GEORGETOWN - The Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and the Guyana Police Force ‘A’ Division commissioned a surveillance system worth close to $4 million at the Brickdam Police Station Friday, August 8, 2014.
The system entails the monitoring of traffic across the DHB and its activities in the environs of the bridge by police officers who have been given access to CCTV feeds located at the DHB.
Out of 26 cameras at the DHB, the police have been given access to 18 which will provide live footage and of a quality which has the ability to pick up the description of a driver, vehicle registration number, type of vehicle and other special features that will help in police investigative work.
The cameras are able to beam a certain distance on along the East Bank Carriageway to the East of the Bridge and a certain distance along the West Bank Demerara public road to the West of the Bridge.
General Manager of the Harbour Bridge Rawleston Adams following a demonstration of how the system works indicated that the initiative has been in the making for the past three to four years but had to be placed on hold to facilitate the shifting of the administrative functionaries of the bridge to another building.
The recording is being done 24 hours and can be played back at any time.
The recorded footage is properly stored and can be retrieved by either the DHB or the police at their individual ends if the need arises.
Commander of the ‘A’ Division Cliffton Hicken thanked the management of the Mr. Adams and the Ministry of Public Works for understanding the importance of the partnership and the need for the police to be able to have access to real time recordings.
He also assured that there that will be strict confidentiality with respect to the monitoring of the cameras and the relaying of information. (INews)
KINGSTON - The Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) has noted the comments made by Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram in the Kaieteur News, 6th August 2014, publication “Harbour Bridge Fails to Submit Audited Statements for Four Years” and would like to offer the following response.
The Audit Office of Guyana (AOG) is the legal entity responsible for the auditing of the DHBC Financial Statements. In adhering to this legal requirement, the DHBC had submitted its Financial Statements to the AOG office for the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
The status of the Audit for these years is as follows:
2010 - Audit completed and AOG Audited Report issued
2011- Audit completed and AOG Audited Report to be issued
2012 - To be audited (we are aware that the AOG had advertised for this audit to be contracted out)
2013 - To be audited
Finally, the DHBC also note with disappointment, the failure of Kaietuer News reporter Kiana Willburg to seek a response from the DHBC or Ministry of Public Works before publishing the said article.
FRENCH GUIANA - A group of Guyanese science students witnessed the launch of an Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) into space on an Ariane 5 ES rocket from Europe’s Spaceport, Centre Spatial Guyanais in Kourou, French Guiana.
Historically, what they witnessed was the last of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ATV project, with the launch of ATV- 5 on Tuesday, July 29 en route to the International Space Station.
Named after the Belgian scientist who formulated the Big Bang Theory, ATV Georges Lemaître is the fifth ATV built and launched by ESA as part of Europe’s contribution to cover the operational costs for using the International Space Station (ISS). The rocket lifted off precisely at 23:47 GMT on 29 July (01:47 CEST 30 July, 20:47 local time 29 July), and carried a number of spare parts for the ISS, along with ration and oxygen for the crew on board the ISS.
The trip to French Guiana was planned and organized by the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, and facilitated by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Education. Top performing students of the Ministry of Education’s National Science and Technology Fair 2014 across the respective regions were selected to be part of this momentous event.
Team leader and trip coordinator, Senior Air Traffic Control Officer (Guyana Civil Aviation Authority), Courtney Frank said that Hon. Robeson Benn, Minister of Public Works, commenced a series of initiatives designed to engage Guyanese students in various scientific experiences to further stimulate their interests in the subject.
“Our Ministry covers quite a lot of technological ground in Guyana, particularly, in the areas of engineering, meteorology and aviation. Being able to expose some of our science students to the experience of witnessing the launch of a rocket into space, is but the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship we expect to have with the Ministry of Education, as we continue to collaborate on other projects,” Mr. Frank said.
Prior to the trip, Hon. Benn said that the trip was engineered to expand students’ horizons in the use of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). “It makes them be more involved.”
Students who attended
The students were thrilled by the experience of seeing a rocket launched into space, before their very eyes.
The students who were selected were: Vivian Henry (Region One – Santa Rosa Secondary); Devindra Persaud (Region Two – Abrams Zuil Secondary); Laksman Ramdat (Region Three - Zeeburg Secondary); Kenya Maynard (Region Four – President’s College); Jeremy Baran (Region Six – Berbice High School), Shonetta Tyrell (Region Seven – Three Miles Secondary); Travis Warner (Region Eight – Mahdia Secondary); Leana Lindie (Region Nine – St Ignatius Secondary); Jahni Williamson (Region Ten – Mackenzie High School); Nicolas Elliot (Georgetown – Queens College); and Dwight Ferguson (Georgetown – St. Joseph High).
Students were accompanied by Assistant Chief Education Officer, (Secondary), Leslyn Charles, along with two teachers, Colin Moses (St Stanislaus), and Kamini Ramrattan (Richard Ishmael Secondary).
Students left awestruck
“This is just amazing. I am lost for words. I will always remember this moment,” Vivian Henry lamented.
“This was a thrilling experience for me. Witnessing this live is momentous. I am really happy to a part of this experience,” Laksman Ramdat said. I wanted to pursue a career in computer science but now I want to become an electrical engineer. Moreover I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Ministry of Education and GCAA for this opportunity.”
As an aspiring Energy Systems Engineer, Nicolas Elliot said the experience was a rewarding one. “It was without a shadow of doubt worth it, because of being heavily inclined to science; it was truly informative to see all the theoretical physics and geography intricately combined in order to make the launch a success. I would be most thrilled if these same ventures can be pioneered in my home country, Guyana since I fervently believe that with sufficient interventions, we should be able to perform these activities because we have prime locations and adequate resources.”
Leana Lindie was reeling from the experience. “I am shocked. I never dreamt I would have witnessed this. I am very happy to be here to share this experience with other students from Guyana.”
Those are just some of the comments made by students immediately after they witnessed the launch of ATV – 5 Georges Lemaître, as it was launched into space.
ATV Georges Lemaître is due to dock with the Station on 12 August, 2014, and will remain attached for up to six months before leaving with waste material for destruction along with the spaceship during atmospheric re-entry.
KINGSTON - Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the country’s aviation watchdog – reissued a notice to aircraft operators in accordance with the standards and recommended practices of the Convention on International Civil Aviationwhen landing on hinterland airstrips.
This notice was recirculated as a precautionary measure.
“It was something that had to be done because we are very concerned. Recently several aircraft have encountered gusty winds and windshear conditions that have resulted in damage to these aircraft,” disclosed Hon. Robeson Benn, Minister of Public Works.
As per standard operation practice, pilots were reminded of the need to follow the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) procedurally when operating.
“Each aircraft has its own peculiar reaction in response to crosswinds, but generally a good crosswind landing begins with a good approach. This is taught to pilots and every opportunity must be taken to re-enforce this,” GCAA’s Director-General Zulifar Mohamed emphasized in the bulletin.
Pointing to the fact that the landing phase is very demanding, operators are advised to have their pilots to follow the approved procedures in order to maintain proper approach and landing. If these parameters are not achieved, a go-around or diversion is necessary.
The option of the Go-around maneuver, an aborted landing of an aircraft that is on final approach,was highlighted in the bulletin.
“This procedure should be a habit in everyday Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flying, so that a predetermined go-around plan is always fresh in the mind during the approach and can be executed at any time the approach is in doubt. Most importantly, in situations where meteorological conditions or terrain features would permit an approach but preclude a safe go-around, then that approach requires extra consideration and perhaps should not be attempted.
“Every pilot already knows that proper planning, making wise decisions, situational awareness, adherence to SOPs and having an alternate plan of action are all characteristics of good airmanship, which are essential for a safe flight.”
“It is important that pilots know not only the aircraft crosswind limits, but also their own personal limit and to recognize when these limits will be exceeded. The best option is to divert to another airstrip. Very often the limiting factor is related more to the pilot than the aircraft. It is therefore important to reiterate that the pilot must know his/her limits and operate within them,” Mr. Mohamed said.
Operators are also cautioned to ensure that young pilots be taught the necessary skills to operate safely into the hinterland airstrips. Pilots must be given the opportunity to practice and develop these skills, and must be comfortable operating into borderline aerodromes before they are required to operate into the aerodromes as pilot-in-command by their respective companies
KINGSTON - The emergency work underway to fix a one mile stretch of the Bartica/Isano road, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) is 25 percent completed.
On Thursday July 23, 2014, Lawrence Mentis, the engineer overseeing the project; Naeem Mohamed, the Ministry’s hinterland engineer and Lloyd Rollins, Maintenance Supervisor, inspected the progress of the project which began on July 14, 2014.
According to Mr. Mentis, GY $25M approved in the Ministry’s 2014 budget is being utilized to carry out the rehabilitation works. The Force Account Unit within the Ministry is executing the project.
While the road is five miles long, the most impassable section is being fixed with part concrete/asphalt and part coal mix. The Ministry is seeking funding from Central Government to repair other sections of the heavily trafficked thoroughfare.
Nonetheless, Keith Blair Chairman of the United Minibus Union, Bartica Branch, is quite pleased with the project.
“The progress is encouraging. I speak for myself and the community and we are very happy with what is going on,” Mr. Blair said.
Under the hinterland road rehabilitation programme, the Ministry has set aside GY$1.08B to repair roads countrywide.
KINGSTON - Conservation International and the Guyana Tourism Authority partnered with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) to provide training and certification for boat operators in the Annai-Rupununi area on July 17, 2014.
The training and certification program was conducted by MARAD at Bina Hill in the Annai area.
Participants were drawn from Surana, Apoteri, Yakarinta, Kwatamang, Crashwater, Rewa, and Aranaputa Villages located in the Annai area.
At the end of the training, twenty-one (21) successful participants were awarded the Certificate of Competency to operate as boat Captains under the Licensing of Ships Regulations, 2001.
The Maritime Administration Department is committed to promoting maritime safety throughout Guyana. In this instant the Department’s effort in the Annai- Rupununi area will now empower boat operators to legally ply their trade and enhance their income earning potential, particularly in the tourism sector.
KINGSTON - Since the introduction of several new airlines to the Guyanese market, there has been talk about the country becoming a hub that will connect passengers from around the world as they arrive at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport(CJIA),Timehri.
But not many have taken the talk further as was TravelSpan which recently applied to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for permission to operate a scheduled service, moving away from the charger service it is licenced to provide. Officials at the airline told Guyana Times that the move to acquire such a licence basically indicates that TravelSpan is here for the long haul. “A charger service is basically to operate seasonal, but with this Scheduled Licence we have applied for is indicating that we are here for the long haul,” the airline official said.
Contacted on the issue GCAA acting Director General Ankar Doobay told Guyana Times on Friday that the airline has indeed submitted the application and it is presently being looked at. He said he was certain that the request will be granted once all the documentations and infrastructure are in order.
Most international airports serve as hubs, or places where non-direct flights may land and passengers switch planes. International airports often have many airlines represented, and many of these are often foreign. Passengers connecting to domestic flights from an international flight generally must take their checked luggage through Customs and re-check their luggage at the domestic airline counter, requiring extra-time in the process. In some cases in Europe, luggage can be transferred to the final destination even if it is a domestic connection.
In some cases, travellers and the aircraft can clear Customs and Immigration at the departure airport. One example of this is the pre-clearance facilities airports in Canada have at the US border. This allows flights from those airports to fly into US airports that do not have Customs and Immigration facilities. Luggage from such flights can also be transferred to a final destination in the US through the airport of entry.
Expansion Project
Observers believe that this should ultimately be the goal of the authorities here with the multibillion-dollar airport expansion project.
“It makes no sense you invest so much into expanding the facilities at CJIA and we only have flights dropping off and picking up people. We must be able to have connections and operate truly as a hub,” a top local aviator said.
TravelSpan Chief Executive Officer Nohar Singh explained that in order for Guyana to be a hub, the airport expansion is a necessity, noting that hundreds of passengers will be passing through the airport and there must be modernised facilities to cater for this development.
He added that they would not have been in discussion about hub operation, if they were not sure the Government is committed to the expansion project.
“The airport expansion project is absolutely necessary in a hub operation,” he reiterated.
Only last week, leading agencies in the aviation industry called for the speedy completion of the US$155 million expansion project.
During a high-profile meeting with Public Works Minister Robeson Benn last Thursday, key stakeholders within the aviation sector reaffirmed their commitment to the expansion of the industry, but said the airport must be expanded to mitigate the challenges currently faced.
“We recognise that the expansion project is the appropriate response to the dire safety, security and efficiency challenges faced at the existing facility and pledge to fully lend our support and expertise to advance the progress of the multimillion-dollar national endeavour,” the stakeholders said in a joint statement issued on Wednesday.
It was explained that the existing runway creates many limitations in safety due to the absence of the Runway Extension Safety Area (RESA) and its inability to accommodate larger wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft. The congested terminal and parking space constraints for aircraft were among other issues laid on the table when the meeting was convened. The airlines said that insufficient parking space for aircraft adversely affects their on-time performance.
Meanwhile, TravelSpan Board member Rob Binns said the airline has commenced preparation for the expansion, which will see Guyana becoming a hub in the near future. He said that as talks continue about a “hub”, TravelSpan will increase its presence here by investing in Guyanese. In so doing, they have hired the first batch of Guyanese flight attendants who can relate more to Guyanese passengers travelling from JFK to Georgetown.
Guyanese Hospitality
“Our aim to present that warm Guyanese hospitality onboard our flights and with the flight attendants, we are sure that passengers will relate better with their own.” Binns added that with the hub operation, the idea is to hire Guyanese pilots, Guyanese mechanics and engineers so that their flights can actually be based in Guyana.
Vision Airlines Executive David Ray explained that the hub will see TravelSpan bringing passengers to Guyana who will then board connecting flights. This, he added, would need better infrastructure.
Ray added that this can and will tremendously boost the county’s economy and provide job opportunities. He said at present, bigger aircraft cannot land at the current runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.
REGION SIX - Road builders in Berbice now have an alternative in their field with the commissioning of a $100M asphalt plant at Tarlogie Village, Corentyne, Berbice.
The multi-million-dollar computerised facility is owned by Peter Lewis of the Associated Construction Services (ACS), and has the potential to produce 60 tonnes of asphalt per hour.
Employees of ACS have received technical training from Indian engineers to operate the VINAYAK equipment which was made in India and to date 800 tonnes of asphalt have already been processed.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Saturday evening, Minister within the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill stated that such an investment makes the entire nation proud.
“When we look at a venture like this, it fits within the context of Guyana’s developmental plan,” he said. “This signals that the Lewis family consists of visionaries who are seeing where the government is taking Guyana.”
Minister Edghill highlighted the importance of such a facility in Berbice and commended the entrepreneur for making that type of investment.
“On behalf of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration, I want to extend congratulations to the Associated Construction Services for embarking on this venture,” he said.
Asphalt plant in Berbice
Minister of Public Works and Transport Robeson Benn also graced the occasion and echoed the sentiments of his cabinet colleague when he described the initiative as a bold step towards progress.
“Having finished the (resurfacing of) road from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek, we have to do maintenance and, we recognise the need for an asphalt plant in Berbice,” he informed.
Minister Benn said that the investment is a timely one and added: “We all know that asphaltic roads are more durable …. we (the government) welcome this venture and wish Mr. Lewis all the best as he continues to expand his business.”
Meanwhile Vice-chairman of East Berbice/Corentyne (Region 6) Bhupaul Jhangroo in his address noted that the cost of bitumin and acquisition of stone are major setbacks in road construction across the region.
“The absence of such a facility was hindering our road building project …. this investment is a timely one and we at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) will (now) pursue to construct asphaltic roads (in East Berbice),” he said.
KINGSTON - A team of officials from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) distributed a quantity of children life jackets to schools in Mabaruma, Region One (1) North West District on July 10, 2014.
The distribution of life jackets runs parallel with the Department’s ongoing countrywide maritime safety awareness campaign. This is all part of an initiative to distribute life jackets to school children in the hinterland areas.
A total of 145 life jackets were distributed on this occasion to four schools along the Barima and Aruka Rivers, namely St. Peter and Paul Primary, and Anselm's Primary Schools located in the Barima River; and St. Dominique's and the Sacred Heart Primary Schools in the Aruka River.
On receiving the life jackets for the St. Peter and Paul Primary School, teacher Sharlin Jeffrey, thanked MARAD for the gesture and emphasized that maritime safety would be considered when traversing the waterways.
Maria De Costa of the Anselm's Primary School expressed her gratitude and also said that she will ensure that her students wear their jackets at all times when in a boat.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Franciana Boyer and Brian Nazier, teachers of the St Dominique's and Sacred Heart Schools respectively, who said they heard of the countrywide distribution of life jackets and were eager for the donation to the schools in the area.
The Maritime Administration Department will continue its safety campaign throughout the country as safety on Guyana’s waterways remains MARAD's priority.
KINGSTON - On July 10, 2014, Minister of Public Works, Hon. Robeson Benn, held a meeting with key stakeholders of the aviation sector to discuss the development of air services and the expansion of Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
The meeting was held in the Ministry’s Boardroom.
They were informed that CJIA’s expansion is one of Government’s national projects engineered to modernized and improve Guyana as hub for international and regional travel.
Meanwhile, the stakeholders highlighted the existing runway limitations in safety due the absence of Runway Extension Safety Area (RESA) and its inability to accommodate larger wide-body aircraft such the Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft. The stakeholders also expressed concern of terminal congestions and parking space constraints for aircraft, which adversely affect their on-time performance.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the stakeholders agreed:
“International Air Travel plays a critical role in the economic and social development of Guyana hence the urgent need for the continued expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) facility.
We further recognize that the expansion project is the appropriate response to the dire safety, security and efficiency challenges faced at the existing facility and pledge to fully lend our support and expertise to advance the progress of the multi-million dollar national endeavour.
As key partners in the aviation sector, we undertake to:
Ø Advancing the growth of the airport
Ø Maintaining close ties with the Ministry of Public Works and CJIA’s Board and management.
Ø Ensuring excellence in safety and security of the airport
Ø Surpassing expectations through a culture of superior customer service and
Operating efficiently with care for the passengers and the facility.
Our collective vision is to bring the CJIA to world standards of hospitality and service and to contribute to the development of the transport sector and Guyana as a whole.”
STAKEHOLDERS:
Ø Carl Stuart, Manager South America, Caribbean Airlines
Ø James Singh, Head of Customs and Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU)
Ø Gerry Gouveia, Chief Executive Officer, Roraima Airways, Insel Air, Dynamic Airways, CONVIASA
Ø Marco Favre, Senior Supervisor, COPA
Ø David Josiah, Manager, Customs (Timehri)
Ø Colin Lovell, Airport Manager, Fly Jamaica
Ø Carl Bowen, Representative, Fly Jamaica
Ø Janice Clement, Officer in Charge, Immigration (Timehri)
Ø Orin Walton, Country Manager, LIAT
Ø Maurice Gajadhar, Chief Executive Officer, New Timehri Handling Service
Ø Vanessa Kartick, Service Manager, Surinam Airways
Ø David Goberdhan, Station Manager, Travel Span
Ø Indranauth Haralsingh, Director, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA)
Ø Badrie Persaud, Managing Director, GUYOIL
Ø Ramesh Dookhoo, Chairman, CJIA Board of Directors
Ø Ramesh Ghir, Chief Executive Officer, CJIA
Ø Zulficar Mohamed, Director General, GCAA
Ø Saheed Sulaman, Air Transport Officer, GCAA
