PRESS BRIEFING
Wednesday, May 11, 1005
AGENDA
1. UPDATE: DRAINAGE TASK FORCE
2. APPOINTMENTS
3. UPDATE: RECOVERY PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION SECRETARIAT
4. INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES 2005
UPDATE: RECOVERY PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION SECRETARIAT
The Coordinator has made a May 6, 2005, declaration on the complete package for assistance for victims of the 2005 floods.
The declaration reflects the conclusion of the examination of various models and the adoption of models for cash crops farmers and livestock rearers and small business people.
The Household assistance distribution is gathering momentum and soon would be closed to all except queries and claims.
The imperative of meeting deadlines remains.
The intention is to dedicate all energies on the payout, concluding that activity by mid to late May, 2
That effectively puts on hold any current processing of claims, queries, etc.
A commitment has been made for that necessary component (claims and queries) being done after 1st wave distribution i.e. late May 2005.
UPDATE: DRAINAGE TASK FORCE
The May-June rains are here.
The May 15, 2005, deadline set by the Drainage Task Force has seen some of the planned works remaining incomplete.
However significant improvements have been made at the level of the East Demerara Water Conservancy and its outflow channels and structures.
The re-appearance of flooding, after heavy downpours, in communities in Georgetown and in communities on the East Coast Demerara has generated concerns.
The presence of Government Ministers, the National Drainage and Irrigation Board personnels and the Task Force members, their meetings with stakeholder including RDC, NDC and GUYSUCO has alleviated anxieties. However, the need for urgent and consistent attention to desilting and clearing intra residential drainage systems has been disclosed. Prompt attention to the operational state of the mechanical pumps used for drainage has also been identified.
Importantly, the system for monitoring the maintenance of the entire system, including Conservancies, drainage canals, flood control structures etc. is under the close surveillance of a multitude of stake holders and is being reported on regularly.
INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES 2005
The 39th Anniversary of Independence will be celebrated on May 26, 2005.
Minister Teixeira briefed Cabinet on the activities being planned/coordinated by her Ministry.
On the May 21 and 22, 2005, the Steel Pan Competition will be held at the National Culture Centre.
On May 22, 2005, the Masquerade Competition will be held on the island of Leguan. The night of May 25, 2005, will see the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony, the accompanying cultural show and fireworks display.
This year again the display would be by CLICO.
