Guyana Roundup: Teachers strike, electronic medical system, global trade crisis
Teachers strike
The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has threatened to extend the current teachers' strike if the government of Guyana disregards their concerns. The strike began on February 5 and involved hundreds of teachers, GTU representatives, parents, and civil society members, local media Kaieteur News reports. GTU President Mark Lyte told Kaieteur News that the teachers are demonstrating their frustration through protest and industrial action, with similar protests occurring in other regions. “When the ministry is ready to engage in collective bargaining, we are ready but our problem is that we have not seen any movement with regards to the financial matter,” He is quoted by Kaieteur News.
Development of an electronic medical system
Guyana's Minister of Health, Frank Anthony, has announced that the development of Guyana's electronic medical health record system is set to begin in 2024. The 1 billion Guyanese dollars ($4.785 million) allocation will be used to upgrade software in various areas of the Ministry of Health. The Minister told reporters that a consultant from USAID has been working with the ministry to determine the best software for the system. According to the Guyana Chronicle, the government plans to establish a new department for digital health in 2024.
Global trade crisis causes a reduction in transit
The Guyana World Trade Center reported a 36% reduction in total transit due to a global trade crisis, attributed to Houthi attacks and a drought in the Panama Canal. Guyana World Trade Center CEO Komal Samaroo told reporters that the crisis has led to a global decline in goods trade by 2 trillion compared to 2022. According to the Guyana National Communications Network, he stated that for Guyana to reach its full economic potential and develop its productive sector, it needs to open up to foreign markets given its small population, wealth of resources, and competitive energy pricing in the future.
Pathology lab commissioned
Guyana has commissioned a 474 million Guyanese dollars ($2.268 million) modern pathology lab to improve cancer research and early diagnosis, Guyana Chronicle reports. Guyana President Irfaan Ali speaking at the commissioning ceremony on World Cancer Day said that Guyana officials have emphasized infrastructure, investments, and modernisation in healthcare services to close gaps in affordability and systemic access to cancer treatment. He added that Guyana is building a healthcare system that provides world-class services both locally and regionally.
Vehicle weight limits
The Guyanese government is reviewing vehicle weight restriction laws to address damage caused by overloaded heavy vehicles in the country, Guyana National Communications Network reports. Juan Edghill, the Minister of Public Works for Guyana, brought attention to the persistent problem of axle loads over permitted limits, resulting in harm to pavement and road infrastructure in the South American nation. He disclosed that a firm is presently examining weight restriction rules to address this problem, and stiffer penalties for infractions are being considered.
