Measures taken to ensure consumers are not ripped off


The Ministry of Agriculture has taken steps against reports of hoarding and price-gouging by certain retailers in the country. This decision has seen the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), dispatching supplies of rice and sugar at pivotal points across the country.
            This is to ensure that citizens can purchase at the approved prices, and to ensure that they are not ripped off as a result of the hike in prices for basic commodities during the festive season.
            On Saturday, hundreds turned out to purchase rice and sugar from trucks dispatched by the GMC at Port Mourant, Linden, Mahaicony and Mon Repos, at the standard price, according to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture.
            The prices are as follow;-  White rice- $400 gallon, Parboiled (brown) rice- $540 and Sugar- $60 per pound.
           Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud on Tuesday cleared the air on the matter by issuing a stern warning to person found black marketing the commodities, noting that action will be taken against anyone found doing such.
          He pointed out that, the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo),  Paul Bhim has sinced advised that a team is currently monitoring the situation for persons found in this act, since there is currently no shortage.
         Teams for GuySuCo and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), have been visiting distributors and retailers.
         Reportedly, the Agriculture Minister has also instructed GuySuCo to review the quantity of sugar the corporation sells to any distributor found guilty of hoarding sugar.
         consumers have over the last week voiced their concerns as it relates to the high prices for basic commodities as such, an investigation has since been launched into the matter and efforts are being made to rectify.

GWI takes legal action against customers for non-payment

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), during a press conference today revealed reasons why the entity was forced to take legal action against delinquent customers for non-payment for water service supplied.
            Executive Director of Corporate Services of GWI, Nigel Niles explained  that the company dispatched letters indicating the outstanding payments and requesting that they visit the nearest GWI office to settle all arrears within seven days after receipt of correspondence.
            On November 16, GWI dispatched warning letters to over 60 customers in Georgetown who continued to deprive the utility of payment for water services. These customers are primarily from the Festival City, North and South Ruimveldt communities.
            Niles indicated that the response has been slow but promising. “The delinquent customers are not responding as we anticipated, so we will be forced to take those who refuse to comply before the Courts.”
            It was noted that a similar exercise was conducted during the months of October and November on the West Coast Demerara with actions being filed in both the Magistrate’s  and High Courts. The company was successful in obtaining judgment against several customers.
            Although, the company has taken legal action against delinquent customers, it prefers that customers utilise its Friendly Payment Plan, which will be affordable and in the best interest of both parties.
             Chief Executive Officer of GWI, Yuri Chandisingh highlighted that the company’s disconnection campaign is an ongoing effort to ensure that the company receives payments for its services offered.
            He noted that last year the Friendly Payment Plan was proven effective as customers responded positively.
            Chandisingh highlighted that there are some diligent customers who are prompt with payment while others do not mind being disconnected since they would either have the service reconnected illegally or find alternative source of getting water supply.
            For inquiries concerning disconnections, the Friendly Payment Plan and reports of leakages among other defects the GWI Customer Call Centre can be contacted on telephone number 227-8701 and has adequate personnel to respond to customers.
          

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.