DPI, GUYANA, Friday, January 19, 2018

British Security Advisor Lieutenant Colonel Russell Combe handed over his report on the Security Sector Reform Project to President David Granger at a simple ceremony at the State House on Thursday, January 18.

The report is considered active and does not represent a conclusion of the security advisor’s work but the beginning of more to be done. In the report, the Police have taken into account all consultations conducted within the security sector. Also, it further intends to illustrate strategic thinking required so that the country would be in a position to procure the equipment required by disciplined services.

In brief remarks, Combe said Britain will fund a review of Police training on his return.

“There is also going to be a training review of the Guyana Police Force, not just basic training, but also specialist and if you like employment training for the senior officers and that’s going to be funded by the United Kingdom starting in the new financial year when I hope to be back myself.”

Expressing his recognition that much of the work already conducted has begun to reflect a reformed security sector, inclusive of the justice and emergency systems, Combe noted “… there is the Citizen Strengthening programme; there is the rebuilding of the prisons at Mazaruni; there is plenty already happening to the Security Sector Reform Project in the security arena,” Combe pointed out.

The security sector reform, according to President David Granger, began some two decades ago and was discontinued by the British in 2009 following disagreements with the then PPP government. The programme was revamped following a request made by the Guyanese President to the British Prime Minister, shortly after taking office in May 2015, and has since examined the problems countrywide to promote a safe country for the citizens and visitors.

 

By: Kidackie Amsterdam

 

For more photos, click on the link to the DPI’s Flickr Page

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Friday, January 19, 2018 – The restoration and conservation of murals and artwork created by renowned Guyanese artist, Aubrey Williams, will be integrated into the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation’s (CJIAC’s) expansion project.

Mr. Williams’ masterpieces represented the rich culture and heritage of Guyana’s first inhabitants – the Indigenous Peoples (Amerindians).

In May 2017 an assessment of artwork, placed at strategic locations throughout the then terminal building, was conducted at the behest of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) by the historical heritage watchdog – the National Trust of Guyana.

Following the National Trust’s recommendations, the Ministry proceeded to put measures in place to initiate the curative exercise.

“The significance of Mr. Williams’ works of art could not be disregarded. It was a part of the airport’s character,” said Hon. David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure.

Additionally, new artwork conceptualized by some of the country’s talented artists will also be showcased in the new Arrival and Departure Terminals.

The majestic Kaieteur Falls, the country’s diverse ethnic cultures and historical sites and buildings will be among some of the pieces on show to captivate incoming and departing passengers. The expansion project contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has included this exercise into its work programme.

“CJIAC is our main port of entry and promoting Guyana’s image begins as soon as passengers disembark the aircraft. Therefore, it is imperative that we pique their interest and fascination through art,” Hon. Patterson added.

 

 

DPI, GUYANA, Friday, January 19, 2018

A supplementary provision on the budget estimates totalling $1.75B to facilitate the payment of severance to sugar workers was yesterday laid in the National Assembly by Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

The estimated cost of the severance is $4.24B of which 50 percent will be paid by the end of January. The balance is expected to be paid before the end of 2018.

It was noted in the supplementary provision that $0.5B dollars of the $6.3B to be transferred to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) in 2018 is earmarked for severance payment

The estimated amount to be paid by the end of January stands at $2.25B dollars. This move is in keeping with Government’s commitment to ensuring the best interest of the workers is considered.

On Friday, January 19, 2018, the supplementary provision will be debated during the 85^th Sitting of the National Assembly.

The decision to down-size comes after years of struggling to support the ailing sugar industry. This Administration has said that on a monthly basis, $1B was being invested in GuySuCo to manage the recurring issues.

According to Government, it became clear that the constant applications of GuySuCo to the government for bailout sums needed to be addressed.

Minister Jordan disclosed recently that Government may have to resort to programme cuts at Ministries and other government agencies to facilitate the payment of the remaining severance payments.

 

By: Stacy Carmichael

 

For more photos, click on the link to the DPI’s Flickr Page

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A nova diretora da Agência, Alessandra Bastos, assume a DSNVS. Jarbas Barbosa, Fernando Mendes, Renato Porto e William Dib permanecem com as mesmas diretorias.