Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Guyana partners with UNODC in terrorism fight
-initiative seen as timely 

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) today engaged relevant stakeholders from several organisations including the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a one-day workshop to discuss anti-terrorism initiatives by Government.
            At the forum, the issues of global legal framework against terrorism, provision of technical assistance, and the requirements of implementing the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1373, were discussed. 
            Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee in his remarks welcomed the collaboration between the Government of Guyana and the UNODC, particularly in the area of           technical assistance being provided to Guyana to aid in the fight against terrorism at the national level.
            He cautioned against viewing terrorism only as an “international” problem and disclosed that Guyana has ratified 12 of the 16 United Nations instruments against terrorism and is in the drafting an Anti-Terrorism Bill.
            Representative of the UNODC, Hernan Longo said that the objective of the workshop was to provide Guyana with assistance in incorporating the UN anti-terrorism instruments into its domestic laws, as part of the global legal framework against terrorism.
            The workshop was seen as timely, especially since the world is reflecting on the 9/11 attacks, in the United States.
            The UNODC was established in 1997 to assist the UN in better addressing a coordinated, comprehensive response to the interrelated issues of illicit trafficking in and abuse of drugs, crime prevention and criminal justice, international terrorism, and corruption.
            Its goals are pursued through research, guidance and support to governments in the adoption and implementation of various crime, drug, terrorism, and corruption-related conventions, treaties and protocols, as well as technical/financial assistance.
La Penitence health centre celebrates one year with mini fair
-to become annual feature, Minister Ramsaran

The Ministry of Health held a one day mini health fair at the La Penitence health centre today, to celebrate its first year in operation.
            The fair featured booths displaying the products and services of various arms of the Ministry of Health, including the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Center and the Health Services Unit, Ministry of Health.
            The facility offers a range of services to the residents of La Penitence and surrounding communities including treatment of chronic diseases, foot care (wrapping and dressing), and a dental and eye care clinics.

A patient is being attended to by the eye specialist at the East La Penitence health centre

            Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, Minister in the Ministry of Health, said that the area was chosen because of the need to bring these types of services to those Guyanese who live in low income bracket areas.
            The Minister noted that in proceeding with the health centre’s construction, there was a high level of community involvement and participation, and already Government has delivered on most of the promises made to the residents.

A primary school student is receiving dental treatment in the facility’s new dental unit

            The clinic boasts a pharmacy, a screening room for women wishing to be screened for cervical cancer using the visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA) method, a refraction room for eye testing, and ward-like facilities for foot care. There is also a newly donated dental unit, which will see constant usage as of the new month. An external waiting area has been added, and according to Minister Ramsaran can be used for community development purposes.

Primary school students gather at the health centre’s mini health fair in commemoration of its one year anniversary

            There is a permanent doctor on staff and the clinic days for the various services are rotated for optimum efficiency.
            It was just over a year ago that the United States Army Southern command, New Horizons, handed over the then newly constructed building to the Ministry of Health.
British film producer captivated by Guyana’s natural wonders
…country listed among World’s 101 Amazing Adventures

Guyana will be featured in the “101 Amazing Adventures of the World” a book currently being chronicled by popular British film producer and creative director, Russell Malkin who visited Guyana recently to explore its natural wonders.
According to a release from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Malkin said he is compiling an inspirational adventure book to inspire people to go out and have their own adventures.
Malkin believes that many people have not truly discovered what Guyana has to offer unlike him. He was captivated by Guyana during the 22nd Annual British Bird watching Fair in Rutland Water, England last month.
Malkin, who also visited the Dadanawa ranch which was once the world’s largest cattle ranch said he rode with the vaqueros and this was a great experience which is not normally available to tourists in such raw form. He was fascinated with the vaqueros (cow boys) as it is unusual to see the traditional cowboys.
The expedition leader also visited Surama which he described as “another epic journey” and thinks that it is a great idea to have the eco-lodge managed by the village.
Malkin and his photographer Victoria Morton also took take part in Surama village Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations and had the opportunity to experience the lifestyle and customs of the indigenous people.

British explorer Russell Malkin and photographer Victoria Morton on a recent visit to Guyana

“It was a good adventure and exciting. It was unique and that is what I was looking for,” he said.
Referring to the majestic Kaieteur Falls, Malkin said it is unbelievably unique and is “one of the most stunning natural sites I have seen anywhere” since it is completely untouched and surrounded by pristine rainforest.
Malkin said everyone now has more choices than before but not everyone has the confidence to try something new so his book is about showing them that this is possible and to reassure people that they can get out of their comfort zone.
Guyana is different from all the other countries in South America, and being an English-speaking country puts it at an advantage, he said.
Morton, who also does video recording and information gathering, said the experience was interesting and diverse and she too was captivated by the Kaieteur Falls which she said is “absolutely spectacular and unique and spiritual.”
She alluded to the country’s amazing wildlife noting that it would make for an interesting alternative to the safari in Africa. She said its difference would make it appealing even for a younger generation because of its great people and adventurous environment.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad said ‘Destination Guyana’ continues to attract more attention with its immense ecological and adventure tourism potential.
Such travel stories, he said, will also help to raise the destination’s profile and create more awareness about Guyana in keeping with both the Ministry’s and GTA’s awareness strategy.
Guyana has been featured in various international travel magazines and shows, such as the BBC’s three-part series, ‘The Lost Land of the Jaguar’, and the popular United States reality television show ‘Reel and Birding adventures.
During the four-day visit Malkin, Morton and Wilderness Explorer Tour Guide Luke Johnson travelled through neighbouring Brazil.
Malkin is also the producer and director of three motorcycle adventure television documentaries: Long Way Round, Race to Dakar, and Long Way Down featuring Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor.
He also founded the television production company ‘Big Earth’ and has 20 years experience in putting together international events and expeditions.
Malkin’s book is expected to be released during March to April 2011.
Minister Persaud addresses issues of Windsor Forest residents

By Erika Haag-Tularam

Rice farmers was given the opportunity to voice their concerns as it relates to matters affecting their livelihood, during a farmers’ meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud on Monday.
            At the session representatives from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) in attendance, were held at the Windsor Forest Primary school, West Coast Demerara.
              Some of the issues raised were lands for cattle farmers, blockage of the façade at Windsor Forest School, drying facility, access to dams at Blankenburg and dredging of outfall channel at Windsor Forest old pump station.
            Minister Persaud in remarks emphasised the need for more works to be done at the Regional level to have a better chance at enhancing the situations that are currently facing rice farmers.
Recalling the challenges faced during the first crop, as it relates to harvesting of rice, Minister Persaud encourages the farmers to maximize on the limited resources; since the equipment are costly.
“We are monitoring the works that are to be done in the areas. To purchase a bulldozer it would cost us some $44M but because dam maintenance is critical. We are currently looking to buy more,” he said.
            On the issue of more lands for agriculture purposes, the Agriculture Minister said that Government is looking at developing additional lands. This is intended to bring some amount of consistency among rice and livestock farmers.
            Citing the need for more to be done, he said that with the limited resources available the Administration is looking at infrastructure and interventions to effectively deal with the changing weather pattern.
            However, he indicated that notwithstanding the unpredictability of the weather pattern, the Ministry will continue to do all in its power to ensure that farming and other activities are protected.
            In anticipation of a weather pattern that may become more extreme, Government is continuing to invest in infrastructure.
            “We are highly dependent on agriculture which is highly sensitive to weather so everyone has to give their support, because we also have to diversify our economy and look at new sources in terms of economic wealth and opportunities,” he added. 
Rice cultivation
As part of Government’s renewed thrust to modernise the agriculture sector, the issue of market opportunity will be significantly enhanced as farmers move into the second crop.
              He noted that while the country on the international market is considered as price takers; farmers should ensure that all the players in the rice industry support the initiative.
              “As we move into a La Nina situation I urge you to be very alert and mobilized since we will be experiencing above normal rainfall.”
            While speaking on the issue of farmers being owed by the Mahaicony Rice Mill, the Agriculture Minister indicated that the auditing of all records will commence on September 16.
            “We have put the laws in place to protect farmers, but the laws are nothing if they are not used. Those farmers who have outstanding issues we will provide free legal advice as to what is taking place in this regard; since there is no reason why farmers should not be paid,” he stressed.
            The GRDB and the Guyana Rice Producers Association have since been ensuring that laws put in place to govern the rights of rice farmers are adhered to by millers.