DPI Rupunini Roundup

A publication of the Department of Public Information

October 2018

VOTE

NOV 12

EXERCISE YOU CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT

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Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

REGION NINE, ONE OF GUYANA’S MOST DYNAMIC REGION - PM NAGAMOOTOO

The transformation of Lethem into a township, the Lethem airport conversion into a regional hub, the state of the art abattoir and agriculture research facility, the industrial estate and the radio stations are just a few examples of the groundwork being laid for the take-off of Region Nine into one of the most dynamic regions in Guyana.

This was the view shared by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during his address at the sec-

Minister Allicock addressing the Toshaos

ond annual Regional Toshaos’ Conference held at the Indigenous Conference Hall, Lethem.

“Rupunini is rising again. Part of that is what is happening here today, we are for the first time live to all the people of Guyana of an event that is taking place right here in Lethem,” the Prime Minister said as Radio Lethem transmitted the opening ceremony through the Voice of Guyana (VOG).

Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who was acting

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo being greeted on arrival to region

in the capacity of President, spoke of the efforts by the government to bridge the gap between the hinterland and the coastland, through communication. “…the voices, the talent, the initiative of our indigenous peoples should be known to the world and the world should share also with our indigenous peoples…You need to have communication to broadcast what you are doing.” “Not only do we have Radio Lethem, but Radio Aishalton, Mabaruma, Mahdia and Orealla and for the first time in the history of Guyana our indigenous people have a voice,” he added.

While the Rupununi region is leading the way in development, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said much more can be achieved, since the region has very fertile land and the capacity to feed

[from left to right] Advisor to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mervyn Williams, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock in Lethem for the second annual Regional Toshaos’ Conference

GOVT APPROVES CONSTRUCTION OF MOCO MOCO, KUMU HYDROPOWER

Approval has been granted for the construction of a 0.95-megawatt dual hydro-system at Moco Moco and a 2.2 megawatt at Kumu. This was announced by Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock, at the Regional Toshaos Conference in Lethem.

The projects will be financed from funds received through the United Arab Emirates and the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

The project is estimated to be concluded in two and a half years.

On June 08, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson announced that several renewable energy projects involving solar, wind and hydro and amounting to some 30 megawatts will be completed by 2020. These are to be constructed in the three new townships of Bartica, Lethem and Mabaruma, as well as Mahdia and several

the nation. It is against this background that the government has allocated funds valuing some US$4Million for the construction of a modern agriculture research station and an abattoir at the Pirara area, Nappi.

He also addressed the misinformation being peddled regarding the process of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) with regard to the conceptualising of the water catchment reservoir in Nappi, and the decision to transform the Aranaputa community into an NDC. He said the consultations for these key initiatives have ongoing and “cannot be used as an excuse to knock down the developmental process that will affect the lives of the people of the Rupununi.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that there is no neglect of the indigenous people, and this is

interior locations.

In addition to the Moco Moco and Kumu hy-

The Kumu Falls

dro projects, funding has been secured to commence the hydro project in Kato, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight).

The government has given private developers until the end of July to secure financing for the US$4.4Million 2.2-megawatt Tumatumari Hydro Project. Once a company is successful in securing the funds the government will enter in a power purchase agreement that company. However, failing this, the government will assume control of the project.

In addition, a micro-hydro of 0.02-megawatt also catered for in the National Budget at a cost of US$200,000 will commence in Mabaruma during the third quarter of this year. Completion is anticipated for mid-2019.  Synieka Thorne Image: Tejpaul Bridgemohan

evident in the allocations of resources over the past three years for projects including internet hubs, the Five Bs programme and laptop for teachers, among others.

Additionally, this year, the government allocated some $782Million to embark on capital works in the region. $250Million of the total amount was allocated for green sustainable projects under the presidential grants. A $130Million Green Enterprise Centre will also be constructed at Bina Hill.

Echoing similar sentiments was Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock who urged the newly elected village leaders to be mindful of those who seek to stymie their development. “We must guard against such exercise of personal ambitions, which seek only t0 promote an individual while destroying the destiny of so many. We must guard against those who inspire us to walk away from our accountability obligation,” He cautioned.  Synieka Thorne Images: Keno George

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

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Shulinab’s toshao new NTC Chairman ‘Build economic resilience’

- President at Rupununi Heritage celebrations

President David Granger urged residents of the Region Nine to build resilience to withstand economic pressures.

The Head of State was at the time delivering the feature address at the opening of this year’s Rupununi Regional Heritage celebrations, held at the St. Ignatius Village Benab.

He called on the people of the Rupununi to reflect on their accomplishments over the years and look towards enhancing their village economies.

President Granger reminded that an economic foundation is key to a prosperous life.

“It is the economy which keeps society going,” he stated while adding that “our economic survival is most important. Every society is determined by the way it makes its living. If the quality of life is to improve hard decisions have to be made”, the President said while calling for there to be a move from a subsistence level to a sustainable level of living.

St. Ignatius Village which sits on Guyana’s border with Brazil has a small population, but President Granger believes that much more can be done to enhance the livelihood of those who live there.

“We in Guyana have to be very careful as we plan our economic survival, not only for this year and this month but to ensure the long-term survival of our country,” the President said as he called on the people of Rupununi to build resilience to make Region Nine strong.

“Think about how we will build resilience to make this region strong; strong enough to withstand any economic pressure. Strong enough to ensure our children and grandchildren will live better lives than we live and that our parents and grand-parents lived,” the Head of State said.

He noted that one of the most important elements in the economy is food security. “The region has to be secure,” President Granger declared while noting that to ensure food security there must be the sufficient production of food which can be shared in other areas. “We must not let our products go to waste,” he added.

The villages of the Rupununi, he noted have the capability to move from subsistence farming to sustainable farming because Region Nine, perhaps more than any other region, is susceptible to the vagaries of the weather.

Moreover, the Head of State noted the need for residents of the Rupununi to look at other aspects of economic diversification, while pointing

to the tremendous potential of the Region.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock called for there to be greater unity among the people of the Rupununi. He cited unity, respect, management and honesty as a few important characteristics of success. He like President David Granger noted the VIP and its importance.

Similarly, Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock and Chairman of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) and Toshao of Shulinab, Nicholas Fredericks noted that it is through unity that progress has been made in Region Nine.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, President Granger presented a cheque valued

Four-year old Anna Vieira, of St. Ignatius Village recites a poem at the opening of the Rupununi Regional Heritage celebrations 2018

$1M to the St. Ignatius Village and another valued $500,000 to Regional Democratic Council through Regional Chairman, Mr. Brian Allicok.

A number of footballs were also handed over

by President Granger to Toshao of St. Ignatius, Dennis Benedict. Also present at the opening of the Rupununi Regional Heritage celebrations was Minister of Public Affairs, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mr. Alfred King and Brazilian Vice-Consul, Ms. Lisa Mary Sousa Dos Reis. The regional heritage celebrations will come to an end on September 29. 

Former NTC Chairman, Joel Frederick handing over the mantle of leadership to Nicholas Fredericks Toshao Nicholas Fredericks of Shulinab is the new Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) following elections at the recently concluded conference at Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Toshao Paul Pierre, of Kwebanna, Region One was elected Vice Chairman, Toshao Russian Dorrick of Yupukuri, Region Nine, was elected Secretary, Toshao Marbel Thomas of Campbelltown, Region Eight was elected Treasure, and Toshao Loretta Fiedtkou of Muritaro, of Region Ten, was elected as Secretary/ Assistant Treasurer.

During the nomination process, Toshao Mario Hastings of Kako, Region Seven was also nominated as Vice-Chairman.

Hastings and Pierre were given one minute each to state why they should be elected for the position. A ballot was then cast and Pierre won by 12 votes.

Beverly Clenkian of St. Cuthbert Mission, Region Four was also nominated for Assistant Secretary/Treasurer but was ousted by Fiedtkou who won by 11 votes.

This year’s election marks history, as there were major changes in the composition of the body; for the first time ever, five women were elected to sit on the council; and of the 20 toshaos nominated, only three would have served on the previous council during the period 2015-2018.

Following the election process, Nicholas addressed the gathering and called on the executives to execute their duties and with dignity. “We must move with authority and do not make the power overcome us but be very firm in our deliberations.”

Nicholas also stressed the importance of ad-

Newly elected Chairman of the National Toshao Council, Toshao Nicholas Fredericks of Shulinab

dressing land titling and demarcation, an issue which dates back some 40 years. He said that over the next three years, the council will be working to strengthen relations with the government and indigenous NGOs.  Synieka Thorne Images:Tejpaul Bridgemohan

Toshaos casting their ballots for the new NTC executives

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Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

President David Granger [second right] addresses Toshaos of the South Rupununi after hearing their concerns on a number of issues. Also, in photo are Ministers of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton and Guyana’s Consul General in Roraima and other Northern States of Brazil, Shirley Melville.

Multi-agency task force to tackle South Rupununi problems President David Granger has ordered that a multi-agency task force be set up to address the many multidimensional issues challenging the communities of the South Rupununi.

The Head of State’s decision followed a number of complaints by Toshaos of the various communities about illegal mining, pollution, allegations of trafficking in persons (TIP) among other criminal activities, affecting their communities.

He committed to having the many issues presented to him by the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) investigated and remedied. “[There is need for] setting up of a mechanism for the regular if not continuous, exchange of information and more important, the solution of these problems. It is no point, at this stage, resorting to the ministerial system – I am thinking along the line of a multi-agency task force which can deal with all of these problems as they occur.

We must deal with the problem in a more holistic way,” President Granger said.

The meeting followed one held in Aishalton, in February where similar concerns were raised.

The Head-of-State, after listening to the presentations, said that the situation warrants immediate attention and called on Minister of Public Affairs,

Dawn Hastings-Williams to organise stakeholder meetings in the near future. In the case of environmental issues, the President said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) must work together “to bring an end to this scourge and contamination of the headwaters of this village”.

In thanking the SRDC, which monitors the South Rupununi, for a comprehensive report President Granger said he is very concerned about the contamination of the headwaters as well as the increase in criminal activities in that part of the region. “So, from every point of view there is cause for concern. It calls for all-round vigilance, it’s not just the environment, it is also security, public health,” the President said.

The Head of State then called on leaders to commit to preserving the environment and to co-operate to solve problems in the region.

“Problems have to be solved…we are committed to solving the problems and not to sweep the problems under the carpet,” he said, while calling on Minister Hastings to convene a roundtable with all stakeholders to address the matters. 

SOUTH RUPUNUNI ROADS UPGRADED

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 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.

“For a long time, we haven’t done much work in the Deep South and it was a good opportunity to rehabilitate the roads. The Deep South is very unique and the areas are very difficult to get to. It takes a substantive amount of resources to mobilise to these areas, especially for the contractors.

It’s not something we were unable to pull off, but there were some challenges,” Walcott explained.

The project was divided into three lots with Lot One being Lethem to Aishalton (North to South), Lot two Aishalton to Shea (South to East) and Lot Three Aishalton to Baishaidrum (South

to West).

Walcott informed DPI that the first Lot is almost completed, with some minor polishing of the road remaining, Lot two is completed and Lot three, a joint venture between the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and a local contractor should begin shortly.

The final Lot is expected to be completed in time for work on the last two wells to begin.

In the interim, the plan is to ensure continued maintenance and minimal deterioration of the completed roads during the well-drilling exercise.

“We’re working to improve the roads within this area so we will include them in our maintenance programme for 2019. I appreciate the support from all the agencies. The Civil Defence Commission [CDC] was instrumental in bringing together the agencies and I can appreciate how much you can get done once there is collaboration and proper planning,” Walcott explained to DPI. The roads upgrade was fast forwarded following a request from the Government of Brazil, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to ensure that those roads which will be used to access the eight communities, in which wells will be drilled, can accommodate the flow of vehicles and equipment.  By: Ranetta La Fleur Image: Kennyann Bacchus

LETHEM TOWN GETS EPA APPROVAL FOR SANITARY LANDFILL SITE The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted a conditional approval to the Mayor and Town Council of Lethem, as the local government authorities continue to strive for improved solid waste management in the municipality.

Following an intervention by the Ministry of Communities to assist the Lethem municipality, a service contract to the tune of $36.3M was awarded to International Imports and Exports to manage the town’s solid waste for 18 months.

A site, which was once an eyesore overflowing with waste and unpleasant smell, is now a thing of the past. All the waste has been removed and is now under control. The contrac-

Mayor of Lethem, Kerry Jarvis

tor began working on the site in March 2018.

Recently, a team of engineers from the Ministry of Communities visited the site and expressed satisfaction of its current state. Senior Engineer attached to the Sanitation Management Unit, Satro Nauth explained, “the contractor is responsible for providing a machine to accept the waste, compact the waste and cover the waste at the end of the day. He has been doing a good job so far maintaining the site, keeping record on the amount of waste that comes and who disposes of the waste.”

However, according to Nauth, when the contract comes to an end, the site is expected to be developed into a sanitary landfill facility. He stated that the “site has gotten conditional ap-

proval from the EPA. We did some groundwork for the development of a sanitary facility so we are running the service contract and our intention is to develop it into a sanitary facility.”

In addition, Nauth said that the idea is to develop the site to the standard similar to the sites in Linden, Region Ten, Mahdia, Region Eight and Bartica, Region Seven.

Mayor of Lethem, Kerry Jarvis commended the initiative since the past state of the site affected the health and well-being of the residents. However, the Mayor noted that despite Lethem being a new town, they will be able to conquer solid waste management with the help of the ministry.  IsaiahBraithwaite.

Image: Anil Seelall.

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

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$20.9M for green sustainable projects in Region Nine Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo handing over the money to Joan Thomas, young entrepreneur of Quarries Village in the presence of Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock.

Region Nine entrepreneurs recognised for their hard work Thirty-three-year-old Rockcliffe Rodrigues is involved in livestock rearing despite living with a disability.

Rodrigues, who resides in Aranaputa Valley, plans to establish a butchery and provide beef, pork and mutton to hot meal kitchens, restaurants and residents in the North Rupununi. His mission is to one day become a top livestock farmer in the region Using the skills acquired and $120,000 through the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, along with an additional $50,000 grant, Rodrigues purchased 41 head of sheep, four cows and 12 horses.

He is one of five young entrepreneurs of the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region who received $100,000 each from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to expand their business.

Rockcliffe Rodrigues, young entrepreneur of Aranaputa

At the HEYS Business Pitch and prize giving ceremony at the St. Ignatius Village Benab, Lethem, Prime Minister Nagamootoo commended the youths for fully utilising the opportunities offered to them through the HEYS programme.

The Prime Minister reminded that the programme is a fulfilment of a promised made by the government when they terminated the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) programme in 2015; replacing it with a

programme that allows youth to be trained and certified and become their own bosses. Today, the HEYS programme is a huge success and has created about 800 entrepreneurs across the country.

“We didn’t give handouts and give them a red shirt and give them money every month and tell them to go and picket and makeup crowds and to do political work. We wanted young people to have a livelihood and in order to have a livelihood, you must be trained and be taught a skill and that is why we employed instructors. So, the HEYS programme has now flooded the hinterland and we have trained about 4000 young peoples and they are now self-employed,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

The youths, who come from Hiawa, Aranaputa Valley, Toka and Quarrie all received training through the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme. They utilised the funding provided to them from that project to establish businesses.

Unis and Joy Davis, two sisters of Toka Village are the proud owners of Davis ‘Beekeeping Enterprise.” The sisters pooled their funds and purchased beekeeping equipment to begin their honey venture.

With plans to expand their business on both the local and international markets, the Davis sisters are upgrading their packaging. They plan to purchase labelling machine that will allow them to design and print unique custom-made labels for their product.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock explained that the support is a form of encouragement to the youths. He commended them for their hard work and dedication and encouraged them to put their funds to good use.

“We are investing in you, we are helping you to be rounded for the eventual take off of what is coming. More opportunities are coming, and we need you to be fully prepared. For those of you who didn’t take it to the top five, continue to work hard and you will be recognised.”  Synieka Thorne Images: Keno George

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo presents Toshao of Aranaputa, Adonis Jacobus with his Presidential Grant

Sixteen, Region Nine communities received cheques valued at $20.8M to embark on green sustainable projects under the Presidential Grant fund programme.

The cheques were handed over by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during the Regional Toshaos’ Conference held at the Indigenous Conference Hall at Lethem.

Some $782.5M was invested in the region for presidential grants and capital works for the year 2015 to 2017. For 2018, a total of $243.6M will be invested for social and economic projects in the 57 villages in the Rupununi region.

Sand Creek. The Bina Hill Institute received a $50M subvention, while the KMCRG received $4.5M. Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that the government is committed to creating opportunities for the indigenous people to become self-sufficient, thereby alleviating the culture of dependency in communities. “We have to move away from the idea that because you are Amerindians and you are from the interior, that you have to become mendicants, beggars and always have to stretch out your hands to always receive.”

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock said that “we have come a far way.

Village

Amount

Project

Kumu

$800,000

Construction of village benab

Nappi

$1,000,000

Upgrading of farm to market road

Kaicumbay

$800,000

Construction of village pavilion

Churikadnau

$800,000

Construction of storage bond

Crashwater

$1,000,000

Upgrading of 3km roads

Annai

$1,000,000

Sewing project for women’s group

Aranaputa

$1,000,000

Construction of village ranch

Kuraudarnau

$1,499,980

Construction of pavilion

Katoka

$1,000,000

Construction of water well trestle

Meriwau

$800,000

Construction of village office

Aishalton

$1,500,000

Fencing of farming area and repair to bridge

Sawariwau

$1,200,000

Furnishing of village office and repairs to village minibus

Awarewaunau

$1,200,000

Expansion of village shop

karasabai

$1,500,000

Furnishing of village office

Parishara

$800,000

Construction of hot meal kitchen

Rupertee

$800,000

Road project

The latter will include presidential grants amounting to $57.8M, $131M for the Green Energy Development Centre; $5M for equipping workshops and labs at Bina Hill Institute, $5M for eco-tourism project at Karasabai; $17M for tractor and trailer for Sawariwu and Aranaputa Village; $20M for farm to market roads and trails at Maruranau, Rupertee, Pai Pang to Karasabai and Masakenari to Parabara; $3.2M for ATC for Tipuru and Rukumuta; and $800,000 for boat for

The journey is long. We must keep our eyes on the prize. That prize is the good life. The good life we are building is founded on sustainable development with the context of the Green State Development Strategy.

Development in this regard, he added is making its presence positively and progressively more pronounced in the region.  Synieka Thorne Image: Keno George

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Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

One on One Ronald Bulkan Minister of Communities Personal

1. Birth Name: Ronald Azam Bulkan 2. Birth date: Ronald Bulkan was born on February 6, 1958.

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

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

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

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

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

8. Greatest Fear: Being Misunderstood 9. Biggest Regret: He regrets not spending more time with his children during their formative years.

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

Favourites

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

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

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

14. Pastime: Enjoying his own company 15. Song: Among his favourite singers would be Paul Simon, George Ben-

son and Sam Cooke.

16. Childhood memory: Included in Minister Bulkan’s memories are those of growing up in different parts of rural Guyana and visiting relatives. Listening live to Basil Butcher making his maiden test double century - 209 n.o. against England in 1966 at Trent Bridge.

Seeing test cricket for the first time –W.I. v England at Bourda in 1968, a match in which Kanhai made 150 and Sobers 152 in a first innings partnership of 250. Though by this time he was no longer a child.

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

18. Sport: As you can tell cricket.

19. Colour: His favourite is blue

Politics

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

21. Ministerial appointment: He is honoured to have been offered the post of Guyana’s first Minister of Communities by President David Granger. Minister Bulkan understood that the job came with the proviso that it entailed much work and the understanding that were he then or ever unprepared he would be expected to GO. 22. Dream/Vision for Guyana: A country where social cohesion is present, which he feels is dependent on many factors. One such is the presence of the ‘crossover vote’ - where persons cast their votes based on merit of the contesting candidates and parties and not on race.

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

24. What is most rewarding about his job: Minister Bulkan finds satisfaction in being able to assists others.

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

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

27. 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.

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

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REGIONAL

HIGHLIGHTS CDC distributes more supplies to Venezuelan migrants

$77M education complex opens in Region Three

Sugar workers to receive final payment of severance shortly Government is committed to fulfilling its promise during the second part of this year as more than 2,000 redundant sugar workers are soon to receive the final portion of their severance pay. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon disclosed that “Cabinet discussed payment of the second tranche of severance to sugar workers and iterated its commitment to honouring the agreement to make the remaining severance payment within the time it promised.” According to Minister Harmon, the funds to meet this payment will come from amounts accumulated from budgetary cuts to several ministries and departments of state in keeping with a previous directive by Cabinet. 

GLDA on high alert for vesicular disease

Mahdia officially designated a town

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. 

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. 

East Coast road project on schedule

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. 

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. 

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. 

Plan complete for $903M restoration of City Hall 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. 

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

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. 

PAGE 8

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

NATIONAL

$4.2B loan signed for GPL upgrade

HIGHLIGHTS India’s PM for December State Visit

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has confirmed that Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi will be here in December for a State Visit.

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

High praises for CJIA’S new arrivals terminal

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

Guyana and Trinidad sign MOU on energy cooperation 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. 

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. 

Hundreds attend Inaugural Youth Conference

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

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

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

Guyana, 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. 

Prof. Lucas appointed chair of MOE/GTU arbitration panel

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

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

PAGE 9

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY IS KEY TO REALISING ‘THE GOOD LIFE’ - PRESIDENT GRANGER Villages such as Shulinab must strive to realise their economic potential, President David Granger said at this year’s Indigenous Heritage Day celebrations.

The President focused his speech on economic prosperity even as he presented $5 million dollars to the village’s Toshao, Nicholas Fredericks for the enhancement of his village.

Shulinab is expected to become a model community, said the head-of-state who noted that the village has the human and natural resources to realise its true potential. He pointed to the village’s natural attractions, fertile farmlands and grasslands, vibrant community groups and leadership.

“Shulinab is a forward-looking village, not a sleepy outpost,” said President Granger who urged the residents of Shulinab to be proud of their heritage and patrimony. Shulinab, he said, must utilize its resources to enhance the livelihoods of its residents.

He reminded that Shulinab has lands for the development of a strong livestock and dairy sector and is also the home of some of the rarest birds, including the Red Siskin and the Ruby Topaz. The President believes that the development of Shulinab’s eco-tourism will attract more persons to the village to bask in the village’s scenic beauty.

President Granger shares a light moment with this beautiful little girl.

Meanwhile, Toshao of Shulinab and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council Nicholas Fredericks called on residents to work in unity for the betterment of the indigenous peoples and particularly children.

“We have to reflect on the important values that we have contributed towards building this

President Granger examines some of the items on display and for sale

very important nation. It is with that reflection that we celebrate, and we want to make sure our celebrations are more meaningful, realistic that would lead us to an end result that will be positive for both the government and us the indigenous people as we move forward.”

Other speakers at the Heritage Day celebra-

tions include Ministers of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock and. Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Regional Chairman Brian Allicock and Cyril Solomon, of the South Rupununi Development Council who all alluded to the achievements of people of Region Nine. 

One of the cultural performances at the Heritage Day celebrations

PAGE 10

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

Lethem to be put “on the map” at upcoming Town Week activities

Lethem Town Week delegates call on First Lady, Indigenous Ministers

Lethem Public Market tarmac to be completed soon

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger with the reigning Miss Lethem Queen, Aaliyah Anthony and contestants of the 2018 pageant Deputy Mayor of Lethem, Maxine Welch-Hendricks

The second annual Lethem Town Week is aimed at showcasing the township as an attractive business and tourism destination.

Speaking to the Department of Public Information Lethem’s Deputy-Mayor Maxine Hendricks said the township will have its moment to shine.

This year’s Town Week will be held under the theme ‘Celebrating Transformation, Diversity and Uniqueness in 2018’ from October 14 - 20. The Deputy-Mayor noted that the main objective of this year’s activity is to showcase the Town and the Rupununi region.

“The main objective of this event is to attract as many visitors as possible from all over Guyana as well as foreigners,” Hendricks said. She said it is hoped that this year there will be more “inclusivity,” where persons outside the town would play a bigger role.

According to the Deputy-Mayor, the government, via the various ministries, has already been supporting the event through monetary and other contributions. Hendricks said other individuals and agencies are welcomed on board to aid the town in reaching its objective of “putting it back on the map”.

“Lethem in itself is a gateway to numerous opportunities and various Eco-Tourism destinations… What makes us unique also is we are a border municipality. We have a lot of businesses and so much more to offer.”

The week-long event will also see the promotion of a Green economy. Hendricks said various agencies will participate in the planting and adoption of some 10,000 trees.

One of the most anticipated activities of the Town Week event is will be the pageant.  Alexis Rodney

Lethem in preparation mode for town week

Delegates of the 2018 Lethem Town Week Pageant and reigning Queen Aaliyah Anthony paid a courtesy call on Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton at his Main Street office. The delegates will take to the stage in Lethem on October 19 where they will vie for the Miss Lethem crown.

The delegates are Patricia James, Luana Primus, Faylaika Charles, Pricilla Licruz, Shaliza Yarde and Ashanti Williams. Enroute to the coveted Miss Lethem Crown, each delegate will use their platforms to influence change in addressing various social ills and advocating for youth development.

Minister Norton congratulated the young ladies for representing their hometown and wished much success in the upcoming pageant.

The minister also committed to attending the event and lending his support to the delegates.

The delegates also met with First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger at her State House Office and with Minster of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Mrs. Granger, during a brief discussion with the pageant hopefuls, encouraged them to use their platforms well and to strive to be the best versions of themselves.

“I know you are only going to have one winner, but the idea is to be the best that you can be … and regardless of the results, you will learn from this experience. It will build your confidence and I would like to see how you proceed after the pageant with your various platforms… I wish each and every one of you, success and hope that you achieve your own goals, whatever they may be,” the First Lady said.

Minster Hastings-Williams urged the delegates to use the pageant to showcase the many talents of the hinterland.

Lethem Town Week is an annual event which is in its second year and aims to showcase the unique offerings of Lethem and the overall diversity of the Rupununi. This year, the activities will be held under the theme “Celebrating Transformation, Diversity and Uniqueness in 2018”.  Isaiah Braithwaite Images: Keno George and the Ministry of the Presidency

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton with delegates of the 2018 Lethem Town Week Pageant and reigning Queen Aaliyah Anthony

Construction of the tarmac of the Lethem Public Market is ongoing and expected to be completed soon.

Deputy Mayor, Maxine Welch-Hendricks said the municipality is working to ensure that work will be completed within a timely fashion. “They (workers) have already dug out the foundation however works were stalled due to the rainy season especially with our flooding situation but they have since resumed and set to be completed before town week begins.”

The Deputy Mayor said that the municipality is also currently in the process of installing a pavilion to house spectators and floodlights at the Tabatinga Sports Complex. Welch-Hendricks added that the concrete fence has been erected around the ground, whilst an internal fence to protect spectators is also in the process of being built. This includes the construction of a small complex to be used for functions such as weddings.

During the 2018 National Budget, the region was allocated $2.37Billion, of this Lethem market tara$234.2Million, was for regional administration and finance; $329.4Million for public infrastructure; $1.16Million for education; $563.6Million for health services; and $83.8Million for agriculture.  Neola Damon Image: Jameel Mohammed

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PAGE 11

Lethem road $21M study to Linden-Lethem upgrade begins upgrade Lethem road may be Aerodrome realised under

Belt and Road Initiative

Collector box with cover and manhole chimney The Lethem Airport, Region Nine

The much-anticipated rehabilitation works on the Lethem, road network has begun. The project, which is being undertaken in two phases, will transform the township into an urban landscape and result in significant benefits to Lethem and Guyana as a whole.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information, Hinterland Engineer Jeffrey Walcott explained that the roadway will encompass an asphaltic concrete surface for two northbound and two southbound lanes of 3.5m width each.

The roadway will also be equipped with sidewalks, concrete gutter, curbs and for the first time in Guyana, underground concrete drainage tubes and manholes.

“The proposed roadway will have an impressive underground drainage system that is being used in developed countries. The drainage network utilises a system of interconnecting concrete tubes varying in diameters from 400mm to 1000mm. Manholes will be constructed at intervals to collect water and for inspection purposes,” Walcott explained.

The new underground drainage system will be constructed over the entire 2.4km roadway. It will utilise concrete tubes of varying sizes which are being used as splines across the road.

Walcott told DPI that these drains, running under the sidewalk, will take the water off the carriageway. They will flow into collector boxes which will then flow along the concrete tubes to the Tabatinga Creek and some into the Takatu River.

The project falls under the Urban Roads Budgetary Allocation.  Ranetta La Fleur Images: Ministry of Public Infrastructure

Twenty-One Million has been awarded for consultancy services to conduct a pre-feasibility study for the upgrading of the Lethem Aerodrome into a regional airport.

According to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, the contract was awarded to Colombian company GSD PLUS SAS Consultancy.

The government aims to upgrade the airport’s runway and taxiway to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards as well as the provision of the terminal and auxiliary facilities for its operations.

The general objective of the study is to determine the main costs and benefits associated with this project and analyze how the economic development impacts could be maximized. The study will perform a diagnostic of problems, limitations and trends of domestic and regional air transport services with the aim to make Lethem an important hub for air transportation between Northern Brazil, Guyana and the Caribbean.

Additionally, the study will develop a framework and recommendations for the institutional and operational setup at the proposed Lethem Airport based on the diagnosis performed and an efficient operation standard. Preliminary designs and improvement measures regarding infrastructure, technology and safety in accordance with ICAO requirements must also be provided.  Synieka Thorne Image: Department of Public Information

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A section of the Linden-Lethem road

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.  Ranetta La Fleur Image: Kennyann Bacchus

PAGE 12

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

Craftswoman, Elizabeth Williams

QUALITY CRAFT MADE IN

The brainchild of Dr. Suresh Narine, Director of the Institute Applied Science and Technology (IAST), the Morning Glory rice cereal is produced at a manufacturing facility in Anna Regina on the Essequibo CoastDepartment of Public Information spoke to artisan, Elizabeth Williams who is a member of the Kamuni Women’s Development Association. This group of enterprising women is known for their eye-catching handcrafted items.

Operating in the arts and crafts industry for over thirty years, 52-year-old Elizabeth Williams is a member of the Kamuni Women’s Development Association. This group of over 30 enterprising women is known for their eye-catching handcrafted items produced from local products within their community.

The artistan who spoke to the Department of Public Information specializes in making hand fans, jewellery boxes, bags, fruit bowls and tibisiri skirts with material from the eta palm tree.

The mother of five explained that many women in the Santa Mission area, especially those who are part of the craft centre rely heavily on their trade to sustain their livelihoods. As such many of them operate on a daily basis crafting various items.

With a growing membership, Williams calls on the younger generation in Santa Mission to be proactive and enrol in various skills training programmes that will ensure they are marketable or can manage their own ventures.

“What motivates me is the fact of getting my own money. I do not have to depend on my husband and I always like my own money. I would say to the young people to stick to quality work because that is what Santa Mission’s name is for

done the Indigenous way “Quality Standard Work.”

She encourages all Guyanese to buy local and support native artisans and producers.

“We have the craft centre where we put out our stuff; which is in the area where Gerry Gouveia has his tourist spot. Whenever the tourists pass through they have to stop in Santa Mission and they would purchase craft or whatever they want.”

Persons can make special orders on 611-2652.

Williams said she foresees the business escalating as new techniques are being utilized daily.  Crystal Stoll Images: Jameel Mohamed

Some of the hand fans, jewellery box, fruit bowls and other items made with tibisiri material from the eta palm tree

Some of the hand fans, jewellery box, fruit bowls and other items made with tibisiri material from the eta palm tree

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

PAGE 13

E D I T O R I A L

LGE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

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 ar-

rangement. It therefore means that for the system of local government, its administrative authority will be the Commission, as ordained by the Constitution.

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

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

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

Of course, given the realities of Guyana’s modern political history that is full of challenges of race and ethnicity, and its well-known 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. 

Editorial Director

Editor-in-Chief

Imran Khan

Ernestine Leonard Photography:

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

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

Alexis Rodney.

Layout and Design: Xcess Interactive

Text and Photos also by the Ministries of the Presidency, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Social

Publication Editor:

Cohesion, Ministry of Education, Ministry of

Macalia Santos

Communities.

Department of

Public Information Homestretch Avenue, DurbanPark, Georgetown.

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

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PAGE 14

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

REGIONAL DIRECTORY REGIONAL OFFICIALS Regional Chairman (RC,)

Bryan Allicock

772-2018, 648-7969

Regional Vice Chairman (RVC,)

Karl Singh

772-2223, 604-1160

Regional Executive Officer (REO,)

Kerwin Ward

772-2021, 679-0848

Region Nine must capitalise on anticipated development – Min. Allicock

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS Mayor of Lethem

Kerry Jarvis

6904927

Deputy Mayor

Maxine Ann Welch

697-9190

Town Clerk

Keisha Vincent

772-2028, 667-1926

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS Divisional Commander – Senior Superintendent

K. Adonis

Office# 455-2238 Cell# 641-5609/673-4474

Divisional Detective Inspector (Crime)

A. Flatts

Cell# 662-1282

In-Charge Traffic – Sgt.

N. Noel

Office# 444-3429 Cell# 672-2118

Community Relations Officer – Sgt.

M. Calder

Office# 444-32328 Cell# 676-6245

DIVISIONAL OPERATIONS ROOM

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock

Office# 444-3512 or 444-3297

POLICE STATIONS Lethem Complex-Immigration

772-2248

Lethem Enquires

772-2087

Lethem Hotline

772-2005

Lethem Immigration Department

772-2011

OTHERS Radio Paiwomak 97.1 FM

Contact# 772-9292 General Office# 444-2191

Radio Lethem 95.1 FM

General Office# 600-4679

Lethem Hotline

772-2005

Lethem Immigration Department 772-2011

The Essequibo at 1,010 kilometres (628 mi) long, the Courantyne River at 724 kilometres (450 mi), the Berbice at 595 kilometres (370 mi), and the Demerara at 346 kilometres (215 mi) are the four longest rivers of Guyana.

About three-quarter of Guyana is forested. And of this area, 60% is considered as primary forest. Some parts of the rainforests in

Guyana are almost inaccessible by humans. And the country has a low rate of deforestation.

Kaieteur Falls in Guyana is 5 times the height of Niagara Falls.

Other waterfalls in the country include: Orinduik falls, Kumerau Falls and 52 Drop Falls (series of 52 rapids on Cuyuni River).

Indigenous communities within Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) has been urged to prepare for the economic opportunities that the Linden to Lethem road will bring.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, who made the charge, was addressing indigenous village leaders at a recent stakeholder’s consultation on the way forward for the Hinterland Sustainable Agriculture project to be established in Lethem.

“This road is going to become a reality and we must be prepared to use the road and do not allow the road to use us. What plans do we have as villagers to use that road, what are our cottage industries, who are our business persons in our communities, who are the technical people? Is the road only going to be used to neighbouring Brazil or to go to Georgetown?” Minister Allicock asked the village leaders.

The minister said that communities need to get themselves organised and deliberate on income-generating projects that will bring economic benefits to their communities. “Once the road is open, we will need restaurants, mechanics, hotels, tour guides and many other services along the way, are you thinking about these things. Here is an opportunity to get into some serious business,

a business that will bring in huge profits.”

Minister Allicock further encouraged, “we have very intelligent people who know where the house leaks this is an opportunity that we must grasp and if we take this opportunity, we are positioning ourselves strategically.”

The minister urged the leaders to put their ideas on paper and engage the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, who will be willing to provide that technical and financial support to any viable project.

He also highlighted that governments, past and present, would have expended billions of dollars in communities but, “are we seeing the results? Remember this is tax payer’s monies, it is an investment.”

The minister said that since the APNU/AFC government took office in 2015, it has spent millions of dollars to fund cattle rearing and various agriculture projects, carpentry, block making, tourism among other projects.

The indigenous leaders were also urged to adopt the ‘Green State Development Strategy’ and consider the benefits of renewable energy, wind farms, solar farms, and hydropower. ■ Synieka Thorne

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Send us news about activities in your villages. Do you have a short story, poetry, news item, recipe, humour or quotation?

Do you have a photograph you would like us to publish?

Send them to us for publication.

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Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

National Toshaos Council Executive Guyana is our homeland

Nicholas Fredericks - Chairman Shulinab, Region Nine

Paul Pierre Kwebanna, Region One

Russian Dorrick - Secretary Yupukari, Region Nine

Marbel Thomas - Treasurer Campbelltown, Region Eight

Loretta Fiedtkou - Asst Sec/Treasurer Muritaro, Region Ten

Sharmain Rambajue Baramita, Region One

Elizebeth Ramacindo Bumbery Hill, Region One

Howard Cornelius Wakapoa, Region Two

Ralph Hendricks Capoey, Region Two

Hilton Williams Santa Mission, Region Three

Beverly Clenkian Pakuri, Region Four

Colin Adrian Moraikobai, Region Five

Carl Peneux, Orealla, Region Six

Orin Willians Batavia, Region Seven

John Spencer Tasserene, Region Seven

Mario Hastings Kako, Region Seven

Charles Lewis Kanapang, Region Eight

Edward McGarrell Chenapou, Region Eight

Zacharias Norman Annai Central, Region Nine

Ricky Boyle Kimbia, Region Ten

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

PAGE 17

RUPUNUNI Children’s Corner

Boys and Girls, welcome to our children’s corner. The Children’s

National Symbol Birds of Guyana

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

Corner offer a variety of activities that encourages our young readers to think, create both pictures and stories, and learn in a fun way.

The Black Hawk-Eagle

Place of Interest:

Denham Suspension Bridge Located in the Mazaruni River, a tributary of the Essequibo River, is the cascading beauty Marshall Falls.

The Falls is within reach from Bartica by a boat, about 30 minutes of travel.

The boulders in the middle of the Mazaruni River create the effects of the Marshall Falls rap-

ids. It is unbelievably scenic and exquisite, especially for nature lovers.

It has an immense amount of water falling to the wide pool below the Falls, creating a natural “Jacuzzi” of clean, cool water for a relaxing dip.

Marshall Falls is described as a “nature lover’s paradise”. 

CARTOONS

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. 

Folk Song

MANIN' NEIGHBA Chorus: Manin' neighba, manin', Manin' neighba, manin' Manin' neighba, manin', ah don' want yuh conniving ma-nin' Manin' neighba, manin', Manin' neighba, manin' Manin' neighba, manin', yuh can keep yuh conniving manin' When yuh been ah Kurupung, Yuh na bin tell me manin' Now because yuh money done, yuh come wid conniving mannin When yuh had yuh pocket full, Yuh na bin tell me manin' Now because yuh money done, yuh hustle fuh tell me manin' Chorus: Manin' neighba, manin', Manin' neighba, manin', etc; Neighba neighba Joe come, Neighba neighba Joe come Neighba neighba Joe come, Dis all de money dat e' wok fo' Two poun' note an a guilda piece, Two poun' note an a guilda piece, Two poun' note an a guilda piece, Dis all de money dat e' wok fo' Chorus: Manin' neighba, manin', Manin' neighba, manin', etc.

Ow Joseph, poor me, Ow Joseph, poor me, Ow Joseph, poor me, wha' me go do wid a guilda piece?

One bunch green plantain, one string kakwari One gill black pepper, all da can buy wid a guilda piece (back to the beginning) Chorus: Manin' neighba, manin', Manin' neighba, manin', etc.

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PAGE 18

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

FIND YOUR WAY THROUGH THE MAZE

RUPUNUNI Children’s Corner

STORY TIME

There once lived a woman called Monedo Kway (female spirit or prophetess) on the sand mountains, called The Sleeping Bear of Lake Michigan, who had a daughter as beautiful as she was modest and discreet. Everybody spoke of her beauty, and she was so handsome that her mother feared she would be carried off, so to prevent it she put her in a box, which she pushed into the middle of the lake. The box was tied by a long string to a stake on shore, and every morning the mother pulled the box to land, and, taking her daughter out of it, combed her hair, gave her food, and then putting her again in the box, set her afloat on the lake.

One day it chanced that a handsome young man came to the spot at the moment the girl was being thus attended to by her mother. He was struck with her beauty, and immediately went home and told his love to his uncle, who was a great chief and a powerful magician.

“My nephew,” replied the old man, “go to the mother’s lodge and sit down in a modest manner without saying a word. You need not ask her

THE MAID IN THE BOX a question, for whatever you think she will understand, and what she thinks in answer you will understand.”

The young man did as he was bid. He entered the woman’s lodge and sat with his head bent down in a thoughtful manner, without uttering a word. He then thought-“I wish she would give me her daughter.” Very soon he understood the mother’s thoughts in reply.

“Give you my daughter!” thought she. “You! no, indeed! my daughter shall never marry you!”

The young man went away and reported the result to his uncle.

“Woman without good sense!” exclaimed the old man. “Who is she keeping her daughter for?

Does she think she will marry the Mudjikewis (a term indicating the heir or successor to the first in power)? Proud heart! We will try her magic skill, and see whether she can withstand our power.”

He forthwith set himself to work, and in a short time the pride and haughtiness of the mother was made known to all the spirits on that part

of the lake, and they met together and resolved to exert their power to humble her. To do this they determined to raise a great storm on the lake.

The water began to roar and toss, and the tempest became so severe that the string holding the box broke, and it floated off through the straits down Lake Huron, and struck against the sandy shores at its outlet. The place where it struck was near the lodge of a decayed old magician called Ishkwon Daimeka, or the keeper of the gate of the lakes. He opened the box and let out the beautiful daughter, whom he took into his lodge and made his wife.

When her mother found that her daughter had been carried off by the storm, she raised loud cries and lamented exceedingly. This she continued to do for a long time, and would not be comforted.

At last the spirits began to pity her, and determined to raise another storm to bring the daughter back. This was even a greater storm than the first.

The water of the lake washed away the ground, and swept on to the lodge of Ishkwon Daimeka, whose wife, when she saw the flood approaching, leaped into the box, and the waves, carrying her

off, landed her at the very spot where was her mother’s lodge.

Monedo Kway was overjoyed, but when she opened the box she found her daughter, indeed, but her beauty had almost all departed. However, she loved her still, because she was her daughter, and now thought of the young man who had come to seek her in marriage. She sent a formal message to him, but he had heard of all that had occurred, and his love for the girl had died away.

“I marry your daughter!” replied he. “Your daughter! no, indeed! I shall never marry her!”

The storm that brought the girl back was so strong that it tore away a large part of the shore of the lake and swept off Ishkwon Daimeka’s lodge, the fragments of which, lodging in the straits, formed those beautiful islands which are scattered in the St. Clair and Detroit rivers. As to Ishkwon Daimeka himself, he was drowned, and his bones lie buried under the islands. As he was carried away by the waves on a fragment of his lodge, the old man was heard lamenting his fate in a song. 

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

PAGE 19

ICT Roadshow taken to Annai - highlights technology in Agriculture Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes addressing the audience

Residents of Annai were informed of the many benefits and the critical role Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays in the agriculture sector.

The series of presentations and discussions held at Bina Hill were part of the updated Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and e-Agriculture Roadshow held in Guyana.

The event which focused primarily on e-Agriculture, Persons with Disabilities and technology in poor, remote and Hinterland locations include an e-Agriculture forum, Youth Fair at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) and outreaches in East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) and Annai, Upper Takatu- Upper Essequibo (Region Nine)

At Annai, members of the audience were educated on the importance of e-Agriculture with regards to access to safe, affordable, healthy and nutritious local and regional food. They were shown how food and technology can work in sync for their survival. The participants were also encouraged to make use of the plethora of apps to test their soil and market their produce on both the local and international markets.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes reaffirmed the government’s thrust to push the use of ICT across Guyana. “We provided ICT hubs to enable the students to access the Internet to do their assignments. ICT can be used in health, education and agriculture – subsistence farming. ICT can also provide entrepreneurial activities.”

Hinterland Green Enterprise Centre signed

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alfred King and Civil Engineer, Trilloyd Allen at the area identified for the construction of the Green Centre.

Guyana’s first Hinterland Green Enterprise Development Centre to be built in the North Rupununi, is one step closer to realisation as the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the JR Ranch Construction Incorporated has signed a $130 million contract for the institute’s construction.

At the signing ceremony, at the Bina Hill Institute, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock said that the project’s overarching goal is to support the transition of a ‘green economy’ by utilising indigenous and traditional knowledge to develop and document sustainable business practices for use in enterprises across Guyana.

The institute, Allicock said will deliver a curriculum in Sustainable Enterprise Leadership and an Enterprise Support Unit. “We will be offering ‘the bush-MBA’- two-year hands-on course in

enterprise design and start-up, management, sustainability, and leadership, coupled with access to business support services.”

The minister further said that the North Rupununi was chosen because it has the highest density of protected areas in Guyana.

Additionally, the location allows the proposed centre to influence the knowledge and technical expertise available at the Iwokrama Rainforest Centre. It is also a proposed area of community conservation.

Located at the Bina Hill Institute, Annai Central, 20,000 square feet the two-story concrete and wooden structure will comprise eight classrooms, a modern computer and science laboratory and a large auditorium and lecture room.  Synieka Thorne Image: Kennyann Bacchus

Presentations were also made by the General Secretary, Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), Bernadette Lewis, as well as Leslie Lee Fook, Courtney Douglas, and Triston Thompson, creators of the tech-based company – Intellect-

Storm.

Other topics discussed include the effective use of data, animation and website design.  Ranetta La Fleur Images: Keno George

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes and team at the ICT roadshow at Bina Hill, Annai

$2.2B farming project for 60 Indigenous communities Sixty indigenous communities in Region Nine and Region One will benefit from the implementation of a $2.2B Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development (HESAD) programme.

The project targets some 30,000 residents from 4,500 poor households; 30 percent youth, 50 percent women. Project Manager Allan John Woolford explained that all the villages and communities in Region Nine are eligible to benefit from the project as well as Mabaruma and Moruca in Region One. He was speaking at the Regional Toshaos Conference held at the Indigenous Conference Hall, in Lethem.

Woolford said that consultations on the project have already started at the regional level, and a Regional Management Committee chaired by Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock has been established. Two representatives from the beneficiaries, along with representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Natural Resources, Business, Public Health and Social Protection are also part of the committee.

Woolford said the project will initially focus on the North Rupununi in order to capitalise on the government’s efforts to exploit the agricultural potential of the area but will also be conducted in Central and South Rupununi - areas most affected by climate change.

The programme will be implemented in phases. Phase One involves the strengthening of

the community and producer groups - community production development plans for region nine; implementation of investment plans- investment fund, public and common goods and services and producer groups; and project & knowledge management and coordination- monitoring & evaluation of the implementation in each community and linkages.

Woolford added that support will be given income generating ventures such as Cassava Processing, Cattle Rearing and Eco-Tourism among others. It will also finance water, renewable energy & internet access.

Last year, the Government of Guyana and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) signed a US$2.2Billion agreement to boost small-scale farming in hinterland communities. IFAD is providing a $1.58Billion loan and a $100Million grant, while the government is investing $480Million into the project. The beneficiaries will also be contributing $60Million.

The project will also facilitate increased access to assets that build community resilience and create enabling productive environments such as water, energy and ICT and ensure that poor, indigenous and non-indigenous rural households living in the project area, whose livelihoods are threatened by economic and environmental risks, are direct beneficiaries.  By: Synieka Thorne Image: Tejpaul Bridemohan

PAGE 20

Rupununi Roundup - October 2018

SOUTH RUPUNUNI WELL DRILLING COMMENCES Minister of State, Joseph Harmon delivering remarks at the opening ceremony for the Guyana-Brazil well drilling mission

The well drilling exercise in the South Rupununi, which will see eight artesian wells being drilled in eight communities has officially commenced and authorities are reporting the discovery of water at the first site in Karaudanawa.

The Brazilian Army’s 6th Battalion Engineering Corps conducted a test at Karaudanawa on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. The test showed a presence of water and drilling has since commenced at that location.

Brazilian team to have the wells handed over to the Guyanese authorities on November 28, 2018.

The Brazilian Army Engineering and Construction Battalion (BEC) arrived in Guyana on Monday, October 1. The 48 military team was received and officially welcomed by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

Minister Harmon noted that the coalition Government has undertaken efforts to fulfil its promise of a good life for all Guyanese and the drilling

water year-round. We are aware that during dry season, there are droughts and during the wet season, there is flooding, and we have to ensure that we do not have these communities subjected to the vagaries of the weather. [We must] put systems in place to ensure that this is addressed,” said Minister Harmon.

During the drilling phase, there will be technology transfer and capacity building, which will benefit several agencies including the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the Hydro-meteorological Office

mote the transfer of Brazilian knowledge and experience related to mitigation of the effects of drought; provide the means for implementation of activities foreseen in the Project, send consultants and experts to implement activities to be carried out in Guyana, support the development of the Guyanese technical team’s capacity to drill artesian wells and monitor and evaluate Project implementation.”

Meanwhile, the Government of Guyana, as prescribed in the Agreement, shall undertake to “take responsibility for the maintenance of the ar-

Director General (ag) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel, Kester Craig in discussion with members from the Brazilian Army

The Brazilian Army testing the proposed site for the drilling of the artesian well in Karaudanawa, South Rupununi.

Artesian wells will be drilled in the villages of Aishalton, Chukrikednau, Shea, Maruranawa, Awaruwaunau, Karaudanawa, Achiwib and Bashraidrun and will have a depth of approximately 80 metres or 250 feet deep. It is the intention of the

of the artesian wells is aimed at providing ease to the residents of the South Rupununi who often suffer from excessive flooding and droughts.

“It is important to these communities to ensure that they have a regular supply of potable

Part of the Brazilian Army’s Sixth Construction Engineering Battalion, which will be drilling the wells

(HydroMet), Ministry of Public Infrastructure as well as representatives from the eight villages.

The project follows President David Granger’s State visit to Brazil in December 2017, where the Complementary Agreement to the Basic Agreement on Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil for the Implementation of the Project Technologies to Reduce the Effects of the Drought in Region Nine was inked.

The Complementary Agreement states that the Government of Brazil shall undertake to “pro-

tesian wells that will be drilled during the practical operations on the ground; appoint a technical team to monitor and participate in activities to be implemented, provide the technical team sent by the Government of Federative Republic of Brazil with the logistical support required to implement activities of their responsibility and to take measures to ensure that activities implemented by professionals sent by the Brazilian Government will be continued by professionals from the Guyanese implementing institution.”

The wells are expected to be handed over to the Government of Guyana on November 28. 