150 more Guyanese granted 2008 Cuban scholarships
ONE hundred and fifty more Guyanese have been awarded under the Cuban Scholarship Programme, this year.

The awardees will undergo studies in different disciplines in Cuba and the latest are the last to be granted special scholarships through an agreement between President Bharrat Jagdeo and then President Fidel Castro.

The arrangement facilitated 1,000 young scholars, according to Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon.

Speaking at his regular post Cabinet briefing yesterday, he said 117 awards were made in 2002, 93 in 2003, 52 in 2004 and 56 in 2005.

Luncheon said 351 were granted in 2006, the largest number and the grant was extended to 147 last year.

He said the 2008 batch comprises 22 (Agricultural Sciences), 24 (Engineering Sciences), 100 (Medical Science) and the remainder (Computer and other disciplines).

Luncheon said the engineering and agricultural sciences students should arrive in Cuba by the last week in September and would be followed by those in the medical science field.

He added that efforts would be made to prepare a successor programme but, instead of focusing on human resource development, particularly in the area of sciences, the emphasis would most likely be on the further engineering and agricultural sciences and, perhaps later, technology.

The modalities would be worked out in bilateral discussions and the outcome would be made known to the public, Luncheon said.

DDL announces US$23M expansion as profits increase
CHAIRMAN of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Mr. Yesu Persaud yesterday announced that the company has embarked on a US$23M capital expansion programme.

He said it includes the construction of a bottling plant, a multi-column still and a bio-methanisation plant, all new.

Persaud told reporters that the projects will have a satisfactory payback and allow for the renewal of plant and equipment and position the entity to take advantage of the opportunities that are presenting themselves on the international market.

DDL Vice-President, International Marketing, Mr. Komal Samaroo said three of DDL’s aged premium rums, the 12, 15 and 21 year olds have won gold medals in their respective categories at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

He said the flagship product, El Dorado 15 Year Old, won the ‘Best Rum’ trophy.

Samaroo explained that IWSC is the premier international rum competition that is staged annually in London, England, and attracts all the major brands worldwide.

Distinction
He said the El Dorado 15 Year Old has the distinction of winning the gold medal for best rum at the IWSC for 10 years now.

DDL is also introducing a new product, the 3 Year Old white rum.

In a summary of the five-year financial review, General Manager, Mr. Loris Nathoo said turnover increased by 30 per cent in the last five years, from $9.1 billion to $11.8 billion.

He said that represents 5.5 per cent more year on year for the last five years.

Nathoo reported that profit before interest and tax surpassed $2 billion in 2007, 61 per cent better than the 2002 performance.

He said that is 10 per cent higher year on year and, by any standard, is steady sustained growth, despite the challenges that exist in the local and international markets.

“Total assets increased by 55 per cent, to $17.6 billion, at the end of 2007, as compared to $11.3 billion at the end of 2002,” Nathoo disclosed.

He said the Shareholders’ Fund was almost $410 billion in 2007, increasing by 59 per cent in the last five years.

Nathoo said the return on that has averaged 16 per cent over the last five years.

Regarding cash flows, he said DDL generated, from operations in those five years, more than $8.7 billion and, over this period, $4.2 billion were used for investment activities (purchase of fixed assets etc.).

Dividends
In addition, in excess of $1.3 billion were paid in dividends and $2.5 billion in corporation and property taxes, he added.

Nathoo revealed that the new modernised and fully automated bottling factory will result in doubling the existing capacity, catering for the projected higher demand for DDL’s world renowned El Dorado brand products locally and internationally.

It will be erected on the site of the old sugar factory, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, where it will be 352 feet long and 184 feet wide and contain a reservoir that can hold in excess of 40,000 gallons and make it self-sufficient.

The multi-column still will add to capacity and flexibility for producing an even wider range in the distillery and significantly improve the overall distillation and fuel efficiencies, Nathoo offered.

He said that would allow DDL to continue competing successfully in the world stage, given the escalating cost of fuel and molasses.

The bio-methanisation plant would utilise the spent wash from the distillery to produce biogas and replace up to two-thirds of the fuel oil currently used for the distillery operations.

According to Nathoo, this conversion of spent wash to biogas will facilitate more environmentally friendly disposal.

Making brief remarks at the press conference as well, were Mr. Egbet Carter, a director and Mr. Bal Persaud, Human Resource/Training Manager, who also accompanied media representatives on a tour of the Diamond complex.

$31.3M centre being built for juveniles on remand
A BUILDING, to cost $31.3M, will be constructed at Sophia to house juvenile offenders on remand from the Courts.

The contract for the construction received the ‘no objection’ from the last Cabinet meeting, the Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon said yesterday.

He told his weekly briefing that the facility should accommodate about 30 persons and the need for it arose as a result of the number of minors who have appeared and continue to appear in Courts.

He said, when the youths are remanded, they are kept with hardened criminals while awaiting the conclusion of their trials.

Luncheon said the Administration finds such a situation “intolerable” and has vowed to end it.

The new structure would be for both sexes but they will be held separately, he added.

Fire incident at NCC
- Culture Minister calls on perpetrators to desist from further acts
DEEPLY moved by the fire and shocking discovery of what appears to be an explosive device in the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on the evening of June 16, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, has appealed to those responsible to desist from further such actions.

Minister Anthony, along with members of the CARIFESTA Secretariat and a few prominent figures from the local theatre were on the scene when the device was discovered.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was summoned after persons outside of the Centre, saw smoke emanating from the roof. The smoke turned out to be the result of a small fire that gutted the curtains and parts of the main stage.

Members of the Fire Service upon further investigation discovered a suspected explosive device underneath the main stage. The device included four blue cylindrical bottles partly covered in a black plastic bag and strapped together with wires.

Minister Anthony praised the prompt response and action by members of the GFS, to constrain the fire and avoid any further catastrophe to the Centre which will be one of several host venues for the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) in August.

The Minister said the police will be making pronouncements after investigations and that speculations should be dismissed.

The NCC which was one of the host venues for the first CARIFESTA in 1972, is one of the important venues for the Tenth festival.

“The police and the fire people would have to advise us exactly what it is that they discovered here. I think it’s too early for us to have all of those details but certainly they should advise us,” Minister Anthony said.

Repairs will have to be done on the damaged areas since the venue will be hosting various aspects of the performing arts including theatrical performances, dance and music recitals.

One month ago on the same date, another incident occurred at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport after gunmen hurled a “channa bomb” into its compound on Main Street, scorching one of the window curtains.

Two men with firearms also exited a vehicle and discharged a number of shots at the northern side of the Ministry shattering windows and damaging the walls, the police had said.

The incident occurred shortly after gunmen opened fire indiscriminately on the Water Chris hotel a few corners away.

Amidst much speculation that the event was an attempt to derail CARIFESTA X, Minister Anthony had assured that it was a failure and that the Ministry’s preparations will continue.

In April, Minister Anthony condemned a statement by People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader, Robert Corbin, that serious protests will be held to make CARIFESTA “unmanageable”.

The Minister said that the comments were irresponsible and potentially disrupting to national life, noting that it is foolhardy for any responsible national leader to make such statements.

Maraj re-elected BCCDA President
THE Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) held its Annual General Meeting on May 22nd, 2008, in New Amsterdam, Berbice, and Mr. Ramesh Maraj was re-elected for a second consecutive term as head of the Chamber.

According to a release from the National Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce of Guyana (ARCC), the following persons were also elected to manage the affairs of the Chamber for 2008-2009:

Senior Vice President - Shri Khirodhar
Junior Vice President - Elwin Jones
Secretary - Gyandat Marray
Treasurer - Joel Mc Pherson
Asst. Secretary / Treasurer - Patricia Merriman
Public Relations Officer - Avia Lindie

The release also noted that the ARCC was also instrumental in the resuscitation of the West Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WBCIC) which was dormant for over two years, since the death of its Past President Muntaz Ali.

It said that Chairman of ARCC, Mr. Daniel Gajie, was in Rosignol to observe the elections, which was held on May 22nd, 2008, at the Rosignol Fishermen Co-op.

The newly elected body is headed by prominent Berbice Attorney-at-Law Mr. Joel Edmond, who is confident that with the cooperation of its membership; West Berbice Chamber will once again rise to prominence amongst Guyana’s Private Sector and will provide much needed guidance to businesses and entrepreneurs in the area, it said.

The following persons were elected to manage the affairs of the Chamber for 2008-2009:

President - Joel Persid Edmond
Senior Vice President - George Barrat
Junior Vice President - Raymond Ramdatt
Secretary - Desmond Goodman
Treasurer - Arjune Singh
Asst. Secretary / Treasurer - Sabeer Baskh

After survey…
NAC recommends legislative solution to deal with HIV/AIDS
By Priya Nauth
THE National AIDS Committee (NAC) has found that stigma is a major obstacle to progress in the fight against HIV.

The finding was revealed from a survey, the NAC reported, last week Tuesday, at a press conference in its Hadfield Street and Old College Road, Georgetown office.

The NAC undertook the study in collaboration with people living with HIV/AIDS and interviewed 300 persons over a three weeks period, across nine Administrative Regions, in a bid to access the impact of stigma and discrimination on those affected by the virus.

Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) was the only region excluded from the probe.

The exercise was made possible through a grant from Pan Caribbean Partnership for AIDS (PANCAP) and considerable voluntary support from People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), the NAC said.

Overall, the NAC said, while the analysis disclosed low levels of discrimination, defined as ‘unfair treatment’, with respect to accessing anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment, care and support and at workplaces, there is evidence of substantial stigma or non-acceptance of people living with HIV and AIDS by families, religious organisations and even, in isolated cases, by medical personnel.

NAC said achieving accurate estimates of the number of PLWHAs in Guyana will remain impossible without a significant reduction in stigmatising attitudes.

It believes that the most urgent step to be taken, in the direction of rectifying the situation, is to implement the legal and policy reforms required to provide human rights protection and respective treatment to vulnerable sub-populations.

The NAC is a voluntary body which promotes HIV/AIDS policy and advocacy issues, advises the Ministry of Health and assesses the work of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) in relation to the National AIDS Programme.

The NAC also encourages the formation of Regional AIDS Committees (RACs) amongst non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

NAC Chairperson, Ms. Hyacinth Sandiford, said the baseline for the investigation was taken from recorded cases between 2002 and 2006 and, from that, a percentage was calculated in each region.

She said the 47 questions were asked by interviewers selected from every one of the regions covered who interviewed PLWHAs, using support groups, organisations, hospitals and wherever the targeted persons were contacted.

Honest answers
Sandiford also informed that most of the interviewers were PLWHA, so they were able to relate to the interviewees openly and in a comfortable manner, resulting in honest answers.

“The survey shows that stigma is the primary factor why people are not disclosing and why the spread is so prevalent,” she reiterated.

Sandiford said the disclosures will be submitted to all the relevant authorities.

She said the respondents comprised 60 per cent females and 40 per cent males, with almost two-thirds, 193 persons or 64 per cent from Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica).

Nearly half (49 per cent) of those who responded have been HIV positive for between one and five years and a further 21 per cent between six and ten years and 70 per cent were below the age of 40 years, Sandiford said.

According to her, 78 per cent of the PLWHAs questioned were receiving ARV drug treatment and 73 per cent said they were subjected to no ‘unfair treatment’. However, while 57 per cent felt access to the ARVs had improved, 26 per cent were of the opinion that there had been no change or that access worsened.

Her report said 73 per cent had been treated in a fair manner at institutions with which they came into contact and, of 25 per cent who complained of negative experiences, more than half said 54 per cent of the incidents cited occurred in medical clinics and 10 per cent said their experience was at workplaces and three per cent blamed non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and religious bodies.

The compilation said two-thirds of the respondents received care and treatment and a high 78 per cent acknowledged never experiencing unfair treatment.

Of those reporting unfair treatment, about two-thirds of them said it occurred in Government institutions and 22 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively, blamed the private sector and NGOs.

Forty-nine per cent who receive care and support believed their service had improved, 35 per cent said it remained the same and three per cent said it had deteriorated.

Nineteen per cent in need of care and support were not receiving any because they believe they had a job (13 per cent), physical appearance (28 per cent), voluntary decision (14 per cent) and family support (13 per cent).

Eighty-five percent of the target group admitted their status and 34 per cent endured some form of unfair treatment, most of which by the family of the PLWHA (48 per cent); at the workplace (17 per cent); with housing (10 per cent) and through religion (nine per cent).

Almost identical numbers felt the situation with respect to reactions to disclosure was improving (39 per cent) or remained the same (40 per cent) and 22 per cent alleged loss of income.

Embarrassment
Fifty-four per cent spoke of stress and embarrassment at the hands of family members following their status discovery and 18 per cent were similarly treated by the religious community.

Fifty-two per cent were employed and 47 per cent unemployed, with 17 per cent reporting that access to employment had improved over the period they have been PLWHAs; 50 per cent said it remained the same and 14 per cent stated that it had deteriorated.

Fourteen per cent claimed to have been refused jobs because of their HIV status and 12 per cent made the claim that they had been dismissed, making a total of almost a quarter of them suffering such consequences.

Thirty-five per cent said they lost income since they became PLWHAs and 65 per cent lamented losing up to 50 per cent of earnings due mostly to poor state of health and physical appearance.

Eighty per cent talked of unfair treatment and 48 per cent identified the family, 17 per cent the workplace and 11 per cent religious communities.

Nine per cent feel the situation was getting worse while, 36 per cent opined it was improving and 49 per cent detected no change.

The stigma was most prevalent in the family (50 per cent); at the workplace (15 per cent) and 11 per cent in religious communities.

GO-Invest says PSC statement reveals bias of a few
THE Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) has issued a statement on the recent Sanata Textile deal issue which has been a topic of interest in the media for the past few weeks with various entities issuing statements on the issue.

Referring to a statement Tuesday by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) in which the Commission called for an apology to be made to Mr. Yesu Persaud in light of comments made by President Bharrat Jagdeo, Go-Invest has responded to the statement.

It said the PSC’s release ‘confirms that a very small cabal of self-appointed business leaders would go to great lengths to mislead the public about the Government of Guyana’s statements on the privatisation of Sanata and the overall operation of our tax laws, while remaining silent on other important issues facing the private sector’.

Go-Invest pointed particularly to ‘the silence of the PSC when QAII, a major private sector company, committed to investing US$30M and employing over 600 persons to work in South Georgetown, was being attacked by certain media houses’.

The investment body asserted that instead, the PSC now finds it appropriate to issue a press release demanding an apology to Mr. Yesu Persaud while ignoring the context of Mr. Persaud’s statements.

“The PSC statement refers to the Ministry of Finance press release of June 16, 2008, and tries to make a nexus between the decision to privatise the Sanata Complex and Guyana’s tax laws,” the release stated, adding that it has long been established that the entire privatisation of the company was conducted in accordance with open and transparent processes including public advertisements on no less than 20 occasions.

“In addition, it was the Government, through the privatisation unit and Go-Invest, at the May 19 press conference that voluntarily announced the full privatisation details and the tax concessions,” it added further.

Go-Invest said the insinuation that the privatisation did not conform with the requirements of Guyana ’s existing laws is therefore totally dishonest and reflects ignorance of the privatisation framework.

The investment entity pointed out that while the PSC calls for an apology to be made to Mr. Persaud, it is in fact Mr. Persaud who owes an apology to the hosts and their guests at the launching of the Guyana Times for insulting them through thinly disguised innuendoes and insinuations about the manner in which they conducted their negotiations with the Government.

“How would Mr. Yesu Persaud like it if at a DDL function, a person invited to speak on the official programme were to choose to abuse the privilege afforded to them by casting aspersions against DDL?,” it said.

Go-Invest, in its statement then noted that Mr. Persaud inappropriately and discourteously suggested that the principals of Queens Atlantic Investments Incorporated received special treatment in their transaction with the Government and added that it is particularly ironic that this came from Mr. Persaud though his company also benefitted from similar concessions in the past, including special support.

In this light, the investment entity pointed to some of the previous ventures of Mr. Persaud and his companies which also benefitted from tax holidays.

“The Decipher International Medical Transcription pioneering project was granted a tax holiday and other special support such as rent-free space, a training subsidy of $19M and the furnishing of the centre with computers and workstations…all of the equipment and a vehicle were granted duty-free and tax-free concessions. In addition most of the expansion and new projects of DDL were granted exemptions of Customs Duty, VAT an Excise tax on machinery, equipment and vehicles,” the statement pointed out.

In the meantime, Go-Invest said that it was interesting to note that the PSC did not see it fit to comment on the loss of the US$12M distillery project which could have provided Guyana’s sugar industry with an opportunity to improve its viability.

“This major investment was stymied by DDL’s legal action against Guysuco, thereby disadvantaging tens of thousands of workers in the sugar industry,” the entity stated.

Go-Invest concluded that ‘this latest statement by the PSC reveals the misplaced priorities of some among its leadership, who consider it more important to call for an apology to Mr. Yesu Persaud than to express a view on the several other more important issues, including the fact that this investment by QAII is a most welcome investment in Guyana’.

It contended though that ‘all objective observers would know that the authors of the PSC release are few in number and are not representative of Guyana’s dynamic and growing private sector, the overwhelming majority of whom enjoy genuine working relationships with Government based on mutual respect’. (GINA)

Grow More campaign intensifies
- Agriculture Minister meets with Region Three farmers
THE ‘Grow More’ food campaign launched by the Ministry of Agriculture in March, in light of the rising food prices globally, has intensified with Ministry officials moving around the country encouraging residents to get on board and providing assistance in the form of agricultural materials. The campaign also encourages farmers to increase crop cultivation and livestock rearing to ensure adequate food supplies for themselves, their country and to help satisfy the demand in the Caribbean Region and internationally.

In photo, from left, GRDB General Manager Jagnarine Singh, RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, Region Three Chairman Julius Faerber and New GMC's General Manager Hassan Nizam at the Goed Fortuin meeting on Tuesday. (GINA photo)

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and a team from his Ministry, officials from the Regional Democratic Council and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), on Tuesday conducted meetings in Region Three on the ‘Grow More’ campaign at the Windsor Forest and Goed Fortuin primary schools.

The Minster addressed some of the pressing issues affecting farmers and continued his appeal to grow more to offset the current high food prices. Among the issues addressed were the effects of climate change, maintenance of drainage and irrigation structures, accessibility to export markets, and high oil prices which are major contributing factors affecting food crops locally and internationally.

The need for farmers to become proactive in the fight against climate change and the proper management of farms was stressed by the Minister.

The Ministry, through its agencies, will continue to give farmers needed support by providing services such as farmers’ field training and Extension services agents.

The acquisition and distribution of new technology and new techniques will also stimulate increased production, the Minister said, to help mitigate challenges facing the sector.

Production of other crops will significantly be boosted in the region with major drainage and irrigation works being done, and bridges and access roads completed.

It was noted that through the Agricultural Services Support Programme (ASSP), farmers benefitted through the provision of $37M for drainage and irrigation. The canals and primary drainage system in farming communities were cleaned.

He reiterated that “we live in a world in which food is becoming a scarce commodity” and urged farmers to cooperate and strive for a modern and competitive food sector.

Farmers were given planting materials and pamphlets on the ‘Grow More’ campaign.(GINA)

OP expresses condolences
“At a time when Government and NGO’s give so much attention to domestic violence, street crime and suicide, it is pathetic to learn of the ongoing slaughter of innocent lives.”

This is a statement made by Personal Assistant to the President, Shri Prakash Gossai when he visited the family of Sheliza Khan of Lancaster, Mahaica.

Fifteen-year-old Sheliza was brutally murdered on the Hope Estate Road on Sunday morning.

Mr. Gossai, representing the Office of the President (OP), offered condolences on behalf of the Office of the President.

He seized the opportunity to speak to relatives and friends about the importance of education for our youngsters and urged the community to look out for each other.

“We are living at a time when we must love all and serve all,” he said.

Ms. H. Lagan of the Ministry of Social Services accompanied Mr. Gossai, and expressed lamentation at this tragedy.

“My Minister, Priya Manickchand is devastated at such inhumane actions,” she said.

Residents of the quiet Lancaster neighbourhood are still in shock and dismay at what they describe as “unforgiving and intolerant”.

Mr. Sawh, uncle of the deceased, called upon authorities to “comb” the neighbourhoods more regularly.

“Too many young men lime at the street heads and bridges only awaiting a chance to prey on innocent ones” he said.

Mr. Gossai offered prayers with the family. “May the Lord give you the strength to endure this irreparable loss”.

Family members were very comforted by the visit and thanked the President and all others for their care and concern at this tragic time.

Several Amerindian communities benefit from German Bank funds
SEVERAL Amerindian communities are benefiting from funds made available through the German Bank for Reconstruction and Development (KfW) Small Grants component of the Guyana Protected Areas System (GPAS), being implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with support from GFA Consultancy Group of Germany.

In a press release from EPA, it said that these communities are now better equipped to enhance their livelihoods and economic standing and foster development not only of the locale but of the people who reside in these areas.

The release said that the Village of Moco Moco in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) now has communal ownership of a tractor, a five-tonne hydraulic dump trailer, a disc plough, a disc harrow and a threshing machine which was handed over by EPA as part of a G$16M farming project aimed at developing savannah agriculture, increase crop production and reduce poverty in the village.

“The village, which is contiguous to the proposed Kanuku Mountains Protected Area is expected to utilise the equipment for the cultivation of approximately 36.45 hectares of farmland in the savannah with crops such as rice, peanuts, sorrel, cassava and peas and will build on the experiences of a 2001 pilot project which explored farming in the Savannahs,” the release said.

“In addition to the socio-economic benefits of increased food supply and income for the community, the project is expected to reduce the frequency of clearing forested areas to cultivate farms thus contributing to the conservation of the Kanuku Mountains as part of the proposed national system of protected areas,” it noted.

Almond Beach Community in Region One, a part of the proposed Shell Beach Protected Area, also benefited from the Project in the form of a tractor and trailer to improve the transportation and marketing of water coconuts at Almond Beach thereby increasing the income for community members through the sale of a greater number of water coconuts.

The release stated that currently, the community collects water coconuts from a 11km stretch of coconut plantations and transports them to the Waini River where they are exported to Trinidad for bottling.

“The project costs G$5M and will provide alternative income to illegal harvesting of marine turtles,” the release said.

It said that KfW has been providing grants over the last two years for communities living in and around protected areas or areas proposed for protection.

The funds are intended to assist in improving the livelihoods of the people in these communities, it noted.

Other sub - projects successfully completed under the Project include:

Marketing of the North West Organics (NWO) Products;

Construction of the Crabwood Oil Factory in Waini;

Provision of Boat, Engine and Ranger Equipment for the Kaieteur National Park;

Development of Craft Skills in Chenapou Village;

Fencing of farmlands in Maruranau Village and;

Delineation of the Proposed Kanuku Mountains Protected Area

“The Kanuku Mountains and Shell Beach were identified as pilot sites for the establishment of protected areas under the GPAS Project by the Government of Guyana,” the release said.

“The KfW Small Grants Project which facilitated the implementation of this venture, is a component of the Guyana Protected Areas Systems and it aims to support local projects by providing grants to communities in and around protected areas or in areas proposed for protection,” it explained.

“Since its commencement in March 2006, the KfW Small Grants projects have supported a number of community projects in the areas of Shell Beach, Kaieteur and the Kanuku Mountains,” EPA noted.