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$409.3M Dawa pump station commissioned
By Tajeram Mohabir
Government yesterday commissioned the spanking new $ 409.3 M European Union (EU) funded Dawa Pump Station at St. Deny’s Mission in Pomeroon to boost drainage and irrigation (D&I) to farmers on the Essequibo Coast.

The rehabilitated structure would command some 50,000 acres of land and allow the cultivation of crops, mainly rice, to be pursued on a much larger and more economical scale than before. Previously, the old station provided D&I to some 35,000 acres of rice lands.

The project, executed by SRKN Gineering Civil Engineering (GCN), started in 2006 and includes the supply, installation and commissioning of four pumps, each consisting of eight cylinder 345 KW diesel engine discharging at a rate of 45,000 gallons of water per minute.

Team leader of SRKN GCN, Mr. John Lewis, said additional works completed, but not included in the contract, were repairs to two residences, construction of a new boundary fence and general clean up of the compound.

He noted that the project within the Tapakuma Irrigation Scheme was completed within its budgetary allocation and has been prepared for 45 years of service.

Other representatives at the occasion included Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud; EU Economic Department Head Mr. Rigo Belpaire; Region Two (Pomeroon Supenaam) Chairman Mr. Ali Baksh; Rice Producers Association (RPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj; Acting National Drainage Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Lionel Wordsworth and Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager Mr. Jagnarine Singh.

Minister Persaud told the gathering, which included scores of farmers that the structure is an Independence Day gift to farmers on the Essequibo Coast in recognition of their hard work.

“There is no more fitting way to observe this day than to reaffirm our ability, our commitment, and our collective resolve to be a nation constantly on the move by investing to realise the full potential of our land and people,” he declared.

The minister reiterated that while the global food crisis is a global challenge, it has also presented numerous opportunities for the expansion of production locally.

One of the challenges, he pointed out, is the staggering 100 per cent price increases in basic staples such as such wheat, soya and rice over the past year.

However, the minister underscored that amidst this worrying global situation, a unique opportunity has opened up for our farmers and entrepreneurs to increase their income and transform the agricultural landscape in Guyana.

He noted that the stage has been set for the realisation of this dream with significant infrastructural development and a sound agricultural development plan to encourage farmers to expand and better their farming activities.

“We must not lose this opportunity to fulfill the dream of our fore-parents to make Guyana an agriculture giant in this part of the World,” Persaud implored.

This vision, he emphasised, was always given primary attention by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and was clearly demonstrated by Dr. Cheddi Jagan in 1953, when he assumed the post of Prime Minister, he also performed the duties of the Minister of Agriculture.

“Successive PPP governments recognised the vast, rich agricultural potential of this nation and dreamed of making Guyana the breadbasket of the Caribbean, and critical to releasing this enormous potential has been investments in drainage and irrigation,” the minister underlined.

But he lamented while D&I is important for agricultural production in Guyana, it had been sadly neglected since colonial times and periods when the PPP was out of Government.

“From the beginning, the PPP has had the political will and strong and effective vision to see the importance of agriculture to Guyana and to promote agricultural development through measures such as investing in drainage and irrigation,” he noted.

Persaud pointed out that during the PPP administration of 1957-1964, a new focus on D&I, not just for sugar lands, but for rice and pasture lands, was initiated.

“We saw in this period the conceptualisation and establishment of the Black Bush Polder, the Tapacuma, the Boeraserie, the Mahaica/Mahaicony and the greater Canje drainage and irrigation projects. These massive projects opened thousands of acres of land for agriculture, including pasturage and for settlement,” the minister said.

In addition, the minister noted that a number of other subsequent projects, including Mahaica Mahaicony Abary (MMA) projects, were conceptualised by an earlier PPP government under Dr. Jagan.

But he bemoaned that some of these projects which were implemented by the PNC government either did not fully reflect the original concept or were miserably managed.

Also, he said, when the PPP was out of Government, no work was done either on the earthen dam from Mahaica to Abary, or for the Canje Basin dam, and pumps, and land under rice cultivation declined from over 280,000 acres in 1970 to 170,000 acres by 1989.

According to Persaud, production dropped from over 300,000 tonnes in the early 1960s to an all-time low of 93,000 tonnes in 1990, with Guyana importing low quality rice from Italy for local consumption and this had nothing to do with climate change or weather events related we experience today.

This year, he underscored, rice production is expected to surpass 300,000 tonnes and already export earnings are breaking records.

On this note, the minister reminded that while Guyanese must not dwell on the past, it is important they appreciate the journey of the country's agricultural sector.

“After 1992, however, the transformation was huge and we witnessed the rebirth of agriculture, supported by our continued investment in the sector. Budgetary allocations for agricultural infrastructure were increased tremendously,” he said.

Government, through the GRDB, invested approximately US $1 million annually in Rice Research since 1995. This has resulted in the yields per acre increasing from 3.0 mt/ha in 1990 to 4.8 mt/ha today.

“Because of the improvement in the technology transfer programme, the six-point practices, and other programmes, in Essequibo farmers are achieving up to 6.0 mt/ha. Much more still needs to be done in the way the GRDB serves the industry, and changes are taking place,” he stressed.

Paddy and rice are currently VAT zero rated and no VAT is charged on fertilizers, pesticides, spares for tractors and combines. The government has also zero rated VAT on equipment that utilises the by-products of agriculture for the generation of power in an effort to make the rice industry more globally competitive.

Mr. Belpaire said the project is part of the regional programme “Support to the competitiveness of the rice sector in the Caribbean”, which started in 2004 and implements a parallel set of activities in Guyana, and Suriname, with additional programmes in the region.

He pointed out that the rehabilitation of the water infrastructure is part of a wider set of actions within the regional plan which include:

* the provision of a financial facility;

* the development of research and extension for the provision of certified seed, through a contact with the GRDB;

* the provision of technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture; and

* the provision of marketing intelligence at regional level in order to improve services offered.

The EU representative disclosed that these actions are still implemented in close cooperation among the EU, CARIFORUM and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr. Belpaire noted that the facility geared to increase productivity and expand cropping area in imperative in the context of soaring world prices and the growing food needs in the world.

“I am therefore proud to see that as a result of this European programme, the farmers will be better placed to take opportunities on the international market for rice and will contribute to food security in Guyana, the region and the world,” the EU representative posited.

In addition, he said: “ I believe this programme will not only make Guyana food secure, but will also secure the future of the sector in Guyana, by improving its competitiveness in such a way as to expand the sector, and to increase employment, as well as the livelihood of farmers”.

Guyana celebrates 42, with pomp and ceremony
By Shirley Thomas
All roads on Sunday night led to the National Park, Georgetown, where the traditional ‘Flag Raising Ceremony’ was held to commemorate the 42nd Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence.

The event organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport was a spectacular show which brought together thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life - all in one accord, sharing a common sense of pride and unity. They were joined by members of the Diplomatic Corps and Guyanese and tourists as well, who had travelled here to be a part of the observances.

Many persons interviewed by the Guyana Chronicle at the Park expressed the same sentiments: How proud and excited they were that Guyana had achieved 42 years as an Independent nation; that despite sporadic domestic problems we encounter from time to time, Guyana is basically a peaceful country with peace-loving citizens and is not subject to the hunger and wars experienced by many other countries of the world.

The traditional hoisting of Guyana’s Golden Arrow Head, eagerly awaited and watched by thousands at the park, was preceded by a rich programme of cultural items which featured Guyanese talents at its best, including Guyana’s Road March Monarch; Chutney Monarch; Junior Calypso Monarch; Annandale Boys’ Choir, Apex Dance Troupe; the Circle of Love Quartet among others.

These and other spicy pieces such as renditions from the National Steel Orchestra; Creation Express String Band, and acrobatic displays paved the way for the eagerly awaited Marching on of the Guard of Honour at 21:40 hrs, when ranks of the Guyana Defence Force and Guyana Police Force, smartly attired in ceremonial dress, took to the tarmac, marching with pomp and ceremony, as they awaited the arrival of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and President Bharrat Jagdeo.

At 21:45 hrs Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds arrived at the Park, and at 21:50, His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo arrived and was greeted by a high powered delegation comprising Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony; Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff Commodore Gary Best; Acting Commissioner of Police Henry Greene and others.

This was followed by the Inspection of the Guard of Honour by President Bharrat Jagdeo who was escorted by Commodore Gary Best.

At 22:20 hrs Minister Anthony introduced President Bharrat Jagdeo who delivered the Presidential address.

Following the address (published in yesterday’s issue of the Chronicle), the crowd was in for a treat, as the Guyana Defence Force soldiers regaled them with their military band displays. The crowd longed for more, as the smartly turned-out soldiers, moving with ‘swank and swagger’, and accompanied by classy symphonic sounds, ‘did their thing’ across the tarmac.

This segment was followed by rejuvenating and scintillating dance performances, as hundreds school children – in a kaleidoscope of colours, invaded the tarmac, dancing, prancing and doing acrobatic performances, to the delight of the cheering audience.

As the midnight hour closed in, the link with Mount Ayanganna was made, and the Guard of Honour marched onto the tarmac once more, in preparation for the symbolic hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead. As all waited in awed reverence, a prayer was offered for the nation by a student of St. Stanislaus College.

Then slowly, with the presidential party standing before the guard of honour, and at the base of the flag staff, the flag was unfurled and hoisted, as cannon boomed.

Then with a sense of pride, all assembled, recited the national pledge, after which “Guyana the Free” was sung by all – led by the Guyana Police Force/Joint Service Choir, and finally the National Anthem was performed.

The final segment of the night’s programme before the departure of His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo, was the display of fireworks by the Guyana Defence Force.

The fireworks display was sponsored by the Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO), and costumes for dancers and other artistes were sponsored by Digicel.
NEWS

Father of four chopped, gunned down
A father of four was brutally chopped and gunned down early yesterday morning after he was taken from his bed by a villager and a man who said he was a policeman dressed in civilian clothing.

Dead is Felix Da Silva, 27, of Lot 7 Sea Dam Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Wife of the deceased, Michelle Russell, 26, told the Guyana Chronicle that she was inside the house when she heard a knock on the door and went to open it.

At the door, was a villager, who had a cutlass in his hand, and is known to her, and a man who identified himself as a policeman enquired about her husband’s whereabouts, she said.

The grieving woman added that the men rushed into the house and forced Da Silva out of bed and the man who was armed with the cutlass dealt him a lash to the body.

Outside the door, the men accused Da Silva of stealing a generator from his shop which is located a short distance away, she said.

Michelle Russell pointed out that there, a confrontation ensued and Da Silva was chopped to the ear, and made a dash to save his life.

But the men went after him even after he declared he did not steal any generator, his wife insisted.

The woman said that Friday night her husband was at the villager’s shop having drinks.

In the end, Da Silva lay dead after the man who claimed to be a policeman police discharged three bullets into his body.
The fisherman was shot in the head, chest and foot and was later dragged by ranks to the Public Road Ruimveldt where a trail of dried blood was evident yesterday.

Reports said Da Silva succumbed soon after he was shot near his home.

Da Silva was the father of four children whose ages are three months, three years, four years, and eight years.

Relatives and neighbours gathered at the man’s home yesterday and were in a deep state of shock and mourning.

Fire guts Eccles home
FIRE gutted the home of Jairam Little India Store owner, Sattie Ramcharran, yesterday afternoon at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

According to reports, the fire, which started around 16:30 h at 123 Victoria Street, Block AA, Eccles Housing Scheme, originated from electrical sparks in the storeroom on the lower flat of the building.

Public spirited persons assisted in trying to control the flames but the fire spread to the upper floor.

The fire service arrived on the scene later managed to put out the blaze, but not before both flats of the concrete structures were destroyed.

A relative said that three nephews and two nieces were the only ones at home when the fire started.

Ramcharran’s husband died one year ago.

Culture Ministry receives $3.5M in musical instruments
- donated by Food for the Poor
Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc. has donated 16 wind band instruments to the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport to assist with the formation of a band for the upcoming Carifesta in August.

Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, said the instruments will be used to form a festival band to play live music during some of the Carifesta activities.

“We are very much grateful for incorporating the instruments into our music programme...and assure you that we would have a very vibrant music programme within the Ministry,” the Minister said.

Among the instruments received were drums, trumpets, saxophones and flutes which cost approximately $3.5M.

Food for the Poor, Executive Director, Leon Davis, said that it is always to the organisation’s benefit to work with the Culture Ministry because of its thrust toward youth development.

He then urged that Guyanese music be played at Carifesta so that it can be revitalised and promoted beyond the event.  

Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc. has been serving the needs of Guyanese for the past seventeen (17) years and has been supporting various entities in teaching and development of persons.

Guyana, Barbados relations continue to be good
- Honourary Consul Faria
GUYANA'S Honourary Consul to Barbados, Mr. Norman Faria, has stressed that Guyana-Barbados relations continue to be good and that Guyana stands resolutely by the rest of the CARICOM countries and other circum-Caribbean nation States in extending assistance in the agricultural sector and other help in lowering food prices and other developmental assistance.

He made this remark during an address at the Consulate “Picnic/Fun Day” held on Sunday to mark Guyana’s 42nd Independence Anniversary.

&Guyanese nationals in Barbados continue to contribute immensely to the island's development. Guyanese labour in agriculture here has meant, for example the growing of more local food, thereby impacting positively on Barbados' food import bill situation,” the Ambassador asserted.

Faria noted that Guyanese have done well in Barbados, as Barbadians have done overseas. However, they must deepen the spirit of volunteerism and the traditional willingness brought from Guyana to integrate to work with Barbadian community institutions such as credit unions, churches, sports clubs and trade unions.

&We must remember our roots and re-double our efforts to give to Barbadian society and by extension to Guyana,” he appealed.

&This is a significant date as it recalls the time we in Guyana joined with others worldwide to formally break the shackles of colonial rule and to lay the basis for further democracy and social and economic progress,” he attested.

&#This, as in Barbados, we have done in Guyana. Despite the gloom and doomers, we have achieved progress in almost every socio-economic sector and perhaps more importantly in democratic governance without which there can be no progress,” he noted.

As in Guyana, we must join with others to defend the noble and good democratic gains of the Barbadian people and build up Barbados and Guyana even more. If we as Guyanese see wrongs being done, including against Bajans, we must speak out,” Faria appealed.

&We at the Consulate are very heartened by the Bajans calling into the mission defending Guyanese and speaking highly of us,” the Consul posited.

As an aside, I am getting more and more inquiries at the Consulate from both Guyanese and Bajans about the practicals of marriage. Some have even asked me if I am permitted to marry people. Minister, this isn't a hint that you give us consuls the right to perform marriages. I'm sure the Barbados Registry is doing a good job and I doubt I would have the time anyway.... statistically, there are more of these unions compared to say two decades ago and these include people of different races, a wonderful thing which I am so happy to see and which all bodes well for the future,” Faria explained.

We must join with decent minded, tolerant and democratic minded Barbadians to reject the minority of ill-advised xenophobes and social malcontents who spout their divisiveness as we move towards a genuine, meaningful freedom of movement situation, and the deepening of our democratic traditions which nurture tolerance and understanding, those attempts to divide us with inflammatory talk will find their efforts are doomed to failure,” he appealed.

The Guyana Diaspora coming for CARIFESTA X
By Priya Nauth
CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tenth Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA X) Secretariat, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall, has indicated that the Diaspora communities in the United Kingdom (U.K), Canada and the United States (U.S) have already formed Carifesta committees to put together their participation in the mega event.

He made this disclosure when he addressed regional officials and stakeholders at the launching of CARIFESTA X in the Ancient County of Berbice last Tuesday, at the Guyana Teachers’ Union Hall, New Amsterdam.

CARIFESTA X will be staged in Guyana from August 22-31 under the theme ‘One Caribbean One Purpose; Our Culture, Our life’.

&#The Diaspora is a major target for us and so far the New York Chapter of the U.S Diaspora, they have indicated close to 350 participants alone coming for CARIFESTA X to participate in the activities,” the CEO posited.

&#xThere will be quite a wide cultural fusion - geographic, language, ethnicity, art forms everything will be fused in Guyana…,” he highlighted.

Dharamlall stressed that CARIFESTA X in Guyana will be an unsurpassed but can only be done with the active participation of the communities.

&#xSo you have to ensure that you fully participate, you fully support and be fully involved and onboard to ensure CARIFESTA X is unsurpassed,” the CEO appealed.

&#xWe have been going around the country and we have already completed Regions 3, 5 and 10 and had quite successful visits with those regions to work with the regional administrations and stakeholders…to ensure that Carifesta is well hosted firstly in those regions and secondly and more importantly that it is successfully hosted in Guyana at a national level,” he emphasised.

&#xIndeed CARIFESTA is coming back home to Guyana…there is a concept of oneness that we speak to for CARIFESTA X- that is we need to ensure one Caribbean moving towards a single purpose, one purpose through the oneness of our culture and even though we are very diverse as a people that the oneness of our lives,” Dharamlall attested.

“Whilst we want to speak to that theme of Caribbean oneness, how do we get there? So we have to set ourselves a number of objectives,” he explained.

The CEO outlined some of the objectives of CARIFESTA X including: to promote and celebrate the Caribbean art forms; further the awareness of the diversity of the Caribbean people and; advance the culture within the region and the Diaspora and create further awareness of Caribbean art forms in the wider world.

The CEO also informed the gathering that Guyana is also tasked with hosting a number of delegations from various countries, our participation and also adding new innovations to the festival.

Some of the new activities to be staged during the cultural extravaganza will include the Public Art Projects, Children Arts Competition, Interactive Youth Village/Forum and also the participation of the religious communities with staging of gospel concerts, qaseeda competitions and bhajan (devotional songs) nights.

&#x…there will be a wide cultural fusion with participation at both the regional and global level,” he emphasised.

&#xWe intend that CARIFESTA X will be unsurpassed…that is our vision and it can only be done with your full participation,” he urged.

Dharamlall noted that Guyana will boast an impressive lineup of activities including the opening and closing ceremonies, culinary, visual, and literary and performing arts, community festivals, a grand cultural market, child/youth forum, symposia and workshops on academia and intellectual aspect and fashion events, as well as signal events and super concerts.

Also, he noted, too that there are at least 25 official venues countrywide to host activities during CARIFESTA X.

Accompanying members of the CARIFESTA X Secretariat was the mobile CARIFESTA X Caravan which took to the streets and entertained Berbicians with performances by dancer Sandella Craig and the live CARIFESTA X Logo comprising of members of the Classique Dance Troupe.

The Festival is returning to Guyana for the second time in over thirty-five years, the first being in 1972, when CARIFESTA was first staged.

Home Affairs Minister inspects Berbice fire station site
- commends fire service, Chamber of Commerce for efforts
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, on Thursday, visited the site for the proposed $13M fire station at Rosehall.

The construction of the fire station is being spearheaded by the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and will receive a fire tender from the government, along with training for the firefighters.

Minister Rohee, commending the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and Chamber of Commence for such an innovative initiative, pledged government’s continued support to enhancing the capabilities of the GFS.

“I would also like to commend the partnership between the Guyana Fire Service and the Chamber of Commerce, not leaving out the other stakeholders in the process. I think it’s useful to have a presence of the fire service here since the citizens would welcome it.”

He said, “Our Ministry will contribute to this new project by providing a fire tender, training for persons who will be locally recruited and providing a start up for the project.”

The Chamber of Commerce has already pledged $500,000.

The continued support by the administration to the GFS has resulted in improved performance by firefighters in executing their duties.

The Fire Service recorded a higher level of success in 2007 compared with 2006. In relation to buildings affected by fires, statistics show that 267 were recorded in 2006 compared to 212 last year; 478 persons’ were homeless due to fires as compared to 389 last year and 21 persons died by fire  in 2006 compared to 13 last year.

In the last three years, government spent a total of $183M acquiring fire tenders, hoses, pumps and fire fighting suits.

Government has also placed major emphasis on training and improving the working conditions of firefighters; $73M was spent to construct and commence new fire stations at Linden , and at Bartica, and to rehabilitate and maintain exiting fire stations and building.

In February, Minister Rohee announced in the National Assembly that government had granted approval for fire officers to undergo training overseas.

In this year’s budget, $8.5M has been allocated to the fire service for training and scholarships in an effort to enhance the work of the service.

Government is also pushing for the establishment of an auxiliary unit that will comprise trained members to assist the Service’s fire-fighting efforts.

The special group of men will receive training, equipment and stipends from the Fire Service. In the 1950s and 1960s there was a similar unit which became inactive after the 1970s.

Hinterland scholarship students preparing to take part in CARIFESTA
Hinterland Scholarship students are at present preparing to participate in the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) celebrations to be held in August. 

According to Senior Social worker for Education and Culture of the Amerindian Hostel, Rosamund Daley, the children are currently rehearsing their cultural pieces such as dances, poems and skits.

The students are from the different Amerindian tribes who reside in Amerindian communities countrywide and because of their unique talents they are selected to participate in national events.

She noted that during the Mashramani celebrations, the children’s talents were recognised by the wider population and they have been asked to take part in the CARIFESTA celebrations.

At this year’s Mashramani costume competition, the Amerindian contingent won the first prize. It was noted that this contingent will again show-off its beautiful costumes depicting various tribes and culture.

More than 40 children are expected to participate CARIFESTA. Their choreography is being done by Linda Griffith of the National School of Dance.

Daley said she is happy that the children are able to give something back to their country, especially when the Government has been investing a lot to further their education.  She noted it is a good extra-curricular activity which will boost their self-esteem and confidence.  

Region Nine Toshaos introduced to agriculture technologies
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has introduced various agriculture technologies to Amerindian leaders of Region Nine as the ‘Grow More’ campaign heightens. 

The Toshaos were given the opportunity to visit the St. Stanislaus farm located at Sophia to have a first-hand look at farming technologies.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, who accompanied the Toshaos, said that the farm represents a good unit of technology that can teach persons how to develop themselves, especially when climate change is evident.

She said Amerindian communities have great agricultural potential which needs to be recognised and developed.

Minister Sukhai said the Ministry is trying to expose Toshaos and Senior Councillors to the technologies so that they can teach the residents of their communities as they seek ways to ensure sustainability of food resources.

The Toshaos had a look at the production of humus, the process of hydrophonics agriculture and how to produce bio-fuel by using cow and poultry manure.

The Toshaos of Yupukari, Maruranau, Katoka, Rupunau and Shulinab expressed their gratitude to Minister Sukhai for allowing them the experience.

 The leaders promised Minister Sukhai to take the initiatives to their communities and make them practical.

New Amsterdam, Kwakwani ferry service to return by year-end
The return of the regular ferry service between New Amsterdam and Kwakwani to service residents of the Berbice River communities should be realised before the end of this year, according to Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, and this as a result of the Berbice River Bridge.

The Berbice Bridge is scheduled to be completed in September. When the Bridge is completed, the three vessels servicing the Rosignol to New Amsterdam route will be redeployed, Benn said.

The additional vessels will be deployed to the Essequibo River. The possibility of an additional vessel to service Region One will have to be addressed some time in the future.

He said that prior to the resumption of the service to the area, inspections of the wharves along the river will be conducted to determine what repairs will be needed.

The ferry service to the community was suspended in the early 1990s. The reason given at that time was that due to the limited number of persons utilising the service, it was uneconomical to continue.

The Ministry, through the Transport and Harbours Department, manages ferry services from Georgetown to Morawhanna, Kumaka and Port Kaituma, Region One; from Parika to Adventure and the Berbice crossing from Rosignol to New Amsterdam.

The Roll-on-roll-off ferry project which is being pursued with the Chinese will greatly enhance the river transportation capabilities of the Ministry.

With the renewed emphasis being placed on agriculture, the reliance on river transport will be greater given that many of the lands available for agriculture production could be found in these areas.

Government has placed emphasis on the development of a reliable transportation network to expand the potential of many previously inaccessible communities.

The completion of the Berbice River Bridge and the Takutu bridge crossing to Brazil  is expected to bring further development to Regions Six and Nine respectively.

Several developmental projects ongoing in Region Two
Several major activities are at present ongoing in Region Two, Pomeroon/Supenaam as the Government pushes to ensure the living standards of the people in this region are enhanced tremendously.

This year, Region Two received $248M for capital works.

Regional Chairman Ali Baksh said the region is concentrating this year on enhancing water transport. All nine Amerindian communities in Region Two have received water transport in the form of boats and engines.

Through Government’s interventions outboard engines were also purchased for health officers who usually have to travel to the more remote communities in the Region to care for persons infected with malaria.

Baksh said because of the distance of some mining areas, it was difficult for the outreach programme to facilitate the people and there was an urgent need for a boat and engine so that the persons can go into the communities to help.

The Amerindian community of Capoey has received 62 solar panels from the Prime Minister’s office which are now providing the residents with electricity for the first.

This has raised the living standard of the residents tremendously as with the availability of electricity, persons are now engaged in small businesses, some persons are now making furniture which has enhanced the potential of employment and the general productivity has improved.

“The health post, schools and the residents as a whole benefit from this service tremendously,” Baksh said.

The Government also works towards ensuring persons in remote areas benefit from its health services and educational programmes and facilities. All nine Amerindian communities in Region Two have at their disposal health posts and schools.

The housing programme in the region has also catered for persons from Amerindian communities and even Venezuela as several new housing schemes were constructed and many persons have left the riverine areas and moved to Charity and other housing schemes. 

Sterling looks to cultivating oil crop
STERLING Products Ltd, being concerned about the current position of food prices and feedstock on the world market, is considering cultivating an oil crop, as well as setting up a facility for the refining of edible oils locally, once it can partner with a CARICOM investor.

So said Board Chairman, Dr. Leslie Chin, when he delivered his report at the company’s Annual General meeting (AGM), at Georgetown Club.

And according to him, the company will continue to seek competitive alternative suppliers for its production inputs, as it can significantly reduce costs.

SPL also, through its diversification strategy, seeks to expand its distribution operations with similar products which the company currently sells.

The human resources plan which the company has in place has, according to Chin, enabled the company, to strategically focus on building its workforce, noting that there are plans to invest in its employees through training and development.

Efforts underway to boost dairy production
IN light of rising food prices, government continues to work with various sectors to ensure the best practices which will reduce the impact of this global phenomenon.

In this regard, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud met cattle farmers at Victoria, East Coast Demerara, last Friday, to assess the progress being made through the National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP) in the area.

Persaud said his Ministry is cognisant that there has been an increase in the price of milk and assistance is being given to cattle farmers through the NDDP, which is focusing on aiding farmers in milk and beef production.  

Persaud disclosed that the Agriculture Ministry has introduced an artificial insemination programme to boost breeding stock which has proved to be very successful. In the Victoria area within the last two weeks two pairs of twins were birthed using the Brown Swiss breed.

Programme Director of the NDDP, Dr. Dwight Walrond, said this breed is being used because it is a milk producing one and there is a high rate of adaptability.

During his visit Persaud encouraged farmers to desist from having their animals on government reserves. He said his Ministry will work with farmers to ensure adequate pens are developed.

The Ministry of Agriculture is also addressing the issue of animals being allowed to wander on public highways which sometimes results in accidents, Persaud urged, adding that land has been identified for pasture and farmers now have the responsibility to get organised and develop the pasture.

 “It’s a holistic effort of supporting the farmers. Also, at the same time we want to ensure that the rearing of animals is done consistent with good farming practices,” the Agriculture Minister said.

Persaud said the revised Pounds Act, which will see an increase in fines, will soon come into effect. He noted that the Act is not to penalize farmers but, to serve as a deterrent and to encourage them to engage in good livestock rearing practices and to ensure that their activities are well managed.

The Act calls for the establishment of more pounds, giving the National Democratic Councils more authority in this regard.

“All of this work is needed to develop a modern cattle sector and dairy industry. It’s working with farmers in developing that,” said the Minister.

The National Dairy Development Programme is established throughout Guyana’s coastline. There are cattle development assistants in various districts of the coastland who work along on a daily basis with farmers aiding in the artificial insemination programme, dairy development and general farm management practices. (GINA)

Sterling honours employees
Sterling Products Limited employee, Clifton St John, who has chalked up 45 years service with the company, was tangibly honoured when the company held its Annual General Meeting at Georgetown Club.

John, one of 10 employees whom the company recognised for their long years of service, was presented with a tie-pin with three diamonds by the Board Chairman.

Other awardees were Messrs Sean King, Anthony Shivcharran and Patrick Harryram - 20 years. They were each given a tie pin with a diamond.

In the 15-year category were Messrs Samad Samadally, Doodnauth Ramsaroop and Elvis Peters who each received a tie pin, while Richard Hilery, Oodhoo Persaud and Rosan Seecharran, who chalked up 10 years, were presented with wristwatches.

The other presentations were made by Ms. Anna Lisa Fraser-Phang, Mr. Raymond Ramsaroopand, Mr. Suresh Beharry, all Directors on the Board.

Juggling their way across the world
JUGGLERS Moises Figueroa of Ecuador and Sonia Casalini of France were yesterday the centre of attraction as they entertained drivers and other commuters traversing Vlissengen Road and Lamaha Streets Georgetown.

The couple who travelled to most of the Caribbean countries to showcase their skills is aiming to take their act to Trinidad, but will only be able to do so if they can raise enough funds for the trip.

Figueroa said that they have been performing for a number of years and survive on funds they make daily. The adventurous pair hopes to visit the Kaieteur Falls before they depart Guyana.

Sonia described what they do as ‘lots of fun’. She also noted that a great amount of adventures lay ahead for every trip they decide to take on. Moises said that when he first saw Guyana on the world map and did some research, he immediately resolved to visit the country. (Nathalene DeFreitas)

Balancing the Needs of People and Nature
By Clare Nielsen
Saving biodiversity is a complex business. But sometimes, conservation solutions are beautifully simple. Take the "conservation concession," an approach pioneered by CI with the government of Guyana. Instead of leasing the land to a logging company, Guyana is leasing 200,000 acres (81,000 hectares) to CI for conservation.

The concession – the world's first – was established in Guyana’s Upper Essequibo region in July 2002. "It puts conservation on equal footing with extractive industry, so that the government and people of Guyana don’t have to choose between conservation and economic development," says Dr. Dick Rice, CI's chief economist and architect of the concession. "With total annual costs of less than $100,000 per year, it is a great bargain, given the importance of the area for both biodiversity and people."

The project is located deep in the Amazon wilderness, in the watershed of Guyana’s largest river, the Essequibo. These are no ordinary waters.

"The aquatic ecosystems of the Upper Essequibo Conservation Concession (UECC) are one of the most pristine, if not the most pristine, on the planet," concluded scientist Dr. Philip Willink, of The Field Museum in Chicago, after a 2007 survey.

This abundance of healthy fresh water supports an amazing diversity of species: 1,500 plants, 200 mammals, and 500 birds are found in the vicinity – as many bird species as are found in all of North America.

The Macushi and Wapishana indigenous groups depend on the area’s natural resources, and communities near the concession – in Apoteri, Rewa, and Crashwater – helped to demarcate boundaries to ensure that the UECC would not conflict with traditional claims.

They now directly benefit from the concession's community fund, which channels $10,000 annually to support a variety of environmentally sound, economically viable programs, including a community-owned ecolodge in Rewa Village, livestock rearing, and handicrafts.

"This is a national asset of global value," states David Singh, head of CI-Guyana. "People more distant from the Upper Essequibo also receive benefits from our land, whether or not they have ever heard of Guyana."

The Guyana Shield, named for the ancient geological foundation of the region, is one of the last remaining strongholds of tropical forests. The forests maintain vast amounts of carbon, and keeping them standing is one of the most efficient ways to counteract climate change.

Unfortunately, Guyana is no longer the "lost world," as it was called by early explorers. Extractive natural resourced-based industries are growing.

"Our hope is that models like the conservation concession can quickly be replicated to provide alternatives to these threats," says Singh. "We may be seen as a poor country, but we are rich in natural resources. If tropical countries like ours can be compensated for the services our forests provide, we can achieve a win-win scenario for Guyana’s people and the world at large."

CI hopes to expand the concession and to guarantee long-term financing for the project by establishing a dedicated endowment. The support of CI’s Global Conservation Fund and private sector partner Save Your World continue to be essential to the UECC’s long-term success.

Meanwhile, beyond the borders of Guyana, the conservation concession model has been replicated in dozens of places, from Cambodia and China to Madagascar and Ecuador. These projects, led by CI and our partners, total more than two million acres (809,000 hectares) in some of the world's most critical areas for biodiversity conservation. They represent hope for the future – for both conservationists and developing nations struggling to provide for their people.