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Regional investors urged to tap into $1.5B agri market
By Tajeram Mohabir
REGIONAL investors were yesterday urged to tap into the existing US$1.5B trade market in CARICOM to create investment and opportunities in reversing the region’s food insecurity.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, who has lead responsibility for agriculture within CARICOM, made the appeal at the opening of the Regional Agriculture Investment Forum convened at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal East Coast Demerara.

The President quoting from information he received from the CARICOM Secretariat, told the forum that opportunities are available in several areas of trade including cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, wheat and preparation, fish and animal feedstock.

He disclosed that 80 percent of trade in these areas comes from outside the region and are avenues governments in the region can strongly compete with because the imported foods are being produced in most member states at a better quality.

“So we have this US$1.5B of opportunities for investors who are here today,” he informed the gathering that included CARICOM Secretary General Dr Edwin Carrington, other top CARICOM officials; Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mr. Ralph Gonsalves, local and regional ministers of governments, officials from Brazil and Argentina, the banking sector and farmers.

The forum aims to promote agri-business as an area for investment and to facilitate match making between potential investors and agriculture entrepreneurs.

Mr. Jagdeo observed too that there has been a significant decline in agriculture investment as well as financing by banks, but noted that these limitations are alluded to in the nine constraints of agriculture as outlined in his initiative on the way forward for agriculture in the region, referred to as the “Jagdeo Initiative”.

He disclosed that for investment in agriculture to be predictable, feasible and attractive, areas of hindrances must be addressed and noted that apart from yesterday’s forum which would address the constraints of investment, working has already started in the other shortcomings.

“We recognised that fundamentally, the obligations of the governments of the region is to create a better climate for agriculture,” the Guyanese Head of State declared.

He exhorted that the rhetoric on the importance of agriculture must be matched with consolidated efforts to ensure regional food security and to address the problems affecting agriculture in the respective member states.

“We have to show interest at the highest level…we have work to do at the level of government to address these things if we want to make agriculture really attractive and we want to see greater investment flows,” he told the forum.

At a recent meeting, the President told officials of the local banking sector that he is prepared to waiver the Corporate Tax on loans for agricultural projects and at yesterday’s meeting, he urged regional governments to do the same.

“If we do so, then we will send a strong signal to the bankers that the governments are serious as well as the investors who would not be risking their capital,” he posited.

The President implored that the risks in such engagements will also have to be minimized to have greater investment flows to the agriculture sector and suggested that a scheme be devised to have insured loans in the sector with some government assistance.

This idea, he said, will be explored at length during the two-day forum in a very practical fashion. The President also explained that the role of government is not to be a direct investor in agriculture but to facilitate private sector investment in order to make projects work.

He underlined that greater interest is needed from the private sector but it has to be stimulated by the regional governments.

In this regard, the Guyanese head of state expressed disappointment that some of the major agro industry companies in the Caribbean were not represented at the forum and suggested that their status-quo be placed at risk because that seem to be the only reason why they attended such discussions.

Prime Minister Gonsalves, in his remarks at the forum, did not view the region’s food insecurity as a food crisis but as ‘a challenge’.

According to him, President Jagdeo - CARICOM’s lead head on Agriculture - possesses the political will to overcome this problem.

But he acknowledged that much more needs to be done to address the challenges of food security in the Region and advocated the return of the old motive ‘Grow what we eat and eat what we grow’.

Mr. Gonsalves also pointed out that labour needs to be critically examined to effectively tackle the problem and highlighted that “many people in the Caribbean do not work hard enough”.

He said greater attention has to be paid on labour productivity, training of farmers and the re-organisation of markets to facilitate equitable access to the vulnerable groups and to regulate price increase while at the same time maximizing productivity.

Acknowledging that ideas on food, cost and organisation of market for produce have to be used as a base to go forward, Prime Minister Gonsalves said the region is capable of producing enough food to meet its need.

He underlined that this could be achieved through partnerships with the private sector but noted that the shortcomings of regional governments, more so the private sector, will have to be solved expediently.

Dr. Carrington, meanwhile, reminded that the Agri Investment forum stems from the 2007 Public Sector Investment forum in Trinidad and Tobago and highlighted its relevance in the context of the ‘Jagdeo Initiative’ and the upward spiral in global food prices.

He acknowledged that the strides made so far by CARICOM to tackle the region’s food insecurity were strengthened through the ‘Jagdeo Initiative’ which was crafted in 2004 - long before the global food crisis started.

The Secretary General also noted that at the regional level - under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), CARICOM is committed to implementing sound invest policies to stimulate regional growth and development.

President, Yesu Persaud in Guyana Times launch controversy
By Priya Nauth
THE new newspaper, Guyana Times, was launched amidst controversy on Thursday night when President Bharrat Jagdeo, while outlining the role that medium should play, lamented that not enough was known about the Government tax policies.

Speaking in the crowded Savannah Suite of Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston, he took issue with Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman, Mr. Yesu Persaud, who, earlier, called for other companies to also be considered for concessions like those granted Queens Atlantic Investment (QAI).

QAI is the US$30M investor now operating from the former Sanata Textiles property at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The Head of State, responding to Persaud, said: “This is one of the things that I hope this newspaper would correct. It is the profound ignorance of our tax laws.”

Persaud, during brief remarks, had said he hoped the incentives will be extended to all the ventures coming into Guyana, not only external but local ones, with the same conditionalities and privileges.

President Jagdeo explained that there are two principles under which tax holidays are granted, on the geographic basis in far flung areas where the Government wants investments to go and for pioneering industries.

He recalled that Persaud’s business was granted tax relief when he was involved in medical transcription services.

Mr. Jagdeo said QAI hardware and printing companies will not get tax holidays because they have to compete with others in Guyana.

The President pointed out that the equipment and consumables for the newspaper are not duty free and only the textile and the antibiotic industries will benefit from tax holiday.

Mr. Jagdeo then informed the gathering that he asked Head of the Privatisation Unit, Mr. Winston Brassington, to hold a seminar explaining the tax laws and the related policies.

RUMOURS
About the newspaper, the President encouraged Guyana Times to be critical, fair and truthful but not strive on rumours.

“I think there is room for a serious newspaper in Guyana, a newspaper that can be critical, a newspaper that can be truthful, a newspaper that will be fair and a newspaper that sees public officers, rightfully so, as fair game because, whatever we do, we should be subjected to public scrutiny,” he posited.

President Jagdeo said the newspaper should stay away from scurrilous attacks on people.

He observed that, for a very long time, “we have been feasting at the table of that sort of newspaper.”

“I do hope that this one makes a difference, because it is not just the job of politicians, maybe even less so, the job of politicians to help steer countries in particular directions.”

Mr. Jagdeo said it is a significant task for those who control public information.

“It is not enough to just complain about the ills in society in a paper that recognises that there are good things in this country,” he said.

“There are many good things and hard working people when you travel across this land. You will see them in the villages and the wards in the city and that they have stories to tell, too and that the efforts of our people should not be subjected or sacrificed at the altar of sensationalism,” he lectured.

“Today this has been a regular feature of our journalism with which we have been besieged within this country,” said, the President, who added that people with a corporate interest can benefit from a country that is portrayed in a positive light.

POSITIVE
“People with corporate interest recognise that they need the country to move forward for them to make money…they need a positive view of the country because more people are going to come here, more people are going to invest here, more jobs are going to be created here and they will make money…this is what we need in Guyana - the balance,” Mr. Jagdeo declared.

Chairman of Guyana Times Inc., Mr. Ramroop Ramnarain, said the printery is equipped with the latest technology to print magazines, brochures, leaflets and newsletters, among other things.

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, wrappers for candy and food and the packaging facility will be beneficial to other local manufacturers wishing to export their products.

“The Guyana Times Inc. has found that there is not just a need for another newspaper, but for one that incorporates quality, balance and content. We have found that there is an appetite for responsible journalism” he said.

Ramnarain said the publication will encompass features such as ‘Page Six Foundation’, ‘Young Writer’s Club’ and ‘Written Voice’ and the dynamic team comprises of local, regional and international media personnel who are trained and experts in the field of journalism and print media.

Managing Editor of Guyana Times, Mr. Avery Gomes, said the ‘Page Six Foundation’ is dedicated to underprivileged children and 60 per cent of the advertising revenue secured for it will go towards them, with contributions also from staff.

Invitees and members of the media had an opportunity to meet the Guyana Times team and were given free copies of the newspaper and items produced at the printery and the Guyana Times jingle, sung by Timeka Marshall, was also a feature of the Thursday night launching programme.

Community Council reviews provisional agenda for upcoming CARICOM Summit
By Wendella Davidson
A review of the provisional agenda for the upcoming conference of Heads of Government next month in Antigua and Barbuda, was among several key issues on the table for the meeting of the Community Council of Ministers, the second highest decision making body of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which met here yesterday at the CARICOM Secretariat.


Chairman of the 22nd meeting of the Community Council of Ministers, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas (centre), addresses the opening of the meeting yesterday. To his right is Secretary General of the CARICOM Secretariat, Edwin Carrington, while at extreme right is Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

The meeting, the 22nd such for the organ, was held simultaneously with the two-day important CARICOM Regional Investment Forum on Agriculture which began here yesterday too, but at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

Chairing the 22nd Community Council forum was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas, Theodore Brent Symonette, on his first visit to Guyana. He is due to hand over the chairmanship to Antigua and Barbuda, at the July conference.

Mr. Symonette said the meeting sought to synthesise the critical inputs that form the basis of the agenda of the July Conference of Heads so that it could fulfill its mandate “to determine and provide policy direction to the Community.”

The July meet will see the heads devoting one day for discussions on tourism, a critical sector for most economies in the region, and Symonette, whose leader, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has lead responsibility for the quasi-cabinet for tourism in CARICOM, said the country is hoping that the discussion of the heads will result in practical and concrete proposals that will contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism sector, in an environment of rising fuel prices already making an impact on the industry.

Symonette, who like his colleagues and others at the Council meeting were earlier at the opening ceremony of the RAIF, noted that the forum represents another critical sector affected by rising fuel prices and on which the Region is concentrating its attention.

Reminding that the last meeting of Council, the first for the year was four months ago, and was his first as Chairman, Symonette said the main focus of that forum included approving the Work Programme and Budget of the CARICOM Secretariat, and the mobilisation and allocation of resources for the implementation of Community plans and programmes, in keeping with the responsibility of the Council for strategic planning and coordination of the work of CARICOM.

The Council Chairman also took the opportunity to formally welcome Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett who was making her inaugural attendance at such a forum, as did Secretary General of the CARICOM Secretariat, Edwin Carrington.

Alluding to the Agriculture forum, Carrington likened it to another major event on the CARICOM calendar, and one that clearly indicates that CARICOM which this year celebrates its 35th anniversary, “is prepared to meet head on and overcome the critical challenges that confront us.”

In addition, the forum provides the Community Council “with a first hand opportunity to witness the efforts of the Community to respond to one such challenge, as the Community seeks to put in place the foundation for addressing its food security issues.,” he added.

It also provides an apt demonstration of the kind of strategic planning in the area of economic integration for which the Council has primary responsibility, as set out in the Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Secretary General added.

On the agenda of the Council’s 22nd meeting, called on those participating to give due and serious consideration to the issues that were to be discussed, including the review of: the July conference arrangements; proposals emanating from other Community organs and bodies on the basis of proposals, along with mobilisation and allocation of resources and other measures to enhance and promote the implementation, monitoring and evaluation process; the legal instruments required to give effect to decisions of the Conference of Heads of Government taken at their recent Special Session on Crime and Security and relating to Aviation Safety, Security Oversight, Disaster and Emergency Management, Maritime and Airspace Security Co-operation among others.

Up for discussion too, were updates on the preparations for CARIFESTA X, to be held here in Guyana in August 2008; the upcoming Conference on the Caribbean to be held in New York later this month; proposals for advancing the Community’s agenda with respect to Children and Non-Communicable Diseases; and the Fifth Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting both slated for Tobago in 2009; matters relating to the operation of the Council including the proposal for the establishment of the Bureau of the Community Council, along with the important issue of climate change and its effects, the Secretary General said.

He said climate change has even greater resonance with the recent advent of the hurricane season which marked by floods in Belize, regrettably claimed one life.

The Secretary General extends sympathy to the Government and people of Belize, in particularly to the family of the deceased, and as well, condolences to their other countries in Central America which suffered similar loss.

Teacher at centre of school sex scandal remanded
THE 32-year-old teacher at the centre of the sex scandal at Charlestown Secondary School, appeared in court yesterday, charged with indecently assaulting one of his students.

Before Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle, Gopaul Ramatulla, of Lot 165 Middle Road, La Penitence, also in Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to two offences, one of which alleged that he also used threatening language to the 13-year-old victim on June 3.

Police Corporal Sherwin Matthews, prosecuting, said the defendant fondled the girl’s breasts and, after doing so, threatened that, if she told anyone else, he would damage her.

The Prosecutor, objecting to bail for Ramatulla, said the student attends classes where the defendant teaches and he may tamper with her.

Matthews alleged, as well, that it is not the first time Ramatulla committed such an assault, as he has done it to several other females at the school.

Attorney-at-law Mr. Nigel Hughes, in his unsuccessful application for Ramatulla to be allowed pre-trial liberty, said the latter has been teaching for close to a decade and has never had any problems with the Police or any other law enforcement agency.

The lawyer claimed the allegations were motivated by issues of a personal nature but Ramatulla was remanded to prison until June 10.

Workshop unveils new strategy for caring the disabled
By Nathalene DeFreitas
A NEW strategy to enhance care for persons with disabilities was unveiled yesterday, at a workshop to sensitise probation and child protection officers on new ideas for working with them.

The seminar was declared open by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Priya Manickchand, in the National Library, on Church Street, Georgetown.

Organised by the National Commission on Disability (NCD), the aim is to communicate the appropriate strategies that ensure the officers address the needs of the disabled within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Manickchand said the ministry recently collaborated with NCD to establish a register of such persons and forms were sent to all regions in Guyana.

She said, while in excess of 3,000 are on record, she is not satisfied that every person living with a disability has been touched.

In this regard, the minister said the compilation will soon be published and the recorders should ensure that all the names are on the list.

Manickchand said the National Register of Persons Living with Disability will allow the ministry to reach more easily and take services to them.

She also said a sign language course will soon be implemented to fill the gap in difficulties to communicate with persons with disabilities.

“If we are to protect the emotional health of the country, then we have to give persons who need it emotional counselling,” said Manickchand.

Minister Manickchand lamented that good services the ministry renders to persons with disabilities are not recognised.

She pointed out that persons with disabilities may not be able to access services from the ministry because of their very situation and the ministry has to deliver where those people are.

Chief Probation Officer in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Patricia Gray said the programme is about maintaining the professional relationship and understanding that networking is all about when dealing with persons living with disabilities.

“I wish to applaud the commission and the ministries for the collaboration. We do recognise that networking is not just to make referrals, but working together to satisfy persons living with disabilities, as far as possible. We also recognise that, in attempting to offer services to these persons, there is a need to sharpen certain skills in terms of communication and understanding,” she admitted.

Gray called on the workshop participants to seize the opportunity and implement better collaboration and improve on services delivery to persons with disability.

Chairperson of the NCD, Mrs. Evelyn Hamilton, remarked that the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security is one of the commission’s three lead ministries.

Consequently, she said it is hoped that the joint effort will foster greater understanding and collaboration among the officers regarding their interaction with the target group and improve the partnership involving also the Ministries of Education and Health.

Hamilton noted that the workshop had been long in the commission planning and considered critical, because it is integral to achieving its mission, which is to measurably improve the lives of persons living with disabilities.

She said the commission believes that the relationship will become even more crucial when the National Act on Disability becomes law.

Hamilton expressed optimism that the legislation will be promulgated in the third quarter of this year and emphasised the need for support from the key ministries.

“We can only do this if we truly believe, in our minds, that persons with disabilities have equal rights as normal people and that they can contribute to society. If we do that, then this workshop will have been successful,” she posited.
NEWS

Largest batch of nurses/nursing assistants begin training
IN recent years there has been significant development in health infrastructure throughout the administrative regions and in order to adequately staff these health institutions, the Ministry of Health has been providing opportunities for hundreds of persons to enter the field and become trained.

Four hundred and twenty nine students, the largest batch to undergo training to become professional nurses and nursing assistants underwent their orientation last Thursday at the National Cultural Centre. The previous highest number was 250.

Students from nine of the country’s ten administrative regions will participate in the nursing training.

Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, in his feature address said: “With the presence of students from most of the country’s regions it means that the equity of opportunity is being established.”

He encouraged the trainees to have the right approach to their studies since it will be necessary for them to be knowledgeable in their respective areas of work and as government continues to invest in the health sector opportunities will be available for these students to function once they complete their training.

“The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Health has started to construct small, state-of-the-art modern rural hospitals. These are places where you will work,” Dr. Ramsaran explained.

He added that after completion of their studies, the students will provide local assistance to scores of doctors who will be returning from studies overseas around that time.

Students were told that the training they are undertaking will enable them to be a part of the noblest profession in the world.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Hydar Ally said: “It gives an opportunity to provide service to people in need and there is no greater thing to do than to provide service to people in need.”

He said nurses have an integral role to play in the health care system of Guyana and the training will provide the right mix of skills, knowledge, and attitude needed for the profession. He noted that medical personnel must have the right attitude because they are in constant contact with people and communication must be effective.

The students were encouraged to remember a number of qualities that medical personnel must possess.

Principal Nursing Tutor (acting) of the Georgetown School of Nursing and Senior Tutor of the New Amsterdam School of Nursing, Pearl Munroe said, “Nurses need to be regular, punctual, willing to read, study, be assertive, observant, alert and curious, be kind and loving and compassionate, be conscious of yourself and things around you, be honest and true, sympathetic and empathetic, be vigilant, real, and be yourself.”

Dr. Ramsaran informed the trainees that once there are desires to further their studies several programmes are offered at the University of Guyana. These include the Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing, the Post Graduate Diploma in Anesthesiology along with a Masters Programme that is offered online.

The professional nursing students will undergo three years of training and the nursing assistants two years. (GINA)

Green Thumb lauds Guyanese climate change fight
THE Green Thumb Environmental Group said it lauds all those Guyanese and particularly the Government of Guyana for their initiatives, activities and programmes that collectively have aided in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation, with a view of encouraging sustainable development.

A release from the organisation said: “Green Thumb encourages all those who have not yet join the fight to get on board and play their part in saving the planet earth. We have noted and are encouraged by the personal efforts which includes, efficient use of our depleting fossil fusils, environmental safe and friendly practices and more so the Governments efforts through its programmes and polices at combating the many issues that face the earth inhabitants.”

It added: “We urge those involved in the global fight to redouble their efforts and use the existing ICT’s media to reach a wider cross section of people. We urge the existing environmental groups and clubs to extend their reach and encourage more people to become members.

As we join the rest of the world in kicking the CO2 habit, let use reaffirm ourselves and redouble of efforts to save our planet earth.

Education Ministry launches Sign Language training
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Guyana Community Based Rehabilitation Programme (GCBRP), last Wednesday began a Sign Language training Project aimed at preparing the way for greater inclusion of deaf children in the school system. The project was launched at the St. Stanislaus College, Brickdam, by Minister within the Education Ministry, Dr Desrey Fox, who explained to the 21 teachers present that at the end of the programme teachers will be equipped to give educational support to many deaf children.

Dr Fox said that her Ministry was happy to work with GCBRP which has the technical expertise to run such a project. The name of the project is Train the Sign Language Trainer Initiative – Advancing Deaf Education.

The Support Group for Deaf Persons, a unit within GCBRP, will manage the project. The Group’s Director, Leon Walcott, explained to the teachers that the project has 3 components: a) sign language training b) methodology and c) implementation (special teacher placement for one term). It is expected to extend over 18 months. The sign language training will consist of two modules ‘Foundation’ and ‘Advanced’, each of them consisting of 20 two-hour sessions, to be held after school hours. The methodology training will consist of an intensive two-week workshop (9am to 3pm) from July 14 to July 25 and will be conducted by Dr. Bill Vicars of California State University, USA. The workshop will include training in computer assisted learning.

The third phase is special placement of successful participants for one school term. Thirty teachers from 12 schools from Region Four are involved in the project. It is anticipated that by the beginning of the Christmas Term, the following schools will have teachers who can communicate with deaf children at the basic level: Covent Garden Nursery, David Rose School for Handicapped Children, Diamond Special Needs, Friendship Secondary, Golden Grove Primary, Graham’s Hall Primary, Plaisance Primary, South Road Nursery, South Ruimveldt Park Primary, St. Paul’s Primary, St. Winefride’s Secondary and West Ruimveldt Primary.

Dr Fox said that the project was timely since it is important for Guyana to have a pool of sign language specialists to train teachers who in turn will pass on their knowledge to their colleagues. She pledged her Ministry’s support and noted that initiatives such as this one will reduce the need to send persons abroad on scholarships, because the training would be available here.

The project was conceptualised by a team from the Support Group for Deaf Persons comprising Mrs. Tricia Cummings Michael, Pastor Lawrence Hallahan, Mrs. Geraldine Maison Halls, Mrs. Sabine McIntosh and Mr. Leon Walcott. The Foundation Course will be supervised by Mrs. Tricia Cummings Michael and includes three deaf tutors - Khemrajie Dewan, Donetta Jardine and Nalini Mahabal. Other tutors are Mr. Montgomery Chester and Mr. Sean Thomas.

The importance of this project is based on the fact that the delivery of education to school age children who are deaf or hard of hearing is lagging far behind that to hearing children. In addition, average enrolment of deaf children is much lower than that of the general school population. Major contributing factors, apart from a lack of facilities, are the shortage/absence of trained teachers, the lack of a special curriculum with supporting materials and, at a different level, the widely held misconception that deafness effectively ‘disables’ a person from achieving anything much in life. This reduces the value of a deaf person so that he or she becomes a liability rather than an asset to society.

Sign language, which is a deaf child’s first language and crucial for its mental, emotional and social development, is not taught in the special needs programme for teacher trainees; neither do parents have access to sign language classes in their communities. So teachers as well as parents are severely limited in their efforts to adequately communicate and interact with, let alone teach, the deaf child.

Dr Fox also said the project will help deaf children to attain a better quality of education which is available across pre-school, primary secondary and tertiary levels, and even outside of the formal institutions.

NY Conference on the Caribbean billed for June 19-20
Heads of State and Governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), regional policymakers, representatives of the academic community, the private sector and financial institutions, as well as members of the Diaspora will meet in New York City later this month for the New York Conference on the Caribbean.

The New York Conference on the Caribbean under the theme ‘A 20/20 Vision Continued’ on 19-20 June 2008, will include discussions on trade, investment and education, and high level meetings between Heads of Government and key officials including Congressman Charles Rangel, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives; David Paterson, New York Governor; Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York; and Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President.

CARICOM Heads of Government, Ministers of Education and leading education authorities will gather on the first day of the Conference for a symposium on education at the Medgar Evers College. The symposium is themed ‘Strengthening Collaborative ties between New York and CARICOM Higher Education Institutions’. It will highlight benefits of existing collaborative models and discuss the role of the Diaspora in expanding ties between educational institutions in CARICOM and North America.

The Diaspora’s participation in the development of the Region and investment opportunities available in the Region under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) will be among issues to be discussed at a Diaspora Forum at York College, CUNY, in Queens. The Forum on Friday 20 June will be open to the public and will include an interactive question and answer segment.

The visiting delegation from the Caribbean will also tour Harlem during the Conference.
(CARICOM Secretariat)

CARICOM Secretariat in Green Walk
- promotes physical activity on World Environment Day
A team of walkers, comprising staffers from the CARICOM Secretariat and employees of the Ministry of Health, led by Dr Edward Greene, Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development, CARICOM, participated in a four mile ‘Green Walk’ on Thursday, in observance of World Environment Day.


Assistant Secretary General, Dr Edward Greene (centre) leading the team of walkers.
Clad in green as a symbol of concern for the preservation of the environment, the walkers trekked from the Secretariat Headquarters, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara to main highway, then to the Ogle Airstrip Road before returning to the Secretariat.

The activity was a show of solidarity with the aims and objectives of World Environment Day observed under the theme: Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy.

Secretary General, Edwin Carrington, in an address to the group, commended what he called the pro-activity of the team and noted that the walk was a “serious, symbolic and substantive event”. The action was not just one to preserve the environment for the future generation but for the present generation, he added.

Upon their returning to the Secretariat, Dr Morella Joseph, Programme Manager, Human Resource Development, engaged the group in a series of exercises.

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).


Dr Morella Joseph leading the team through some stretch exercises, following the walk.
(photos courtesy CARICOM Secretariat)
Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP has advocated for countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them.

World Environment Day 2008 highlighted resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.

The Secretariat’s Walk on World Environment Day was also in keeping with the promotion of physical activities leading up the first Caribbean Wellness Day to be observed on September 13 next.

The observance of Caribbean Wellness Day was one of the decisions taken when the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government, deeply concerned about the physical, economic and social burdens caused by lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, obesity and cancer, met in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on 15 September 2007, to design a plan of action to stop the epidemic of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

To be observed annually on the second Saturday in September, Caribbean Wellness Day will showcase national and community level activities to promote healthy living and encourage citizens to develop good health practices.

Among the activities proposed are the introduction of vehicle-free streets and smoke-free environments to provide opportunities and safe spaces for physical activity and healthy eating, free from exhaust emissions tobacco smoke and other pollutants. (CARICOM Secretariat)

Greater geographic spread for public works projects as CARIFESTA looms
- Minister Benn
WITH the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X fast approaching, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications intends undertaking some face-lift works on roads and other infrastructure in the city and its environs.

Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn, joining Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony at his weekly Carifesta briefing at the Carifesta Secretariat, said these works will be similar to those done in preparation for Cricket World Cup (CWC) but covering a wider geographic spread.

The Minister said there is heavy reliance on the usual road maintenance projects, which is challenging given the present rainy season that inevitably causes high vegetation growth rates in drains and canals.

Improvements in the city and its environs have always been on government’s agenda and have not been prompted by the coming of Carifesta in August, Minister Benn said.

He alluded to efforts through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to improve the tarmacs at Mon Repos and Lusignan which he said will also be done at Plaisance, Rosignol, Vreed-en-Hoop and other areas in future.

“We are also looking at the issue of standardised stalls…there is a big issue of people vending and selling meats without the requisite permits and also the absence of proper sanitary facilities,” Minister Benn explained.

Sanitary facilities in the city are engaging the attention of Government as Guyana prepares to host a festival which promises great potential for promoting the country.

Responding to questions about maintaining order on the roadways, especially by minibus operators, Minister Benn said a meeting will soon be held among the police, Public Works Ministry and operators to address issues such as uncouth behaviours among others. He assured, however, that support from these stakeholders will be guaranteed as many have indicated their willingness to support.

Very soon a committee will be established with representatives from the Public Works and Local Government and Regional Development Ministries, the Guyana Police Force, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council among others to address movement and congestion on roadways, parking, restricted.

Transportation is one of many committees set up by the Carifesta Secretariat to facilitate smooth and safe ground travel during the festival.

Minister Anthony said he was heartened by the response to the call for car and minibus owners to be part of the Carifesta bandwagon although more vehicles are still needed.

June 15 is the deadline for vehicle owners to register their vehicles which will subsequently be inspected for standardisation.

Stakeholders are also to benefit from training in hospitality and other areas.

Education Ministry receives 100 copies of Environmental journals
-- donated by Caribbean Environment Publications
THE Caribbean Environment Publications Limited today donated 100 copies of the ‘Caribbean Environment’ journals to the Ministry of Education to help boost environmental studies in schools.

Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh said the donation was timely since the Ministry is placing great emphasis on environmental studies at the primary and secondary levels.

He said the journals will be of assistance to students since they will serve as educational resource materials to help them with their exams.

Minister Baksh said the journals will be distributed to the secondary schools and future publications will be purchased by the Ministry for the school system.

“The copies will be distributed to all secondary schools in our country…so that we will have up-to-date studies in this very important area, especially as it relates to the issue of global warming and climate change,” he said.

Presidential Adviser on Sustainable Development and Editor in Chief of Caribbean Environment Publications Limited, Navin Chandarpal said the journal is the company’s first issue which covers areas related to the environment and focuses on climate change and the efforts being made by the small developing States on sustainable development.

Chandarpal said he hopes the Caribbean Environment Journal would be of some assistance to students in the Caribbean and Guyana .

The Caribbean Environment Publications is a newly formed company which is promoting environmental education at all levels in the Caribbean Region and to assist in the development of public awareness on issues related to the sustainable development of the Region. (GINA)

Minister Ramsaran visits flood affected areas in West Berbice
MINISTER within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran on Thursday visited flood affected areas of West Berbice including Ithaca, Blairmont, Shieldstown and Rosignol where he addressed the concerns of the residents and assured them that measures are already in place in case of any outbreak of water borne diseases.

“We are particularly here from the Ministry to support the community…medical teams will be kept here until the Ministry of Health is satisfied that there is no threat of an increasing disease or no threat to public health,” Minister Ramsaran said.

Rapid Response Medical Outreach teams headed by the Regional Health Officer, Venus Smartt and the Regional Environmental Health Officer have been deployed to the areas to evaluate the situation.

The medical teams will be housed at the Neighbourhood Democratic Council office and at the Ithaca Primary School .

Dr. Ramsaran said that 10 ‘flood kits’ have already been sent to the area. These contain a special collection of drugs and medication to fight flood related diseases such as diarrhoea, vomiting and fever which can also lead to dehydration. This is in addition to the existing drugs and medical supply that is in the area.

He noted that, the situation is being monitored daily and information gathered is assessed in order that the interventions could be made if necessary.

Residents were asked to take precaution and purify the water before consumption.

Informational flyers on proper treatment of water and dealing with potential water borne diseases are being distributed in the area, and the Minister asked that the residents follow the directions for water treatment.

The recent flooding was caused by heavy rain fall in parts of Region Five and Six and the negligence of a koker attendant, who was immediately dismissed, after he left open a sluice door at D’Edward.

A hotline has been set up by the Ministry for the public to make contact. The numbers are: 692-5317, or 227-1316 or 225-1638.

Corbin addresses meetings in Canada
THE Leader of the Opposition and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Mr. Robert Corbin has been invited by the National Democratic Council (NDC), to address a Town Hall meeting tomorrow in Toronto, Canada. The title of Mr. Corbin’s address will be “Good Governance and Recent Developments in Guyana.”

A release from the party said Mr. Corbin will take the opportunity to give an account of developments in the society, including the negative effect of the rising cost of living, the threat to press freedom, the breaches of the Constitution, why the PNCR believes that the current security and economic environment are not propitious to the holding of CARIFESTA X.

On Monday, Corbin will address a business luncheon organised by the Guyana Outreach Project - Dialogue with the Diaspora in Malton, Mississauga, Canada. Mr. Corbin will be the featured guest speaker at the event. The subject of his address will be “Investing in Guyana, Business Climate, Political Stability and Security.”
Mr. Corbin is expected to return to Guyana shortly.

Region 1 unanimously endorses malaria prevention proposal
THE Regional Administration and Stakeholders of the North West, Region One (Barima/Waini) unanimously endorsed a proposal to be submitted to the Global Fund which seeks funding to boost Guyana's response to malaria prevention and control in the Region.

The Region's endorsement came at a meeting hosted by the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund on June 4 at the Mabaruma sub-district, Region One to consult with stakeholders on the strategies, objectives and activities of the proposal.

The meeting was attended by the Regional Chairman, Fermin Singh, Vice Chair Paul Pierre, Regional Executive Officer, Mary Williams, Councillors and others representing all the three sub-districts of Region One. This proposal seeks funding from Round Eight of the Global Fund on Malaria, Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. It is the fourth time that Guyana is applying for support for its malaria programme. The visiting team, led by Mr. Fredrick Cox, Vice- Chairman of the CCM, explained that a team of resource persons, including the Director of the Global Fund Malaria Programme, Mr. Indal Rambajan, has begun the process of preparing a proposal. However, it is a prerequisite that consultations be held with stakeholders of Region One before the proposal could be finalised and submitted.

"We cannot sit centrally and prepare the proposal. The Global Fund wants to see evidence that the people in Region One agree that malaria is a problem in the area and that the Region agrees with the proposal being submitted," he said at the meeting at the Mabaruma Conference Centre.

Mr. Rambajan explained that the proposal seeks a wide array of assistance for the sub-districts of Matarkai (Mathews Ridge, Port Kaituma & Arakaka), Mabaruma and Moruca, with emphasis on requests for impregnated bednets, funding to improve diagnostic capacity and capability, land and river transportation, training/retraining and surveillance, an IEC component as well as distribution of anti-malaria drugs and equipment including microscopes to conduct screening for malaria. He noted that should the proposal be accepted by the Global Fund, Community Malaria Councils and Malaria School Committees in Region One similar to those in Regions Seven and Eight and now proposed for Region nine would be introduced and established as part of the expansion of community involvement and participation. He stressed that these inputs into the Region One malaria programme will not be made all at once, but rather, incrementally over a five-year period to ensure sustainability and avoid opportunities for possible misuse.

The team also fielded questions from participants, who agreed unanimously with the proposed requests and noted that the impregnated bed nets, proper surveillance and improved access etc. to far-flung areas would go a far way in reducing, if not eliminating the incidence/ prevalence of malaria in the Region, which account for a significant portion of Guyana's land mass. The Representatives of Region One all signed the motion agreeing for the CCM to submit the proposal to the Global Fund.

The Global Fund was established in 2001 through a multi-country agreement and allocated resources to its members in 2003 to fight tuberculosis, malaria and HIV. In Guyana, funding (about US$2.5 million dollars) was secured for anti-malaria programmes in Regions Seven and Eight, where a record high 75 percent reduction in malaria incidence was noted following a combination of effective and efficient interventions including the distribution of long – lasting impregnated bed nets and Coartem (an anti – malaria drug) over last two-year period. Guyana successfully submitted a proposal in 2007 for Region Nine, which will now have a strong anti-malaria programme. The current proposal will be submitted shortly and the CCM should be notified later this year whether it was successful. However, Mr. Rambajan expressed optimism that the proposal would be successful. He noted that when Guyana secures these additional resources, the field workers would be in a better position to diagnose, treat, and monitor and evaluate malaria cases, "but this does not eliminate the responsibility of individuals in fighting malaria since it is an unpredictable infection. The disease is difficult to control because the vector has no barrier. Malaria should be everybody's business. When you get the nets, you have to use them," he urged.

Also at the meeting was Executive Director of the Health Sector Development Unit, which is the implementing agency for the Global Fund in Guyana, Mr. Keith Burrowes. He gave a brief overview about the facilitating role of the HSDU and its role on the administrative and financial inputs with the International Donor Agencies such as IDB, USAID, PAHO/WHO, World Bank, UNICEF and the Global Fund.

CARIFESTA Secretariat gets UG student interns
- Ohio University broadcast students also expected
WITH 75 days left to go before the gala opening of the Tenth Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA X) in Guyana, the CARIFESTA Secretariat has strengthened its workforce from Monday last with the services of 14 University of Guyana student interns and temporary staff.

The interns are drawn from the University’s Faculties of Social, Natural and Health Sciences as well as the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, according to a release from the Secretariat.

Of the complement, eleven students are final year communication majors from UG’s Center for Communication Studies.

They are providing support within the Secretariat’s artistic, liaison, media and communications divisions.

In early August, a 20 member team comprising broadcast journalism students of Ohio University will arrive in Georgetown to film and broadcast CARIFESTA events being held across the country.

The Ohio students are expected to team up with University of Guyana communication students in the conduct of their various CARIFESTA video projects, the Secretariat said.

FITUG importing to sell members cheaper food items- Duncan
By Tajeram Mohabir
FITUG (Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana) has embarked on a scheme to purchase food items in bulk from overseas and minimise the impact of the local price increases.

President Carvil Duncan said it is progressing according to plan and the process is expected to be completed soon.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, he disclosed that the commodities, mostly basic foodstuff, will be sourced from companies in the United States (U.S.) at wholesale prices.

According to Duncan, he has already received, from Laparkan Group of Companies Chairman, Mr. Glen Khan, a range of suggested selling prices and they are currently being considered because they are significantly lower than those being charged locally.

Duncan said, in some instances, the suggestions are about 200 per cent less.

He said the membership is looking to identify bonds for storing the merchandise that will be sold to the respective unions in the grouping which, in turn, would arrange sales to their members.

Duncan lauded the anticipated support from Government for the initiative and explained that the idea is to make the basics available to workers cheaper.

He insisted that the intention is not to cause the closure of small scale enterprises but to bring them on board and pointed out that persons who are not members of FITUG will also benefit.

Duncan said the expenditure for the venture will be borne by the membership, supervised by a board of directors.

Close to three months ago, FITUG endorsed the Ministry of Agriculture ‘Grow More’ campaign, through which numerous packets of seeds and planting materials were handed over to Duncan for distribution to workers for them to engage in subsistence agriculture.

He said FITUG plans to start large scale farming and will negotiate with Government to acquire between 10,000 and 12,000 acres of land to cultivate both for local consumption and export.

Duncan agreed that, given the upward spiral in local food prices, it would be unfair to increase the union dues paid by the members and said the agriculture project is t