“I am committed to working with those interested in moving Guyana forward” – President Ramotar
June 1, 2012 By
President Donald Ramotar
President Donald Ramotar said that with political “will and trust”, Guyana can achieve its true potential. The president expressed the sentiment as he addressed hundreds of Guyanese at the National Park in commemoration of the country’s 46th anniversary as an independent nation.
Ramotar said cooperation is the key to ensuring that all dreams are realised. Pointing to the 2011 general and regional elections, and the new dispensation, he said the leaders of the country must display “maturity” by putting the interest of the country and people first, as opposed to self-interests.
“No matter what side of the political divide we are on, let us remember that 46 years ago we assumed the responsibility for our own development,” the president stated.
He said: “We can today look towards the future with great optimism, confident that the sacrifices of those who went before us laid the foundations for the bright and promising future that lies in front of us. As we focus on the task ahead, may we never lose sight of the economic and political lessons of the past 46 years.”
President Ramotar added that in advancing the development agenda of the country, it must be recognised that partnerships are essential. He said “we must be able to see the wisdom in protecting and furthering our national interests…” He noted that over the years, Guyana has “enjoyed unprecedented economic growth”, stating that the country has “become the object of attention within the region”.
Ramotar said despite the challenges faced following independence, the country’s traditional sectors have continued to bring benefits to the country and its people. Our traditional sectors have also served us well in the face of daunting exogenous shocks.
“These sectors remain pivotal to economic growth, but it is now necessary for them to become modernised and for the emergence of new sectors to lead economic diversification and growth.”
The president said too that it is necessary to improve the delivery of education here while configuring it to meet the growing demands of “the new economy that we are building in an ever growing and competitive world.”
He said nurturing “an open economy” while safeguarding political freedoms and civil liberties; retooling traditional sectors and improving the current education system “remain important to our future progress”.
In saluting the people of Guyana, President Ramotar stated that the “selfless sacrifices” of the people of Guyana would not be forgotten.
“Tonight, I salute the people of Guyana, especially the working people through whose toil and sacrifice this country was built. As we enter a new exciting phase of our development, I want to assure all of you, workers, entrepreneurs, farmers etc that you will be in an integral part of national development.”
The president assured citizens of a “better future for our children and grandchildren” through economic transformation. “Economic transformation involves investments in critical infrastructural projects, initiatives and policies capable to leapfrogging Guyana’s development to new heights.
This includes the search for oil and rare minerals; the development of hydroelectricity; building an all-weather road to Lethem; bridging the Corentyne River; and constructing a deep water harbour.
Through the stringing of fiber-optic cable from Brazil, we intend to revolutionise bandwidth and internet services throughout our country, make these services more affordable and accessible to the average consumers, and allow for the creation of data and call centres capable of providing employment for thousands of our young and old people.
The fiber-optic cable will also facilitate our e-governance programme, allowing government services to be more easily available to all our people, wherever they may be,” the president stated.
President Ramotar added that economic transformation entails the modernisation of traditional sectors such as bauxite, rice and sugar, while developing agro-processing and ecotourism, and cementing the country’s status as a global leader in the provision of environmental services under the Low Carbon Development Strategy.
“Economic transformation will entail greater diversification of the economy with emphasis on increased value-added activity.” President Ramotar urged that more people work the land as it will “pay great dividends”.
According to him, the administration’s transformative agenda involves “catapulting our economy to a higher stage of development by fostering industrialisation, reducing our carbon footprint, assuring us cheap, reliable and renewable sources of energy, keying our people into the exciting possibilities of the cyber world, and allowing for the emergence of new poles of economic growth while modernising the traditional sectors”.
The president believes that what is necessary is the creation of a balanced economy and mixed economy, where “various forms of ownership” will complement each other.
A place where investors will feel secured and encouraged to participate in the exciting task of nation building. That aside, the president said development must be centred on the people, and as such, the administration must reconfigure development models so that benefits would be spread across the board.
Ramotar said “every village, every nook and cranny” must have a “vibrant economy”. “We will work towards breathing new life into our village economies so as to increase economic activities; provide jobs within villages for residents; promote inter-village economic exchanges; and encourage the growth of businesses, large and small, including cottage industries.”
President Ramotar assured that he is committed to working with all those interested in moving Guyana forward. “We need to safeguard our freedoms, defend our democracy and allow the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our people to flourish. A great Guyana will not be measured only in terms of what we build and what we create, but also in our character as a nation, including our ability and willingness to set aside narrow interests for the greater good of all Guyana,” the president stated.
Caribbean Hikers on six-day expedition in Guyana
June 1, 2012 By
The group of hikers at the Cheddi Jagan Int’l Airport
A team of 30 hikers from the Caribbean Hiking Adventures (CHA) led by Richard Lewis has arrived in Guyana for a six-day hiking expedition with the aim of conquering the Caribbean Islands which are filled with a multitude of hiking destinations.
The team touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, on Saturday morning on the BW661 Caribbean Airlines flight, and was welcomed by members of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Rainforest Tours in Guyana.
At a brief welcoming reception, at Guyana’s main port of entry, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh welcomed the hikers from the twin Island republic on behalf of acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali.
Haralsingh told the visitors that hiking is rapidly becoming one of the most popular recreational activities, and the Rainforest of Guyana provides an amazing hiking experience.
He said along the rugged mountains and wild tropical rainforest, there are numerous developed trails frequented by happy indigenous peoples, a journey that all adventurers the world over would want to experience.
He also boasted that Guyana has hundreds of plant species that are used for many cosmetics and medicinal purposes, as well as birds and other animals, which together create a landscape of a paradise to behold.
He wished the team a successful hiking trip and promised that the adventure will be their most memorable yet. He also highlighted that Guyana shares the Amazon with most of the South American nations, and reiterated that the hikers will enjoy what the country has to offer.
He noted that their visit is timely since Guyana is celebrating its 46th independence anniversary.
Caribbean Hiking Adventures was formed in 2010. Lewis has over 20 years of hiking experience and his dynamic team includes Rhonda Beckles-Lewis, Adrian Rush, Nicola Mark and Felix Lamy, all of whom were formerly of Hikers Inc.
Lewis explained that the group is also referred to as “The A Team”. The team’s primary importance and focus has always been “safety and we are first aid trained and certified by the Red Cross Society”. He expressed his optimism about the trip, and noted that it is the first time the team will be hiking in Guyana, and are looking forward for an amazing six days. Lewis also stated that their main aim is to focus their attention in the dense jungle areas of Guyana, but hopes to visit the Kaieteur Falls before returning to Trinidad.
The team has travelled to Grenada and Dominica and intends to visit all the Caribbean islands to get firsthand experience at hiking.
U.S. firm making big dent in fuel smuggling in Guyana
June 1, 2012 By
GEA Chief Executive Officer Mahender Sharma
U.S.-based company Authentix said it has helped Guyana to greatly reduce fuel crimes which result in lost tax revenue, cutting out some 32 per cent of illegal fuel sites in the past six years.
In a statement, Authentix said thanks to an effective fuel marking programme powered by Authentix technology, the level of fuel adulteration has dropped significantly since the programme was initiated, resulting in increased tax revenues.
From 2006 to 2011, the percentage of identified sites found with illegal fuel has progressively decreased from 34 per cent in 2006 to two per cent in 2011. Continuing efforts are being made to keep this level low and drive down the level of illegal activity even further, the company said.
When the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) began working with Authentix, the country was facing a myriad of fuel-related tax losses. Non-taxed fuel was being smuggled into Guyana and sold illegally to retail sites with no means of identifying which fuels were legally imported and which were smuggled. Additionally, taxed road fuels were being adulterated with low-tax kerosene.
To combat these problems, Authentix fuel markers are blended into legitimate fuel at secured terminals. Samples from retail stations are then tested for the expected concentration of these markers. Any level of dilution is quickly determined and proper enforcement procedures are then initiated by the GEA.
The implementation of the fuel marking programme has enabled the authorities to reduce the incidence of fuel smuggling in the country, and recover revenues that would have been lost through illegitimate sales and tax evasion.
“Since 2006, the rate of fuel adulteration detected has substantially dropped each year, and we will continue, undeterred in our efforts, to eliminate fuel smuggling,” GEA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mahender Sharma said.
“Guyana has seen a myriad of additional benefits including improved and sustained sales of legitimate fuel as well as improved and sustained collection of Excise Tax.
The marking programme is also an economic boost as it provides dozens of local jobs.” “Keeping the fuel marking programme in place and enforcing the laws mean that Guyana is recovering fuel tax revenues previously lost to criminals,” Authentix Global Business Development President Lal Pearce.
“The vigilance of the GEA combined with the effectiveness and continued use of the Authentix fuel marking programme ensures that the rate of fuel-related crimes will continue to decrease.” Authentix manages the programme turnkey with the GEA. An internal analysis by the GEA completed in 2009 estimated the net benefits of the programme to represent a 443 per cent return on investment.
Authentix operates fuel marking programmes on five continents, helping governments protect fuel tax revenues and helping leading oil and gas companies protect their brands. Authentix, prides itself as the global leaders in authentication, provides brand protection, Excise Tax recovery, and supply chain security solutions to governments and 500 companies around the world.
Congressional candidates debate immigration, economy
June 1, 2012 By
North American Correspondent
Grace Meng
The three main Democratic candidates, State Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows), State Assemblywoman Grace Meng (Flushing), City Council member Elizabeth Crowley (D- Glendale) for the sixth district of Queens, had a ‘face-off’ last week on issues affecting diverse ethnic communities in New York. The 6th District runs from Flushing and Bayside to Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale and part of Ridgewood.
Large numbers of Guyanese-Americans are settled in the district and community activists are lining up behind their candidates with some backing Meng and most backing Lancman who along with Crowley, is well known among Guyanese voters. But analysts say the race is a top-up between Lancman and Meng.
During the ‘face-off’ in the presence of reporters and voters, the candidates made their pitch to win support. Lancman said he is running a campaign on issues, rattling off a list of stops where he has taken questions from the public and reporters on social security, veterans’ affairs, taxes and federal finances, education grants, violence against women and the U.S.-Israel alliance.
On the economy, Lancman said he wants equity in [tax] rates. “We should eliminate things like oil company subsidies, and agriculture subsidies that most small family farms can’t get.”
The candidates say a way to tackle the $16 trillion deficit is simply getting more people back to work, something he said could be jump-started by the formation of a national infrastructure bank that would fund public-private partnerships to repair and replace the country’s bridges, tunnels and roads.
Lancman also called for easy access to loans for small businesses. “Banks will go to the Federal Reserve discount window [for money], but they’re not lending it out”.
Rory Lancman
He said he would increase the Social Security Trust fund by eliminating the $110,000 cap on income subject to taxes.
On education, Lancman said “No Child Let Behind” should be “left behind” as it has resulted only in more testing of students and more school closings as an unintended result.
Meng and Crowley both adopted the same positions as Lancman on certain key issues.
Meng told the audience she wants more job training and improvements in mass transit and highways, which would increase jobs. Crowley and Lancman concurred.
Crowley said construction “is an important engine for the economy and that some money now used for defense can go to such projects. Meng and Lancman agreed with Crowley.
Meng felt that the national budget debt, now at a staggering US $16trillion, should be increased to fund projects.
She also called for reductions in military spending and related that she agreed with President Obama in withdrawing troops, “but don’t cut basic human services.”
Lancman and Meng called for comprehensive immigration reforms. Meng noted she is the product of the American dream and wants everyone to have the same chance.
More exchanges among the candidates are planned during the month of June as Primary day voting approaches.
Local powerlifters for international engagements
June 1, 2012 By
- Rahim, Edwards, Stoby, Morgan and Barker shouldering Guyana’s hopes
By Avenash Ramzan
The country’s powerlifters are in for a busy second half of 2012 as the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) has earmarked four international events that it plans to attend from July to November. These events include the North American Regional Tournament of the Americas from July 24-29 in the Cayman Islands; the South American Powerlifting Championships from August 15-19 in Cali, Colombia; the World Masters Championships from October 2-9 in Killeen, Texas, USA; and the World Open Championships from October 29-November 4 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
The lifters identified for these championships are Vijai Rahim (59kg Class); ‘Big’ John Edwards (120kg Class); Winston Stoby (74kg Class); Randolph Morgan (83kg Class); and Dawn Barker (84kg Class).
Guyana’s traditional attendance at NAPF Regional has been reduced to one lifter this year as the Federation, in an effort to make maximum use of its limited financial resources, will be placing emphasis on giving the various categories of athletes an opportunity to represent Guyana at different events on the international stage.
Berbician Rahim, a double Gold medalist in the 59kg Junior and Open category at this year’s Caribbean Championships in the US Virgin Islands in March-April, is this year’s nominee to the prestigious event, featuring the best of North America and the Caribbean.
He is expected to be accompanied by two officials- a referee and delegate- to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Symposium. The two officials will participate in a scoring seminar.
President of the GAPF, Peter Green, and World Master’s 120kg Bronze medallist, Edwards, will be making Guyana’s maiden appearance at the South American Powerlifting Championships in Colombia in August in keeping with a mandate of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), which has decreed that Guyana must participate.
Edwards will be taking his Referee (Category II) Exams for international certification, as well as warm up for the World Masters by participating in the Masters Category of this event.
Green will be using the opportunity to lobby, amongst other things, for a future South American Championships to be held in Guyana as early as possible. The GAPF, through a press release, said that national lifters desirous of participating at this event and are financially independent are welcome to attempt qualifying totals for selection by guest lifting at the GAPF July meet.
At the World Masters Championships in October, Edwards and current 74kg M2 World Deadlift record holder and 2012 Caribbean Gold medallist, Winston Stoby, will be spearheading a team of national lifters to be selected from the Claude Charles Masters Powerlifting Championships, slated for July 1.
Lifters based in the USA and Canada will also be vying for places on the national team to Texas.
In the final international event of the year for the GAPF, top athletes Morgan and Barker have been identified to attend the World Open Championships in Puerto Rico in October.
Powerlifting is one of the disciplines to be contested in the World Games 2013 billed for Cali, Colombia, and this year’s Championships will be used as the qualifier with the top ten placed lifters in each weight class going through.
With the aim of getting all the selected lifters in top condition ahead of these championships, the GAPF will host a series of local events, including the Intermediates in July; the Claude Charles Masters Memorial in July; the inaugural Unequipped (Raw) Championships in September; and the Senior National Open in December.
Celebrating a Guyanese original
June 1, 2012 By
By Mirza Ijaz Rahman
As we commemorate Guyana’s Independence, it is the perfect time to celebrate a Guyanese original, Shivnarine ‘Tiger’ Chanderpaul! For more than 20 years, greater than half his lifetime, Shiv has proudly represented Guyana as perhaps the finest batsman this nation has ever produced.
While we can debate the subtle points of substance over style, there is no question that he is Guyana’s most accomplished batsman.
Moreover, he has been a bastion of certitude and solidity in the middle of crisis after crisis in West Indies cricket for the past 18 years. And like our legendary greenheart trees, his strength, durability, and toughness stands like a fortress against the onslaught of wave after wave of bowlers, critics, and the politics of the game.
Shiv has diligently applied himself to constantly improving his performance as a cricketer with each succeeding year, and he can look back proudly on a monumental record of achievement.
He has truly accomplished the ancient Greek ideal of happiness, which is, “The full use of your powers along lines of excellence”. It is no accident, that now, after his long and dedicated contributions to the cause of WI Cricket, he currently stands again, for the third time, at the top of the global ranking of Test batsmen.
And it would behoove the WICB of selectors to once again choose Shiv to play in all formats of the game- Tests, ODIs, and Twenty20 Internationals.
As the world’s top test batsman, a 2008 Wisden Cricketer-of-the-Year, and the 2008 winner of the ICC’s Sir Garfield Sobers Cricketer-of-the-Year award, Shiv has always been supportive of WI cricket, whether he has been in the team or out of it.
Richie Richardson commented in Chennai, at the 2011 World Cup, that even though Shiv was not in the team, he carried drinks to the batsmen on the field like he was an up and coming player, instead of one who had played over 400 international matches. Such is his passion for the game.
Starting with the just concluded Test in England, where he scored almost a third of the WI team’s runs, Shiv is averaging nearly 70 runs per innings since the retirement of Brian Lara from Test cricket, at the end of 2006.
Additionally, as was generously acknowledged by the crowd in Dominica, which now famously claims him as one of their citizens, he became only the second West Indian cricketer to pass the 10,000 runs threshold, and at an average of more than 50 for his career, there is no doubt about Shiv’s greatness.
A further perusal of the data show that Shiv’s career ODI average, when compared to that of the players in the WI team during the most recent ODI versus Australia, is almost 10 runs better than any other current player and at a strike rate that compares favorably to several of the recognized batsmen: including Adrian Barath, Darren Bravo, and Marlon Samuels.
Moreover, the only player on the team who is ranked higher than him in the current ICC Player Rankings for ODI batsmen is Kieron Pollard. As the ICC Player Rankings are a reflection of recent performance, up to when Shiv was on the ODI team at the 2011 World Cup, where he averaged 38 runs, he was clearly performing at a high level, and certainly very close to his career average of greater than 41 runs.
Also, with Shiv less than 1,300 runs away from the 10,000 runs ODI threshold, it would be a real treat to see another West Indian cricketer achieve this mark of distinction. Furthermore, it would be a travesty if it is a lack of inclusion in the team which prevents him for accomplishing this goal, rather than the bowling prowess of the opposition.
In Twenty20 Internationals, Shiv’s career average is greater than 20 runs, with a strike rate of nearly 100. However, after intense preparation and practice for the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League, he was able to increase his average by 70% to above 34 runs, and to increase his strike rate by 25% to over 123.
This compares very well to any player on the current WI team and should convince the selectors to afford Shiv the opportunity to play for the WI in this format of the game as well, as he has much to contribute, simply based on the numbers.
Shiv is clearly playing as well as he has ever played the game. And while zoologists from UG may try to tell us that Guyana has no tigers in its vast hinterland, we all know of the exploits of the ‘Tiger’ from Unity, one whose passion to keep improving and getting the WI back to winning cricket, still burns brightly. He has demonstrated, with his excellence over the past 18 years, that he is the consummate professional.
Shiv continues to be a good teammate, by helping the younger players to develop and grow into their responsibilities.
Additionally, he has served selflessly in furthering the cause of WI cricket because of his love of the game. Lastly, if his style is of concern to some, they should not let that prevent them from admiring Shiv’s constant grace under pressure.
No one knows how much longer WI cricket will benefit from the unique skill and talent that this great cricketer brings to the game, but before Shiv’s career is over, all West Indians, and especially his fellow Guyanese, should take the time to acknowledge and enjoy and celebrate its finest cricketing son.
* Mirza Ijaz Rahman is collaborating with Shivnarine Chanderpaul on his autobiography, which is slated for publication in 2013.
Gayle back for ODI series
June 1, 2012 By
Chris Gayle
Opening batsman Chris Gayle will play in the Natwest limited-overs series against England but has been ruled out of the final Investec Test to be played from June 7-11 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Gayle will not play in the final Test, despite calls for his inclusion, due to the West Indies Cricket Board insisting on a meeting with the Jamaican to discuss “residual matters” on Sunday.
Gayle has made himself available for West Indies selection after meeting all the demands of the WICB but the latest meeting is another twist to his saga. A reliable source close to the matter explained that the possibility of Gayle playing against England in the final Test is “highly unlikely” because nobody is sure what are the “residual matters” that needs to be discussed.
The source indicated that there is disunity among WICB executive members who are opposed to Gayle’s return to the West Indies team, with a faction adamant on using the restraint of trade dispute as a negotiating tool against the Jamaican. The source said, “Several requests were made to clarify what are the residual matters that Chris must discuss, but nobody from the WICB can state what these matters are.”
Gayle relinquished his lucrative contract with Somerset Sabres estimated at 150,000 pounds to compete in the Friend’s Life t20 tournament in order to be available for the England series. With the West Indies top order struggling in England, there have been calls for the inclusion of experienced players such as Ramnaresh Sarwan and Gayle who have been in good form in English and Indian leagues respectively.
West Indies legend, Michael Holding batted for Gayle and Sarwan as well as other senior players who are being sidelined by the Board. “He (Gayle) is available, yet the WICB are still putting out press releases saying there are residual matters to be dealt with. What residual matters? It is supposed to be cleared (up), so what residual matter is there now?” Holding told the Jamaica-based SportsMax Cable network. “People responsible for West Indies cricket do not want Chris Gayle in the team.”
Holding felt that Sarwan would not be available for West Indies duty after the treatment he received from the WICB. “The man is happy,” Holding said. “He is making runs, yes, and he should be in the West Indies team, but he personally is happy where he is.”
The former West Indies pacer was critical of Chief Executive Officer, Ernest Hilaire who he felt does not have the right attitude for the job.
Holding had scathing words for the treatment of pacer Jerome Taylor who was informed via a press release that he must complete a full season of first-class cricket to be considered for West Indies selection. “That is the bad handling I’m talking about. Instead of that press release, why not just say, Jerome, we’re not satisfied with your fitness levels. They want to get rid of him, because that is their foolish way.”
A focus on the struggle for Independence in Guyana
June 1, 2012 By
By Dr Odeen Ishmael
1966 - Flag of Guyana being raised at UN Headquarters. First prime minister of the independent nation, Forbes Burnham, stands second from left. (UN)
Throughout the early part of 1966, preparations for Guyana’s independence celebrations went in full swing. A special committee appointed by the government designed the new coat of arms and selected the Canje pheasant as the national bird.
The design and colours of the new flag, appropriately called “The Golden Arrowhead”, had already been chosen during the period of the PPP government from entries submitted through an international competition. The winning five-coloured design was submitted by an American, Whitney Smith. The name chosen for the independent nation – Guyana – was also chosen since 1962 by a select committee appointed by the House of Assembly.
The flag of Guyana was designed with a golden arrowhead along its middle to signify Guyana’s journey into the future. The golden arrowhead, with narrow white and black strips along its sides, was set on a green and red background with narrow white and black strips along the sides of the arrowhead. The five colours were also seen as symbolic to the country various assets: green for the agriculture and forests; gold representing the country’s mineral wealth; red for the zeal of nation-building; black border, depicting the people’s endurance; and white symbolising the natural water potential of the country.
A nation-wide competition, sponsored by the National History and Arts Council, also helped to select the words of the new national anthem. The winning entry, “Green Land of Guyana”, was written by Reverend Archibald Luker, and the words were set to music by Cyril G. Potter, a prominent Guyanese educator and musician.
Guyana became an independent nation on Thursday, 26 May 1966, but the independence celebrations began four days before and continued until 29 May. Public buildings and business places were brightly decorated with streamers and buntings bearing the colours of the Guyana flag.
On the evening of 25 May, a grand cultural performance took place at the Queen Elizabeth Park (later to be renamed the National Park). Dignitaries in the audience of thousands included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, representing Queen Elizabeth, and representatives of foreign governments.
Then at midnight, the Union Jack, the symbol of British colonial rule for 163 years, was lowered and the new flag of Guyana, the Golden Arrowhead, was raised to the top of the mast. Just before the flag raising ceremony before a huge crowd, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan publicly embraced each other, indicating their satisfaction that Guyana had finally won its political independence.
With the raising of the new flag, fireworks burst across the sky in various parts of the country. Then around mid-morning, the State opening of the Parliament of Guyana took place. It was preceded by a military parade accompanied by much pomp and pageantry. Significantly, for this occasion, a portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh decorating the wall of the Parliament chamber was removed and replaced with a portrait of Prime Minister Burnham.
Part of a band at one of the carnival-style float parades held May 29, 1966 (Photo courtesy L. Hernandez)
The meeting of Parliament was chaired by the Speaker, Aubrey Alleyne. The Duke of Kent read a throne speech on behalf of the Queen, after which on behalf of the sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, he handed over to Prime Minister Burnham the constitutional instruments designating Guyana an independent nation. Immediately after, there were speeches by Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Leader of the Opposition Cheddi Jagan.
Burnham, in an appeal to Guyanese nationalism, declared: “The days ahead are going to be difficult. Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in the usual political conflicts and differences in ideology. But today, to my mind, is above such petty matters. For today Guyana is free.”
In welcoming independence, Dr Jagan seized the opportunity to point out that the Burnham government was abusing its powers through the extension of the state of emergency beyond the date of independence. This, he said, was generating fear throughout the country and was detrimental to the struggle for peace and security.
He also highlighted the view that his party was “the victim of repeated constitutional manipulations designed to keep it out of office.” He added, “We are confident that despite these manipulations the People’s Progressive Party can be triumphant at future elections if these are fairly held.”
Later that afternoon, Sir Richard Luyt was sworn in by the Duke of Kent as Guyana’s first Governor General at a ceremony in the ballroom of Guyana House, the official residence of the Governor General.
During the period of the independence celebrations, many public events were also held. These included carnival-style parties, exhibitions, float parades and public rallies addressed by Burnham and his ministers.
On achieving independence, Guyana became the 23rd member of the British Commonwealth. (Excerpted from “The Guyana Story – (From Earliest Times to Independence) by Dr Odeen Ishmael. 2005. Guyana.org)
UG architecture students experience historic conservation in Brazil
June 1, 2012 By
By Venessa Deosaran
Members of the group
Seven final-year architecture degree students of the University of Guyana, and their lecturer, left Georgetown on a road journey of about 1,452 kilometres (902 miles) that lasted for nearly thirty-four hours. Their destination was Manaus, the capital city of the State of Amazonas in Brazil, our southern neighbour.
The purpose of their visit was to learn, first hand, of the state of conservation of historic buildings in Brazil, using Manaus as a case study.
The group arrived in Manaus around 6:00 hrs Saturday, April 7, on the start of a hectic three-day/two-night study tour.
Students Arifshad Ali, David Bispat, Kiambu Douglas, Noel Henry, Lauren Grant, Shaion Norton, Dhanraj Singh, and Lennox Hernandez senior lecturer, recalled the keen interest with which Brazil protects and presents its historic structures.
Manaus
Manaus, in northern Brazil, was founded in 1669 as the Fort of São José do Rio Negro. The city has a rich and colourful history, one that is reflected in many of the city’s historic buildings and landmarks, and the replicas of several British constructions, such as the floating dock for the port and the surrounding buildings.
Brazil is noted for the protection and presentation of its historic sites; currently the country has ten ‘cultural world heritage sites’ and seven ‘natural world heritage sites’, while another 17 sites are under consideration for ‘World Heritage’ status.
The National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional – IPHAN) is responsible for the preservation of buildings, monuments, structures, objects and sites deemed of historic or cultural importance to the country, and currently holds 1,047 sites.
Students’ experiences
In the foyer of the Court House
Guyana Times Sunday Magazine interviewed five of the students, who related they had benefitted immensely from the tour, and have plans in mind for revolutionizing historical conservation in Guyana.
The students toured four historic buildings, including the Provincial Manor House, once the Military Police headquarters, remodelled in 1874 to house several public institutions, and now housing a number of museums, and the Amazonas Opera House, opened in 1896, construction of which began in 1882.
Arifshad Ali said although it was a tiring trip due to long hours of travelling, with little breathing time between the three buses necessary to reach their destination, he was able to gather a lot on conservation of historical buildings. He observed the seriousness by those involved in historical conservation, and was impressed with the innovative ways old buildings were transformed into must-see tourists’ sites.
He pointed out that the buildings are important to a country because they help in the development of the tourism sector in a country.
“Comparing over there and us here, I don’t think we take this matter seriously. We have a few historical buildings, and I don’t think we are doing enough in their conservation. For instance with City Hall, it is in a deplorable state and it happens to be one of Guyana’s long-standing landmarks. Now that I have a background and firsthand experience in historical conservation I’m more adept, when I finish my degree in architecture, to help in this regard. Overall it was an exciting tour.”
Fellow student Noel Henry told Sunday Magazine, “I learnt about the methods used in conserving these historical buildings. What I saw there was passion for conserving those buildings, and we lack that here. I observed also that most of the people involved in historical conservation were driven young people. It shows that youths have an integral role in conserving history. When they talk about conserving history I sense a great passion and this we lack in Guyana. Now with this experience I am able to help in this aspect of conservation.”
The Amazonas Opera House interior
