Head of the Department of the Environment (DoE), Ndibi Schwiers, today at her department’s annual sector review, announced that a $2.4M US “Strengthening Technical Capacities to mainstream and monitor the RIO Convention through policy coordination” project 2016-2020, is being undertaken in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Hon. Joseph Harmon, Minister of State.
To this end, several workshops and awareness sessions have been successfully conducted resulting in the participation of over 400 participants from Government agencies and the private sector.
Thus far, the DoE has been able to recruit its full complement of local consultants to kick-start this year’s work programme.
Schwiers said the big task for the entity, which was established in 2016, was the filling of staff vacancies to ensure that the right skills are available for the effective execution of its duty of coordinating and integrating the country’s environmental mandate, as well as lead Government efforts in relation to the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).
The GSDS will be the country’s third national development strategy and is intended to guide national development in all sectors. The DoE, Schwiers noted, is working with UN Environment which is Guyana’s partner in developing the strategy.
Providing an update on the progress of the GSDS’ development, the Department Head noted that several rounds of consultations have been hosted across the country and the Department has been successful in starting what has been dubbed as “green conversations,” which are intended to fill the awareness gap.
“One of the things we have realised it is easy to develop a strategy… we can sit in our offices and write but that won’t be the best thing to do. What we have realised, is that this strategy needs to be developed at various levels and one of the things would be to have consultations and ensure that there is a certain level of awareness.”
The Coordination Desk of the DoE is working along with the Ministries of Communities and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to create a consultation plan. The next steps, according to Schwiers, would be research and drafting of the document.
To do this, the Department has developed seven thematic groups which coincide with the seven thematic areas of the GSDS. The University of Guyana is also playing an instrumental role in this process as its representatives are tasked with identifying seven thematic experts, who will assist the thematic groups in drafting various thematic elements of the GSDS.
Schwiers informed that a meeting of the Advisory Group of the GSDS, which consists of the Chairs and Co-chairs of the seven thematic areas, is scheduled for January 25, 2018, to facilitate further discussions.
Ndibi Schwiers, Head of the Department of the Environment.
The DoE will also be focusing this year on an in-depth programme review of the EPA, harmonising environmental management countrywide and development of its strategic plan.
The job of the Department, Schwiers assured, is not to usurp the functions of the four agencies under its purview, which are the National Parks Commission, the Protected Areas Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, but to support them.
In this vein, State Minister, Joseph Harmon urged Heads of the respective agencies to focus on their objectives for 2018 and how they can adequately execute them placing greater emphasis on inter-agency support and collaborations.
The fact that this Administration has been laying Budgets in the National Assembly the year before their expenditure, Minister Harmon said agencies were given the opportunity to prepare their sectoral plans in advance, thus it is customary now for execution of work programmes to begin from January 1 of the new year.
Heads of agencies were commended for their efficiency in completing projects despite having to stick to stringent budgets.
They were urged to examine those “factors that impact on the work we have to do as a sector… I believe we are more in the regulatory framework than any other department because whatever happens in the environment if something goes wrong, we are the ones that people will look to.”
Responding to the challenges faced by the various agencies, Minister Harmon assured that in those areas that require it, an immediate intervention will be made.
Minister Harmon urged them to bring matters to his attention as they arise to ensure timely resolution which will allow for the efficient functioning of all the entities.
By: Stacy Carmichael
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Secretary-General (SG) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has once again zeroed in on the grave impact of crime and security, noting that the issue is a regional one which requires a regional solution.
CARICOM secretary General Irwin LaRocque.
Ambassador LaRocque was at the time addressing attendees during the launch of the European Development Fund’s CARIFORUM Crime and Security Cooperation held in Barbados late last week.
According to the Secretary-General, Crime and Security is an issue that is having an impact on all Member States.
“It is a regional problem that demands a regional solution. It requires the full co-operation of all our Member States,” he told the attendees of regional leaders and officials from the European Union (EU).
Back in July of last year, several Member States signed the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty which simplifies the procedure of returning fugitives to the country where charges have been laid. The Ambassador said CARICOM is close to reaching agreement on the return and sharing of recovered criminal assets that is moved around the region.
Further, Heads of Government have agreed to an expansion of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and the introduction of the Advance Cargo Information System (ACIS).
“One of the principal issues that we face in the area of Crime and Security is the trade in, and use of illicit drugs. The Caribbean Region as a whole continues to be ravaged by this scourge as drug traffickers find creative and ingenious ways to conduct their “business” creating challenges for law enforcement in the Region,” Ambassador LaRocque said.
The Secretary-General added that drug trafficking remains a main driving force for the high rates of crime and violence in the Region. This, he said, has led to a steady increase in the availability of illegal firearms.
“The reality is that neither the most trafficked illicit drug, cocaine, nor the firearms, is produced in our countries. Our Region is a transit-point for both. However, significant amounts of both remain on our shores fuelling extreme violence, institutionalised criminal behaviour, and increased gang violence.”
The CARICOM chief said this threatens the security of citizens and visitors and has an impact on the safety of community life, as gun and gang violence become rife and create dysfunction in families through drug addiction and alcoholism. He said the greatest impact is on human resources which we need to continue to build resilient, strong societies.
“How do we combat this insidious threat to our stability? The programme that we are launching focuses on reducing the demand for and dependence on illicit drugs on the one hand, and on crime prevention on the other.”
According to Ambassador LaRocque, the launch was another manifestation of the strength of the co-operation between the European Union (EU) and the Caribbean Region. The EU, he said, has been a long-standing and staunch partner in our thrust to attain sustainable development, and its assistance has been crucial in addressing key areas in that regard.
He said CARICOM has been receiving EDF funding in numerous areas over the years, including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), private sector support, agriculture, climate change, disaster management, human resource development and in the areas of crime and security.
By: Alexis Rodney
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Guyana was today named one of three hosts for the sixth edition of the International Cricket Council (ICC) 2018 Women’s World Twenty20 slated to be held from November 9 to 24.
West Indies Women’s Team, 2016 World Twenty20 Champions. (CRICINFO PHOTO)
This is following the announcement made by Director of Sport, Christopher Jones that Guyana had submitted a bid to be one of the host countries. St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda are the other two countries selected.
The announcement was made via a media release by the ICC. This is the second time that the tournament will be held in the West Indies after it was first held there in 2010. According to the release, the three venues were selected through a bidding process and have been ratified by the ICC.
The tournament will see the West Indies defend their title which they won after an eight-wicket victory over Australia in Kolkata back in 2016.
“The preliminary round matches will be held at the Guyana National Stadium and Darren Sammy Stadium in Saint Lucia, while Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda will stage the two semi-finals and the finals” ICC stated in the media release.
Details surrounding the biannual tournament, which includes groups and fixtures, will be announced in due course.
By: Isaiah Braithwaite
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The Kezeé Eco-Lodge in the Karasabai Village, Region Nine was commissioned on Saturday by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe.
The initiative is aimed at promoting community development and economic growth through eco-tourism. Minister Garrido-Lowe expressed satisfaction in seeing the project come to fruition and pledged her ministry’s continued support of developmental enterprises within the village in 2018.
Entrance sign to the Kezeé Eco-Lodge.
Speaking at the commissioning, Minister Garrido-Lowe said, “The Government of Guyana has approved $5M in the 2018 budget to support your wonderful effort. So, it is for you to discuss how you will utilise that money.”
The Kezeé Eco-Lodge is outfitted with four single beds and bathroom and washroom facilities. According to the Project Manager, Andrew Albert Jr., several small huts are also slated for construction around the main hut, along with a man-made pond to further enhance the area.
Several proud villagers attending the commissioning ceremony noted that the eco-lodge aims to attract both local and international visitors who like to travel off the beaten track. They will be afforded breathtaking views of the mountains and the beauty of the rare golden parakeets, among other activities.
Acting Head Teacher of Karasabai, Michelle George said, “I felt so proud because it’s in my sub-district and I know that we have these sun parakeets and I know we will have an influx into our village”.
Toshao of Karasabai, Elvis Edwards said, “We want to invite all Guyanese to be part of Guyana. If we want to promote one people, one nation, one destiny we must know our country”.
“I am happy since I know it would give opportunities for young people like me. It would provide jobs, so I am happy about it,” said Carey Rodrigues, another resident of Karasabai.
Hon Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs unties the ribbon at the Kezeé Eco-Lodge in Karasabai Village, Region nine.
Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock also commended the efforts of the villagers and boasted of the developments and progress made within several villages in the Region Nine district.
Karasabai village is one of several communities venturing into tourism through the Community Development Project (CDP), which falls under the ambit of the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF).
The CDP is in its second phase and over 100 communities were selected to execute the project which includes farming, agro-processing, aquaculture, poultry and cattle rearing, mining, village infrastructure including; construction of village office and multi-purpose building, village shop and museum, and transportation and tourism.
The project aims to strengthen entrepreneurial and institutional capacities of the village economy of Amerindian communities and improve linkages with the private sector to further develop value chains and strengthen institutional frameworks to support local economies.
The Cracrana culture group performing a welcome dance for Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe and her team.
The Kezeé Eco-Lodge located in the South Pakaraimas, Region Nine.
Carey Rodrigues, villager of the Karasabai Village.
Elvis Edwards, Toshao of the Karasabai Village.
By: Crystal Stoll
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Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, S.C., is once again stating firmly that the Government of Guyana is forging ahead with the establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School and is continuing the work which was started under the previous administration.
Hon. Basil Williams, S.C. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.
The Attorney General, in response to a question posed by the media regarding the denial of permission for Guyana to undertake the building of the Law School, reasoned that permission must have been granted.
“Why would the Chancellor of the Judiciary at the time, Justice Bernard go to a meeting and talk about sighting at the University of Guyana for the school?” he questioned.
The Minister reiterated that the project is currently in the feasibility stage where the Committee will be examining all the factors, including establishing the Law School under the auspices of the Council of Legal Education (CLE).
He made it clear that the Government of Guyana cannot be stopped from building the Law School, but the country wishes to remain community-minded. As a founding member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), AG Williams said Guyana has the right to establish the institution since there are several in various Caribbean countries.
The Minister said the Committee which comprises the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana and other professionals, is in the process of the identifying the land at the Turkeyen Campus of the University.
A process, which he expects to be completed in the shortest possible time.
Only recently, the AG clarified that his Ministry is in the process of finalising the engagement with Guyana’s Jamaican counterparts in relation to the establishment of the Law School, dispelling claims that the matter has been put on hold.
At a press conference, he made it clear that a statement issued by Chairman of the CLE, Senior Counsel, Reginald Armour and repeated by the former AG Anil Nandlall, stating that Guyana was not given permission to establish the law school had to be withdrawn.
Today, he said that “We are saying that no international organisation is driven by the Opposition and we have an email from him [Reginald Armour] assuring Nandlall that he would put the item on the agenda, without informing me, the sitting Attorney General for Guyana.”
AG Williams had raised concerns with the operations of Armour, whom he said was engaged with members of the Opposition regarding the Law School.
In January 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the University of the Caribbean (UCC) and Law College of the Americas (LCA) for the establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School in Guyana.
The establishment of the school is expected to significantly reduce the cost, particularly to Guyanese, to continue with their law studies while attracting other students from across the Caribbean.
By: Stacy Carmichael
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Georgetown, Guyana (January 22, 2017) First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, today, met with Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Ms. Jennifer Ferreira Dougall to discuss plans to implement projects such as the Self-Reliance and Success in Business initiative in the region during the course of 2018.
First Lady, Sandra Granger and Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), Ms. Jennifer Ferreira Dougall during their meeting today where they discussed plans for the Region in 2018.
During the meeting, which was held at State House, the First Lady said that she is looking to collaborate with the Regional Administration to implement these projects with the aim of enhancing the lives of citizens of the Region. She explained that her Office has been asked to train more women to be successful in their own business endeavours. “This year of course, we will also have training programmes in child care and care of the elderly with the aim of having those people who are trained, certified by the Board of Industrial Training and we also have our ICT workshops for adolescence and school leavers so those are some of the things that we plan to do this year,” she said.
Expressing her appreciation, Ms. Ferreira Dougall said that , “I am happy that the First Lady did make the call to discuss these things for young people because one of our main focuses in Region Three is to empower young people. Also, the project for the women, I am also happy with that because [it will allow women to] be self-sufficient. We have a lot of mothers who want to be trained but don’t know where to go…having the training will empower them,” she said.
The First Lady said that her Office is currently planning for this year’s projects and noted that she will be supported by the Ministries of Education and Public Telecommunication in the implementation of some of the projects.
The Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue area is being surveyed in preparation for massive expansion works to be conducted by Sinohydro Corporation Limited.
Overhead shot Sherriff Street which will be upgraded.
Work Services Group (WSG), Coordinator, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Geoffrey Vaughn explained that these measures will set the pace for the infrastructural works which are expected to commence before the end of the first quarter this year.
“Sinohydro is mobilising, as we speak. Surveying works are being done and this is basically to stake out the area in terms of width and centre lines etc. So we’re doing the preliminaries before we go into the actual works,” Vaughn told the Department of Public Information (DPI).
The contract for the Sheriff/Mandela Avenue road project was awarded to Sinohydro Corporation Limited in November and signed in December 2017. The project will cost US$31M, which is being provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Vaughn indicated that the removal of utilities, before the construction begins, is critical to ensuring that the project is completed on time.
“So, we’re hoping that we can engage the Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT) and Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to have their utilities removed. We know we have contracts already with GPL and we’re trying to finalise the one with GTT. Once that is done we will have them onboard; with GTT we know we will have some chambers that will have to raise, which may be on the corridor itself.”
According to the WSG Coordinator, one critical factor that will be taken into consideration during execution of the project is proper traffic management. He disclosed that in order to ensure there is less disruption of traffic during construction, the contractor is expected to have prepared an appropriate traffic management document which will be shared with the Ministry.
“We will have to look for all the alternatives that will come out in terms of people having to use the corridor to execute business,” Vaughn stated.
The existing carriageway will be upgraded and resurfaced from the northern end of Sheriff Street through to Homestretch Avenue. From that point to the Mandela Avenue-Hunter Street junction there will be four lanes of traffic.
The completed roadway will also be outfitted with the requisite road safety amenities including sidewalks, bicycle lanes and “hopefully” adequate parking spaces. Bridges will also be upgraded. In the vicinity of East Ruimveldt and North Ruimveldt Secondary Schools, there will be a pedestrian overpass.
By: Ranetta La Fleur
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