Guyanese urged to fight against discrimination of HIV infected persons

The United Nations (UN) agencies in Guyana came together last evening for the lighting of the HIV red ribbon, which is a symbol of solidarity for people who are HIV positive, those who live with AIDS, and also to remember the countless lives that the dreadful disease has claimed.

The lighted red ribbon outside of the United Nations (UN) Building, Brickdam. 

            The global observance of World AIDS Day this year, would mark 30 years since the incurable disease was first reported in 1981 in the United States. 
            Speaking to media operatives, UN Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Kiari Liman-Tinguiri reiterated the World AIDS Day message by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, that fewer people are becoming infected, millions have gained access to HIV treatment, Parent to Child Transmission is being controlled and stigma, though slowly, gives way to compassion and human rights.
            The UN, through its consolidated Joint Programme, continues to support the priorities of Guyana’s response to HIV.
            “We can make human rights and the law work for HIV and put an end to punitive laws, policies, practices, stigma, and discrimination which work against the tide of success,” he said.
            Liman-Tinguiri highlighted goals such as zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths, which can only be accomplished when the people work together as one.

UN Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Kiari Liman-Tinguiri and UNAIDS Country Co-ordinator, Ruben Del Prado speaking to media operatives.

            Liman-Tinguiri’s speech was followed by PowerPoint presentation by UNAIDS Country Co-ordinator, Ruben Del Prado, on the challenges that the Caribbean has to face with regards to the HIV epidemic.
            Del Prado said that surveys have shown that one in every five gay men or men who have sex with men are infected with HIV.
             He maintained that no one is born with the character trait to stigmatise HIV infected persons, but rather, it is a willful decision to do so. He urged Guyanese to not only wear the red ribbon but also to commit themselves to fight against discrimination. 
World AIDS Day 2010 will be observed tomorrow under the theme “Light for Rights.”

Skeldon factory most productive countrywide
- Agriculture Ministry

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud in responding to media reports about the non-functioning of the Skeldon Sugar factory, acknowledged that while there are difficulties, especially with the design and construction, because of  “hard” negotiations, a sum of money has been retained ensuring that outstanding deficiencies are remedied.
            He said that not withstanding the difficulties, it is the most productive factory in the country, and challenged persons to observe the efforts made to have it functioning at maximum efficiency, and that all Guyanese should be proud of its progress.
            Minister Persaud added that while critics are of the view that it is at a standstill, “the factory was the only functional one when we had the strike and the only one being the most productive across the country.”
The US$185M flagship state-of-the-art Skeldon sugar factory which was commissioned by President Bharrat Jagdeo on August 22, was conceived in 1998 as part of the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuco’s) strategic review.
The Skeldon factory was constructed with a combination of self-generated funds and loans from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Guyana.

Guyana working towards satisfying Montreal Protocol
-Agri Ministry launches Code of Good Practice Manual for Refrigeration Technicians

Guyana is serious about reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere in an effort to decrease the depletion of the ozone layer. As such, the country has been actively pursuing its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) that has received worldwide recognition.

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud distributes Code of Good Practice Manual for Refrigeration Technicians to stakeholders at the Ministry of Agriculture

            Moreover, fulfilling the obligations of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a commitment by Government, which has seen the undertaking of several initiatives particularly in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry.
On tuesday, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud joined stakeholders in launching the Code of Good Practice Manual for Refrigeration Technicians, at the Ministry of Agriculture.
“The fact that we are doing this today, which is the second day of the Technical Meeting taking place in Cancun, is important and symbolic and it reaffirms our commitment in terms of playing a positive role that we have done in our LCDS,” he said.
As a developing nation with vital forest resource, Guyana has been active in combating climate change. However, besides the country’s LCDS, Guyana has been adhering to the Montreal Protocol, hence pursuing other ways in reducing carbon emissions.

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud addresses stakeholders at the launching of the Code of Good Practice Manual for Refrigeration Technicians, at the Ministry of Agriculture

The manual, which comes under the Terminal Phase-out Management Plan Project, outlines the proper usage of refrigerators and air-conditioners that would lead to the reduction in greenhouse gas emission thus contributing to the global efforts to combat potential impacts of climate change.
“I am happy that once again under this project we are able to make some progress in terms of satisfying our obligations under the Montreal Protocol in this regard and also working with you important stakeholders in building capacity and supporting you that you can continue to be compliant,” Minister Persaud said.
            He noted that a lot of work has been dedicated towards the development of the Code of Good Practice Manual and stakeholders should utilise it as a lasting guide when pursuing their activities.
            Since the commencement of the project, stakeholders have been active and technicians trained to build capacity and resources, so that they can expedite their duties, as it were less of a humbug and produce positive outcome because of what is occurring globally, Minister Persaud indicated.
            “Guyana has always prided ourselves dealing especially with the environment, to be a leader and to the fact that we have already exceeded the target set by this project already I think its something we should all be proud of,” he stated.
            Another demonstration of Government’s commitment towards combating Climate Change is the recent approval of contracts by Cabinet for the supply of additional support for some stakeholders, in terms of equipment and testing.
 “This is just one in the stream of interventions and support that we hope will allow you to build capacity so as to undertake the practice in refrigeration and also in your other activities,” Minister Persaud said.
In addition to the launching of this significant manual, stakeholders focused on the resuscitation of the Guyana Air-condition, Refrigeration and Ventilation Association (GARVA).

Stakeholders in attendance at the launching of the launching of the Code of Good Practice Manual for Refrigeration Technicians, at the Ministry of Agriculture

            Minister Persaud highlighted that stakeholders need to work to make GARVA strong as a group and a community.
It needs to be a functioning association and it should be noted that this project has a life and even when it ends stakeholders must continue what has been disseminated so that Guyana can continue to a play a role in the reduction of climate change.
            Earlier in the year, refrigeration equipment valued more than $20M were handed over by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorlogical Service, National Ozone Action Unit to stakeholders of various organisations Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Training Centre; Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre; Anna Regina Technical Institute; New Amsterdam Training Institute (NATI); and Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI).
            Domestic refrigeration accounts for less than 1% of HFC (hydrofluocarbon) consumption in the refrigeration/ AC sector and approximately 11% of HFC consumption in the foams sector; combined, this accounts for nearly 2% of global HFC consumption in 2010.
            Developing countries account for approximately 12% of the global HFCs consumed as refrigerants and blowing agents within the domestic refrigerants end-use.