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Adversities and challenges should act as an inspiration
President Bharrat Jagdeo in his address on the occasion of Guyana’s 42nd Independence Anniversary implored the nation that the current adversities and challenges should act as an inspiration to develop a sense of confidence that there is a greater Guyanese destiny than the problems being encountered.

We shall not retreat or succumb in the face of these adversities. If the independence we celebrate today is to mean anything, it should inspire us to draw from within ourselves a sense of confidence that there is a Guyanese destiny greater than the problems we face today, and that through a combination of vision and hard work we will overcome the challenges we face.

He implored Guyanese that while there is need to act decisively in the short term to confront existing problems, simultaneously there must be a focus on a strategic vision to lay the long term foundations for a secure and prosperous nation.

Here is the full text of his address:

H.E. PRESIDENT BHARRAT JAGDEO’S INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH ON MAY 26, 2008
My Fellow Guyanese:
“We shall not retreat or succumb in the face of these adversities. If the independence we celebrate today is to mean anything, it should inspire us to draw from within ourselves a sense of confidence that there is a Guyanese destiny greater than the problems we face today, and that through a combination of vision and hard work we will overcome the challenges we face.”

“As we forge this new economy, there is one further area where Guyana can literally lead the world, and this is our ability to advance the world’s attempts to avert the worst extremes of climate change. The importance of tropical forests to the world is well known. Tropical forests store carbon and are home to a wealth of bio-diversity. Tropical deforestation contributes about 20% of the world’s greenhouse gases. Yet in the Kyoto Protocol there is very little incentive to address this problem compared with other sources of greenhouses gases. We are working to reverse this disproportionality. We are arguing that there should be market-based incentives for the preservation of rainforests. If this goal is realized, we could see significant flows to countries like Guyana, resources that can be deployed to protect our people and productive lands from rising sea levels, and to support the investments in health, education and low-carbon economic activities.”

On this day 42 years ago, the Golden Arrowhead flew for the first time above a free and independent Guyana. As we gather here tonight, we pay tribute to those who struggled and sacrificed to ensure our freedom. We acknowledge the earlier generations who led the fight for freedom from slavery and all forms of oppression, and to more recent generations who sustained this resolve to create a democratic Guyana. These generations of brave and patriotic Guyanese have collectively ensured that today we are a sovereign State. 

If today’s generation is to live up to the noble ideals bequeathed by our ancestors, then we must continue the struggle to remove injustice and create opportunities for all our people. For Independence Day is not just about reflecting on the successes and challenges of the past. It also provides us with an opportunity to draw inspiration for the future, and to re-dedicate ourselves to the hard work necessary to create an ever-better Guyana.

This is especially necessary at the time when we are experiencing a global fuel crisis which has caused the price of oil to reach levels scarcely dreamt of one year ago. Over the past 5 years, the price of crude oil has moved from about US$ 25 per barrel to US$135 per barrel, absorbing enormous amounts of our scarce foreign exchange, and increasing our cost of production and cost of living. 

Changing global consumption patterns, drought and bio-fuel policies have placed upward pressures on the prices of basic foodstuffs worldwide. Guyana is not exempt from the effects of this contagion -- our people feel the impact of these global dynamics each day. 

Climate change is an increasingly visible reality in our country. More recently, we have witnessed the devastation on production and lives associated with adverse weather patterns and flooding. It is estimated by the United Nations that 60% of our GDP was lost in the 2005 floods.

As we battle to contain these problems that originate outside our borders, we have been confronted internally by evil forces whose depravity led them to perpetuate barbarous acts of terrorism, such as those witnessed at and Lusignan and Bartica earlier this year.   

These are, but some of the challenges facing our nation today. There are many others which result from an increasingly inter-dependent global economy, including changes in terms of trade for sugar and other exports; globalised demand for our most skilled workers which leads to outward migration; and international criminal networks which when coupled with unfair deportation policies of the developed world, contribute to increased criminality in our society.

When faced with challenges like these, it would be easy to succumb to doubt and to be overwhelmed by their magnitude. We in Guyana did not cause climate change. No decision made here caused the global price of oil or food to increase. We have no influence over the drug users in the developed world whose lifestyles lead to demand for criminal networks which threaten much of the developing world.

Fellow Guyanese,

We shall not retreat or succumb in the face of these adversities. If the independence we celebrate today is to mean anything, it should inspire us to draw from within ourselves a sense of confidence that there is a Guyanese destiny greater than the problems we face today, and that through a combination of vision and hard work we will overcome the challenges we face.

This means acting decisively in the short-term to deal with problems, but it also means keeping our sights on delivering a strategic vision for our country that will provide us with the long-term foundations for a secure, prosperous and socially- just nation.

This is the approach that my Government is taking.

Every day, the law enforcement agencies are working to bring to justice the perpetrators of the Lusignan and Bartica massacres, as well as other violent crimes. They are being supported by intelligence supplied by an ever widening group of Guyanese. To give continued support and impetus to the anti-crime initiatives and to ensure a broad- based national response, we will continue to engage national stakeholders in finding solutions to this dilemma. In addition to these measures, we are implementing practical initiatives through our Security Sector Strategy- actions which will significantly increase the long-term capability of our security services.

Fellow Guyanese,

My government is mindful of the increased cost of living facing the general population. We have responded by extending the range of zero-rated items, removed the import taxes on diesel, lowered the import duties on gasoline and provided a subsidy to prevent the price of bread from rising. Through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation we are making cheaper flour and rice available to consumers. We have further supported these interventions by making more money available to our citizens through increases in wages, pensions and social assistance, an increase in the income tax threshold and by providing a cost of living adjustment for public workers earning below $50,000 per month. In addition, we have for sometime now been absorbing electricity and water costs which would otherwise have had to be passed on to consumers. All of these measures are costing the Treasury billions of dollars. 

As we try to cushion the impact of the rising global food and fuel prices, we shall ensure that social services particularly health and education are not compromised by the revenues expended and foregone through these short-term initiatives. Equally, we are repositioning our economy over the long-term. The policies to achieve this are brought together in the National Competitiveness Strategy.

Fellow Guyanese,

These are not merely statements of aspirations. We are frequently seeing that many Guyanese businesses have the innovation and entrepreneurship to create new economic successes. One significant example is the rapid emergence of a vibrant Information and Communications technology-enabled outsourcing sector employing well in excess of 1000 persons and growing at more than 40% per year. This sector is on track to emerge as one of our major exporting segments of our economy within the next five years.  

The reaction of international customers to the Guyanese professionals who provide services in this industry is almost entirely positive, proving that Guyana can compete and win in a highly competitive global market-place. These developments should serve as an inspiration to innovators and entrepreneurs across our country – whether in diversified agriculture, agri-processing, eco tourism, aquaculture, value-added forestry products, or any of the newly emerging economic sectors, which along with the modernization of the traditional sectors of the economy will form the bedrock of the new economy that is evolving. 

However, even as we patiently advance the reforms outlined in our national strategies and continue to grow new sectors in our economy, we also need to see the possibilities that are in the midst of the challenges we face. 

In today’s world, we have an unprecedented opportunity to forge a new economy, where we harness new global economic forces for our national benefit. Climate change, globalisation, rising global populations and prosperity, and regional development are forces that create challenges, but they also represent a historic opening for our country.  

Rising fuel prices make investment in hydro-electricity far more attractive, and enable us to secure the long sought after financing to eliminate our dependence on oil for the generation of electricity. In time, this may also enable us to export electricity to other countries.  

Rising food prices provide us with a particularly valuable opportunity.  Global demand for food will double by 2030 and we have enormous advantages to make the most of this opening. The “Grow More Food” campaign is not just an emotive slogan, but a call-to-action for our farmers and businesses to think big and to realise that we can build large-scale agri-businesses here in Guyana, thereby creating employment for our young people. In so doing we must disabuse ourselves of the notion that agriculture is solely a rural phenomenon and restricted to working the land. It, also, in fact, has to do with integrated linkages to research and development, marketing, pesticide, chemical and allied industries, infrastructure and agro-processing.  

As we forge this new economy, there is one further area where Guyana can literally lead the world, and this is our ability to advance the world’s attempts to avert the worst extremes of climate change. The importance of tropical forests to the world is well known. Tropical forests store carbon and are home to a wealth of bio-diversity. Tropical deforestation contributes about 20% of the world’s greenhouse gases. Yet in the Kyoto Protocol there is very little incentive to address this problem compared with other sources of greenhouses gases. We are working to reverse this disproportionality. We are arguing that there should be market-based incentives for the preservation of rainforests. If this goal is realized, we could see significant flows to countries like Guyana, resources that can be deployed to protect our people and productive lands from rising sea levels, and to support the investments in health, education and low-carbon economic activities.

Key to achieving this is building the necessary arguments for a post-Kyoto climate agreement. We are joining with strategic partners from across the world to do this.  

As I have publicly stated on a number of occasions, we are open to receiving proposals on how Guyana’s rainforest can be deployed in the global battle against climate change. Much has been said about this, and not all of it is accurate, so I want to use tonight as an opportunity to repeat three fundamental points. One, Guyana ’s sovereignty over our rainforest is not up for negotiation. Two, the legitimate development aspirations of our people will always come first, and three, when the time comes to discuss proposals for how we will implement this vision, all Guyanese will have the opportunity to participate fully in the debate on proposed solutions.

I am confident that this national debate will show the world that our independent Guyana possesses a capacity to participate with the international community, not as a poor country looking for handouts but as a proud, independent nation with an understanding of how environmental vision can sustain prosperity and the path to social justice.

Fellow Guyanese,

Throughout our history, our traditions and values have sustained our people through testing times. As we move forward confident in our ability to forge a united, secure and prosperous future, let us keep intact the values which have been a source of strength to our people -- values of hard and honest work, our deep sense of religiosity, our devotion to the well-being of our children, respect and concern for the elderly and most of all compassion for with grief and the sick. 

Tonight as we celebrate our 42nd Independence, let us also join together to send best wishes to our first President, Mr. Arthur Chung. He is ailing at the moment. I know I speak for all Guyanese when I wish him a speedy recovery.

My Fellow Guyanese: A Happy Independence Day to all.
NEWS

Significant strides made for the benefit of Guyanese
GUYANA’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Laleshwar Singh, CCH has asserted that Guyana like most modern developing countries has its share of problems; however, the country is making significant strides for the benefit of its people.

He made this remark during an address at a Multi-Faith Service held under the theme ‘In Pursuit of Greater Unity’ to commemorate Guyana’s 42nd Independence Anniversary on May 11, at the St. Magdalene Church, London, England.

The High Commissioner said following the Lusignan and Bartica massacres the government organised a national stakeholder meeting to give national ventilation to the situation in Guyana and included representatives of the government, opposition parties, Joint Services, the private sector, labour organizations and civil society.

“It is important to note that this initiative by the government was more indicative of its effort at inclusive governance, rather than its response to crime in Guyana over the years vast sums of money that have been spent to reform and enhance the capabilities of the security sector in Guyana…,” he alluded.

“The Government of Guyana is committed to developing Guyana and the evidence is there to see. Many tangible and beneficial examples abound. The ongoing construction of the Berbice River Bridge on completion will increase movement of people, trade and commerce over the country in an unprecedented way. The soon to be completed Takutu River Bridge linking Guyana with the Southern States of Brazil will both enhance trade with our giant western neighbours and go a long way in fulfilling our potential as the natural link between CARICOM and Latin America,” he said.

Also, Singh noted that there are socio-economic projects which guarantee employment and livelihoods for a significant number of our labour force including the New Industrial Complex to be constructed at the Old Sanata Textile Mills; the almost complete Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project ; and the construction of an ultra-modern five-star hotel under the franchise of world renowned Marriot Group.

“Along with the ongoing major infrastructural works which have physically transformed Guyana which are sure indicators of economic growth, the government’s effort, continue to receive the support of the world’s major financial institutions.

He said recently the Inter-American Development (IDB) approved over US$30M to support Guyana’s Agricultural Export Diversification Programme and promote a more efficient and sustainable energy sector and the IDB is also providing funding for the development of the electricity sector including hydro-power.

Another major multilateral institution, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently commended the government’s commitment to sound macro-economic and structural policies, Singh pointed out.

“While all these developmental programmes and projects are being approved and implemented, the government is pushing ahead with even greater effort to ensure that the Guyanese masses enjoy the fruits of the country’s progress,” Singh posited.

“The fact is evident in the allocations in the 2008 Budget for the critical sectors of health; education; housing, water and Sanitation; women, children and; other vulnerable groups and security and defence along others,” he asserted.”

The High Commissioner noted that the theme of the service is appropriate since no person or force has been able to break the unity which binds Guyanese together as a country of One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

“…it is incumbent upon all of us who share the Guyanese identity to forge a unity even when problems exist, that would ensure Guyana continues to progress into a modern state where everyone can prosper and have a rewarding and fulfilling life,” he encouraged.

Finance Minister attends 38th annual CDB board meeting
MINISTER of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh will attend the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) 38th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors on May 28 and 29 at the World Trade and Convention Centre, Halifax, Canada.

The Board of Governors is the highest policy-making body of the CDB. At the annual meeting, the Bank and the Governors review results, future challenges and goals to ensure that the institution continues to be a constructive, effective and sustainable partner in the region.

The meeting is also an occasion for the international community to come together and discuss the development issues pertinent to the Caribbean region.

At the meeting Dr. Singh will speak on the efforts by the Government of Guyana to contribute to development of the region.

Canada and the Caribbean have a special relationship based on a long history of close commercial, investment, cultural and political ties, as well as common values and institutions.

Present at the meeting will be Caribbean Heads of Government, Ministers of Finance and Development, Governors of Central Banks, as well as representatives from international organisations and Canadian financial institutions. (GINA)

Unique, enviable role for youths during CARIFESTA X
By Priya Nauth
COORDINATOR of the Youth sub-committee of Carifesta X, Mr. Alfred King, has stressed that there will be a unique and enviable role for the participation and involvement of youths during Carifesta slated for August 22 to 31 in Guyana.

He made this remark last Friday during the weekly press briefing to update the media on Carifesta X preparations at the Secretariat, Middle Street, Georgetown.

“…one cannot dispute the indispensable role art can play in the process of behavioural and attitudinal change and in recognising that, we thought that there should be this unique focus on youth for Carifesta X,” he said.

King said there will be two major activities for the involvement of young people: Edutainment - packaging education with entertainment and the youth village.

“This unique opportunity through the youth village will make them aware of some issues affecting young people throughout the Caribbean region and they will be allowed to participate and appreciate what is happening and be involved and develop some meaningful life skills, and be attached to meaningful activities as well,” he explained.

King said a special edutainment symposium will be conducted with six edutainment groups including from St. Lucia, Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados and Suriname.

The objectives of the symposium include:

* To discuss the status of edutainment in the region, share best practices and chart the future development of Caribbean Edutainment Art forms;

* To discuss the impact of edutainment on the HIV/AIDS epidemic and how the lessons learned can be applied to the other issues confronting the Caribbean society;

* Create a database of Edutainment performers and organisations around the Caribbean;

* To foster greater awareness among participants of the social issues negatively affecting the development of the Caribbean region and;

* Discuss the extent to which edutainment can be used to highlight the social issues affecting youths and effect positive behavior change.

The youth village aims to provide a youth friendly and organised environment that will provide edutainment for youths and will have 12 interactive centres for youths to develop their talents and express their creativity in various forms while at the same time addressing needs and issues affecting youths.

The coordinator said the youths will be exposed to issues relating to health including HIV/AIDS, healthy lifestyle, nutrition, exercise and the importance of these things to create a healthy and positive lifestyle.

King said there will be centres dealing with music, dancing, environmental issues, edutainment, adventure and discovery.

He said UNICEF will be responsible for posting positive messages around the village and youth and creating a youth technology centre.

“…things are looking well for the focus on youth for Carifesta,” he attested.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, informed the media that two additional countries Curacao and French Guiana have confirmed their participation.

“We have also had a request from Argentina, Puerto Rico, Martinique and we are looking into this…,” Anthony said.

He noted that the ministry currently has an increase in volunteers with 955 unpaid persons from various regions onboard.

“We have been engaged in a number of infrastructural developments,” he also noted.

The minister said work is presently being carried out on the eastern and western stands at the National Park, Georgetown, and repairs will commence soon on the northern stand and stage.

Additionally, he said at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, work will be done on the culvert along the Dennis Street side of the complex, while constructions are being carried out on the annex where local exhibitors will be housed and soon to the main building to facilitate the foreign delegations booths.

“We would also commence very shortly developing the site for the culinary art exhibition and food sale,” he noted.

He said the secretariat has already engaged in procuring the refrigerators, stoves and other equipment necessary for culinary art facility.

The minister said preparations for the installation of lights at the National Stadium has started and a technical team from Moscow will arrive on May 27 to start the installation process.

“…so very shortly we will have the lighting towers going up at the Stadium and these will be powered by two independent generators,” he added.

He encouraged applicants for the child art competition which closes on May 31 and noted that on June 2, work will start on a child art mural on the seawall stretching from Sheriff Street side of the seawall to Conversation Road.

“This will be a massive mural and it will be painted by the children of Guyana…,” he emphasised.

Anthony said that the first mural of the public art projects was unveiled at the Umana Yana, Kingston, last Wednesday and another public art project will be unveiled at the Walter Rodney Museum shortly.

He said the secretariat has visited Regions 3, 5, 6 and 10 to date.

“I think these visits have been quite fruitful in terms of lifting awareness in the region and we have taken the opportunity when we go out to these regions to form regional Carifesta committee,” he asserted.

The minister also said a number of regions had already formed committees and will submit plans to the secretariat to start allocating delegations to the region and upgrade some of the facilities in these regions.

Anthony noted that the Carifesta caravan has been achieving quite a lot of success and quite a lot of attraction.

“…it is helping us not only to lift awareness but to develop the spirit of Carifesta…,” Anthony observed.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, said that there are a total of 50 hotels available with a room capacity of over 3000 which have been inspected to ensure high standard and quality service.

“We also are planning to have four training seminar sessions starting in the first week of June in front desk management, hospitality…we are also training taxis also to make sure that the hotels confer with standards,” he pointed out.

Prashad said some of the hotels are already booked directly by some of the participating countries via the internet.

He said the ministry is also exploring other facilities to accommodate persons including local participants and visitors.

He said the bed and breakfast programme has been re-activated with over 100 persons already onboard; however, the homes will be inspected to ensure standards are maintained.

Another important area, the minister noted is air transportation, “if you go online now or you try to get a flight coming to Guyana you will find it is not easy, not because of Carifesta only but because of the summer vacation people are coming back in large numbers and they are coming back for Carifesta also…that is a added attraction.”

He said the ministry has been working with the airlines including LIAT, Caribbean Airline, Zoom In and Constellation Tours to assist in facilitating the participants and also the possibility of increased flights.

He said from June 1 Delta, the largest airline in the world which has recently merged with North West, will begin service with three weekly flights from New York to Guyana and Sky Service will commerce flights from Toronto, Canada from July 1 while Travel Span will resume service from June 28 with flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

“The Carifesta fever is picking up throughout the Diaspora…and more and more people will come onboard,” the minister noted.

“We are preparing for this influx of visitors for Carifesta…the airlines are gearing towards Carifesta,” he assured.

Art Director, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, said the Technical Training Project in theatre management will commence on June 2 at the National Cultural Centre.

However she noted that over 1500 responded and came up with a design to include as many persons as possible.

“The first thing we did is that we approached another international donor for support to train some additional young people…we will be training about 500 to 600 people legitimately and we are going to be giving everybody else who want an opportunity to be trained except that we cannot provide a stipend for those persons,” Mohamed explained.

The training team will include 18 top Guyanese trainers supported by nine overseas trainers.

Next Wednesday at 17:00h at the NCC, there will be an audition for a male dance troupe to participate in the opening ceremony of Carifesta X, she noted.

Also, she said the National Communications Network (NCN) will be launching a talent search in a week and the finalists will be identified to play a prominent role in Carifesta X.

Mohamed also informed that work on Guyana’s signal piece for Carifesta X has begun.

She also revealed that NCN will also be airing their Carifesta documentary from next week and a ‘Were you there Symposium’ will be conducted for persons who were part of the last Carifesta hosted in Guyana in 1972.

“Then we are going to continue our advertisement campaign,” she noted.

JFAP congratulates the nation
ON the occasion of the 42nd Anniversary of Guyana’s achievement of Independence status, Leader of the Justice for All Party (JFAP), Mr. C.N. Sharma and the party’s executive members have joined in congratulating the nation as it celebrates another milestone as an independent nation.

In a release the party noted: “On this momentous occasion, the leader would like to encourage the population and the political leaders to reflect on the struggle the country had to go through to achieve this day.”

It continued: “As such, Sharma is calling for all the politicians to stop fighting and build the nation to the best of our ability, so as to achieve what was forecast by our founding fathers.”

“Let us then stand up and salute this nation and strive for a better tomorrow, so that our children and their children will inherit a nation that has a firm footing, not only in CARICOM, but worldwide.

AFC extends Independence Day greetings to all Guyanese
THE Alliance for Change (AFC) Party has said that, in a world where wars and conflicts have marred the development of many young nations, it is important to acknowledge the achievements of the last 42 years, and the relative peace which has prevailed in Guyana during this period.

The AFC noted that, Guyana’s rich natural resources provide the potential for truly independent statehood, and freedom from external control and pressures. However, internal political disunity remains a threat to Guyana’s development as an independent nation, and the AFC sees a more inclusive form of Governance as imperative to Guyana’s continued independence.

It concluded by urging Guyanese to mark this occasion by focusing on unity and togetherness, and guarding against those divisive forces that distract us from achieving a real and lasting independence.  

Man-made obstacles obstruct Independence goals -- GPSU
THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) in its Independence Anniversary message has recalled that on May 26, 1966 “we were a proud people full of expectations.”

The union added that notwithstanding the difficulties; sacrifices; divisions and distrust which had existed; we desired and anticipated a promising future as a nation.

“We had recognised the responsibility that we had undertaken and we are prepared to embrace that challenge,” GPSU said.

However, now as then, our nation continues to be plagued by people who lack maturity.

The GPSU noted that man-made obstacles continue to obstruct the wonderful achievement of those goals that would be beneficial to all Guyanese and which would significantly contribute to laying the foundation that is necessary for there to be progress, eradication of poverty, building of trust and the creation of an environment for cooperation to realize our development prosperity and the taking of a leading role within CARICOM, which we are ideally capable of assuming.

The GPSU extends Independence greetings to all Guyanese; we must work sincerely towards these achievements; it is our duty to leave an enriched and wonderful legacy for our children and our children’s children.

THAG congratulates government, people on 42nd Independence Anniversary
THE Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has congratulated the government and people of Guyana on the 42nd anniversary of the independence of Guyana.

THAG said it looks forward in the ensuing years to Guyana becoming one of the Caribbean’s major destinations.

PNCR joins all Guyanese in Independence observances
THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has said that on the significant occasion of the 42nd Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence it joins all Guyanese at home and abroad in appropriate observances of this milestone.

However, the party has charged that no one can doubt that the political climate in this country has deteriorated as a result of the lack of continuous political dialogue and earnest attempts to implement decisions flowing from whatever limited dialogue there has been.

It accused the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration of being content with occupying all political space and remembers other stakeholders only at times of heightened crisis.

“The PNCR on this occasion has not been moved to register this catalogue of difficulties and challenges merely for partisan political reasons but more particularly as part of an effort to force this nation to do some sober reflection on how to reach a determination of what political road lies ahead.  Because the Party has made an assessment of these difficulties, it has over the last decade, been working very hard on plans and programmes, which if heeded and taken on board, can help Guyana to emerge from its current problems and begin the process of fulfilling the promise which was clear at the dawn of Independence,” the party contended.

The PNCR said it is convinced that if the various political forces and stakeholders can reach national consensus on programmes to address various issues listed above, then there is no earthly reason why real development cannot take place in this country so that subsequent celebrations of Independence can occur without being overshadowed by such menacing and deep seated problems as a lack of political dialogue, economic stagnation and serious security problem. 

“As we observe the 42nd anniversary of independence therefore the PNCR reiterates its position that the problems facing us are not insuperable and can be overcome by consensus, open political dialogue and an appropriate system of governance and that these can ensure real development and prosperity of Guyana.”

A tribute to Guyana on its 42nd anniversary of independence
THE JOURNEY
By Maureen Holder-Singh
The Golden Arrowhead flutters at half-mast, again
For the defenders of our State
And the cherished ones that lie
Shrouded in silken saris
Gowned in delicate lace
And fitted in formal wear
And our hearts explode!

And we trudge on through
This labyrinth of uncertainty
And the tyranny of marauding brutality.
And we fall through this dawn of dark despair
Leaning on our legacy
Of ancestral resiliency
As we surrender our offsprings
To the funeral pyre and the grave.
And ascending to new dimensions
We emerge to see
The Golden Arrowhead
At full-mast again, waving gloriously

Pit bulls victim experiencing unbearable pain
TWENTY-year-old Rawle Ramsaywack mauled by vicious blood hounds in Queenstown last Tuesday, yesterday said that the pain he has been forced to endure for the last six days is unbearable.

“The only time I don’t feel pain is when I am sleeping, and even then I getting confusing dreams which I think got something to do with de pain,” the slimly built Ramsaywack related, grinding his teeth, and clenching his fists as he rocked with pain.

He said he was viciously attacked by the three pit bulls which escaped from their owner’s yard through a hole in the fence and sprang on him as he was picking up fruits in an open yard. The dogs literally tore the man’s scalp off his head, down to his eyes, and chewed at his two hands as well. Both hands are now heavily strapped up to his shoulders, and his fingers swollen.

Ramsaywack who claims he has ten brothers and one sister, said his siblings all live with their mother in Suriname, but he opted to return to Guyana, following his father’s death several years ago.

With no fixed place of abode, he claims he ekes out a living by working in the Stabroek Market where he would do porter jobs fetching goods and pushing hand carts for stall holders and hucksters. He was, however, quick to dissociate himself from involvement with drugs in any form. “I don’t thief; ah don’t smoke weed; don’t fetch drugs nor be a nuisance to anybody.”

Ramsaywack said he is not sure what is likely to be the next surgical procedure, but added that

the hospital staff is taking good care of him and his dressing is changed regularly.

Meanwhile, there is growing public outrage over the frequency with which pit bull dogs have been mauling and killing innocent persons in and around the city recently, and their owners not being appropriately dealt with. Citizens are calling on the Ministry of Home Affairs to take swift action to address what they term ‘a callous act and growing nuisance’ (Shirley Thomas). (use file photo of Ramsaywack)

Barama man becomes 35th road fatality for the year
POLICE are investigating a fatal accident in which 55-year-old Godfrey Crème of Barama, North West District was killed at Adventure, Essequibo Coast last Thursday.

Reports said that around 17:30h Crème who had just disembarked from a mini-bus, was attempting to cross the Adventure public road when he was struck down by a motor car.

He was rushed to the Suddie Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police confirmed that Creme’s death brought the total road fatalities for the year to 35, compared to 77 for the corresponding period last year.

WHA President presents prestigious health awards

PRESIDENT of the World Health Assembly, Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy on Thursday last presented the prestigious annual awards on behalf of the Assembly to deserving individuals and organizations for their exemplary service in area of public health.

According to a release from the World Health Organisation, the “every year at the World Health Assembly, tribute is paid to individuals and institutions who have accomplished outstanding innovative work in development of health.”

The application for awards is open to all individuals or organizations active in the field of health. Proposals are made to the Director-General of WHO, who submits them to a selection panel. The panel decides on the recommendations to be made to the Executive Board, which designates the recipients of the prizes.

The awards this year were won as follows:

* Sasakawa Health Prize, Japan (of US$ 40 000) was awarded to the Movement for Reintegration of People Affected by Hansen's disease (MORHAN), Brazil.

The movement works to fight against leprosy (Hansen's disease), which still persists in Brazil. Its goal is to educate the community and prevent discrimination. It develops and distributes educational materials and organizes workshops to involve families and the public, using multimedia communication.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Movement was its Vice National Coordinator, Mr. Cristiano Torres. In an appreciative and very passionate response, Mr. Torres, asserted: "In our 27-year history, it is the first time that we have been given such an important award." He recalled that when he was eight years old, he suffered from leprosy and was forced into isolation.

“The elimination of Hansen's disease cannot be rooted in the death of the bacillus or the end with conviction of the disease. We need to do our best to ensure the well-being of people affected by this disease," Torres said.

* The United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize of US$ 40 000 was awarded to the Children’s Cancer Hospital in Cairo.

Opened in July 2007, this modern hospital treats children regardless of their race, creed or ability to pay. Most children come from poor families in Egypt who cannot afford the cost of cancer care.

Mrs Ola Zaki Ghabbour, the General Secretary of the hospital who received the award modestly commented: "It is amazing to be able to give sick children the opportunity to get better. The Children's Cancer Hospital was a dream that came true, thanks to the generous contributions of all Egyptians, the private sector, governmental authorities, and all loyal and faithful friends from all over the world."

* The State of Kuwait Prize for Research in Health Promotion was jointly awarded to Dr Zaza Metreveli from Georgia and Dr Chuon Chantopheas from Cambodia who received US$ 20 000 each.

Dr Zaza Metreveli is the Chief of the Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Critical Care Medicine at the Gudushauri National Medical Centre in Tbilisi, Georgia. During national emergency and conflict, especially during the war in the 1990s, he made a significant contribution to national welfare and has received recognition and awards from the Georgian government. When asked what he will use the prize money for, Dr Metreveli said, "I wish to channel some of the money towards a trauma prevention programme."

Dr Chuon Chantopheas is the Deputy Head of the Technical Bureau of the National Laboratory for Drug and Food Quality Control at the Ministry of Health of Cambodia. She has played a leading role in raising awareness about food-borne diseases, a major cause of ill-health in her country. She has been recognized as an expert in this field, both nationally, and by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAC) and WHO, and is regularly invited to address international meetings and public forums on food-borne disease.

On receiving the award, Dr Chantopheas said, "It may come as a surprise but I would like to get an Internet connection in my own home in order to communicate my work to the communities more effectively. My work is targeted at rural communities and small businesses to produce and process safe food and reduce the incidence of food-borne diseases."

“Shade house” farming technique to enhance grow more campaign
THE National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) in keeping with its thrust to capture and transfer of technology to farmers last Friday conducted workshop to familiarise extension agents from across the country on the use of the “shade house” farming technique to advance the “Grow More” campaign.

The technique entails the planting of vegetables in an over head shed with elevated beds somewhat like the green house method but is different in the sense that is less controllable.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud speaking at the opening of the initiative underscored that the exercise is geared to increase agriculture production, develop capacity in related agencies of his ministry and improve and modernize agricultural farming techniques.

He urged the participants to incorporate the innovative farming method in their practice to extend their income bracket and to disseminate the knowledge garnered at the seminar to farmers in their community so that they too could improve their standard of living.

Persaud stressed that the farming technique is resistant to climate change and from an export stand point; it will ensure the production of vegetables all year round.

He disclosed that similar projects will be initiated countrywide, a large scale project of that nature is in the pipe line to commence at Timehri to facilitate export to North America and on that point, stressed that the response to the “Grow More” initiative which is designed to ensure adequate food supply at an affordable price and expand regional export has been overwhelming.

The minister appealed to farmers to register with the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) to know and produce crops that are in demand and to benefit from initiatives such as yesterday’s training programme and other interventions of the Ministry of Agriculture.

NARI Director Dr. Oudho Homenauth pointed out that the initiative was introduced here in October 2007 and is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the South South Cooperation programme.

He said the farming method is being supervised by Cuban expert Mr. Osvaldo Ferrando Gonzalez and utilizes strictly organic practices specifically cow’s down.

According to Dr. Homenauth the harvesting rate under the “shade house” technique is faster and some of the crops that are cultivated include lettice, Pak choi, sweet pepper, celery and tomato.

Chairman of NARI Agriculture Research Committee Mr. John Caesar stressed that the use of organic fertilizer apart from reducing cost also ensures environmental sustainability which is in keeping with goal seven of the Millennium Development Goals. (TAJERAM MOHABIR).

SPL achieves 9.2% growth, 120.4% after tax profit
By Wendella Davidson
STERLING Products Limited , involved in the manufacture and marketing of edible fats, detergents, laundry soap and ice cream, novelties products and Matouks international brand of products, has recorded a 9.2 per cent growth 2007 compared to the previous year.

In addition, the company saw a dramatic increase of 120.4 per cent in after tax profit, from $58M in 2006 to $106.2M last year.

This was announced by the company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr Leslie Chin in his report at SPL’s Annual General Meeting held last Friday at the Georgetown Club.

Chin also told the gathering SPL realized a 2.9 M or 0.5 per cent decrease in its expenses last year as against 2006. That figure was $369.8M compared to $371.7M which the company spent in 2006.

The SPL Chairman, who attributed the decrease to the reduction of administrative expenses, noted though that depreciation went up by .0.6M over 2007. And while other administrative costs also recorded a reduction by 0.1M over last year, there was an increase of other income by $8.6M or 24.3 per cent over last year.

The disposal of investments in CARICOM Sovereign Bonds saw the company recording a profit of 7.0M, and Chin stated that SPL has taken the initiative to examine all aspects of its operation to make it more cost efficient.

With SPL utilising self-generating facilities to supply its production plants, the steady increase in the cost of energy over the past four years, did not have a direct impact on the company’s operation.

However, the gains which the company realized from implementing measures to reduce energy usage are outstripped by higher prices for fuel, Chin disclosed, noting too, the continuing increase in the prices of raw and packaging material has resulted in increased costs for the finished products.

On account of competition from the region which results in reduced margin, Chin said, the increases cannot be passed on to the consumers.