GUYANA: GROWTH, EXPANSION, MAJOR FOCUS FOR TOURISM, HOSPITALITY SECTORS IN 2010

GEORGETOWN (GUYANA), Feb 28 (NNN-GINA) — Guyana’s tourism sector continues to offer important opportunities for growth and expansion and as such this year will see major focus being placed on key markets and increase attention on improving capacity and quality in the hospitality sector.

To this end, estimated proposals for the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce were approved by the National Assembly on Friday subsequent to intense discussions on the budgetary allocation for the sector. The estimates of expenditure for 2010 were subsequently approved.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad responded to queries of opposition People?s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Dave Danny who wanted to know what areas of training that will be done in the sector.

With regards to the purchase of equipment, Danny sought clarification from the Minister as it relates to monies allocated for the purchase of a generator for the GICC. He explained that $16M will be expended for the purchase of a generator.

PNCR member Aubrey Norton sought explanation from the Minister in relation to installation of signs at the No. 63 beach area. He wanted to know whether consideration was given to the multicultural nature of the situation.

Minister Prashad in his response said that signs will be installed in Portuguese to aid tourists during their visit.

With regards to the competitiveness strategy, Danny asked about allocation of monies for the strategy and provisions of remuneration.

Minister Prashad highlighted that $351M will be utilised this year to continue to provide secretarial support to the numerous thematic, public, private groups such as those of infrastructure and energy to help the establishment and operations of small business bureau which will provide key support to small business in areas such as training, business planning and advice.

This will ensure the networking of an information system with the central Deeds Registry and its sub-registries, the completion of the National Insurance Scheme and the Guyana Revenue Authority to facilitate online filing of registration, renewal of registration and same day registration of businesses, supporting the establishment of the competition commission secretariat to conduct reviews of a number of old laws affecting the conduct of businesses in Guyana and to review legislation governing, and procedures required to close a business in Guyana, the Minister said.

The Tourism Minister further highlighted that implementation of the institutional strengthening action plan that commenced at the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) in 2009 will continue to specialize training for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards officers, the procurement of laboratory equipment and high capacity weights for the GNBS and to accelerate implementation of the matching grants programme to boost exports of small and medium size businesses. — NNN-GINA

MOROCCO: RELIGIOUS REFORM IS IMPLEMENTED WISELY, ISLAMIC AFFAIRS MINISTER

RABAT, Feb 28 (NNN-MAP) — The large-scale reform launched by King Mohammed VI to shield and enhance the religious and spiritual life of believers and to run the religious field in conformity with the national tenets is being implemented wisely, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq said.

The Minister said in a summary of the report activity of the Ulema (muslim scholars) Councils, which he presented to King Mohammed VI during a religious ceremony celebrating the Eid Mawlid Acharif (Prophet?s birth), that the reform is on the right truck in accordance with the royal instructions.

In this connection, Toufiq showcased the landmark achievements of the reform, notably promoting Quran studies, implementing the Ulema?s Charter, developing religious education, improving the living conditions of Imams (spiritual guides), and amending the field of Waqf ( Islamic endowments).

The Minister underlined that Moroccan community in Europe will benefit from its own Ulema Council which managed to obtain a license and that will work within the framework of an association, the first of its kind in the EU. — NNN-MAP

GUYANA TO STRENGTHEN JUSTICE SYSTEM; EXPENDITURE APPROVED

GEORGETOWN (GUYANA), Feb 28 (NNN-GINA) — As the Guyanese administration continues to consolidate its efforts towards the transformation of the judicial system, several measures will be put in place this year to reform and modernize the judiciary.

Towards this objective, the Ministry of Legal Affairs proposed expenditure was approved in the National Assembly on Friday after careful consideration by the Opposition and Government members.

Like other sectors, members of the opposition sought explanation on how monies will be spent for the Legal Affairs Ministry.

Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs and Member of the People?s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Clarissa Riehl during the deliberation noted that the Ministry had an increase of contracted employees from three to five in the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and wanted to know who they were.

Minister of Legal Affairs Charles Ramson in his response said that his Ministry has employed a typist clerk, an administrative officer, accounts clerk, cleaner and a graduate legal assistant.

Riehl wanted to know whether the position of the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions falls under the category of Administrative and whether the individual receives an allowance for the position he/she holds.

The Legal Affairs Minister indicated that the functionary is an acting DPP who receives a fixed salary with benefits that are assigned to the position.

In relation employment of contracted workers under the Supreme Court of Judicature, Riehl asked the Minister to explain why there has been an increase in expenditure for employment of contracted workers in 2009 and wanted to know the categories of functionaries employed.

Ramson noted that the Ministry has employed a Commissioner of Title, a judicial officer, an administrative office, principal personnel officer, two confidential secretaries, three drivers, six typist clerks, one marshall, 17 legal clerks, five accounts clerks, 14 office assistants, five cleaners and a janitor.

He said the increase of staff in the system is as a result of the advancement of the justice improvement programme.

The Minister was asked by Riehl to provide information about the security service employed by the Ministry for the Supreme Court and to explain the reasons for an increase in expenditure for the service.

In response, the Legal Affairs Minister pointed out that the Special Constabulary is the only contracted agency employed by the Ministry to secure the court and that the increase is a result of the securities for other courts in Essequibo and Berbice.

In relation to the construction and completion of Magistrate?s Court, Riehl wanted to know what aspect of the $52M allocation will go towards financing the completion of Charity, Leonora and Lethem Magistrates? court.

Minister Ramson in his response highlighted that the Charity Magistrate?s Court on which $10.2M has been expended is nearing completion where $10.2M. Its estimated date of completion is April.

For the Leonora Magistrate?s Court approximately $9M will be allocated for its rehabilitation which is expected to be completed in May while the budgeted cost for the Lethem Magistrate?s Court is $30M. Its completion is subject to the allocation of the plot of land and this court is estimated to be completed by the third quarter of this year.

In addition, the Minister pointed out that there will be an outstanding $2.7M to make up the entire cost of $52M. This outstanding amount, he said will go towards the supervision fees for consultants.

As it relates to the justice improvement programme, the Minister was further asked whether the $322.5 provision for the justice improvement programme would be the last tranche being paid towards the programme.

Minister Ramson stated that the project has been under the terms of the contract between the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government/Attorney General it has been extended until 2011 within the terms of the contract.

He pointed out that the project is the last tranche and that the Ministry is working assiduously to obtain the money.

This year as part of the overall reform of the modernization of the Judiciary, Government has allocated a total of $1.7B to the sector to improve quality, efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery in the sector. — NNN-GINA

KENYA: PNU FORMS MOVEMENT IN PREPARATION FOR 2012 ELECTIONS, REFERENDUM

NAIROBI, Feb 28 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya’s Party of National Unity (PNU) and its affiliate parties Saturday formed a movement dubbed the ?Progressive Democratic Movement’ (PDM).

The over 108 MPs attending a party retreat in Naivasha said the PNU coalition was now a political movement to strengthen existing structures in preparation for the forthcoming Referendum and the 2012 elections, where they will jointly field candidates.

In a press statement read by Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi, the party members said they had agreed to work together.

The movement will also include corporate and individual members, a Supreme Council, Central Management Committee and operational sub-committees on the grassroots.

It will also have a Secretariat and a Resource Centre which will be utilized by its think tanks, as well as youth and women’s leagues in its governing structure.

The members also resolved to effectively fight graft and also support the constitution making process to ensure that the country gets a new constitution.

“The movement commits itself to fight the war on corruption at all levels and endear ourselves to work for the new constitution,” said Murungi.

The PNU affiliate parties called on the Parliament and the Committee of Experts to retain the changes made by the Parliament Select Committee on the Constitution.

They urged the Committee of Experts (CoE) to comply with Section 33 of the Constitutional Review Act and take into account the political consensus achieved on the Draft Constitution by PSC which met in Naivasha for two weeks.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka also attended the meeting. — NNN-KBC

36,000 MALAYSIANS UNEMPLOYED AS AT DEC 2009, SAYS DEPUTY MINISTER MAZNAH

ROMPIN, Malaysia Feb 28 (NNN-Bernama) — Some 36,000 Malaysians were unemployed between October 2008 and December last year or 3.6 per cent of the total population, Deputy Human Resources Minister Maznah Mazlan said.

She said most of the unemployed were those being laid off from the manufacturing sector which was badly affected by the recession in the United States in 2008.

“Due to the economic crisis in the US, many workers were temporarily laid off. Companies in the manufacturing sector had to reduce their production due to the drop in demand,” she told reporters after attending a Chap Goh Mei celebration here Saturday night.

However, Maznah said the number was still under control compared to the 84,000 laid offs during the Asian economic crisis in 1997.

She said the ministry managed to get some 29,000 of the laid off workers to be rehired while the rest were offered retraining.

– NNN-BERNAMA

OAS REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO WOMEN IN HAITI

WASHINGTON, Feb 28 (NNN-CNN) — The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) held a special session in the framework of the Inter-American Year of Women at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, to welcome Marjorie Michel, Haiti?s Minister of Women’s Affairs.

During the meeting, the goal of which was to publicize the needs of women and girls in Haiti, the minister submitted a detailed report on the situation of women, emphasizing that after the earthquake ?the living conditions have deteriorated significantly and it is women and girls who daily care for the injured and sick.?

According to information from the Haitian government, violence against women has grown in the camps, there has been a rise in rapes, and prostitution is often the sole means of obtaining food.

For his part the Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, said that ?we want to make real the idea that gender issues should be a priority in our organization, and Haiti is a real opportunity to show it, not only with words but with actions.?

?Gender must be taken into account in all emergencies, what happens to women and girls cannot be left to chance. We must care for the most vulnerable and keep them in safe places,? Insulza said.

CIM President Wanda Jones thanked the Secretary General for his quick response after the Jan 12 earthquake, ?committing the OAS, taking its resources and working with other organizations for the reconstruction of Haiti.?

?Our success at CIM has been in large part in your hands over the last couple of years and your presence here represents the commitment of the OAS to collaborate in the reconstruction of Haiti,? she said.

It is worth noting that at the beginning of the meeting the President of the Permanent Council and Representative of Costa Rica to the OAS, Ambassador José Enrique Castillo, asked for a minute of silence in memory of women and girls who did not survive the earthquake and added that ?we have the responsibility of making sure that our efforts of support and cooperation respond to the rights, needs and demands of the women of Haiti.?

Information about the initiatives of various agencies in the reconstruction of Haiti was also presented during the meeting, including those of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF).

Meanwhile, in TORONTO, Canada, Caribbean beats on Sunday will carry the heartfelt good wishes of West Indians in Canada for the people of Haiti.

A seasoned Trinidadian musician in Toronto, Joseph Maharaj, says he and his band of musicians are ready to serve the people of Haiti this weekend when Noasarc and the Caribbean Media Exchange partner to stage a “Haiti Carnival” fund-raising benefit Sunday, February 28 in Toronto.

Maharaj, keyboardist and the leader of the 4DE1 band, whose members hail from the Caribbean, said while regional efforts to help Haiti have been a little slow, it is time to redouble energies now that many of the cameras are leaving and the people of Haiti begin to put their lives together after last month’s deadly earthquake.

“We could have done a lot more for Haiti before the earthquake,” mused Maharaj, “however, as sons and daughters of the Caribbean, I think it is a great thing that we are coming together as one voice on Sunday to support such a charitable cause for our brothers and sisters back home.”

Maharaj, whose band of musicians represent several genres – from reggae to R & B – will be joined by another Trinidadian-led band, headed by soul singer Justin Bacchus; African drummers; Afro-Caribbean Dancers; and a jazz and blues group featuring Canadian keyboardist Sean Bellaviti.

A highlight of the evening will be the internationally acclaimed mentalist Haim Goldenberg, a popular Israeli-Canadian, whose “mind-reading” exploits have been dazzling TV viewers in Canada and abroad.

Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet, two of the world’s top resorts and the friendly Coco Palm head up the dazzling array of resorts in St. Lucia donating rooms for auction on Sunday at Toronto’s Lula Lounge. Downstream in the Caribbean, the glittering Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa have also contributed to the live auction at the event which attracts a suggested entrance fee of CAD $40.

All proceeds from the event will support the work of Airline Ambassadors International which has delivered up to two million pounds of food, water, medicine, tents etc. and more than 600 doctors and nurses to Haiti. They are running the best public-private hospital in Haiti which is being positioned to become the leading teaching institution in the country for orthopedic after care, including amputations and re-amputations.

CMEx Director Lelei LeLaulu said “it was time to recognize organizations which do a lot but do not get the attention they deserve” and will present an award to the Belinda Stronach Foundation of Toronto in recognition of the Canadian charity’s generous support of Airline Ambassadors and other relief efforts in Haiti. — NNN-CARIBBEAN NET NEWS

MODERATE EARTHQUAKE HITS BANDA SEA IN INDONESIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Feb 28 (NNN-Bernama) — A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale hit Banda Sea, Indonesia at 11.58am Sunday.

The Meteorological Department said the quake’s epicentre is located 547km south of Riking, Indonesia and 1,782km southeast of Tawau, Sabah.

The quake did not pose any tsunami threat, the department said in a statement.

– NNN-BERNAMA

MALAYSIA: BALING RESIDENTS UNEASY OVER PRESENCE OF WILD ELEPHANTS

BALING, Malaysia Feb 28 (NNN-Bernama) — About 100 families in three villages here are feeling uneasy over the presence of five wild elephants in their area which often come as close as 100 metres from their homes.

A resident, Ishak Baharom, 54, said the elephants usually came at night and had been destroying farms operated by villagers in Kampung Batu 8, Ketengga and Batu 8 Kedah Regional Development Authority settlement here.

“They have been coming and destroying our farms, including hundreds of banana trees, over the past three days,” he told reporters here.

He said the presence of the wild elephants had been reported to the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) but no action was taken so far.

Ishak said, at present, the villagers could only scare and chase the elephants away by burning old tyres and setting off firecrackers.

Another resident, Musa Jusoh, 53, said he was very frustrated with the damage caused by the elephants on his banana farm in Air Hitam here.

He believed the elephants were from the jungle in Hulu Muda.

Bayu assemblyman Azmi Che Husain called on Perhilitan to take immediate action to solve the problem, saying it could affect the villagers’ income as well as threaten the villagers’ lives.

– NNN-BERNAMA

KENYA: CONSTITUTIONAL COURT JUDGES SWORN IN

NAIROBI, Feb 28 (NNN-KBC) — Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki at State House, Nairobi witnessed the swearing in of three judges of the Interim Independent Constitutional Dispute Resolution Court.

The three Judges Hon Michel Bastarache of Canada, Hon Unity Dow of Botswana and Hon John Alastair Cameron of UK join six others who were sworn earlier on.

The Interim Independent Constitutional Dispute Resolution Court (IICDRC) is established by the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Act No. 10 of 2008 and consists of nine judges, six of whom are Kenyan citizens.

President Kibaki appointed the judges on Jan 7 and six judges were sworn on Jan 15 this year.

The Constitutional Court has an exclusive mandate to hear and determine all and only matters arising from the Constitutional review process for the period up to December 2010 or three months after the promulgation of the new constitution.

The court proceedings, which commence operations from March 1, will be held in public in courtrooms and chambers currently situated at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) to ensure accessibility.

In attendance were Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs Hon Mutula Kilonzo, Permanent Secretaries Amina Mohamed and Francis Kimemia of Justice and Internal Security respectively. — NNN-KBC

Closing dikir Ceremony at Istana

After 12 consecutive nights of chanting praises for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to commemorate the prophet’s birthday, which was celebrated yesterday nationwide, a closing dikir ceremony was held at Istana Nurul Iman last night. The ceremony was initiated by the reading of surah al-fatihah, led by Pehin Khatib Awg Hj Mustafa Hj Murat. A doa selamat .