DPI Essequibo Express

A publication of the Department of Public Information

October 2018

Essequibo

Express

LGE IS ABOUT EMPOWERING CITIZENS - PRES. GRANGER TO ANNA REGINA RESIDENTS

New Anna Regina Power Station 75% complete

HIGH-LEVEL AGRI TEAM ADDRESSES FARMERS, FISHERMEN CONCERNS

Panama rice market not under threat - GRDB head

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Essequibo Express - October 2018

GPL Improving Services In Region Two

New Anna Regina Power Station 75% complete Project Engineer, Anna Regina Power Station, Hugh Peru

Ongoing construction works on the new Anna Regina Power Station

Three-man diesel engines on site at the new Anna Regina Power Station

Construction of Anna Regina’s new power station 75% complete, on schedule for mid-December commissioning.

The new Anna Regina Power Station will be the first in the county to utilise heavy fuel oil which is more economical for operations. Project Engineer, Hugh Peru said Essequibians can look forward to a continuous and reliable supply of electricity when the plant is completed.

“This new power plant is unique in the sense that it is a containerised baseload facility. We’re accustomed to having a facility where all the engines are in one engine room but with this one, we have three containerised units which are designed for baseload. The residents of Essequibo will definitely be experiencing improved power supply. Currently, our peak generation target

is 4.7 megawatts and this plant will give us 5.4 megawatts,” the project engineer underlined.

Peru told the Department of Public Information that while there were some delays in the delivery of equipment and hiccups with contractors meeting deadlines, the project is progressing.

“We have our diesel engines placed on site with all the auxiliaries. What is left to be done is connecting of the auxiliaries to the main engines and the electrical works which will comprise of installation of the switch gears in the building,” Peru explained.

Meanwhile, residents along the Essequibo Coast are currently experiencing normal electricity supply. A fifth unit was transferred from Canefield to the Anna Regina Power station which will provide an additional 800 kilowatts.

This new unit will allow for a reserve capacity for eventualities. Moreover, load shedding will significantly reduce and self-generators will also be supplied.  By: Ranetta La Fleur Images: Jules Gibson

Sabotage…?

GPL working to correct ‘alleged’ irregularities at Anna Regina The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) is considering installing security cameras at the Anna Regina Power Station as part of its efforts to address the alleged ‘irregularities’ of the system.

At a recent meeting with GPL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Albert Gordon Regional and Vice-Chairman Juliet Coonjah and Councillors at their Regional Democratic Council (RDC), it was highlighted that there appears to be a deliberate attempt to interfere with the operation of the system at Anna Regina, hence, the frequent power outages and failures.

One of the councillors queried whether security cameras would be installed following the installation of the new units.

CEO Gordon said the idea is one that will be

considered during implementation of the Region’s 20-year plan. He explained that “I don’t want to speculate but we want to take measures to ensure the systems are not interfered with. We are looking at all the options, security cameras are not expensive and we can include them. However, there will also be other measures to prevent unscrupulous people from damaging the system.”

Gordon indicated that the 20-year plan for the region will also explore the possibility of having renewable storage at different locations as opposed to having all at Anna Regina. This he stressed must be part of a comprehensive plan.

Additionally, as it relates to maintenance of the units, the CEO stated that while GPL’s current maintenance team is currently supported by Macorp, he is working towards having his team to be

Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Power and Light Incorporated, Albert Gordon in discussion with GPL’s regional engineers at the Anna Regina Power Station familiar with the new plant.

“Without committing to anything we’re looking at the best option as it relates to maintenance of our units especially the new ones which will be commissioned in December. We also have an operation and maintenance agreement with

Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI), that seems to be doing well in terms of performance and that’s also an option,” Gordon explained.  Ranetta La Fleur Image: Leon Leung

Essequibo Express - October 2018

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LGE IS ABOUT EMPOWERING CITIZENS

- PRES. GRANGER TO ANNA REGINA RESIDENTS

President David Granger told residents of Anna Regina and neighbouring communities that Local Government Elections (LGE) are not about winning or losing but about empowering citizens. The Head of State was at the time speaking at a community meeting held at the Anna Regina car park.

“Local Government Elections is not about victim or victor, winning or losing; it is about giving the people the opportunity to run their own affairs.

He made it clear that “this government is a government for the whole country” and so no matter the outcome of the November 12, 2018 elections, “we will continue to help Anna Regina to be a better town”.

The President pointed to improvements within the township and noted that Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson knows his responsibilities.

President David Granger greets a recipient of a bicycle gifted through the Public Education Transport Service (PETS).

All three levels have to work together if we are to move this region forward,” he declared.

Further, the Head of State said the time has come for residents must think of the future and look towards developing the region.

“You as residents of Anna Regina must come out to your crease to bat, you must start scoring, you must go to people in your neighbourhood and say I am doing this for Anna Regina, I want you

President David Granger flanked

by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally and Regional Executive Officer, Region Two, Rupert Hopkinson during the community meeting held at the Anna Regina car park

Giving people the opportunity to sit around the table and decide what is best for the market, the street, the light, security. This is the importance of Local Government Elections,” said President Granger.

The President noted the need for competent persons to be elected to the municipality and for residents to move away from voting on the basis of party politics. He called on residents of the town to vote for people who are going to develop Anna Regina thereby ensuring the Region becomes the powerhouse it is destined to be.

“When we held Local Government Elections in March 2016, yeah we wanted to win but most of all we wanted to empower the people, give them that confidence to go into the municipalities, to go into the neighbourhoods and make decisions for themselves,” said President Granger who assured the residents that things will improve as he belongs to a caring and concerned government.

“When we are in government we don’t say this is PPP (People’s Progressive Party) municipality or a PPP Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), we say this is a part of Guyana and we help Guyanese wherever they are,” declared the Head of State.

“In the face of resistance your government will continue to do what is necessary to give you a better quality of life,” he said pointed to subventions provided to support community work along with the $30M in government support for the Sustained Livelihood Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) Programme. “…we are going to continue to strengthen not only the municipality but citizens and residents in Anna Regina”, assured President Granger while adding “that is what you expect a government to do. People speak of Government as if it is something far away in Georgetown. Government is right here!”

Government, he stressed has three tiers (local, regional and central) which have to work together to ensure that citizens benefit and enjoy the good life.

But while this is ideal, President Granger pointed to the fact that Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt was absent from the community meeting.

“Look around, you think the Regional Chairman for Region Two is here? He is not here. That is the problem in Guyana. The President is here, the neighbourhood is here but the middle piece is not here. That is what we have to solve in this country.

Anna Regina car park that his government and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) are prepared to work to improve Anna Regina.

“I want people to get rich, I want people to open enterprises, to develop all parts of Guyana but [I want] Anna Regina which has so many advantages to take the lead because you have the experience of being part hinterland, part coastland,” President Granger added.

He noted that over the years Anna Regina has struggled because of poor leadership while assuring that better leadership is on the horizon. “This is a beautiful and complex region…a region which deserves the best leadership because the economy alone of this region… 16 percent of the national rice production comes from Region Two, 14 percent of the national fish and shrimp production comes from Region Two, and not to mention 48 percent coconuts.”

Moreover, President Granger said it is his vision that Anna Regina will have its own municipal aerodrome so that business persons from the Caribbean can land in Anna Regina, conduct their business in the morning and leave before nightfall.

“I want to see people coming into Anna Regina from the rest of the world, not only for rice and coconut water but also to invest and develop this region. What I am trying to paint to you, is not just a matter of cleaning up the streets and picking up solid waste; it is a vision of the future, so your children will remember this day when their parents

Residents of Anna Regina gathered at the Town’s car park for a community meeting. to support my candidates because these candidates will provide a better life for all of us.

I want you to go to alleyways and byways; I want you to go to neighbours, and villages you don’t normally go to. I want you to take the message to everybody in Anna Regina, that this is not a party-political matter, this is a developmental matter that affects all of us and our children,” said President Granger.

The President assured those gathered at the

went out to LGE to elect a visionary town council; one that looks over the interest of its own people in the town, one that looks over the interest of the other hinterland towns,” he stated while adding that there is need for a Mayor who is visionary and can develop the town into an economic powerhouse.

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson were also present at the community meeting. 

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Essequibo Express - October 2018

HIGH-LEVEL AGRI TEAM ADDRESSES FARMERS, FISHERMEN CONCERNS

Regional Councillor, Naith Ram, Regional Agriculture Coordinator A team of senior agriculture officials led by Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder met with Region Two councillors to address agriculture-related issues in the region.

Minister Holder said the Pomeroon-Supenaam region is of particular interest to the government and disclosed that much is in store for the improvement of the region’s agriculture capacity and diversity.

“Region Two is of particular interest to the government largely because it has probably the largest percentage of small rice farmers… This region also has, arguably one of the highest production levels across the country,” the Agri Minister said.

The Regional Councillors were afforded the opportunity to represent their various constituen-

cies to Minister Holder and his high-level team.

Some significant areas highlighted for address included drainage and irrigation, the thriving coconut industry, the potential oil industry and its effects on the fishing industry and the provision of markets. The rice industry in the region garnered much attention in this meeting.

GRDB General Manager, Nizam Hassan while lauding the region’s contribution to rice production, stated that all aspects of agricultural practices need looked into and upheld in order to see improved production numbers.

“With regards to what is happening here in Region Two, the farmers are applying fertilisers and they are spraying for paddy bug and during this time of the crop, the paddy bug poses a challenge.

Therefore, the GRDB staff is continuing with its outreaches, meeting farmers and advising them,” Hassan explained.

Regional Agriculture Coordinator, Naith Ram said that he has continually made representation for the sector and has seen some of the issues addressed. Most of the issues highlighted by Ram at this meeting have already been undertaken through agriculture initiatives overseen by the central ministry.

The team spearheaded by Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder included Head of the Fisheries division, Denzil Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Frederick Flatts, General Manager, Guyana Rice Development Board

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, makes a point during the recent meeting held with councillors in Region Two (GRDB), Nazim Hassan, Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU), George Jarvis and General Manager (ag) Guyana Marketing Corporation (NewGMC), Celestine Butters.

Minister Holder encouraged councillors to take seriously their roles as community and re-

gional representatives since they play a vital role in communicating the government’s vision to residents in regions without bias and political compromise.  Delicia Haynes Images: Anil Seelall

Regional and other officials at the meeting

Panama rice market not under threat - GRDB head Assurance has been given by General Manager of Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan, that there is no threat to the lucrative market for Guyana’s rice. This assurance comes amidst claims of local rice being rejected by Trinidad then being shipped to Panama. This resulted in the Latin American country refusing 20 containers of rice from more than 100 because it contained the incorrect commodity.

“With regards to the effect, basically the buyer said ‘no this is not what we want; it cannot come; so take it back and send us back our rice.’ We will have to replace the rice that was not received. The authorities understand it is a contract between the GRDB and the Institute of Agricultural Marketing in Panama they know that the GRDB itself is not a producer of rice,” Hassan explained In addition, Hassan said he has no knowledge of the rice being previously rejected by Trinidad and repackaged for the Panamanian market.

“We have no information of rice being shipped to Trinidad and being returned to Guyana. When rice leaves here we would have all the documents and if returned, plant quarantine would

have been involved. We have no information of this happening,” Hassan told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Further, the GRDB Head said there is an ongoing investigation to determine whether or not there was a deliberate effort to deceive on the part of millers or it was a genuine operational error.

“We are still investigating to identify whether it was an operational issue or whether it was a deliberate effort. I cannot comment on that because the investigation is in progress. If it was an operational issue, because from our reports thus far, the miller is using this packaging facility that bags and packages white rice and parboiled rice using the same line. However, we have only just received photos saying this is what we found. It does not necessarily mean that an entire container has parboiled rice, it may have been a few bags,” the GRDB head explained.

According to Hassan, systems have now been strengthened to prevent a recurrence of any similar situation.

“Let me say that all systems have been heightened with regards to inspections, quality control checks with respect to shipments to this buyer that the first thing."

Guyana exported some 540,000 tonnes of rice for 2017,

which saw its highest numbers since 2015 when a total of 535,000 tonnes were recorded. The GRDB is the agency responsible for certifying rice being shipped from Guyana to overseas markets.  Kidackie Amsterdam

Essequibo Express - October 2018

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‘Get involved now’ – MIN. NORTON URGES YOUTHS

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton [centre], Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson [left of the Minister], Coordinator of the programme, Shabbir Ali [sitting in the centre] along with other senior officials, participants, and volunteers of the Inter-Village Social Cohesion exchange programme Over one hundred youths across Region Two participated in the second annual Inter-Village Social Cohesion Exchange Programme.

The programme, organised by the Ministry of Social Cohesion, ran from August 14 to August 24 and targets young people aged 14 to 25.

It was held under the theme, “Youth Inclusion for Sustained Community and National Cohesion”. The programme, aimed at creating cohesive communities by educating young people on the importance of social cohesion in nation building and the role they can play individually or as groups to develop their communities.

Youths who gathered at the Anna Regina Multi-lateral Secondary came from Akawini Village, Wakapoa, St. Monica Village, Kabakaburi Village, Tapakuna Village, Mainstay/Whyaka, Capoey, Mashabo Village, Bathany Village, Lima Sands Area, Onderneeming-Red Village Area and Dredge Creek Area. A number of students from secondary schools in the region were also selected to participate. They include Aurora Secondary, Johanna Cecila Secondary, Cotton Field Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary, Anna Regina Secondary, 8th of May Secondary, Charity Secondary and Al

Participants visiting one of the booths at the mini exhibition

Andre Thomas Madinah Islamic Academy.

Minister of Social Cohesion Dr, George Norton, delivering the feature address, told the youths that they all have a role to play in the development

Zohisa Harris of Guyana which can only be achieved through social cohesion. He added that through the inter-village programme, young people can create “a Guyana where all are accepted and loved and most importantly, included in all the decision-making processes.”

Addressing the youths from the indigenous villages, the minister said “do not wait until you are retired and come back into the village with nothing else to do and then you want to become a member of the village council, I challenge you now at this age now, to lobby, to ask the village council to be a part of the village council so that you can participate in the decision making process, you have nothing to lose and all to gain.”

Throughout the ten days, participants were engaged by a number of agencies which include the Small Business Bureau, religious groups, the Ministry of Public Health, the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Social Protection.

They were also involved in a number of other activities like football, cricket, volleyball, board games, cosmetology, photography, information technology, metalwork and woodwork.

There was as well a small exhibition where

Johni Walcott a number of government and non-governmental organizations displayed what they have to offer young people.

Some of the youths spoke to the Department of Public Information.

Fourteen-year-old Johni Walcott said he planned to use the knowledge gained to develop his community. “After this camp, I hope to go back to my village and tell people what I learnt so that we can improve Queenstown.”

Andre Thomas who hails from Mainstay said: “I expect to be a better-socialized person and I will go back into my community and teach them what I learnt here.”

Zohisa Harris from Onderneeming said “I am happy I am able to learn, meet new people and have fun.”

The first inter-village social cohesion exchange programme was held last year in Region Nine with 22 villages from the South Rupununi.

The next inter-village social cohesion exchange programme is slated to be held in Kato, Region Eight next year.

Isaiah Braithwaite Images: Tejpaul Bridgemohan

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Essequibo Express - October 2018

ANSA McAL, IAST officially launch ‘Morning Glory’ rice cereal

Brand Representative of ANSA McAL Trading Limited (AMTL), Tiffany Aaron, Food and Consumer Goods Manager of ANSA McAL Trading Limited (AMTL), Anjeta Hinds and Director of Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), Dr. Suresh Narine After more than six months on the market, the local rice cereal 'Morning Glory' has recorded sales ranging from $30Million to $35Million.

ANSA McAL Trading Limited (AMTL) in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) recently, officially launched the cereal at the AMTL head office.

In brief remarks, AMTL’s Food and Consumer Goods, Manager, Anjeta Hinds said that the company is happy to have been entrusted by Dr. Suresh Narine, Director, IAST to promote the cereal which is well on its way to becoming a staple

in Guyanese households.

“We (AMTL) thank Dr. Narine for partnering with us and allowing us to take his ‘baby’ to develop it as a staple, as a breakfast cereal and nutritional value-added product into the market and into the homes of fellow Guyanese,” Hinds said.

She noted that AMTL is known for providing products that are in great demand, hence the decision to do the same for a local product. The cereal is known for its use of locally grown rice from Essequibo, the use of organic and nutritionally beneficial products like molasses and other vita-

mins and minerals.

In 2017, IAST commissioned its long-awaited rice-cereal plant at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast. The factory currently employs approximately 22 highly trained staff members of IAST. The manufacturing process is of the highest quality and standard and is comparable to any operation in the developed world. The plant has the capacity to produce 1 tonne of the cereal within a five-hour period.

Dr. Narine noted his satisfaction to have been able to partner with AMTL a known distributor of quality products which he said which fits well with the image of Morning Glory and what it represents for the country.

“We think of their partnership with us as an endorsement of the level that Morning Glory has achieved since we know the company only distributes quality products. Anyone can make a thing but it takes a tremendous amount of effort, dedication and focus to make it good. We would like to think that Morning Glory is a great thing,” the director said.

He encouraged members of the public to try the cereal and compare the taste, texture, packaging, nutritional value and general appeal of the Morning Glory rice cereal, to other imported brands.

“We believe that this product is an example of what Guyanese can do when we focus our collective efforts and what we can do when we inject national pride into the product,” Dr. Narine remarked.  Neola Damon Image: ANSA McAL

GPL promises better electricity access at Essequibo health institutions

Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL Inc.), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Albert Gordon addressing the stakeholders seated next to Vice Chairman, Juliet Coonjah The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL Inc.) is working to create redundancy lines in its network at Anna Regina in order to improve services to health institutions in Region Two. This was highlighted by GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Albert Gordon during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Regional Office in Anna Regina. This revelation came on the heels of challenges reportedly experienced at health centres and the district hospital during power outages.

“I understand the issues of lack of water during

power outages, and we want to improve the situation and drive development in this region. The 20year plan for this region will see us transitioning to heavy fuel oil and renewable energy. However, we will still keep the light fuel oil plants for reserve. This will give us enough capacity and help us to address the voltage situation,” Gordon explained.

The CEO added that the power company is also working to source a fibre optic cable to facilitate more standby power.

The Anna Regina Power station currently has a total capacity of six megawatts generated from six units. Of the six units, four are in operation with a total capacity of 4.8 megawatts and the remaining 2.2 megawatts kept on standby for emergencies.

The CEO noted that while the situation has returned to normal, the power company cannot afford to sell its excess capacity but is working towards that goal. Gordon pointed out that, fuel is the main driver for a reduction in rates and noted that with the expected reduction in fuel prices, rates will ultimately go down. The 20-year plan also has a financial model which will address rate reduction.

Other issues highlighted at the meeting included subsidies for pensioners and improved communication systems to better inform residents of services and eventualities. The CEO assured that these matters will be examined and promised continued monitoring of the Anna Regina system.

Regional Vice-Chairman, Juliet Coonjah and Chairman of Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, Dileep Singh lauded the meeting as timely and beneficial to the residents. Singh stated that the organisation supports the green initiative and is of the opinion that it will be beneficial even for the future generation.  Ranetta La Fleur Image: Leon Leung

Essequibians forming group to push tourism

Region Two Councillor, Vilma Da Silva The Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce (ECC) have embarked on a project of forming a group to push tourism in the region.

This was according to Region Two Councillor, Vilma Da Silva who said the project is part of the region’s flagship tourism project.

In 2017, a team from the Department of Tourism visited regions across Guyana to garner the views of stakeholders on tourism attractions and market appeal. The regions were tasked to identify tourism hotspots to promote at the regional level.

Da Silva said, “we recognised that we have a lot of tourism hotspots in the region that can benefit us economically. Essequibo is mainly into agriculture but we just want to add tourism to our economic activities.”

The councillor said the chamber and the RDC are currently working on creating a trail to connect Capoey Lake, Mainstay Lake and Tri-Lake.

“We are also looking for government’s intervention into this project.”

This, she explained, will enhance bird watching, nature walks and water sports tourism activities.

Da Silva related that the project will include all members since it aims to benefit all residents.

People will be selected to form a committee to oversee tourism projects. “We already sent out messages to the toshaos of the region, members of the business community and even farmers to take part in the formation of the group. We want everyone involved.”  Crystal Stoll Image: Karime Peters

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Essequibo Express - October 2018

PAGE 7

REGIONAL

Govt is proud of Region Diamond, Uitvlugt to get more than 20Million Five achievements - PM Litres of water daily

Highlights CDC distributes more supplies Venezuelan migrants

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) conducted a one-day exercise in the Barima-Waini Region, to distribute additional supplies to Venezuelan migrants, as well as to “monitor government’s intervention” of the migrants over the last three months. The team revisited Khan’s Hill, in the Mabaruma sub-region district, where 24 migrant families benefited from additional food items. The CDC also visited the Indigenous community of White Water where non-food items were distributed to 46 migrant families. These supplies included sanitary items such as bleach, soap and water purification tablets. 

$77M education complex opens in Region Three

The Region Three Regional Democratic Council (RDC) commissioned a $77M education complex at Vreed-en-Hoop. The cost takes into consideration the $43M building; a $17M cold storage; a $12M generator room (with generator installed and configured) and the driveway and open bond for $5M. The new complex replaces the old education building which was gutted by fire in 2009. 

The Ministry of Education and the University of Guyana commissioned a Facilities Maintenance Division building at the University’s Turkeyen campus. The facility will house some 100 permanent and part-time staff responsible for eight broad areas of maintenance: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, estates, grounds, transport, custodial and building. The building was completed in June 2018. It is equipped with a conference room and offices with air-conditioning, a kitchenette and washroom facilities. 

The Multi-Billion-dollar East Coast of Demerara road widening, and improvement project remains on schedule for the September 2019 deadline. The extending of the four-lane section from Better Hope to Annandale is now 60 percent completed. Technical Services Manager at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Nigel Erskine informed the Department of Public Information that the plan is to complete the four-lane section by the end of the year and proceed with the upgrade of the two lanes from Annandale to Bellfield subsequently. 

Works on Linden/Ituni/ Kwakwani road begin

Mahdia officially designated a town The Ministry of Communities has announced that Mahdia in Potaro-Siparuni has been formally designated a township. The Ministry said that this was done by way of Order No.27 of 2018 published in the Official Gazette dated 2018.08.09.

Mahdia was among a list of communities identified by President David Granger in 2015 to be commissioned as towns. The other three, Bartica, Lethem, and Mabaruma are already up and running, however, Mahdia was having some delays due to issues with internal boundaries. 

Corriverton residents urged to embrace local governance

East Coast road project on schedule

UG opens new maintenance facility

Good Hope, Westminster to get new secondary schools

Students and other stakeholders of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara and West Minister, West Bank Demerara are soon to benefit from the construction of new school buildings. The Ministry of Education signed two contracts for the construction of the two secondary schools.

The schools will be furnished with multipurpose halls, Home Economics buildings, Science and computer laboratories, audiovisual rooms and industrial technology rooms. The contracts, which were awarded to R. Bassoo Construction for the construction of the Westminster Secondary school and B.K International for the construction of the Good Hope Secondary school, are valued at US$4.5 and US$4.82M respectively. The Westminster School will be built with a capacity for 1,000 students, while the Good Hope school will house 800 students. The construction of the schools is expected to last for 15 months. 

A new water treatment plant under construction in Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara will see residents from Cornelia Ida to De Kinderen receiving 10Million Litres of treated water per day when it is completed next year. The water treatment plants are components of a larger project for which a more than $6.6Million (US$31.6Million) loan was signed in 2014 by the Government of Guyana (GOG) and the IDB, for a Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Improvement Programme. Arshad Yacoub, Programme Manager of GWI explained that some 21,550 members of the population will be served when the treatment plants come into operation. 

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo affirmed to the scores of Region Five residents who flocked the Paradise Community Centre ground that the government is proud of their numerous achievements. The Prime Minister was at the time addressing the opening of the Region Five, Regional Agriculture and Commerce Expo (RACE) held under the theme ‘Sustaining a green economy through food security’. Prime Minister Nagamootoo highlighted the region’s contribution to 48 per cent of all the paddy produced, 50 per cent of rice, 28 per cent of pork, beef and other meat, 12 per cent of coconut and 2.5 per cent of fish. 

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson inspected and confirmed that ongoing maintenance works have commenced on the Linden/Ituni/Kwakwani road. Earlier in May, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) awarded six road contracts valued over $650Million to several contractors for the maintenance of the Rockstone-Mabura, Kurupukari/ Annai/Lethem and the Linden/Ituni/Kwakwani roads. However, the projects were delayed due to intense rainfall that made the road impassable. 

Emphasising the power of local governance and cooperation, President David Granger, told residents of Corriverton, Region Six, that the town has the potential to become a commercial powerhouse. The Head of State, speaking at a community meeting at the Corriverton Primary School, made it clear that the return of Local Government Elections (LGE) in 2016 after a 20year hiatus provides a powerful opportunity for communities like Corriverton to realise their true potential. The President called on the residents to assess the improvements within their communities over the past three years while looking to the future. 

Property inventory and valuation update to begin in New Amsterdam

The Ministry of Communities signed a $335M project with the Municipal Assessments Canada (MPAC) and Axilogic Inc., to update the property inventory and valuation systems across local democratic organs in Guyana. The project will be piloted in New Amsterdam, Berbice beginning October 2 and is expected to be completed towards the end of 2019. The signing of the contract, which took place at the ministry’s boardroom in Kingston, will see the introduction of new technology and capacity building to support the sustainable implementation of modernised property inventory and valuation. 

PAGE 8

Essequibo Express - October 2018

NATIONAL

Highlights India’s PM for December State Visit

Guyana and Trinidad sign MOU on energy cooperation

Nomination Day - result of Democratic Governance - Min. Bulkan Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, speaking at Nomination Day for the Local Government Elections (LGE) at the Critchlow Labour College, said this event is a very crucial step in the evolution of democratic governance in Guyana. Political parties, voluntary groups and individuals submitted their Lists of Candidates to contest the LGE which will be held on November 12. Minister Bulkan said he was excited about the state of local democracy in Guyana. The Communities Minister said the election is historic for various reasons, including the frequency with which it is being held under the Coalition administration and the framework used to guide the process. 

Prof. Lucas appointed chair of MOE/GTU arbitration panel Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has confirmed that Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi will be here in December for a State Visit.

It is expected that the Indian Indentureship Monument at Palmyra, Region Six will be completed in time for the visit. Minister Harmon also announced that a $38 million contract was approved by the Cabinet for the construction of a visitors’ gallery and security hut at the site of the monument. The project is being managed by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and is expected to be completed by the end of October. 

$4.2B loan signed for GPL upgrade

An agreement signed in Kuwait between Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and the Islamic Development Bank’s Vice President of Sector Operations Mansur Muhtar, will support the improvement of the country's power supply through the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL Inc.). The $4.2B loan is part of the utility company’s Upgrade Programme, a component of its development and Expansion Programme for 2014 to 2021. Finance Minister Winston Jordan described the occasion as historic, as this celebration of the first loan to be granted. 

New GUYSUCO Board selected Minister of State Joseph Harmon at his post-Cabinet press conference, announced that a new Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) has been appointed.

The board will serve for a period of two years from September 1, 2018, to August 31, 2020, and chaired by Agriculturist, John Dow. Other members of the board include John Browman, Richard Cumberbatch, Paul Cheong, Fritz Mc Lean, Vishnu Panday, Ramesh Persaud, Nowrang Persaud, Roy Hanoman and Claude Housty. Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Corporation, Dr. Harold Davis Jr. will serve as an ex officio member of the Board. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Guyana and Trinidad for cooperation in the energy sector. The MOU was signed at State House between President David Granger and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley. President Granger said the signing of the MOU represents a step forward for the two countries which have enjoyed fruitful relations for many years. Apart from energy cooperation, the president said discussions extended to the areas of Agriculture, Youth, Sport, Security and other fields. 

Guyana, China sign two agreements

The Ministry of Social Protection has appointed US-based Guyanese Dr. Leyland Lucas as Chairman for the Arbitration Panel for the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU). Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott described Dr. Lucas as “above board” and opined that he is the right person to settle the disagreement between the Education Ministry and the Teacher’s Union. Minister Scott reminded that the law allows for Ministry of Social Protection to appoint the Chairman of the panel in the event the two sides could not agree on the respective nominees. The ministry stepped in to name a chairman after the Education Ministry and Teachers’ Union failed to accept each other’s nomination. 

Hundreds attend Inaugural Youth Conference Guyana signed two agreements with China that will see the upgrading of education and health networks and the provision of funding for the Public Service College. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge hosted China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi and his delegation at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).There, the two Foreign Affairs Ministers signed “the “Framework Agreement Provision of a Concessional Loan between the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Government of the People’s Republic of China” and “The Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Government of the People’s Republic of China”. Minister Greenidge noted the Framework Agreement will see the implementation of the Guyana National Broadband Project.

The economic agreement will fund several projects, including the Public Service College, Minister Greenidge added. 

Hundreds of young people from all 10 administrative regions in Guyana, gathered for the opening of the Inaugural National Youth Conference at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton told the youths that they have been entrusted with “igniting meaningful conversations” that can spark positive change for themselves and their peers.

The Minister said the government recognises that the individuals best suited to address the issues affecting youths are young people themselves.

The participants were also assured that the government will continue to provide platforms to address the challenges they face, especially that of unemployment. 

Guyana and China maintain mutually beneficial diplomatic relations –Pres. Granger

President David Granger said that Guyana shares a common desire with China to deepen and strengthen economic relations and trade as he noted that China plays a key role in the country’s development. The Head of State was at the time speaking at a reception held in honour of the Chinese National Day, which was held at the New Thriving Restaurant, Providence. In his remarks, President Granger said that since Guyana and China established diplomatic relations in June 1972, the two states have maintained mutually beneficial, high-level and friendly relations for forty-six years based on mutual respect, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and cooperation for mutual benefit. 

House Speaker receives 2017 AG’s report Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland received the 2017 Auditor General’s report from Auditor General (AG) Deodat Sharma. Dr. Scotland said the Auditor General’s work remains an integral part of the management and scrutiny of resources made available to the government. He said while the office is an independent one and is protected in the performance of its duties, the annual presentation is mandatory by the AG. Dr Scotland reminded that the report must first be laid in Parliament before its contents are made public. That will take place at the first sitting of the National Assembly when it comes out of recess. 

High praises for CJIA’S new arrivals terminal

There was nothing but high praises from incoming passengers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) who were processed using the facility’s new Arrivals Terminal which became fully operational on Saturday last. Passengers on the incoming morning flights were warmly greeted by the sweet sound of steel pan music and a taste of Guyana’s rich culture. The Department of Public Information had the opportunity to speak with some of the passengers who lauded the new facility. Returning from Shangai and South Korea, businessman Hemraj Kissoon remarked that the new facilities remind him of “one of the developed countries” noting the facility is “beautiful and Guyana is going somewhere”. 

Essequibo Express - October 2018

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St Denys/Tapakuma An undiscovered gem

Walking up to the symphony of chirping birds, buzzing bees and splashing waves from the nearby black water canal is a norm for those living in the indigenous community of St Denys/Tapakuma.

This community can be accessed by boat or by a rough trail from the Anna Regina public road. It takes approximately 45 minutes with a vehicle to enter this beautiful sun-kissed community.

Travelling through the same road that leads to the Lake Mainstay resort, one would notice the giant trees that surround the area. About 20 minutes along the road, you will come across a sign that reads, “This way to Tapakuma”, which signals the beginning of an unforgettable trip.

The ride is not for the faint at heart and is much like the ride you would experience on the speedboat, if you are coming across the rough waters on the Essequibo River from the City of Georgetown. But if you are a nature lover then most of your time will be spent zooming in on the beautiful flora and fauna that line every inch of your journey.

The magnificent scenery of forest, sand and black water will serenade your vision, encouraging you to explore more.

Welcoming you to the community is a ‘kissing bridge’ and, on many occasions, some of the village boys that are usually seen fishing for “Wabri”a type of fish that lives in the savannah.

The community, which will soon be included under the Region’s Tri-lake experience tourism package, is known for its cassava biscuits, cassava bread, bird watching and animal spotting opportunities, as well as the Tapakuma Lake and the Paray Creek waterfall.

According to the Toshao of the community, Aubry Fredericks, the community in two months’ time will be opening its guest house to accommodate more visitors. He said that the area has many tourist hotspots and as a toshao, it is his vision to develop the area making it more attractive for tourism.

Currently, the area has a lake, but beach access is a challenge. However, visitors can fish, enjoy bird watching and even plunge in the natural therapeutic black water, which is a popular component of the ‘Guyanese experience’, he said.

The toshao, is however hoping that the hilltop road leading to his community will be fixed to allow easier access to the area. He said that the road is creating challenges and, thereby, hindering tourism.

According to Fredericks, the regional administration will be spending some $11 million to rehabilitate/upgrade the hilltop road which will open countless opportunities for 400 residents in the community.

The beautiful village of St Denys/Tapakuma

The sign that signals the beginning of the journey to the indigenous community of St Denys/Tapakuma

A female resident inside the cassava processing factory

Students inside the St Denys/ Tapakuma Primary School

Charles Fredericks said that life in Tapakuma is a modest one. The 73-year-old grew up in the community and said that he appreciates living there.

Another resident, Dona Roberts said it is her desire to see the community develop into one that thrives on tourism since the lumber business is becoming unprofitable. Roberts said that the women in the rural community are eager to venture into the cottage industry, but finances are limited.

“Many of the women in this community are unemployed. I would like if we can do something, so we can earn,” Roberts said.

Another female, Loren Roberts said that the cassava processing factory in the community is providing employment for the community but at the moment, finding a suitable market, as well as packaging, is a major challenge. She said that proper packaging is required for the cassava bread and biscuits in an effort for it to remain competitive on the market. Apart from that she enjoys living in the community explaining its peaceful and close to nature.

“We are at peace here, close to nature. We wake up, do our chores then in the evening we go catch fish and then take a dip in the black water canal.

We enjoy it in here and we will be happy if others want to come experience that,” Roberts said.  (First published in the Guyana Chronicle)

73-year-old Charles Federicks

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Essequibo Express - October 2018

Lake Mainstay Rega

- sees increase in n

Patrons enjoying the boat racing competitions

An aerial shot of the Lake Mainstay resort

Scenes from the Lake Mainstay Regatta

Essequibo Express - October 2018

PAGE 11

atta 2018 a success!

number of visitors Director of Lake Mainstay Resort, Wilfred Jagnarine Thousands of visitors travelled to Region Two, to celebrate the 18th Lake Mainstay Regatta.

Attending the festival for the first time, Reona Cathro told the Department of Public Information the long-awaited event was just as she expected it to be. “It was great, I will definitely be coming back next year. The next time I come I plan to get into the water.”

Patron, Clyde Clarke, who is also a first-timer at the event, said he travelled from Region Three: “To me, this is the best event for the year. The beach is beautiful. It is so wonderful, I look forward to next year being bigger and better.”

The occasion also garnered a number of international patrons. Visiting from the United States with friends, Adam Brasher said, “this is quite the atmosphere, it is an experience for sure. I have never seen boat racing before, so seeing that is what I was looking forward to the most.”

Learning of the event from YouTube videos, Trinidadian Patron, Rakesh Shadeo explained that he flew to Guyana with his family just to enjoy the experience. “It was really entertaining and you get to meet a lot of people. It is definitely fun.”

Stumbling upon the regatta by chance, Chicago resident Sean Grant said, “I am glad I am in Guyana for this event. I am only here for a few weeks. Regatta is really exciting.”

The annual regatta event kicked off with a bang and saw over 13 boat racing competitions and five swimming races. A total of $3M was won by the competitors at the event.

Director of Lake Mainstay Resort, Wilfred Jagnarine said the government has played an integral role in pushing the event. He explained that prior to the event roadworks were done to improve to flow of traffic to the resort.

“We are happy to have the government’s support. For some years they have been collaborating with us for this event and we are grateful. And we look forward to continuing this collaboration.”

President of the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Suean Seewnarayan also deemed this year’s regatta a success. “Over the years, I think the crowd has been growing and I think with years to come it will grow. Because this event has become something that everyone looks forward to in August,” Seewnarayan said.

The regatta’s curtains came down with live performances by a number of local artistes.  Crystal Stoll Images: Jameel Mohamed and Karime Peters

Patron, Rakesh Shadeo

Patron, Reona Cathro

Patron, Sean Grant

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Essequibo Express - October 2018

SS Natural Fruit Flavour Barbeque Sauce Offering more than seven different natural fruit flavours in her ‘SS Natural Fruit Flavor Barbeque Sauce’, Sandra Craig, of Sandra’s Some of the SS Fruit Snackette said the idea of making her Flavor BBQ sauce own sauce developed after starting a BBQ business in 2011.

“My son, Shemroy Barrington, who was once Guyana’s opening batsman was eager to do the BBQ chicken. So, I said okay; I started off using other people’s sauce and adding other stuff to it, making it unique. One day I decided to do my own stuff. I started off with pineapple which is a signature BBQ sauce. Then I got a vision of doing passion fruit. From then on, every day I would do a different sauce with only local ingredients,” Craig said.

She explained that since the introduction of her sauce, the local market has been flocking her business. “People are very excited because it is the first ever concept of fruit flavoured BBQ sauce that they have come across. People are excited to try it and I have a lot of customers that are willing to do business with me, both overseas and locally.”

The recently concluded Guyana Trade and Investment Expo (GuyTie) has been credited with creating opportunities for a number of local manufacturers on the international market and Craig is one such beneficiary. She along with others have been invited to explore markets in St. Vincent.

“Right now, myself and five others are preparing to go to an exhibition in St. Vincent. The government of St. Vincent invited us to go up there for the exhibition. I am just open to being successful up there,” Craig told the Department of Public.

She expressed elation at the growth of her business over the years. “I am feeling very proud. When you have a vision, you have to put it out there and that is what I did and it has been successful for me so far.”

The mother of five noted that she will launch an additional four lines of fruit flavoured BBQ sauce during this month. Currently, her products are sold locally, in the DSL store on Sheriff street and the new GMC store on Robb Street, in two sizes, 500 ml and gallon bottles at economical prices. Persons interested in buying the sauce can reach her on mobile number 695-7627 or through the business Facebook and Instagram pages: SS Natural Fruit Flavour

MADE IN

Sandra Craig preparing one of the Fruit Flavour BBQ sauce Creator of SS Fruit Flavour BBQ Sauce, Sandra Craig

Some of the ingredients used to create Craig’s locally manufactured fruit flavoured barbeque sauce

BBQ Sauce.  Crystal Stoll Images: Jameel Mohamed

SS Fruit Flavour BBQ Sauce, Orange Walk Street location

Essequibo Express - October 2018

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PAGE 14

Essequibo Express - October 2018

One on One Ronald Bulkan Minister of Communities Birth Name: Ronald Azam Bulkan Birth date: Ronald Bulkan was born on February 6, 1958.

Childhood: Minister Bulkan spent his younger days in West Berbice on the Corentyne before moving to Symth Street in Georgetown.

Children: He is the proud father of a son aged 29 and daughter 27.

Religion: Ronald describes himself as a non-church goer.

Organisations: He is actively involved in the Queens College Cadet Corps, Guyana Human Rights Association, the Working People’s Alliance and People’s National Congress.

Idol/Mentor: Aside from his parents, Minister Bulkan admires Dr. Martin Luther King for his towering intellect, incorruptible character and exemplary moral courage.

Greatest Fear: Being Misunderstood Biggest Regret: He regrets not spending more time with his children during their formative years.

Passions: While he does not claim to have any particular passion, Minister Bulkan abhors what he terms ‘fake persons’.

Food: Minister Bulkan enjoys simple fare. Curry (shrimp, fish) and rice; local vegetables (carila, okra, same, etc); boiled and fried provisions. Fried fish. His mother’s pilau.

Place: He has been exceedingly fortunate to have visited many parts of Guyana.

Pastime: Enjoying his own company Song: Among his favourite singers would be Paul Simon, George Benson and Sam Cooke.

Childhood memory: Included in Minister Bulkan’s memories are those of growing up in different parts of rural Guyana and visiting relatives. Listening live to Basil Butcher making his maiden test double century - 209 n.o. against England in 1966 at Trent Bridge. Seeing test cricket for the first time –W.I. v England at Bourda in 1968, a match in which Kanhai made 150 and Sobers 152 in a first innings partnership of 250. Though by this time he was no longer a child.

Book: The two books that have impacted him greatly are, Robert Bolt’s ‘A Man for all Seasons’ and Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.

Sport: As you can tell cricket.

Colour: His favourite is blue

Favourites

Politics

Quote: “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society” by Teddy Roosevelt, because it reminds us that human depravities are nothing new.

How he came to politics: Minister Bulkan came of age absolutely detesting the fact that the country lacked unrepresented government which created a visceral antipathy against the state, in him.

Ministerial appointment: He is honoured to have been offered the post of Guyana’s first Minister of Communities by President David Granger.

Minister Bulkan understood that the job came with the proviso that it entailed much work and the understanding that were he then or ever unprepared he would be expected to GO. Dream/Vision for Guyana: A country where social cohesion is present, which he feels is dependent on many factors. One such is the presence of the ‘crossover vote’ - where persons cast their votes based on merit of the contesting candidates and parties and not on race.

How does he handle the pressures that come with the job: He tells himself that if he were not here, then someone else would be grappling with the very issues.

What is most rewarding about his

job: Minister Bulkan finds satisfaction in being able to assists others.

What skill he wants to add to his repertoire: He feels adding a bit more structure to his tasks will add to his job.

Misconception that people have about him: Maybe that he is aloof?

What does he plan to accomplish in 10, 20 years personally and professionally: Professionally, Minister Bulkan’s is optimistic his efforts will contribute to a decentralized government being a feature of governance, in accordance with Constitutional provisions. This in turn will see the presence of effective local democracy and significant devolution of power to local democratic organs, namely: Regional Democratic Councils, municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils. Personally, he plans to pay more attention to his health, particularly to resume an exercise regimen. 

Essequibo Express - October 2018

PAGE 15

LGE: An opportunity to influence change The Local Government Elections held in March 2016, was historic because it restored a most vital component of democratic governance after an absence of over two decades.

There was hardly any question as to its continued omission, since it allowed for a system of control by the then political administration, thereby shutting out the democratic rights of the citizens at the grass roots level.

The re-institution of LGE has ensured that the exercise of the democratic will is now a matter of fact; therefore, it will not be the subject of a discourse here; except, that the number of citizens participating in its process should give cause for concern.

According to reported figures, it is observed that less than 50% of those eligible to cast their votes, actually did so: 47.1% or 239,070 votes cast, out of 507, 584 eligible voters. Compare this statistic to that of voter participation in the May 2015 national and regional elections, of 71.02% voter participation, or 415, 970, out of 585,727 registered to vote. One will immediately observe the differentiation in understanding and interest of citizens in each of these two important constitutional exercises.

Though the high voter turn-out at the 2015 electoral exercise, certainly underlines the importance that citizens place in the election of their nation’s leaders; citizens must also be aware that local government elections is similarly important to the democratic process, since it affords the opportunity to be very active and practical participants in the affairs of their respective regions, municipalities, and neighbourhood democratic councils(NDCs), in terms of the quality of life, and material well-being that are present in their communities.

In every democratic state, there are two systems of government that are vital to its proper administrative functioning: Central government, which is about the management of national affairs; and that of local government, which focuses on daily matters that affect the lives of citizens at the local level, be it town, or village.

It is not administratively possible for any central government to oversee any country, without the linked structure of local government. This explains why, over time, the mechanism of local government has been created with the gradual transference of specific responsibilities and functions to allow it to discharge its daily obligations.

The establishing of Guyana’s first Local

Government Commission is an example of this arrangement. It therefore means that for the system of local government, its administrative authority will be the Commission, as ordained by the Constitution.

However, local government is about the real exercise of citizens’ power at the community level, and their use of such, in being able to elect the representatives of their choice, who they consider are best able to manage the affairs of their communities. In this process, citizens and communities are capable of determining what is best for their respective locales and influencing the socio-economic growth and direction of these districts. The reality is that citizens can play a part in the system which significantly impacts change in their communities.

We must be reminded that the return to local government democracy is being implemented with the stated position of the coalition government that there will be no interference by its executive arm, in the daily functions of this very important aspect of governance. Instead, there will be a working together by both arms.

As such there should be more urgency on the part of citizens to want to be participants in the way that their Regions, Municipalities, and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils are governed. And this is particularly important, given the fact that the new vision - democracy at the local level - involves responsibilities for tax collecting, and finance raising measures for implementation of socio-economic initiatives for the continued well-being of communities and citizens. This is in addition to the introduction of very important public services such as banking, finance, passport facilities, as well as that for registration of births and deaths, which are already present in some regions. Surely, communities would want to ensure the proper delivery of these services. But they can only do so, by being part of local governance with their participation, and right of choice.

Of course, given the realities of Guyana’s modern political history that is full of challenges of race and ethnicity, and its well-known off-shoot of discrimination, there will be need for the realisation that success is only guaranteed by working together, while at the same time overcoming those differences. It also offers opportunities at fostering social cohesion.

Remember, voter participation in local government elections allows you to determine what is good for your community and gives the right to do so. 

Editorial Director

Editor-in-Chief

Imran Khan

Ernestine Leonard

Contributing writers: Synieka Thorne, Isaiah Braithwaite, Tiffny Rhodius, Stacy Carmichael James, Delicia Haynes, Gabreila Patram, Ranetta LaFleur, Neola Damon, Crystal Stoll, Kidackie Amsterdam, Alexis Rodney, Karan Chand and Elroy Stephney

Photography: Keno George, Jules Gibson, Jameel Mohamed, Kennyann Bacchus, Kawise Wishart, Tejpaul Bridgemohan, Anil Seelall, Leon Yeung, Karime Peters, Ackeem Thomas, Mark Doris and Giovanni Gajie.

Layout and design: Christina Bissoon

Text and Photos also by the Ministries of the Presidency, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Social Cohesion, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communities.

Department of

Public Information Homestretch Avenue, DurbanPark, Georgetown.

Tele:225-4255,226-6715, 226-8849 Fax: 226-6005 Email: dpi@dpi.gov.gy or www.dpi.gov.gy

Get social with us /dpiguyana

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/dpiguyana

@dpiguyana

dpi.gov.gy

dpi@dpi.gov.gy

Meet our team

Tejpaul Bridgemohan Senior Videographer

PAGE 16

Essequibo Express - October 2018

Regional Directory REGIONAL Officials

Health Facilities

Regional Chairman (RC)

Devanand Ramdatt

771-4325, 625-3604

Name of Facility

Type of Facility

Regional Vice Chairman (RVC)

Nandranie Coonjah

771-4281, 621-5092

Abrams Creek

Health Post

Regional Executive Officer (REO)

Rupert Hopkinson

771-4232, 614-1070

Abrams Zuil

Health Post

Regional Representative of the Prime Minister

Karan Chand

771 1253 & 600 7654

Affiance

Health Post

Akawini

Health Post

Anna Regina

Health Centre

Aurora

Health Post

Bethany

Health Post

Capoey

Health Post

Charity

Health Centre

771-4243

Charity

District Hospital

771-4243

Dartmouth

Health Centre

771-4656

Dredge Creek

Health Post

Friendship

Health Post

Hackney

Health Centre

771- 9286

Huis T' Dieren

Health Centre

774-4529

Kabacaburi

Health Centre

Karawab

Health Post

Lima Sand

Health Post

Mainstay

Health Post

Mashabo

Health Post

Mora

Health Post

Queenstown

Health Centre

Siriki

Health Post

St. Denny

Health Post

St. Monica

Health Post

Suddie

Health Centre

774-4560

Suddie

Hospital

774-4228

Suddie

Diagnostic Centre

774-4227/4627-8

Supenaam

Health Centre

774-4529

MUNICIPAL Officials Mayor of Anna Regina

Rabindranauth Mohan

614-0475

Deputy Mayor of Anna Regina

Darshan Persaud

671-3398

Town Clerk, Anna Regina Town Council

Diane Critchlow

771-4302, 674-0799

NDC Officials Charity / Urasara NDC Chairperson

Deoranie Persaud

601-3725

NDC Vice Chairperson

Maqbool Ahmad Basir

672-4785

Overseer

Samuel Sooklall

695-6977

Evergreen / Paradise NDC Chairperson

Lionel Ramesh Bhoodhram

613-8986

NDC Vice Chairperson

Olyndia Lawrie

771 - 4708

Overseer

Savita Deochand

645-6619

Aberdeen / Zorg-en-Vlugt

NDC Chairperson

Nankishore Persaud

657-9674

NDC Vice Chairperson

Jayashree Vimla Persaud

614-7013

Overseer

Daniram Singh

650-3086

Annadale / Riverstown NDC Chairperson

Charran Sarabjeet

697 - 5837

NDC Vice Chairperson

Shaleenie Sukdeo

617 – 7139

Overseer

Keisha Daniels

681-3363

Good Hope / Pomona NDC Chairperson

Andy Emmanuel Ramarine

693 – 7474

Wakapoa

Health Centre

NDC Vice Chairperson

Arnold Noel Adams

646 – 7915

Windsor Castle

Health Centre

Overseer

Nicola Persaud

669-9257

‘G’ DIVISION (ESSEQUIBO COAST & ISLANDS) Divisional Commander

Superintendent K. Pareshram

Office# 771-4010, Cell# 649-0037

Divisional Deputy Commander

Deputy Superintendent M. Taylor

Office# 771-4012 Cell# 663-0505

Divisional Detective Inspector (Crime)

Inspector S. Murugayya

Office# 777-5360 Cell# 660-7402

In-Charge Traffic

Sgt. S. Henry

Office# 771-4212 Cell# 658-0530/692-4520

Community Relations Officer

W/Inspector S. Isaccs

Office# 771-5004 Cell# 613-2101/697-7710

DIVISIONAL OPERATIONS ROOM Divisional Headquarters Anna Regina

771-5004/771-4222

Leguan Police Station

592-698-3763

Charity Police Station

592-654-9492 or 695-5442

others Essequibo Technical Institute

General Office

771-4537

Anna Regina Fire Station

General Office

771-5261

Facility No.

771-4266

771-4629

771-4628

SUB-DIVISIONAL OFFICERS Names/Offices

Stationed

Numbers

Officer- in-Charge No. 1 – W/ Inspector S. Isaccs

Anna Regina Police Station

Office# 771-5004 Cell# 613-2101/697-7710

Officer- in-Charge No. 2 – Asst.

Superintendent A. Cummerbatch

Suddie Police Station

Office# 774-4295 Cell# 612-0064

Officer-in-Charge No. 3 – Asst.

Superintendent A. Cummerbatch

Essequibo Islands

Cell# 612-0064

How did Kaieteur Falls get its name?

Legend has it that the waterfall draws its name from a selfless Patamona Amerindian chief named Kai. In an effort to appease the Great Spirit Makonaima, Kai sacrificed himself to save his tribe from the vengeful Caribs. Appeasing gods takes bold acts and Kai outdid himself by paddling over the point where the Potaro River tumbles into the gorge below. If nothing else, he succeeded in getting a natural wonder named after him (teur means ‘falls’ in a local dialect). 

Essequibo Express - October 2018

PAGE 17

ESSEQUIBO Children’s Corner

Boys and Girls, welcome to our children’s corner. The Children’s Corner offer a variety of activities that encourages our young readers to think, create both pictures and stories, and learn in a fun way.

National Symbol

Birds of Guyana

Seven Hundred and eighty-six species have been documented as occurring in Guyana including the Black Hawk-Eagle

The Black Hawk-Eagle

Folk Song

The Song of Guyana’s Children Born in the land of the mighty Roraima, Land of great rivers and far stretching sea;

Place of Interest:

So like the mountain, the sea and the river

Stephen Campbell Monument

Great, wide and deep in our lives would we be;

The Stephen Campbell Monument is located a short distance away from the Heroes of Moruca Monument and pays homage to Stephen Campbell. This monument was built to commemorate the life of Stephen Campbell who was the first Indigenous person to be elected into Parliament on September 10, 1957. This monument was built with self-help in 1995. 

Chorus: Onward, upward, may we ever go Day by day in strength and beauty grow, Till at length we each of us may show, What Guyana’s sons and daughters can be.

The Black Hawk-Eagle is a large, black raptor of Neotropical forests. It has a prominent crest, is blackish with narrow white barring below, and broad gray bars on the tail. In flight, this species has a distinctive silhouette with broad, paddle-shaped wings and a rather long tail. This hawk-eagle occurs in both open and dense forests, and is the most frequently seen of the Neotropical forest eagles. Individuals often soar high overhead, where they attract attention with sharp, whistled calls. They feed on mammals, birds, and reptiles, taken largely from trees and detected from a favorite perch. The stick nest is placed in the canopy, where it is often supported by branches and vines. 

CARTOONS

Born in the land of Kaieteur’s shining splendour Land of the palm tree, the croton and fern, We would possess all the virtues and graces, We all the glory of goodness would learn.

Born in the land where men sought El Dorado, Land of the Diamond and bright shining gold, We would build up by our faith, love and labour, God’s golden city which never grows old.

Thus to the land which to us God has given May our young lives bring a gift rich and rare, Thus, as we grow, may the worth of Guyana Shine with a glory beyond all compare.

CONNECT WITH US

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PAGE 18

Essequibo Express - October 2018

ESSEQUIBO Children’s Corner

ESSEQUIBO IS WE OWN Imagine I was born an Essequibian and I can speak good, good English, Now, I hear deh want change we to Venezuelans, and we gat to learn Spanish Well my teacher gun gat to beat me, till she fed-up and miss Because dis controversy nah gun end like dis I hear deh threatening we wid big…big machine guns and powerful army boats, Even galvanizing international support to claim Essequibo and its ports.

But I…. know and you… know dat Essequibo is we own!

And nobody, not even de United Nations gun tek away we plantains, cassava, mushroom leaves or even we sucker trees…

So I plead with you Essequibians, let us stand up as a people, united and free, Strong, proud and ready to defend our sovereignty Essequibo belong to we and with one voice of love and unity Enjoying every inch of our precious air, land and vast seas….

No… no… no….Margarita! Essequibo will not be yours tomorrow, Not even if de message came from the voice of President Maduro Because we gun tell him until he accept and let it be known….

Dat Essequibo is nothing else but…. we…. own!

Written By:- Elroy Stephney

Story Time Indigenous Tribes of Guyana

explains how the magnificent Kaieteur Falls got its name.

The Amerindians were the first set of people who came to what is known as the Guiana’s.

They came from eastern part of Asia and crossed the ice bridge called the Bering Strait in search of food and shelter. Today in Guyana there are, correctly speaking, four main tribes, namely the Warraus, Arawaks, Wapisianas and the Caribs, which include several sub tribes, Arrecunas, Akawaios, Patamonas, and the Macusis. The Wai-wais are also included in the Carib-speaking group.

The Makusi • This nation was described as one of the most beautiful ones in Guyana; they were uniquely skilled in the preparation of the deadly ‘curare’ poison.

Arekunas • They were a powerful tribe who were the growers and suppliers of cotton to the other tribes, especially with the Makusi.

Warraus: • Being inhabitants of the swampy district, the Waraus are excellent fishermen and boat builders; they are also inventors of the dugout canoe, which was the earliest sea worthy vessel some 5000 years ago.

Wapishanas: • Described as more agriculturists than hunters and fishers, they were once noted for being the major traders and canoe makers of the region.

They also excel in the making of cotton hammocks, a skill they are supposed to have learned from the Makusi.

Arawaks (Lokono) • They also occupied the Corentyne River

Wai wais • The Wai Wais were skilled weavers and bead workers and the traditional Wai Wai architecture, exemplified in the Umana Yana, is considered by many Guyanese as the embodiment of Amerindian architecture.

around 2000 years ago, leaving their unique type of rock engraving, Timehri.

scattered throughout the Caribbean islands and South American mainland, north of the Amazon.

Caribs (Karinya) • The Caribs are the people who gave the Caribbean area its name and the word ‘Carib’ is used to refer to many Amerindian groups

Patamonas • The Patamona nation is the one to which the mystical figure ‘Old Kaie’ belonged. Old Kaie is the Amerindian Chief in the legend which

Akawaios • The peddlers and news carriers along the coast, this nation was warlike and aggressive and was also noted for their blowpipes. Once an Akawaio is a friend he remains that way, but once an enemy he is an enemy for life. They were so dreaded that the other nations left them alone and they became very independent. 

Essequibo Express - October 2018

PAGE 19

WHO’S WHO

FROM THE DESK OF PORTIA JACOBS – Expenditure, Planning and Management analyst

‘It took dedication, commitment and selfless determination to acquire thIS level of expertise’

undertake major projects. It is no coincidence therefore that she was instrumental in acquiring funding for the realisation of a new Secondary school at Abram Zuil, construction of a waterfront development which will boost the Region’s rapid tourism drive, an operating theatre and maternity waiting room for the Suddie Hospital and the extension to the Cotton Field Nursery School. These are all major developments that will positively impact the lives of residents and visitors.

Jacobs was born in Kabakaburi, Upper Pomeroon River and is of Indigenous heritage. She first joined the Public Service in 1987 as a Hinterland Affairs Worker within the Local Government Department. There she spent three years working with various Indigenous communities as well as Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) after later being assigned the duties of an Accounts Clerk within the same department.

Her capability and desire to grow within the organisation was quickly recognised by management. Given her proficiency with statistics, Jacobs was then transferred to the Regional Accounting Unit (RAU) where she served as Accounts Clerk 111, Assistant Accountant and Accountant between the years 1990-2011. Jacobs’ outstanding job performance, discreet deportment and professionalism were the hallmarks of her ascension within the rank and profile of the organisation.

Jacobs then pursued Certificates in Supervisory and Public Management as Jacobs engaged in discussions with her co-workers well as Diplomas in Computerised Accounting and

This is the confident assertion of Portia Jacobs; the industrious and competent Expenditure, Planning and Management Analyst within the Regional Accounting Unit, of Region Two. Coordinating the Region’s budget and ensuring there is adequate cash flow within the current and capital expenditures are some of the key functions of Jacobs’ office. Additionally, she prepares weekly and monthly analysis of current and capital financial status; coordinates quarterly review reports of all five programmes which comprise Administration, Agriculture, Public Works, Education and Health; advises programme managers on expenditure in IFMAS; coordinates the preparation of the Region’s estimates of current, capital and revenue and ensures that the budget figures are accurate.

Jacobs is also an advisor to the Regional Executive Officer (REO) in relation to expenditures.

This industrious and highly skillful individual has been working assiduously in transforming the fortunes of Region Two since she generates the necessary finance from Central Government to

Expenditure, Planning and Management Analyst, Portia Jacobs Micro Computer Studies from reputable learning institutions, to augment her qualifications. She was also widely exposed to training in IFMAS, Performance Budgeting and Monitoring and Evaluation by the Ministry of Finance. Equipped with the knowledge and experience Jacobs was appointed Expenditure, Planning and Management Analyst in 2012; a position she has since managed with distinction.

She is the proud mother of a daughter who is a trained teacher.

This year Jacobs celebrated her 50th birth anniversary on September 10th, which incidentally was Indigenous Heritage Day; fitting for someone who remains a role model to her peers. Jacobs despite the pressures of a demanding and rigorous schedule still enjoys watching football, reading and meeting people whether at her home, in public or at her desk.

The quote ‘Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it’ by Maya Angelo is a favourite of hers and has guided her 31 years in the Public Service.  Elroy Stephney

OP-ED

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CRUCIAL TO THE REGION’S DEVELOPMENT As the nation ushered in and celebrated Indigenous Heritage Month in September we must acknowledge the priceless accomplishments of Indigenous peoples Amerindians, particularly in Region Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam.

The various Indigenous communities across the Region have produced some outstanding personalities in the field of education, health, sports, administration, politics and social activism. The Assistant Regional Executive Officer (AREO) Yvette Hastings-Tfarres is one such person. Her responsibilities are wide-ranging and include the administration of the five Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDC). She has also championed the welfare and advancement of Indigenous people who would frequently seek her intervention on a number of social, cultural, domestic and economic issues. She is also the first top-level Manager of Indigenous heritage to hold the post.

The Region has also done well at the national heritage sports event over the years, capturing both the male and female cricket championship previously. The women won the title in 2015 while the men held the title the following year.

Hastings’ office has been quite instrumental in organising and selecting the best athletes to compete at the games and every year they welcome the challenge at competing with vigour and pride.

Pomeroon-Supenaam has also produced the head of the National Toshaos Council Joel Fredericks who hails from the village of Mainstay.

His term ended earlier this year. Fredericks’ activism has been well documented as a leader of the Indigenous community. Calypsonian Neville Calistro (Mighty Chief), a National Awardee who comes from the Pomeroon River remains the Region’s most gifted performer of the art. In fact, he has wittingly performed with excellence in a number of national competitions with stirring renditions that are still popular today. His siblings have upheld the tradition and have since formed the Calibro band which is now a household name in Essequibo and across the country.

There are also Indigenous Councillors on the RDC including former parliamentarian Lloyd Perreira and Doreen Jacobus, a former Toshoa as well. Under their representation there has been significant progress in the areas of access-

Elroy Stephney ing cleaner water, transportation, rehabilitation of roads, dams, schools and health centres are evident. The Councilors and Toshoas play an integral role in ensuring the provision of social services such as acquiring documentation for

the acquisition of birth certificates and persons attaining the age of becoming a pensioner.

In the Region as well, the presence of Indigenous leaders in positions of influence include young doctors who have recently graduated from Cuba and are providing their expertise at the Public Hospital in Suddie and Charity. There are also trained teachers, more of whom are now being exposed and even encouraged to further upgrade themselves at the University of Guyana and the Cyril Potter College of Education.

Previously, most Headmasters and Mistresses from the Coastland had to manage the schools in the interior because of their experience and qualification. This scenario has now significantly changed and more teachers of Indigenous descent are now proudly Managers of schools.

More opportunities are now readily available for them to gain exposure as well as being qualified with having equal access to scholarships. In this regard, Indigenous people have remained steadfast, industrious and resilient whilst placing their shoulders to the wheel and playing a pivotal role in the development of Region Two.  Elroy Stephney

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Essequibo Express - October 2018

New Essequibo passport offices by the end of 2019 Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix disclosed that his Department is working establish passport offices in the Regions Two, Seven and Nine by the end of 2019. This is in keeping with the Administration’s vision of decentralising vital public services in capital towns.

The Minister, visited the Essequibo Coast to get a first-hand look at the plot of land that has been identified by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) in the town of Anna Regina where the Region’s passport office will be located.

“Last year, at an outreach conducted by the Minister of State the issue of passports and the challenge to travel to Georgetown was raised by many residents and I made a commitment that all efforts will be made to remedy this situation in keeping with President’s wish to have Government services easily accessible in Capital towns," said Minister Felix.

The identified plot is centrally located; with the Anna Regina Police Station, the GLSC Office and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Office

within close proximity.

“Since Capital Regina is a Capital Town we will bring the service to Anna Regina. This will cut out the unnecessary travelling to Georgetown; it will bring the service to Essequibians, thereby reducing the time they have to wait as well as the cost involved in travelling,” Minister Felix stated.

Meanwhile, the new passport offices at Linden and New Amsterdam are serving residents well and have significantly reduced the hassle and crowds at the Georgetown office. The Minister recalled that only a few years ago, the lines at the central location would extend all the way to Barrack Street, Kingston.

He said that upon entering Office, President David Granger created the Department of Citizenship and directed that one of its first tasks must be to eliminate this unnecessary everyday struggle.

Since then, more equipment were procured for the Immigration Office to improve efficiency and the decentralisation programme was commenced.

The New Opportunity Corps (NOC) at Onderneeming

$29M upgrade of New Opportunity Corps The sum of $28.978 Million will be spent on the rehabilitation of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) located at Onderneeming to ensure that the children are housed in a comfortable environment which is in keeping with minimum standards required.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during a recent post-Cabinet press briefing, said that the Cabinet approved the contract which was awarded to PD Construction.

The project forms part of the Ministry of Social Protection Capital Programme. The ministry will also be implementing a Self-Sufficient Agricultural Economic Services venture, as part of the reintegration programme available for the students at the institution.

Steps are also being taken to evaluate the

staff complement and the core competencies that are needed to bring the institution in line with the minimum standards required by such an institution.

In July 2017, the operation of the NOC was transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Social Protection, on the grounds that the institution’s purpose is to prepare and train juveniles for reintegration into society.

The NOC caters to children between the ages of 12 to 17 and most of whom are there for committing the offence of wandering. It has a specific mandate to rehabilitate and train adolescent offenders and wanderers so that they could be re-integrated in the society.  Synieka Thorne Image: Department of Public Information

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix discusses the construction of the building and parking facility for the passport office, with engineers and technical officers.

$23.4M brushwood dam completed The foreshore along Columbia and Aberdeen, Essequbio Coast, is now protected by a 700-metre brushwood dam. Construction of the $23M infrastructure project commenced in July and was completed in September. The contractor, S&K Construction & Consultancy Services & General Supplies, completed the project one month before schedule.

The project, which is part of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)’s mangrove restoration efforts, has a three-month defects liability period. The contract was signed in July last, between the Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth and Keshiri Gajraj, representative of the contracting company.

The Institute has been investing in coastal infrastructure to enhance mangrove restoration along the Essequibo Coast due to the high potential for mangrove recovery in the region.

In 2017, the agency spent $33M infrastructure in the region to enhance sedimentation and create a suitable environment for mangroves to be resorted. Undertakings included installation of 100m of geotextile tubes in Reliance to a tune of $13.8M; and the construction of brushwood dams along the foreshore of Land of Plenty to Bush Lot to a tune of $19.2M. In 2015, extension works were done to the Bamboo Brushwood Dam The brushwood at Walton Hall.  dams made of posts and brush

Section of the brushwood dam installed along the foreshore