KINGSTON - The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, today (March 17, 2017) received two state-of-the-art portable Explosive Trace Detection (ETDs) Machines from the United States Transportation Security Administration (US-TSA).
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Annette Ferguson, held a brief ceremony at the Ministry to receive the items from Mr. Terry Steers-Gonzalez, Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy. Also present at the ceremony were Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Lawrence London, Chairman of the GCAA’s Board; Mr. Abraham Dorris, Manager of the Aviation Security Dept. of the GCAA; and Mr. Alvin Majeed, Airport Security Manager of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC).
The TSA is the body largely responsible for safeguarding the USA’s air transport sector from terrorism and, during the simple ceremony, Minister Ferguson expressed her gratitude for the donation. “On behalf of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and by extension the Government of Guyana, we thank you very much for this gesture received by the Government of the United States of America,” Minister Ferguson said.
She further highlighted the challenges faced by Guyana in the area of aviation security and emphasized that the machines will be used for their intended purpose. She also noted the significant cost of the equipment and lauded the US Government for its continued investment into the improvement of aviation security.
Similarly, Mr. Dorris thanked the US-TSA and indicated that security will be significant improved. “We’re glad to indeed have this opportunity and we thank you,” he said.
The items received are currently valued at USD$90,000 or GD$18.9 Million and the donation was made possible under the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, on behalf of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, and the US-TSA on November 16, 2015. The MoA allows for Guyana to access technical support and other expertise to assist the GCAA in developing and improving security related standards, procedures, policies, and modernizing its oversight infrastructure.
Several personnel from the GCAA CJIA will be trained on the use of the equipment which can detect a wide range of substances involved in the creation of explosive materials and devices. Prior to the training, the equipment will be handed over by the GCAA to CJIA, to be placed into operation shortly as the GCAA and CJIA work collaboratively to improve and maintain the airport security system.
Mr. Gonzalez of the US Embassy thanked the Government of Guyana, the GCAA, and CJIA for the cooperation and collaboration shared “across the board and on this specific project”.
“It truly is a pleasure to collaborate in this way and to provide these sensitive pieces of equipment and training.” He further deemed the equipment as “state-of-the-art” and he that he looked forward to seeing them in use on his next visit to the airports.
“We’re thrilled that our experts were able to come here and share their expertise,” he added. He concluded by sharing his Government’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Guyana through capacity building and improved security.
The receipt of the two ETD machines from the US-TSA comes at a time when the GCAA has committed to developing its aviation security policies and regulations to better regulate the aviation sector after Guyana underwent a security audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), conducted under the Universal Security Audit Programme, Continuing Monitoring Approach framework during June-July of last year.
The CJIA is also taking bold strides to improve and modernize the airport security infrastructure with plans to procure new security equipment to satisfy ICAO’s requirements and to match international best practice which will essentially improve the effectiveness in passenger and baggage screening and the screening of outgoing cargo and mail passing through the CJIA. The CJIA will also continue to recruit and train new security personnel while improving the standard of performance of the security system. These developments are concomitant to the airport expansion project which has a defined timeline of completion by year-end.
The ceremony marks the continued partnership between the Government of Guyana and the United States, both of whom are committed to ensuring that aviation security measures and surveillance activities are continuously improved. These efforts are in order to ensure the safety of the travelling public by largely safeguarding all civil aviation operation which includes airline operations, airport operations, and air cargo operations from acts of unlawful interferences, other forms of terrorism, and any criminal activities that may pose a threat to the civil aviation sector.
(March 6, 2017) Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, recently visit the Moruca Sub-Region to discuss areas of infrastructural development for the community.
On March 1, 2017, Minister Patterson was accompanied by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and met with residents and regional executives in Moruca, Region 1, including the Deputy Regional Executive Officer; the Toshao of Santa Rosa; and members of the Regional Democratic Council. Minister Patterson was also accompanied by a team from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, including Ministerial Advisor, Kenneth Jordan; Hinterland Coordinator, Gregory Rickford; Hinterland Engineer, Jeffrey Walcott; and Roads and Bridges Engineer, Bhageshwar Murli.
The visit was a follow-up for Minister Patterson; in December 2016, he was a part of a ministerial team that visited the area and Minister Patterson had committed to returning to Moruca in the new year.
During the recent visit, Minister Patterson emphasised the importance of developing the hinterland regions. Minister Allicock shared these sentiments and applauded Minister Patterson, along with his team from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, for his role in “bringing the country together by bridging the coast and the hinterland.”
“I and my administration have a vision when it comes to the hinterlands; we want to see the hinterlands, in the next five to ten years, becoming even more developed and for that to come to pass we need to listen to your concerns,” Minister Patterson told those present.
He further said that the same methods previously employed should not continue simply for the sake of saying work has been done. Instead, he said, a systematic approach is needed. He continued, “Of course, we can’t do everything at once because of certain limitations but we want to ensure that what is done will stand the test of time.”
Minister Patterson also urged the residents and the executives to prioritise projects and indicate these priorities to his ministry. He stressed that, as the persons working and living within the Region, they would have the most insight into what is actually needed.
“We’re in Georgetown and sometimes what we think is best is not always the community’s highest priority. Therefore, that is what we’re here for; to listen to your concerns and decide on the way forward,” he said. He added, “From this visit here we’ll collectively make a decision because this will not work unless we all buy into it.”
Upon the opening of the floor, the key areas of concerns expressed were the rehabilitation of the sub-region’s main bridge; the improvement and expansion of electricity supply; and, to a lesser extent, the state of the airstrip serving the communities.
Residents and regional executives explained that the bridge is in a deplorable state despite its importance as the link between Santa Rosa and other communities such as Paloma. They also raised concerns on the initial design of the bridge and called for the ministry’s intervention in providing a safe alternative. Ministry officials who were present for the visit subsequently took the opportunity to visit the bridge and Minister Patterson committed to lending the ministry’s support towards the bridge’s rehabilitation. He also assessed the conditions of roads within the sub-region.
Furthermore, following requests for a more regular supply of electricity to the sub-region, Minister Patterson indicated that efforts will be made to extend the supply of electricity from its current 7.5hrs. The hours of operation, he stressed, must be determined by the community and must be based upon their needs.
Minister Patterson and team and Minister Allicock also visited nearby communities to have a first-hand look at other concerns raised during the meeting.
(KINGSTON) Following a spate of recent blackouts, the Guyana Power and Light Company Inc. has given assurances that systems are being put in place to avoid a reoccurrence.
This was stated by GPL’s CEO (a.g.), Mr. Renford Homer, during a briefing with the media this afternoon. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson, were also present for the briefing.
During the briefing, Mr. Homer explained that the cause of today’s interruptions was a ripple effect from a power failure on Sunday, February 12. The power failure was as a result of an entanglement between the 13.8kW and 69kV transmission lines at the junction of Lamaha Avenue and Vlissingen Road.
This contact led to a shutdown, a mechanism the system employs to protect itself, and caused power interruption in a number of areas, including Queenstown, Prashad Nagar, Kitty, and Subryanville.
“What we had today were ripple effects; the F9 feeder suffered great shock and this led to another disturbance this morning (February 14). We strongly believe today’s disturbance is linked to the disturbance on Sunday,” Homer explained.
As a result, he said, GPL began identifying additional defects that could lead to other interruptions and found further entanglements which brought the generation system down. The identification process involved manual inspection of the lines, which took considerable time. These issues were subsequently rectified through clearage of entanglements, he added.
“We believe we have done a comprehensive check and we don’t believe we’ll experience other issues related to this particular issue,” Mr. Homer said. He further noted that the system is an old one and would require an upgrade. He said initiatives are in place to not only identify faults along the lines but to also isolate these faults so that they would not extend along the line.
Meanwhile, Minister Patterson explained that efforts are being made to have alternative lines to supply power in instances where the main line has experienced a problem.
KINGSTON - (February 7, 2017) The first of 20 groups attached to the Community Organized for the Restoration of the Environment (C.O.R.E.) Project has been mobilised, with the Ministers of Public Infrastructure calling for greater community participation to lend to sustainability.
C.O.R.E. is a new initiative under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) and seeks to empower and better communities through the formation of community groups aimed at the beautification of the environment. These 20 groups of 10 persons each are spread across the regions and will be working along with MPI’s Special Projects Unit.
The first group, hailing from Region 3, recently met with Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson before they officially commenced works in Canal #1, West Bank Demerara.
“This is a way for us to use our own people to enhance our communities,” Minister Patterson said during the meeting. “It’s our way of getting communities involved in critical projects coming out of the Ministry.”
Minister Patterson further explained that the workers will be provided with all of the gear and equipment needed and will receive support from the Ministry, where necessary. He also emphasised to the workers that, as representatives of the Ministry, they had the responsibility of ensuring that work is completed efficiently and satisfactorily.
“I encourage you to use this opportunity to enhance your communities. You are not being sent out to lobby on behalf of the Ministry but rather to lobby on behalf of the community,” he added.
Meanwhile, Minister Ferguson noted the issue of unemployment in Guyana and indicated that the project was conceptualised with the provision of honest jobs for Guyanese in mind.
“It is our Government’s commitment to help our people; we are creating the enabling environment to get the people involved and earn an honest dollar,” Minister Ferguson said to the group. She continued, “I’m happy that you see it fit to earn an honest day’s pay through an honest day’s work.”
The 19 other C.O.R.E. groups will soon be mobilised, with Region 10 expected to be mobilised next. Responsibilities of the teams will include work that provides for environmental upgrade, drainage, sanitation improvement, and general aesthetical enhancements of the work being executed by the Special Projects Unit and will include weeding, cleaning, drainage clearing, and general beautification.
Each region will have two teams, except for Region 2, which will have one team, and Region 4, which will have three teams. Some of the identified communities are Moruka, Port Kaituma, No. 51 to Moleson Creek, Kato, Mahdia, Bartica, Lethem, and Linden.
(KINGSTON) The Ministry of Public Infrastructure yesterday, January 23, 2017, delivered a presentation to the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for possible funding and collaboration for the construction of the Guyana-Brazil Road Development Project.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Annette Ferguson, led the Ministry team, which included Mr. Geoffrey Vaughn, Chief Works Officer; Mr. Patrick Thompson, Chief Planning and Transport Officer; Mr. Kester Hinds, Senior Project Engineer; and Mr. Balraj Balram Permanent Secretary.
The IsDB was represented by Mr. Idrissa Dia, Division Manager of Urban Development & Services, and Mr. Wahyu Wijayanto, Senior Financial Analyst.
Before the commencement of the presentation, Minister Ferguson said that the Ministry was thankful for the support received by ISDB in realising Guyana’s projects, particularly the Linden-Lethem corridor.
She added that the bridging of the Hinterland Regions to the Coast had significant benefits, including socioeconomic impacts.
In response, Mr. Dia indicated that IsDB was more than happy to demonstrate its support to Guyana. He further said that the partnership could open doors for Guyana to parts of the world where relationships were previously unforged, including with African, South Asian, and East Asian nations.
“This type of partnership can really open Guyana in terms of economic development, technical expertise, human resources, and exposure to other parts of the world. So, we are very happy to invest where possible,” Mr. Dia said.
He also identified other possible areas of collaboration, including within the transport and energy sectors.
Meanwhile, the formal presentation was delivered by Mr. Vaughn who highlighted key components of the project. In his presentation, he noted that, while a road currently exists between Guyana and Brazil, its current standard was less than satisfactory. He further shared that the works of the project would include 454km of paving from Lethem to Linden since only about 33% is currently paved. Other works would include improved drainage through the upgrade of approximately 130 culverts along the identified stretch of road.
He stressed the importance of linking the Hinterlands to the Coastland and added that economic benefits for Brazil were also taken into consideration. He said too that the project would lead to a significant decrease in travelling time between Linden and Lethem.
Following the presentation, the IsDB shared their positive impression of the project and raised their queries. They also shared their recommendations and said that the proposal thus far is more than adequate.
Another team from IsDB is expected to return to Guyana for further analysis of the project. Minister Ferguson expressed hope for a positive outcome following future deliberations.
(KINGSTON) For the first time since the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Secondary School was established, its students will be able to make full use of electricity, thanks to the installation of a 6.2kW solar system by the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. (HECI).
The 24solar panels were installed just before the school closed in December 2016 for the Christmas holidays and the upcoming school term will see the 126 enrolled students fully reaping the benefits of the new system. The new system came at a cost of $8.7M.
Orlando Shuman, the current Headmaster of St. Cuthbert’s Mission Secondary, shared his excitement over the potential the new system held. In his office at the school – his laptop in front of him and a printer to his right – he explained that the school is now able to tap into facilities that were previously inaccessible. While electricity is present in the community, it typically becomes available from 6:00PM to 10:00PM daily, outside of school hours.
“From an administrative standpoint, this [electricity] helps me to be more efficient,” Shuman said, with a gesture towards his laptop. He continued, “Generally, there has been a big difference. People are now looking at the school as going somewhere.”
He further said that, with electricity, the school will finally be able to have an electronic filing system and the ability to better manage its student records. He said too that teachers now have improved morale.
“Some have even suggested we get a percolator,” Shuman said with a laugh. “It’s made our environment comfortable and more enthusiastic.”
Shuman also foresees big benefits for the upcoming Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) students. He indicated that, previously, the CSEC students had encountered difficulties in completing their School Based Assessments (SBAs), since most had no access to computers and internet.
Now, an enthused Shuman said, the students will finally be able to make use of the school’s computer lab, which housed 18 unused computer systems since their acquisition more than two years ago. He added that, with the use of computers, the classes at the school would become much more interactive.
Thanking the HECI for its intervention, Shuman said, “It’s amazing to see something like this come to fruition so quickly. I feel it’s a step in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, HECI also extended the community’s electricity network to better service its residents. While some residents would have had power systems already installed, the electricity provided was often of low voltages. Therefore, HECI installed additional transformers and, overall, upgraded the network.
This upgrade has seen six new households being added to the network. Additionally, the 1,200 homes in the community already on the network will benefit from better electricity.
The Indigenous community was identified by HECI due to its rapid growth in recent years and the need for an improved supply of electricity.
(KINGSTON) - The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is wrapping up its completion of the first phase of the D’Urban Park Development Project, with Minister David Patterson noting a drastic difference in the progress of works.
During a recent site visit, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, told media operatives that the Ministry has managed to make significant progress since its assumption of the project in late April.
When the Ministry assumed responsibility of the project, six areas of focus were established for completion in a period of three weeks. These were, roofing and remedial works for spectator bleachers; completion of superstructure, walls and roof for VIP stand; electrical wiring, lighting and power supply; access driveways and bridges; creation of sanitary facilities; and drainage works.
These works were slated to be completed this week and, according to Minister Patterson, the timetable remains the same. He shared that the goal is to have the site ready to be handed over to the National Commemorative Committee by this weekend for further preparations for the Jubilee celebrations.
“A tremendous amount of work has been done and will continue to be done,” Minister Patterson said. He further stressed that heavy emphasis was placed on the safety of all the installed facilities and Chief Works Officer, Mr. Geoffrey Vaughn, indicated that the factor of safety was improved from about 2.2 to 3.0.
Minister Patterson also said that contractors have been very cooperative and he commended them for working assiduously despite poor weather.
“Everyone has really chipped in to make this project come together,” he said.
Thus far, at least 96 percent of works on the stands and bleachers have been completed, with all stands being outfitted with roofing. For the VIP stand, progress has been recorded at about 73 percent, while the Ministry’s Special Projects Unit, which is responsible for the project’s road works, has achieved about 90 percent completion.
At least 400 persons are working on the project to see it completed in time for the Jubilee celebrations later this month.
(KINGSTON) - The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is moving apace to complete the D’Urban Park Development Project in time for the 50th anniversary celebrations, and army personnel are now on site to help turn the project into a reality.
Fifteen soldiers on April 25, 2016 turned out at D’Urban Park and will be lending support to MPI’s Special Projects Unit (SPU) for the duration of the agency’s work. According to Captain Daniel Seeram of the GDF, the 15 soldiers include five mechanics and were deployed by Commander-in-Chief and Head of State, President David Granger.
“The Guyana Defence Force is always ready to lend a helping hand to Guyana’s development,” Seeram said.
Meanwhile, Head of SPU, Lawrence Mentis, explained that the agency’s work is moving apace. Amongst SPU’s works are the completion of the VIP parking area and the public parking area; the creation of access driveways; and the building of bridges. These works commenced on Friday April 22. Works have begun on the external parking lot for the public as well as the road for the national float parade, which will culminate at the site.
Mentis further explained that approximately 100 of the agency’s workers are onsite to ensure that SPU’s contribution to the project is completed, not only on time but to the highest possible standard.
“Things are progressing smoothly,” Mentis said, “We’ve had beautiful weather and the materials are coming in on time, as we expected.” He continued, “Once the weather permits and we’re able to keep up our current pace, we’ll be able to meet our deadline.”
The set deadline for SPU’s work – and the entire project – is May 12, two weeks before Independence Day. The outstanding works cover six areas. These are, roofing and remedial works for spectator bleachers; completion of superstructure, walls and roof for VIP stand; electrical wiring, lighting and power supply; access driveways and bridges; creation of sanitary facilities; and drainage works.
KINGSTON - Guyana’s hinterland aerodromes are slated for major upgrades as the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) begins the process of establishing a remote monitoring operation known as the Aerodrome Management System (AMS).
This system, which will allow the monitoring of aerodromes across the country without physically being present at the airstrips, is expected to follow the Ministry’s latest project, the Hinterland Aerodrome Development Policy.
The project entails four areas; these are, the development of a policy to address hinterland aerodromes and airstrips; the development of an administrative framework; the addressing of maintenance issues; and the sustainability of the airstrips.
The project was recently embarked upon and will see MPI officials visiting hinterland communities to not only physically assess the airstrips but to also receive input from the residents on the best way forward.
Most recently, the team visited the villages of Kato and Paramakatoi in Region #8 (Potaro-Siparuni) on Tuesday April 12, 2016 and Wednesday April 13, 2016. The airstrips in these communities are just two of more than a dozen that are slated for upgrade across the four hinterland regions of 1, 7, 8, and 9.
The six member team comprised of Saheed Sulaman, Director (ag) of Air Transport Management; Patrick Thompson, Chief Transport Planning Officer; Ryan Singh, Transport Planning Officer/Engineer; Jamall Blair, Transport Planning Technician; James Lindo, Surveyor; and Alain Sirius, Surveying Technician.
During its first stop in Kato, the team met with the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Rafael Downes; Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Gavin Gounga; and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Member, Courtney Hardy. The deputy toshao of Kato was also present. The team also spent time surveying and assessing the Kato airstrip.
During discussions, REO Downes highlighted a number of issues with the Kato airstrip, including the lack of lighting facilities, potholes, poor maintenance, and the lack of fencing. He further suggested the introduction of a regulatory body to ultimately improve the service provided to the residents in far-flung communities, noting that there are sometimes cancellations with no warning. These cancellations, he said, greatly set back the community which heavily relies on planes arriving thrice a week.
“What we need here in Guyana is a regulatory body that would visit air services…if we are going to move forward so taxpayers can benefit, we have to have a regulatory body. This is especially important if we are to develop tourism in the hinterland,” Downes stressed.
He also called for greater communication between the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and those officials and residents in hinterland communities.
Similarly in Paramakatoi, residents and village council officials expressed concern at the safety of the airstrips. They noted that while the Paramakatoi airstrip was one which served the largest village in sub-region #1, it did not have lights at night. The residents emphasised that this shortcoming was both a threat and a deterrence to pilots. They added that it was particularly difficult in situations of emergencies, such as transporting a sick patient out of the community.
“These pilots are taking a risk to save someone’s life; the least we can do is let them see where they are going,” a resident stressed.
Residents also raised concerns on the maintenance of the airstrip as well as its length. According to the deputy toshao of Paramakatoi, an extension of the runway was long overdue. He added that while the village was willing to work along with persons from Georgetown, the village council would prefer more control over the airstrip’s management.
“Georgetown should not be dictating to us who must do this or who must do that,” he emphasised.
Instead, he said, the protocols and policies of the airstrip should be shared with the village council to allow for some level of autonomy and improved management.
Meanwhile, the residents admitted that they have been lax in some areas of the management of the airstrip, especially in regards to the presence of people and animals. While the airstrip had initially been completely fenced off, residents have, over the years, cut these fences and placed gates instead to create access to either side of the airstrip. Animals have also been able to enter the airstrip through these openings.
The residents explained that while they understood the prohibition of animals and people on the airstrip, the recent drought has made it difficult to access water on one side of Paramakatoi. Therefore, they said, they cross the airstrip each day to receive water from the other side.
The village council indicated its intention to address this issue. Sulaman in turn urged the residents to adhere to regulations as much as possible and warned them that the presence of obstacles on the airstrip could prove to be a deterrence to pilots landing in Paramakatoi.
“An airstrip is an asset to a community; it serves as the economic livelihood of that community so, if air operators decide that they’re not coming here, you will ultimately suffer,” he emphasised.
Furthermore, Sulaman stressed that as part of the new pilot project, the Ministry will be focusing primarily on the maintenance and sustainability of the aerodromes.
In the coming weeks, the team will be visiting other hinterland airstrips for fact finding missions which will ultimately lead to the establishment of the AMS. According to Thompson, who has more than a decade of experience with the Ministry, the current system is complicated, with the use of traditional methods slowing down work.
“We want to collect data of the aerodromes we’re visiting and make a note of their deficiencies so, going forward, when we talk about upgrading the aerodromes, we’ll know exactly what needs to be done,” Thompson said.
Besides Kato and Paramakatoi, the other airstrips that will be assessed are: Baramita; Port Kaituma; Kamarang; Kaikan; Ekereku Bottom; Eterinbang; Bartica; Fairview; Surama; Karanambo; Annai; Lethem; Aishalton; and Mahdia.
KINGSTON - A team from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) visited Mabaruma in Region One (1) on March 29, 2016 to conduct training in Safe Boating Practices for boat operators in that area.
Some of the topics covered in the training were, Navigation Rules of the Road, Emergencies from Boating Operations, and Hazards Associated with Boating Operations.
A Certificate of Competency will be issued to successful boat operators which will pave the way for them to operate safely on the Mabaruma waterways.
In an effort to ensure safety is maintained on the waterways, MARAD had embarked on an enhanced safety campaign in 2015 for the training of boat operators on Safe Boating Practices throughout Guyana.
Boat operators in Region Five (5) have since completed training and were certified in their respective areas of operation.
MARAD will continue with its training for operators in the Port Kaituma, Morucca areas, and in other Regions of the country. The objective is to ensure that all vessels are operating with relevant licenses, and that safe practices are upheld on the country’s waterways.
