DFID was created in May 1997 to provide a comprehensive and consistent UK response to the issues of international development. DFID's responsibilities include the Aid Programme, formerly managed by the Overseas Development Administration (ODA) but will also incorporate a wider range of areas such as debt, trade and human rights which impact on international development.
A comprehensive review of Britain's strategy for international development is now underway, however DFID's primary goal is the elimination of abject poverty - getting all children into education and providing clean water and primary health care for all.
More than £11 M, over the next three years, is currently committed to strategic interventions in support of improved water supply, environmental management, education, and economic reform.
Current Projects
This is the British contribution to a multi-donor Water Supply Technical Assistance and Rehabilitation Project, seen as the first stage in a longer term strategy to upgrade water supply systems throughout Guyana and to develop the Guyana Water Authority’s institutional capacity. About ¾ of DFID’s input is devoted to plant and equipment, with the remainder going to technical and managerial support through a twinning arrangement with one of the U.K. regional water authorities.
In line with the National Forestry Action Plan, this DFID project seeks primarily to strengthen the Forest Commission's ability to monitor and regulate the use of forest resources so as to ensure sustainable management and optimal economic and environmental benefits. It does this by providing technical advisers, training and equipment to the Commission and by support for forestry research and training in other institutions in Guyana.
With the aim of improving the educational standards of pupils in the junior secondary sector, this project focuses on up-grading the knowledge and skills of untrained teachers of core-curriculum subjects through structured in-service distance training, beginning with a two year pilot project in Regions 5 and 6. At the same time the project hopes to strengthen the Distance Education Unit of the implementing agency - NCERD - and the regional Learning Resource Centres. A review of the first phase of in February 1997, showed that progress is being made and the second phase project is currently being designed.
This project provides technical assistance to the Privatisation Unit through the Adam Smith Institute. It has assisted the PU to bring various entities to the point of scale, as agreed with the IMF, and has also provided advice about the future of Linmine and its associated non-core operations.
This project will provide institutional strengthening to the Lands and Surveys Department for its crucial role in the whole area of land administration and management.
Pipeline Projects