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Retail price of gasoline $930
-- dealers selling above price face contract revocation
THE Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) has notified consumers that the retail price of gasoline is $930 per gallon and notes that its dealers are not authorized to sell above this price.

GUYOIL, in a statement last evening, said dealers who are selling above $930 per gallon will face revocation of their contracts and re-possession of pumps and tanks.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, in an invited comment to GINA, reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring continued availability of petroleum products to consumers in the domestic markets.

Recently, there was a delay in shipment of fuel resulting in a stock out at GUYOIL terminals and service stations except its Regent Street Service station.

Government continues to put measures in place to cushion the impact of world market prices on consumers.

The fuel excise tax on gasoline was reduced from 50 percent at the start of 2007 to 17 percent and then to 7 percent in May.

The tax on diesel was also reduced from 10 percent to zero percent at the beginning of last year.
Additionally, there is no taxation or duty on kerosene.

EXPORTING ORGANIC PINEAPPLE TO EUROPE
- another successful Amerindian venture
By Wendella Davidson
AN organic pineapple processing facility in the small Amerindian community of Mainstay/Whyaka, aback of Anna Regina, continues to be a main source of employment for many families in the area.

Known as the Mainstay Organic Pineapple Processing Facility, the $30M plant which was commissioned in 2002, processes organically-grown pineapples, including English Crown and the popular ‘Sugar Loaf’, into chunks and slices which are exported to France, Europe.

Operated by some 20 employees, the facility provides secure markets for the farmers of the 400-odd population in the Mainstay/Whyaka community that comprises of mainly Arawak Amerindians, and has helped to significantly lift their standard of living.

And, since its establishment six years ago, the facility - sited within walking distance from the ‘Lake Mainstay Resort’, has gradually expanded, with an almost doubling of the acreage of pineapple cultivation.

Head of the facility, Joel Fredericks, said prior to the establishing of the factory, farmers used to almost ‘labour in vain’, as previously the produce when taken to the market had to be sold for almost nothing.

“Mainstay always used to plant pine but we had no ready market, farmers would go to the Anna Regina market to sell, but received a little bit of money for their pineapples,” Fredericks told the Guyana Chronicle earlier this week during a conducted tour of the pineapple operations in Mainstay.

This newspaper was in the community for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation-Funded Project, Agro-tourism Strengthening Workshop, organised by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Guyana.

Processing of the organically-grown pineapple chunks which are exported to France by Amazon Caribbean Limited (AMCAR), have to meet specific conditions which must be adhered, if it is to remain competitive.

These, Fredericks explained, start from the preparation of the land until the final process and there should be a detailed record of each process.

These include that the plot/s should be identified, that they were not previously used, should contain no fertilizer, and should pesticides be used toward the acoushi ants, the area should be away from the pineapple plants and be demarcated.

Additionally, there must be detailed records showing date of application as well as inspection of the plots.

Harvesting of the produce, after 18 months and two years, is by plots and a special method to facilitate plant re-growth.

The reaped fruit, when taken to the facility, must have accompanying details which are placed on the facility record, for the purpose of traceability.

Staff, who as part of the requirements are dressed in white head-caps, trench coats and gloves, process about 2000 pineapples on a daily basis, Fredericks said.

He said the pineapples are first placed on a shelf to cool-off before being taken through two processes of washing and then finally transferred to the cold-storage area.

Pauline, a mother of nine employed for five years at the facility and who works in the washing area, told the Chronicle that the factory is responsible for making her life more stable, adding she can purchase almost anything she wants for her home.

The next process involves peeling and slicing and dicing of the fruit and sterilizing of glass jars in which it is then packed.

The jar is then filled with the natural juice extracted from the parts of the pine not being used for export and slightly sealed.

These processes are all done in an area described as the ‘high risk area’, and accessible only to staff members.

Staff working in the area are not allowed to wear any jewellery.

To ensure that the jars are air-tight, they are first placed in a crate and submerged in water of 95 degrees for about 35 minutes, following which another process of pasteurization is done in luke-warm water.

The jars are sourced from both the local and overseas markets.

The final process involves placing the jars in cartons and labelled for export.

Agro-tourism consultant, Trinidad-born Steve Maximay, here to assist the Tri-Lake Farmers Association, made-up of farmers from Mainstay/Whyaka, Tapakuma and Capoey in strengthening their agro-tourism potential, pointed out that great care is being taken to ensure the system of processing in batches is maintained.

This should begin from the field operations until the final process, that of labelling of the batches for export, he noted.

Noting that persons from the community are being trained to carry out such inspectorate functions, Maximay said should any of the bottles from a batch pop after sealing, in theory the entire batch should be condemned.

The factory which is equipped with a mini laboratory and is currently processing a very large batch of pineapples, also processes the organically grown ‘heart of palm’ for Amcar and export to France, when pineapples are out-of-crop, Joel said.

FINEMAN’S ALLEGED ACCOMPLICE IN COURT
AN alleged accomplice of notorious wanted man Rondell Rawlins, also called ‘Fineman’, yesterday appeared in court charged jointly with Rawlins and two others with the murder of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier who was gunned down last January.

Twenty-two-year-old Sherwin Nero, also known as Sherwin Moses, who claimed that he resides at 74 Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, appeared before Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle.

The names of the two other accused are Cecil Simon Rambarran, called ‘Uncle Magic’ and ‘Limpy’, and Royden Durant, also known as ‘Smallie’.

Particulars of the joint, indictable offence said on January 23 last, at Company Road, Buxton, East Bank Demerara, they murdered Ivor Williams.

Nero, the father of two, who said he sells beads and hats for a living, was remanded to prison until June 27, when he will make a court appearance at Vigilance.

According to Police Inspector Denise Griffith, prosecuting, Nero’s address is contrary to the one he gave in court. His address in the Police file is 54 Friendship, East Coast Demerara.

Griffith asked the Magistrate to issue an arrest warrant for Rawlins, Rambarran and Durant, as they are still fugitives.

Warrants were issued for each of the absent accused.

On January 23, several armed men ambushed a GDF vehicle returning to Camp Ayanganna from an administrative run in Berbice.

The gunmen engaged the soldiers on the Railway Embankment Road, between Church of God and Company Road, during which Williams lost his life.

Nero had previously been charged with the August 30, 2007, murder of businessman Kumar Singh, alias ‘Mango Man’.

Nero, one of three men facing a charge for the capital offence committed at Cove and John, appeared before Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle last May 28, and this matter was adjourned to June 11.

His co-accused in this case are Jermaine Wright, 25, of Vigilance and Andrew Philander, also called ‘Junior’, an 18-year-old of 54 Middle Walk, Buxton, also on East Coast Demerara.

Wright made his appearance last February 19 and Philander on February 26 before the same magistrate.

The victim, called Jabar, was shot in a robbery attack and succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

His wife, Indroutie, and brother-in-law, Brazilian Jose D’Acruz Arauijo, who were also wounded by the gunmen, are still recovering from their injuries.

Police had reported that the bandits stole US$7,200, 400 Suriname dollars, G$38,000, jewellery, and three cellular phones. (Telesha Persaud)

Lethem woman sourced arms for “Fineman”, Police say
SENIOR Police sources said yesterday that the Lethem woman in custody was instrumental in the sourcing of arms and ammo from Brazil to Guyana’s most wanted, Rondell Rawlins, called “Fineman”, and his notorious gang.

She was still being grilled by investigators up to press time, and had been arrested when her telephone number was processed by ranks from “Fineman’s” diary.

Last night, sources said the gang was being hunted down in the jungle, but since the encounter at Christmas Falls up the Berbice River Friday last week, the men seem to have vanished.

Meanwhile, “Fineman’s” diary is still in the possession of the Joint Services and to date there has been no revelation of its contents, except about his detailed plan for revenge for his sister’s murder.

In documented details in his diary which was found when the Joint Services raided his camp up the Berbice River, “Fineman” admitted responsibility for the Bartica and Lusignan murders of 24 people,including five children.

During the confrontation at the camp, one of “Fineman’s” accomplices was shot and killed, and was since identified as Otis Fifee, 21, also called “Mud Up” of Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

80 teachers disciplined, 30 dismissed
- as Teaching Service Commission moves against teachers accused of misconduct
WITH allegations of misconduct and sexual molestation among other complaints levelled against some teachers and increasing over the last month, the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) on Thursday issued a release in which it confirmed that for the first quarter of the year, it has had to discipline 80 teachers with 30 of them being dismissed from their jobs.

The TSC stated that under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Leila Ramson, it has been following its constitutional mandate which is to discipline and remove teachers for such behaviour.

“Teachers were dismissed for misconduct/improper conduct, late notices of resignation and absence from the job without authorisation. Teachers were also disciplined by way of interdiction, reprimand and probations,” the release added.

The TSC cited a case where it demoted a Headteacher to the position of Deputy Headteacher at a Grade A Secondary following an investigation by the Commission into allegations of inefficiency and ‘gross misconduct’ by the said Headteacher.

Meanwhile, three of the teachers who were recently accused of sexual molestation have also been dismissed by the Commission which noted that “in the wake of numerous allegations of sexual molestation by teachers of the students left in their care, the Commission showed its absolute disagreement with such repulsive behaviour”.

“At present, the Commission is awaiting reports on investigations by the Ministry of Education into allegations of sexual misconduct by teachers of several schools across the country before proceeding to take disciplinary action against these teachers,” the release said.

In this light, the Commission is urging Headteachers to contact it through the Head of the Department of Education in their respective regions and to report teachers who are frequently absent, late or pursuing studies at the University of Guyana without lawful release from the Ministry of Education.

The Headteachers are also being urged to report on teachers who are accused of misconduct or inefficiency.

“The Commission holds the strong view that the education and welfare of the nation's children are the paramount considerations in the performance of its Constitutional mandate, and as such will ensure that quality education is provided by competent and responsible teachers at all times,” the TSC contended.

On Friday last, the Ministry of Education expressed concern over several reports of alleged sexual harassment and molestation and had mounted its own investigations into the incidents.

Minister of Education Shaik Baksh had indicated that his Ministry, following the investigations and based on the findings would recommend that the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) take strong legal action in all of the cases.

“We are at the present time putting a large number of school welfare officers to monitor the situation and to work in the schools to ensure that these things do not occur in the school system,” Minister Baksh had said.

Among the cases that were being looked into were the alleged involvement of 13 to 17 year old students who had been accused of raping other students at a Charlestown home, a teacher at the Charlestown secondary school assaulting a first form student and a female teacher being sexually involved with a male student.

The Headteacher of the Goed Fortuin Primary School in Region Three was also accused of sexually assaulting a Form One student.

Expressing the need for more moral education in schools, the Minister had pointed to the Ministry’s health and family life education programme for which a curriculum is being designed, and which will be included in schools from September. (GINA)
NEWS

Laparkan among awardees at NY 42nd independence observance
THE Golden Arrowhead on May 31 was raised over New York’s Financial District for the second consecutive year by the Committee to celebrate Guyana.

According to a release from Laparkan, the Guyanese Flag was flown over that location for one week in honour of the nation’s 42nd Independence Anniversary from Britain.

The release said the event which is the brainchild of Hard Beat Communications Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Felicia Persaud, was preceded Saturday by a VIP reception and cultural presentation at the Alexander Hamilton US Customs House at Bowling Green.

The press statement noted that the occasion was opened with a word of praise from Reverend Dr Evelyn John before Commissioner of Immigration Affairs of New York City Guillermo Linares handed over a proclamation by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg declaring Saturday May 31st Guyanese Independence Day in New York.

“Almira Brasse again lent her operatic voice to the event as her rendition of the Guyana national anthem, accapella style, in the magnificent rotunda, left the crowd speechless with pride,” the release stated.

It pointed out that a representative from the Brooklyn borough President’s Office also declared “The Republic of Guyana Independence Day in Brooklyn” before Menses the Griot and the shanto drummers brought the rotunda alive with a cultural rendition on several magnificent drums, including the Trinity drum.

The statement said Deejay Praksh added a chutney flavour and the S.T.A.R.S Teen dance group of Brooklyn brought an element of hip-hop to spice up the event.

Master of Ceremony, Bobby Veira of One Caribbean Radio, then turned the ceremony’s focus on the 2008 heroes included Hollywood Actor Marc Gomes who introduced by Committee member Don Profitt.

Laparkan CEO Glen Khan, the release added was introduced by Chuck Mohan while Leena Jainarine of Tota’s Bakery was given the same honours by Allison Skeete who are also members of the Committee to celebrate Guyana.

US Army provides medical services to Linden residents
By Joe Chapman
THE 4215th United States Army Hospital (USAH) from Monday June 16 through to June 25 will be providing free medical services to residents of Linden and Ituni in what has been according to Colonel Ridge, who spearheaded the advance team to Linden on Monday, it “is the first for the United States Army and for Guyana. We are kind of setting history here.”

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle Colonel Ridge explained “this is a partnership with the Guyanese government, the Government of the United States, the Ministry of Health, the State department and the US Embassy.”

Colonel Ridge and those already in Linden are Captain Meintire, SS6 Cruz, SS6 Gutierrez and SFC Hilliman who incidentally was born in Silvertown Linden.

The medical team will comprise 44 personnel including doctors, nurses, veterinarians and medics to work jointly with the Linden Hospital Complex to augment the work of the institution. He said the USAH will take control of the Linden Hospital Complex’s Out-patient clinic at Mackenzie and the objective is to see as many residents in Linden and Ituni as possible and in some cases referrals will be done if necessary.

The medical team comprises five physicians, two dentists, one pharmacist, one audiologist and one veterinarian in the team where general medicine, basic dentistry and optometry services and veterinary services will be provided from 8:00h to 16:00h. The team will be in Linden from 16-25 June and at the Ituni Health Clinic on June 18 and 20.

Commenting on their role as members of the USAH Staff Colonel Ridge said “what they have done is that they have missions throughout the Caribbean and Central America. So we have had missions in the Dominican Republic. We’ve had missions in El Salvador. We’ve had missions in Nicaragua, Panama and the Caribbean Basin.”

He said they have also supported other medical missions but this was a first time for the US Army in Guyana and “hopefully we are going to make this a very successful mission so that when the others come they will have a level to reach.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Linden Hospital Complex Mr. Gordon Gumbs welcomed the USAH team to the medical institution and said he was looking forward for his staff to work closely with them.

As regards the visit, knowing that there exists a shortage of medical personnel at the Linden Hospital Complex Gumbs said: “We are appreciative to have the US Army working here with us. We have had previous medical teams but it was from the Marine and on this occasion we have the US Army and we are happy to have them. When the US Army gets into operation it will take control of our out-patient department and all the patients will be channelled through them and all the other staff will be working in support of them. So whatever is needed, be it support from the US Army, the laboratory or X-Ray, our doctors and nurses, these will be provided in support of the US Army team.”

“The expertise that we have available, they will increase the amount of services we provide. The Linden Hospital Complex will get a good name as a result of their involvement and the patients in linden and wherever they come from will stand to benefit. So we have to make use of their presence,” Gumbs reckoned.

Region 2 marks World Child Labour Day
SCORES of students last Thursday participated in a rally at Anna Regina to mark World Child Labour Day.

The students, dressed in white jerseys and armed with placards, marched from the Anna Regina car park area to the Cotton Field Secondary School under the banner “Education the right response to child labour”.

The rally which was sponsored by Educare in collaboration with the Department of Education attracted hundreds of residents as students shouted ‘stop child labour now’ as they marched along the Anna Regina and Cotton Field Public Road.

Addressing students after the rally at the Cotton Field Secondary School, Executive Member of the school’s Parent/Teachers Association Mrs. Desiree Charles said child labour is a serious issue in the country and across the world.

According to Mrs. Charles, an estimated 27 per cent of children in Guyana are engaged in child labour and are missing school.

Mrs. Charles said under the laws of Guyana, every child between the ages of five years nine months and fourteen years six mouths should be receiving full education.

She called on all parents to join the fight against child labour in Guyana

Regional Development Officer of Region 2, Mr. Daveanand Ramdat said the Regional Administration is pleased to be part of the activities to mark World Child Labour Day.

Senior Social and Welfare Officer in the Region Mr. Richardo Banwarie also encouraged parents to send their children to school regularly and not to let them be involved in child labour.

Students from C.V. Nunes Primary and Cotton Field Secondary Schools were involved in the rally.

The programme at the school featured dances and a skit.

Educare is a US$2M project due to last for three years six months. It is designed to support the eradication of child labour in Guyana through education.

It is funded by the US Department of Labour and is executed by Partners of the Americas.

The Educare Guyana Programme have three distinct output – raising awareness of the threat to national development of child labour at the national and local level, institutional strengthening and policy development at the national level, and educational system strengthened.

Educare is currently involved in a programme with the Cotton Field Secondary School Parent Teachers’ Association.

Region 2 Education Officer insists teachers adhere to dress code
REGIONAL Education Officer of Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Mr. Baydewan Ghir Rambarran has warned teachers in the region that they will not be allowed in schools with denim skirts or jeans.

Mr. Rambarran reiterated that his department is enforcing the dress code for teachers in the region.

In an address to headteachers last Friday in the Regional Boardroom, Mr. Rambarran called for the dress code to be enforced by all headteachers at the respective schools from Mondays to Fridays.

Petrol Dealers Association commit to working with government
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, on Thursday, met with the Petrol Dealers Association and representatives of the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) to discuss measures that can be taken to ensure that the consuming public benefits from the decisions made.

After the meeting Minister Prashad said that, “The petrol dealers are willing to work along with the ministry and other stakeholders to ensure that the consuming public gets gasoline at a fair price.”

Two areas that the association asked the Minister to look into are the acquisition cost of fuel and percentage rate that contributes to its mark up.

“They are prepared to sit down with government and the oil companies to look at the acquisition cost…and will also look at their mark up in an effort to keep the price below $1000,” Minister Prashad said.

President of the Petrol Dealers Association, Frank Amen said that, “We are willing as the Petrol Dealers Association to try and assist the government and the public in whatever way we can with the fuel prices. It’s not a Guyana thing, it’s a global thing.”

At present, GUYOIL’s acquisition mark up is $27 per gallon while the Petrol Dealers Association’s is $35.

“We are making an effort to find a way how we can work to maybe adjust their mark up in the interest of the consuming public because this increase affects everybody,” Minister Prashad said.

He noted that government has been working to ensure that the price remains low by reducing the excise tax on gasoline over the last 18 months from 50 percent to seven percent and zero rating diesel.

“They (the association) have agreed to work with this ministry …we will examine the acquisition cost from the oil companies. They are saying that they are willing to cooperate but I must examine the acquisition cost and the profit margin of the oil dealers also,” Minister Prashad said.

He noted that this is good news for the Mini Bus Associations since the price for gasoline remains at the GUYOIL service station at $930 per gallon.

Minister Prashad also met with members of the Tapir Association, Road Users Association and the East Berbice Mini Bus Association while on a visit to Region Six earlier this week.

The Minister indicated that the Guyana National Bureau of Standards will be visiting all the gas stations in Guyana and if any are not in order and the gas pumps have been tampered with, they will be investigated. (GINA)

North Rupununi culture groups to participate in CARIFESTA X
CULTURE groups of Amerindian communities in the North Rupununi District of Region Nine are at present preparing to participate in the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X scheduled to be held from August 22 to 31.

The Surama culture group is the largest Macushi group that will be showcasing its heritage and history during the 10-day event which will be hosted in six Administrative Regions.

Supervisor of the group, Glendon Allicock, said it was formed to help motivate and preserve the culture of the Macushi tribe especially among the young generation.
The group comprises nine children and 11 adults who will perform dances, songs, poems and skits enlightening CARIFESTA participants of their foreparents’ way of life and their history.

Apart from performances, the group will be showcasing several pieces of Amerindian clothing bearing depictions of their birds, trees and other popular animals in the Rupununi savannahs.

It was noted that the group was invited to participate in CARIFESTA after taking part in the Regional and National Mashramani competitions this year.

There are several other groups that will be accompanying the Surama culture group from other communities such as Aranaputa and Annai central.

Students of the Bina Hill Institute in Region Nine will also be showcasing their talents at the CARIFESTA forum in the form of calypsos and dances.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, while visiting communities recently, said she is happy Amerindian people will be given the opportunity to show the world their talents and skills.

Minister Sukhai said the indigenous population has not been left out as they will be playing an integral role in the celebrations. She informed residents of the ‘Amerindian Village’ which is at present being constructed at Sophia, Georgetown, with a main benab and eight others surrounding it.

The benabs will be highlighting the various tribes of Amerindians and their way of life.

CARIFESTA started in the year 1972 in Guyana and will be returning after 36 years.

Over 100 events will be hosted within a ten-day period which includes performing, literary and visual arts, super concerts, fashion focus and youth and indigenous fora.

Forestry Commission meets stakeholders in Essequibo
A WORKSHOP on the development and growth of the forestry sector was held by the Guyana Forestry Commission at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast last Thursday.

Addressing stakeholders, including sawmillers, chainsaw operators and lumber dealers, Deputy Forestry Commissioner Mr. Tasreef Khan said the objective of the exercise was to look at licensing, exporting, certification and the operation of lumber yards.

Mr. Khan reminded his audience that the Commission has the responsibility to monitor all operations taking place in the forest which covers some 75 per cent of the country’s land space.

The Deputy Commissioner observed there are some 300 chainsaw operators and over 35 large scale operations in the forestry sector.

Mr. Khan said the Commission will be installing six satellite stations across the country to help monitor the forestry operations. One of the stations will be based at Buck Hall in the Essequibo River.

Interactive sessions were also held between representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Central Housing and Planning Authority, Guyana Energy Agency, Guyana Revenue Authority, Lands and Survey, Guyana Sea Defence Board and other stakeholders on a wide range of issues concerning forestry and exporting forest products.

Participants called for the Central Housing and Planning Authority to set up a regional office in Region Two, while sawmiller Mr. Nizam Barakat called for the EPA to set up offices in every region so that the entire country can be well served.

More kitchen gardens in Region Two
Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Chairman Mr. Vishnu Samaroo has reported that there is an increase in the cultivation of kitchen gardens in the region.

Addressing Councillors of the Regional Democratic Council at their statutory meeting on Tuesday, Mr. Samaroo said Essequibians are responding positively to the Minister of Agriculture’s call to grow more food.

Mr. Samaroo also reported that the government, through the Regional Administration, will be opening up more lands for farming in the region.

According to the Vice Chairman, focus is currently on the Cozier Agriculture Scheme and the Aurora farming area.

A total of some 12,000 acres of virgin land in the two areas will be developed for farming

A new garbage dump for Charity/Urasara
CHAIRMAN of the Local Government and Hinterland Sub-committee of the Regional Democratic Council, Mr. Pooran Persaud has reported that the Charity/Urasara Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is developing a new dump site for garbage disposal.

Addressing councillors at their statutory meeting on Tuesday, Mr. Persaud said the site in Charity was cleared and prepared by a Hymac.

The dump site is on government state land.
According to Persaud, garbage is a serious problem in the Charity area and the new dump site will bring much relief to residents.

Mr. Persaud said on Mondays after the busy market, the area along the waterfront and the end of the public road are littered with garbage. Most of the drains are also filled with food boxes, plastic bags and bottles.
Charity is earmarked for town status soon.

More farmers to benefit from improved breeding animals
THE Ministry of Agriculture will be distributing new breeds of pigs and Black Belly breeding rams as part of the Ministry's ‘Grow More Food’ Campaign for the livestock sector.

The pig distribution is the second such exercise since the launching of the Swine Improvement Programme in April 2008, while the breeding ram initiative has been an ongoing exercise to provide higher quality breeding animals to farmers through the Ministry's research arm - NARI.

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud, will deliver remarks at the distribution exercise, while Farmers and Senior Officers of the Guyana Defence Force and the Ministry of Agriculture will be present.

The event will be held at 11:00 hrs tomorrow at the Guyana Defence Force Livestock Farm, Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara.
All interested farmers are invited.

‘Just who will repair the fence, and when?’
THIS horrific accident occurred around 16:45 hrs yesterday, at the corner of New Garden and Crown Street – outside the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC).

Whilst the drivers remained tight lipped, and it could not immediately be established what was the exact cause of the accident, one thing was certain: It was nothing short of a miracle that 26-year-old Mark Charles, the driver of this badly wrecked vehicle (PFF 9580) that smashed and rammed into the DCC’s concrete fence, emerged from this wreckage unhurt and alive to later tell the tale. (Photos by Adrian Narine)

11 injured as 2 minibuses plunge into Vlissengen Road trench
AN out-of-control Route 48 minibus slammed into another minibus at the corner of Vlissengen Road and Croal Street, Georgetown, yesterday, and they both ended up in the trench there. Eleven persons were injured.

The accident took place about 12:45 h, when eyewitnesses said they saw minibus BKK 778, which plies the Stabroek/Sophia route, jump the traffic lights and careen into minibus BHH 5996 which is contracted by Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) for transporting employees.

Eyewitnesses added that both mini buses ended up in the nearby trench, and the passengers were quickly pulled from the submerged vehicles by public-spirited citizens including minibus drivers who were protesting rising fuel prices at the Square of the Revolution (Cuffy Square) across the way.

An injured and shaken passenger, Elenni (only name given) said she was a passenger in mini bus, BKK 778, from Sophia when the driver lost control of the vehicle and came to a standstill in the trench.

She sustained injuries to her arm and some cuts and bruises about the body.

The young lady told the Guyana Chronicle that she was pulled from the minibus by public spirited citizens and expressed thanks that she was not seriously injured.

Seven of the casualties rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) for treatment were school children on lunch break.

They suffered varying injuries, including fractures, sprains and abrasions

Their names were given as: Tameka Reid, 13, of 925 Sophia – a student of St. Mary’s Secondary School; Nekisha Fraser, 17, of 153 ‘C’ Field Sophia; Norman Tony, 12, of A Field Sophia; Kelvin Fletcher, 13, of HH Freeman Street, La Penitence; Shonette Kellman ,13, of 35 D’Urban Street, Wortmanville and Tanesha Chester, 12, of 51 Samatha Point Grove, East Bank Demerara – both students of East Ruimveldt Secondary School; and Shane London, 16, of 46 B Friendship, East Bank Demerara.

Meanwhile, the adults injured and treated at the GPH were: Marvin Benn, 37, of 42 John Street, Campbellville – the driver of the minibus; Patricia Aaron, 56, of 648 East Ruimveldt; Trevor Belle, 29, of 43 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, and Travis Knights, 19, of 38 B Field Sophia.

UG lecturer assaulted
A University of Guyana lecturer was yesterday morning rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital suffering a fractured nose, after an alleged assault by a man with whom he had a misunderstanding.

Forty-one-year-old Richard Sorrentino, of European descent, of 248 Duncan Street, Newtown, arrived at the Accident and Emergency Unit around 11:45 h, accompanied by the Police, suffering injuries to the face.

Reports said that Sorrentino was speaking with another man when an argument ensued, and the latter struck him on his face with a piece of wood.
The police are investigating.

Govt’s interventions contain movement in consumer price index to 4.8% in First Quarter
IN light of increasing world prices, inflation rates around the world have increased and to cushion this impact on domestic consumers, Government has over the past several months implemented a number of measures to ensure that there is not a high increase in Guyana.

According to a release from the Bureau of Statistics, “The compounded effect of both domestic and external factors contributed to an inflation rate of 14.0 per cent during 2007... The impact of external factors (imported price escalations in both food and fuel imports) have continued unabated into 2008, and small open economies like Guyana have had to bear the full brunt of this reality resulting in the participation by Government in several initiatives at the Regional level and introduction of additional policy measures nationally to bring further levels of relief to the populace as a whole in the ongoing combat against the rise in global food prices and the cost of living.”

As a result of government’s interventions to contain the impact of world market price movements in the domestic environment, the consumer price index moved by only 4.8 percent for the first quarter of 2008.

Commenting on the release, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh said “it is clear that the several measures implemented by Government since the start of the year have helped significantly to restrict the pass-through of some of the world market price developments to the domestic environment”.

“Government took these actions with the specific intention and objective of ensuring that domestic consumers are provided with some cushion from the very adverse external developments that we are currently witnessing,” Singh said.

Obvious examples of actions taken by Government that would have provided direct relief to the domestic consumer are the reduction in excise tax on petroleum products and the zero-rating of an extensive list of items under the value-added tax (VAT).

Among the interventions implemented by Government in this regard is a progressive reduction of the fuel excise tax by government from 50 percent on gasoline at the start of 2007 to 17 percent and now 7 percent.

There was also the reduction of the tax on diesel from 10 percent to zero percent at the beginning of last year. Additionally, there is no taxation or duty on kerosene.

Furthermore, Government zero-rated a number of items for VAT purposes at the start of this year, including flour and wheat. Government also liberalized the importation of flour and wheat to promote competition and contain price movement, and facilitated importation of chicken also to promote price competition.

It was highlighted that in comparison to the first quarter of 2007 there has been a relative decline in production by the rice and sugar industries as a result of adverse weather conditions thereby affecting the availability of supply on the local market during the first quarter of 2008, with consequential effects on the level of prices.

The Bureau said, “Initiatives were taken by government during the first quarter, through the Ministry of Agriculture, to stabilise the price of rice in the short-term, and in respect of sugar, even with the shortfall in production GUYSUCO was very strident in making it known to the populace that it had not increased its wholesale selling price of sugar to its major wholesaler customers even though this relief was not afforded to customers by retailers.

In respect of the imported prices over which the economy has no control, the Bureau said it was noticeable that imported milk prices declined on the market by -0.8 per cent, and this decline was consistent with the declared reduction in import prices by Importers to the Customs and Trade Administration.

The Georgetown Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the main tool used by the Government to measure the rate of inflation, and is also used by policy makers and other stakeholders for monitoring changes in prices. (GINA)

Eighth Chinese medical brigade welcomed
-- interventional cardiologist in batch
IN an effort to advance the level and quality of health care, Guyana over the past 14 years has benefited from the expertise of seven medical teams which have made significant contributions to the local health sector.

On Thursday evening at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, a ceremony of farewell and welcome was held for the outgoing and newly arrived Chinese medical teams.

The eighth batch of medical personnel consists of an anesthetist, general surgeon, pathologist, radiologist, gynaecologist and an interventional cardiologist.

The introduction of the interventional cardiologist in this batch is in fulfillment of a request made last year by the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

He said it is the first time in the country’s history that Guyana’s medical profession will benefit from the services of an interventional cardiologist working over a long period.

“This will add to the effectiveness of the country’s cardiac services,” Minister Ramsammy said.

The Health Minister was pleased that the medical teams continue to comprise of gynaecologists since only four years are left to fulfill the Millennium Development Goals and maternal and infant mortality remains a major priority.

The outgoing batch of Chinese medical personnel who served at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and Linden Hospital Complex consisted of 14 doctors including an ophthalmologist, an orthopedic surgeon, a plastic surgeon and pathologists.

During their two-year stay they collectively made a significant contribution to the country’s health sector. The team has treated more than 45,000 patients and conducted more than 4,500 surgeries in ophthalmology, orthopedics, general surgery, gynaecology, and plastic surgery.

In particular, 7,400 cataract surgeries were done.

During the past two years there has also been the introduction of a number of new services including laparoscopy surgery and surgery for cataract.

The Chinese team has also shared their knowledge with local staff and provided training to them to conduct laparoscopy surgery.

Additionally, several donations were made to the GPHC. On October 11, 2006 the ophthalmology department received modern equipment donated by the Chinese government valued at US $85,000 which serves for laparoscopic, retinal and other surgeries.

There was also a donation made of US$305,000 to construct an apartment complex at East and Church Streets to accommodate future Chinese medical teams, which will have a recreational facility and will serve to make the team stay more comfortable. This facility is expected to be completed in ten months time.

Head of the outgoing batch, Ophthalmologist Dr Chun He Shi, said though there were a few challenges during the team’s stay, through assistance from the Ministry of Health, “We have been working hard to provide the best medical care to a large number of patients.”

On March 26, 1993 the Protocol concerning the dispatch of a Chinese medical team to work in Guyana was signed between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Guyana.

At the ceremony, members of the outgoing medical team were presented with plaques, medals and tokens of appreciation for their services to Guyana. (GINA)

Totem poles are part of Guyanese Amerindian culture
By Priya Nauth
PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds Thursday noted that the ‘Totem (symbolize or decorate) Pole’ by Guyanese artist Telford Taylor, is a call for everyone to enjoy the arts of the different peoples of Guyana.

He made this pitch during the unveiling of another art piece, part of the CARIFESTA X Visual Arts Committee Art Projects.

Guyana is hosting the cultural extravaganza again, after 36 years, under the theme ‘One Caribbean, One Purpose – Our Culture, Our Life.’

The sculpture was created by Arawak artist Taylor, who named the structure ‘Hikarana Pole- a Message of Joy’, after a king fisher bird and was displayed Thursday outside the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology at Main Street, Georgetown.

Hinds congratulated Taylor for making the contribution to the country to share with all Guyanese and those who visit the country.

“I hope it will be an inspiration to other people to make similar contributions to our country,” he urged.

“I think it is a call to everyone of us in Guyana to enjoy the art of our different people…so let us enjoy the art of each other and also let us contribute to the art of our country,” the Prime Minister urged.

“We have a task of becoming one Guyanese people…I think that we must make this totem pole, a Guyanese totem pole,” he suggested.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr. Desrey Fox, also congratulated the artist for his efforts and urged him to continue to express himself, contributing to the maintenance of the Guyanese Amerindian culture.

The minister, in brief remarks, informed the gathering that the ‘Totem Pole’ is a symbol of a group of people, tribal, a family or an individual, and so it is a symbol representing individual and family identity.

“It is also an iconic symbol which can be represented in several ways; for instance a totem pole can represent spiritual beings and ancestors, animals, birds, serpents or fish,” she noted.

“In the cases where ancestors and spiritual beings are carved on totem poles to be placed in some area of prominence, it is believed that the totem is the embodiment of a spiritual guide, protector or guardian spirit, and in other instances the animals, birds, serpents or fish or some other symbol carved on a totem pole embody a symbol for a particular identity,” Dr. Fox added.

Dr. Fox also attested that totem poles can be defined and represented in any number of items, such as an emblem, a small figurine, walking stick, central poling, a benab, dancing stick, ceramics or wooden pendant.

“It is important to note that totem poles and totemic icons are very much of Guyanese Amerindian cultures and have been for centuries,” she emphasized.

She also pointed out that totem poles are more social than religious and share nothing in common with idols and are never worshipped nor featured in religious ceremonies, because they only represent individual and family identity.

“More importantly totem poles are visible reminders of the past and present, and are popular in many cultures around the world, such as Asia, African, North and South America, Europe and Saharan countries,” she asserted.