PRESS BRIEFING
2004-07-21

AGENDA

1. TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

2. TOURISM UPDATE: ARRIVALS 2004

3. PARLIAMENT

TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
The Government’s aggressive programme continues to be implemented with the point Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security visiting communities in Regions 5 and 8.

Minister Shadick informed Cabinet that, overall, the visits aroused considerable community interest but uncovered little if any evidence of Trafficking in Persons.

In the Madhia sub-region, Cabinet was informed about commercial sex operations but none under any form of coercion of the operators.

Cabinet also was advised about the reaction of Amerindian communities to allegations about the occurrence of pro-trafficking behaviour there. The communities vehemently denies any such occurrences.

The Minister confirmed that as undertaken, the promised Legislation will be tabled in Parliament between the upcoming August recess.

TOURISM UPDATE: ARRIVALS 2004
Cabinet was provided with a detailed update and analysis on Tourism Arrivals in 2004 compared to previous years and periods.

The Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce projected an upbeat situation for 2004 both in absolute and comparative terms, all based on actual performance for the 1st six (6) months of the year.

So far, about 54,000 arrivals have taken place with records arrivals in two of the first six months of the year.

Tour operations have reported growth in their business associated with these arrivals and there are strong bookings in the coming months.

Aggressive marketing has been called for to sustain growth in the Hospitality Sector and operators have accepted the responsibility of making individual contributions to that national activity to put Guyana firmly on the map as a tourist destination.

PARLIAMENT
Cabinet noted the announcement by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs that the penultimate sitting of the National Assembly before the August recess would be held on Thursday, July 22, 2004, at the Convention Centre, Ocean View International Hotel.

The Minister disclosed that the two Educational Sector Bills would be discussed and probably passed.

The Bills are the :-
* Technical/Vocational Education and Training Bill;
* National Accreditation Council Bill
It must be recalled that at the last Sitting, the Opposition PNCR MPs had returned to Parliament but had publicly committed to Selective participation in the future.

This commitment to Selective Participation in Parliamentary activity has been associated with visible evidence of abandonment of the protest actions by the PNCR influenced/front organisation and their protest marches and rallies.

The Administration by its actions has presented the PNCR Opposition with this opportunity to determine what matters are important enough for them to represent their constituencies in Parliament.