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216M USD worth in equipment for GPF

GPF - Guyana Police Force
(from l to r) President David Granger, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana H.E. Cui Jianchun, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon examine a bullet proof vest.

Crime-fighting tools boosted, US216M worth in equipment handed over to GPF from Peoples Republic of China.

President David Granger today said his Government is committed to giving the Guyana Police Force (GPF) the tools needed for efficient crime fighting.

GPF
Some of the vehicles donated to the Guyana Police Force.

In delivering the feature address at the handing over ceremony of US $216M worth of Communication, electrical and transportation equipment from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Head of State said previously, limited assets prevented the GPF from performing its job.
“The force’s efficiency will be enhanced further through improved management training and the provision of more and improved equipment. Your government is committed to ensuring that the force is given the tools to do the work which it is required to do.
GPF
Some of the vehicles donated to the Guyana Police Force.

In addition, President Granger said it is important that the Nation-State be protected from all forms of criminal activities whether local or international.
“We cannot have a secured country if our border and territories are violated by criminals, by transnational crime. We need an efficient, we need a well-equipped, we need a well-trained Guyana Police force to confront these threats to human safety and public security,” President Granger asserted.
Further, the Head of the Armed Forces and President urged effective policing to ensure the nation’s citizenry and natural resources are safeguarded.
“Ladies and gentlemen our country must be secured at the local and regional and national and transnational levels to prevent crime, interpersonal violence, to prevent our territory from being abused and misused. Our environment must be protected to ensure our natural resources are not plundered by foreign persons who have entered the country illegally.”
The acquisition and handing over of these and other assets coupled with training for ranks of the Guyana Police Force is in keeping with government’s commitment to a five-point security reform programme.
GPF
Some of the vehicles donated to the Guyana Police Force.

“Human safety must ensure our communities are free from crime and our children are allowed to grow up in safe and secure homes and neighbourhoods. Our women folk must be protected from domestic violence. It is, for this reason, that re-restarted with the permission of the British government the Security Sector Reform Programme,” President Granger said.
Among the assets handed over to the Force at its Eve Leary Sports Club are 56 pickups, 44 motorcycles and 35 All-terrain Vehicles.
GPF
Some of the vehicles donated to the Guyana Police Force.

First Lady and Peace Corps partnerships

peace corps

First Lady and Peace Corps Guyana’s Country Director discuss possible partnerships.

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, today, received a courtesy call from Peace Corps Guyana’s Country Director, Ms. Kury Cobham and Director of Programme and Training, Ms. Melanie Ingalls, during which they discussed possible areas of collaboration to provide more opportunities for young people to benefit from health and educational programmes.
Providing an overview of the projects in her portfolio as First Lady, particularly those that benefit marginalised women and youth, Mrs. Granger said that her office engages the prospective beneficiaries ensure buy-in so that the benefits of such programmes can have far-reaching and long-term impacts. “My concern is that when we do a project… it has to have value to [the beneficiaries] … The other thing I want, when we have these projects, that there [are] trickle down [benefits] to the community,” the First Lady said at the meeting, which was held at State House.
Meanwhile, Ms. Cobham, who recently took up her appointment, said that she has been enjoying following the First Lady’s work over the last few months and that she has found a number of connections between her projects and those being undertaken by the Peace Corps Guyana. She was keen to hear the First Lady’s perspective on the impact that some of those projects have been having on her target groups.
“We really have been enjoying following you, for me, for the past few months and just seeing a lot of the synergy between the efforts that you’re doing with marginalised groups, particularly young women and adults, as well as the elderly… There’s quite a number of synergies between our efforts in health, education as well as the environment in our work in the interior so we wanted to share that with you and hear a little bit more about your work and see if there may places where we can coordinate and collaborate,” she said.
According to its website, Peace Corps Guyana partners with the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education and other local and international partners to implement initiatives that impact the health and well-being of residents therein and to increase literacy and build life skills with the view of helping beneficiaries to maximise their potential. The organisation currently has 65 volunteers dispatched across the country and 40 are expected to be assigned to Guyana in June 2018.
 

OECS Joins NDC Partnership

The OECS Commission is proud to be one of the newest members of the NDC Partnership, an initiative launched at COP22 in Marrakesh, Morrocco, to build in-country capacity and increase knowledge sharing so that climate policies have meaningful and enduring impacts, and drive increasing global ambition over time.

Made up of developing and developed countries and international institutions, the Partnership:

  • Facilitates Technical Assistance and Knowledge Sharing: The Partnership supports countries in defining processes, policies, and plans to advance NDC implementation, while facilitating access to targeted technical assistance and fostering greater collaboration across sectors.
  • Creates and Disseminates Insightful Knowledge Products that Fill Information Gaps: The Partnership raises awareness of and enhances access to climate support initiatives, best practices, analytical tools, and resources. Information to address specific implementation needs is made available through online portals, as well as communities and networks that generate opportunities for knowledge sharing.
  • Promotes Enhanced Financial Support for NDC Implementation: The Partnership works with governments to better understand and address constraints so that they may access bilateral and international support programs. The Partnership aims to align development finance initiatives more strongly and coherently with NDC implementation.

Live as of November 2, the NDC Partnership launched Climate Watch, an online platform that puts comprehensive, up-to-date climate data and analysis at the world’s fingertips.
A true product of partnership, Climate Watch, brings together dozens of data sets to empower policymakers, researchers and others with the information they need to help countries achieve ambitious climate goals while enhancing sustainable development.
With the most recent additions of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Uruguay and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Partnership is now composed of 62 country members and eleven international institutions.

Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational Arbitration Platform

Binational Arbitration Platform

Towards the establishment of the “Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational Arbitration Platform”.

The Chamber of Conciliation and Arbitration of Haiti (CCAH) and El Centro de Resolución Alternativa de Controversias (CRC) of the Dominican Republic, signed on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to improve the business relations between both countries. It is envisioned that the MOU will enable greater dialogue and the exchange of mutual assistance offered to their nationals improving the overall business relations of both countries.
Conducted in the presence of the Ambassador of the European Union in Haiti, Vincent Degert; President of the Justice, Human Rights and Public Security Committee of the Lower House, the Deputy Price Cyprien; the President of the Haitian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Frantz Bernard Craan; the President of CCAHA, Mr. Wilhelm Lemke; the President of the CRC, Mr. Ricardo Koenig; the Deputy Executive Director of Caribbean Export, Mr. Escipion Oliveira and representatives of the Haitian judiciary, the signing of this agreement was warmly applauded.
“In today’s world characterized by the globalization of trade, cooperation has become a must“ said Wilhelm Lemke, President of the CCAH. According to him, the time has come for these organisation, namely the one he leads and the CRC, to “collaborate for purposes of common interests”, hence the need to build the “Haiti- DR Binational Arbitration Platform”.
This platform, which marks an important first in the trade relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, will allow “exchanges of information, statistical and legislations officially in force; the establishment of methods and standards of arbitration procedures, conflict resolution in all fairness; and the standardization of skills for viable and productive operational and administrative management.” In this regard, CCAH and CRC intend to create a more conducive business environment while amicably managing future disputes with alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and mediation.
In the same vein, Mr. Ricardo Koening, President of CRC, pointed to the usefulness of such an agreement. “I am convinced that the creation of this space will facilitate the resolution of the trade conflicts that could arise in the framework of the negotiations existing in the two countries,” he declared, while promising strict compliance with the provisions of the said agreement.

New Barbados Petrol Prices Nov. 5, 2017

Barbados Petrol Prices

Barbados Petrol Prices: Effective midnight, Sunday, November 5, the retail prices of gasoline and kerosene will fall, while the prices of diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will rise.
Barbados Petrol Prices: The new retail price of gasoline will be Bds $3.19 per litre, down from $3.38. The price of kerosene will be $1.26 per litre, down from $1.41, and the price of diesel will move from $2.37 per litre to $2.52. These represent decreases of 19 cents per litre for gasoline and 15 cents per litre for kerosene, while the price of diesel has increased by 15 cents per litre.
Meanwhile, the retail prices of LPG will rise from Bds$154.52 to $165.50 per 100 lb cylinder, an increase of $10.98; from $43.73 to $46.76 per 25 lb cylinder, an increase of $3.03; from $38.65 to $41.06 per 22 lb cylinder, an increase of $2.41; and from $35.13 to $37.33 per 20 lb cylinder, an increase of $2.20.
These changes are in keeping with Government’s policy of allowing retail prices to be reflective of those on the international market.
Energy Division

EU-funded Regional Integration Programme

CSME Sstandby Facilities

Event in Barbados marks closeout of EU-funded regional integration programme.

Regional integration through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is still the most efficient way for countries in the Caribbean to overcome the challenges posed by size, scale and limited capacity in the global markets, says Monica La Bennett, Vice-President (Operations), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). She was speaking at the opening of the recently held two-day closeout workshop for the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and CSME Standby Facilities for Capacity Building.
“Here in the Caribbean, factors such as small size, limited capacity, persistent vulnerability to natural disasters, high energy costs, infrastructure gaps, and institutional and regulatory weaknesses make it difficult for our borrowing member countries to build the type of competitive advantages that could lead to economic diversification and sustained growth. Today in 2017 regional economic integration is still the most viable and logical developmental response to a persistently complex, intense and unpredictable globalised environment,” said La Bennett.
In December 2012, CDB and the European Commission signed Contribution Agreements for the implementation of the EPA and CSME Standby Facilities, administered by CDB. The Facilities are supported by the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), which came to an end earlier this year. The two-day workshop was intended to facilitate a review of achievements and discuss the way forward.
Ambassador Daniela Tramacere, Head of the European Union Delegation to Barbados noted that the EU is committed to the CSME and EPA, and that Caribbean countries must take final responsibility for the success of both.
“I must underscore that we see the EPA and CSME as two interrelated dimensions of the region’s integration thrust… As we continue to transform our relationship with the region from one of donor-recipient to one of mature partners in development, it will become increasingly important that our investments at the regional level resonate at the national level. Indeed, national ownership is the single most important ingredient in regional integration,” said Ambassador Tramacere.
Minister of Industry and International Business, Barbados, Hon. Donville Inniss, noted that while the achievements under the 10th EDF have been admirable, there is still work to be done.
“There remains an urgent need to strengthen inter-agency collaboration between public, private sector and the EU institutions on national policy work with respect to the economic partnership trade agreements. And given the new level of complexity in the global economy, which is becoming more rapid and fluid, Barbados remains cognisant of the importance of having a balanced, sustainable and robust trade policy agenda that will assist in managing and navigating future growth and development.”
The EPA, signed in 2008 by Europe and the 15-member CARICOM bloc, along with the Dominican Republic, is a trade agreement. CSME is an arrangement designed to benefit the 15 CARICOM states in the areas of free movement of goods, services, people, capital and technology. The Standby Facilities provide funding to support implementation of both the CSME and EPA.
“The projects assisted member states to build capacity and comply with the provisions under the revised treaty of Chagaramas. Some 28 projects were developed and these include assistance to stakeholders in the sectors ranging from creative arts to small and medium sized enterprises,” said Joseph Cox, Assistant Secretary-General, CARICOM Secretariat.
The two-day workshop was held from October 26 to 27, at CDB’s Conference Centre in Barbados.

Jamaicans to do more to protect children from abuse

NCMC

Deputy Chief Education Officer Urges Jamaicans to Do More to Protect Children From Abuse.

Deputy Chief Education Officer, at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Lena Buckle Scott is encouraging Jamaicans to do more to protect the nation’s children from incidents of abuse.
She noted that parents and other stakeholders should be sensitised on how to report suspected cases.
“We have to make coordinated efforts to help protect the children who are at risk. We all must do what we can to secure young lives from abuse,” Mrs. Buckle Scott said as she addressed the 2017 National Child Month Committee (NCMC) Youth Forum, held on November 3, at the St. Andrew Parish Church Hall, in St. Andrew.
During the forum, students had the opportunity to engage in discussions and make presentations focusing on the theme ‘Take Action! Break the Chain of Abuse Against Children’.
The Deputy Chief Education Officer also called for harsher penalties for child abusers, while arguing that children must be assured that they have the necessary support in place to safeguard them from mistreatment.
Describing the level of violence against children as “frightening,” Mrs. Buckle Scott urged Jamaicans to break from the culture of silence that is allowing individuals to turn a blind eye to “abuse, neglect, and abandonment of our children.”
Meanwhile, Patron of the event, Douglas Orane, used the occasion to encourage the students to treat each other with respect.
Other speakers at the Youth Forum included: Chairman of the NCMC, Dr. Pauline Millings; representatives from the Office of the Children’s Advocate and the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica; and Senator Damion Crawford.
The Youth Forum is the final activity on the NCMC calendar of events for 2017. Sponsors for the forum are GraceKennedy Limited, Kingston Wharves Limited, Jamaica National, and Jamaica Producers.

LiDAR Topographical Survey

LiDAR

In an effort to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and build resilience to climate change impacts, the Government of Grenada will be upgrading the topographical data and mapping of the tri-island state.
Through the Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, which is funded by the World Bank and the Climate Investment Fund, the Government has hired the firm Fugro of France to conduct a topographical survey of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, using LiDAR Technology.
LiDAR technology is used to capture a view of the land surface from above which will then be used to develop topographical maps, depth of coastal waters, Vegetation type, Land Use, Cadestral Data as well as to develop a survey map of Grenada.
Please be advised therefore that from Tuesday November 7, 2017, a helicopter will be flying over the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique at an approximate height of 1804 feet (or 550 meters), to facilitate the conduct of the LiDAR topographical survey.
This activity is expected have a duration of two weeks, and will generate some overhead noise. The Government of Grenada thanks you for your understanding and cooperation in this regard.

Wales residents benefit from medical outreach

Medical Outreach
Hon. Minister Volda Lawrence of the Ministry of Public Health, Carolin Hicks (MOPH Program Coordinator), John Adams (Advisor to Minister of Public Health) RHO Ravendra Dudth, & Representative from New GPC Inc.

The Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the Region Three Heath Authorities hosted a medical outreach at the Wales Primary School, West Bank Demerara (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) on Saturday, October 28, 2017.
The services provided at the medical outreach included blood pressure and random sugar testing, eye screening, visual screening using acetic acid screening for cervical cancer and blood donation drive. Also participating were the Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist and staffers from the Vector Control Services who administered the filarial pills and engaged those present in sensitisation sessions on vector borne diseases.
The Outreach commenced at 9:00hrs with remarks from the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence. She commended the medical practitioners’ for their time and effort spent on weekends providing health screening and treatment at the various health outreaches held across Guyana.
“These workers aren’t here because their on duty, they are here becomes they care about the health and well being of the people of Guyana,” she said.
She highlighted that while health centres and hospitals provides quality care, medical outreaches give Guyanese another option to access a medical check-up, free of charge at their convenience.

Wales residents benefit from medical outreach 1
Minister Volda Lawrence presents a hamper, compliments of New GPC Inc., to one of the children who attended the medical outreach.

The Minister told residents that systems are being put in place for the upgrade of the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH). It is the hope that the hospital can operate on a 24/7 basis offering all service.
“Residents you will no longer have to travel to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation to acquire the necessary health care needed, we will fix that” she said.
The Minister also stated that Lymphatic Filarisis is very prevalent in Guyana. She urged those present to take the filaria pill and remain health conscious individuals.
Meanwhile, Ganesh Mahipaul Regional Information Officer explained that the purpose of the outreach is to bring health care to the people as oppose to people going towards hospital experiencing medical services.
“We believe as an administration that if we are to see a healthy nation then we need to reach our people and deliver the services to them,” Ganesh said.
The Regional Health Officer (RHO), Region 3 Dr. Ravendra Dudhnath said the medical outreaches help raising awareness on the many health issues affecting the Guyanese population.
“Our goal as mentioned before is to have the Regional hospital as a 24hour service will be in the best interest of the people of Region 3,” Dudhath pointed out.

Stamp Duty Amendment

stamp duties

The general public is hereby informed that the Stamp Duties (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2017 came into force on November 1st, 2017.
The rate of stamp duty on transfer of land to a Belizean (or CARICOM) national whether by sale, exchange, gift, or testamentary disposition remains 5% on the consideration or value of the land in excess of $20,000.00 and in the case of transfer of land to any other person the rate of stamp duty is 8%.
The above rates of stamp duty will apply to other land transactions as specified in the Stamp Duties Act, Chapter 64, Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, as amended.
For more information kindly contact the Office of the Commissioner of Stamps at email cosfin@mof.gov.bz or phone 828-5026.

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