DPI Linden Ledger

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LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

NEW HOMES FOR AMELIA’S WARD

Construction of 15 out of 60 housing units happening in Phase Three Amelia’s Ward Thirty-four Lindeners are now closer to owning their own homes as the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHP&A) commences construction of 15 homes in Phase Three Amelia’s Ward.

Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing Valarie Adams-Patterson- Yearwood says the tendering process of the second phase of another 15 of 60 total units, is in process. Over 80 Lindeners are employed by the four Linden contractors who have been awarded the projects enhancing the growth of local content in the Region Ten community.

Construction commenced after access roads, electricity and water supply were made available in the area. Thirty of the sixty, will be flat concrete houses which will cost $5.3Million and the other 30 will be concrete houses on stilts and will cost $6.3Million. $100, 000 of these respective costs will go towards paying for the land.

As each house is completed, the owner will be able to move in. Thirty-four Lindeners have since prequalified for the units.

Priority was given to youths and government workers. Two of these are Registered Nurse Abigail Thompson and Mechanical Engineer attached to the Regional Democratic Council Nigel Newton. They were given letters to take to their commercial banks to obtain funding. Thompson in July told the media that she is a mother of two and applied eight months prior to pre-qualifying. “Don’t give up, apply once you reach the age; you might be selected. It makes me feel honoured to be selected today, to own my own home soon,” she said as she encouraged other youths to do the same. In 2019, CHP&A will be commencing similar construction in the Wisroc Scheme. The process of getting the lands transferred from the Wisroc Housing Cooperative via the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission to the CHPA is underway.

Story and Image: Vanessa Braithwaite

CAMP AREA RESIDENTS TO GET HOUSING ASSISTANCE The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is seeking to collaborate with the private sector to address the housing needs of some Kwakwani residents. During a recent outreach to the community, Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson-Yearwood visited several families who are currently occupying a number of houses in a district known as the “Camp Area” to assess the condition of the structures. After a first-hand view of the living conditions of the families, the minister reported that “the structures are rotten, so there is no way that we can even change the columns. The roof is rotten… and as the government, we have to find a solution.” Minister Adams-Patterson-Yearwood said she has been advised by the Ministry’s engineer that the building can be saved.

To this end, the minister said she will be seeking the support of other agencies to assist with the rebuilding process and provision of aid to the families. She explained that most of the persons who occupy the houses are unemployed and their children do not attend school regularly.

“My plan is to speak to Food For The Poor to determine if we can collaborate in addressing this issue. We are also looking at another area in Kwakwani with the intention of erecting twenty-five (25) low-cost houses.”

Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson-Yearwood gave her assurance that an intervention will be made to address the issue with the Kwakwani families.

Story: Isaiah Braithwaite Image: Kennyann Bacchus

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams-Patterson-Yearwood (center) with her team and persons who occupy the houses

EMERGENCY WORKS UNDERTAKEN ON WISROC ROAD Urgent rehabilitative works budgeted at $11.9 Million were recently completed on the Linden-Lethem road between Wisroc and Rockstone Junction. The stretch of road which was once uneven and inundated during the rainy season is now a paved laterite road. Region Ten Engineer, Steve Dey told the Department of Public Information that the works were executed by International Import and Supplies and covered six kilometres of roadway.

“These works are as a result of the road deteriorating and several vehicles were often stuck when it rained heavily. So, the ministry decided to conduct emergency works to address this,” Dey explained. The upgrades were completed in July last. Meanwhile, Cassurina Drive, Montgomery Richmond Hill and Hospital Road Wismar are the three urban road projects are slated for Linden in 2018. Dey pointed out that so far rehabilita-

tive work on Cassurina Drive has been completed, while the contractor is currently mobilising to begin repairs to Montgomery Richmond Hill and Hospital Road Wismar. “On Cassurina Drive we’ve had sectional repairs and this covered 1.2 kilometres of road with asphalt concrete. There were some alligator cracks and depressions on the road that were all fixed for at a cost of $19 Million.” Dey said the repairs were completed two weeks ago. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure receives an annual budgetary allocation for rehabilitation and construction works on hinterland, urban and miscellaneous roads. Budget 2018 has made provision for $9 Million, $800 Million, $1.5 Billion for the continuation of urban works and road rehabilitation in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten.

Story: Ranetta La Fleur Image: Jules Gibson

Recently rehabilitated Wisroc Road

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

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“LGE MEANT TO SOLVE LOCAL PROBLEMS” - President Granger As President David Granger continues his series of community meetings with citizens across Guyana, the Head of State reminded residents of Linden, that Local Government Elections (LGE) is the vehicle through which community matters are addressed and resolved. The community meeting was held at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Hall.

The Head of State reminded the residents that for 22 years LGE was dormant and it was with the APNU+AFC administration’s assumption to office in 2015 that it was reintroduced. President Granger said the LGE is a constitutional right, which ensures citizens receive improved services and the country develops. This democratic dividend, he stated, has already started bearing fruit.

“Democracy is allowing you to go into office and represent your people. Democracy is the transformation of large communities into the four towns among other things. The government doesn’t only exist at the level of the central office but at the level of municipalities and Neighbourhood and Regional Democratic Councils,” President Granger explained. He pointed out that LGEs are crucial to a community’s development and provides the necessary training for future leadership.Further expounding on the importance of LGE, President Granger noted that it enables persons to demonstrate their ability to represent their community and to ensure that the needs of their constituencies are met.

The Head of State urged the Lindeners not to rely solely on the imminent oil industry but to utilise their rich resources to stimulate development.

“Things will get better, our oil revenues will see the development of infrastructure, education, public health among others. We will get better. But you also have resources to develop yourselves and your children and Guyana. LGE will equip you with the requisite skills to use those resources, effectively,” President Granger underscored. The Head of State foresees Linden playing a critical role in leading the four towns forward. He reminded residents that unlike Regional and General Elections, voting must be done in the community in which they were registered.Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held on November 12, 2018. This is the second LGE conducted since the Coalition government took office in 2015.

President David Granger smiles during his address to the gathering at the community meeting

Story: Ranetta La Fleur Image: Keno George

Some of the students who benefitted from the Public Education Transport Service (PETS) Initiative

REGION 10 GETS SOCIAL PROTECTION OFFICE Residents of Linden and other Region 10 communities can now access the services of the Ministry of Social Protection without the hassle of travelling to the capital city. A local office was opened at the Caricom Insurance building located at the junction of David Rose and Republic Avenues.This building, which will accommodate all services offered by the Ministry, in one location, was opened

by Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally who noted that this initiative is a new one where the ministry is working assiduously to have social services offered in all regions and one building. The Ministry of Social Protection’s Region 10 Office. Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally cuts the ribbon to commission the Ministry’s Region 10 Office. Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally [right] unveils Region 10 Office. She is accompanied by staff of the ministry.“Our responsibility is to provide excellent services because the population out there depend on us. We have to ensure that every department, whether you belong to probation, child care, central recruitment or labour.

It is a good thing that all of us can be housed in one building so we can work together and make the Ministry very effective and that is very important for us,” Minister Ally explained. The Ministry of Social Protection covers activities, responsibilities and social services to children and adults across Guyana.

Minister Ally said similar offices are slated for other regions across Guyana. “I hope in all regions we will have similar offices where we can have our people together to provide the necessary services for the residents of that particular region,” she said. The department houses the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Departments of Probation and Social Services, Co-ops, Labour, the Board of Industrial Training and Occupation Safety and Health.The Ministry of Social Protection has received $16.9BILLION to continue its mandate of providing quality service to the country’s vulnerable groups – women, children, the elderly, homeless and youths.

Story: Ranetta La Fleur Image: Keno George

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally cuts the ribbon to commission the Ministry’s Region 10 Office

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LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

ITUNI RESIDENTS RECEIVE HOUSE LOTS

NEW WISMAR BRIDGE TO BOOST ECONOMY

Linden Mayor, Waneka Arrindell

Residents receiving their house lots from the staff of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Several Ituni residents in Region Ten received on the spot house lot allocation during a visit by Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson-Yearwood. Residents were also afforded on the spot interviews while some benefited from sold house lots at a cost of $59,400. The minister said that there is adequate land available in the community for residents adding that there should be no squatting in the community. “There are house lots available in Ituni. There is no shortage here. So, I have appealed to the community not to squat. They can take their applications to the Linden office and have them processed there...so there is no need for any person in Ituni to be squatting” the minister stated.

Travon Chase, who is originally from Georgetown but now resides in Ituni, capitalised on the opportunity to receive his house lot allocation. Chase said “I decided that I wanted to start a life here and to find a community where the cost for house lots are reasonable and to be able to get a lot so cheap is a sort of giveaway offer so I said I must apply for it now.”Keisha Griffith, Community Development Officer of Ituni was instrumental in arranging the outreach in the community. Griffith said that residents were pleased that the process was being carried out smoothly and in a timely manner.

“Residents are remarking that things are developing in the community, like housing, regularization and so forth so I can safely say that the residents are happy for this

Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson-Yearwood

outreach,” Griffith stated. Similar sentiments were also echoed by the Community Development Council (CDC), Chairman Kurt Murphy who said the Ituni residents were very appreciative of the price that house lots were being sold. Residents who did not get to attend the meeting, are advised that they can visit the Linden Central Housing and Planning Authority where they can apply for land at the same cost. Other residents also received titles for their lands which were outstanding for a number of years.Additionally, the minister said that for the 2019 budget, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will be rehabilitating three roads in the community selected by the residents.

Story : Isaiah Braithwaite Image: Kennyann Bacchus

Ituni Community Development Officer, Keisha Griffith

The government will be funding a new Wismar bridge, as such, Lindeners have expressed optimism that their economic fortunes will improve.

Most importantly, the new bridge to be built with GYD $919.3 Million (US$4.4 Million) from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will alleviate the present congestion, especially during peak hours. Officials have also noted that the bridge will significantly complement the Linden to Lethem highway that should begin construction by 2019. The current bridge is over 50 years old and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has looked to strengthen its capacity to undertake heavy traffic through sandblasting and other mechanisms.

Over 3,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, many of which commute to interior locations and to the capital city. Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arindell noted that the new bridge will be a blessing and along with the highway will turn Linden into an economic hub. Arindell also noted the bridge will help with the rush hour of work and school runs.

Sharing a similar sentiment was municipal councillor Lennox Gasper, who said that he applauds the government’s initiative: “If we are going to open the road from Linden to Lethem and also to Brazil actually connecting the countries and aid in export using Guyana as a port of exit, we need to have a new bridge.” Gasper noted, that the interior roads in Linden will also have to expand and it is something the municipality will have to look into in the near future. This will allow for a free flow of traffic within the town including the Winnifred Gaskin Highway and the Washer Pond road. Region 10 Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira believes that the new bridge is an expression of Linden soaring to a new horizon. He reflected on development being stagnant during the previous administration and now to witness Linden finally getting attention is more than a satisfying feeling. “Linden was, for too long, marginalised and left out of the national pie; it is good to see things happening in the town, in the entire Upper Demerara Berbice Region, while Guyana awaits the glory days ahead from the oil, Linden can look forward to two things, the oil, as well as the road from Linden to Lethem, so we are building our economy with double blessings.” Development in the town of Linden, especially in the hospitality sector has also been noted: in less than one year there were two restaurants, over seven supermarkets, a gas station, an insurance company, several sports bars, a tourism touring company, several guest houses and one bed and breakfast were opened.

Story: Vanessa Braithwaite

Image: Department of Public

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

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WITNESS PROTECTION TO BE PROVIDED - AG WILLIAMS

Lindeners has expressed their willingness to report suspicious financial activities but are concerned about being protected from the perpetrators when they do blow the whistle.

Residents expressed their concerns to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams SC during a recent Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) sensitisation outreach in the community.

However, AG Williams reminded residents that the Witness Protection Act which guarantees witness protection when needed. This can go as far as changing one’s identity or migrating to another country. Handling the witness protection is an anonymous body which also trains reporting agencies on how this is being done and what is the best approach to take.

While Lindeners expressed their lack of confidence in the police, AG Williams reminded them that it is a totally independent system and so no one should have fear of reporting since he or she would be safe and protected.

Participating at the sensitization seminar were representatives from Linden’s commercial banks, Cooperative Societies, Linden Chamber of Commerce, Insurance companies, regional officials and credit unions. A multi stake holder team of supervisory agencies that presented were, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Bank of Guyana (BoG) and Guyana Gold Board. The Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) sensitisation outreach informed participants on the role they play in reporting any form of suspicious financial transactions by clients or business partners.

GRAND PARADE FOR CHILD PROTECTION WEEK

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC It comes at a time when Guyana prepares for the 2021 fourth round of mutual evaluation to become compliant with the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations. “One of the things we have to do to be successful is to get convictions to be effective,” Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams SC., told residents at the outreach. “If we don’t get convictions, we would have to swim in the hole they have in the fourth round; getting convictions lies on all of you here in this room because you have to give information of suspicious transactions,” AG Williams cautioned.

Story: Vanessa Braithwaite Image: Department of Public Information

Stakeholders at the meeting

Participants during the grand parade Lindeners joined the rest of the country in observing Child Protection Week 2018, with a grand parade. The event saw scores of residents, parents, teachers and children participating as they raised awareness on the role the community has to play in protecting its youngest.

Exhibiting banners and placards, the little children were the main attraction of the parade which commenced from the Wismar Market and culminated at the Linden/Georgetown bus park in Mackenzie. At the park, a ceremony was held to further enlighten participants of the need to stamp out child abuse. Statistics show that for 2017, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), recorded a total of 4,179 cases of child abuse. Region Ten reflected by 22.1 per cent per 1,000 children. Being cognisant of this, the CPA has increased its sensitisation programmes.

Registration and Licensed Officer, Melissa Chapman noted that child protection is everyone’s business and that the CPA is striving to prevent, reduce and alleviate the effects of the abuse and neglect of children, through the provision of effective services in their communities and in their family settings. Regional Chairman Renis Morian, in his remarks, urged fathers to get involved in their children’s lives.

“I want to appeal to brothers in this community, our children need us, they need their fathers, I am sending out a call to our fathers, let us again, stand with our children.” Morian urged the CPA to become more social media savvy since the internet is one of the platforms best-suited to getting key information across to children especially teenagers. He said the RDC is willing to collaborate with the CPA’s Region Ten office to better equip them with tools and transportation needed to be of service to outlying areas as well.

Deputy Commander of E’ Division Jermaine Harper, gave the assurance that the police will police work to ensure the children are protected. He also urged everyone to get involved.

“It takes a whole village to raise a child, not just one person... the way forward is for us to work together and make sure we look out for one another; we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. He urged parents to keep talking with their children and to play an integral role in their lives. The audience was also ‘edutained’ through song and dramatic poetry. Child Protection Week was observed under the theme: ‘Supporting families to prevent child abuse through education and community development.’

Story and Image: Vanessa Braithwaite

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LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

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

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

Food: Minister Bulkan enjoys Childhood: Minister Bulkan spent simple fare. Curry (shrimp, fish) his younger days in West Berbice and rice; local vegetables (carila, on the Corentyne before moving okra, same, etc); boiled and fried to Symth Street in Georgetown. provisions. Fried fish. His mother’s pilau.

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

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

How he came to politics: Minister Religion: Ronald describes himself Bulkan came of age absolutely Pastime: Enjoying his 0wn company as a non-church goer. detesting the fact that the country Organisations: He is actively inlacked unrepresented government volved in the Queens College Song: Among his favourite singers which created a visceral antipathy Cadet Corps, Guyana Human would be Paul Simon, George against the state, in him.

Rights Association, the Working Benson and Sam Cooke.

People’s Alliance and People’s Ministerial appointment: He is National Congress.

Childhood memory: Included in honoured to have been offered Minister Bulkan’s memories are the post of Guyana’s first MinisIdol/Mentor: Aside from his parthose of growing up in different ter of Communities by President ents, Minister Bulkan admires parts of rural Guyana and visiting David Granger. Minister Bulkan Dr. Martin Luther King for his relatives. Listening live to Basil understood that the job came with towering intellect, incorruptible Butcher making his maiden test the proviso that it entailed much character and exemplary moral double century - 209 n.o. against work and the understanding that courage.

England in 1966 at Trent Bridge. were he then or ever unprepared Seeing test cricket for the first he would be expected to GO. time –W.I. v England at Bourda Greatest Fear: Being Misunderin 1968, a match in which Kanhai stood Dream/Vision for Guyana: A counmade 150 and Sobers 152 in a try where social cohesion is presfirst innings partnership of 250. ent, which he feels is dependent Though by this time he was no Biggest Regret: He regrets not on many factors. One such is the longer a child. spending more time with his chilpresence of the ‘crossover vote’ dren during their formative years.

- where persons cast their votes Book: The two books that have based on merit of the contesting impacted him greatly are, Robert candidates and parties and not on Passions: While he does not claim Bolt’s ‘A Man for all Seasons’ race. to have any particular passion, and Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Minister Bulkan abhors what he How does he handle the pressures Mockingbird. terms ‘fake persons’. that come with the job: He tells himself that if he were not here, then someone else would be grapSport: As you can tell cricket.

FAVOURITES pling with the very issues.

Colour: His favourite is blue Quote: “To educate a man in mind

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.

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

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$903MILLION City Hall restoration plan completed

REGIONAL

HIGHLIGHTS Foster economic resilience in hinterland – Pres.

Granger

CSC distributes more supplies to Venezuelan migrates 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.

GLDA on High alert for vesicular disease The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) is on high alert for foot and mouth and other vesicular diseases following confirmed cases in Venezuela. Head of GLDA’s Animal Health Unit, Dr. Colbert Bowen says following confirmation of the disease presence the by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Authority has dispatched a team to Region One, Guyana’s closest border region with Venezuela, to prevent the importation of animals and animal products, which aid in the transmission of the disease.

Wakenaam finally gets street lighting Residents of Wakenaam Island are basking in newly installed led lights around the Island community. In keeping with an announcement previously made by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, the first batch of lights and were installed. The installation of the energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly led lights came amidst years of there being no street lights on the island, residents’ complaints and government’s ‘Green Agenda’ which seeks to ensure that the country is developed with environmentally friendly and sustainable projects.

Fourth well drilling underway in Awaruwaunau The drilling of the fourth well in Awaruwaunau Village, South Rupununi, Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) has commenced. This follows closely on the heels of similar exercises in Aishalton, Chukrikednau and Karaudanawa.

So far, water was found in all of the areas drilled.

Upon completion, this initiative, which is being executed by the Brazilian Army’s Sixth Battalion Engineering Corps (BEC), will see eight artesian wells being drilled in eight communities.

Digital crime mapping soon for Region Four A sixteen-million-dollar (US$78,750) contract for the creation of a digital map of all the crime hotspots in Region Four, Demerara-Mahaica was given the go-ahead by Cabinet. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon informed the media, that the contract was awarded by the Ministry of Public Security to the Consultant, Valerie Grant.

According to Minister Harmon as a result of the poject, “Guyanese citizens will be able to see a digital map that depicts where crimes are occurring based on crime data.” The initiative, similar to services provided in other countries will assist persons to avoid becoming victims of criminal activity.

President David Granger during a visit to St. Ignatius, Region Nine, as part of Indigenous Heritage Month activities, underscored the importance of building economic resilience in the hinterland regions. This is even more relevant now, the president said, citing the situation in neighbouring Venezuela which has resulted in the migration of thousands of persons to the country’s interior locations. President Granger believes one of the most important elements of the economy is food security. He said the region must be able to produce enough in terms of value to enable exchange with other areas, however, the president cautioned that products must not be wasted.

Mahdia officially 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.

Illegal mining affecting Mahdia’s potable water supply The authorities responsible for surveillance against illegal mining in hinterland communities are being called upon to exercise stringent enforcement of the law. This follows a new report of a breach in the main water supply to Mahdia in Region Eight due to unlawful mining in the area. At a brief media conference highlighting the extent of damage GWI Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles said this recent break took place in the Water Dog area. GWI is now calling for stricter monitoring and surveillance throughout the region by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and police.

City Hall along with the Engineer’s and Mayor’s buildings are to be restored to their former 19th-century glory to the tune of $903Million.

This was highlighted in a $64Million Comprehensive Restoration and Sustainable Conservation Management Plan for City Hall which was handed over to Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Dr. George Norton, at Pegasus. The project is a collaborative effort between the European Union (EU) and the National Trust of Guyana. Minister Norton urged that City Hall’s restoration is used as an example for the preservation of Guyana’s Heritage.

East Coast road project on schedule 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.

South Rupununi gets upgraded roads Residents of South Rupununi can now travel with ease in and out of their communities following the repairs of several roads in various communities. The relief came within three weeks following diligent work by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to repair access roads and bridges to facilitate the collaborative drilling of wells in South Rupununi, by the Brazilian and Guyanese armies. Hinterland Engineer, Jeffrey Walcott explained to the Department of Public Information that the roads in the South Rupununi have not been upgraded for years because of various impediments. He, however, said the newly done roads are expected to withstand the elements of weather and last long after the wells have been drilled.

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LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

NATIONAL

President’s decision to appoint GECOM’s Chair vindicated

HIGHLIGHTS Guyana, China sign two agreements 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.

GECOM in “good stead” for LGE - CEO Lowenfield The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is prepared for the holding of Local Government Elections (LGE) on November 12, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield.

“GECOM is prepared as it can be within the letter of the law. We have ensured that all the legal arrangements are in place,” he told the media at the Critchlow Labour College. According to Lowenfield, some $1.6Million has been approved for the holding of the elections. “As we stand (52) days prior (to elections), we are in very good stead in so far as these elections go. Notwithstanding money and issues before the court. We are working within the confines of the approved budget for the conduct of these elections,” he said.

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.

$4+BILLION loan signed for GPL

Coalition has not abandoned sugar workers - Pres.

Granger Sugar workers have not been abandoned to an uncertain future. This was the utterance of the Head of State as he addressed the opening of the 97th Sitting of the National Assembly of the First Session of the Eleventh Parliament. He reiterated that workers are at the “heart of the government’s decision” on the industry. He outlined plans to boost production in the remaining sugar estates.

These include the training of sugar workers. The Head of State assured that the Coalition administration will continue to work diligently to ensure that displaced workers are provided with opportunities to participate actively in other sectors of the economy, such as the production and processing of rice and other crops, livestock, fisheries, construction, manufacturing, services and mining. During his address, the president highlighted gains made over the last three years and outlined the government plans, programmes and policies to stimulate growth in all of the sectors in pursuit of the good life.

Nomination Day, a 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.

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.

Guyana and Trinidad sign MOU on energy cooperation

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., said that Court of Appeal has vindicated President David Granger’s decision to unilaterally appoint retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes, in her judgement at the Court of Appeal ruled that the president has acted constitutionally in appointing Justice Patterson.

“We were always convinced that under the constitution, the president has the right to appoint the chairman from a list of six persons and insofar as the president finds that the list is unacceptable then he can properly reject the list and that has happened three times and the court has arrived at the decision that the president acted constitutionally and lawfully,” AG Williams told the Department of Public Information. President Granger, in October 2017, had unilaterally chosen Justice Patterson for the post of GECOM Chairman, after rejecting a total of 18 names contained in three lists submitted by the Leader of the Opposition.

The Opposition had filed a High Court action requesting that the decision be quashed because the president violated the Constitution by selecting Justice Patterson. However, in June, Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire had ruled that the president can rightfully ignore the Opposition Leader’s nominees for the post.

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.

Hundreds attend Inaugural Youth

High praises for CJIA’s new arrivals terminal

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.

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”.

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

PAGE 9

REGION 10 STEAMS EXPLODE SCHOOLS IN REGION 10 GOING SOLAR

Regional Education Officer (ag), Region 10, Keana Adams Starting in 2019, the Region Ten Department of Education will be focusing on the green initiative and bringing schools on board to rely on renewable energy. Regional Education Officer of Region 10 (ag) Keane Adams says solar panels will be installed in more schools in the new year. Another transition the department will be making is to transform traditional chalk and board classrooms into smart classrooms which will revolutionize learning to meet the standards of a technological educational sector. “That is one criterion we are trying to fill, come 2019, we will have more solar energies in all schools and in 2019 too, we will have smart classrooms where children will be better able to interact, it will no longer be chalk and talk, so we are getting there,” Adams told the Department of Information. For this new term, most schools were given a facelift, allowing the children to commence the new school term in a cleaner, brighter and more conducive environment. The focus, according to Adams, was the beautification of sanitary blocks, the physical infrastructure and the overall aesthetics of the school, so that children, as well as teachers, can feel more comfortable and learning can be done more effectively.

“I am happy and elated that children are better accommodated because for Region 10, we would have exhausted our budget for furniture and equipment, schools are better equipped. We are not 100 percent, but we are better than where we were six months ago. We are a bit more comfortable,” Adams noted. The schools that would have seen extensive refurbishing are the South Amelia’s Ward, Pine Street, Republic Avenue, Kwakwani Water Front, Kwakwani Park, Retrieve Nursery Schools, the Mackenzie and Watooka Day Primary Schools and the Christianburg Wismar and the Linden Foundation Secondary School as well the Mackenzie High School amongst others. Refurbishing works include tiling, painting, ceiling, replacement of equipment and furniture and other improvement works to the physical structure of the school.

Story and Image: Vanessa Braithwaite

Scores of Region Ten students drawn from the Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools were joined by their parents, teachers and education officers in a “STEAMS in Explosion” as the Ministry of Education sought to promote the benefits of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Spirituality (STEAMS). With the advent of STEAMS in the classroom, the Department of Education in Region 10 is seeking to inspire teachers across the three levels of schooling, Nursery, Primary and Secondary, to take this transition seriously and recognise the many benefits to be had.

The objective of the fair was to illustrate how fun and creative learning can be, through STEAMS as the traditional ‘chalk and blackboard’ mechanism is gradually becoming non- existent.

The event commenced with a march on Burnham Drive, Wismar Linden then a grand STEAMS fair with colourfully created numeracy and literacy games on exhibition to further engage the students for the day. The innovative skills of the teachers were displayed as they further explained how the numeracy and literacy games can be incorporated into the classrooms. The eye-catching games indeed were attention grabbing for the students who were busy trying to solve the problems.

According to Regional Education Officer (REO), acting, Keane Adams, the event seeks to inspire teachers to embrace the advent of STEAMS. “It is

hoped that we will be inspired because after inspiration comes revelation, when we are inspired, we are empowered to perform and this performance will manifest itself through contribution.” In addition, the REO acting said that the Department will continue to provide quality education by supporting STEAMS-based learning which will impact the lives of teachers, parents and most importantly students who will enjoy an interactive educational experience. Meanwhile, District Education Officer (Nursery), Shivon Greene-Brewster highlighted the latest addition to STEAM programme - spirituality. Spirituality, she said, focuses on the state or quality of being, dedicated to God. “Religion and spiritual things are valued, especially as contrasted to material things,” she posited.

The exhibits encompassed all three levels of learning, and the music, as well as the special needs departments, also showcased how learning is best done through STEAMS. Marcia Henry, a teacher at the Nursery level, explained that the games make the classroom more fun. “Because these things are so attractive, the child is drawn to it, you are able to associate things, objects and shapes and you must make teaching fun, when you make teaching fun, the children want to learn, want to attend school, so instead of doing traditional classroom things, you are now playing games, so you are having fun, while you are learning,” she said.

Teacher engaging some students of the Regma Primary School in a mathematical game Since coming to office in May 2015, the government has encouraged and continues to push for the adaptation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as an important and critical pillar of development especially in the light of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy instead of doing traditional classroom things, you are now playing games, so you are having fun, while you are learning,” she said.

Since coming to office in May 2015, the government has encouraged and continues to push for the adaptation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as an important and critical pillar of development especially in the light of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy.

Story and Image: Vanessa Braithwaite

SPECIAL NEEDS CENTRE TOPS ‘SIGNING BEE’

Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson (R) and National Special Education Needs (SEN) Officers with this year’s Annual Signing Bee Competition Bee Competition winners The Linden Special Needs Centre performed exceedingly well at this year’s Annual Signing Bee Competition. The Centre won first place in both categories of the competition which was held at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD). In Category One, Troy Scott from the Linden Special Needs Centre placed first, Abigail Jairam and Samuel Foo from the New Amsterdam Special School placed second and third respectively.

In Category Two, Ulancy Emanuel from the Linden Special Needs Centre placed first, Satesh Rajkumar from the New Amsterdam Special School placed second and Tamar Klaus from the Diamond Special Needs School placed third. The other schools which participated in the competition were the David

Rose Special School and the Harmony Secondary School. According to National Special Education Needs (SEN) Officer, Savvie Hopkinson, the Signing Bee Competition is an incredible way for students who are deaf to demonstrate their academic progress, justify financial investment in an appropriate education and demand equitable treatment having in the past suffered benign neglect. She said that the competition bears linguistic similarities with “Singing Bees” and “Spelling Bees”. She said that the competition intends to stimulate the language faculty of students by expanding their vocabulary and augmenting the stock of words they possess and can employ in their work and lives. “This competition provides a platform for Special Schools to stage their

educational quality, expand the capacity of students to perform well in the curriculum while having fun. Through a decentralised approach, it permits students in regions to compete and prove themselves against their counterparts in Georgetown,” Ms. Hopkinson explained.

She added that sign language is crucial to the members of the deaf community since it is the means through which their ideas, imagination, creativity and achievements flow out to the rest of the society and among themselves.Moreover, Hopkinson reminded those in attendance that the competition celebrates the education policy of inclusiveness and the education philosophy of the right to an appropriate education.

“It demonstrates that all students are valuable and must be empowered to see themselves and take their places in an emerging, expanding, competitive, global community”.Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson echoed sentiments shared by Hopkinson and added that the competition demonstrates that there are no boundaries to learning and achievement. He said that the Ministry of Education is pleased to continue hosting the event by making it a feature as part of Education Month. Hutson explained that over the years the Ministry of Education has sought many ways to provide inclusivity for children with Special Needs.

Story and Image: Vanessa Braithwaite

PAGE 10

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IN PLACE AT HOSPITALS

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and some of the members of the Health Management Committee along with a team from the ministry.

The reconstituted Linden Hospital Complex’s Health Management Committee has been determined to be the ‘better representation of health’ for the region. The committee will serve the Linden Hospital Complex and surrounding health facilities in the area. Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence recently visited the Linden Hospital Complex in Region Ten where she was introduced to staff who have been identified to serve on the hospital’s health management committee.

“I went to Cabinet and I asked to have a committee put in place to ensure that they can overlook the management and what is happening at the LHC… that was granted to me,” Minister Lawrence told the staff. The designated chairperson identified by the minister to head this committee is Mortimer Mingo (also the chairperson of the Local Government Commission) while Regional Councillor, Denise Belgrave has been identified as Co-Chair. The Health Minister and Mingo both stressed that the newly reconstituted committee is constituency-based and comprises 15 members, inclusive of but not limited to persons within the medical fraternity.

Minister Lawrence also took the opportunity to share her expectations with some of the identified committee members. “There have been issues not only at this end but also from the ministry’s end. It requires more than one person in the boat or one group in the boat. I expect that you would reach outside of the government to try to alleviate some of the issues which confront the health sector… because of a few things: one, you don’t have the physical space and two, we can’t do it alone.” Minister Lawrence explained.

The committee members also accompanied the minister as she visited other health facilities in order to familiarise themselves with their responsibilities and to have a clear overview of what is expected of them. According to Minister Lawrence, the Ministry of Public Health has been attempting to address several health-related issues especially those coming from Region Ten. As such, she appealed to the committee members to pay special attention to providing adequate, timely and efficient reporting, since this will be key towards fostering effective changes in the health sector. Mingo assured that the committee will assist in a robust delivery of health care to the residents of Linden. He also highlighted that under his chairmanship, the committee will seek to collaborate with the regional administration and consult with stakeholders in order to make the decision-making process easier.All the members of the committee have not yet been identified, however, the serving representatives are Mortimer Mingo, Chairperson, Denise Belgrave Co-Chairperson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Linden Hospital Complex Dr. Mohammed Riyasat, former Matron of the hospital Naomi Cox, Regional Health Officer, Dr. Pansy Armstrong, Patrick Hutson, representatives from the Linden Town Council, the Guyana Nurses’ Association, the Kwakwani Regional Hospital, the Regional Democratic Council, the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated, a religious organisation, the Cancer Society (Linden), the Peoples’ Progressive Party, and the Guyana Public Service Union.

Story: Delicia Haynes Image: Karime Peters

MEDICAL PRACTIONERS GRADUATE FROM MENTAL HEALTH Over 30 Region Ten medical practitioners graduated from a four-day training in mental health on Wednesday. The doctors, nurses and medics were encouraged by Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, to use the training they received to meaningfully contribute towards the provision of clinical interventions for effective mental health treatment in Region Ten and the country at large.“I want to exhort you to combine the knowledge and skills you have gained to better serve the people around you, that need your expertise and talent, to combat stress and trauma associated with mental illness, be committed to reducing the harmful effects of mental illnesses in Guyana.”

P

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings presenting one of the graduates with her certificate

The minister encouraged the health professionals to practise patience, concern, tolerance and confidentiality when dealing with mental health patients. She highlighted the strides made by the ministry in effectively managing mental health issues as she referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) now being able to accommodate walk-in patients.

“The training you receive will place you in an excellent position to do your part in contributing to the overall, national effort, of comprehensively and competently addressing mental health issues in Guyana,” she said.

This is the second batch of Linden medical practitioners to receive training in mental health.

The first training exercise was conducted in 2017.

Regional Health Officer, Dr. Pansy Armstrong noted that the aim is to have similar programmes held twice a year until all medical practitioners are properly trained Over the four days, the graduates were trained to effectively screen, recognise and manage conditions that contribute to mental health disorders. They were also taught to recognise and manage depression. Training to deal with stigma and discrimination, manage epilepsy, child and adolescent mental health disorders and alcohol and substance abuse disorders were also completed. The Ministry of Public Health is making strides in reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental health.

Story and Image: Vanessa Braithwaite

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

PAGE 11

POLICE FORCE MILITARY BAND MARKS 160TH ANNIVERSARY

NURSING SCHOOL ‘LINDEN HAS THE CAPABILITY IN CURRICULUM TOCHECKUP ADVANCE BY LEAPS AND

BOUNDS’ - President Granger

PRESIDENT GRANGER ENGAGES YOUTH LEADERS ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SEEING CLEARLY…

Principal tutor of Nursing, Hilary Christopher The Charles Rosa School of Nursing in Linden is reviewing the institute’s curriculum so as to improve nursing education for its students. Principal Tutor Hilary Christopher told the Department of Public Information that it is hoped that with the review the learning environment will be more student-friendly and the pass rate would increase.

Over the years, the training capacity of the school has expanded moving from an initial 63 students to an average of 223. Christopher said the school trains students from the ten administrative regions but the primary regions are from the hinterland Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten. With the school’s growing population, reviewing the curriculum is therefore crucial for the school to effectively train students to meet the healthcare needs of the citizens. “Over the years, we have been having larger intakes, our initial cut off points were 35 for registered nurses, 20 to 25 for nursing assistants, 20 post basic and 20 single-trained. We have been taking in an average of 45 professional nurses, 30 nursing assistants, 25 single trained nurses. So, we will also be looking at more capacity building for our teachers so they will be able to use advanced technology.” Cameras for live feedback from students, clinical instructors to help students translate theory into practice and instructional manuals are other measures that will be looked at to further augment learning skills. Even as the school awaits these new improvements, Christopher noted that to date the students are performing well.“We have an average now of about 76 to 78 per cent pass rate at any one examination for the Registered Nurses. For the Nursing Assistants, our pass rates are higher usually in the 90 to 100. The midwifery, our success rate has been down but that also had success in the 90 to 100. Nevertheless, we have a high completion rate.” Christopher indicated that the expansion of the western side of the building to cater for a new practise room is still on the cards. The extension is paramount as it would enable the school to implement some of the things learnt from training at the University of Miami. It would also enable students to have sufficient simulation exercises so they can perform better on the job. This extension along with more staff is expected by 2019.

Story: Ranetta La Fleur Image: Karime Peters

PROVIDING QUALITY EYECARE Dr. Remeeza McDonald, the only ophthalmologist serving at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), is the reason hundreds of Lindeners are receiving better eye care daily.

McDonald has been described as a thoughtful doctor who seeks nothing but the best care and solutions to eye diseases and her many success stories and clean track record can attest to this.

A wife and mother of two, McDonald also serves as the Medical Superintendent of the Linden Hospital Complex. She has been a general medical practitioner for 13 years but has specialised in ophthalmology for the last six years. Within that period, she has performed cataract and other related eye surgeries on hundreds of patients in Linden.

It was the desire to fill that gap that led McDonald to specialise in ophthalmology.

“We have an ideal set-up where the Ophthalmologist and Optometrist work in the same area and this allows for a quicker referral process. We also have a great complement of nurses who manage the patients daily.” Her only little challenge however is, “getting the equipment and materials needed for continuous surgery and glaucoma tests.” While she may be there to treat and save the eyes, McDonald’s theory is that prevention is better than care and so she continues to urge residents of Linden and citizens of Guyana, in general, to take care of their eyes since losing one’s sight is their worst handicap. Her tips are:

“The happy faces that patients have after surgery,” McDonald said is her main motivator as many of those patients would have attested to being fully dependent on family members for daily care. She is able to assist them in regaining sight and independence. This, she said, is what she loves about her job the most.

Despite her recent promotion to the second highest rank at LHC, McDonald remembers that her priority is to serve those who need critical eye care.

Hence, she ensures proper time management to balance her workload. With the recently opened spanking new ophthalmology department at LHC, McDonald said the standard of the eyes care patients receive has definitely improved and hence have made her work easier.

Lindeners were treated to an afternoon of toe-tapping, hand-clapping music performed by young members of the Guyana Police Force Military Band. The concert was hosted by E’ Division in observance of 160 years of the Band’s existence.

The audience was also entertained by medleys of national and cultural songs and dramatic poetry staged by ranks of the Police Force and members of the Scout Association.

Commander of E’ Division, Superintendent Anthony Vanderhyden said that the Force took a decision to have the ranks showcase their talent so that the public would be able to see their uniformed officers in a different, more social, setting.

Superintendent of Music, Charmaine Stuart said that youths were integrally involved in the event.

“What we are doing today is celebrating with the young people in all the divisions, having them being a part of the celebration because we want to have youth participation,” she noted.

“We didn’t have anyone in Linden to deal with any eye diseases. Patients had to be referred to Georgetown, so when the opportunity came for me to study in the field, I took it,” McDonald explained.

What she could not foresee was that her service to her community would have been so treasured and this brings her much satisfaction since she is able to give back to her community. “I’m happy to give back to Linden. My town has given me so much.

In love, in teaching and in fellowship. I love Linden. It’s a close-knit community that embraces and looks out for its people. It’s a safe place and most importantly, anything you need, you can find right here in Linden,” she noted.

Paraphernalia of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on exhibition

Opthamlogist, Dr. Remeeza McDonald • Wear protective glasses when one is about to hammer a nail. Too many eyes were lost through this simple act. Use protective glasses at work when doing any construction. It may look ‘not cool’ but God only gave us two eyes, let’s try to keep them.

• Use sunglasses when outside to protect against the UV rays of the sun. This can prevent Cataracts.

• If you have children whose eyes seem to be looking the other way or are not straight, bring them early to the eye clinic • If you have family members with glaucoma, kindly come in for a check-up because you may have it too.

Story and Images: Vanessa Braithwaite

Section of the audience at the Guyana Police Force Military Band 160th anniversary concert Several pieces of equipment and paraphernalia that are utilised by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were also on display. The Guyana Police Force Band was established in 1858, which saw most members coming from the regimental force and when they were vested into the Police Force, they decided to be sworn-in in 1959. They have been representing the force at various national and cultural events since that time.

Story and Images: Vanessa Braithwaite

PAGE 12

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

Ivan Sancho plaiting the mats he sells

It has been a month now that Ivan Sancho has been sourcing vegetation and other material to create unique home ornaments and handbags to meet the needs of a niche market in Linden. Sancho has strategically set up his craft shack at the corner of West Watooka, where thousands of vehicles pass daily, especially those journeying to interior locations. Originally from New Amsterdam, Sancho who is also a Rastafarian now lives with his seven-year-old grandson in West Watooka where he makes his craft items and practices his skill in addition to subsistence farming. Having been involved in craft for the past 35 years, this venture is now no longer just a means of earning an income but a way of life for Sancho.The coconut tree is Sancho’s main source of raw material. He uses the shell to make purses and ornaments and the branches and other parts to make mats, hanging baskets and pointer brooms.

The calabash from the calabash tree in his yard is also used to make very decorative and unique purses. The mats are also made from ship rope which he journeys to Georgetown to collect free of cost. “At first, I used the rice bag for material but after that became scarce, I started using the ship rope; it is a material I remember from my days as a small boy working on a ship,” Sancho explains. Initially, Sancho began his business from his West Watooka home which he then transformed into a craft workshop. However, to boost his business venture he chose a more public location. “I came out here because I needed to advertise my work, I needed to expand, I woke up one day with a vision and I

Ivan Sancho posing at his craft Shack at West Watooka junction

decided to work on it and since then the business has been better,” he said. Describing himself as a “private person” who is focused on perfecting his craft and farming. Sancho notes that since he has no formal training or practice in craft making his talent is a “gift from God.” ‘The calabash when I pick it, I design it first, bore the hole first before I cut it. The coconut shell same thing; but you have to bore the hole with heat. When you cut them you clean them out, some people have machines, but I have a special knife I have that I use to clean it out and then lacquer it.” After perfecting his skill, Sancho decided to sell his products and utilizes the earing from this to purchase fertilizers, seeds, manure and other necessities to plant the crops to provide for his family. “Without me doing this I will not be able to farm. When I sell my craft, I buy stuff to farm.” Being a vegetarian for most of his life, Sancho said farming his own food ensure that he can be confident that he and his family are eating fresh organic produce. This is crucial to him maintaining his health which in turn is necessary to continue his craft business.

“I plait in the day and stitch in the night. So, I mostly work on my craft at night. I enjoy working mostly at night and I am at it all the time especially when the sales are coming in. I am driven to create,” the craftsman revealed . Sancho is hoping to live a long life filled with strength to continue enjoying the title of ‘the original craftsman.’

MADE IN

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

PAGE 13

E D I T O R I A L

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.

Editorial Director

Editor-in-Chief

Imran Khan

Ernestine Leonard

Contributing writers:

Photography:

Synieka Thorne, Isaiah Braithwaite, Tiffny Rhodius, Stacy Carmichael James, Delicia Haynes, Gabreila Patram, Ranetta LaFleur, Neola Damon, Crystal Stoll, Kidackie Amsterdam, Alexis Rodney, Anara Khan and Vaneesa Braithwaite.

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

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

Layout and design: Devin Sears

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

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Meet our team

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 offshoot 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.

Tejpaul Bridgemohan Senior Videographer

PAGE 14

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

REGIONAL DIRECTORY REGIONAL OFFICIALS

HEALTH FACILITIES

Regional Chairman (RC)

Renis Morian

444-6121,694-9552

Name of Facility

Type of Facility

Regional Vice Chairman (RVC)

Elroy Adolph

444-2035, 690-8997

47 Miles

Health Post

Regional Executive Officer (REO)

Orin Gordon

444-6056, 624-8891

Anarika

Health Centre

444-6707, 642-7209

Calcuni / Wikki

Health Centre

441-9293

Christianburg

Health Centre

442-0256

Coomacka / Berbice River

Health Post

De Veldt

Health Centre

338-9285

Ebini

Health Post

440-9283

Great Falls

Health Post

441-9291

Hururu

Health Post

440-9283

Ituni

Health Centre

441-2211

Kimbia

Health Post

338-9289

Kwakwani

Health Centre

440-2224

Kwakwani Hospital

District Hospital

440-2224

Latitia Holder

Health Centre

444-2185

Deputy Regional Executive Officer Maylene Stephens (DREO)

POLICE STATIONS Amelia Ward

442-4222

Ituni

441-2222

Kwakwani

440-2222

Wismar

442-0759

Wisroc

444-5606

Springland CID

335-3058

Springlands Immigration

335-3005

FIRE STATION Linden Fire Station

444-6233

TELEVISION STATION National Communications Network (Ch 13)

444-6517 444-6827

‘E’ DIVISION (LINDEN/KWAKWANI)

REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION Agriculture Department

444-6139

GRA Department

444-2130

Guyana Elections Commission

444-6251

Health Department

444-3088

Land & Survey Department

444-2141

(O) 444-3429 (C) 672-2118

Linden Forest Station

444-4727/8

NAREI Extension Office

442-0307

(O) 444-3274 (C) 684-3737

Regional Education Officer

Divisional Commander

Senior Superintendent A. Vanderhyden

(O) 444-3406 (C) 677-8654

Second in-Command

Assistant Superintendent J. Harper

(O) 444-3297 (C) 691-0850

Community Relations Officer

Inspector P. Peters

(O) 444-3274 (C) 614-0402

In-charge Traffic

Inspector S. Massay

In-Charge Crime

Superintendent M. Thuknauth

DIVISIONAL OPERATIONS ROOM

Facility No.

(O) 444-3512/444-3297

Public Works Department

444-6456

MUNICIPAL OFFICES Mayor of Linden

Wanetta Arrindell

(O) 444-8357 (C) 614-2124

Deputy Mayor

Wainewright Bethune

(C) 665-1192/ 680-7922

TownClerk

Orleena Obermuller

(O) 444-4010 (C) 667-1746

Finance

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(O) 444-6063

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(O) 444-2200

Market

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(O) 444-6082

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(O) 444-6030

Mackenzie Day Care

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(O) 444-4288

How did Kaieteur Falls get its name?

NDC OFFICIAL (KWAKWANI) Vice Chairperson

Kelvin Anthony Daly

(C) 643-2909

POST SECONDARY Linden Technical Institute

General Office

444-333/444-2182

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VOG 560AM FOR NEWS AND INFORMATION

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).

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

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LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

LINDEN

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National Symbol

The Black Hawk-Eagle

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.

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

Place of Interest: Stephen Campbell Monument 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.

TEEN TOONS | SCHOOL DAYS

Folk Song

THE SONG OF GUYANA’S CHILDREN

Born in the land of the mighty Roraima, Land of great rivers and far stretching sea; So like the mountain, the sea and the river Great, wide and deep in our lives would we be; 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.

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.

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LINDEN LEDGER - November 2018

LINDEN Children’s Corner

ANIMALS

Armadillo

The armadillo is native to both North America and South America. The average armadillo measures around 75cm in length, including the tail but the giant armadillo can grow to more than 1.5m long and the miniature pink fairy armadillo (the smallest armadillo species) only gets to around 10cm in length.

The Clever Fox There once lived a crow. One day he was very hungry. He had not been able to get any food the previous day. “If I do not get anything to eat I will starve to death,” he thought.

As the crow was searching for food, his eyes fell on a piece of bread. He quickly swooped down, picked it up and flew off.

Far away in a lonely place he sat on a tree to enjoy the bread. Just then a hungry fox saw the crow sitting on the tree holding the bread in his mouth.

“Yummy! That bread looks delicious. What I would give to get that piece of bread,” the fox thought.

the fox, flattering the crow. Then the fox said,” I have heard that besides being beautiful you also have a sweet voice. Please sing a song for me.”

By now the crow started to believe what the fox was saying. “The fox knows true beauty. I must be the most beautiful bird in this whole world.

The fox decided to use all his cunning means to get the piece of bread from the mouth of the crow. He sat under the tree. The crow saw him and thought, “I guess this fox wants to eat my bread. I shall hold it carefully.” And he held on to the bread even more tightly. The clever fox spoke to the crow politely. He said, “Hello friend! How are you?” But the crow did not say anything. “Crows are such lovely birds. And you are very charming too,” said

I will sing him a song,” thought the crow. As soon as the foolish crow opened his mouth to sing the bread fell from its beak and into the ground. The Clever fox, which had just been waiting for this very moment, caught the bread in his mouth and gulped it down his throat.

The crow had paid a heavy price for his foolishness.

There are around 20 species of armadillo still existent on the American continent with the nine-banded armadillo being the only species found outside of the South American tropics. The armadillo has a hard outer shell and can curl up into a ball leaving no soft body parts exposed to danger (a bit like a woodlouse). The armadillo also has long claws which the armadillo uses for digging burrows and hunting for insects in the earth.

Despite the armadillo’s odd shape, most armadillos can also reach a top speed of nearly 30 mph so can easily outrun most jungle predators. The primary predators of the armadillo are bears, wolves, wildcats and cougars.

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KURU KURURU HOSTS FIRST-EVER BUSINESS EXPO

YOUTHS IN RECYCLING PROJECT

Some of the cushions that were made by the students

Cutting of the ceremonial ribbon with Dr. Lowell Porter and Kuru Kururu top student Garnet Bristol The Kuru Kururu Small Business Association hosted its inaugural Business Expo with the aim of bringing more exposure to the small business in the community. Held at the Newtown Settlement located on the Soesdyke Linden Highway, the expo saw over thirty small businesses displaying their products such as hair products, make-up artistry, photography, robotics, several homemade products including pepper sauce, green seasoning, jams and jellies and ice cream. Several recognised businesses such as SOL Guyana Incorporated and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) also hosted informational booths.

Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau (SBB) Dr. Lowell Porter commended residents and members of the Kuru Kururu Small Business Association for taking a step in the right direction to enhance the potential of small businesses in their community.

“People in Guyana need to work together … If you want to move forward you are going to have to have people helping you,” Porter explained.

Meanwhile, Attorney-at-law James Bond, delivering brief remarks on behalf of Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence, encouraged the participants and members of the Kuru Kururu Small Business Association to embrace the spirit of small business and cooperativism since “our country was founded on the local or village economy. That is the backbone, the bedrock of whatever we do in this country. If you look at where rice is, or sugar is or farming, agriculture and everything that is sustainable in Guyana started from something small. Something just like this….” Bond noted that support from the community is needed now more than ever “… let us embrace the local village economy and don’t forget the soil when you think about oil,” he said.The Kuru Kururu Small Business Association was formed in May of this year and is chaired by Sasha Morrison.Welcoming the initiative was resident Carmen Simon who said, “The event is a very good one because it will help small businesses to get more exposure for their products.” Simon said one of the products that stood out for her was the ‘callaloo drink’.

Delivering the feature address to declare open expo in the community, Doctor Porter said, “it is extremely important that we work together. Business people out there are willing to help small businesses…if we can intervene as a government and put our weight behind you, we will; because we know the struggles Keziah Stoll, who was visiting the communiof small businesses and we also know the ty for the first time, said the expo will give the potential of small businesses. village more recognition. “They should have this more often so people can come and learn And without having vibrant, robust, suc- about each other. I’m from Friendship Village cessful small businesses in any country, devel- and this show has given more information about opment will never come……look around the communities like Newtown.”The Kururu Small United States, the United Kingdom forty to Business Association was created on 1 May fifty percent of GDP comes from small busi- 2018 with the objectives of bringing exposure nesses” he said. to businesses and services provided by residents of the community.

The SBB head also encouraged small business owners to collaborate with each other to Story: Kidackie Amsterdam achieve increased capacity and market share.

Image: Leon Leung

The Totally Moulding Training Centre in Block 22 Linden has for the first time integrated green strategies into its youth training programme. Some 100 youths were trained in various life skills, and additionally how to recycle items and transform them into beautiful ornaments, personal and household items. The programme was coordinated by philanthropist Marva Semple, founder of Totally Moulding Training Centre who noted that this year, the emphasis was placed on recycling trashed items. The youths were able to create handbags from old denim pants, wall hanging ornaments from newspapers as well as other trashed material to make belts, picture frames and other items.

They were also taught how to make scented candles, soaps, cushions, pillow cases, laundry bags, aprons among other items. Semple noted that youths from Block 22 and neighbouring communities flocked the Block 22 Multi-Purpose Centre from July 9th, when the programme commenced. Semple related that the youths were eager to build their skills set and capacity for the niche markets.

Cake making, cooking and other culinary skills were also taught. Collaborative efforts from the office of the Regional Chairman Renis Morian, the Regional Executive Officer Orrin Gordon and the Community Development Group of Block 22 also made the programme possible in the form of providing sewing machines, food for the participants and extra furniture. Semple has been hosting programmes in Block 22 since the 1980s after seeing many youths engaging in unconstructive activities. As time progressed, she encouraged other people to fill the gap.

Teachers, nurses, tailors, designers amongst others came on board to lend a helping hand.

As the programme grew, she approached UNICEF for help since she was using her personal items for the practical aspect of the classes. The organization decided to construct a building for the cause which is currently the Block 22 Multipurpose Centre.

Story and Images: Vanessa Braithwaite

Youths participating in one of the culinary classes

SMOOTHER TRAVELS FOR KWAKWANI COMMUTERS

A section of the Linden-Lethem road

Linden/Ituni/Kwakwani Road Drivers plying the Linden to Kwakwani route have reduced bus fares from $3,000 to $2,500, following significant upgrades to the Linden/ Ituni/Kwakwani road. This move was welcomed by residents, especially those who travel regularly.

In 2017, drivers increased the fare by $500 citing added expenses due to the condition of the road. However, following the repairs, drivers report that they making fewer trips to the “repair shops and their vehicles are consuming less gas”, hence the fare reduction.

Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph expressed satisfaction with the price reduction. He also lauded the Ministry of Natural Resources for addressing the issue, and allocating substantial funds needed to execute major repairs on the road. “The trail is very smooth right now, and the drivers have kept their word, and so residents now have an ease of $500 and I am very happy for that”, Adolph said. Commuters said the time taken from Linden to Kwakwani is now between one and a half to two hours as opposed to the previous four to five-hour trip. “The road is very smooth right now, if you leave Linden by eight, before ten, you are in Kwakwani”, one Kwakwani-based teacher said.

The repair works commenced at the end of the rainy season in July. There were no weather-related challenges and repairs include ditching, excavating, section repairs of soft spots and filling with laterite.The government approved more than $650Million from Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) funds to facilitate the various road projects critical to miners and forest operators in the gold, diamond and timber industries. The multi-million-dollar projects are being executed by the Natural Resources Ministry with funding from GGMC, and technical assistance from the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

The Rockstone–Mabura road is also being repaired. Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford pointed out that the contractor did an excellent job and also upgraded some internal roads not included in the agreement. This, he stressed, is “value for money.”Regional officials are urging residents to monitor the road works being executed by the contractors to ensure it is in keeping with the scope of works since such projects are community projects, and benefit everyone.

Story and Images: Vanessa Braithwaite

LINDEN-LETHEM ROAD TO COME UNDER BELT AND ROAD INITATIVE

The much-anticipated Linden-Lethem road is among the infrastructural projects that may soon come on-stream under the China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

In late July, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) within the framework of China’s Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, more commonly referred to as the Belt and Road Initiative was signed between the governments of Guyana and China.

The MOU makes provision for cooperation in the areas of policy coordination, facilities connectivity, trade and investment, finance and integration, and people-to-people interaction.

During a post-Cabinet briefing, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon explained that the question of the Linden-Lethem road was one of the matters to be considered under the MOU. “That is a major public infrastructure project that has been on our agenda from the time we came into office. While there is a broad framework within which these things are done, all of

these projects have to go through the tendering process. So not every project put forward will receive funding, it still has to be reviewed properly to ensure that the requirements for funding are met,” Minister Harmon explained.

The minister further explained that the government will prioritise transforming Guyana’s infrastructural landscape and improve social services through the MOU. The Terms of Reference for the construction of the Linden-Lethem road by the Guyanese and Brazilian governments is ready. Phase One of the project covers approximately 125 kilometres of the road (Linden to Mabura Hill) and also includes a bridge across the Kurupukari River. Guyana secured funding from the British Government through its UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) programme to complete the design.

Story: Ranetta La Fleur Image: Kennyann Bacchus

MACKENZIE/WISMAR BRIDGE UPGRADE ONGOING The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) has budgeted millions of dollars to undertake major rehabilitation to the Mackenzie/Wismar bridge. Over 3,000 vehicles, including lumber trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, traverse the bridge daily. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Linmine Secretariat, Emit Alves said that the repairs are currently being done in sections and a floatable raft was constructed so as to effectively meet those high spots for cleaning and sandblasting and to strengthen the structure and its nuts and bolts. Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge commit-

tee member and Municipal Councillor, Lennox Gasper said he is grateful that MoPI would have ventured into the maintenance works to strengthen the bridge. “With this extensive work, we are hoping that the bridge will ease regular weekly closure, and we will be seeing maintenance done more on a monthly basis.” While the old bridge is being strengthened, he still welcomes a new bridge for the town. “I am happy that plans are afoot to ensure that we have a new bridge because there is an influx of transportation and a usually long line of vehicles that are on either side, hence

we need to have that two-way flow of traffic.”

The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved funding in the amount of US$4.4M to help Guyana enhance its transportation sector, and support the development of interior communities. Some of the funds will be used to finance the construction of the new bridge. The old bridge is one lane and has been in existence for 51 years. It is a major connecting point from interior locations to the capital city.

Story and Story: Vanessa Braithwaite

Major strengthening works being done on the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge