ARCHIVES FOR MAY 30 2008
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Finance Minister urges CDB to support Jagdeo Initiative
AS Governments continue their efforts to reduce the impact of rising food prices on citizens, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has been urged to provide support to the region in implementing the Jagdeo Initiative.

“I wish to urge the Bank to examine ways in which it can provide timely support to activities consistent with this Initiative, with the objectives of increasing food production and supply, reducing inefficiencies in distribution networks, and dismantling other barriers that currently impede more efficient intra-regional trade in agricultural and food products,” Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh encouraged at the CDB’s 38th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors yesterday in Canada.

The Bank was encouraged to find ways to support and increase private investment in agriculture and food production.

The Minister also called for the issues of “climate change, and energy and power including the promotion of energy efficiency and the development of alternative energy sources, increasing private sector competitiveness especially in anticipation of new trading arrangements, and human resources development for growth and poverty reduction in the Region” to be treated with urgency.

The Finance Minister said Guyana is appreciative of the Bank’s continued support and pledged Guyana’s continued cooperation as “we craft strategies to respond to the changes currently taking place in the external environment, and as we advance the task of developing the Region, growing our economies, and further improving the lives of our peoples.”

Highlighting the work of the CDB in Guyana, Minister Singh said the Bank makes a significant contribution to the country’s development in meaningful and effective ways.

A number of projects receiving the Bank’s support include:

* The Skeldon sugar modernisation project that is contributing to the sector’s competitiveness by modernising and mechanising production facilities;

* A Community Services Enhancement Project that is transforming four large communities into secondary towns and opening lands for agricultural purposes by constructing facilitative infrastructure;

* A water sector project that will construct treatment plants and water towers to improve distribution and water quality; and

* Hundreds of small subprojects financed under the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) in the areas of water, education, health, roads, commerce and skills training in all of the ten administrative regions of Guyana.

Minister Singh noted that the Region as a whole also receives the support of the CDB.

“The Bank has made an important contribution to support the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility. We welcome the establishment of the Facility, and we reiterate the urgency of the need for it to be extended to provide flood and crop insurance,” he said.

During his presentation, Minister Singh informed participants of the country’s hosting of the Regional Agriculture Investment Forum on June 9 and 10 which aims to promote private investment in agriculture in the Region. He encouraged participation in this event.

The Finance Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate Brazil on becoming a member of the Bank.

He said, “Brazil’s admission to the Bank comes at a time when construction of the Takutu Bridge between Brazil and Guyana is just completed. This bridge provides overland vehicular and pedestrian access between our two countries, consolidates Guyana’s position as a strategic link between the Caribbean and mainland South America, and opens exciting economic opportunities not only for Guyana but also for our entire Region.”

At the Annual Meeting, Minister Singh highlighted the country’s development over the last year. He said, “In 2007, real output expanded by 5.4 percent, an improvement over the previous year’s performance, reflecting consistent macroeconomic and structural policies that have improved the resilience of the economy and promoted diversification.”

Strong growth was recorded in the services and mining sectors as a result of increased private investment, while agriculture returned a mixed performance partly as a result of weather induced factors.

On the balance of payments, the current account deficit reduced largely on account of strong export performance especially in mining and agriculture, the overall balance of payments recorded a marginal deficit, and import cover was maintained at three months.

Credit to the private sector increased by 18.7 percent, with expanded lending to both the productive and personal/household sectors.

Less positively, inflation increased to 14.0 percent at the end of 2007, compared with 4.5 the previous year, reflecting primarily the effects of import price escalation.

The fiscal deficit was contained to 7.6 percent, with revenue collections improving in all tax categories, disciplined expenditure management, and lower external interest costs as a result of the conclusion of the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative, Minister Singh explained.

He said that while the outlook for 2008 remains positive, increasing fuel and food prices may pose a problem.

“The first quarter of this year has seen accelerated upward movement in fuel and food prices worldwide. As a result, our Government has had to implement a number of measures aimed at increasing disposable incomes particularly for vulnerable groups, containing the impact of import price escalation, increasing investment in social programmes especially those that target the poor, and promoting increased food production.”

“These developments in imported commodity prices and the measures we have implemented in response thereto are likely to have significant impact on our external and fiscal balances,” Minister Singh said.

The CDB’s Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, which ended yesterday, saw the participation of Caribbean Heads of Government, Ministers of Finance and Development, Governors of Central Banks, as well as representatives from international organisations and Canadian financial institutions.
The Board of Governors is the highest policy-making body of the CDB.

Global problems threaten the Caribbean’s progress
– Finance Minister
- escalation in world market price for fuel and food commodities an immediate challenge
CARIBBEAN countries face the challenges of climate change and natural disasters which threaten their economies and in some cases the very existence of the countries.

This reality was underscored on Wednesday by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during his remarks at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) 38th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors which is being held in Halifax, Canada.

Minister Singh, the Alternate Governor for Guyana, said: “We meet at a time when the Borrowing Member Countries of the Bank are confronting an increasingly challenging external environment.”

“Global growth has slowed, the international financial markets are still turbulent, exchange rate movements around the world have been rapid with significant depreciation in the US dollar, and commodity prices are continuing to climb.”

“These global developments threaten the important progress we have made thus far in the Caribbean in transforming our economies and improving the lives of our people,” the Guyanese Finance Minister declared.

Singh, who was speaking on behalf of the Bank’s Borrowing Member Countries, also noted that without a doubt, the most visible and immediate challenge currently being faced by the countries “on whose behalf I speak, is the unprecedented escalation in the world market price for fuel and food commodities in recent months”.

Minister Singh said the meeting will be used to consider the performance of the Bank and to provide guidance on its future direction.

He noted that, “Over the past year, the Bank has performed well with significant increases recorded in both approvals and disbursements of loans and grants, and net transfers to Borrowing Member Countries have increased markedly.”

In her address of welcome to which Minister Singh responded, the Chair of the Board of Governors, the Honorary Beverly J. Oda said Canada has “flourishing people-to-people linkages, including the active Caribbean community in Canada now numbering over 400,000”.

These people, she said, play an important role in enhancing and furthering Canada-Caribbean relations.

“While the challenges to our economies are vastly different, we share the objective of wanting to meet those challenges through enhancing business and industry, while improving the lives of our peoples.”

Minister Singh expressed appreciation for Canada’s role over the years as a founding member and large shareholder of the Bank and as a genuine partner in the development of the Caribbean region.

“We are deeply appreciative of the contributions that Canada has made to the Bank’s Special Development Fund and to the Basic Needs Trust Fund.”

“Through these contributions, your country has demonstrated abundantly its commitment to the Caribbean and its leadership in supporting the Region’s fight against poverty,” he said.

The Annual Meeting will provide a forum for the exchange of market information and intelligence, as well as opportunities for networking among key decision makers from the Caribbean Region and Atlantic Canadian business leaders.

The event brings together members of the highest policy-making body of the CDB.

A Governor and Alternate Governor represent each member country.

Each Governor casts the votes of the Member Territory or Territories that he/she represents.

During the Annual Meeting a new Chairman and two Vice-Chairmen are elected to hold office for one year. Currently the Governor for Canada is the Chairman of the Board of Governors.
The CDB Annual meeting ended yesterday.

Nine, including six children, injured in minibus crash
AT least nine persons, including six children on their way home from school, were injured yesterday afternoon when a minibus travelling west along Middle Street jumped a major road and crashed into a motor car proceeding south along Camp Street.

On impact, the bus turned turtle several times, spilling out several commuters who lay limp and bleeding on the street. Others had to be pulled from the wrecked transport.

Six persons injured from the minibus were the driver, who refused to give his name; Ron Lovell, of 34 John Street, Campbellville – a student of the Government Technical Institute; Germin Kendall, 18, of 1286 Westminster, Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara; Lisa Jagnandan, 15, and Matthew Semple, 15 - both of D’Urban Backlands and students of the Guyana Industrial Training Centre; Candace David, 19, of 3724 North Ruimveldt and her mother Linda David of the same address.

The injured from the car included the driver, Earle Lawrence, and two school boys – seven-year-old Trevor Marshall of North Georgetown Secondary, who lives at 634 East Ruimveldt, and eight-year-old John Applewaithe of 2005 Freeman Street, East La Penitence.

The boys were at the time being taken home to their parents by Lawrence.

Lawrence, who was whisked away to the Alberttown Police Station soon after the accident, was subsequently released. He insisted that the minibus driver was at fault, adding that the driver was drag-racing with another minibus travelling down Middle Street.

Lawrence claimed that when the bus in front reached the junction, it turned left into Camp Street and continued on its way, but the second bus ploughed into his motor car, ‘writing it off’.

And another passenger on the bus carrying the school children recalled that throughout the journey the minibus driver had been speeding. (Shirley Thomas)

GWI appeals for end to sewerage vandalism, theft
GUYANA Water Inc (GWI) yesterday again appealed to citizens not to remove chamber covers from sewerage manholes around the city.

The utility reiterated the appeal after the latest vandalism and theft of its property and acknowledged that it continues to feel the effects of persons vandalising and stealing the company’s equipment.

An official told the Guyana Chronicle that, over the past three weeks, vandals have destroyed and stolen several manhole and chamber covers from various locations.

As a result, the manholes are left exposed to the mercy of people who often look for such openings to dump garbage and other materials, the official stated, adding that dumping into the manholes creates blockage in the sewerage lines which are very difficult to clean.

The most recent vandalism and theft occurred at Princes and Camp Streets pumping station; Princes Street by the Police Constabulary; Smyth and D’Urban Streets; Robb Street outside the General Post Office (GPO), Fogarty’s where two covers are filled with garbage from the nearby vendors and Laluni and New Garden Streets.

GWI is pleading with those responsible for vandalising and stealing the sewerage fixtures to desist from such acts because their actions incur serious public hazards.

The sewerage chambers, among other equipment, are for public services and, therefore, the public should secure and protect them at all times, the official said. (Michel Outridge)

T/T government explains non-entry of Guyanese nationals
TRINIDAD’S information minister Neil Parsanlal said it was not an intention to embarrass but there were specific reasons why several Guyanese travellers were denied entry on Monday.

Parsanlal, who is currently in Guyana, said a series of discrepancies was discovered on the documents of the Guyanese who were refused entry at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad on Monday evening.

“One person was involved in passport fraud, eight persons had letters of invitation allegedly written by someone in Trinidad and calls to the telephone numbers for these persons provided by the Guyanese nationals were unanswered,” Parsanlal said.

The minister also highlighted that 15 of the Guyanese travellers were going to the twin- island republic reportedly to obtain visas to Canada to gain employment with Omni Hotels of Canada and these persons may have been tricked into a scam.

“None of them had any monies in their possession which could enable them to support themselves while in Trinidad,” Parsanlal explained.

The minister added that a number of the Guyanese who were rejected had overstayed their time as much as eight months in Trinidad and Tobago during prior visits “and there was evidence that the passports they had with them were tampered with… It is for those reasons they were denied entry.”

He says his government has remained vigilant in looking out for travellers that come in with documents that do not support their claims for entry.

But the story as told by those denied entry into Trinidad tells a different tale. The 15 Guyanese told reporters in Guyana on Tuesday, while waiting to collect their documents from the Guyana police criminal investigations department, that they were told by immigration officers in Trinidad that Guyanese are going to Trinidad to take over their jobs.

They alleged that, after spending over 14 hours at the immigration office at the Piarco International Airport, they were placed on a flight and sent back home without any reason for the denial.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Consul to Trinidad, Ernie Ross, said Guyana has made a formal request to the Trinidad government for an investigation to be launched, which is currently underway. ( Caribbean Net News)

Sea defence at Turkeyen, Ogle to be completed by July
ELEVEN hundred metres of rip-rap sea defence from Turkeyen to Ogle on the lower East Coast Demerara, which is being constructed at a cost of $176M is scheduled for completion by July.

Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Agnes Dalrymple, said currently the contractor is working on the slope-protection which, along with the crest, when completed will offer added protection from the Atlantic Ocean and would provide visitors with an additional recreational facility as the entire area will be landscaped. The project began in December 2007.

This year government has budgeted $2.2B for rehabilitation and improvement to sea and river defence which protects most of Guyana’s coastlands.

Areas identified for rehabilitation includes Gangaram, Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne), Orangestein, East Bank Essequibo and Henrietta, Leguan Island in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara).

Works are also scheduled for Craig, East Bank Demerara, River View and Kartabo in the Essequibo River.

The European Union funded projects under the eighth European Development Fund (EDF) saw the rehabilitation of 2.5 kilometres (km) of sea defence at Profit/Foulis, East Coast Demerara.

The ninth EDF will finance the reconstruction of 1.4 km at Clonbrook, Corentyne and the rehabilitation of 18 km of sea and river defence in vulnerable areas.

The maintenance of sea and river defence structures is vital to the survival of Guyana as 90 percent of its population and economic activity are situated in the Low Coastal Region which is protected by these structures.

These projects are part of Government’s continuing investments to improve the country’s defence against the sea particularly in light of climate change which has resulted in a rise in sea level and other unusual weather conditions. (GINA)
NEWS

At NAACIE conference…
PM joins renewed call for trade union unity
By Tajeram Mohabir
PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds yesterday joined Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud and trade unionist Carvil Duncan in a renewed call for unity in the trade union movement.

All three spoke at the opening of the 55th annual (12th biennial) conference of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.

Mr. Hinds underscored the importance of unifying the movement and implored workers to always strive to give of their best on the job.

But he cautioned that trade unions will have to ensure their workers function under satisfactory conditions.

Persaud lamented the division but maintained it is a matter for the trade unions to resolve.

He observed that the workers of this country have always stood solid as the working people are united in their convictions but said it is the movement that is divided.

“This is, indeed, regrettable and I am sure that, during your deliberations, you will consider how NAACIE can advance suggestions, both as an individual union and within FITUG to heal the rifts within the country's official umbrella body for trade unions,” Persaud told the audience, recognising the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana.

He also advocated what he called “the democratisation” of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and cautioned that, if the labour movement is to defend the interests of workers in the current hostile global environment, it needs to appreciate both the prevailing challenges and opportunities concomitant with globalisation and suggested the following measures to address the situation:

* more collaborative forms of solidarity where trade unions, government and the private sector can sit together and negotiate solutions to the many problems facing the country;

* the creation of a growing and vibrant economy in which more jobs can be created and better incomes assured for workers while unions appreciate the need to ensure the sustainability and viability of entities that provide employment for their members;

* unions must ensure that their membership updates skills and knowledge to protect jobs, because the global labour market is increasingly becoming more knowledge-based and

* unions must instill in their workers solid work ethics so as to contribute to greater and more efficient production.

Meanwhile, Persaud reiterated Government’s support in protecting workers rights by enacting legislation and promoting policies in their best interest.

The three-day conference is themed ‘Protecting Workers rights and future within a hostile Globalised environment’.

Persaud remarked that, recently, Government raised the statutory wage for several categories of workers by some 22 per cent and consultation will continue with both the private and public sectors to monitor the situation, especially for workers vulnerable to exploitation.

He emphasised that the administration is closely wedded to the working class and said it has demonstrated its affiliation by ensuring that all foreign investors respect the rights of Guyanese in their employ.

In attendance, as well, were former President Janet Jagan, NAACIE General Secretary Kenneth Joseph and representatives of other organisations.

Persaud told the gathering that NAACIE, throughout its history, has acquired a reputation for being fearless and a fair representative of its membership and working people as a whole.

He said this is characterised by its toughness at the negotiation table and its willingness to listen to reason and adopt a conciliatory approach after considering all sides of an issue.

Persaud said NAACIE has always been passionately involved in the struggle for the rights of the working class and its association with FITUG in the late 1980s stands as testimony to its willingness to be independent and not a lackey of anyone.

He observed that, in recent years, the global environment has been extremely cold to Guyana's interest.

“We have seen dramatic and less than welcome changes to our traditional trading regimes which has resulted in a decline in the price paid for sugar by the European Union. At the same time we are at the mercy of global commodity markets, more so for fuel and food,” Persaud stated.

In addition, he said international trade continues to be unfair, with access to critical agricultural markets in the developed world blocked by protectionist measures and almost every skilled worker is lost to the overseas job market.

“At the same time, the new global configuration has spawned networks of transnational crime which has led to frightening and unprecedented levels of crime in our country,” Persaud acknowledged.

Duncan assured that FITUG will continue in its efforts to realise the unity and said, in light of the global increase of food prices, wages and salaries cannot make ends meet for workers.

He said the time has come for Guyanese to return to agriculture to supplement their income and, in the process, keep prices down by increasing production.

Duncan charged the delegates to look at economic solutions to address its workers problem and build a stronger, united NAACIE that will be a force to reckon with.

During the conference, former NAACIE executive member, Mr. Gurdatt Bridjkumar, who died last year, will be honoured, posthumously, for his outstanding service to the union.

GPL lauds government’s support for use of heavy fuel oil
THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has recognised the support from government as it seeks to maximise its level of efficiencies to reduce the cost of generation through use of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) and other interventions.

Chairman of GPL, Winston Brassington, said government is paying a higher rate increase to cushion the impact on customers.

Looking on government support in the form of higher tariffs for government customers, or an overall level of cash support, is one of four options being considered.

“Government is supporting GPL’s capital programme to increase the total use of HFO…Between 2007 and 2008 total funding will exceed US$30M,” Brassington said.

He added that in the first four months of 2008, GPL was able to improve the mix of HFO for the overall GPL system through maximum use of this fuel and through the adherence of customers to conserve.

HFO and diesel constitute two of the power company’s main source of fuel and with new interventions in the coming year the company will be able to operate with over 95 percent of its generation from HFO.

Three projects valued at US$30M will be undertaken and will be extended over the 2008/2009 period.

Following a recent Extension and Procurement Agreement (EPA) between GPL and Wartsila a 20-megawatt power generation facility will be set up, equipped with 6.9-megawatt Wartsila units.

The new equipment is expected to be available by November and to be installed by the end of May 2009.

The Power Company will be undertaking the installation of a 69-kv link between the new Guysuco, Skeldon Power Plant to Number 53 village, sub-station Corentyne Berbice.

With this in place, the amount of power taken from the Guyana Sugar Company Guysuco will be significantly increased.

With the continued rise in fuel prices on the international market, the company is forced to buy its fuel at a price determined by that market. It pays US$100 a barrel on HFO and US$172 a barrel for diesel.

The company is exploring all avenues to reduce cost including increasing its conservation measures. GPL has noted a reduction in electricity demand and continues to plead with customers to support the effort. (GINA)

Labour Ministry targets 4,000 inspections this year
MINISTER of Labour, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, has indicated that his Ministry’s labour and occupational safety and health officers are expected to conduct 4,000 inspections this year to ensure that employers comply with the safety and health requirements.

He made this remark during an address at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) business luncheon, yesterday at the Le Meridien Pegasus, Kingston, Georgetown.

“Both human services and social security and labour have begun significant internal reorganising and I am sure quite a few of you around here would have seen a new presence of the labour occupational health and safety officers on your sight,” the minister noted.

“Shortly you will see modern Labour Ministry human resources, we are spending $600M to provide a new office complex that will have state of the art technology,” he added.

“When my officers used to do 600 inspections a year in 2006, last year they produced 2, 400 inspections and this year they have to produce 4,000 inspections,” the minister posited.

Nadir stressed that half of his Ministry’s human resources is engaged in inspections because it is imperative that the rights of workers are protected and the conditions under which they work is safe. This, he posited can protect employers financially.

He also informed the gathering that as part of its programme for workers safety and health, every Wednesday educational seminars are conducted on labour and occupational safety and health laws.

“Those of you who are a bit ignorant of the labour and occupational safety and health laws, they are very onerous on your company and you have significant exposure if you do not comply with them…,” Nadir warned.

“But that exemplifies part of our recognition that within the government we have to be very proactive; we have to be proactive in terms of protecting the rights of the workers and galvanizing labour so that we can get maximum output, to increase production and provide prosperity to our people,” the minister assured.

Labour, an important factor of production
By Priya Nauth
MINISTER of Labour, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, yesterday exhorted that labour is one of the most important factors of production.

He made this pitch during a presentation at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Business Luncheon at the Le Meridien Pegasus, Kingston, Georgetown.

“Look at labour in your company not as industrial relations and strike alone, labour is an important factor of production and if you treat that factor of production as you maintain your land and your equipment, you are going to see a corresponding increase in the output of your organisation,” the minister posited.

“... you have to deal with labour as that factor of production and perhaps the most important factor of production in your company,” Nadir reiterated.

“The private sector continues to lag significantly behind government when it comes to dealing with the conditions for labour,” he noted.

He disclosed that around 16,000 persons are employed in the government services making up just under 10 per cent of the working population of Guyana hence private sector employ close to 210,000.

“I appeal to you again to treat labour as a very valuable factor of production from which you can maximise the output whether it is a goods or service from your particular entity,” Nadir urged.

He noted that people were still paying $3,800 as of February this year to some workers while the government has increased the wage at an average of 22 per cent for certain local companies.

“…but we can do much better,” the minister insisted.

He recalled that when President Bharrat Jagdeo spoke about how we can respond to the global challenges, the Head of State also called on the private sector to see what they can do for the workers.

“One of our biggest challenges in terms of labour as a country is the whole issue of the skills that are available to service industries with the challenges of migration, the important skills that are produced form the school system, university and tertiary institutions,” he observed.

The minister said that there are about 30,000 young people who have dropped out of the school system and do not have an employable skill.

“What we will do as one of the responses as a modern labour ministry is to try and look at that human resource development plan which primarily have to be driven by the Ministry of Education,” he asserted.

“But a human resource development plan for Guyana…there are some initiatives that the government wants to consider to assist with providing basis skills for that pool of persons out there who are looking for a job and to help the industries,” he explained.

Also, he noted that, one of the issues of labour is mobility.

“Labour has to be produced, it has to be able to move within industries, among industries and within countries, that are the only way we are going to get competitive wage rates and decent wages, is to make labour as mobile as possible,” he suggested.

“If the labour continues to migrate at the rate it leaves Guyana, there is only one way for us to deal with that issue, that is to intensify the development of our human resources,” Nadir alluded.

He called on the private sector to collaborate with the government to develop the human resources needed.

“We are now producing that mapping of the human resource development plan outside of the school system that we are going to be embarking upon,” he noted.

“Our economy is too small and we recognise this to ask you to continue to bear all of the cost of carrying the development of the labour force…by working with you to help develop the human resources that are required by your particular sector,” he noted.

“We are going to be sitting with sector…we have to meet this challenge,” Nadir appealed.

“The world is running away…you see what is happening with the developed economy, you see what is happening with those countries who are taking advantage of the opportunities that the global expansion is providing. We have to look at the issue of how we manage scientifically and that is one of the important challenges that we face today,” the minister noted.

He added: “I want to raise this issue because we hear that we are in a world crisis today, there is the reality of global rise in food prices, increase in energy…but the reality is that world output is drastically increasing, the increase is not only because of increase demand but it is also being driven by the demand from new emerging countries,”

The minister said production in almost every area has increased such as steel production increasing by 5.8 per cent last month and airlines booking rise by 12 per cent globally.

“New wealth is being created and Guyana has to employ scientific means of management and production if we are going to stake a fair share of this increase global wealth which is being generated,” Nadir attested.

Guyanese rejected by Trinidad complain to Foreign Ministry
THE 15 Guyanese, who were refused entry to Trinidad and sent back home Monday, went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday, with their complaints about being insulted by immigration officers at Piarco International Airport.

After meeting with an official at the ministry, one of the complainants, Ms. Gwendolyn Yearwood said she was asked to return there today.

She vowed to comply with the request to ensure that the matter is addressed.

Yearwood, who had arranged interviews for some with Mr. Samuel Joseph, Managing Director of the company that was to hire them, said she spoke with the latter and he expressed disappointment at the way the group was treated.

Yearwood said Joseph indicated he would raise the issue with the relevant authorities in the twin island republic, because he was embarrassed by what happened, including the Trinidad immigration officers saying his company does not exist although a previous batch of Guyanese were allowed in to work for it.

The rejected travellers had gone to the island for different reasons, including to be interviewed for employment and they aired their concerns Tuesday, at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The rejects flew on a Caribbean Airline flight that departed Guyana at 05:30h Monday, May 26 and arrived in Trinidad around 07:00h but were denied entrance and deported back at 21:30h.

They said they were made to wait at Piarco Airport for their documents and had nothing to drink during the hours they waited.

They also said the immigration officers were hostile to them when they requested to use the sanitary facilities. (Nathalene DeFreitas)

GWI restores supply as Perseverance villagers protest
USERS at Perseverance, West Coast Berbice, staged a picketing protest on Wednesday, against the interrupted potable water supply.

Police said, between 10:30h and 14:00h, angry villagers blocked the roadway with tree trunks and other obstacles, impeding the flow of vehicular traffic.

However, ranks cleared the encumbrances and dispersed the demonstrators when the flow was restored after 12 days.

Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) had said on Tuesday that the Perseverance pump station was out of operation, due to fluctuating current generation by Guyana Power & Light (GPL).

GWI said, as a result of the electricity problem, customers served by the pumping facility were experiencing a disruption to their water supply since Saturday, May 17.

The utility had appealed to consumers to be patient with it as the interruption was beyond its control.

Before GPL rectified the problem, GWI provided residents with water from trucks a few days ago.

Blueband winners
WINNERS in the second ‘Spreading the Blueband Goodness’ promotion were yesterday presented with their prizes at the Head Office of Brydens and Fernandes Inc.

The grand prize of a four burner gas stove was presented to Ms. Koreshma Jaigobin of 49, Johanna Cecilia, Essequibo Coast. Ms. Savannah Leung received a microwave, which was the second prize. A cake mixer, the third prize was presented to Nalini Seenarine and the fourth prize of a toaster was presented to Elizabeth Sunich.

There were also six persons who won consolation prizes of mixing bowls along with mittens.

According to Marketing Supervisor of Brydens and Fernandes, Mr. Mark Kendall, customers still have a chance to enter the promotion by simply listing two benefits of Blueband margarine and submit one cover or seal along with name, address and telephone number. The next drawing will be on June 3rd, 2008.

Sir John underlines ACP’s determination to safeguard migrants
SECRETARY General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, Sir John Kaputin, has underlined the organisation’s determination to combat human insecurity and ensure that its migrants are safeguarded.

Opening the Second Meeting of ACP Ministers responsible for Asylum, Migration and Mobility Issue in Brussels, today (29 May), Sir John said: “We (ACP) have a right to mobility.”

He said more than ever before, issues related to the movement of people, being legal or illegal, is an undeniable fact and consequently a source of global debate.

Sir John stated that the migrants are vulnerable targets of xenophobia, as presently manifested in the violence against foreigners in some ACP countries.

“As a Group, we have the obligation to condemn these acts, and ensure that the rights of

people are protected,” he said.
At the same time, Sir John said, it must be understood that there are rights on both sides of the Equator and, therefore, it is important that the rule of law is paramount.

The Secretary General said that as developing countries, the ACP States, have to take an active role in shaping the debate on migration.

“It is our duty to erase the negative perceptions, and highlight the positive elements of migration,” Sir John said.

“The ACP Group of States has adopted a global and multi-disciplinary approach to migration and development issues, and this is the only way forward to ensure that the positive and developmental elements stemming from migration can be further enhanced,” he told the

Ministers.
Ministers from 79 ACP states are currently meeting in Brussels and will make known the Group’s position at the end of the meeting.

Ministers have experienced the desire for the ACP Group, to take a firm stand on the issue as most of its members are affected.

According to Sir John, migration is, in the fist place, about people.

“A people-centred approach in addressing migration issues is the only way forward,” he said.

Step Forward
Meanwhile, Sir John has announced that a major outcome and policy implementation instrument of the Ministers First Meeting is the creation of the ACP Facility on Migration, funded under the 9th EDF at an amount of Twenty-five (25) Million Euros.

The Facility will enter fully into its implementation phase in a few days.

It will, inter alia, establish an ACP Observatory on Migration, as requested in the first meeting, and further ensure capacity building in migration management in ACP States and Regions, as well as for the benefit of ACP civil society.

On 55th anniversary
WPO praised for achievements through grassroots struggles
By Priya Nauth
THE Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), an arm of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), on Tuesday, celebrated 55 years of struggle for women’s rights in Guyana, by recognising the significant contributions to it by those of the grassroots.

For the anniversary, the WPO hosted a reception at the Umana Yana, in Kingston, Georgetown, where reflections on the past highlighted the proceedings.

General Secretary Indranie Chandarpal maintained that the ordinary women are the most important people in the organisation.

“It is wonderful the way these dynamic women from various parts of our country have stood up for what they believe in,” she remarked.

“Our gloried party, the PPP, could not have been what it is had it not been for the women…our dynamic Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) could not have been what it is without the young women in the WPO and the WPO could not be what it is without you, the grassroots women,” Mrs. Chandarpal attested.

She said: “I want to use this occasion today to salute all our women. The women who do not need anyone to acknowledge them but who lovingly will go and do the task that is required of them and will not look for any favour or fame and not even a thank you.”

President of the WPO and former President of Guyana, Mrs. Janet Jagan recalled that the grouping started the fight for women’s rights 55 years ago, way ahead of what was going on in other parts of the world.

“Our women were pioneers in the struggle for women’s rights, we picked up from many other struggles and many other countries,” she admitted, adding that the status of women has changed considerably since then.

Beyond imagination
“….we still have many goals to reach but our women have succeeded beyond all imagination, we have fought for the rights of all women in our society irrespective of who they were or what party they belong to,” she stated.

“We began a pattern that has been adopted by all the political parties and trade unions in Guyana, that is having a women’s arm…the fact that we have stood our ground and continued to fight for women rights is something all men and women in Guyana must be proud of,” Jagan declared.

Among the achievements, she counted the right for Guyanese to vote and said the party was given a symbol because of the problem of illiteracy then.

“We recognised, from the very beginning, that education is the step ladder for women to walk up higher and higher into all areas of activities…that is why we encourage persons to send girl children to school,” Jagan said.

“So we can thank the early pioneers in the WPO for bringing about a higher level of education for girl children,” she said.

Jagan said the WPO was always interested in the health of women and even advocated family planning.

She remembered that married women were not allowed to continue working in the Public Service and nursing.

First Secretary of the PYO and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, who also spoke at the function, said, over the years, the WPO, which was formed on May 27, 1953, has shown strong and dynamic leadership on the many issues relating to the betterment of women in the country.

“Many of the things, the rights that we take for granted today were struggled for and achieved because the WPO was there and so, because of them, we have a better country and a better society,” he acknowledged.

Anthony said he is confident that the work the WPO has done from its inception would continue.

Challenges
They have new challenges and things to battle with, not only to deal with providing leadership on political issues but also on some of the social issues, he forecast.

Anthony said one challenge is with HIV/AIDS, which rate of infection amongst women is higher than in men and another is chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.

“I think, if you take your leadership into these directions that you will also be helping to change some of the social paradigms that are needed in our country.

“The issue of climate change, people need to understand these issues because women have to play a very important role and you are the ones who will educate the next generation by talking to your children and so, if you inculcate these issues in the children coming up, then we will have generations that would know of these issues and can take the requisite actions,” he said.

Anthony said another important stride made by the WPO is the encouragement of women to seek tertiary education.

“In fact, you have a term that is now being talked about ‘male marginalisation’ in terms of the educational system and I think, here, again, you need to play that role to encourage our male young people to get on board and receive tertiary education.”

He said, with the kind of dynamic and vibrant leadership, the WPO will continue playing that very important part and, very shortly, put many issues to rest.

Member of the PPP Central Executive and Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee, also agreed that the WPO championed the rights and struggles of women.

“The WPO is the standard bearer of the women’s liberation movement in this country. Its association with the PPP is the reason why the WPO is grounded in the struggle of the working women and forming women in this country,” he pointed out.

Perspective
Rohee said the WPO has been able to maintain a perspective on what it means to struggle for the rights of working women in all sectors of Guyana.

“Any women organisation that does not maintain that type of focus and struggle together with women who are involved in day to day struggle will not last very long in this country. The WPO is also a broad-based women organisation and did not restrict its membership only to working women but it worked hard to blossom its base as a women’s organisation and took up almost every issue affecting women in all areas of social, economic and political life in our country,” he concurred.

Rohee said the WPO also took up the struggle for democracy and free and fair elections in this country by organising a number of activities in advancing the struggle with the PPP and PYO.

“The WPO was able to translate the struggle of Guyanese women into revolutionary art and culture and this was manifested in the many cultural activities that the WPO organised throughout the length and breath of this country,” he said.

According to him, many of the leaders of the WPO were arrested and taken before the Courts for championing the rights of oppressed working women i