The use of pesticides by small-scale farmers in rice production in Discrit Nickerie, Suriname. ; L'utilisation des pesticides par de petitd agriculteurs dans la production de riz dans le secteur nickerie. Auteur(s) : Kesharie, Raghni Année de publication : Loading the player... Éditeur(s) : INRA : Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Université des Antilles. Service commun de la documentation University of Suriname Extrait de : 52e congrès annuel de la Société caribéenne des plantes alimentaires / 52nd annual meeting of the Caribbean food crops society (CFCS), du 10 au 16 juillet 2016. INRA, CFCS Description : The import data from the Ministry of Trade indicates that Suriname has increased pesticides imports over the last five years. According to research evidence, as much as 80% of potential production in various crops including rice would be lost as a result of agricultural pests without crop protection measures. Even though the benefits of chemical pesticides use are clear, negative health and environmental impacts of their use are also evident. In lieu of this information a study was conducted to determine small rice farmers? perceptions on their knowledge of pesticide use, and safety of pesticides in rice production For this investigation a questionnaire was adapted from a pesticide use survey to generate and collect meaningful data on perceptions of small rice farmer?s knowledge and practices related to pesticide use and safety aspects in rice production in Nickerie. The sample population consisted of 200 small rice farmers.?The collected data was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics and correlation were used to describe the data. Findings reveal that the rice farmers are male, on the average older than 50 years and have more than 15 years of experience with rice production. Results also reveal that farmers perceive the recommended dosage as too little and therefore increase the dosage. They often mix different types of pesticides and do not use all of their protective equipment while spraying. Based on the results it is recommended to develop pesticide policies to stimulate farmers to practice safe pesticide use in Suriname. Les données d'importation du ministère du commerce indiquent que le Surinam a augmenté des importations de pesticides au cours des cinq dernières années. Selon des preuves de recherches, pas moins de 80% de production potentielle dans diverses cultures comprenant le riz serait perdu en raison des parasites agricoles sans mesures de protection des cultures. Quoique les avantages d'une utilité chimique de pesticides soient clairs, la santé et les impacts sur l'environnement négatifs de leur utilisation est également évident. Au lieu de cette information une étude a été entreprise pour déterminer les perceptions des petits agriculteurs de riz sur leur connaissance d'utilisation de pesticide, et la sécurité des pesticides dans la production de riz. Pour cette enquête un questionnaire a été adapté d'une enquête d'utilisation de pesticide pour se produire et rassembler des données significatives sur des perceptions de la connaissance du petit agriculteur de riz et des pratiques s'est rapporté aux conditions de sécurité d'utiliser-et de pesticide dans la production de riz dans Nickerie. La population témoin s'est composée de 200 petits agriculteurs de riz. Les données rassemblées ont été analysées utilisant SPSS et Microsoft Excel. Des statistiques descriptives et la corrélation ont été employées pour décrire les données. Les résultats indiquent que les agriculteurs de riz sont masculins, les plus vieux que 50 années moyennes et ont plus de 15 ans d'expérience avec la production de riz. Les résultats indiquent également que les agriculteurs perçoivent le dosage recommandé en tant que trop peu et augmentent donc le dosage. Ils souvent mélangent différents types de pesticides et n'utilisent pas tout leur équipement de protection tout en pulvérisant. Basé sur les résultats on lui recommande de développer des politiques de pesticide pour stimuler des agriculteurs pratiquer l'utilisation sûre de pesticide au Surinam. Siècle(s) traité(s) : 21 Droits : CC-BY-NC-ND - Attribution - Pas d'utilisation commerciale - Pas de modification Permalien : http://www.manioc.org/fichiers/V16248 V16248 | Partager |
Willingness of south Florida fruit growers to adopt genetically modified papaya : an ex-ante evaluation ; Volonté des agriculteurs du sud de la Floride d'adopter la papaye génétiquement modifié (carica papaya) : une évaluation antériere Auteur(s) : Evans, edward Année de publication : Loading the player... Éditeur(s) : INRA : Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Université des Antilles. Service commun de la documentation University of Florida Extrait de : 52e congrès annuel de la Société caribéenne des plantes alimentaires / 52nd annual meeting of the Caribbean food crops society (CFCS), du 10 au 16 juillet 2016. INRA, CFCS Description : Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) has been a major factor inhibiting the expansion of papaya production in South Florida, USA. The University of Florida has developed a transgenic papaya line X17-2, which is tolerant to PRSV and is suitable for commercial production. The expected yield improvement can be as high as 380%. In spite of the yield potential, some fruit growers may be skeptical about adopting this improved GM cultivars for a variety of reasons. Consequently, a probit model with data from a survey of likely producers was used to identify those factors that may influence the adoption of the new technology. The results indicate that education level, farm size, and income derived from agriculture were among the factors likely to increase adoption of the technology. The findings suggest that a targeted education program will go a far way in increasing rate of adoption of the technology. Le virus de tache annulaire de papaye (PRSV) a été un facteur important empêchant l'expansion de la production de papaye en Floride du sud, Etats-Unis. L'université de la Floride a développé une ligne transgénique X17-2 de papaye, qui est tolérante à PRSV et convient à la production commerciale. L'amélioration prévue de rendement peut être aussi haute que 380%. Malgré le potentiel de rendement, quelques arboriculteurs peuvent être sceptiques au sujet d'adopter ceci les cultivars améliorés de GM pour des raisons diverses. En conséquence, un modèle de probit avec des données d'une enquête des producteurs probables a été employé pour identifier ces facteurs qui peuvent influencer l'adoption de la nouvelle technologie. Les résultats indiquent que le niveau d'éducation, la taille de ferme, et le revenu dérivé de l'agriculture étaient parmi les facteurs vraisemblablement pour augmenter l'adoption de la technologie. Les résultats suggèrent qu'un programme éducatif visé aille une manière lointaine dans le taux croissant d'adoption de la technologie. Siècle(s) traité(s) : 21 Droits : CC-BY-NC-ND - Attribution - Pas d'utilisation commerciale - Pas de modification Permalien : http://www.manioc.org/fichiers/V16254 V16254 | Partager |
United States--Gulf coast, Florida, Everglades National Park ; Everglades National Park ; Whitewater Bay ; Shark River to Longmans River Auteur(s) : U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Éditeur(s) : U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey ( Washington D.C ) Résumé : Depths shown by isolines and soundings. "Soundings in feet at mean low water". Shows navigable lakes, rivers, bays and canals within the Everglades National Park as well as a portion of the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay; also distinguishes areas of mangrove, marsh and marl prairie. Orientation compass shown at 7 points. Includes tidal information. C.&G.S. 598-599. "Continued on chart 1250". (Funding) Funded in part by the University of Florida, the Florida Heritage Project of the State University Libraries of Florida, the Institute for Museum and Library Services, and the U.S. Department of Education's TICFIA granting program. (Statement of Responsibility) U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Florida Everglades National Park Mexico, Gulf of Everglades National Park (Fla.) Whitewater Bay (Fla.) Mexico, Gulf of Whitewater Bay (Fla.) Mexico, Gulf of Gulf Coast (Fla.) Florida Everglades National Park Mexico, Gulf of Everglades National Park (Fla.) Whitewater Bay (Fla.) Droits : All rights reserved, Board of Trustees of the University of Florida. 002895824 52198639 APC7398 http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00005039/00001 | Partager |
Collection book, 1975, Puerto Rico - Jamaica Auteur(s) : Judd, Walter S. Résumé : (Funding) This collection includes items related to Florida’s environments, ecosystems, and species. It includes the subcollections of Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit project documents, the Sea Grant technical series, the Florida Geological Survey series, the Coastal Engineering Department series, the Howard T. Odum Center for Wetland technical reports, and other entities devoted to the study and preservation of Florida's natural resources. North America -- United States of America -- Florida Florida Florida Droits : Copyright Walter S. Judd. Permission granted to University of Florida to digitize and display this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder. http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073894/00001 | Partager |
Haiti city map 1:12,500 : Port-De-Paix ; Port-De-Paix ; Series E935 Auteur(s) : United States -- Defense Mapping Agency. -- Hydrographic/Topographic Center United States -- National Imagery and Mapping Agency Haiti -- Service de géodésie Éditeur(s) : United States Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic / Topographic Center ( Bethesda, Maryland ) Résumé : (Language) Parallel text in English and French. Relief shown by contours and spot heights. Contour interval 10 meters. Title from upper margin. Includes inset guide to numbered features, and glossary. "NSN 7643014017128." "NIMA REF. NO. E935XPORTDEPAIX." (Statement of Responsibility) prepared by Engineers of the Service de Géodésie et des Forces Armées d'Haiti under the supervision of the Département des Travaux Publics and with the collaboration of the United States Army Inter American Geodetic Survey. Revised in 1987 from the best available sources by the Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topographic Center. Haiti -- Port-De-Paix Port-de-Paix (Haiti) Port-de-Paix (Haiti) Droits : This item is a work of the U.S. federal government and not protected by copyright pursuant to 17 U.S.C. §105. 49847876 002771569 http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00098771/00001 | Partager |
Haiti, 1:100,000 ; Series E632 Auteur(s) : Haiti -- Service de géodésie et de cartographie Inter American Geodetic Survey Haiti -- Armée Éditeur(s) : Service de géodésie et de cartographie ( Port-au-Prince? ) Résumé : Some maps printed by Army Map Service, Corps of Engineers. Relief shown by contours and spot heights. English and French. Standard maps series designation: Series E632. Some maps lack series statement. Includes index to adjacent sheets, glossary, explanatory chart. Some maps have index to boundaries. (Statement of Responsibility) compilée par le Service de Géodésie et de Cartographie et les Forces Armées d'Haiti sous le supervision du Département des Travaux Publics et avec la collaboration de la U.S. Army Inter American Geodetic Survey. Haiti Haiti Droits : This item is a work of the U.S. federal government and not protected by copyright pursuant to 17 U.S.C. §105. 12307066 http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00078625/00001 | Partager |
Walker's last campaign in Central America Auteur(s) : Lea, H. C Florida Historical Records Survey Éditeur(s) : [s.n.] [s.n.] ( Jacksonville Fla ) Résumé : (Statement of Responsibility) by H. C. Lea, 1881. Copy prepared by Historical Records Survey, State Archives Survey, Works Progress Administration. Type-written (carbon copy) Nicaragua 001708824 07964437 AJC1103 | Partager |
Copy of resignation letter from John F. Stevens to President Theodore Roosevelt Auteur(s) : Stevens, John F. (John Frank), 1853-1943 ( Author, Primary ) Résumé : (Biographical) From Wikipedia: John Frank Stevens (25 April 1853 – 2 June 1943) was an American engineer who built the Great Northern Railway in the United States and was chief engineer on the Panama Canal between 1905 and 1907. Biography: Stevens was born in rural Maine, near West Gardiner to John Stevens, a tanner and farmer, and Harriet Leslie French. He attended Maine State Normal School (now the University of Maine at Farmington) for two years. At the conclusion of his schooling in 1873, bleak economic conditions held little promise of a job, and he chose to go west. Entry into the field of civil engineering evolved from his experience in the Minneapolis city engineer's office. For two years he carried out a variety of engineering tasks, including surveying and building railroads, and at the same time gained experience and an understanding of the subject. He became a practical engineer, self-taught and driven by a self-described "bull-dog tenacity of purpose." In 1878 Stevens married Harriet T. O'Brien. They had five children, two of whom died in infancy.
By the age of 33, in 1886, Stevens was principal assistant engineer for the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway, and in charge of building the line from Duluth, Minnesota to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Although a large part of his work involved surveying, he assisted in all phases of railroading: reconnaissance, locating, organizing, and construction.
In 1889, Stevens was hired by James J. Hill as a locating engineer for the Great Northern Railway.
Stevens earned wide acclaim in 1889 when he explored Marias Pass, Montana, and determined its practicability for a railroad. Stevens was an efficient administrator with remarkable technical skills and imagination. He discovered Stevens Pass through the Cascade Mountains, set railroad construction standards in the Mesabi Range of northern Minnesota, and supervised construction of the Oregon Trunk Line. Hill promoted him to chief engineer in 1895, and later to general manager. During his time at the Great Northern, Stevens built over a thousand miles of railroad, including the original Cascade Tunnel. Stevens Pass in the Cascade Range was named for him. (Most other Pacific Northwest landmarks with the word "Stevens" are named after Isaac Stevens, who is of no relation.)
Panama Canal:
Stevens left the Great Northern in 1903 for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, where he was promoted to vice-president. Then, in 1905, at Hill's recommendation, he was hired by Theodore Roosevelt as chief engineer on the Panama Canal.
Stevens' primary achievement in Panama was to build the infrastructure needed for the completion of the canal. "The digging," he said, "is the least thing of all." He proceeded immediately to build warehouses, machine shops, and piers. Communities for the personnel were planned and built to include housing, schools, hospitals, churches, and hotels. He authorized extensive sanitation and mosquito-control programs that eliminated yellow fever and other diseases from the Isthmus. Reflecting his background, he saw the early stage of the canal project itself as primarily a problem in railroad engineering, which included rebuilding the Panama Railway and devising a rail-based system for disposing of the soil from the excavations. Stevens argued the case against a sea level canal like the French had tried to build. He successfully convinced Theodore Roosevelt of the necessity of a high-level canal built with dams and locks.
Resignation:
Stevens resigned suddenly from the Canal project in 1907 to Roosevelt's great annoyance, as the focus of the work turned to construction of the canal itself. As a railroad engineer, Stevens had little expertise in building locks and dams, and probably realized he was no longer the best person for the remainder of the job. Stevens would also have been aware that the original great Cascade Tunnel, for which he was responsible, was in hindsight built in error too close to the ruling grade and was perhaps turning from a credit to a debit. The true reasons for his resignation have never been known.
Subsequent career:
Following the collapse of Imperial Russia in 1917, leaders of the provisional government appealed to President Wilson for help with their transportation systems. Stevens was selected to chair a board of prominent U.S. railroad experts sent to Russia to rationalize and manage a system that was in disarray; among his work was on the Trans-Siberian Railway. After the overthrow of the provisional government, the board's work ceased. Stevens remained in Allied-occupied Manchuria and in 1919 headed the Inter-Allied Technical Board charged with the administration and operation of the Chinese Eastern and Siberian railways. He remained in an advisory capacity until occupying Allied troops were withdrawn; he finally left in 1923. After his return to the United States Stevens continued to work as a consulting engineer, ending his career in Baltimore in the early 1930s. He was awarded the Franklin Institute's Franklin Medal in 1930. He then retired to Southern Pines, North Carolina, where he died at the age of 90 in 1943. Digital version only, no paper copy in collection archives. Droits : This item is presumed to be in the public domain. The University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries respect the intellectual property rights of others and do not claim any copyright interest in this item. Users of this work have responsibility for determining copyright status prior to reusing, publishing or reproducing this item for purposes other than what is allowed by fair use or other copyright exemptions. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions may require permission of the copyright holder. The Smathers Libraries would like to learn more about this item and invite individuals or organizations to contact Digital Services (UFDC@uflib.ufl.edu) with any additional information they can provide. http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00029596/00001 | Partager |
Haiti 1:25,000 Auteur(s) : Haiti -- Service de géodésie Haiti -- Armée Inter American Geodetic Survey Éditeur(s) : Le Service ( Port-au-Prince ) Résumé : Printed by U.S. Army Engineer Service, Corozal, C.Z. Relief shown by contours and spot heights. Includes index to adjacent sheets. (Statement of Responsibility) preparée par les ingenieurs du Service de Géodésie et de l'Armée d'Haiti sous la supervision du Departement des Travaux Publics et avec la collaboration de l'U.S. Army Inter American Geodetic Survey. Haiti Haiti Droits : This item is a work of the U.S. federal government and not protected by copyright pursuant to 17 U.S.C. §105. 11863920 http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00078624/00001 | Partager |
Haiti city map 1:12,500 : Saint-Marc ; Saint-Marc ; Series E935 Auteur(s) : United States -- Defense Mapping Agency. -- Hydrographic/Topographic Center United States -- National Imagery and Mapping Agency Haiti -- Service de géodésie Éditeur(s) : United States Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic / Topographic Center ( Bethesda, Maryland ) Résumé : (Language) Parallel text in English and French. Relief shown by contours and spot heights. Contour interval 10 meters, supplementary contours 5 meters. Title from upper margin. Includes inset guide to numbered features, and glossary. "NSN 7643014018685." "NIMA REF. NO. E935XSAINTMAR." (Statement of Responsibility) prepared by Engineers of the Service de Géodésie et des Forces Armées d'Haiti under the supervision of the Département des Travaux Publics and with the collaboration of the United States Army Inter American Geodetic Survey. Revised in 1987 from the best available sources by the Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic/Topographic Center. Haiti -- Saint-Marc Saint-Marc (Haiti) Saint-Marc (Haiti) Droits : This item is a work of the U.S. federal government and not protected by copyright pursuant to 17 U.S.C. §105. 49847791 002787228 http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00098772/00001 | Partager |
Responses to the sovereignty/vulnerability/development dilemmas : small territories and regional organization in the Caribbean Auteur(s) : Byron, Jessica Lewis, Patsy Année de publication : Loading the player... Éditeur(s) : CRPLC : Centre de Recherche sur les Pouvoirs Locaux dans la Caraïbe Extrait de : "Les entités infra-étatiques et les organisations de coopération et d'intégration régionales" : colloque international, les 25 et 26 mars 2013. Université des Antilles et de la Guyane Description : "The Americas have a rich history of regional cooperation. In the Caribbean Basin, however, mechanisms for regional cooperation and/or integration have emerged which have sought to transcend the issues of legal status and to address common questions of socio-economic development, democratic institutions and functions. Three regional grouping fall into this category: the Caribbean Community (1937), the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (1981) and the Association of Caribbean States (1994). This paper will do a comparative survey and analysis of the three organizations. The second part of the paper will examine the specific areas of greatest participation by the non-independent members in the activities of specific regional organizations. The conclusion addresses contemporary themes such as the dynamics of political/constitutional evolution which affect the membership of non-independent territories." Siècle(s) traité(s) : 21 Droits : CC-BY-NC-ND - Attribution - Pas d'utilisation commerciale - Pas de modification Permalien : http://www.manioc.org/fichiers/V13127 V13127 | Partager |
Forum with Parliament Members : Students Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination ; Audio Recordings of the Proceedings Auteur(s) : Caribbean IRN Résumé : From the PNCR, GAP MPs free to vote conscience on gay rights bill
By Johann Earle
Stabroek News
June 11, 2003
The PNCR will allow its members to vote their conscience on the controversial Constitution (Amendment) Act of 2001 which seeks to prevent discrimination against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and other grounds.
A number of religious organisations are opposed to the passage of the bill because it includes sexual orientation as one of the grounds. They are concerned that it could lead to a legalisation of homosexual relations and demands for recognition of gay marriages among other things.
PNCR Member of Parliament (MP) Vincent Alexander told a forum at the National Library on Saturday, that the Bill did not seek to legalise homosexuality, but to ensure that persons would not be discriminated against based on their sexual preferences.
He was one of two parliamentarians who showed up - the other being PNCR member, Myrna Peterkin.
The forum was organised by Students Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), a group comprising fifteen students from the University of Guyana which was formed about two weeks ago.
Alexander expects the vote on the bill to come up before the National Assembly in a matter of months.
Paul Hardy, Leader of the Guyana Action Party (GAP), told Stabroek News that his party would not be using the so-called parliamentary whip. He added that GAP took a decision that every member should vote according to his or her own conscience. “We have no right to deny the rights of others based on sexual orientation. [The Bill] will guarantee rights to the homosexual.” GAP is in Parliament as part of an alliance with the Working People’s Alliance. GAP/WPA has two MPs.
The bill was met with rejection from some members of the religious community in 2001 and as a result of this, the President did not assent to it.
In a statement on Monday, the Central Islamic Organisa-tion of Guyana (CIOG) said that it stood in firm opposition to the Bill. The CIOG says the general purpose of the bill may be commendable and that the organisation’s objection is not based on a willingness to promote discrimination. Rather, the CIOG said, it was based on the fact that specific legal protection on the basis of sexual orientation without definition or qualification gives tacit legitimacy to practices which are considered criminal in Islam. “It is foreseeable that such a legal nod of approval (subtle as it may be) of these practices may pave the way for greater social (or even legal) acceptability in the future which, from the perspective of all Muslims including those in Guyana, is an undesirable and sinful outcome,” the CIOG statement said.
At Saturday’s event, Muslim teacher Moulana Mohamed Ali Zenjibari spoke of instances of abuse, discrimination and harsh penalties meted out to gay and lesbian persons in countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia and noted that the Quran did not sanction such punishments for homosexual behaviour.
President of the CIOG, Fazeel Ferouz told Stabroek News that a meeting to discuss a strategy with regards to the bill was planned for tomorrow with various religious groups.
Stabroek News tried to get a comment on the issue from the PPP/C but to no avail.
ROAR leader, Ravi Dev said that his party was now having discussions on the issue. ROAR feels that it is an important question which has to do with morality and should be discussed across the country. He added legislators had to be in tune with their constituents on the issue.
SASOD is lobbying for the legislation through the sensitisation of MPs.
Keimo Benjamin, a law student at UG, gave a presentation based on the jurisprudential aspects of the discussion on sexual orientation. He argued that morality should not be the only guiding principle on which to base the laws. Sexual activities between two consenting male adults in private could not be equated with a violation of a person’s rights, he said, making the point that the thrust of his presentation was not whether homosexuality was wrong, but whether it violated the rights of others. He said that the attitudes of some towards this subject were based on preconceived notions and prejudices. He cited studies to show that the suppression of certain perceived deviant sexual impulses in persons might do more harm than good. One Harvard University study of teens who said they were gay indicated that those teens were three times more likely to commit suicide.
Vidyaratha Kissoon, of Help and Shelter, in his contribution on Saturday, expressed his displeasure at the low turnout at the forum and urged the parliamentarians who showed up to take the message to their colleagues. He noted that because of homophobia, the numerical minority was terrified of speaking out against instances of discrimination. Gays and lesbians in Guyana were subjected to ridicule and abuse, and walk the streets at night not looking for sex necessarily, but for the companionship of persons who empathise with them.
During his presentation, Joel Simpson, another member of SASOD, outlined a number of changes made within national jurisdictions that had international implications. One such crucial change was South Africa’s 1996 adoption of a new constitution, making that country the first in the world to expressly include sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination. It was the first time a developing country had taken the lead with respect to the rights of sexual minorities.
He also said that according to Douglas Sanders, a Canadian jurist, the rights of homosexual, bisexual or transsexual men and women had never been officially recognised by the United Nations, despite the fact that international laws on the issue began to emerge at the close of the Second World War.
Simpson said that under Article 170 (5), as amended by Section 8 of the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 4) Act 2000, the President is required to assent to any bill which is returned by the National Assembly unaltered after a two-thirds majority within 90 days of its presentation to him. To the parliamentarians present, Simpson stressed that the onus was now on them to adequately represent their constituents which include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual Guyanese.
http://www.landofsixpeoples.com/news301/ns306115.htm
and
Vote on sexual orientation should be a matter of conscience - MP Alexander
By Esther Elijah
Guyana Chronicle
June 8, 2003
PEOPLE’S National Congress (PNC/R) Member of Parliament Mr. Vincent Alexander, said the Opposition will vote on “conscience” when the piece of legislation on sexual orientation is again brought before the National Assembly.
“With specific reference to my party, when this Bill gets back to the Parliament in the spirit of the arguments here, we will not use the `whip’. Our party will not say we have to vote for the provision (in the Sexual Orientation Bill). We will allow our members to vote as a matter of conscience,” he told participants gathered in the Conference Room of the National Library.
“We feel this is a matter of conscience. You may end up with a collective position but you have to deal with us individually,” Alexander said at a poorly attended public consultation aimed at gaining support for sexual orientation to be considered a fundamental right in Guyana.
Alexander, one of the main persons who sat on the Constitutional Reform Commission that addressed this controversial clause, said the legislation was not meant to legalise homosexual activities in Guyana.
“It was intended to ensure that persons who have an orientation - a way of thinking - which may or may not lead to a certain activity, to not be discriminated against, in terms of their rights,” he explained.
Alexander noted that very often, discussions on the sexual orientation provision in the Bill have led to seepages into other areas where debates centre on the “right to be homosexual.”
“I am saying the Bill does not comment on that… However, law is peculiar, especially in a Common Law system. Once you venture out and change the law, very often you open other windows which we cannot definitively say exist or does not exist in advance,” he said.
“The fear of some people is that the legislators might say one thing and the Courts will eventually say something else. While some people can’t argue against the law, per say, they will say this has opened a window of opportunity not meant to be opened. So, it is better to stay without a window than open it and then have a possibility of something you didn’t intend to happen - happening sometime in the future.”
Alexander added: “I want to say I’ve found this activity to have been rich from the perspective of the amount of research which was done by student (speakers). Without any comment as to whether I agree with the arguments, I would wish that much more research on other issues be done by students, and that at the University (of Guyana) students would find it convenient to have forums on other issues, with the same depth of research for their own intellectual development.”
Alexander and other Opposition M.P, Lurlene Nestor were the only three Parliamentarians in attendance at the session organised by the recently formed `Students Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination’ (SASOD), a group that has a membership of 15 mostly University of Guyana (UG) students from various faculties.
SASOD was established two weeks ago.
With the exception of members of the press, the consultation only managed to attract 11 persons, a handful of who were SASOD members.
While congratulating the students for an “insightful” presentation, Nestor pointed out that whether or not she chooses to agree with their position is “another issue” and she is entitled to her “own view”.
“The issue of sexual orientation is very `toucheous’ …while we agree with the human rights provisions and all that as a society, we must also revert to our own society. Some of the very critical questions that I would want to ask is whether or not at the society (level) we are ready for that kind of thing,” she remarked.
“We cannot, at (any) time, ignore the religious groups in our society. If we look at statistics going back to 1992 from a survey done by the Bureau of Statistics, we would see that a small section of the Guyanese population might be considered as people who do not subscribe to a religious view. While the laws are not necessarily based on moral values, we must acknowledge the fact that we might want to revert to many of the cases that (concern) laws that protect public morality.”
Nestor told the speakers at the consultation these were some of the issues that they needed to deal with.
She highlighted, too, that what must be examined is the effects of same-sex marriages on society and how this issue must be tackled.
“These are some of the things we should consider and I don’t think you dealt with that in the presentations,” Nestor stated, adding that the issues must be addressed “frontally.”
“Do we think that with the coming to being of this Bill that there might be quite a number of challenges to the Constitution in relation to the same issue of a man marrying a man? What do we do at the society (level)? Do we recognise that?” were the questions directed at the five speakers at the session.
Nestor continued: “There is some argument that says, `Oh the Bill does not promote homosexuality or does not encourage a man to marry (another) man, but if you look at Section (15) that talks about `non-discrimination’ then how can we not, with the passage of this Bill, allow a man not to marry (another) man.”
According to Nestor, matters of this nature constitute some of the “inconsistencies” of the Bill.
On the argument raised by presenters at the session on who determines what is morality, Nestor said in the concept of democracy it is the people who are the determinants based on a “line of thinking.”
She also rebutted on grounds that put the spotlight on teachers who may have been caught “interfering” with their young students and who may subsequently be dismissed from their jobs.
“Could you imagine such a person interfering with a boy below age 10 - and by virtue of the fact that the Bill is there, the judges (in the case) will have to use their discretion in terms of what happens. We will have more Constitutional changes and problems (arising with the passage of the Bill).”
SASOD member and law student, Joel Simpson, in reply, said he doesn’t think any homosexual in Guyana wants to “run into a church and ask that people marry them or anything of that sort.”
At one point likening the church to a “club”, Simpson claimed the church has the right to exclude whomever it wants. He further stated that in accordance with the Constitution, people of the same sex do not currently have the right to marry, and will also not be able to do such an act with the passage of the Bill.
However, Simpson said it is possible that the law, with the passage of the Bill, would have to recognise same-sex domestic partnerships in relation to employment benefits, sharing of properties, etc.
Simpson said he believes there should be a realm of “public” and “private” morality between consenting adults, and implied that the Bill did not fully give “rights” to homosexuals.
But, Nestor interjected: “I am informing you further…that the Sexual Orientation provision has, in fact, in some way recognised the rights of homosexuals and we must accept that.”
Meanwhile, there was no vocal Christian representative(s) at the consultation and apart from the two Opposition representatives none other participant gave comments or directed questions at the presenters.
Other speakers in support of the sexual orientation clause were: Moulana Mohammed Ali Zenjiban, Assistant Director of the International Islamic College; Denuka Radzik from Red Thread, Keimo Benjamin, UG law student and Vidyartha Kissoon from Help & Shelter.
The Sunday Chronicle has been reliably informed that the Georgetown Ministers Fellowship, representing groups of Christian leaders staunchly against sexual orientation as a right in Guyana, have recently prepared a detailed 16-page document outlining issues arising from research to further boost their argument against the inclusion of the clause.
The document is yet to be made public.
http://www.landofsixpeoples.com/news301/nc306083.htm Droits : All rights reserved by the source institution. http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00014700/00001 | Partager |
Trinidad and Tobago 1:62,500 Auteur(s) : United States -- Army. -- Corps of Engineers Great Britain -- Ordnance Survey Éditeur(s) : Engineer reproduction plant ( Washington ) Résumé : In upper margin: War Department, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army. Tactical map ... "Polyconic projection." Military grid. "Contour interval 25, 50 and 100 feet." "4010-16-1." "From British ordnance survey maps, 1920-25." Marginal map: Index to sheets. Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Droits : This item is a work of the U.S. federal government and not protected by copyright pursuant to 17 U.S.C. §105. 000429757 06455800 ACH9039 http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00065430/00001 | Partager |
Panama 1:50,000 ; Series E762 Auteur(s) : United States -- Defense Mapping Agency. -- Hydrographic/Topographic Center Instituto Geográfico Nacional Tommy Guardia Panama -- Dirección de Cartografía Inter American Geodetic Survey United States -- Army Map Service Éditeur(s) : The Center ( Washington D.C ) Résumé : Relief shown by contours, and spot heights. Depths shown by bathymetric isolines and soundings. Mixed set: maps prepared by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional "Tommy Guardia," the Dirección de Cartográfico de Panamá, the Inter-American Geodetic Survey or the Army Map Service. Some maps only in Spanish. Standard map series designation: Series E762. Includes index to adjoining sheets, boundaries and elevation guides. (Funding) Funded in part by the University of Florida, the Florida Heritage Project of the State University Libraries of Florida, the Institute for Museum and Library Services, and the U.S. Department of Education's TICFIA granting program. (Statement of Responsibility) prepared and published by the Defense Mapping Agency, Hydrographic/Topographic Center. Panama Panama Droits : This item is a work of the U.S. federal government and not protected by copyright pursuant to 17 U.S.C. §105. 21132987 http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00077003/00001 | Partager |
A plan of the parish of St. James together with a part of the parishes of Hanover, Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth Auteur(s) : Morris, Cunningham & Woolridge Éditeur(s) : London : J. Gardener London : J. Gardener Résumé : A plan of the parish of St. James together with a part of the parishes of Hanover, Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth situated in the county of Cornwall & Island of Jamaica. Shows "the districts and properties therein destroyed during the late rebellion (1831), constructed from recent survey by orders from the authorities in March, 1832" (Funding) Support for the development of the technical infrastructure and partner training provided by the United States Department of Education TICFIA program. Jamaica Droits : All rights reserved by the source institution. | Partager |
Potential impact on Florida-based marina and boating industries of a post-embargo Cuba: an analysis of geographic, physical, policy and industry trends Auteur(s) : Cato, James A. Éditeur(s) : Florida Sea Grant College Program Florida Sea Grant College Program Résumé : (Funding) This collection includes items related to Florida’s environments, ecosystems, and species. It includes the subcollections of Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit project documents, the Florida Sea Grant technical series, the Florida Geological Survey series, the Howard T. Odum Center for Wetland technical reports, and other entities devoted to the study and preservation of Florida's natural resources. Cuba Cuba Florida Florida | Partager |
Observations on cup-shaped and other lapidarian sculptures in the Old World and in America ; Cup shaped and other lapidarian sculptures, Observations on Auteur(s) : Rau, Charles, 1826-1887 Éditeur(s) : Govt. Print. Off. Govt. Print. Off. ( Washington ) Résumé : (Statement of Responsibility) by Charles Rau. At head of title: Department of the Interior. U.S. Geographical and Geological Survey of the Rocky Mountain Region. J.W. Powell, in charge. United States of America United Kingdom -- Scotland United Kingdom -- England Ireland France Switzerland Germany Austria Denmark Sweden India North America Amérique du Nord Amérique du Nord 03370693 02027774 | Partager |
Consumers' expenditure in Jamaica Auteur(s) : Taylor, LeRoy Jamaica -- Dept. of Statistics. -- National accounts Jamaica -- Dept. of Statistics. -- Household expenditure survey Éditeur(s) : Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of the West Indies, Jamaica Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of the West Indies, Jamaica ( Mona ) Résumé : (Statement of Responsibility) by LeRoy Taylor. (Bibliography) Includes bibliographical references. Publication date stamped on cover. Includes analysis of responses from the Household expenditures survey, 1958. "Similar to ... the author's thesis ... University of London." Jamaica Jamaica Jamaica 05076554 79303780 | Partager |
Republic of Panama Special Map no. 2. Auteur(s) : United States -- Army. -- Corps of Engineers Panama -- Dirección de Cartografía Éditeur(s) : Printed by Army Map Service, Corps of Engineers ( Washington ) Résumé : "Transverse Mercator projection." Relief shown by gradient tints. Marginal maps: Index to adjoining sheets. Accompanied by index map on sheet 27 x 41 cm. (Funding) Funded in part by the University of Florida, the Florida Heritage Project of the State University Libraries of Florida, the Institute for Museum and Library Services, and the U.S. Department of Education's TICFIA granting program. (Statement of Responsibility) prepared under the direction of the Engineer, USARCARIB ... 3-56. Compilation by the Direción de Cartografía, Ministerio de Obras Públicas, República de Panamá in collaboration with the Inter American Geodetic Survey. Panama Panama Droits : This item is a work of the U.S. federal government and not protected by copyright pursuant to 17 U.S.C. §105. 06928011 map68000414 http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00077002/00001 | Partager |
Législation sur l'arpentage Auteur(s) : Haiti Haiti -- Secrétairerie d'État de la justice Éditeur(s) : Impr. Panorama Impr. Panorama ( Port-au-Prince Haïti ) Résumé : Title from PDF t.p. (LLMC Digital, viewed on Nov. 20, 2010) At head of title: République d'Haïti, Secrétairerie d'État de la justice. Haiti Haïti 663202914 | Partager |