Guyana_Chronicle_New_York_Edition_08_16_2019 by Guyana Chronicle

NO.0042

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 17, 2019

NO.0051

‘This court can’t fix a date for elections’ …Chief Justice throws out PPP Sept 18 elections date proposal

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‘HOUSE-TOHOUSE LEGIT’ – Chief Justice says GECOM registration exercise not unconstitutional

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Guyana 12th in oil reserves league …dubbed newest ‘petrostate’, potentially richest by Bloomberg

Guyana CSEC top student, Riana Toney

Guyana CAPE top student Shanomae Milling

‘Best CSEC performance’

Education Minister talks up improvements in 21 subjects

(See stories on pages 20&21

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…CAPE also returned satisfactory results

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

‘This court can’t fix a date for elections’ …Chief Justice throws out PPP Sept 18 elections date proposal …tells Ram you cannot “cherry pick” parts of the judgment to suit fixed views

By Svetlana Marshall CHIEF Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, on Wednesday August 14, confirmed what the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) had done and what the government has been saying-- that the court cannot fix a date for elections here-- dealing the opposition another blow in its pursuit to force early elections. Justice George-Wiltshire also confirmed that the CCJ did not fix a date or timeframe for the conduct of General and Regional Elections as she declined to grant an order compelling the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to hold elections by September 18. “…the CCJ could not and this Court cannot order that elections must be held by a fixed date,” Justice George-Wiltshire said as she delivered her judgement in a courtroom packed with lawyers, concerned Guyanese and journalists – a position that was argued by the Attorney- General, Basil Williams and his team. The opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), through Chartered

Accountant Christopher Ram, in a Fixed Date Application (FDA) had asked the High Court to compel the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield to immediately take all steps and actions necessary and requisite to hold General and Regional Elections on or before September 18, 2019, but the Chief Justice issued no such order. In summing up the case of Christopher Ram vs. the Chief Elections Officer, Commissioner of the National Registration, The Guyana Elections Commission and the Attorney-General, the Chief Justice said Ram, through his Attorney Anil

Nandlall, relied on paragraph six (6) of the July 12, 2019 Judgment of the CCJ while the respondents relied on paragraphs six (6) and seven (7) of the same ruling, in support of their arguments. In those two paragraphs, the CCJ, in delivering the Consequential Orders, said due to the fact that the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) was passed on December 21, 2018, and general elections should have been held by March 21, 2019 unless a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly had resolved to extend the period. However, the country’s final appellate Court also made it clear that Article 106 of

the Constitution invests in the President, the National Assembly and, implicitly, GECOM, the responsibilities that impact on the precise timing of elections. The CCJ

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire

stated clearly that it was not within its remit to issue coercive orders instructing these constitutional players how to act.

Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall, speaking to reporters outside of the courtroom. His client, Christopher Ram, pays keen attention.

FLAW IN OPPOSITION APPLICATION Chief Justice George-Wiltshire, from the onset of her judgement, identified a “flaw” in the contentions of the applicant. “Nowhere in the application or the submission is there a recognition that apart from fixing a three-month period for the holding of an election after a successful NCM, Article 106 (7) also includes an important proviso that the National Assembly can extend the period for the holding of such elections,” she told the parties in the matter. The Chief Justice, in interpreting the judgement (Consequential Orders) of the CCJ, explained that Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution explicitly outline the procedures that ought to follow a successful No-Confidence Motion. She noted that the CCJ, in upholding the Constitution, said elections should have been held by March 21, 2019 unless a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly had resolved to extend that period. Justice George-Wiltshire said while the CCJ further noted

that the court proceedings challenging the validity of the no-confidence vote had effectively placed the matter on pause and the clock had started back ticking on June 18 when it issued its ruling, it was not an indication that elections ought to be held within three months of that ruling. In support of her ruling, the Chief Justice turned the Court’s attention to paragraph 9 (e) and (f) of the July 12 Consequential Orders, explaining the CCJ’s June 18 decision, immediately operationalised Article 106 of the Constitution. Notably, paragraph 9 (f) of the CCJ clearly explained that “Upon the passage of this motion of no-confidence in the Government, the clear provisions of Article 106 immediately became engaged.” “In so becoming immediately operationalised, as regards the holding of elections, which is the foundational issue of this application, Article 106 (7) provides that such elections be held within three months of the date of the passage of the NCM or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of vote of all elected members of the National Assembly shall determine. If the court had said that Article 106 immediately becomes engaged then the June 18 date or the July 12 date when the Consequential Orders judgement was made, could have been

days from which the effective NCM could have been counted but this language was not used,” Justice George-Wiltshire explained. The Chief Justice said to do the contrary would be to re-fix the date of the passage of the No-Confidence Motion, as she shut down arguments put by Nandlall that General and Regional Elections must now be held within three months of the CCJ’s June 18 ruling validating the No-Confidence Motion. “To hold otherwise that Article 106 immediately became engaged would have resulted in the CCJ refixing the date of the NCM and reconfiguring what the Court referred to as clear provisions of Article 106 of the Constitution. The Court could not and this Court cannot refix the date of the NCM to June 18, 2019 when it was validly passed on December 21, 2018,” the Chief Justice told the parties in the matter. She maintained that it is not within the jurisdiction of the Court to reconfigure date of the passed No-Confidence Motion. To do so, she added, would be to disregard the Rule of Law and the Constitution for which the Court is bound to uphold. The Chief Justice was keen on pointing out that the CCJ, in issuing its consequential orders, stated that Article 106 of the Constitution placed in the hands of the President, the National Assembly and in part GECOM the responsibilities that would impact the precise time of the elections. “The CCJ, therefore, did not explicitly or by indications in its pronouncements or in the declaration in its orders in paragraph 9 (e) and (f) order that elections ought to be held within three months of June 18, 2019. On the contrary, the CCJ explicitly stated that it is not the role of the Court to establish a date for on or by which the elections must be held. Further, the CCJ could not and this Court cannot order that elect Turn to page

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

‘HOUSE-TO-HOUSE LEGIT’ – Chief Justice says GECOM registration exercise not unconstitutional …but process must not deregister eligible Guyanese

By Svetlana Marshall The ongoing House-toHouse Registration being undertaken by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is within the confines of the Constitution, and is therefore legal, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire ruled on Wednesday. The Acting Chief Justice, at the time, was delivering her judgment in a case challenging the constitutionality of House-to-House Registration brought before the High Court by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, in which, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, and the Attorney General Basil Williams were the named respondents. Justice George-Wiltshire ruled that the Constitution and the Laws of Guyana provide for the conduct of House-to-House Registration as a form of verification – a position that was argued by the Attorney-General and the attorneys that represented the Chief Elections Officer – Senior Counsel Neil Boston and Roysdale Forde. As such, she ruled that the June 11 Order published in the Official Gazette by the then Chairman of Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson was in compliance with established laws. The order paved the way for the House-to-House Registration exercise to be conducted from July 20, 2019 to October 20, 2019 – a period of three months. The order, cited as the National Registration (Residents) Order 2019, stated: “Persons to whom this Order applies shall, in accordance

with Section 6 of the Act, be registered under the process of house-to-house registration with reference to October 31, 2019 and the registration shall begin on July 20, 2019 and end on October 20, 2019.” It also applies to all persons qualified to be electors and all who, on the qualifying date of October 31, 2019, shall have attained the age of 14 years old. Ram, through his attorney Anil Nandlall, had argued that in addition to the national exercise being unconstitutional, it clashes with the Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution and the judgment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). He submitted to the court that the order was issued days before the CCJ invalidated the appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM and validated the No-Confidence Motion – which triggered the need for early elections. But the Chief Justice, on Wednesday, said “there was no conservatory order or other restraining order preventing the then chairman of GECOM from acting, even though his chairmanship was the subject of a challenge in one of the appeals.” In addition to the fact that there was no Conservatory Order preventing Justice Patterson from acting, Chief Justice George-Wiltshire drew the Court’s attention to the fact that the order merely confirmed a decision of the Elections Commission taken since July, 2018. Further, she pointed out that the National Registration (Residents) Order 2019 was issued before the CCJ delivered its initial judgment on June 18, and ahead of the July 12 issuance of consequential orders. The Chief Justice iter-

may be affected but it does not eliminate it as a verification process,” the Chief Justice explained while iterating that by virtue of the of Article 162 of the Constitution and the National Registration Act, House-to-House Registration is not unconstitutional. Office-based registration However, in pointing to

“…it would not be for the court to determine that House-to-House Registration should or should not be conducted, more so that the order includes the registration of persons who are 14 years and over to whom would be issued National Identification cards, this aspect cannot be ignored, also not unconstitutional or unlawful,” –– Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire ated that there was nothing stopping the Elections Commission from carrying out its functions, and more so, a decision it had taken before a No-Confidence Motion was put before the National Assembly, and before the CCJ delivered its judgment in the consolidated No-Confidence Motion cases and the GECOM Chair appointment matter. “I do not see how a House-to-House Registration exercise violates Article 106 (6) and (7). The CEO and GECOM have no role in the implementation of Article 106 (6) and as regards of Article 106 (7) GECOM could conduct the House to House Registration or any other verification process, for that matter, in the context of the peculiar circumstances that are extant following the NCM,” the Chief Justice

ruled. While the constitutionally mandated deadline for the conduct of elections subsequent to a No-Confidence Motion has passed (March 21, 2019), Chief Justice George-Wiltshire pointed to the fact that to date there is no date fixed for which General and Regional Elections would be held. She reminded the parties in the matter that Article 106 (7) of the Constitution includes a proviso through which, the National Assembly, by a two-thirds majority of all elected members, could extend the period for the conduct of elections. Nonetheless, with an election pending, the Chief Justice said the House-toHouse Registration could be affected in part. “The speed and timeframe within which House-to-House Registration may have to be conducted

the National Registration Act, the Chief Justice noted that it also provides for the establishment of offices for the purpose of receiving applications for registration, and as such there are two methods by which registration can be done – House to House or at the Divisional or District Offices. As such, the Chief Justice said as GECOM registers electors it may have to consider other methods of verification of the list that could be utilised – whether in conjunction with or separate from House-to-House Registration. “While pursuant to Article 160 and 162, GECOM is an independent body that is not subject to the control or direction of any person or authority and while it is incumbent on GECOM to produce a credible list and

‘This court can’t fix a date ... ions must be held by a fixed date because of the provision that the National Assembly can decide to extend the period for the holding of elections – a provision which the applicant has failed to acknowledge in his application,” Justice George-Wiltshire ruled. For her, the language of the

a credible election, it is subject to the Constitution and the laws, and it cannot act as though it is in a normal registration for election cycle. Nevertheless, it would not be for the court to determine that House-to-House Registration should or should not be conducted more so that the order includes the registration

court could not have been clearer. The Chief Justice said the applicant cannot “cherry pick” parts of the judgement to suit his fixed views. Justice George-Wiltshire also ruled that the notice of application by the Attorney-General Basil Williams was correct in urging that the issue is res judicata. The

Attorney-General and the Solicitor General Nigel Hawke had repeatedly argued that the issues raised in Ram’s FDA were Res Judicata for ‘Issue Estoppel’- meaning that the matter has already been settled by a judicial decision, in this case, the CCJ. As such, the Chief Justice ruled that she could not grant the

order sought by Ram. In this matter, the Chief Elections Officer was represented by Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde and Senior Counsel Neil Boston while GECOM was represented by Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus. The Attorney-General appeared in association with the Solicitor Gen-

of persons who are 14 years and over to whom would be issued National Identification cards, this aspect cannot be ignored, also not unconstitutional or unlawful,” Justice George-Wiltshire said. In addressing another element of the case, the Chief Justice ruled that persons, who were previously registered, even if they now reside overseas, cannot be removed from the National Register of Registrants unless they are deceased or have been disqualified. As such, persons cannot be deregistered if they fail to register during the ongoing House-to-House Registration and should be allowed to vote in the area or district for which they have been registered.

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eral while Ram was represented by Attorneys-at-Law Anil Nandlall and Ralph Ramkarran among others. The Guyana Bar Association was also represented in the case by its President Teni Housty, and Sanjeev Datadin, both of whom are attorneys.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

Guyana looks to India in pursuit of becoming solar State – President Granger …accredits new India High Commissioner PRESIDENT David Granger, on Wednesday August 14, accredited His Excellency Dr. K.J. Srinivasa as the High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Guyana. During the simple but significant accreditation ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency, President Granger and the India High Commissioner, while underscoring the strides made between the two countries, committed to strengthen collaboration in the areas of solar power, oil and gas, agriculture and infrastructure development, among others. In his address, President Granger said, in its pursuit of becoming a solar state, Guyana will continue to work closely with India. In January 2018, Guyana signed and ratified the Framework Agreement of the International Solar

towards becoming a ‘green state’ – emphasises the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energy and the adoption of practical measures to guarantee climate adaptation,” the Head of State explained. Dr. Srinivasa, in delivering his maiden address as the India High Commissioner to Guyana, recalled that India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Guyana. Guyana and India established diplomatic relations in 1966, and by 1968, the Commission of India which was established in Georgetown in May 1965, had become a full-fledged High Commission. The Indian High Commissioner took note of the fact that while India and Guyana are miles apart, they have many common characteristics

High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Guyana Dr. K.J. Srinivasa

from Guyana’s experience in this field. In the area of human resource development, the Indian Commissioner said Guyanese over the years have been exposed to countless academic and technical opportunities. To date, more than 500 Guyanese nationals have benefitted from India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). From April 2018 to March 2019, 26 Guyanese officials were trained in India in different fields under the ITEC. “In the past, India has extended concessional Lines of Credit through EXIM Bank for modernisation of sugar plants, construction of cricket stadium, installation of solar traffic lights, etc. The ongoing LoC projects include the East Coast-East Bank Demerara Link Road Project, supply of a passenger ferry, acquisition

sion of Security Council and India’s claim for a permanent membership of the expanded Security Council,” he told the Head of State. Dr. Srinivasa told President Granger that he is deeply aware of responsibilities and stands committed to the task. “…It would be my endeavour to take our bilateral relations, including trade, on a higher trajectory through continued engagement and solid interactions between the business communities of the two countries,” he said while securing the support of the State. The relationship between Guyana and India was established long before 1965. Approximately 181 years ago, immigrants from India were brought to Guyana after slavery was completely

President David Granger and High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Guyana Dr. K.J. Srinivasa (centre) standing with members of their delegation. Among them are Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings (third from left) and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddell (second from right) (MoTP Photos)

Alliance. Three months later, President Granger reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the alliance during his attendance at the First Summit of the International Solar Alliance in New Delhi. Becoming a solar state is a key component of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy, President Granger told the newly accredited India High Commissioner. “The ‘Strategy’ – our road map

such as their colonial past, predominantly agricultural and rural-based economies and multi-cultural societies. Noting that the bilateral relations between India and Guyana remain cordial and friendly, the India High Commissioners said President Granger’s attendance at the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance, and earlier and subsequent visits by two delegations of min-

isters have further strengthened and consolidated the countries’ bilateral relations. “Excellency, immense opportunities exist for both our countries to further enhance bilateral trade, particularly in agriculture and food processing, oil and gas, renewable sources of energy, forestry, drug and pharmaceuticals, health infrastructure, education, etc.,” Commissioner Srinivasa said.

He said India is committed to Guyana’s overall development, while assuring the President that India’s participation in the development process in various sectors of Guyana’s economy would continue. Guyana’s leading role in environmental issues and low carbon development strategy has been recognised all over the world, Commissioner Srinivasa said, while noting that India would like to benefit

of high-capacity, fixed and mobile drainage pumps and upgradation of three primary health centres,” he recalled. The India High Commissioner also expressed gratitude to President Granger for the support given by Guyana during various elections to the United Nations (UN) bodies and international organisations. “We count on your support in United Nations restructuring, including expan-

abolished in 1838. Today, their descendants constitute a large proportion of Guyana’s population. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddell, accompanied the President. Commissioner Srinivasa replaces His Excellency Venkatachalam Mahalingam.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

AG meets relatives of slain Lindo Creek miners …as gov’t prepares to implement recommendations of CoI

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC recently met with the close relatives of the eight miners who were killed at Lindo Creek in 2008, as the government prepares to implement a section of the recommendations made in the Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report compiled by Justice (Ret’d) Donald Trotman. The meeting was held on the instructions of President David Granger, who in February 1, 2018 had ordered that an inquiry be launched into the massacre. The CoI was established to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the killing of Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton Berry Wong at Lindo Creek in the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region on or about June 21, 2008. The report was handed over to the President on August 2, 2019. Implementation of the recommendations proposed in Trotman’s Report was central to the discussion during the recent meeting. According to a report seen by the Guyana Chronicle, the Attorney General Williams extracted specific recommendations from the report which are considered to bring tangible consolation to the relatives and dependents of the slain Lindo Creek miners. “These recommendations were examined and

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC meeting with close relatives of the 2008 Lindo Creek Massacre victims at his Office

discussed extensively by Attorney General Williams and relatives of the slain miners, as the implementation of certain recommendations will benefit the relatives. Relatives were keen to identify the recommendations that they viewed as most beneficial and will welcome the implementation,” a second of the report states. In the meeting, the Attorney General Williams noted that an interagency approach and collaboration with the relevant ministries will be required to oversee their successful implementation of the recommendations. He committed to engage

in discussions at the ministerial level on the matter to further develop and adopt the most suitable approach in light of the discussions with the relatives. “Relatives of the slain miners, almost one decade later, by virtue of the constitution of the Commission of Inquiry were afforded the opportunity to visit the site of the massacre for the first time. Many relatives expressed that this exercise would have provided them with a degree of closure and solace,” another section of the report stated. In his report to President David Granger, Justice

Trotman recommended that counselling be provided to the families of the deceased. Counselling forms part of a menu of recommendations made with respect to the family. On the basis that all of the miners were the breadwinners of their families, at the time of their demise, the commission has also recommended that those they left behind be paid monetary compensation. And while he declined to disclose the amount recommended for each of the eight families, Justice Trotman in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle had said, “I think we would want to

leave that to the discretion of the President and a team of appropriate advisers. We suggested an amount, but we still feel we would want to leave that open.” He, however, disclosed that the commission also recommended that special provisions be made for the offspring of the dead miners, in the form of financial grants, scholarships, housing and job opportunities, particularly to those who are qualified. It has also been recommended that that the hill leading to the mining camp at Lindo Creek, be named or renamed “Arokium Hill”, and for monuments to be erected

in each of the villages that the miners lived, in their memory. The commission has also called on the government to hold an annual commemorative ceremony on June 21, to celebrate the lives of the miners. According to the commission, the evidence garnered suggest that the miners were more than likely killed by members of the Joint Services, who at the time, were conducting a manhunt for the notorious Rondell “Fine-Man” Rawlins gang, along the UNAMCO trail in the Upper-Berbice River area.

Coalition attuned to democracy, transparency, accountability

-- Minister Allicock LOCAL democracy, transparency and accountability play a major part in the government’s agenda, specifically as they pertain to Indigenous Peoples, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, has said. He was at the time being interviewed on the radio programme ‘INSIGHT’ on the Voice of Guyana (VOG). Minister Allicock noted that the National Toshao’s Council was established to allow participation by various bodies such as non-governmental organisations

(NGO), the media and other interested individuals. “… for more transparency and a bigger circle of guidance,” the minister explained. There is also President David Granger’s 10-point plan for Indigenous development, which is currently being executed and results are being derived. Through this plan, Minister Allicock said, there are projects geared at improving village economies as well as building the capacity of the individuals who live in these communities. He highlighted

“We have seen a lot of young people, especially those single parents; they have really come up to the challenge and they are there helping with their village economies, even helping with creating more job opportunities for family members and beyond,” Minister Allicock said.

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock

the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) which has made a significant impact on the lives of young people in the various villages across

Guyana. The programme gives them the foundation for economic development, social security and leadership roles.

Minister Allicock also said that with ‘first-oil’ expected in early 2020, and the subsequent revenues that will accrue, the government is focusing on appropriate education to be prepared to utilise the revenue in a way that benefits the country. To this effect, the Ministry of

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is currently establishing a Green Enterprise Centre in Annai, Bina Hill. This institution will offer courses in enterprise design and startup, management, sustainability, and leadership, as well as access to business support services. The idea, he said, is to have youths equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to seize the opportunities as they become available. Feasibility studies are ongoing for the establishment of similar centres in Regions One, Seven and Eight. Other projects listed include a TURN TO PAGE

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week CHRONICLE ending AUGUST 17, SUNDAY AUGUST 18,2019 2019

Coalition Politics: Challenges and Successes ONE of the things that distinguishes the current government from its main competitor for office is its plural identity. The government is a Coalition of six political parties with each bringing to the partnership its particular and peculiar strengths. We feel that our diverse society deserves a government that reflects that ethnic and political reality. Such a political force is better able to appeal to a wider cross section of the country than a one-party government that is grounded in a single demographic. From the 1960s to the present, political parties, scholars and commentators have contended that the best form of government for Guyana must be one that is grounded in a power-sharing arrangement. However, despite rhetoric to that effect, there was no actual concrete manifestation of power-sharing or shared governance until the birth of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) which contested the 2011 elections. When the APNU joined with the Alliance for Change (AFC) to topple the PPP from the presidency

in 2015, it became the first truly multi-party government in Guyana’s history. Although the APNU+AFC government is not a full-fledged national government, it comes closest to that ideal. The constituent parties have been forced to contain their partisan interests to ensure the survival of the collective. Given the differing political orientation of the three main parties in the government, the Coalition should be commended for surviving the inherent challenges. It is not that there have not been difficulties, but in the final analysis, they managed to stay together even in the face of a defection from one of the parties that caused the passage of a No-Confidence Vote. It is obvious that the ministers have developed a healthy working relationship which is key to an effective partnership. There can be no doubt that managing a coalition is a complex undertaking, especially when in addition to their differing orientations, the parties’ electoral strengths are uneven. Larger parties tend to logically look

to exert the most influence on the process and smaller parties seek to increase their clout. In the case of the current coalition, one of the smaller parties was able to strike an accord that guaranteed it a substantial portion of parliamentary and cabinet seats. In the end, leadership of the collective was pivotal to its survival. In that regard, President Granger should be applauded for his astute leadership. Now that they have decided to again face the polls as a Coalition, the parties are in the process of hammering out a new pact in the form of a revised Cummingsburg Accord between the APNU and the AFC. There is also talk of upgrading the APNU Charter that governs relations among the APNU parties. According to reports, all the parties have already signed on to the coalition’s “Core Principles.” That is indeed good news for those who support coalition politics. But the more difficult task lies ahead as the parties negotiate how power, both tangible and intangible, would be distributed after the polls. Will there be any substantial

change in the Cummingsburg Accord? Will the AFC manage to hold the APNU to the 60-40 formulae enshrined in the previous accord?. Besides, the issue of the Prime Minster slot and whether the smaller parties in the APNU, particularly the WPA, seek more representation in the National Assembly and the Cabinet as mentioned by the latter at a news conference on Friday? The answer to these and other related questions would be made known in the not too distant future. Supporters of the Coalition would be hoping that the leaders approach the negotiations with the same maturity that informed their conduct during the first term in office. There is perhaps more need for more give and take than was needed in 2015. Whatever the outcome, we wish them well. As the country approaches the new dispensation as a ‘Petrostate’, we feel that it would be better served by a government grounded in compromise and consensus than one grounded in acrimony and domination.

Black family had a structured, successful and well-organised life Dear Editor GREATNESS lies within each of us. Some are called to be teachers, religious leaders, lawyers, parents, politicians, gravediggers, labourers and so forth. It matters not what you are called to be, but the quality of service you deliver on the task you are called to perform. Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr said it best in reminding us: “If a man is called to be a streetsweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause and say, here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well.” We must proceed to do what we have to do by first reach-

ing deep within us and bringing to the fore the needed confidence to propel us into action. Though slavery was brutal to our ancestors, they overcame, as is evident from our presence today and what they bequeathed us. With less they did more, and persevered in spite of the roadblocks. Their success did not happen by fluke. Success came because our ancestors’ conviction never to doubt their ability and capability to beat the odds kept them going even at times when the road seemed rough and rugged. The acquisition of villages which was purchased through the cooperative economic model is a source of pride for and in the African community. When former enslavers thought Africans could not survive outside their control,

direction, spitefulness and domination, they were proven liars. Africans have built and maintained infrastructure, beautiful homes, gardens and surroundings. They have tilled the soil, sold produce, pursued education and maintained family on the principle of the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child.” The extended family structure was central to the cohesiveness and success of the African child and the community. Our elders held their pride of place. Religion and education were key pillars in establishing the sense of community, brotherhood and sisterhood. Religion instilled in us faith and the moral compass to discern right from wrong. Education empowered us to open new doors into the world of knowledge as we

acquired and honed skills, secured work and provided for the economic needs of self and family. An educated people is an empowered people because they possess the skills to think for themselves, ask the right questions and not settle for less. Earlier political affairs in the villages were handled through elders, then later the Village Councils/ Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and at the national level. Sports, both competitive and non-competitive, were the hallmark of all ages, be they indoors or outdoors, lending to community spirit, putting the mind and body to work in a relaxed and fun-filled environment. Entertainment was the showcasing of cultural and dancing skills and recognising the best-dressed. What is being pointed out here

is that the Black family had a structured, successful and well-organised life. This is not to say there were no social ills, but a structured and organised environment was central to the confidence that drove the innate desire for self-determination and economic accumulation. In this month of August, as special attention is being paid to the struggles against and freedom from chattel slavery, our greatness in other endeavours must come to the fore to ensure upward mobility. A good starting point would be examining practical solutions and the problem-solving used by our ancestors in their struggles to overcome. Yours faithfully, Sharma Solomon

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 16, 2019 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

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ABR proposes changes to Guyana’s tax structure Dear Editor

he African Business Roundtable (ABR) supports the idea of having the income tax structure of the country adjusted in a phased approach over the next five years. The tax structure consists of the various taxes that are used to collect revenue on behalf of the government. The taxes include the income tax levied on individuals and businesses, estate and inheritance taxes, property taxes, production and consumption taxes, the trade

and travel taxes and the various miscellaneous taxes. The ABR specifically recommends that the personal income tax be phased out for Guyanese workers while the tax rate for businesses, especially agricultural and manufacturing businesses, be reduced significantly, if not eliminated altogether. The ABR believes that it is the correct thing to do and the time is right to do so given the anticipated surge in government revenues from the oil and gas industry and the favourable capital formation achieved by the country within the last few

years. Assessments and the most recent announcements continually show that the oil and gas industry will dominate the economy by the end of the upcoming “five-year” budget cycle. On Wednesday July 24, Dr. David Pollard, in a lecture on the “Impact of Oil Revenues on Guyana,” affirmed this viewpoint. The surge by the oil and gas industry could have a catastrophic impact on the much needed agricultural and manufacturing sectors as investments and resources shift away from them to take

advantage of the burgeoning revenues of the nascent oil and gas industry. Incentives specifically designed to allow for higher and faster profitability in the agricultural and manufacturing industries would help to nullify the possible disastrous impact that the oil and gas industry could wreak on those two sectors. Based on recent World Bank data, the period 2016 to 2018 has seen a higher increase in the productive capacity of the country than during the period 1998 and 2015, setting the stage for even higher and faster eco-

nomic growth. The ABR also believes that now is the time for government to make the necessary changes in the tax structure since delaying action would only make it difficult for Guyana to enhance its food security and remain a net exporter of food in this oil-driven climate. The removal of the personal income tax and the lowering of the tax rate significantly for businesses would also facilitate the continual growth in private capital formation that can support additionally a transition to a green economy. The special

incentive to workers and the agricultural and manufacturing sectors could also attract more persons to the labour force and the entrepreneurial class, thereby increasing further the prospects for economic sustainability, lower unemployment and an enjoyable lifestyle. Regards Leon Roberts Business Development and Liaison Officer African Business Roundtable

Show a little kindness to seniors Republic Bank Dear Editor

am a senior citizen who has been a loyal customer of Republic Bank since it was Royal Bank. I opened my first bank account in 1975. Over the years, my business relations with the bank have allowed me to interact with most of the Loan Officers and I have always been treated with respect. One loan officer in particular – Mrs Serene C. Persaud, has always given me sound guidance. In

light of the excellent service I have received over the years I never saw the need to go to any other banking institution to access loans or any other financial services. All my financial needs are well taken care of at Republic Bank, and I have introduced many friends, family members and business colleagues to Republic Bank. However, a recent experience has left a somewhat ‘bad taste’ in my mouth. During the month of July 2019, my wife and I went into the bank

to service our loan and as we have done over the years, we went upstairs to complete this transaction. When we got there, we were told that they could not accept our loan installment because the new management had made a decision prohibiting the receipt of monies on that floor, and that we will have to go downstairs to pay the loan installment. We were very perturbed to hear this because the ground floor was full of people and there was nowhere for pensioners to stand, much less sit.

My wife and I left the bank without completing our transaction. We returned a week later only to find the same situation – the ground floor filled to capacity. We went upstairs once more and voiced our concern over the situation and were allowed to pay the loan installment through the kindness of the supervisor. What is upsetting to me is that no prior notice was given of this new management decision and nothing was put in place to accommodate customers like myself who

have a long history with the bank, especially with the Loan Department. This situation caused me to reminisce on the time when Mr. John Alves was CEO. He was so approachable and concerned about excellent customer service, that I could have spoken to him about any sudden change that was adversely affecting customers and he always ensured the situation was remedied. I was informed that the gentleman who is now at the helm is also a very nice person

and approachable person. If that is indeed the case, I am asking that he re-examines the decision that was made to disallow loan repayments being made upstairs, since having to utilise the ground floor facilities is very uncomfortable for customers, especially seniors. Arthur Taylor Loyal customer

GNBA REFUTES ALLEGATIONS OF CENSORSHIP Dear Editor

n response to accusations of censorship by the leader of the Opposition, Chairman of the GNBA Board, Mr. Leslie Sobers in a recent interview stated categorically that the Authority does not censor, neither does it “terrorise , intimidate or

harass broadcasters” as was claimed. However, the Authority monitors the airwaves and engages broadcasters on breaches to the Broadcasting Act and the generally accepted guidelines on broadcasting, which can be found on the GBNA website. The GNBA Chairman indicated that through their licenc-

es, broadcasting entities have an obligation to comply with the Broadcasting Act and the laws governing their assigned frequency. He added that if GNBA finds stations committing infractions, “we call, we write, we invite them to discussions, we try to encourage them to desist; because our job is to help develop the broadcasting

Access road to Yaya pontoon crossing needs repairing DEAR EDITOR,

would like to bring attention to the deplorable condition of the access road for the Yaya pontoon crossing at the Essequibo River. This is a critical piece of road infrastructure for gold miners, loggers and other Guyanese who depend on access to Omai, 72 Miles, Issano, in between and beyond for their livelihoods. The condition of this access road has worsened in the last year, exacerbated by increasing movements of log trucks and protracted rainy seasons. Concerns over their own safety–and that of their vehicles and cargo have forced some truck operators to consider suspending their operations

until this eight mile stretch of road is restored to a safe and acceptable condition. The poor condition of this road costs time and money when vehicles are stuck or need to be repaired. This, in turn, affects the profitability of operations and further, their viability. In previous years, the Mekdeci Mining Company – which has sole control of this crossing (and others nationwide) – has honoured its responsibility to maintain the ingress from Yaya turn off to the crossing, and the egress from point of disembarkation up to Issano Road turn off. However, there has been close to zero effort to conduct any maintenance in the last year. At least 4 vehicles can cross with the Mekdeci pontoon

leaving every hour between the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and at a cost of between $9,000 for a pickup truck, to $45,000 for a double axel truck, and upwards for Lorries and other equipment. Surely, some of this income can be set aside for maintenance of the roads which bring vehicles to their crossing. The necessary directive must be given by the government agency which governs the Mekdeci pontoon operations, for regular maintenance to resume immediately and much needed relief brought to the Yaya road users. The livelihoods of hard working Guyanese depend on it. Sincerely, Jahar Rohit

sector, not to destroy it”. With respect to Press conferences, if something is said that runs contrary to the Broadcasting Act or Guidelines, broadcasters are expected to deal with that in an appropriate manner before broadcasting such content. The Chairman made it clear that the contention that

GNBA favours the government is ludicrous. “We are not the PR for the government”. The Chairman also noted that Government broadcasting stations have also been warned. For instance, the National Communications Network (NCN) has been called in and warned for several infractions, as per the procedure of GNBA.

The GNBA continues to function as an independent, impartial and professional entity, with its power vested through the Broadcasting Laws. Regards Joel Ally Public Relations Officer Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

EXCITING TIMES ON ALL FRONTS

THESE have been very exciting times on all fronts for our Guyanese people. Positive stories of development and progress continue to emerge and politics could not be more controversial as well as hectic. For me, the rains dampened our spirits just a bit, with a wash-out of the India-West Indies ODI, which accompanied the threegame, T20 white-wash. But I tried to recover by joining the ministerial caravan, the latest that was held Friday in La Parfaite Harmonie, a sprawling housing scheme on the west bank of the Demerara River, where an estimated 20,000 persons live.

NEGLECTED COMMUNITY The scheme had ground to a halt when the previous government fell short of some $16 billion to complete essential infrastructural works, leaving behind a neglected community and a nest of discontent. Friday, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government rolled out a $1.5 billion package for roads, sidewalks, drainage, street lamps, playgrounds, etc. The package includes commissioning within two weeks of a new police station, construction of two new wells, subsidies for home-owners to build core homes; and grants to upgrade low-income homes. Works will start within days. The people were jubilant that the government had come to them with working solutions. Much of the credit for the initiative should go to Joseph Harmon, the Director-General in the Ministry of the Presidency. The previous Friday I was with the team that inter-faced with the Mahdia mining town in the heartland of the Potaro-Siparuni region that is renowned for our magical Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls, the ever-green Pakaraima Mountains, gold and diamond mines, and an unimaginable expansive spread of green, tropical foliage. Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson drove me around along the new concrete roads, where once there were huge craters and red dust. As I jumped into his

“Patmobile” (an improvised ATV), I recalled in my childhood years the comic books that I loved, with Batman in his Batmobile coming to the rescue of distressed folk in the dangerous Gotham City. I would credit “Patto” with similar feats in places such as Mahdia, Lethem, Bartica, Mabaruma and elsewhere in Guyana, about which I will write later. But I must digress from the unfolding stories of progress in Guyana under our government, to again comment on the controversy over how soon fresh elections should be held in Guyana.

EXTENSION OF TIMEFRAME Mr. Lincoln Lewis, the GTUC’s general-secretary, has written a letter emphasising that the Caribbean Court of Justice has made no edict or order as to the date on which elections can be held (SN 9.08.19). But the editor was quick to append a note that the elections “must be held” within three months after June 18, “unless there was an extension” by the National Assembly. Extension of the timeframe has to be by a motion supported by two- thirds of all the elected Members of Parliament. We have NOT arrived at the “unless” stage, and the Opposition is ambivalent as well as confused on whether or not it would support such a motion, even on any reasonable grounds that could be advanced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). While the opposition leader has repeated that his MPs would not return to the National Assembly to support any such motion in the House, his closest aide, Ms. Gail Teixeira, has left some room for a little extension of the so-called drop-dead date. She painted two scenarios, as follows:(1) Elections could be held ‘as close as possible to the September 18th deadline’ if the court were to rule on August 14 to halt the on-going house-house registration of Guyanese 14 years and over, and elections preparations were to start immediately; (2) Elections could be held ‘as soon as early mid-October should GECOM decide to halt the exercise on its own and undertake a

claims-and- objections process over a threeweek period. This option is premised on use of the 2018 voters’ list, which expired on April 30, 2019. Ms. Teixeira, however, contradicted her boss when she posited as follows: “Both options would knowingly be past the September 18th deadline, but not too far distant.” Given a reasonable timeline after the “drop-dead” date of September 18, it appears from the Teixeira options that the Opposition would return to Parliament to support an extension motion. There is nothing to preclude the completion of the house-to-house registration exercise under which well over 100,000 persons have already placed their names on the new master data base. FIRST TASK The new Chairman of GECOM, Madam Justice Claudette Singh, seemed to be supporting the commission’s campaign. She was quoted at saying last Friday that “(I)n order to vote, you must be registered. That is your first task; you must be registered before you exercise your constitutional right to vote.” Whether the voters’ list is bloated by 200,000 persons or not could only be verified by a house-to-house enumeration. The presence on the 2018 list of 633,155 eligible voters, using figures from Ms. Teixeira, in a population of about 750,000 persons is untenable. To this list should be added the names of young voters who have turned 18 since the last elections. While Teixeira wants to flex on the date for elections, her colleague Mr. Anil Nandlall is pressing GECOM to scrap the registration exercise. He launched a rearguard campaign against the new chairman

No censorship …GNBA denies opposition’s claims of harassment

…vows to step up ‘policing’ of broadcasting spectrum By Gabriella Chapman CHAIRMAN of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leslie Sobers, said the broadcasting authority is not in the business of censorship as he refuted allegations levelled against it by the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. In a recent article published in the Kaieteur Newspaper under the headline ‘GNBA flags freedom Radio over broadcasting violations’ Jagdeo accused the Authority of censorship. It was alleged that the broadcasting authority had been targeting anti-government broadcasting stations. According to Jagdeo, “the broadcasting authority is terrorising radio and television stations which they perceive to be not sympathetic

towards the government. They want to censor my press conferences… Managers of the stations are asked ‘can’t you find positive things to say about the government?’” a section of the article read. Sobers, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday August 9, said the article and sentiments of the Opposition Leader are far from the truth. “I do not think Mr. Jagdeo can accurately or reasonably contend or conclude what is the perception of GNBA as it relates to how we deal with television and radio. I want to refute categorically, any allegation that we terrorise… We don’t intimidate, we don’t harass, we don’t terrorise. We monitor the airwaves,” the GNBA chairman clarified. He said, however, that broadcasting entities must comply with the laws governing the spec-

trum. “If we find stations committing infractions, we call, we write, we invite them to discussions, we try to encourage them to move away from it because our job is to help develop the broadcasting sector, not to destroy it,” Sobers told this newspaper. In fact, Sobers said GNBA is least concerned with the contents of the Opposition Leader’s press conferences, but rather infractions on the airwaves. “We have no difficulties in what he says in his press conferences, we don’t monitor press conferences, and we monitor the airwaves. But if he says something at a press conference that will run contrary to the Broadcasting Act or guidelines, we expect our broadcasters to deal with that in an appropriate manner. If they air something, we can call them in, and tell them that it is inappropriate, he explained. Citing an example, Sobers pointed to a recent press conference aired on both television and radio stations, during which, the Opposition Leader referred to the Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in derogatory terms. “He referred to the Prime Minister as a slime ball, as a worm, as groveling, and these pejorative words and descriptions and comparisons that are not appropriate for the air. So we have asked them to be

when he petulantly accused the body with procrastination. In a letter captioned, “New Chairman should have already moved to comply with terms of CCJ ruling,” Nandlall chided Justice Singh when he accused her with “non-action” after she said that she would await the decision of the chief justice on August 14 before making any pronouncements on the issue. DEATH OF TONI MORRISON Leaving politics aside, I wish to express my sense of personal loss at the death of Toni Morrison, the great African-American novelist whose writing has greatly influenced me. Condemning racist attacks on Haitian migrants in my column last week, I referred to her prize-winning novel, The Bluest Eye, in which she told the poignant story of a young Black girl who wanted to be like Mary Jane. She could not; yet she had a right to dream and to be, like Haitians, Cuban or Venezuelan migrants. Her writing also influenced my first novel, Hendree’s Cure, in which I blended fictional and documentary styles as I used imagination to recreate the life of my ancestors who had migrated to the then British Guiana from Tamil Nadu. I was inspired by what Toni Morrison said in her novel, Beloved, that when all that remains of a people’s history are bits of information and incomplete data, the writer’s business is to “give intelligence to such scraps – and a heartbeat” by imagining the lives of people. I gave a heartbeat also to my second novel, “Fragments from Memory,” which was published in 2014 as the first part of my memoirs. I salute your memory, dearest sister! careful when they are airing the recordings of the press conferences. We have a role to ensure that person’s reputation is not unduly tarnished by unsavory, libelous, scandalous, utterances,” the GNBA Chairman explained. Sobers made it clear that the contention in the article that GNBA favours the government is ludicrous. “We are not the PR for the government. We’re the monitors of the airwaves, the police of the spectrum. We have coded these infractions of which they are very much aware about. Yellow for minor infractions, orange, and red are the really big ones,” he said. Sobers noted that pro-government broadcast stations have also been warned. According to him, the National Communications Network (NCN) has been warned for several infractions, as per the procedure of GNBA. “We prefer to work with broadcasters as it relates to content. So I find it very disturbing, and perhaps Mr. Jagdeo is trying to divert attention from something to something else… The article is Misleading, bordering on wickedness or simply trying to divert attention,” Sobers said.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

Ambassador Insanally promotes investment in Guyana

Ambassador of Guyana to the United States, Dr. Riyad Insanally, and representatives of diplomatic missions, United States Government agencies and the private sector.

THE discovery of vast oil and gas reserves offshore Guyana creates a window of opportunities for investors, Ambassador of Guyana to the United States, Dr. Riyad Insanally said as he delivered the keynote address at a private networking luncheon in Washington DC. During the event, which was

organised by the Washington Inter-Governmental Professional Group and attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, United States Government agencies and the private sector, Ambassador Insanally said Guyana is open to partnerships and investment. He noted that there are opportu-

nities for investment in areas such as downstream industrial activity, renewable energy, infrastructural development, information and communications technologies, transportation services and ecotourism. Ambassador Insanally said the time was ripe for greater United States and international public and

Ambassador of Guyana to the United States, Dr. Riyad Insanally

private sector interest in supporting Guyana’s transformation. His remarks were framed around the theme, “Guyana on the Cusp of Change”. Ambassador Insanally also used the opportunity to update attendees on Guyana’s legal and diplomatic response to the Guyana/Venezuela controversy,

emphasising that Guyana placed its faith in diplomacy and the rule of international law. The Washington Inter-Governmental Professional Group, LLC, is an organization that supports Washington DCbased professionals in maximizing their networking capabilities with Embassies and other agencies.

CJ statement on NRR not an order …AG says PPP sought similar order at CCJ and was refused …maintains GECOM can compile a register as was done in 2008 ATTORNEY General, Basil Williams said the statement by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire regarding the removal of persons from the National Register of Registrants seems more like a suggestion to the Guyana Elections Commission as the very issue was raised at the Caribbean Court of Justice and the order sought in relation to it was refused. Williams also said that chief justice herself had insisted that she would not give directives to elections body and other constitutional actors. George-Wiltshire on Wednesday in her ruling on the house-to-house registration case said that Guyanese previously registered and residing overseas could not be removed from the National Register of Registrants. She said unless the persons change their addresses through a new house-to-house verification process or by registering at a district office, they would have to vote in the district in which they were registered. The Opposition has taken wholesale the statement to suggest that the ongoing registration exercise was useless. CCJ REFUSED SIMILAR ORDER However, Williams reminded that the issue of registration was raised and dealt with extensively at the Caribbean Court of Justice and

the opposition had even asked in their consequential orders proposals for the court to order GECOM to use the expired NRR to arrive at the Official List of Electors, which was refused by the regional court. At the CCJ the Opposition Leader through his lawyer, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendez submitted to the Court that it was not necessary for the Elections Commission to proceed with House-to-House Registration – a process that results in a fresh and credible List of Electors. According to him, the expired list can be used. “…It is respectfully submitted that in order so far as possible to ensure compliance with the constitutional mandate to hold an election no later than March, 2019, the election which must now be held, ought to [be] ordered to be held on the basis of the Official List of Electors in existence on March 21, 2019,” Mendez submitted. But by virtue of its decision that only the President, the National Assembly and GECOM can set out a timeline for hosting of elections, the CCJ had also rejected that line of argument by the Opposition Leader and his battery of lawyers. “So the Learned Chief Justice just in the same way she upheld the res judicata principle would want to apply it in this matter,” Williams said. Justice George-Wiltshire had ruled that the notice of application by the Attorney-General was correct

in urging that the issue is res judicata. The Attorney-General and the Solicitor General Nigel Hawke had repeatedly argued that the issues raised in Christopher Ram’s Fixed Date Application were Res Judicata for ‘Issue Estoppel’- meaning that the matter has already been settled by a judicial decision, in this case, the CCJ. As such, the Chief Justice ruled that she could not grant the order sought by Ram. “So given all that I have mentioned I respectfully suggest this issue of not removing persons from the list amounts to a suggestion by the court for the consideration by GECOM. This is not an order. The Learned Chief Justice couldn’t intend to direct GECOM,” Williams told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday. He argued that like the CCJ, Justice George-Wiltshire maintained that she could not set timelines and deadlines and give directives. He said the opposition lawyer, Anil Nandlall never asked for such an order in his application to the court “and certainly we never had the opportunity to address this issue.” The opposition, through Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, had asked the court for several declarations aimed at blocking and invalidating the national registration exercise as well as compelling GECOM to hold elections on or before September 18, 2019. All these orders were denied. “All that

the applicant asked for, the court refused just as in the case of the CCJ, and of course the court accepted that the matter was res judicata, they were re-litigating before her,” the attorney general told reporters outside of the courtroom, shortly after the judgment was handed down on Wednesday afternoon. He stressed that the issue of sanitising the NRR did not form part of the application filed by Ram nor was it a declaration sought, and as such, the government, through him, nor GECOM, had the opportunity to contest that specific element. ABOLISHING OF OVERSEAS VOTING “The important thing about this is that overseas voting was abolished in Guyana, and that’s why the qualification of residency was an additional one that was facilitated under Article 159 (2) (c), which spoke about additional qualifications, could be arrived at by the passage of act of Parliament, and that’s why the National Registration Act and also the Representation of the People Act contain provision for residency,” the attorney general explained. He added, “residency is a very important aspect because that is the only way you can locate someone for voting.” Williams maintained that Article 159 (5) states that GECOM can compile a register as was done in 2008 when a new

register was compiled as a result of house-to-house registration. GECOM, he said, would have to decide whether it will appeal that section of the ruling that addresses the removal of persons from the list. “But what is very important is that house-to-house registration is not unconstitutional; no date was ever fixed by the CCJ and she (Chief Justice) wouldn’t fix a date either nor no election ought to be held within three months as they had contended and generally there was nothing that was asked for by the applicant that was successful,” the attorney general summarised. For his part, Roysdale Forde, the attorney that represented the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, in association with Senior Counsel, Neil Boston, told reporters that the elections body would have to decide its next move. “Subject to further instructions, of my own opinion at this present time, I believe that there is a serious ground, a serious flaw in the decision to that extent and I would advise my client to appeal. The issue was never raised as part of the pleadings in the document. You heard that the court dismissed every application filed,” Forde told reporters outside of the courtroom. GECOM’s Attorney, Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus also indicated that he will be guided by the Elections Commission’s decision.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

Understanding Energy...

Energy Dept. moving forward on local content AS first oil approaches, the Energy Department appears to be making progress on several key parts of a local content policy. The Department reportedly told the press that the draft version of the government’s Local Content Policy should be ready within a matter of weeks. It’s also working to establish a Local Content Compliance Unit to evaluate the reports of local content compliance that come in from oil companies. Both these are important steps for responsibly managing the new oil industry while helping to ensure that Guyanese workers and businesses play a strong role in the emerging industry. In general, a local content policy is a roadmap for foreign companies – setting expectations and requirements. It also defines what counts as local content and establishes standards for Guyanese ownership. A comprehensive policy should also include specifics about how local content should be measured and audited

to allow the Compliance Unit to consistently enforce the policy. Another major focus for Guyana will be capacity-building, which focuses on increasing the technical ability of local firms and workers to fill roles in the industry. It’s helpful to think of local content and capacity- building as two sides of the same coin. Capacity-building aims to develop the skills and abilities of local workers and businesses, which supports the use of local products and services. If structured thoughtfully, local content rules can be a tool that achieves a number of economic ends including fostering local companies, incentivizing more local training and education, and distributing wealth. But it also must walk a fine line of not draining other sectors of the economy. So far, the Energy Department has relied on advisors from Chatham House and the International Monetary Fund as well as outside consultants. Utilising international expertise is an important step but

creating a good policy for local content is a complex task. Requirements have to be carefully balanced to both encourage development and make sure local benefits are captured. Some countries have unintentionally handicapped their own industries with policies that went too far. Often times, requiring an extremely high percentage of local content can cause issues when companies can’t get the specialized services and materials they need in a local market. This creates a counter-productive scenario which prevents development. In the case of Brazil, development was slowed by several years according to international experts. That happened in large part because the country did not have an established offshore oil industry or the specialized subcontractors and suppliers that are critical. Because of strict local content policies, companies struggled to find local options for many products and technical experts and development suffered from

frequent delays. Brazil eventually loosened its requirements in 2018 after long wait times for supplies and vessels and a lack of local technical expertise slowed development. But now, international analysts at Wood Mackenzie forecast that production will increase drastically from the 3.7 million barrels per day to 5 million barrels per day over the next few years. Guyana is making good progress so far even in the absence of a local content policy. According to Energy Department head, Dr. Mark Bynoe, around 50 per cent of the industry workforce is already Guyanese—more than 1100 in total. Bynoe also revealed recently that more than $119 million has been spent locally by Exxon and its contractors, mostly on Guyanese suppliers and services. Nonetheless, a clear, reasonable and enforceable policy that balances local content and development is a step in the right direction.

Construction sectors lead economic growth

– finance minister

AS a result of government and private sector efforts, the economy continues to grow, as in the first half of 2019, there was a growth rate of four per cent and expansion in the construction sector is leading the way. This is according to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan during a press briefing on Wednesday August 14 at the Ministry of Finance on the mid-year 2019 report. The minister said this growth compares favourably with the revised growth rate of five per cent for the first half of 2018, which was measured from 2017. According to Jordon, the growth rate has been achieved in spite of weaker growth in the global economy and relatively unfavourable commodity prices in many sectors. From the period 2015-2019, Minister Jordon said every year the economy grew. In 2015, the economy grew 3.2 per cent; in 2016, growth was 3.4 per cent; in 2017, it was 2.1 per cent; in 2018, it expanded 4.1 per cent and 4.5 per cent in 2019. “If we were to compare the first five years of Mr. Jagdeo’s presidency because he loves to compare, so let’s do the comparison; in 2001, it was 1.9 per cent; 2002, it was 1.1 per cent; 2003, it was -0.6 per cent; in 2004, it was 1.6 per cent and in 2005, it was -5.5 per cent, the picture is there and it needs no further analysis,” the finance minister said. However, the finance minister said global price ranges for Guyana’s commodities were mostly negative for the first half of 2019 when we compared to the same period in 2018. “For example, the international price of rice declined by 6.1 per cent; timber weakened by 1.3 per cent, these are international prices and not Guyana’s. Sugar remained relatively unchanged but there was a slight increase in June. Aluminum was down eight per cent,” the finance minister noted. Meanwhile, he said in terms of the four per cent growth in the first half, rice grew by 3.7 per cent in spite of paddy

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan display a copy of the report during his presentation

bugs infestations, and there was a record yield in the first crop. “Other crops grew by 4.8 per cent and this was driven by root crops, spices and vegetables. Gold grew by 4.4 per cent spurred by declarations of small and medium miners; forestry grew by 8.5 per cent and this was driven by small and medium-scale concessionaires; manufacturing which is critical to our economy expanded by 3.6 per cent and this was driven by rice, and like manufacturing, included pharmaceuticals, beverages, edible items and timber products; construction expanded by 8.2 per cent on the account of both public and private investments,” the finance minister revealed.

SERVICES SECTOR EXPANDED He said that the services sector expanded by 4.6 per cent which was driven by wholesale and retail trade which increased by 5.9 per cent while the transportation and storage sectors grew by 5.5 per cent. Financial and insurance activities increased by 4.1 per cent and other services sector activities by 10 per cent. Further, the finance minister noted that expansions were also recorded for sand and stone productions, with sand standing at 9.2 per cent and stone with 15.1 per cent, which are consistent with the expanding construction sector. Nevertheless, the minister said sugar contracted by 2.7 per cent; livestock by 8.1 per cent; fishing by 21.2 per cent; and bauxite by 2.9 per cent. “Given that majority of the production sectors demonstrated strong growth; these collectively were more than enough to offset a few areas of reduction. Given this buoyant outlook, we have revised the end of year growth rate to 4.5 per cent from the 4.4 per cent we had revised in April when the IMF mission was here,” the finance minister said. However, he cautioned that this year’s overall projection could be hampered by the political climate dating back to last December when the no-confidence motion was passed by the National Assembly, in addition to poor weather. “Political uncertainty can have an impact in growth,” he said. For 2019, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission projects real economic growth of 4.4 per cent, driven by continued strength in the construction and services sectors ahead of oil production in 2020, and strong recovery in mining. IMF explained that missions are undertaken as part of regular, usually annual, consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to borrow from the fund, as part of discussions of staff monitored programmes, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

GECOM still to decide

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

…awaiting written High Court ruling before deciding on way forward -over 230,000 persons registered so far, training of elections officials to begin

By Navendra Seoraj THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is awaiting the written High Court ruling before it decides on a way forward regarding the ongoing houseto-house registration. “The question on the way forward, in some regards, was not determined…in the main because we are still not recipients of the written decision from the judge,” said Government-appointed GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, following the first meeting of the commission with their newly-appointed GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice, Claudette Singh on Thursday. Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George-Wiltshire ruled that the ongoing house-tohouse registration, being undertaken by GECOM, is within the confines of the Constitution, and is therefore legal. The Acting Chief Justice, on Wednesday, delivered her judgement in a case challenging the constitutionality of house-to-house registration brought before the High Court by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, in which GECOM, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, and Attorney-General Basil Williams were the named respondents. Despite the ruling being public knowledge, Alexander said there are some members of the commission who prefer not to rely on reports and third hand information. In that regard, the commissioners have agreed to await the decision and convene a meeting shortly after, which would, hopefully, be before Tuesday. “If we receive the decision on Friday, we would need a day to consider it, so I guess we would probably meet on Monday,” said Alexander. With a decision on the way forward still pending, Alexander said in his mind, house-to-house registration is still the available way to clean the Official List of Electors (OLE). “I emphasised this because one could look to see, as we have done in the past, if there are other mechanisms that could provide for cleaning

the list,” he asserted, adding that Claims and Objections do not provide the opportunity to clean the list. Going forward, if the

they meet. “We sat today and decided that the CEO (Chief Elections Officer) will come to us with scenarios that could be used for the delivery of the

ter as was done in 2008 when a new register was compiled as a result of House-to-House Registration. GECOM, he said, would have to decide

room. GECOM’s Attorney, Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus also indicated that he will be guided by the Elections Commission’s decision.

GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander speaking to members of the media on Thursday (Adrian Narine photo)

commission is to discuss other possibilities, Alexander said they would need to review the legal framework, but he contended that the legal framework always intended that persons who died should not continue to be on the list. He also said that persons who are not residents should not be on the list, since it is mentioned in Section 40 of the National Registration Act. The Chief Justice, however, ruled that persons who were previously registered, even if they now reside overseas, cannot be removed from the National Register of Registrants unless they are deceased or have been disqualified. As such, persons cannot be deregistered if they fail to register during the ongoing House-to-House Registration and should be allowed to vote in the area or district for which they have been registered. When asked about his thoughts on that part of the ruling, Alexander said he has not read the court’s decision and will not comment further. With a lot to discuss, he said the commission is going to have a discussion on an elections plan the next time

election and it will include house-to-house registration, among other things. “I am not sure if it is going to be new…we had a problem in the past where there was a refusal to discuss certain things, but I think we are now in the mood of discussing and we are putting everything on the table,” said Alexander. Attorney-General Basil Williams, in commenting on this issue on Wednesday, said: “The important thing about this is that overseas voting was abolished in Guyana, and that’s why the qualification of residency was an additional one that was facilitated under Article 159 (2) (c), which spoke about additional qualifications, could be arrived at by the passage of act of Parliament, and that’s why the National Registration Act and also the Representation of the People Act contain provision for residency,” the Attorney-General explained. He added: “Residency is a very important aspect because that is the only way you can locate someone for voting.” Williams maintained that Article 159 (5) states that GECOM can compile a regis-

whether it will appeal that section of the ruling that addresses the removal of persons from the list. “But what is very important is that House-to-House Registration is not unconstitutional; no date was ever fixed by the CCJ and she (Chief Justice) wouldn’t fix a date either, nor no election ought to be held within three months as they had contended and generally there was nothing that was asked for by the applicant that was successful,” the Attorney-General summarised. For his part, Roysdale Forde, the attorney that represented Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, in association with Senior Counsel Neil Boston, told reporters that the elections body would have to decide its next move. “Subject to further instructions, of my own opinion at this present time, I believe that there is a serious ground, a serious flaw in the decision to that extent and I would advise my client to appeal. The issue was never raised as part of the pleadings in the document. You heard that the court dismissed every application filed,” Forde told reporters outside of the court-

230,000 REGISTERED As the commissioners wait to deliberate on the way forward, the house-to-house registration process, which started on July 20, 2019, will continue. The commissioners were updated by the secretariat on how the process has been going. And, according to Alexander, the commissioners were told that over 230,000 persons have been registered so far. With the registration process going smoothly, the commission is set to commence training of elections officials from this weekend. The GECOM commissioner said that training will be conducted in Georgetown at 20 centres and after this weekend it will go beyond the city. It was reported that Justice George-Wiltshire ruled that the Constitution and the Laws of Guyana provide for the conduct of house-to-house registration as a form of verification – a position that was argued by the Attorney-General and the attorneys that represented the Chief Elections Officer – Senior Counsel Neil Boston and Roysdale Forde.

As such, she ruled that the June 11 Order published in the Official Gazette by the then Chairman of the Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson was in compliance with established laws. The order paved the way for the house-to-house registration exercise to be conducted from July 20, 2019 to October 20, 2019 – a period of three months. The order, cited as the National Registration (Residents) Order 2019, stated: “Persons to whom this Order applies shall, in accordance with Section 6 of the Act, be registered under the process of house-to-house registration with reference to October 31, 2019 and the registration shall begin on July 20, 2019 and end on October 20, 2019.” It also applies to all persons qualified to be electors and all who, on the qualifying date of October 31, 2019, shall have attained the age of 14 years old. While the constitutionally mandated deadline for the conduct of elections subsequent to a No-Confidence Motion has passed (March 21, 2019), Chief Justice George-Wiltshire pointed to the fact that, to date, there is no date fixed for which General and Regional Elections would be held. She reminded the parties in the matter that Article 106 (7) of the Constitution includes a proviso through which the National Assembly, by a two-thirds majority of all elected members, could extend the period for the conduct of elections. Nonetheless, with an election pending, the Chief Justice said the House-toHouse Registration could be affected in part. “The speed and timeframe within which House-to-House Registration may have to be conducted may be affected but it does not eliminate it as a verification process,” the Chief Justice explained while iterating that by virtue of Article 162 of the Constitution and the National Registration Act, house-tohouse Registration is not unconstitutional.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

Gov’t unwraps $1.5B development package for La Parfaite Harmonie The APNU+AFC Coalition Government on Saturday August 10 rolled out a $1.5B package for roads, sidewalks, drainage, street lamps, playgrounds and other facilities for the community of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara. The package includes commissioning of a new police station, construction of two new wells, subsidies for home-owners to build core homes; and grants to upgrade low-income homes. Works is scheduled to start within days.

proved water supply. POLICE STATION Meanwhile, residents can now feel a sense of security, with the expected opening of a police station in the com-

to expect coming down the road. So, it is very good that they are opening the police station in the area.” Maxine Fredericks also welcomed the news which she believes will help with

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon engaging with residents of La Parfaite Harmonie during the community meeting

Minister of Communities, Hon. Ronald Bulkan speaking to residents of La Parfaite Harmonie during the community meeting

be fully manned by more than 30 officers. “There will 29 ranks headed by an inspector, one sergeant, six corporals and 11 constables. We already have the sub-divisional officers who are here and his number is one that would have to be given to you so that he can be contacted,” he told the residents. It was also highlighted that when the station is established, youth groups will be formed that will work directly with the officers. The Deputy Commissioner also called on residents to play their role in keeping the community safer by partnering with the officers. While there is already a CPG within the community, more residents are being urged to join the group.

Prime Minister Hon Moses Nagamootoo engaging residents of La Parfaite Harmonie

In a report, the Department of Public Information said residents of the West Bank Demerara community were given the opportunity to relay their concerns to a government team, led by Prime Minister, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo, during a “mini-outreach”. In his remarks to residents gathered at the La Parfaite Harmonie Primary School, the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo assured that their concerns will be dealt with speedily. The government’s team also included Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Communities, Hon. Ronald Bulkan; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Annette Ferguson; Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Hon.

Jaipaul Sharma and Managing Director of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard Van-West Charles. After the eight Regional Outreaches, the Prime Minister explained that DG Harmon has embarked upon 'mini outreaches' to communities that would need extra attention. He indicated that when the Coalition Government entered office in 2015, it was the director-general, who was then Minister of State, that spearheaded the first outreaches to Lethem in Region Nine, Anna Regina in Region Two and Linden in Region 10. He further explained that after a review of the concerns emanating from all the regional outreaches, some communities have been earmarked for mini-outreaches. “Parfaite Harmonie, we [government] are here to listen to you, we have brought the heads of the agencies and

they will work to rectify your concerns with immediate action,” the prime minister said. He clarified that most of these problems have been inherited from the previous administration. “We inherited problems existing long before we came into to government. This you must know; so, we have gone at breakneck speed to bring solutions to these communities.” Addressing Saturday’s activity, he stated “today will be a different exercise of delivering services to those communities in partnership with you. These are your problems and ultimately, they require the attention of the NDC, the region and central government and we all are going to be working in partnership.” The residents articulated that many are dealing with impassable roads, lack of adequate security and the need for im-

Residents of Parfaite Harmonie at the community meeting

munity that is home to over twenty thousand persons. This was disclosed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie during a community engagement with the residents. The police station is to be commissioned within a month; the news was welcomed by residents since the community is already experiencing a 27% decrease in crime. A resident, Saleem Khan, said “A police station in a month is very good. At least from this gathering, the residents of La Parfaite Harmonie have an idea of what is the plan, through the Commissioner of Police and the Region 3 ‘D’ Division what

further reducing criminal activities in the area along with the help of the community. “The opening of the police station, we need that, collaborating with the community and stakeholders within the community like the business community, that is very important,” Fredericks said. Karl Taylor, Chairman of the La Parfaite Harmonie Community Policing Group believes the opening of the station is a step in the right direction. Taylor indicated that the CPGs will be “working with the police at the station and we will be making sure that crimes keep to a minimum.” Deputy Commissioner Hoppie said the station will

COMMUNITY GROUND Government also announced the building of a community ground and multipurpose centres in full operation within the next four weeks. The announcement was made by Permanent Secretary of the Department of Social Cohesion, Melissa Tucker. Tucker said that the Community Development Council is handling an additional $5M that will go towards the construction of multipurpose grounds. “I know for a fact that there has been a ground identified in La Parfaite Harmonie that the region will be developing,” she explained.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

First Lady urges Reg. 7 youth to use ICT as tool for development FIRST Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, on Wednesday August 14, encouraged 40 young people of Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), to take Information and Communication Technology (ICT) seriously and to utilise it as a tool for developing the region. Mrs. Granger made these statements in her address at the opening of her ICT workshop, held in the Education Boardroom at Kamarang. “You have to prepare yourself as the young people who will inherit this country to be always learning… I want you to recognise also, how serious we are about this programme… It is a time for you to learn and also to build networks among yourselves so that you can plan how you are going to move forward and you can move forward and hopefully gain some money,” the First Lady said. Mrs. Granger cautioned the participants that although there is much excitement and anticipation about the oil and gas sector, there are several other avenues for earning. “Everybody is excited about

oil and gas, but I want you to remember, not everybody [should] be going into the oil and gas industry, people who are working in the industry have to be fed, they will need services, so you could focus on agriculture… How do you set up the systems where you could move your produce from farm to airstrip, to Georgetown or wherever it is?” Mrs. Granger said. Former Vice-Chairman of Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), Ms. Norma Thomas, speaking on behalf of the Regional Chairman, Mr. Gordon Bradford, commended the First Lady for holding the ICT workshop in the region. “Thank you so much, let’s continue this way… We want such leaders that are action people, like the First Lady, who has put everything in place,” she said. Participant, Ms. Barbalee John, a teacher at the Kamarang Primary school, said she is thankful for the knowledge that she will get from the training. “I think it is helpful… I can teach the children how to use a computer…

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, greets one of the participants of the Information and Communication Technology Workshop, as she enters the compound of the Education Boardroom at Kamarang, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region 7)

[and help] with typing and so, to do records…these days people want computerised work and I think in that way I can help,” she said. Senior Technical Officer of the Board of Industrial Training, Mr. Rondell Jordon; Regional Vice-Chairperson, Ms. Olinda Kyrenhoff- Griffith; Toshao of Kamarang, Mr. Clifford Melville and Vice-Toshao, Mr. McNeil Reid also attended the ceremony. (Ministry of the Presidency)

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (seated centre); Toshao of Kamarang, Mr. Clifford Melville (seated second from right), Regional Officials, facilitators and participants of the Information and Communication Technology Workshop, which was launched on Wednesday at Kamarang, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region 7)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

Outrage over targeting of Haitians …American legislators slam discriminatory remarks

A HAITIAN-AMERICAN group of legislators has expressed outrage at the publication of articles in the PPP-aligned Guyana Times newspaper which targeted the French-speaking nationals. At the same time, while Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo appears to have changed his stance on the issue, a report in the Brooklyn-based Caribbean Life magazine stated that the issue has not only drawn the wrath of Haitian-Americans, but of other Caribbean-American legislators and leaders and calls have been mounting for the local newspaper to issue an apology to the Haitian community. “We must take a stance in preaching as well as practicing unity and tolerance throughout the world,” said New York State Assembly member, Rodneyse Bichotte, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn. Against the backdrop of racism being echoed in the publication of the stories by

Guyanese and Haitian NYPD officers flank, from left, Haitian-American Assemblywoman, Rodneyse Bichotte; Guyanese-born New York State Senator, Roxanne Persaud and Haitian-American New York City Council member, Farah Louis (Caribbean Life)

the local private newspaper, she said that, “as an elected official of Haitian descent and representing one of the most diverse and possibly largest Caribbean immigrant communities in New York City, I believe we have an obligation to fight discrimination and racism wherever

it rears its ugly head. “As a member of CARICOM, Haitians have the right to freely migrate to other CARICOM countries. Distinguished groups and organisations from the United Nations to CARICOM have spoken of the need to travel freely for the cause of eco-

nomic growth and community unity. Therefore, as sister countries of CARICOM, Guyana and Haiti are expected to honor the same agreement,” Bichotte added. HIV/AIDS ALLEGATIONS LUDICROUS “The outdated charges

of HIV/AIDS and cholera is ludicrous, and it is incumbent upon any media outlet to get their facts correct before publishing false statements; hence, this strident call on the Guyana Times to become aware of the 21st century science, stop the ignorant and racist posturing, stop publishing false stories,” the legislator said. Critics have tied the stance taken by the Times newspaper as being racist in nature and Bichotte has noted that the sensitivity of the issue can me mapped to what occurs in the US as regards racism. “Failure to heed this call definitely puts the paper in the ranks of Trump and other ‘purveyors’ of hate,” the assemblywoman said. “We are demanding that Guyana Times issue an apology with a retraction of the ridiculous, divisive and false statements made against the people of Haiti.” Newly-elected Haitian American New York City Councilmember Farah Louis, also told Caribbean Life that “the derogatory statements published in the Guyana Times are eerily similar to the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the Trump Administration

and the stigmatisation of Haitians in the 1980s as carriers of AIDS disease. “We have seen the detrimental effect of xenophobia as it relates to Haitians in the US and Dominican Republic,” said Louis, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn. “We cannot allow the disparaging words of one or more define who we are as a people or diminish our contributions throughout history.” Another legislator, Kimberly Jean Pierre, a Haitian American New York State Assembly member, who represents the 11th District in Suffolk County, Long Island, said the allegations about the Haitian migrants were “unfortunate,” stating that the majority of Haitians are “merely seeking better lives for their families.” “It is my hope that the Guyanese and Haitian governments can work in conjunction to ensure that those travelling through Guyana are able to migrate safely and that any bad actors, especially human traffickers, are prosecuted to the fullest TURN TO PAGE 15 ►

All are involved

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

…AG, GTUC urge end to political stalemate …hold out hope for opposition agreement to extend timeframe for elections

THE Opposition plays no small role in ensuring there is no constitutional crisis, and Attorney General, Basil Williams, is urging that good sense prevails and that there soon be a meeting of all constitutional actors to ensure there is agreement for the extension of the timeframe for the holding of elections. On Friday August 9, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, struck a softer tone on this issue when he was interviewed by members of the media, shortly after his meeting with President David Granger, at the Ministry of the Presidency. Whereas days prior, Jagdeo had been insisting that he will not return to Parliament to grant an extension for the timeframe for elections to be held outside of the constitutional threemonth period, on Friday, he said “ I want to keep an open mind to these issues.” Asked by the Guyana Chronicle whether the opposition is prepared to move to the National Assembly to extend the timeframe for elections if certain conditions are met, Jagdeo, in response, said that decision is still pending. “Right now we have not made a decision on that because right now there is no date and there is no reasonableness on the part of the government,” he explained, noting that he has heard positive statements made by the government

representatives that would encourage the opposition towards a solution but in other instances, there are hardline positions that could be very discouraging. So, I want to keep an open mind on these issues but I made it clear right now we are fast

the three months laid out, as not mandatory but directory. In this regard, he said government is seeking an extension, which does not necessarily mean another three months; but whatever time needed, for free and fair elections, with a credible register of regis-

President David Granger

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

approaching a deadline of September 18, beyond which the Government then would be practising unconstitutional rule; in fact the Government would be unconstitutional totally, period.” President Granger has been consistent in saying that he remains open to dialogue with the opposition and other groups in finding solutions, even as he maintained that he was committed to free, fair and credible elections. Williams at a forum last week at the Pegasus had argued that the constitution is not fully equipped to deal with snap elections and described

trants, to be held. “There is no limit for the extension, it makes no sense, if you could go to parliament to get the two-thirds, it is clear, that the constitutional actors, have to be engaged; the President, the Parliament, the leader of the Opposition and GECOM.” Williams said that a return to the National Assembly would be an act in the best interest of the country. Minister Williams, in a recent engagement with the press, explained that because the three-month period for the conduct of elections, following the passage of a no-confidence motion has elapsed, it

Attorney General, Basil Williams

is now for the parliamentary parties – the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – to return to the National Assembly and, by a two-thirds majority vote, extend the time. MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE Meanwhile, the Guyana Trade Union Congress, in a statement on Friday, said

Outrage over targeting .... extent of the law,” she said. Alicia Hyndman, a Caribbean-American New York State Assembly member, who represents the 29th Assembly District in Queens, said she was certain that the Guyanese Diaspora “fully understands the plight of immigrants struggling for a better life.” “It is irresponsible to spread this type of fear among Guyanese people regarding the health of Haitians,” she said. JAGDEO CHANGES STANCE Meanwhile, in the face of

mounting criticisms, Jagdeo said at his weekly press conference on Thursday at his Church Street offices that he is “bothered” by the issue and according to him, “Haitians have every right to come to Guyana.” He said that persons have been targeting the French-speaking nationals, as he noted that they ought not to be targeted. For months the opposition leader has been referencing the Haitians in his arguments as he accused the government of facilitating a smuggling ring here. At his weekly press conferences he has been providing

figures on the arrivals on Haitians here, even as a larger number of other foreign nationals, mainly Cubans have been travelling to these shores. They all arrived on flights of the Panamanian-owned Copa Airlines, the PPP-operated Citizens Report online blog stated, although larger numbers of Cubans have been utilising the said airline to come to these shores over the past seven months. The authorities have since provided figures which indicated the number of Cubans who have arrived here within the first seven months of the year, has climbed past 30,000, outnumbering the 8,600 Haitians

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both parties must eschew the thinking of sticking to their guns, noting there is a meeting of irrational aggression versus stoic defiance. “It seems more about grandstanding in the media than engaging in good faith, for which both parties must be held accountable. The absence of meaningful dialogue between the two political forces does not create an environment for progressive deliberations,” the GTUC said.

According to the GTUC whereas the Opposition Leader behaves in a manner to lay full responsibility on the Government, the Leader of the Opposition is himself held equally responsible to help Guyana out of this crisis and not just be concentrated on political mileage. “As a former President for 12 years, leader of a massbased political party and Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo has a responsibility to the nation, and could cull from all his experiences to put forward a menu of measures that is meaningful and progressive to commence talks on how best these positions can become deliverables. It would serve the nation well to see Mr. Jagdeo performing in this role, and not just playing to the media gallery or his base.” According to the GTUC the Rule of Law still remains our best guideline and recourse in navigating through this testy period, for we are a nation founded on Principles and Laws, and there comes a time when we must put aside political differences for the common good as defined and agreed to by both sides. If our politicians cannot do it, then we the people must provide credible leadership from different quarters to bring them to the table of reasoning.

who arrived here during the same period. In addition, the number of Trinidad and Tobago nationals who came here during that time also out-numbered the Haitian arrival figures. A local group of young Haitians told the Guyana Chronicle last week that they felt targeted by the publication of the articles in the local private newspapers. They said that the publications have caused their relatives back home in Haiti to express concern about their safety. The Haitian group told this publication that their compatriots have been coming to these shores

in search of work and a better life. Citing the lack of a work permit, many have travelled east to Suriname while large numbers have been travelling to Brazil via Lethem. It was noted that the problem may be tied the fact that immigration officers are not making records of their departure at the immigration offices at Lethem. The Haitians have also disputed the utterances of the opposition and the contents of the news articles which alleged that they have come here to vote in the upcoming elections.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

Horrors of the past

…Buxton mothers still seeking justice years after sons, daughters were killed

By Svetlana Marshall “IT was a terrifying period,” 68-year-old Yvette Herod said as she painfully walked the Guyana Chronicle down memory lane to a time when bullets fell like rain in Buxton-Friendship, neighnouring villages on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and other parts of the country. That period spanned from 2000 to 2009 and even beyond when dead bodies were removed almost daily from the streets of not only in Buxton-Friendship, but across the country. In its wake there were three massacres: Lusignan– where 11 people were killed; Bartica — where another 12 were killed; and Lindo Creek — where eight miners were slaughtered. And though there was no ‘Buxton Massacre,’ it was there that residents witnessed countless extra-judicial killings of mainly Afro-Guyanese males. BUXTON WAS A WAR ZONE In the early 2000s when criminal elements and police wreaked havoc, Herod, a resident of Buxton-Friendship, was the Headmistress at the New Friendship Nursery School. “Buxton was a war zone, and as the headteacher, it was my duty to protect those children,” she said while detailing that on a daily basis residents of the village were subject to gun fights, extra-judicial killings, raids, constant patrols by the police and army, and even police harassment. “We don’t know who brought criminal elements in here, we are not saying that Buxton is innocent of all things but we did not bring criminal elements in here. We did not bring any criminal elements in here,” Herod told the Guyana Chronicle. GUN DRILLS FOR KIDS Left with no other choice, the three, four, and five yearold children attending the New Friendship Nursery School underwent ‘gundrills’ – a practice of the emergency procedures to be used in case of shootings. “We would take a piece of wood, and position it like a gun, pointing to the air, as though we were firing off shots – pow, pow, pow – and then we would say, when you hear that hit the floor,

hit the floor. So when they heard POW, one; POW, two, they would hit the floor,” Herod explained. The nursery school children, she said, were taught to lie on the ground whenever there is a

police and these criminal elements, parents would rush to the school and take their children home because that would happen, sometimes, whole day. Sometimes you have gun shots whole day,

Herod explained. She said based on information gathered, her other sister collected Donna’s son and walked up the ‘line’, while Donna and two of her other children walked in the opposite direction through the street that is in close proximity to both the nursery and primary schools. It was while walking through the street that Donna

like I get weak, and when the shooting stopped, I ran to put my granddaughter in the house, and by the time I meet at the bridge, I hear hollering at Brushe Dam, the girl done get hit, and lie down dead,” Estwick recounted. “The girl lie down dead on the road and her child haversack hang around her, and her two children crying,

her granddaughters, and had warned him not to venture into the city – Georgetown – to purchase the boots he was eager to buy. But though he agreed not to leave the house, Jones took the baby to Estwick’s father and made his way to Georgetown. He had promised Estwick’s father to return shortly but was never seen since.

Evelyn Estwick lived through the troubled times, during which, her nephew Joslyn Jones went missing. In this photo, she points to a section of her bedroom door where a bullet passed through. The broken glass on the door serves as a memory of the past they wish never to repeat. (Photos by Delano Williams) Retired Headmistress Yvette Herod demonstrating how she would make her hand in the shape of a gun, and say: POW, POW during the ‘gun-drill’ that taught children what to do in the case of a shooting

shooting, and to remain there until they were told to get up. The now retired headteacher explained that it was important to teach the children what should be done during a shooting, whether in school, on the road or at home, in order to keep them safe. In many cases, the Education Ministry, ordered New Friendship Nursery School and other schools in the area closed. “When these guns start firing, we would call the Education Ministry and tell them that there is a shootout in the village, and they would say to us, once that is happening, make sure that the children are safe and when it is possible you just close the school,” Herod explained. Parents would often rush to the schools, whenever there was an exchange of gunfire, to collect their children. “Whenever we had these shootouts between the

whole night,” she explained. CAUGHT IN THE CROSS FIRE It was on such a day, that one of Herod’s sisters was shot dead in a cross fire. Donna, a mother of nine, was 47-years-old when she was gunned down in full view of two of her younger children at the time. She was killed in September 2007, a short distance away from the New Friendship Nursery School in Buxton-Friendship, during what the Guyana Human Rights Association described as an ill-conceived, badly executed and poorly led police operation to flush out criminals from the East Coast Demerara village. “I was retired then but I was at home sleeping but what I understood is that she came from work and as usual, when the guns started firing, she went there (at the nursery school) to collect her son,”

was shot. “After the gunshots ceased, they started pulling her, calling on her to get up. They continued to pull at her, and the guns started firing again. And so some boys who were working at a house nearby, after they were crying, the boys ran out and grabbed them,” Herod reported. Evelyn Estwick and Donna Herod were friends at the time. They had gone to the nursery school to pick up their children, and like Donna and her sister, they went in opposition direction. “I went up to the ‘line,’ and when I went up to the ‘line,’ the police were there, and I said: sir excuse me, nobody ain’t firing at all yuh, this is a nursery school, let we get home with these children but this man watch me, like when you see a ghost,” Estwick recalled. It was not long after, that gunshots started ringing out. “Girl I throw myself towards the trench, and I put my granddaughter to lie down, and I lie down over her. Girl,

two children,” Estwick said as her eyes well up with tears. “It was a time that I don’t ever want to come back. It could have been me, because we left the school together,” she added. Residents that had witnessed the shooting had laid the blame at the feet of the police but the late Henry Greene, who was the Commissioner of Police (ag) at the time had denied the allegation. Donna’s death was never thoroughly investigated and to date those responsible were never brought to justice. WHERE IS JOSLYN JONES? At the time of Donna’s death, Estwick was still grappling with the fact that her nephew Joslyn Jones disappeared in May, 2004 after he was seen in police custody. Jones, 27, at the time, had lived with his aunt at her Friendship residence. He had lived with her since as a child after the death of his parents. On the day he disappeared, Estwick had left him home with one of

“When I got home, I called Joslyn’s phone. I called it, it ring out,” Estwick recalled while noting that it was unusual for him not to answer his cell home. Before daybreak the next day, Estwick was informed that Jones was in the vicinity of DEMICO when he was “picked up” by the police and taken to the Brickdam Police Station. She and other relatives rushed to the station but were told that no Joslyn Jones was in custody or had been arrested. “While waiting, two boys came out. So the boys said: lady who you looking for, I said, I am looking for my nephew Joslyn, and I started describing him,” she recalled. “They said that boy got picked up with we, and they bring he at the station, and then the boy carried him back but we ain’t know where they go with he,” the grieving aunt further recalled. Estwick said shortly after her nephew’s disappearance, the snow cone man who was TURN TO PAGE 17 ►

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

Economy upbeat at half year …growth rate pegged at 4.5%; to meet double digits from next year

WITH a vibrant oil and gas industry on the horizon, Guyana’s economy will start growing by double digits from next year. This was according to a top source, who said that Guyana’s economy will be thriving on the success of various sectors and the advent of petroleum. The country’s potential and acceleration was also proven when the Nasdaq Stock Exchange had reported that Guyana has the fastest growing economy in the world. The New York-based stock market, the second largest in the world, made note of Guyana’s projected growth rate of 16.3 per cent during the four-year period 2018-2021 in its report. It said that with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) size of $3.63 billion (2018 Rank: 160), a growth rate of 4.1 per cent in 2018 and 4.6 per cent in 2019, Guyana’s economy is expected to grow by 33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan is expected to add more flare to the projections, with real facts on the performance of the economy for the first half of the year. However, he has already let some of the cat out of the bag, noting that the country recorded economic growth of four per cent for the first half of the year. He made the announcement during an interview on the National Communication’s Network’s ‘Insight’ Programme on the Voice of Guyana, on Saturday. “At the half year we have grown four per cent yearon-year, which is basically measuring the first half of the year to the same period last

year,” said Jordan, adding that it is significant from the current standpoint. He made the comment to clear the air on doubts which were created by “certain people.” In that regard, Jordan said the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government has kept the economy growing from day one. Meanwhile, Economist Rawle Lucas has endorsed Minister Jordan’s point, noting that it is clear that the noise from the Leader of the Opposition, Bharat Jagdeo has drowned out the sound of the good performance by the President David Granger-led administration, since 2015. “With by far a better record

contracted on one occasion. The economy never contracted under President Granger. “The slowest growth rate under Granger was better than the best rate of Jagdeo. Persons might be curious about what happened to the economy in 1999 and 2000. Former President Jagdeo took office in August 1999. Thus, his first full year in office was 2000. In that year, the economy contracted 1.4 per cent. Despite an overall dismal performance for five years of handling the economy, the people of Guyana did not discriminate against Jagdeo and gave him a second chance at managing the economy,” said Lucas. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan On the other hand, even though the Guyana economy continued to grow each year after elections in 2015, much criticism has been heaped on the Granger administration about its performance. Very quickly those who opposed the new government tried leading the people of Guyana to believe that the sky was falling and doomsday was upon the country, said Lucas. The economist, however, believes that the Jagdeo administration did not manage the Guyana economy The table compares the economy of the country in the first four years of 2001 to 2004 very well. In contrast, he that the Jagdeo administration was in power and the four years from 2015 to 2018 that contended that the President the Granger administration has been in power Granger was able to take what he was given and mainPresident of Guyana from growth rate of the economy tain positive growth rates of than Jagdeo as a manager of 2001 to 2004 and President was 1.9 per cent. In the case the economy throughout the the economy, the people of Granger’s performance from of President Granger, the period of assessment. Guyana should not discrimGuyana is on the verge 2015 to now. highest growth rate was 4.1 inate against Granger being of growing again and the per cent. returned to office to continue latest estimate is for growth GRANGER VS JAGDEO Granger’s best perfor- to be 4.5 per cent at the end rebuilding and expanding According to Lucas, in mance was more than two of the year, but Minister Jorthe economy,” said Lucas the first four years of the times better than that of Jag- dan believes that people can in a letter. The economist drew facts from the Bank Jagdeo administration, the deo. Under the leader of do “mischief” to derail the of Guyana, to measure the performance of the economy the opposition, the economy growth. performance of Jagdeo as was dismal. The highest grew on three occasions and With the possibility of

Horrors of the ...

standing with him at the time he was taken into custody, gave the police a statement. The snow cone man, according to reports, indicated that he could have identified the police officers that took Jones into custody. At the time of the reported arrest, Jones was wearing his aunt’s jewellery, and had the boots he had purchased. According to Estwick, after the matter was taken before the then Police Commissioner Henry Greene, little was heard of the investigation. “I never saw my nephew back. Never, never, never,” Estwick said

as she broke down in tears. She had turned to the court. “I did all what I could have done. I did all what I could have done. You ever do til you can’t do any more. I went I took a lawyer, because I said somebody must tell me something,” she said. His death remains a mystery to this day.

NO MORE PPP Another resident, who requested anonymity, blamed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration at the time, for the crimes. The crimes, between 2003

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and 2006, were linked to convicted drug-trafficker Shaheed Roger Khan, who had set up a criminal network here, including active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly to go after criminals, but at the same time protecting his narco-trafficking interests. “We aren’t asking, we know that we will get a re-visitation of the past anytime this government change because this time they will come after us. They will come to spite us, and we do not deserve it, we do not deserve it,” the woman said. She recalled that during the

growth being derailed, Jordan said government will do all in its power to ensure that growth is held in check. As efforts to keep things in order continue, the minister pointed out that revenues are continuing to be buoyant. “This is allowing us to spend in a number of areas… there have been wells in communities, roads, houses and lights where people never had…quite a lot is going on and it is reflective of the fact that we can do these things because our revenue profile has gone up sharply. “More people are on the tax roll…the opposition tried to beat us on our head about giving amnesty, but it was able to bring us somewhere of $10 billion in arrears… they are all on the tax roll now,” said Minister Jordan. In addition to being able to increase revenues, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) had confirmed that Guyana’s public debt continues to be the lowest in the Caribbean. ECLAC, in its 2019 Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean, says that the Caribbean country with the lowest level of public debt is Guyana, with a public debt of 41.7 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The report, when compared to that of 2018, shows that there was a 5.2 per cent decrease in the country’s public debt. In 2018, it was reported that public debt was 46.9 per cent of the country’s GDP. Going forward in 2019, ECLAC has projected that interest payments on public debt are expected to fall in Guyana and Barbados.

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crime wave, many families would pool their financial resources together to send their male relatives to the islands, US, and other countries. “It was a sad time, and they had to leave because they were being targeted, our black brothers, uncles and fathers were targeted, and so families thought it best to send them away lest they turn up dead,” the elderly woman said. The Buxtonian and Friendship women that spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday endorsed the call for President David Granger to launch imme-

diately, an investigation into the extra-judicial killings that occurred under the Bharrat Jagdeo Administration, and for Roger Khan to be arrested upon his deportation to Guyana. The Executive of Mourning Families and Friends in White – a committee of the Ghana Day Organisation – are demanding that the intellectual authors of the state-sponsored murders, as well as their hired assassins, be brought to justice.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

Min. Ramjattan unveils exciting, innovative crime-fighting plan --one that involves schoolchildren and communities in their school environment

By Wendella Davidson WITH Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries being regarded as crime hotspots these days, CARICOM heads and their national security ministers have come up with an innovative plan to take a more evidence-based approach to crime-fighting. And that plan, according to Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, is to use primary and secondary school children to help determine the root causes of crime. Speaking on the National Communications Network (NCN)’s programme, INSIGHT, on Friday August 9, Minister Ramjattan made the point that while crime is solvable, we in Guyana live in a part of the world that these days has the ignominy of having the highest crime rates of anywhere else in the world; even countries besieged by war or internal conflict. Using statistics to bolster his argument, Minister Ramjattan said: “Our crime rates, especially our murder rates, are higher than even war-torn Syria… It’s unbelievable, but it is something that is true; 56,000 murders occur in Brazil every year, that is far more than the people dying in the Syrian War. Honduras went up to 68, 000 one year. In Jamaica, the homicide rate is about 55 to 100, 000 people; they had about 2,400 last year. Trinidad is extremely high, again reaching about 38 to 39 per 100,000 people. In Guyana, it is 15; one of the lowest, but Barbados has the lowest; about 11.” But to get back to the issue of CARICOM heads piloting their innovative plan in regional schools, Minister Ramjattan intimated that it has already been put in motion, as surveys were done at primary and secondary schools here in Guyana, as well as in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, and Antigua and Barbuda. And the idea is that at the end of it all, an analysis of all the data that

was collected from the surveys at the schools will help determine what is going wrong. What’s also interesting is that the project not only involves conducting surveys in schools, but the communities in and around where those target schools are located as well, in the hope that the information that was gleaned will help the authorities arrive at a workable solution. According to Minister Ramjattan, following the analysing of the data, efforts will be made to incorporate whatever local inputs they will have had into the designing of an action plan, in the hope that the end result will be a better citizen and a decline in the crime rate. Noting that about 20 communities have been identified as “hotspots”, though he didn’t say where, whether those communities are here in Guyana or elsewhere in the Caribbean, having conducted surveys at schools countrywide, Minister Ramjattan said there is now a firm idea of what needs to be done. What is needed, however, he said, are the counselors; the education officers and teachers within the target schools to have an input as to what is the best action plan. He said, too, that efforts will be made for the “hotspots” at reference to be properly illuminated, and as an added security measure, have CCTV cameras installed in and around the areas so as to deter those wanting to commit a crime to have second thoughts about it. He said that by taking away certain incentives from at-risk young people and students and instead placing them into clubs to play steel band or become involved in art or other activities, the inclination to misbehave or indulge in stealing, or vandalising will also be removed, and hopefully result in a decline in the crime rate. MORE EXCITING NEWS But the exciting news does not

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

just end there for Guyana, as, according to the minister, plans are also afoot to professionalise the Guyana Police Force (GPF) through exposing its members to academic training. He reasoned that by possessing such academic capacity, the Force can then start to work on its own strategic plan and have them implemented. “That is what is soon going to happen to this country and take us places,” Minister Ramjattan said, while cautioning that the execution of such a vision will depend on a number of things, such as available resources, the leadership of the Police Force, culture change and institutional transformation. He also spoke briefly on the planned establishment of ‘Champions for Change Clubs’, the funding for which will be provided by CARICOM through the European Union (EU), to do things like buy

equipment, construct buildings or pavilions and upkeep the grounds so that people could go there and play whatever games they like, and later become professionals in their respective disciplines.

component of the US$32M National Broadband Project that was funded by the Chinese Government over two years ago, for which a permanent headquarters is soon to be constructed.

GOING DIGITAL And, speaking briefly also about the GPF’s recent move to digitise and computerise its operations, Minister Ramjattan said the aim is to have all police stations outfitted with such equipment so as to enhance its crime-fighting capability. Explaining the effectiveness and the intended development of crime-fighting, he said the aim is to have information on a suspect who commits in the city and escapes, to within ‘real time’ be immediately be sent to Skeldon, Lethem and subsequently all police stations. “We are going there; that’s a development,” he said, adding: “I have come to realise that it is technology plus professional personnel that is going to take us places, and that is what we are doing now. We are getting the support from Carib Secure, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).” And, through an arrangement with a huge company in China that produces some fantastic cameras that allow a 360-degree view, even in the air, a Safe City project has been set up, whereby through the high-resolution equipment that is temporarily housed at the National Database Centre at Liliendaal, on the lower East Coast, Minister Ramjattan said that faces can be enhanced, as can car licences and locations among other things. He said too that several police vehicles are also equipped with cameras and radios, and from the security room at the Control Centre, operators have access to all of the cameras across the city, which they can monitor on a big screen, if needs be. The system, he explained, is a

STRIKING THAT BALANCE Speaking of which, Minister Ramjattan said it was brought to his attention that a certain media outlet and other ‘doomsayers’ have been accusing him of breaching privacy laws. In his defence of the project, he said: “We have to make a balance between security and privacy. If you want to catch criminals, you will have to have some amount of privacy encroached upon.” As he went on to say, when the Americans and Chinese do likewise, they are commended for being great, but now that Guyana is seeking to follow suit, they are being criticised in editorials, and that if letter writers are of the view that there may be a breach of privacy laws, they should take the matter to court. This new approach of the Force’s, he noted, “will deter criminality within the streets of Georgetown, which is a hotspot, and as we get more monies from our oil and natural-gas resources, it will then be implemented at Skeldon, Linden, Lethem and within the entire country, within the period of a year.” And while he did mention in passing, the upgrading of the 911 system, the rehabilitation of police stations countrywide, and the upgrading of the DNA laboratory, he didn’t go into any details, except to say there is need to promote more gender-equality in the Police Force, in terms of encouraging more females to enlist in the officer corps, and to expand the Force’s community policing groupings countrywide, especially in areas next to our borders with Venezuela and Brazil, where at times it is difficult to post personnel.

Coalition attuned to democracy ...

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lapidary in Region Eight for the processing of semi-precious stones; the revamping of the coffee industry in Region One and the crab and fish-processing plant in Smith Creek. The minister noted too that on assuming office, it was quickly realised that there was a need to unite the indigenous communities, “because either through political or religious or other beliefs we’ve had that division.” The minister also noted that many Indigenous communities are developing as leaders take up their responsibilities. One of the keys to this success is the Vil-

lage Improvement Plan (VIP), through which the Village Councils craft plans that utilise the natural and human resources available to better develop their respective communities. Linked to the success of the VIPs, Minister Allicock pointed out, is the establishment of several community radio stations that help to bring important information to them. This, he pointed out, assisted in the decision-making of village leaders. Another major issue that this government is tackling is that of land. “We’ve had the Amerindian Land Titling which began in 2013. I think it was a very

ambitious project to be completed within three years; 68 villages for extensions and boundaries surveys to complete within three years if you want to do it well,” he said. The minister noted that there were challenges: “We have found some communities claiming that the boundaries were not done properly, some were not completed and we have to go and do that all over again.” There were also issues with the Free Prior and Informed Consent aspect of the project. “We’ve had the experience of going into communities time and again and when we

think we’re about to move ahead with this plan, the villagers indicate they are not yet ready,” he explained. The first phase of this Land Titling Project ended in 2016; however, an extension brought it to 2018 and now there is another extension which ends in December of 2021. The ministry is now in the process of creating a unit within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to focus on Indigenous land issues that may arise from time to time. (DPI)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

‘Best CSEC performance’

Education Minister talks up improvements in 21 subjects ...English A, sciences, business subjects see increased pass rates …CAPE also returned satisfactory results

By Alva Solomon GUYANA has recorded improved performances in 21 subject areas with standout grades in 13 subject areas at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Education Minister Dr Nicolette Henry has deemed Guyana’s performance the best ever. At the same time, there was an increase in Grade One and Two passes recorded for Guyanese students who sat the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) as the overall performances were deemed satisfactory. This year, a total of 11,467 candidates wrote the CSEC regional examinations. On Wednesday, during her announcement of the 2019 results of the two regional examinations set by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), that for the CSEC subjects, Minister Henry noted improved performances were recorded in several subject areas including the sciences, English A,

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry (left) shares a moment with Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson, during the announcement of the 2019 CSEC /CAPE results (Adrian Narine photo)

the business subjects and the modern languages. Minister Henry, who made the announcement at the National Centre for Education Research and Development (NCERD) complex in Kingston, said that students attained passes of 90 per cent and over in 13

subject areas. Those subject areas included Agricultural Science, Religious Education, and Information Technology. English and Mathematics are two of the more important subject areas in the school’s curriculum and according to Minister Henry, a recorded

pass rate of 77 per cent in English A was recorded as against 67 per cent for 2018. The pass rate for Mathematics remained constant at 43 per cent for this year when compared to last year. In the sciences, there were improvements in Grades One to Three passes. In Biology,

passes increased from 64 per cent in 2018 to 77 per cent this year and in Chemistry, a recorded pass rate of 62 per cent was noted as compared to 56.4 per cent in 2018. In Physics there was an increase from 66.2 per cent recorded in 2018 against 70 per cent this year. In the business subjects, Principle of Accounts was the highest jumper, with a recorded pass rate of 83 per cent this year against 74.4 per cent last year. High performances were also recorded in the Humanities and Expressive Arts subject areas with Geography recording an increase from 72.1 per cent last year against 76.3 per cent this year. In the modern languages, passes in the Portuguese subject area increased from 72 per cent to 81 per cent while an increase from 64.4 per cent to 68.3 per cent was recorded for Spanish. On the flip side, Minister Henry noted that students performed better last year in a few subject areas. These included Caribbean History, Economics and English B. Those subject areas saw min-

imal declines in the pass rate. In terms of the performances at the CAPE examination, candidates obtained 100 per cent pass rates in 31 units including Agricultural Science Unit Two, Environmental Science Unit One, Sociology Unit One and Physics Unit Two among others. A total of 880 Guyanese students wrote the CAPE examinations and Minister Henry said that this year , Mathematics remained consistent with 83.85 per cent grades one to five passes. Of note, was the performance of students from the Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School which offered four units for CAPE for the first time with a pass rate of 92 per cent. While Queen’s College students topped the list of performances this year, Minister Henry said that there were increases in the pass rates at several other schools including the Bishops’ High School, New Amsterdam Secondary, St Joseph’s High and Mackenzie High.

Anna Regina girl tops at CSEC with 18 ones RIANA Ashesha Toney, 16, of Anna Regina Multilateral School (ARMS) on Wednesday cried tears of joy when she received the news she topped Guyana at the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Toney, the daughter of businessman, Ricky Toney, secured 19 grade ones at the regional examinations. Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, the young lady said she did not expect to top the country and praised the Almighty for his abundant blessings. Leading up to the examinations, Toney said she was very nervous and was anxiously awaiting the results of the examinations. She was overjoyed when she learnt

Guyana CSEC top student, Riana Toney

Riana Toney with her proud parents and sibling

from the media that she exceeded her own expectations. Toney, a science stream student, told this publication that she loves participating

in science fairs and school debating competitions. "I was very shocked, I couldn't believe it but I thank God, my parents and my

school for the foundation," the aspiring microbiologist said. She is advising students to pay keen attention to their

School Based Assessment (SBA) and credited extra lessons to her success. Her parents, who own Toney Elite Styles, closed their business early on Wednesday to go home and spend time with their daughter. Shavava Toney, Riana’s mother, said she spent sleepless nights with her daughter, preparing her for the examinations. The mother said she admired her daughter’s potentials and noted that she was always a brilliant child. The parents thanked

all the teachers of the Anna Regina Multilateral School for their role in Toney’s success. When asked what will be the future of their daughter, they said most likely she will be attending university. Headmaster of Anna Regina Multilateral School, Laljeet Ruplall, was very excited about the school's performance. He said he is happy that ARMS produced the national top student and commented that Toney was always a brilliant, ardent and obedient child.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

St Rose’s girl is CAPE top student -- Education Ministry acknowledges mix-up

By Tamica Garnett WITH nine grade ones and two grade twos, St Rose’s High student, Shanomae Milling, of North Sophia was on Thursday officially announced as Guyana’s top performer at this year’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). She was not named as the top student when the results were originally announced on Wednesday. The Ministry of Education (MoE) on Thursday issued an apology after it was discovered that Milling was completely left off of the list of 2019 top CAPE performers. Queen’s College students Michael Bhopaul and Leonardo Gobin, both with eight grade one passes were initially named as the top students. “The Ministry of Education wishes to announce that the 2019 top student for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) in Guyana is Shanomae Milling of St. Rose’s High School who wrote 11 units and achieved nine grade ones and two grade twos. The Ministry of Education congratulates Ms. Milling on her outstanding achievement. We do apologise for the anomaly regarding the top position. However, this should not distract from the excellent and historical performance by our students this year at both the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and CAPE assessments,” a statement from the ministry said. Though heartbroken when her name was not mentioned on Wednesday, by Thursday morning, Milling

was happy when she got the honour she deserved. THANKFUL “I think that they handled it in a good way. They apol-

issue. Though the MoE announced the results on Wednesday, CAPE students have been able to access their results via an online

my computer screen; I was shocked because I expected it to be heard. My family, my friends, my teachers they were all waiting,” Milling recalled. The 18-year-old was left heartbroken and pondered what could possibly have happened to have her name left off the list of top performing students. “When I got home, she greeted me with tears,” said Milling’s aunt, Lizzani Brown, with whom Milling lives. “I said what happened? She said: ‘look, look what going on here, the two top

ENCOURAGEMENT “I had to check it over, I count the ones again, I just checked it over and over,” she recalled. She related the situation to one of her fellow students who had made the list, and encouraged her to have it rectified. “I messaged Diego [Bennett], I sent him my results and I said I was just going to let it go because I’m a calm person, but he said ‘no you can’t do that honour should be given where honour is due’. After that I called up my aunt and my teachers and they advised me to go to the MoE and clarify and

Shanomae Milling of St. Rose’s High School

ogised and clarified the issue so I’m thankful for that,” Milling said. Another student of St Rose’s High Jerron Jarvis, is also contending that he was omitted from the list of the top 15 performers in the country, which contained students who attained up to six grade one passes. According to his results, Jarvis has six grade ones, three grade twos and a grade four. “It seems like they completely forgot about St Rose’s, they just ignored us. The fact that students that did less made the list and I didn’t, I felt bad, I felt disrespected. But it’s not really a big deal for me,” the 19-year-old noted. He is unsure if he will be making an official report about the

portal since Tuesday. Through checking her results, Milling had known since then that she had attained nine ones and two twos, and expected that it would put her at the top of the country’s list, so it was with an eager excitement that she awaited her name on Wednesday as Education Minister, Nicolette Henry, was announcing the results. DISAPPOINTED But when it was all said and done, her name was nowhere to be heard or seen. “Everyone was just looking at the live stream to hear my name and I felt a little disappointed. I felt sad that it wasn’t called. At first I was at a loss for words, I was looking at

PPP gives up THE Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it will not appeal the decision of acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, who, on Wednesday, ruled that house-to-house registration is legal. “In the circumstances, after a more mature consideration of the chief justice’s decision and after conferring with my client and other counsel involved, including Senior Counsel, it is our considered opinion not to appeal the decision of the learned chief justice. Needless to say, we may reconsider our position should appeals be filed by the other

parties in the proceedings,” the PPP said in a statement. The party said the legal proceedings filed by chartered accountant Christopher Ram, achieved its principal objective, which is, barring de-registration of persons during the ongoing house-to-house exercise. The PPP also maintained that elections should be held on or before September 18, 2019. The acting chief justice delivered her judgement in a case challenging the constitutionality of House-toHouse Registration brought before the High Court by Ram, in which

The online view of the CAPE results of top performer Shanomae Milling, who attained nine grade ones and two grade twos

students have eight grade ones, and they have a top 10 list and my name is not on the list’. So I said don’t cry we will look after that tomorrow.” Milling questioned if perhaps the mix up was with her results.

that’s when I went [Thursday] morning.” An Upper Six Form student, Milling attained grade ones in Physics Units one and two; Applied Mathematics Unit one; Pure Mathematics Unit one; Chemistry, Biology and Physical Education

and Sports, all in Unit two; Environmental Science Unit one; Caribbean Studies Unit one; she got a grade two in Communication Studies and Applied Mathematics Unit two. Milling said when she first learned of her results, she was surprised. “To be honest, some of those exams were really tough, I was looking in the sky for answers, so I thought that I did horrible, and when I opened and I saw my results I was just relieved, particularly at chemistry. Just seeing all the grade ones there, I was just so relieved I did so well and this whole year didn’t just go to waste,” Milling said. Milling’s aunt and mother, Drusilla Wilson, were, however, not surprised by the results. “I must say I am overwhelmed. My daughter, she made me proud, she made me a very proud mom,” expressed Wilson She added: “I know she had the potential because of the passes before, at CAPE last year, she topped her school, and at CSEC she topped her school; so I know she always had the potential. Since at five, I started with her. After she went to live with my sister, she continued.” Milling is an aspiring doctor. Her 11 passes add to the passes in seven other units that she already wrote last year, passing with three ones and four twos. She now plans to take a year off studying to travel and volunteer at her alma mater before she begins pursuing studies in medicine at the University of Guyana from next year.

…says will not contest chief justice's ruling on house-to-house registration

the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; and Attorney-General Basil Williams were the named respondents. Justice George-Wiltshire ruled that the Constitution and the Laws of Guyana provide for the conduct of House-to-House registration as a form of verification – a position that was argued by the attorney-general and the attorneys that represented the Chief Elections Officer, Senior Counsel Neil Boston and Roysdale Forde. As such, she ruled that the June 11 Order published in the Official

Gazette by the then Chairman of the Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, was in compliance with established laws. The order paved the way for the Houseto-House Registration exercise to be conducted from July 20, 2019 to October 20, 2019 – a period of three months. The chief justice iterated that there was nothing stopping the Elections Commission from carrying out its functions, and more so, a decision it had taken before a No-Confidence Motion was put before the National Assembly, and before the CCJ deliv-

ered its judgement in the consolidated No-Confidence Motion cases and the GECOM Chair appointment matter. “I do not see how a Houseto-House Registration exercise violates Article 106 (6) and (7). The CEO and GECOM have no role in the implementation of Article 106 (6) and as regards Article 106 (7), GECOM could conduct the House-to-House Registration or any other verification process, for that matter, in the context of the peculiar circumstances that are extant following the NCM,” the chief justice ruled.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

Bosai in move to install new kiln, drier …to provide employment opportunities for Lindeners

BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana (BMGG) has commenced preparatory work for the installation of a new #15 kiln and a #16 rotary drier, which will see approximately 150 to 200 Lindeners being employed. A senior officer at the company related that preparatory works, which include the construction of the foundation for the kiln and the piling of the necessary material needed for the project, is ongoing. The officer related that the entire project is expected to be completed within two years and employment will jump to maximum 800. Bosai now has 600 employees. Earlier in the year General Manager of BMGG, Eric Yu, indicated to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, that the #16 drier will also have auxiliary facilities. BMGG decided to invest in the assets because of satisfactory increase in demand for bauxite and the need to meet these demands in a timely manner, since the

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and a South African delegation led by Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources of South Africa, Godfrey Oliphant were given a tour of the Montgomery Mines in Linden

old kiln #13, often requires heavy maintenance. The new kilns are expected to push calcined bauxite production and chemical bauxite production, for export purposes. The kiln #15 is an investment of about $US 20 M and will produce

170, 000 metre–tonne–second (mts) of refractory ‘A’ Grade Super Calcine Bauxite (RASC), per year. The #16 drier and its auxiliary facilities is expected to cost the company $US 3M and will produce 150, 000 mts of Sized Chemical Grade Baux-

ite (scgb), per year. “With these major expansions, additional long term employment will be provided for the residents of the community and our Guyanese nation,” Yu had said. This is not deemed a risky investment, even as the oil

and gas industry seems to be taking the spotlight, because in 2016, a survey showed, that bauxite mining had the lifespan of at least 100 more years. Tests were carried out in the reserves of Region Ten, which showed that there are 200 million tonnes of baux-

ite located at block 37, 18 million tonnes at Bamia, 40 million tonnes at East Montgomery and an unproven amount at Tiger Jump. With the current production of less than one million tonnes per year, the calculation with the above-mentioned tonnes in the reserves, makes a remaining 100 years of mining accurate. The company will also be installing a dust collector on the new kiln #15, in an effort to safeguard the environment from pollutants. In 2011, the company invested $U.S 8 million on dust collectors for two kilns, which resulted in a significant decrease in the permeation of dust into the atmosphere. In 2018, Bosai raked in $US 3B with productions of the various bauxites reaching over 100, 000 tonnes. Some of its main markets were in Europe and North America. BMGG, is one of the main bauxite providers in the world.

Govt should buy shares in Exxon …Greenidge suggests, says oil resource not a curse By Tamica Garnett FOR MER Minis ter of F o re i g n A f f a i r s , C a r l Greenidge, believes acquiring shares in Exxon Mobil is an option that government could explore in the future when resources start coming in from the oil and gas industry, scheduled to come on stream next year. Greenidge noted that government is no stranger to private investments, and suggested that a step towards owning shares in Exxon would be a worthwhile investment for the country. “The government is at liberty to acquire shares in Exxon, it can be a partner in Exxon. [Currently] government partnership is largely one of sharing exploitation of resources, but we can use some of the resources to buy some of the shares of Exxon,” Greenidge said as he delivered remarks on Sunday August 11 at the Buxton First of August Movement (FAM-Buxton) annual Eusi Kwayana Emancipation Symposium. “We have bought shares

in private companies before. So there are options in looking at the future that oil and gas has for us, you have to look carefully at what can be done, what has been done.” Greenidge, who is currently the Foreign Secretary was one of five panelists who gave remarks at the event, the others being Attorney, Nigel Hughes; University of Guyana History and Caribbean Studies Lecturer, Dwayne Benjamin; IDPADA-G Administrative Officer, Glenyss James; and FAM-Buxton Coordinator, Dr. David Hinds. This year, the event was held under the theme, “The Coming Election and the African Guyanese Emancipation Agenda” with a focus on the theme’s connection to the coming oil and gas industry. With 13 oil discoveries since 2015, Exxon Mobil is scheduled to begin Guyana’s maiden oil production from the Liza Phase 1 development in early 2020, expecting to initially extract an estimated 120,000 barrels of oil per day. There have been conversations on the looming

industry, its management and just how much Guyana will be able to benefit from the resources garnered. Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Exxon has the country poised to receive 2 percent royalty on petroleum produced and sold. The Department of Energy has since noted plans to raise the royalty on future oil licenses issued, though the plans are not expected to affect current licenses. OIL IS NOT VOODOO Greenidge dismissed fears that the oil and gas industry could leave Guyana in a worst state. Globally, there is what has become known as the “resource curse” or “paradox of plenty”, whereby despite the vast resources countries fail to see massive economic development. However, Greenidge said, it is how the resources are managed, and not the resource itself, that plays a crucial role in ensuring countries do not befall the curse. “The biggest nonsense is a story

that tells it’s going to leave us worst off than we were before, we didn’t say that when we discovered bauxite in the 1900s, manganese in the 1950s, the fisheries in the late 1960s. Oil is not voodoo, it is not magic, it is a commodity. To an economist there is no difference between a barrel of oil and a roll of cloth, they are commodities, they are used for different purposes but the difference of consequence is the management,” he noted. “The price of oil today is so high that if you possess oil you can do magic in a very short space of time because of the income it commands. You have a resource you must manage it sensibly.” Oil and gas discussions are taking center stage as the country gears for its next elections. Greenidge told those gathered that citizens have a role to play in ensuring this good management of the resources by holding those in power accountable. “There are responsibilities for you as members of the electorate. I don’t have

all the solutions for you but everyone has responsibility to be aware, make sure your voice is heard. A party has a manifesto. It promises to do certain things, you see that they don’t do it and you have to let them know that you are concerned about their failure to do it. That is what some of the more mature economies do. Don’t wait until the end of their five years,” he said. “You are an intelligent constituency look at what your government is doing and ensure that when resources are available the resources are used for the benefit of the country. When it comes to oil the main benefit to the country will be the income coming from the various taxes, you cannot look at the royalty alone and pronounce on the utility and appropriateness of royalty.” Many have much riding on their expectations of the economic boom that the oil and gas industry is expected to bring to Guyana. Greenidge also sought to address the issue of the border controversy with Venezuela and that country’s claim to certain sections of Guyana’s territory, including offshore

areas where oil exploration is currently taking place. Greenidge outrightly dismissed a suggestion in a section of the media by a University professor that Guyana should relinquish some amount of territory to Venezuela to end the controversy. “There was a story saying the government is exaggerating the risks, there’s no risk in relation to Venezuela all you have to do is give Venezuela 20 percent, give them 20 percent of all your ocean resources and take more money from Exxon. Is any part of the fees to Exxon going to be worth more than 20 percent of the resources in our seas, which is not just petroleum? And yet that man is given credence in a newspaper in Guyana. I am not aware that either the latter government, or the current one has a mandate to give away 20 percent of our resources,” Greenidge noted.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending AUGUST 17, 2019

Stakeholders praise installation of CCTV cameras they can make things better,” Thornhill said. She said the CCTV cameras are comforting and persons will depend on its footage when illegalities occur. “I have been doing business for 34 years and it’s a good initiative since security is very important to develop businesses,” she said. Taxi drivers plying their

trade at Stabroek Market are delighted about the placement of the cameras in the City. Several drivers agreed

Market vendor, Stacy Bradshaw

Businesswoman, Kota Thornhill

Minibus driver, Andrew Singh

One of the Safe City CCTV Systems installed on Hadfield Street, Georgetown

By Rabindra Rooplall WITH an increased sense of security and reassurance, particularly in areas where the crime rate is high, persons are praising the implementation of the CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras in Georgetown. Over 100 surveillance cameras have been strategically placed across the city as part of the Safe City System which was recently activated. The Safe City System is a component of the US$36M National Broadband Project, which was funded by the China Exim (Export-Import) bank and implemented through the services of Huawei. Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouveia, has applauded the move by the Public Security Ministry and stakeholders for installing the CCTV surveillance system. He noted that the video feed will contribute to assisting law enforcement in their efforts to solve crimes while also acting as a deterrent. Gouveia said the PSC will be meeting Minister Khemraj Ramjattan soon to find out how the cameras would benefit the business community in cases of robberies and other incidents. Andrew Singh, a minibus driver for the past 27 years, said he is very pleased that the CCTV cameras are in operation since traffic lawlessness is innumerable. “The commissioner should really review the cameras situated on Stabroek Market and he would see some of the things being

done and persons should be fined, because if they don’t get serious about it then the cameras are not being fully used,” he said. He said the drinking and driving culture, untidy appearance, tinted minibuses and a number of traffic violations occur on a daily basis. “Since the cameras are out here things remain the same, so I guess a campaign has to be started in order for things to be done.” According to Singh, robberies are still occurring. “I just heard a girl stopped the bicycle police and told them that she just got robbed and someone gone with her phone,” he said. However, he praised the setting up of the CCTV cameras, noting that the relevant authorities must take actions against persons who break the laws. Market vendor, Stacy Bradshaw also praised the initiative, saying she feels safer now. “I have been a vendor for the past 10 years and I have seen all kinds of things; this is a very good effort by the government and I would like to see more done by the government,” she said. Businesswoman Kota Thornhill said the CCTV cameras can be considered a public good since she has been operating in the Stabroek Market area for the past 15 years. “This will benefit everyone on the market, especially tourist, who will feel more secure when they are walking around; this will give the authorities a lot of information on what is taking place on the market so

that should something untoward occur, citizens will be relying on the authorities to extract information from

the CCTV system to solve the crime. “I hope they are monitoring these things and all are active, because people on the park behaving is like dummy cameras they set up here, people still doing whatever they feel like, I want them to start getting things done and charging people,” one taxi

driver said. Minister Ramjattan is excited at the possibilities the new system and pilot project offers. He said the pilot project in Georgetown will be launched countrywide. “This is just going to be one of the best developments for our country in relation to matters of security and to see the capacities and capabilities being built in, to ensure that we can literally track vehicles, track suspects to the extent of knowing where they are, at what time they would have been there. This technology will enhance the capacities of the police to do their work,” Minister Ramjattan said.

Guyana 12th in oil reserves league …dubbed newest ‘petrostate’, potentially richest by Bloomberg

GUYANA is on the verge of becoming the world’s newest petrostate and potentially the richest, Bloomberg said in an article on Tuesday August 13. “In 2015, Exxon Mobil Corp. made what one of its executives described as a ‘fairytale’ discovery in the vast Stabroek exploration block off the Guyanese coast. Since then, it’s found so much oil that by the mid2020s Guyana, with a population of about 778,000, will probably produce more crude per citizen than any other country,” Kevin Crowley wrote in his article ‘The World’s Newest Petrostate Isn’t Ready for a Tsunami of Cash.’ Alluding to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Bloomberg noted that Guyana’s reserves would make it OPEC’s 12th-largest member after Angola. At the time of the compilation of the report, US oil giant ExxonMobil had projected that there were 5.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent resource in the Stabroek Block based on the finds to date. However, that figure has been upgraded to 6 billion barrels. Based on 2018 statistics, Venezuela has the largest barrels of oil reserves with 302.8B followed by Saudi Arabia with 267.0 barrels and Iran with 155.6 barrels. Bloomberg noted that at Exxon’s Investor Day meeting at the New York Stock Exchange last March, Guyana took center stage. “It’s not hard to see why. Senior Vice President Neil Chapman—the exec who’d once described the Stabroek find as a “fairytale”—pointed to a chart featuring estimates from Wood Mackenzie Ltd., an Edinburgh-based energy consulting firm. It showed that Exxon’s Guyana wells will be the most profitable of all new deep-water projects by major oil companies,” it observed. In preparation of oil production in 2020, the floating production storage and offloading vessel – FPSO Liza Destiny – is making its way to Guyana. It is due to arrive on September 18. The FPSO will be used by ExxonMobil

for the production and processing of hydrocarbons, and the storage of oil. It is expected that the Oil Company would produce approximate 120,000 barrels

production base. He said his department will continue to work assiduously and conscientiously to extract optimum value from these resources for all Guyanese.

according to the NASDAQ Stock Market, which is an American stock exchange. It is the second-largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalisation, be-

abundant natural resources. Gold, bauxite, sugar, rice, timber and shrimp are among its leading exports. Back in 2000, the U.S. Geological Survey identi-

View of the Guyana Shore Base from one of the supply ships which sends materials to the offshore drilling site. (Photographer: Natalie Keyssar for Bloomberg Markets)

of oil per day and gradually increase that amount to 750,000 per day by 2025. The Government anticipates that it would rake in approximately US$300M in 2020 alone and by 2025, a whopping US$5B. ExxonMobil is gearing up for product at a time when Tullow Guyana B.V – a subsidiary of UK-based oil company Tullow Oil plc, has found oil offshore Guyana at its Jethro-1 well in the Orinduik Block. That find is projected to be more than 100 million barrels of recoverable resources. The company is now preparing to drill its second well – Joe - also in the Orinduik Block while the non-operated Carapa-1 well is also expected to be drilled later this year on the adjacent Kanuku Block test the Cretaceous oil play. With Exxon’s successes, Tullow Guyana remains very optimistic about its prospects. According to the Director of the Department of Energy Dr. Mark Bynoe, the successful discoveries to date offer significant potential for the diversification of the country’s hydrocarbon

Guyana’s economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $3.63 billion, a growth rate of 4.1 per cent in 2018 and 4.6 per cent in 2019, is expected to further grow by 33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent in 2020 and 2021 respectively. This is

hind only the New York Stock Exchange located in the same city. NASDAQ said, with a per-capita income of $5,194, Guyana is a middle-income country and is covered by dense forest. It is home to fertile agricultural lands and

fied the Guyana-Suriname Basin as the second highest resource potential among unexplored oil basins in the world. ExxonMobil (U.S.), Esso (U.S.), Hess, Repsol (Spain), Anadarko (U.S.), Total (France), Tullow Oil (UK), and CGX Energy

Guyana’s reserves would make it OPEC’s 12th-largest member

(Canada) have been a part of exploration and drilling activities over the years. ExxonMobil Guyana has made 13 discoveries since 2015 and plans to begin producing up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day from the Liza Phase One development in early 2020. Guyana is projected to be among the world’s largest per-capita oil producers by 2025. Early this year, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projected a 4.6 per cent growth rate for Guyana this year even as it updated its growth projections on economic activity for this year for the Region’s countries. In the updated projections, ECLAC slightly lowers its estimate for the regional average to 1.3 per cent compared with the 1.7 per cent foreseen in December 2018, when the institution released its annual report ‘Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2018’. Recently, in an interview with this newspaper, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, said that, despite the political fallout following the no-confidence motion, there has been no disruption to the economy which grew by 4.1 per cent last year. Describing the nation’s economic performance as “solid”, Minister Jordan said the sectors responsible for the “better than expected performance” were sugar, livestock, forestry, gold, diamonds and the wholesale and retail trades. The private sector has been saying that due to “uncertainties” economic activities have slowed. It (the private sector) however, has not produced actual data and method used to arrive at the claims. L a s t y e a r ’s g ro w t h came on the heels of a less than three per cent GDP growth rate in 2017 and bettered the 3.4 per cent growth which was initially projected in November of 2018. The latter was based on figures at hand and projections, explained the minister.