§ 21. Sir L. Plummerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what legislative and administrative reforms have been carried through in British Guiana since the establishment of the present Government.
§ Mr. LytteltonSome examples of progress in social and economic matters are given below. They include measures in the educational, agricultural, medical and housing spheres.
(1)—(a) The number of exhibitions tenable at University College of West Indies have been increased.
(b) A Schools broadcasting service has been introduced.
(c) A scheme has been launched for providing loans to Guianese students at universities overseas.
(d) A scheme has been drawn up with United Nations assistance for providing undernourished school children with snack meal to be implemented in September at beginning of new school term.
(2) A Credit Corporation has been set up in accordance with recommendation of International Bank Mission.
(3) An Economic Council has been established under chairmanship of Governor.
(4) Twelve Regional Development Committees with Area Sub-committees and an Amerindian Development Committee have been appointed.
(5) A substantial portion of Colony's forests have been brought under the control of the Conservator of Forests thus ensuring proper forest management and silvicultural methods.
(6) Schemes have been started for training subordinate agricultural staff and subordinate forestry staff.
(7) Legislation has been enacted to provide improved control and the compulsory registration of Friendly Societies.
(8) A social security investigation has been carried out.
24W(9) Increased provision has been made for the expansion of social welfare and probation services.
(10) A fiscal survey has been carried out by expert from Board of Inland Revenue.
(11) A Committee has been set up to review customs tariff in order to adjust anomalies and recommend any revision necessary to foster individual development.
(12) A housing programme has been prepared with assistance of U.K. experts and approved.
(13) Legislation has been enacted covering the supply of water by Georgetown municipality to suburbs of Kitty and providing for extension to other suburban areas.
(14) The Police Department has been reorganised and strengthened; a wireless telecommunications system has been introduced.
(15) The Bureau of Public Information has been reorganised under the Public Relations Officer. A Government weekly newspaper has been established.
(16) The Government broadcasting arrangements have been reorganised by a Broadcasting Officer on loan from B.B.C.
(17) Arrangements have been made for inquiry into operation of medical services.
(18) Increased provision has been made for scholarships and training courses to equip Guianese for higher appointments in the Civil Service.