Department of Public Information, Guyana

Tag: 2018 Budget

Education Min. fulfilled commitment to development of STEAM in its sector
—thousands of students benefitted, end of year outcome shows

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, July 2, 2020

In the presentation of the 2019 budget the Ministry of Education committed towards the development of ‘STEAM’ – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics, in the various levels of the education sector.

The budget promised the upgrading and provision of new science labs to the La Bonne Intention and Plaisance Secondary Schools, as well as, the expansion of smart classrooms and upgrading IT labs in primary and secondary schools, across the nation with Santa Rosa and Paramakatoi secondary schools being among priority institutions.

In fulfilling its mandate, 2019 saw approximately 5,000 students and 40 teachers benefitting from the upgrading of ten science labs at St. Roses, Christ Church, Santa Rosa, 8th of May, Leguan, Plaisance, Mahdia, Kingston, St. Mary’s and La Bonne Intention secondary schools.

This information was presented in June 2020 by the Minister of Finance, Hon. Winston Jordan, as part of the End of Year Outcome report for 2019.

The report also reflected that, six Information Technology (IT) labs were upgraded at Windsor Forest, Patentia, Craig, Eccles, Helena and Paradise Primary Schools, for the advancement of 2,000 students and 101 teachers.

Additionally, another 7,000 students and 370 teachers benefitted from IT lab upgrades at the secondary level, which impacted 15 secondary schools.

The hinterland region moved steps closer to the development of smart classrooms as, Paramakatoi and Santa Rosa Secondary Schools received smart boards which, are currently operational.

Another significant milestone in education for the hinterland region in 2019, was the launching of the first ever smart classroom in Region Nine (Upper Takutu Upper Essequibo Region) at the Lethem Learning Resource Centre.

This was done through a collaboration with NCERD and the Regional Democratic Council.

In terms of Mathematics, at the primary level, a total of 400 mathematics kits were distributed to all Grade 4 classes in schools in coastal regions, benefitting 10,835 students.

The Ministry of Education expended a total of $53 Billion at end of 2019. Of that $25.1 billion was spent on employment costs, $22.3 Billion on other current operational expenditure; and, $5.5 Billion on capital expenditure, while $574.3 Million was underspent.

$5.2 Billion was spent in construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilities and $3 Billion to support operational costs and upgrading of facilities at the University of Guyana.

The year also saw more teacher training, the piloting of a technical, vocational education and training (TVET) programme, literacy kits, expansion of the School Feeding Programme which benefited an additional 820 students.
- First ever Smart classroom in Region Nine at the Lethem Learning Resource Centre
- Students in the IT Lab along with Minister of Education, Dr Nicolette Henry at the New Amsterdam Primary School in February 2019
- Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry viewing a student’s demonstration in the newly commissioned science lab at the Vryman’s Erven Secondary School
July 2, 2020
New government compound for Mahdia – GRA, Lands and Survey among services to set up office

DPI, GUYANA, Friday, April 27 2018

Moves are apace to bolster regional development service in Mahdia, Region Eight.

Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Gavin Gunga.

According to Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Gavin Gunga a plot of land has been identified along Brian Sucre’s Junction in Mahdia to house several government offices including the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Lands and Survey and Guyana Forestry Commission.

This new compound will complement the two others in Mahdia which houses the Regional Administration and the fire station which is currently being constructed.

The compound will also facilitate the building of a town hall, a Magistrates Court along with new apartments.

According to the REO, the Guyana Water Incorporated had already indicated their need for a space in the compound to build their office.

“Other agencies are expected to come on board, so we can have all the services provided in the town for the people of Mahdia and other parts of Region Eight,” Gunga added.

It is expected with the new government compound coming on stream, 180 house lots in the vicinity of the compound, will finally be occupied.

The bolstering of the government services, is part of upgrading of the Region Eight community to township status.

The almost completed fire station.

By: Ranetta La Fleur

April 27, 2018
Work with central government for the development of Guyana- Carrington

DPI, GUYANA, Monday, December 4, 2017

As the budget debates continued, Member of Parliament representing the government Michael Carrington said that local government authority increases citizens participation in decisions that will directly affect their lives.

Government MP, Michael Carrington.

MP Carrington pointed out that the overall $1 billion provided in the 2018 National Budget will facilitate the work that local bodies are mandated by the constitution to carry out.

He added that the increase in the valuation of properties will also add worth to communities.

The lack of adequate financing, he said, is one of the reasons for local bodies failing, taking into consideration the significant devaluation of the Guyanese dollar since the 1980s.

The MP stated that “the previous governments selfishly refused to make any adjustment for the local government authorities to benefit financially, just to protect votes to win elections.” This he added, “caused great harm to those authorities, some of them cannot even pay a just remuneration to their councillors or have the type of finance to perform the work to develop their area in accordance with article 74 of the constitution of Guyana.”

He also emphasized that it is the duty of the Opposition to develop the local government authority areas for which they are responsible. Members of the opposition were called upon to work with the administration instead of laying the blame at the feet of the government for the failure of project/jobs that fall under their responsibility.

His advice to the opposition is to “work with central government for the development of Guyana, you are part of the system of governance for Guyana and have duties to perform whether as opposition or government.”

The MP noted the opposition is criticizing a budget that they helped to craft since approval had to be sought from regional leaders, many of whom are members of the opposition.

Nevertheless, Carrington stated that with the measures laid out in the 2018 National Budget, the government will ensure all problems are addressed, since the government has proposed over $44 million for the development of the regions and local government.

By: Isaiah Braithwaite

For more photos, click on the link to the DPI’s Flickr Page

https://www.flickr.com/photos/142936155@N03/

December 4, 2017
Job creation a priority for Social Protection Ministry

DPI, Guyana, Monday, December 4, 2017

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott on the first day of debates on the 2018 Budget in Parliament, said it reflects the ongoing development of the government.

Keith Scott, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection.

According to Minister Scott, the budget is a people-centered one which addresses the concerns of human development within the country and caters to all Guyanese. He stated that job creation will take priority for his Ministry, following its successes in several 2017 initiatives.

As such, the minister revealed that the Youths Involvement Project of Guyana (YIPOG), Youths Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) and Hinterland Employment and Youths Scheme (HEYS) will be financed at a cost of $1.7 billion and more.

“The budget provides for the unleashing of the energies and creativity of the youths on whose shoulders the development of this nation rests. A variety of programmes were crafted to ensure that youths attain the relevant skill sets required for the job market,” Minister Scott said.

The Minister also revealed that the sum of $150 million will be allocated to the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme to further promote and develop co-operative societies in Hinterland regions.

According to Minister Scott, a sum of US$12 million will see four Co-operative Societies being established in the Buxton, Ithaca, BV/Triumph and Mocha areas. This, he believes, will lead to the creation of over 160 jobs on a sustainable basis.

Meanwhile, replying to criticisms from Opposition MP, Neil Kumar in relation to old-age-pension, Minister Scott explained the pension was raised by 49 percent over a period of five years. He revealed that with plans to improve the quality of life for the senior citizens, a sum of $50 million has been allocated to upgrade the Palms Geriatric Home.

Again, rebutting criticisms from the opposition on the lack of developments within the town of Linden, Minister Scott highlighted that the extractive sector inclusive of bauxite will be expanded and will a see tax free overtime inflow of $173 million.

The minister believes the 2018 budget is one that will further boost the economy and develop the nation.

“…Budget 2018 is one with a human face, it is people oriented and it is one with a life and purpose…it caters to the needs of the young, the employed, the unemployed, the able, the differently abled and our senior citizens,” said Minister Scott.

By: Crystal Stoll

For more photos, click on the link to the DPI’s Flickr Page

https://www.flickr.com/photos/142936155@N03/

December 4, 2017
Budget 2018 ‘fit and proper’- Minister Garrido-Lowe

DPI, Guyana, Monday, December 4, 2017

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe described Budget 2018 as being ‘fit and proper,’ since it reflects the government’s careful management of the peoples’ resources.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe.

During her presentation at the 2018 National Budget Debate on Monday, Minister Garrido-Lowe noted that the government believes that it is long overdue for the establishment of a strong foundation, not only for today’s generation, but for future generations as well.

“…We would like our Guyanese brothers and sisters to know, that we understand that they have given us the opportunity, to be in this position of trust, so that we could be able to make the decisions that would better serve them. And we are doing just that, for the past two and a half years, we have been making the soft and the hard decisions – all in the interest of the people of Guyana, spread across the ten regions of this beautiful country”

To this end, in keeping with the country’s Green Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(UN-SDGs), the government has embarked on a developmental plan of building strong village economies through the promotion of agriculture, agro/food-processing, eco-tourism and youth entrepreneurship in the hinterland regions. Additionally, in 2018, several projects will be rolled out in Indigenous communities to create economic opportunities for the residents.

“Budget 2018 speaks to the development of the entire country, and more specifically, bridging the gap between the hinterland the coastland so that there will be equal opportunities for all and equity among all citizens, Minister Garrido-Lowe explained.

The Ministry, she said, has been working feverishly to carry out its mandate to support and encourage the economic empowerment, integration and environmental development of Indigenous Peoples’ communities through strategic and informed policy formulation.

In closing, Minister Garrido-Lowe acknowledged the hard work of the various ministries which ensure that Guyanese across this country benefit fairly from the country’s resources.

Under the theme, “The journey to the good life continues”, Budget 2018 was presented on November 27 by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan.

By: Synieka Thorne

For more photos, click on the link to the DPI’s Flickr Page

December 4, 2017