Swiss Ambassador to Guyana presents Credentials to President
- says cooperation between two countries aimed at energy, food
NEW Switzerland Ambassador to Guyana Mr. Armin Ritz yesterday presented his Letters of Credence to President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President during a simple ceremony.   

The non-resident Ambassador, following his accreditation, related that during his intensive discussions with the Guyanese head of state the issues of food and energy were examined and the two countries intend to work together on these, especially with energy now being a global problem.

With regards to food, the Ambassador pointed out that more and more of the consumption patterns in the north are becoming diversified, noting that Swiss people have shown an appreciation for Guyanese food.

“So, there is also potential and then at the end… I will work for that and for the tourists because I understand Guyana is specialising in eco-tourism...so this is a good topic to work on,” he posited.

Referring to his country’s specialisation in cheese and milk, Ambassador Ritz asserted though that his country needs to import other commodities such as fruit.

Additionally, rice shortage is another problem his country is facing.

As such, the Ambassador is hopeful that Guyana and Switzerland can work together since Guyana produces this commodity.

Ambassador Ritz studied in the fields of law and economic and political science and joined the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in 1976.

He has served in a number of additional posts including Ambassador to Argentina in 2000, and Paraguay and Uruguay in 2004. He is currently also the Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. (GINA)

At new school commissioning…
Baksh calls for more aggressive truancy campaign
CHAIRMAN of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Mr. Alli Baksh, has challenged the Regional Department of Education and Schools Welfare Officers to be more aggressive in the campaign against truancy.

Delivering the feature address at the commissioning of the new Dredge Creek Primary School building, he said children must attend school regularly and the Regional Administration will also ensure that the Department of Social Services institute charges against parents who are not sending theirs.

Baksh declared it is a crime for children not to attend school.

The Headmaster, Mr. Rajendra Prashad, had earlier reported that many pupils from Kaibouri Creek area, also on Essequibo Coast, are not attending school.

He disclosed that secondary education, as well, can be pursued at Dredge Creek Primary and urged that advantage be taken of the available opportunity.

Prashad said the engine of growth is the school’s improvement plan and those in the catchment community will be targeted, too.

He said a library will be established and a feeding programme introduced in the edifice that was constructed at a cost of $8.9M.

Police report hanging suicide in lock-ups
A MAN hanged himself in the lock-ups at Mahaica Station, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday, investigating Police reported.

A release said the man, Surendranauth Bogenauth alias ‘Slackie’, 32, of Belmont, Mahaica, had been detained following a Court appearance and committed suicide about 14:30 h.

The release said Bogenauth had appeared before Magistrate Yohancie Cave on a charge of threatening language, committed on Anita Ramjohn, also of Belmont and, when the case was adjourned, the virtual complainant went to a shop opposite the station to purchase snacks.

Police said Bogenauth ventured there and abused Ramjohn and she made a report, causing him to be arrested and placed to sit on the bench in the Enquiries Office.

However, while Ramjohn was being questioned in relation to the abuse, Bogenauth cuffed her on the face in the presence of the Police.

As a result, he was then placed in the cell, pending resumption of the Court proceedings but, when the Police went to escort him back into the courtroom, he was found hanging, by his leather belt, from the ventilation window on the door, Police said.

Bogenauth was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival, the Police release said.

QAII launching new newspaper, printing complex this evening
THE first full colour daily newspaper to be produced in this country, ‘Guyana Times’ will be officially launched this evening at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston.

On the same occasion, Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII) will also launch its state-of-the-art printery, located at Industrial Estate, Ruimveldt.

The owners said, in a release, that the concept, design and outlook of the newspaper has never before been seen locally and it would be of the highest quality print and professionalism.

The release said the newspaper will be objective, creative, non-political and free from any prejudice or bias of any kind.

It said the management has set high standards which would capture readers from every sphere of society and age group.

The publication will contain a number of feature pages including ‘Page Six Foundation’, ‘Young Writer’s Club’ and ‘Written Voice’, the release stated.

The release said the launching function will be attended by regional and international media personnel and renowned consultants in the field of journalism and invitees would have the opportunity to meet and interact with a dynamic team of journalists, graphic artists and other staff of the newspaper.

According to the release, the printery is equipped with the latest technology to print, among other things, books, magazines, brochures, leaflets and newsletters.

The factory is also equipped with machinery capable of producing a wide range of materials, including labels, corrugated containers, folding cartons, multi-wall and paper sacks, plastic bags, milk and beverage boxes, disposable cups, adhesive tape, envelopes, other newspapers and wrappers for candy and food, the release said.

It added that the packaging facility component will vertically integrate the printing needs of the various sections of the company’s operations and be of tremendous benefit to other local manufacturers wishing to export their products.

Auditions for Actors, Actresses
INTERESTED persons within the ages of 15 and 55, who would like to perform in a stage adaptation of the hit Indian movie ‘Baghban’ are invited to attend an audition.

The ‘try out’ will be held on Saturday at the Zoom Inn Hotel on Croal and Albert Streets, Georgetown from 11:00 h.

Interested persons are asked to bring along a post card size photograph.

MRP forms available online
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday informed that, in its continuing efforts to enhance the delivery of quality service to the public, application forms for new machine readable passports (MRPs) are now available online through the website http://www.guyanapoliceforce.org.

A release said it is expected that the sale of the documents at the Central Immigration and Passport Office, on Camp Road, Georgetown, will be phased out over a period of time.

CIDA donates to the rebuilding of Theatre Guild
THE Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), through the Canada Fund, will today make a substantial contribution to the rebuilding of the Theatre Guild.

Canadian High Commissioner, Mr. Charles Court, is slated to make the presentation to the acting Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Theatre Guild, Major General (retired) Joe Singh in the presence of other trustees.

Canada Fund has lauded rebuilding of the Theatre Guild noting that the project will provide training facilities for aspiring actors and actresses and  build linkages with teachers at the Teachers Training College and Critchlow Labour College with a view to offer training, host auditions at schools for various plays,  and will expose young people of all ethnic groups to a wide variety of plays by Caribbean and other dramatists.

The Fund feels this will serve to broaden their cultural outlook and create a common interest in drama. Workshops will be staged for schoolchildren and other groups.

The contribution from Canada Fund has ensured the installation of the 70-seat balcony, fire escape, components for light and sound rooms and four fire extinguishers.

Injured man was hit, dragged underneath truck
FIFTY-YEAR-OLD pedal cyclist Ramgopaul Bhudnarine, of Lot 15 Foulis, was struck and badly injured by a canter truck on the railway embankment in the same East Coast Demerara village on Monday.

He remained a patient at Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) yesterday and said he has lost feelings in his legs.

The man said he was riding about 17:30 h when he was hit from behind.

Eyewitnesses said he was knocked off his bike and dragged several feet until onlookers called out to the driver and alerted him that Bhudnarine was hooked under his vehicle.

They said, instead of stopping the truck, the driver started reversing with the injured man still underneath.

The victim’s relatives said he was eventually rescued after suffering injuries to the head, neck, knees and shoulders.

Reports said tests done at the hospital also revealed that he is also suffering spinal injury.

The driver was detained by a crowd until Police arrived at the scene to begin investigations.

Prashad forecasts…
Tremendous benefits to tourism from direct London flights
MINSITER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, has said the direct flights from London to Guyana, starting November 20 by Zoom Air Lines, will bring tremendous benefits to tourism in this country.

He said the venture will see the intervention of Club Caribbee, one of the largest United Kingdom (UK) based Caribbean travel companies, which is chartering the carrier.

Managing Director of Club Caribbee, Mr. Robert Sarran, who is visiting, met the minister at his South Road, Georgetown office on Tuesday.

Prashad, welcoming the new addition to the sector, said, for the first time, Guyanese will benefit from the direct flights.

&#…it’s a one hop, non-stop flight lasting nine and a half hours. This flight is direct from London to Cheddi Jagan International Airport and then it goes to Trinidad and, from there, back to London, once per week in the initial stage,” he explained.

Prashad said Sarran has got more than 27 years experience in the business.

&#This is something we needed for a very long time, in fact, even in the old days, when British Airways used to fly to London, there was no direct flight. It is the first ever direct flight from London to Guyana ever and we are happy that we have a pioneer taking up this challenge,” the minister stated.

He recalled that Caribbean Airlines used to fly the London route but now goes to New York where British Airways takes over.

&#There is this void, there is this gap and there is this dire need for effective communication and transportation between London and Guyana,” Prashad maintained.

He said he has already received several calls from people in Guyana and overseas, enquiring if there is really going to be such a flight from London.

Prashad said Sarran is in the country tidying up the arrangements with the Civil Aviation Department about regulations and putting things in place for the start.

Sarran said Club Caribbee has been flying to Guyana for a very long time with other carriers.

&#And our expectations are to deliver a hassle free flight and for our clients to appreciate that and perhaps for the market to grow. We hope that we will be able to expand the programme with Zoom and that it will be a long term relationship,” he said.

Tourism Authority continue efforts to promote Guyana
THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) plans on ensuring that Guyana gains recognition as an emerging ecotourism destination on the world market and in pursuit of this goal, the Authority is embarking on a number of promotional activities.

GTA’s Director, Indranauth Haralsingh, noted that the authority is implementing marketing activities that would help to brand and position Guyana.

This, he said, is needed especially since Caribbean tourism is popular. He noted it is more important for Guyana to differentiate itself from the famous sun, sand and sea brand.

The Director noted that in an effort to maximise the resources of the authority, it has collaborated with the Guyana Trade and Investment Support (GTIS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to conduct familiarisation trips with overseas tour operators and journalists so that they can sample Guyana’s tourism product.

He said that the ‘fam’ trips allow the tour operators to decide whether the products they see and experience are what their customers are looking for on their vacations.

“They give us valuable input as to areas needed for improvement such as if our tour guides need more training, the upgrading of our facilities and if we need to look at safety,” he said.

There were four fam trips to Guyana recently and these have proven to be very successful. From these fam trips, over 30 countries have been actively selling Guyana as an emerging birding destination.

Also as a result, the participants of the fam trips have featured Guyana in a series of popular print and electronic magazines, catalogues, and brochures. “Having these international companies selling Guyana is very good because we are expanding our sales and distribution network,” the Director said.

GTA is also working with the media in the Guyanese Diaspora in the United Kingdom, North America and the Caribbean to participate in fam trips as this will enable them to see and experience Guyana’s tourism and report on it in various countries.

“There have been a lot of negative news coming out from Guyana and we are hoping that this will counteract it by putting out some positive news and reinforce the Guyana brand and encourage people to travel to Guyana as well as update Guyanese abroad on the changes in their country,” Haralsingh said.

At present, the German market is of interest to GTA and a German tour operator, who will be in Guyana for a few months, is also eyeing the ecotourism potential as he hopes to sell destination Guyana to his country.

Trade shows have also been successful in highlighting Guyana’s ecotourism. The GTA has been attending the largest trade shows in Europe, North America and the Caribbean.

Recently, Guyana attended the world’s largest trade show, the International Travel Bourst (ITB) held in Berlin, Germany. Guyana plans to attend trade shows in London, Utah, and Ruthland, England this year.

It also plans to be represented at the Annual Caribbean Tourism summit.

GTA recently re-launched its website with a new, dynamic look. This website it is hoped will make Guyana, through internet marketing, more accessible to the world.

Some of the features of the site include translation for 24 languages, credit card processing capability, booking facilities for travellers, ‘flipping effect’ to showcase brochures, audio effect, video streaming, search engine for places and events in Guyana and e-card options.

Links on the website will provide information on location for lodging and dining, special activities and places of interest inclusive of sport events and facilities.

GTA is in the process of creating a special DVD series featuring destination Guyana.

The GTA Director said that they are also looking to promote Guyana as a filming destination and as of recent, it has been gaining attention as a number of documentaries have been done locally.

Two television features were recently done in Guyana; RICOCHET television from the UK filmed a series called ‘Unbreakable’ and Trek’s in the Wild World filmed a documentary for National Geographic.

Other marketing promotional aspects that have been undertaken by the GTA include currently creating brochures for Kaieteur National Park, Birding tourism, CARIFESTA X, and the giants of the Amazon.

The Director stated that he hopes these will “differentiate us from other destinations and will drive traffic towards Guyana.” (GINA)

He further encouraged that, “All Guyanese come on board, we are on board, I mean we are facing the same difficult times like everyone else but we are on board and I do hope that people can see Carifesta as an avenue for making Guyana great.”

Be cognisant of efforts to lower carbon emissions
– PM says on World Environment Day
AS Guyana prepares to observe World Environment Day 2008, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds is urging that all Guyana be cognisant of the efforts to lower carbon emissions.

“On this World Environment Day 2008, let us all be conscious of how we contribute to global emissions and what we can do to lower that contribution… let us do it, let us begin kicking the CO2  habit,” Prime Minister Hinds said.

Guyana will join more than 100 countries worldwide to observe World Environment Day on June 5 under the international theme CO2  – Kick the Habit! – Towards a Low Carbon Economy”.

The day will, however, be observed locally under the theme, “Kick the Carbon Habit – Promoting the energy conservation habit in Guyana,” a theme which Mr. Hinds in his World Environment Day message said, points to the local effort to lower carbon emissions by the use of alternative energy sources.

“This year’s theme brings attention to the need to give priority to lowering dependence on fossil fuels by investing in the development and use of alternative energy i.e. winds, solar, hydro-electricity and possibly nuclear energy,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the local efforts, the Prime Minister said a number of stakeholders have joined Government in responding to the need to reduce carbon emissions and are making wise decisions in this regard.

“Guyana as a small developing nation is doing its part in turning towards lowering its carbon economy. This makes both economic and environmental sense for us. The Amalia Falls hydro-electricity project, which comes on stream, will shift our electricity supply from petroleum based fuels in a major way,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister added that the theme highlights the use of forests in the removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide and its impact on the rate of the climate change phenomenon.

The severity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and its link to increases in atmospheric temperatures or “the greenhouse effect,” was underscored by the Prime Minister as a factor which has resulted in dire consequences for human livelihood.

“Carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere not only when fossil fuel is burnt. The cutting of trees to be burnt directly as a fuel and to make charcoal, the clearing of forests for agriculture, which increasingly is being used to supply growing demand for bio-fuels, all lead to the emission of carbon dioxide… by cutting down trees we remove a valuable and efficient resource for absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,” the Prime Minister explained.

He proposed lowering the dependency on fossil fuel as one of the efficient development paths in the direction of mitigating the threat of climate change and alluded to view of environmentalists who called for the need to “kick the carbon habit.” (GINA)