exhibiting people who dead not too long ago. They want to know how come the board is devoid of pictures of people who were killed during the time when Hammie’s Party was in Office. These same people seh how they will mount their own board. Pictures of Uncle Rodney, Uncle Father Darke and plenty others would dominate that board. Hints are that they might even be a Lusignan board, a Bartica board, a Lindo board, a Sash board and even Kissoon plyboard that Barama killed.
Uncle Bob and his boarders have proven they are veterans in initiating boarding. They have earned the nickname “hurricane” synonymous with the effect hurricanes have on residents. People in vulnerable areas are forced to “boardup” doors and windows as the violent storms approach, same when Uncle Bob’s protestors take the streets. So, maybe another board that can be mounted is one exhibiting the aftermath of the destructive protests over the recent years. That will be a horrifying one, suitable for the upcoming Halloween!
Halloween is fast catching on. With that and with everybody wanting to bring a horror board, as part of the observance, dem seh boys seh some people don’t need a costume or a board to make a statement for the occasion. They say Uncle Freddie might be in this category; all he has to do is turn up. That said, the boarders are afraid of a particular man turning up--the Son of Robe. He makes an entrance when he turns up; an entrance with excavators, bulldozers and all. Can the board withstand such an entrance? The “kissing” bridge and KP couldn’t. Squawk! Squawk!
Book theft equals deprivation
A popular store in Georgetown has a stringent policy to monitor potential shoplifters. If caught, the shoplifter is not only handed over to the police, but his/her photograph is taken and placed prominently in the store. The mounting of the photograph serves as a form of embarrassment to the perpetrator and a deterrent to others. The bottom line is that shoplifting, which is prevalent in many societies, is a crime which can result in imprisonment. Theft of any kind can result in similar punishment.
An incident relating to the theft of books from the National Library by a columnist of a local newspaper is attracting much attention. Last week a former staff member of the Library, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, wrote a letter documenting the details. According to the said staff, the columnist stole eighty-eight books some years ago. The incident was well documented both in the courts and at least one newspaper then.
The incident has since attracted much debate to the point where some, in defence of the columnist, say, to the effect, that the incident is trivial and should be dismissed. They also see it as revisiting the past. What they fail to understand is that when someone is found to be a thief, he/she is a thief rregardless on what is stolen and when it was stolen. Theft is theft. If for example, a lad is caught shoplifting from any store, regardless of what was stolen, it’s theft. That lad can be handed over to the Police and can be charged.
Some may argue whether compassion by the proprietor could prevent court action in such cases. That could be a consideration. But what about the basic moral principle of when one is in need of something, he/she must ask? If every proprietor who loses as a result of frequent shoplifting shows compassion on every occasion, then the severity of such offences would be tremendously diluted. A parallel can be drawn on compassion by law enforcement for traffic offences. In most cases, many unsuspecting persons have lost their lives as a result of careless drivers.
Over the years, many societies have clamoured for drastic action to be taken against errant drivers. Of recent much debate was centred on stringent laws to curb drunk driving. The point is that if things are ignored then they fester and either become acceptable or extremely difficult to control. The fatal consequences of drunk driving are excruciatingly painful. In the case of the book theft mentioned, some have written that the perpetrator, the columnist, must be emulated. Those who have ventured to make such reckless statements in the public domain are directly encouraging others to blatantly break the law.
If those who would have read such irresponsible comments and were to do as advised, then theft from stores and other public places would become a fad and would pose a serious challenge to the law enforcers. What about the financial loss proprietors would incur as a result? Is this the message those who have access to newspaper and television spaces want to send to others, especially young people? The columnist committed a crime by his own admission in his article that followed the revelation of his actions years ago. Why is it then that others are glorifying such a crime?
The current value of the eighty-eight books would be somewhere in excess of two hundred thousand dollars. This amount can be categorised as grand larceny! Is it that those who defend such actions are supporting such larceny? This is ludicrous and must be condemned. Some cohorts of the columnist are questioning the timing of this incident being brought back into the public domain. Given the time that has elapsed since it was perpetuated, they posit that it should be forgotten. Herein lies my reason to differ. The columnist in question goes daily on a rampage in personally attacking officials of government and those who are associated with the administration.
His misrepresented and inaccurate venom-filled tirades spare no one whom he sees as articulating favourably on government policies. Conversely, if anyone is to articulate an anti-government position, he sees that person as his compatriot. His bias and sometimes libellous rants are facilitated unabated in a newspaper which is known for its sensationalism and anti-government position. It is therefore not a coincidence that the newspaper’s editorial policy is similar to the columnist’s writings. They have formed a focused alliance in denigrating government and those favourable towards it.
The way this columnist crafts his writings one would never doubt his high moral standings and adherence thereto. His open castigation of others and his unsubtle threats serve to falsely propel him to the peak of the moral pedestal. He skilfully ensures that the belief of his high moral adherence is not a figment of anyone’s imagination. As a result, none who were unaware of his past book theft incident would believe he was capable of such a crime. If the former Library staff was not meticulous in his detailed description of the incident and was unable to substantiate what actually took place, many would have dubbed the statement a fabrication.
The staff in question was present and was able to debunk the subsequent inaccuracy the columnist peddled. This staff must be commended for exposing such an incident committed by someone who professes to be an advocate for high moral standing and decency. Here is a columnist who daily falsely accuses pro-government persons of being immoral and to be involved in shady activities. His immorality has been exposed. His proclivity to steal books has been exposed. This is not an accusation. How then can he have the gall to accuse others when he has been guilty of theft?
What is even more laughable is that two particular persons have been vehemently trying to defend such immorality. Maybe this is not surprising given that one has been accused of defrauding hard-working Guyanese of their hard-earned money in a scam to get them to a foreign country. He was arrested and subsequently sued the said newspaper that publishes the columnist’s tirades! The other was fired from his position on the Fraud Squad for reasons not known to the general public. Is this a coincidence that three with a questionable past are in unison in their anti-government thrust? Is it a coincidence that their “voice” is being facilitated by a known anti-government publication?
Clearly, the answer is no. This is part of a plan by an opportunistic few who have nothing but hate for this administration. Now that the columnist has admitted to stealing some books in the past, the question that can be asked is: is it too late for the DPP to press charges? Books are the conduit to education. Its theft deprives others from benefiting from such enlightenment. This deprivation must be condemned forthwith, without condition. By extension, those who have sought to defend such a dastardly act can be deemed guilty by their hypocritical senseless defence. Their actions must also be condemned. Awaiting such in the newspapers. It wouldn’t be surprising if Libraries adopted similar policies like the store mentioned.
Rights Commissions to be located at BDCO House
IN anticipation of the completion of the outstanding parliamentary work on constituting the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, the BIDCO House is being rehabilitated to house all four of the Rights Commissions.
This was disclosed by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.
He said, specifically, the Queenstown three-storey facility would house the offices of the Chairpersons, the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and the staff of the Secretariat of the following four Commissions – the Rights of the Child Commission; the Women and Gender Equality Commission; the Indigenous Peoples Commission; and the Human Rights Commission.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that the Commissions would have been assigned locations on the ground first and upper floors.
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) will comprise a chairperson and the four chairpersons from the National Rights of the Child Commission, the Women’s, The Indigenous, and The Ethnic Relations Commissions (ERC).
Asked if the ERC is going to be removed and what is causing the prolonged delay in the work of the already established commissions; he said that the building is also the home of the ERC which is also a Rights Commission.
He said it could accommodate all of the commissions and significant rehabilitation works are currently being carried out to make available all the spaces on the ground floor, the first floor and on the upper floor.
Regarding the work of the Commissions, he said there is an “interlocking mechanism” and explained that the Secretariat is a joint one that is based on membership from the four Rights Commissions which comes under the HRC.
“Essentially in this interlocking arrangement that is a constitutional hallmark, if you don’t have the four Commissions in place then it is impossible to start,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he announced that the offices of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Administration will be relocated from its current site at the IAST building at Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana (UG) to the former Guyana Water Inc (GWI) headquarters building on Fourth Street in Kingston. (PRIYA NAUTH)
Police seeking information to support ongoing investigation of criminal activities-Dr.Luncheon
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon has noted that the appeal by the police for persons to come forward with any information regarding criminal activities is to “support the ongoing investigation.”
He was replying to questions at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.
The Cabinet Secretary observed that heightened interest has developed in not only the facts but also different claims about the Roger Khan period.
“That has been the subject of ongoing investigations but I suspect that the police are looking at additional opportunities to garner useful information and, therefore, this public appeal for those with knowledge, those purporting to have information for them to provide that to the police - that arrangements have been put in place and that appeal has been mounted,” he noted.
He reiterated that it is to support ongoing investigation “into isolated and the collective criminal and other activities that took place during this period”.
He added: “So Roger Khan and the Buxton gang and all these gangs, whatever information that is out there, some of it may very well be a repetition of what the police has already but still the police is urging and the police is of the belief that out there, there is information that can add substantially to what they actually possess, and may even contribute to a fuller, a better review and understanding of the whole period.”
The Guyana Police Force last Monday notified the public that it has launched a special investigation team based at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown to enquire into the alleged murders which have surfaced during the court hearing of drug dealer Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan.
The police are calling on all individuals, organisations or groups who may have information or vital evidence concerning alleged murders involving the “Fine Man” gang, Roger Khan’s gang, or any other gang or individuals who may be involved to come forward and provide whatever information or evidence may be available.
Persons may make contact with Assistant Commissioner Seelall Persaud at CID Headquarters or call the following numbers: 225-2227, 226-6978 or 225-8196. (PRIYA NAUTH)
Photo in Graphics file as GPL 22
New Kingston power plant undergoing tests
GUYANA Power & Light (GPL) Kingston Plant and Transmission Lines Project Manager, Mr. Lennox Mc Gregor reported yesterday that the new facility is currently undergoing tests.
He said every piece of equipment is being tested and the engines will be “fired up” next week.
Mc Gregor said, the following week will see the installation process that would lead into the performance mode for the pre-commissioning on November 5.
He said production from the 20.7 megawatts factory will be fed into the Demerara Interconnected System, resulting in a significant reduction of generating problems being experienced in various areas presently.
McGregor said GPL is also now undertaking transmission and distribution lines maintenance countywide and that has caused electricity generation shortfall.
He pointed out that negotiations are ongoing for a major project with support from China, that will see seven new sub-stations established in Demerara and East Berbice within about two years.
That accomplishment would ease current transmission and distribution difficulties, McGregor said.
Meanwhile, GPL is laying a cable link from its Sophia complex to the Kingston Station simultaneously with a frequency conversion programme. (MICHEL OUTRIDGE)
Guyana achieved significant advancement towards
MDGs - UNICEF report
A UNITED Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report on progress with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has said Guyana is one of the countries which has seen significant advancement.
The compilation, five years after the first such, said the status was achieved even though the current pace is insufficient to meet some of the 2015 goals.
UNICEF said, although effectiveness could be enhanced in an environment of economic progress and civil stability, the targeted interventions are meeting the objectives of the MDGs.
The compendium said, about:
* MDG1 – concerning rights to freedom from poverty
and hunger, Guyana has already met the target of
halving the proportion of the population suffering from
malnutrition when compared to baseline data from
1995. The third Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey
(MICS), in 2006, showed that the percentage of
children under the age of five years were underweight.
* MDG 2- in the area of right to basic education and
gender equality, geographic disparities in access to
education between coastal and the interior regions
have almost disappeared for primary education. With
the net primary school enrollment rate of 96 per cent,
Guyana is on track to achieve the second MDG 2 but
there is a need to focus on the transition rate to
secondary school.
Reduced
* MDG 3, 4 and 5 – the third MICS indicates that Guyana reduced the infant mortality rate as well as the under five-years-old mortality rate by approximately one-third, between 2000 and 2006, to 37 and 47 per thousand live births, respectively. Additionally, although progress towards MDG 4 is positive, additional accelerated efforts will be needed to achieve this goal, particularly for the hinterland areas, since the disparities are still large between the coast and the interior. The report highlighted Guyana’s progress in maternal and child health, with regards to immunisation. The encouraging improvement was duly noted when Guyana was conferred the ‘Henry Smith’ Award by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) for most improving country in 2006.
* MDG 6 – rights relating to HIV/AIDS and malaria -
achievement of this is potentially possible, in terms of
HIV, yet unlikely for malaria. Important progress has
been made over the past few years to combat
HIV/AIDS, with zero prevalence currently at 2.4
per cent according to UNAIDS. More than half the
women (58 per cent) have knowledge of mother to child
transmission of HIV and the number of women being
tested has doubled. Comprehensive knowledge about
HIV/AIDS is lower than in the rural and interior areas
and highest in the urban areas. Another concern
was the percentage of women (over 60 per cent) still
displaying discriminatory attitudes towards persons
living with HIV/AIDS. While the coastal areas are
considered malaria free, the interior areas are
considered to be high risk. The third MICS found that
70 per cent of children under the age of five sleep under
mosquito nets and, since 2000, this has increased ten-
fold.
Disparities
* MDG 7 - rights related to water and environmental
sanitation - although the use of improved drinking water sources and sanitation facilities has increased, from 83 per cent in 2000 to 91 per cent in 2006, the disparities between the coast (97 per cent) and the interior (52 per cent) are still large. To this end, MDG 7 will, probably, be achieved with respect to access to drinking water and improved sanitation, if access is improved in the interior.
Deputy UNICEF Representative, Mr. Rudi Luchmann, in an invited comment, assured that his agency is committed to contributing resources to facilitate the achievement of the MDGs.
He said current UNCIEF partners are Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Culture, Youth and Sport; Labour, Human Services and Social Security; Amerindian Affairs; Health and Education, as well as several non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The diplomat acknowledged that the MDGs constitute an important development framework. (VANESSA NARINE)
Foreign Minister on official visit to Cuba
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, is currently on an official two-day visit to Cuba at the invitation of her Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parilla.
During the visit Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett will hold official meetings with the Cuban Foreign Minister and, Vice President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba, Mr. Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz to discuss pertinent issues of interest in the Guyana/Cuba bilateral relationship; as well issues of interest to both countries in the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
She will participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument of Cuban National Hero, José Marti and also hold talks with Guyanese scholarship students studying at the Latin American School of Medical Sciences.
Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett is scheduled to return to Guyana tomorrow.
Sugar industry negotiations…
GuySuCo abandons cultivation in disputed Diamond area
By Tajeram Mohabir
WORK at Perseverance, payment workers for the removal of obstacles on the Diamond, East Bank Demerara cultivation, has been abandoned.
Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President, Mr. Komal Chand disclosed that the decision was announced by Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) during wages and salaries negotiations at La Bonne Intention (LBI) Training Centre.
He said GuySuCo pointed out that canes in the area (which the Guyana Chronicle learnt is about 10 acres) will not be harvested as the economic value has depreciated.
Chand said the abandonment will result in a loss of 50 tonnes of sugar valued $4.7M.
The Diamond workers were demanding $1,620 for clearing the obstacles but GuySuCo maintained it will not pay more that $700.
Chand said, if GuySuCo was willing to compromise on its offer, the cultivation would have been saved.
But GuySuCo will now have to burn new canes for harvesting and the workers at Diamond who are on strike will resume work at the LBI, he said.
Chand said GuySuCo has also insisted that the weekly production target at LBI/Diamond Estate for this week remains 1,114 tonnes, as compared to the union’s demand for this figure to be scaled down to 870 tonnes.
Approach
He said the union finds this approach by GuySuCo unorthodox and inflexible and the workers cannot meet the employer’s request because the estate does not have adequate amount of high quality canes to achieve the 1,114 tonnes sugar target.
Chand said the union rejects the corporation’s resort to blaming the workers for not meeting the tonnage, emphasising that GAWU members on the estate have been the same in number for the past 18 months.
“Poor production has to do with the unavailability of adequate amount of canes and the quality of the canes,” he reiterated.
Chand said the average weekly production of canes at the estate, this crop, is 851 tonnes.
According to him, nearing the end of the harvest, production tapers down and that is another reason why it would be impossible for the LBI/Diamond Estate workers to make the target GuySuCo is demanding.
Chand reported that the corporation, for this crop, has set out to complete harvesting of the estate’s cultivation in 10 weeks, targeting of 11,930 tonnes of cane.
But that projection has not materialised and the workers at the LBI/Diamond Estate are now working in unscheduled weeks, he said.
Chand said, although the workers have exceeded the 10 weeks period and completed 11 weeks, to date, the target at last Saturday stood at 9, 369 tonnes.
Fire hydrant problem needs comprehensive response-Dr. Luncheon
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon has indicated that fire hydrants are a government responsibility but insisted that the issue is a comprehensive problem and, as such, the response has to be undertaken in this regard.
He was replying to questions from the media at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, about most of the fire hydrants not functional.
Recently, a number of fires have occurred and questions have arisen about who is responsible for the operation of fire hydrants.
Dr. Luncheon admitted, “This is a government responsibility” and alluded, “I have a feeling that nothing short of a comprehensive response by the administrative, nothing short of that would address the matter properly,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the facilities can be fixed but what good it would be if there is not a good water main available and vice-versa.
“So, it is a comprehensive problem and I think that were one to see it from that perspective and recognise it’s a government undertaking, it has to be comprehensively undertaken then we are not going anywhere trying to particularise obligations and responsibilities into each sector,” he stressed.
The HPS agreed that it has to be addressed and the work in providing and repairing the mains will have to be part of the programme to address this subject.
"The work in providing and repairing the mains and doing the rehabilitation will have to be part of the programme just as they are working on sewerage in Georgetown…,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has said that the Act under which it is governed does not hold it responsible for the operation of fire hydrants.
A statement issued by the utility’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Yuri Chandisingh said: “GWI wishes to make clear its position regarding the fire which occurred on Sunday October 18, 2009. Firstly, we wish to state that GWI is governed by the Water and Sewerage Act of 2002. The Act outlines GWI’s responsibilities with regard to water supply and sanitation system in Georgetown. However, the Act makes no mention of the issue of fire hydrants.”
“Secondly, we wish to advise that GWI regularly cooperates and provides full support to the Guyana Fire Service in the event of a fire. We have maintained a strong working relationship with the fire service for several years. This involves increasing water supply to the area in which the fire has occurred and having relevant operatives present at the scene to render any further assistance and advice as it relates to water supply, as was the case during the Regent Street fire of October 9, 2009.
The statement added that GWI was not informed of the fire which occurred last Sunday and all relevant GWI operatives have confirmed that no call was received from the Guyana Fire Service regarding the fire in question.
“In the event that adequate pressure was not available at the time of the fire, the customary call from the Guyana Fire Service would have corrected the situation since our Shelter Belt Plant is manned round-the-clock and once a fire call is received, our operators would promptly start our pumps and direct water supply at high pressure to the relevant section of the city,” the statement stressed. (PRIYA NAUTH)
Bored, horror board and plyboard
The Parrot noticed how, of recent, some people are obsessed with “boarding”. Generally, people like to board; aircraft that is. Whether for vacation or to take up residence elsewhere, people like to board. There are other similar types of boarding too; some not so pleasurable like boarding a mini-bus or a crowded speedboat that traverse between ports on the East Bank of Essequibo and its coast. A recent unfortunate development along the Essequibo River has caused boarders to look over their shoulders to see if after they board, whether rogue elements of the Coast Guard would. So it is boarding and over-the-shoulder looking.
Of course there are pleasurable boat boarding; yacht travellers and tourists who are boated around in many of the local waterways for sight seeing. This brings me to another form of “boarding” that also facilitates seeing: exhibitions. Many photographic exhibitions involve the mounting of pictures on nicely decorated boards. These “mounted boards” provide a mechanism for chit-chat; some idle, some constructive and some totally unrelated. Whatever the board, chit-chat follows. One such board belongs to Uncle Bob from the Place of CONgress and his few cohorts.
They have mounted a board which they call “Board of Horrors”. The board has pictures of some people they claim lost their lives under questionable circumstances. The board is a form of protest which is supposed to pressure Uncle Henry to investigate. All kinds o’ pictures on the board. Dem boys seh how plenty o’ de pictures are of people with questionable backgrounds and who may have been involved in criminal activity. One man, who had nobody to chit-chat with, seh he taught it was an exhibition of Guyana’s most wanted. He seh how some of these men were either associates of gunmen who terrorised innocent people or was de gunmen themselves.
Uncle Bob’s media friends who highlighting de board didn’t carry the man’s comments. They claim his comment is not in keeping with their position on the board. Their position is just to “sit” and execute the wishes of Uncle Bob; the board’s “chairman”. Dem same boys seh that the board chairman put up de board because he bored. Since CONgress done, the excitement done. He ain’t got much to do. So as old people seh, “idle hands are tools fuh de devil”. Since the devil is synonymous with horror, no surprise de board name, “Board of Horror”.
The board faces a past colonial Monarch, Queen Victoria. Dem same wicked boys seh that even though she is a statue, she still frightened; so frightened that she nose fall off. The parapet the board is on belongs to the City. How come Hammie, the overripe Mayor, ain’t fussing? A town-hall bird tweeted that Hammie ain’t fussing because he now back with Uncle Bob and whenever he passes by the board, he wears blindfold.
The board ain’t attracting much patrons. Plenty many people asking how come de board only exhibiting people who dead not too long ago. They want to know how come the board is devoid of pictures of people who were killed during the time when Hammie’s Party was in Office. These same people seh how they will mount their own board. Pictures of Uncle Rodney, Uncle Father Darke and plenty others would dominate that board. Hints are that they might even be a Lusignan board, a Bartica board, a Lindo board, a Sash board and even Kissoon plyboard that Barama killed.
Uncle Bob and his boarders have proven they are veterans in initiating boarding. They have earned the nickname “hurricane” synonymous with the effect hurricanes have on residents. People in vulnerable areas are forced to “boardup” doors and windows as the violent storms approach, same when Uncle Bob’s protestors take the streets. So, maybe another board that can be mounted is one exhibiting the aftermath of the destructive protests over the recent years. That will be a horrifying one, suitable for the upcoming Halloween!
Halloween is fast catching on. With that and with everybody wanting to bring a horror board, as part of the observance, dem seh boys seh some people don’t need a costume or a board to make a statement for the occasion. They say Uncle Freddie might be in this category; all he has to do is turn up. That said, the boarders are afraid of a particular man turning up--the Son of Robe. He makes an entrance when he turns up; an entrance with excavators, bulldozers and all. Can the board withstand such an entrance? The “kissing” bridge and KP couldn’t. Squawk! Squawk!
Book theft equals deprivation
A popular store in Georgetown has a stringent policy to monitor potential shoplifters. If caught, the shoplifter is not only handed over to the police, but his/her photograph is taken and placed prominently in the store. The mounting of the photograph serves as a form of embarrassment to the perpetrator and a deterrent to others. The bottom line is that shoplifting, which is prevalent in many societies, is a crime which can result in imprisonment. Theft of any kind can result in similar punishment.
An incident relating to the theft of books from the National Library by a columnist of a local newspaper is attracting much attention. Last week a former staff member of the Library, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, wrote a letter documenting the details. According to the said staff, the columnist stole eighty-eight books some years ago. The incident was well documented both in the courts and at least one newspaper then.
The incident has since attracted much debate to the point where some, in defence of the columnist, say, to the effect, that the incident is trivial and should be dismissed. They also see it as revisiting the past. What they fail to understand is that when someone is found to be a thief, he/she is a thief rregardless on what is stolen and when it was stolen. Theft is theft. If for example, a lad is caught shoplifting from any store, regardless of what was stolen, it’s theft. That lad can be handed over to the Police and can be charged.
Some may argue whether compassion by the proprietor could prevent court action in such cases. That could be a consideration. But what about the basic moral principle of when one is in need of something, he/she must ask? If every proprietor who loses as a result of frequent shoplifting shows compassion on every occasion, then the severity of such offences would be tremendously diluted. A parallel can be drawn on compassion by law enforcement for traffic offences. In most cases, many unsuspecting persons have lost their lives as a result of careless drivers.
Over the years, many societies have clamoured for drastic action to be taken against errant drivers. Of recent much debate was centred on stringent laws to curb drunk driving. The point is that if things are ignored then they fester and either become acceptable or extremely difficult to control. The fatal consequences of drunk driving are excruciatingly painful. In the case of the book theft mentioned, some have written that the perpetrator, the columnist, must be emulated. Those who have ventured to make such reckless statements in the public domain are directly encouraging others to blatantly break the law.
If those who would have read such irresponsible comments and were to do as advised, then theft from stores and other public places would become a fad and would pose a serious challenge to the law enforcers. What about the financial loss proprietors would incur as a result? Is this the message those who have access to newspaper and television spaces want to send to others, especially young people? The columnist committed a crime by his own admission in his article that followed the revelation of his actions years ago. Why is it then that others are glorifying such a crime?
The current value of the eighty-eight books would be somewhere in excess of two hundred thousand dollars. This amount can be categorised as grand larceny! Is it that those who defend such actions are supporting such larceny? This is ludicrous and must be condemned. Some cohorts of the columnist are questioning the timing of this incident being brought back into the public domain. Given the time that has elapsed since it was perpetuated, they posit that it should be forgotten. Herein lies my reason to differ. The columnist in question goes daily on a rampage in personally attacking officials of government and those who are associated with the administration.
His misrepresented and inaccurate venom-filled tirades spare no one whom he sees as articulating favourably on government policies. Conversely, if anyone is to articulate an anti-government position, he sees that person as his compatriot. His bias and sometimes libellous rants are facilitated unabated in a newspaper which is known for its sensationalism and anti-government position. It is therefore not a coincidence that the newspaper’s editorial policy is similar to the columnist’s writings. They have formed a focused alliance in denigrating government and those favourable towards it.
The way this columnist crafts his writings one would never doubt his high moral standings and adherence thereto. His open castigation of others and his unsubtle threats serve to falsely propel him to the peak of the moral pedestal. He skilfully ensures that the belief of his high moral adherence is not a figment of anyone’s imagination. As a result, none who were unaware of his past book theft incident would believe he was capable of such a crime. If the former Library staff was not meticulous in his detailed description of the incident and was unable to substantiate what actually took place, many would have dubbed the statement a fabrication.
The staff in question was present and was able to debunk the subsequent inaccuracy the columnist peddled. This staff must be commended for exposing such an incident committed by someone who professes to be an advocate for high moral standing and decency. Here is a columnist who daily falsely accuses pro-government persons of being immoral and to be involved in shady activities. His immorality has been exposed. His proclivity to steal books has been exposed. This is not an accusation. How then can he have the gall to accuse others when he has been guilty of theft?
What is even more laughable is that two particular persons have been vehemently trying to defend such immorality. Maybe this is not surprising given that one has been accused of defrauding hard-working Guyanese of their hard-earned money in a scam to get them to a foreign country. He was arrested and subsequently sued the said newspaper that publishes the columnist’s tirades! The other was fired from his position on the Fraud Squad for reasons not known to the general public. Is this a coincidence that three with a questionable past are in unison in their anti-government thrust? Is it a coincidence that their “voice” is being facilitated by a known anti-government publication?
Clearly, the answer is no. This is part of a plan by an opportunistic few who have nothing but hate for this administration. Now that the columnist has admitted to stealing some books in the past, the question that can be asked is: is it too late for the DPP to press charges? Books are the conduit to education. Its theft deprives others from benefiting from such enlightenment. This deprivation must be condemned forthwith, without condition. By extension, those who have sought to defend such a dastardly act can be deemed guilty by their hypocritical senseless defence. Their actions must also be condemned. Awaiting such in the newspapers. It wouldn’t be surprising if Libraries adopted similar policies like the store mentioned.
Rights Commissions to be located at BDCO House
IN anticipation of the completion of the outstanding parliamentary work on constituting the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, the BIDCO House is being rehabilitated to house all four of the Rights Commissions.
This was disclosed by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.
He said, specifically, the Queenstown three-storey facility would house the offices of the Chairpersons, the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and the staff of the Secretariat of the following four Commissions – the Rights of the Child Commission; the Women and Gender Equality Commission; the Indigenous Peoples Commission; and the Human Rights Commission.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that the Commissions would have been assigned locations on the ground first and upper floors.
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) will comprise a chairperson and the four chairpersons from the National Rights of the Child Commission, the Women’s, The Indigenous, and The Ethnic Relations Commissions (ERC).
Asked if the ERC is going to be removed and what is causing the prolonged delay in the work of the already established commissions; he said that the building is also the home of the ERC which is also a Rights Commission.
He said it could accommodate all of the commissions and significant rehabilitation works are currently being carried out to make available all the spaces on the ground floor, the first floor and on the upper floor.
Regarding the work of the Commissions, he said there is an “interlocking mechanism” and explained that the Secretariat is a joint one that is based on membership from the four Rights Commissions which comes under the HRC.
“Essentially in this interlocking arrangement that is a constitutional hallmark, if you don’t have the four Commissions in place then it is impossible to start,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he announced that the offices of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Administration will be relocated from its current site at the IAST building at Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana (UG) to the former Guyana Water Inc (GWI) headquarters building on Fourth Street in Kingston. (PRIYA NAUTH)
Police seeking information to support ongoing investigation of criminal activities-Dr.Luncheon
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon has noted that the appeal by the police for persons to come forward with any information regarding criminal activities is to “support the ongoing investigation.”
He was replying to questions at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.
The Cabinet Secretary observed that heightened interest has developed in not only the facts but also different claims about the Roger Khan period.
“That has been the subject of ongoing investigations but I suspect that the police are looking at additional opportunities to garner useful information and, therefore, this public appeal for those with knowledge, those purporting to have information for them to provide that to the police - that arrangements have been put in place and that appeal has been mounted,” he noted.
He reiterated that it is to support ongoing investigation “into isolated and the collective criminal and other activities that took place during this period”.
He added: “So Roger Khan and the Buxton gang and all these gangs, whatever information that is out there, some of it may very well be a repetition of what the police has already but still the police is urging and the police is of the belief that out there, there is information that can add substantially to what they actually possess, and may even contribute to a fuller, a better review and understanding of the whole period.”
The Guyana Police Force last Monday notified the public that it has launched a special investigation team based at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown to enquire into the alleged murders which have surfaced during the court hearing of drug dealer Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan.
The police are calling on all individuals, organisations or groups who may have information or vital evidence concerning alleged murders involving the “Fine Man” gang, Roger Khan’s gang, or any other gang or individuals who may be involved to come forward and provide whatever information or evidence may be available.
Persons may make contact with Assistant Commissioner Seelall Persaud at CID Headquarters or call the following numbers: 225-2227, 226-6978 or 225-8196. (PRIYA NAUTH)
Photo in Graphics file as GPL 22
New Kingston power plant undergoing tests
GUYANA Power & Light (GPL) Kingston Plant and Transmission Lines Project Manager, Mr. Lennox Mc Gregor reported yesterday that the new facility is currently undergoing tests.
He said every piece of equipment is being tested and the engines will be “fired up” next week.
Mc Gregor said, the following week will see the installation process that would lead into the performance mode for the pre-commissioning on November 5.
He said production from the 20.7 megawatts factory will be fed into the Demerara Interconnected System, resulting in a significant reduction of generating problems being experienced in various areas presently.
McGregor said GPL is also now undertaking transmission and distribution lines maintenance countywide and that has caused electricity generation shortfall.
He pointed out that negotiations are ongoing for a major project with support from China, that will see seven new sub-stations established in Demerara and East Berbice within about two years.
That accomplishment would ease current transmission and distribution difficulties, McGregor said.
Meanwhile, GPL is laying a cable link from its Sophia complex to the Kingston Station simultaneously with a frequency conversion programme. (MICHEL OUTRIDGE)
Guyana achieved significant advancement towards
MDGs - UNICEF report
A UNITED Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report on progress with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has said Guyana is one of the countries which has seen significant advancement.
The compilation, five years after the first such, said the status was achieved even though the current pace is insufficient to meet some of the 2015 goals.
UNICEF said, although effectiveness could be enhanced in an environment of economic progress and civil stability, the targeted interventions are meeting the objectives of the MDGs.
The compendium said, about:
* MDG1 – concerning rights to freedom from poverty
and hunger, Guyana has already met the target of
halving the proportion of the population suffering from
malnutrition when compared to baseline data from
1995. The third Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey
(MICS), in 2006, showed that the percentage of
children under the age of five years were underweight.
* MDG 2- in the area of right to basic education and
gender equality, geographic disparities in access to
education between coastal and the interior regions
have almost disappeared for primary education. With
the net primary school enrollment rate of 96 per cent,
Guyana is on track to achieve the second MDG 2 but
there is a need to focus on the transition rate to
secondary school.
Reduced
* MDG 3, 4 and 5 – the third MICS indicates that Guyana reduced the infant mortality rate as well as the under five-years-old mortality rate by approximately one-third, between 2000 and 2006, to 37 and 47 per thousand live births, respectively. Additionally, although progress towards MDG 4 is positive, additional accelerated efforts will be needed to achieve this goal, particularly for the hinterland areas, since the disparities are still large between the coast and the interior. The report highlighted Guyana’s progress in maternal and child health, with regards to immunisation. The encouraging improvement was duly noted when Guyana was conferred the ‘Henry Smith’ Award by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) for most improving country in 2006.
* MDG 6 – rights relating to HIV/AIDS and malaria -
achievement of this is potentially possible, in terms of
HIV, yet unlikely for malaria. Important progress has
been made over the past few years to combat
HIV/AIDS, with zero prevalence currently at 2.4
per cent according to UNAIDS. More than half the
women (58 per cent) have knowledge of mother to child
transmission of HIV and the number of women being
tested has doubled. Comprehensive knowledge about
HIV/AIDS is lower than in the rural and interior areas
and highest in the urban areas. Another concern
was the percentage of women (over 60 per cent) still
displaying discriminatory attitudes towards persons
living with HIV/AIDS. While the coastal areas are
considered malaria free, the interior areas are
considered to be high risk. The third MICS found that
70 per cent of children under the age of five sleep under
mosquito nets and, since 2000, this has increased ten-
fold.
Disparities
* MDG 7 - rights related to water and environmental
sanitation - although the use of improved drinking water sources and sanitation facilities has increased, from 83 per cent in 2000 to 91 per cent in 2006, the disparities between the coast (97 per cent) and the interior (52 per cent) are still large. To this end, MDG 7 will, probably, be achieved with respect to access to drinking water and improved sanitation, if access is improved in the interior.
Deputy UNICEF Representative, Mr. Rudi Luchmann, in an invited comment, assured that his agency is committed to contributing resources to facilitate the achievement of the MDGs.
He said current UNCIEF partners are Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Culture, Youth and Sport; Labour, Human Services and Social Security; Amerindian Affairs; Health and Education, as well as several non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The diplomat acknowledged that the MDGs constitute an important development framework. (VANESSA NARINE)
Foreign Minister on official visit to Cuba
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, is currently on an official two-day visit to Cuba at the invitation of her Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parilla.
During the visit Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett will hold official meetings with the Cuban Foreign Minister and, Vice President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba, Mr. Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz to discuss pertinent issues of interest in the Guyana/Cuba bilateral relationship; as well issues of interest to both countries in the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
She will participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument of Cuban National Hero, José Marti and also hold talks with Guyanese scholarship students studying at the Latin American School of Medical Sciences.
Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett is scheduled to return to Guyana tomorrow.
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