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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 29, 2014
Investors working to COI on C’tyne orphanage meet stone demand resumes today - Natural Resources Ministry
Stone on sale at a retail site. Amidst reports of a shortage of stone, investors are working to meet the demands of the construction sector and commercial entities. Despite the enormous demand for stone in the building sector, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has confirmed that investors are working to facilitate the need for the merchandise. In response to recent complaints of shortages, the Natural Resources Ministry has issued information regarding the demand and supply of the material from major local investors. According to the document, “Baracara Quarries Inc. has confirmed that although there is currently a high demand for quarry materials the company is producing at normal capacity.” “Toolsie Persaud Ltd. had some operational problems which were resolved. The company has resumed operating at full capacity and will have adequate supply in two (2) days; BK Quarries Inc. has disclosed that there has been no disruption to production; stones are
currently available for sale. “At present, Metallica CC Inc is supplying customers with the commodity, but noted its constraints with transporting their materials along the Mabura road due to the bad condition of the road, which is a major limitation in fulfilling the demands of the market while Durban Quarries a supplier to the Parika/Essequibo market …have a lot of materials on hand at the quarry that can alleviate the shortage, once permission is granted.” Information reaching this publication indicated that work at several construction sites has ceased owing to the lack of a certain dimension of the commodity. “We only have certain sizes of stone in stock, the three-eighths and the sifting, which are used to do minor construction works,” a representative of one company stated yesterday. Meanwhile, consumers have noted difficulty purchasing the size of stone used to carry out elaborate construction work from major supplier. One construction worker noted that “the unavailability of the coarser stone (three-
quarter size) will stall work at several construction sites because this is what we actually use to do the building, the three-eighths and sifting is used for minor foundation work.” He explained the stone is being sold at a retail price of $8000 per ton. The establishment of new housing developments and modernization projects, contributing to Guyana’s construction boom, has contributed to a significant shortage of stone, which has overwhelmed the sector in recent years. In a bid to rectify the issue, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud held consultations with investors on the prospect of establishing the possibility of issuing licences for new stone quarries to lend to the availability of the key building material on the local market. Persaud noted that studies were being conducted into the production and output of quarry materials, in an effort to determine why the shortages occur, and what can be done to make things better.
The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security has announced that the public hearing into the allegations of maltreatment of orphans at Camal’s International home for abused women and children will resume today. The hearing, which is convened at the Albion Sports Complex, is based on reports of abuse by three teenage girls, who were once housed at the popular children’s home located in Corentyne, Berbice. On November 20, 2013, the girls, 12, 14 and 15-yearsold (names given) were arrested for “wandering” away from the home, and placed before the courts. They were sentenced to be institutionalised at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC). However, as allegations of maltreatment of children at the Orphanage surfaced, the Ministry of Human Services launched an investigation into the details surrounding the arrest of the three teenagers. Based on
preliminary investigations, an Attorney appearing in the interest of the Human Services Ministry filed on behalf of the girls, resulting in their release. The teenagers were being held in the lock ups of the Albion Police Station. They were subsequently placed in temporary care at the Canaan Home in Port Mourant, Corentyne. On December 9, 2013 the Ministry of Human Services announced the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the allegations of maltreatment of orphans at the Camal’s International Home for abused women and children. As the Inquiry into the matter continues, the operations of the orphanage will be reviewed in accordance with the Minimum Operating Standards for Children’s Homes and Institutions. The COI is being chaired by Mrs. Ayo Dalgetty-Dean. Among those sitting on the investigating panel are Ms. Saudia Feroze and Mrs. Erma Bovell, both of whom are
members of the Visiting Committee for Children’s Homes and Institutions; Ms. Joan Ann Edghill, Legal Counsel at the Child Care and Protection Agency; and Mrs. Claudia Munroe, Senior Probation and Social Services Officer. The Administration of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security wishes to notify the public that Hearings for the Inquiry into allegations of maltreatment of orphans housed at the Camal’s International Home will restart tomorrow, Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 09:00 hrs at the Albion Sports Complex. Persons desirous of making a contribution or express their views can do so at the public hearing. The inquiry, which began on December 12, 2013, is being conducted following the recent arrest of three young girls who resided at the Camal’s International Home and subsequent allegations of maltreatment of children housed at the Institution.
Lethem residents angry over electricity tariff increase
The Lethem Power Company, Region Nine. Residents of Lethem, Region Nine, are angry that the Lethem Power Company did not consult with residents before increasing electricity tariffs by $20 per unit. Kaieteur News was told that residents received a notice a few days ago, which stated that the increase would take immediate effect. “The common man who used to struggle to pay $10,000 electricity bill per month will now have to worry about paying $18,000. I don’t know how people will manage,” one male resident said. The man added that it will be extremely difficult, since many people are working for no more than $45,000. Of all those who will be affected by the increase, the business people operating in areas such as St. Ignatius and Tabatinga are particularly worried. “…This is because the people living in those areas pay water bill, and when the electricity costs rise, so will the people’s water rate. This would result in business owners increasing the price of their items, thus affecting the middle poorer class of residents.” This newspaper was told there is a petition with over 300 signatories, a copy of which was sent to the Parliament and the Minister responsible for energy, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. The residents say that they did not get a response, but are
determined to fight against the increase. Residents opined that things were a whole lot better when the power company was under its previous administration,. “From 2012, they said that the first 15 units of electricity burned would be free, and then after that, we would pay $45 from there, until we reach 45 units. When we pass the 45 units, we start paying $55 per unit. This was reasonable and we were thankful.” The residents complained, however, that ever since the company got a different administration, things have become hard. They said that without even consulting with residents, the company’s officials distributed notices stating that the tariff increase would take immediate effect. “They don’t even know if we can afford to pay this increase, yet dey set it so high. Nobody asked us anything. All they said is that we have to pay the increase for this whole month. How dey gon do that? The least they could’ve done was inform the people that they got an increase, so that we all know how to manage the expenses.” The resident told this newspaper that he was made to understand that a meeting will be held on Friday, where the company’s officials are planning to “sensitise” residents about the increase.