Inauguration supp by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA CHRONICLE INAUGURATION SPECIAL May 26, 2015

The Race... Presidential Candidate of the APNU+AFC coalition, Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger and his wife Sandra Granger moments after voting at the Enterprise Primary School in Lodge

President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar after casting their ballots at the St John’s College on Waterloo Street

APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate, Mr Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Mrs Sita Nagamootoo (centre) in the presence of supporters after they had voted on Polling Day, Monday May 11, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE INAUGURATION SPECIAL May 26, 2015

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The Jubilation...

APNU+AFC begins countrywide victory celebration - supporters already anoint Granger de facto ‘President elect’ By Gary Eleazer “FREEDOM!” It was the first word shouted; and it was loud, jubilant, triumphant and impassioned. It was in reaction to GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Mr Keith Lowenfield announcing, albeit preliminarily, that Brigadier (Rt’d) David Granger has more or less been elected the next Head of State of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.He is, for the moment, the de facto ‘President Elect.’ 72 HOURS LATER At noon yesterday, May 16, 2015, 72 hours after the Monday, May 11 18:00hrs close of poll, Lowenfield was about to announce to the nation GECOM’s preliminary results following the long-awaited tabulation, verification, cross referencing and processing. Chairman of the Elections Commission, the normally verbose Dr. Steve Surujbally was brief as he introduced Lowenfield to reveal the results. I was assigned to cover the Campaign Headquarters of the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) party on the border of Queenstown and Alberttown in Georgetown. Aided by public broadcast, word had already spread of GECOM’s imminent press conference to be delivered ‘live’ to the nation, and scores of persons had already descended on the premises, and begun to assemble in front of the largescreen television that had become a feature of the location. Twenty/20 cricket action was in full swing, but few, if any, paid attention to the game that was being broadcast, the attention of the assembly being absorbed in the heated debate among those present, tempers flaring and emotions running high as the minutes ticked closer to noon. ANXIETY OVERDRIVE The mature kept the anxious calm, and when Dr. Surujbally appeared on screen to speak, a deadly silence so hijacked the atmosphere that if a nail had been dropped (I wouldn’t stretch it to a pin), its fall would have evoked a deafening noise. And as Mr Lowenfield pre-ambled, it was as if time had stopped as faces spelled anxiety in overdrive; but all remained as silent as a sentry on the graveyard shift. The bar graphs were displayed on screen as Lowenfield’s voice translated the illegible, out-of-focus, all-important data the nation had waited so anxiously for, and disclosed the results, region by region. The incumbent Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) secured the first three regions: Barima/Waini; Pomeroon/ Supenaam, and Essequibo Islands/West Demerara, with commanding votes over the opposition. Exactly 93,931 cumulative votes were cast in these three regions, according to GECOM’s preliminary figures. The APNU+AFC team, having campaigned long and hard in the three regions, earned for themselves the confidence of a cumulative 30,489 electors of the three regions, whilst the incumbent party commanded a massive 62,384 votes, more than double that of the opposition. THOSE OTHERS The other parties contesting the 2015 elections were as follows: the Independent Party (IP), the National Independent Party (NIP), The United Force (TUF) and the United Republican Party (URP). HUSHED The APNU+AFC campaign headquarters remained hushed as more supporters made their way in, and were quickly brought to silence if not paying attention to the keen ears and

eyes trained on the television ahead. The results of Region Four were next read. APNU+AFC, Lowenfield said, obtained 113,534 votes; the IP 200; NIP 217; and word of the PPP/C securing only 69,914 votes instantly brought a sense of relief to those around me. Lowenfield had announced that APNU+AFC had secured a commanding lead over the incumbent PPP/C when the votes were counted for Region Four, Demerara/Mahaica. A total of 183,949 votes had been cast in this Region, but with word of the APNU+AFC’s performance in the region, none cared to hear about the 50 votes the TUF had garnered, nor the 34 that the URP had acquired. GREEN/YELLOW GARB The gathering kept growing by the minute. Many were decked out in green and yellow garb (no need to explain why), and were quickly hushed as Lowenfield prepared to announce

Those glaring at the television screen, sometimes sneeringly, as GECOM’s CEO made the announcement, maintained restraint as the votes for Region Six were announced. The PPP/C was again in electoral control of East Berbice/Corentyne. The coalition did continue to make impressive showing in the Region at the polls, securing, according to Lowenfield, 22,112 of the total 61,927 votes that had been cast. The PPP/C, however, remained in commanding control with 39,536 of the votes for that region. HEADQUARTERS SILENT The TUF was the only one of the smaller parties to secure more than 100 votes in that region. The APNU+AFC campaign headquarters maintained silence; the television could be heard from a usually long distance away, given the size of the crowd that had converged listening to what has since proved to be a most historic occasion. The GECOM CEO then announced the preliminary results for Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). There were only 7,481 votes cast in this region, of which the ruling party secured 2,673. Word of APNU+AFC winning the region with 4,596 votes saw a short-lived outburst quickly tempered, as there were still the results for three key regions to be announced. A total of 3,628 votes were cast in the Potaro/Siparuni Region Eight constituency, and the coalition won this region too; but barely. The coalesced APNU+AFC secured 1,837 of the votes, with the PPP/C closely behind with 1,727 of the votes. The smaller parties collectively earned less than 100 votes from this region. Both of the main contenders had campaigned hard in Region Nine, Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo, and there was a total of 9,546 valid votes cast. The coalition did not win this region, but supporters did not seem to lose hope, as Region 10 was a known stronghold for the opposition, and the results for that region were still to be announced. The coalition garnered 3,592 votes in Region Nine, whilst the incumbent had a commanding lead of 5,794.

PRESIDENT ELECT All of the Statements of Poll had been submitted, according to the GECOM Chairman; and as Lowenfield prepared to announce the Region 10 results, the crowd shifted yet closer, somewhat unconsciously, I presume, towards the television. Lowenfield said 16,791 persons in Region 10 had cast valid votes for the coalition, and news of the PPP/C only receiving 2,785 votes unleashed yet another short-lived but gleeful outburst. The figures for all 10 regions had been announced, but they had still not yet been consolidated, as Lowenfield somewhat gloatingly built the tension. Seconds ticked away. Many could be seen quickly trying to calculate, A true APNU+AFC 2015 campaign hero is brought to tears at ahead of the announcement. With each listener hanging on to Lowenfield’s the announcement every word, the GECOM CEO said APNU+AFC the results for those that voted in Region Five, in the Mahai- had secured 206, 817 votes; the IP 338 votes; NIP 516; and ca-Berbice district. the PPP/C, 201… That was as far as he got! APNU+AFC This region has, over the years, been recognised as a supporters had heard enough to know that their Presidential stronghold of the ruling PPP/C, but during the 2011 elections, Candidate, Brigadier (rtd) David Arthur Granger, was thouthe opposition had make significant inroads there. sands of votes ahead, however preliminary the announcement; At the 2011 elections, APNU and AFC contested as sepa- and this was enough to ignite wild celebrations! rate parties, but collectively, as an opposition, they had secured The PPP/C in fact secured 201,457 votes, more than 5,300 11,987 votes, while the had PPP/C secured 13,558. votes less than the coalition; the TUF’s 880; and the URP’s This time around, Lowenfield announced that 13,416 338 votes; but this didn’t matter to the APNU+AFC supporters votes had been counted for the Coalition, while 16,644 votes as the celebrations began. had been tallied for the incumbent party. None of the other parties secured more than double digits when the tabulations ► Contiuned on page V were completed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE INAUGURATION SPECIAL May 26, 2015

The Swearing In...

DAVID ARTHUR GRANGER SWORN IN - as Guyana’s 8th Executive President

By Gary Eleazer HIS Excellency, Brigadier (rtd) David Arthur Granger, is Guyana’s duly elected and sworn 8th Executive President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Head of State of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. President Granger was administered the Oath of Office yesterday at the Public Buildings by Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, in the presence of the thousands that converged to witness history. The Oath was administered following the reading of the Official Proclamation by Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally.

President Granger in his acceptance speech yesterday assured the nation that as soon as members of the 11th Parliament (MPs) have been sworn in, Moses Nagamootoo, his running mate, will be sworn in as prime minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. SWEARING-IN

A sea of green had begun to inundate the outskirts of Public Buildings long before the scheduled 13:00hrs swearing-in ceremony. It would have to await the scheduled midday GECOM Declaration, a formality in the minds of most, as supporters streamed to the venue to get a glimpse of history in the making. The balcony of Parliament Building had already DULY ELECTED been prepared for the arrival of Guyana’s 8th Executive He declared to the naPresident and the corridors tion, that as decreed by the were jammed to capacity Constitution of Guyana, with dignitaries, local and Brigadier (rtd) Granger, international. who headed as presidenEvery facet of society tial candidate, the List of had turned out for the occaCandidates fielded by the sion and despite some concoalesced A Partnership for cern over the weather, the National Unity and Alliance sun shone brilliantly, before, For Change (APNU+AFC), during and after Brigadier had secured more votes than (rtd) Granger’s arrival. any of the other contenders The Diplomatic Corps at the General and Regional was in full representation Elections and as such was Executive President Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, with Bible in hand, after taking his Oath of Office at the highest level, with duly elected Executive PresCharge D’ Affairs at the US Embassy, Bryan Hunt; British High Commissioner to Guyana, ident. Head of State, Granger, in his inaugural address to the nation as His Excellency, the Greg Quinn; and Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr Nicola Giles were also in Executive President, pledged to work together with the ousted People’s Progressive Party/ attendance. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was also in full representation with the highest Civic (PPP/C) and its leader, Former President Donald Ramotar, towards building a brighter of its Plenipotentiary Representatives. future and in achieving the promise of a “good life for all.” The legion of business and other interests were also fully represented. INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY SOCIAL STRATA The official Inauguration Ceremony for the new Government is slated for May 26, at Brigadier Mark Phillips, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence (GDF), Commissioner the Guyana National Stadium, and as had been promised by then coalition presidential candidate, Brigadier (rtd) Granger, Guyanese will celebrate the nation’s 50th Independence of Police, Seelall Persaud and Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, were among those Anniversary from its colonial masters, under an APNU+AFC Government of National Unity. with reserved places on the balcony of the Public Buildings. As APNU+AFC Leaders made their way to the public buildings, those gathered erupted Among the first order of business, as announced by President Granger, Lieutenant Colonel (rtd) Joseph Harmon has been appointed, temporarily, as Head of the Presidential in explosions of cheers with the “butterfly effect” instantly affecting those engaged in chatter Secretariat (HPS) and will head the transition team in putting in place a new Government. on the balcony, small talk of the road travelled and the journey ahead, the endorsements Guyanese flocked to the polls on Monday 11, last, with GECOM recording the highest that came as surprise to some, the statesman-like difference of Guyana’s new President or simply taking a selfie with the who’s who of the Guyanese social strata. voter turnout in the nation’s electoral history. Notably absent was anyone from the leadership of the ousted PPP/C. More than 400,000 persons cast their votes in support of the political party and leaders None at Public Buildings seemed to pay any mind to the long-awaited GECOM anof their choice, but according to Dr Surujbally, it was the APNU+AFC which secured the nouncement that was scheduled to be broadcast at noon with the official Declaration and most votes, ousting the PPP/C from Office for the first time since its 23-year-reign began election results. back in 1992. The crowd had gathered for one purpose: the swearing-in of Brigadier (rtd) David The PPP/C will for the first time in more than two decades occupy the benches reserved Granger, as President of Guyana and as GECOM delayed yet another announcement, in turn for the political Opposition in the National Assembly, west of the aisle. Following the tabulation of votes, it was determined that the PPP/C will hold 32 seats leading to an extended hiatus ahead of the official ceremony, the anxious were reassured in the opposition benches of Parliament, while the APNU+AFC coalition will form the Government with the 33 seats and will control the Legislature. ► Contiuned on page XXV

GUYANA CHRONICLE INAUGURATION SPECIAL May 26, 2015

APNU+AFC begins ...

► From page

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Let the celebrations begin! UNSHACKLED & FREE “We are free! Freedom! We have finally been delivered! Jesus, Lord, You are mighty! The shackles have been broken!” were but some of the exclamations of praise emanating from the lips of young and old, male and female; not to mention that there were Guyanese of each ethnic variation, including the never mentioned ‘dougla.’ Tears of joy could be seen streaming down the faces of those who had gathered. Friends embraced each other, and strangers turned to strangers with hugs, smiles, kisses, and all forms of triumphant embraces and gestures. It mattered not who was embraced. There was a common bond of camaraderie among those that celebrated, in that they had, in some way or another, played a role in removing the PPP/C from Office, a feat that took 23 long years to accomplish. Curious passers-by in vehicles were quickly alerted to the reason behind the celebrations, and they reacted in kind. Car horns began to blare in a cacophony of jubilation as supporters of the coalition learnt of what was, for them, a valid enough announcement as a final declaration. THE jubilation briefly subsided outside of the coalition’s headquarters for a word of prayer in recognition of divine intervention sought in achieving the feat. After a few hymns, the jubilation was too much to contain, and people descended on the premises by the hundreds within minutes, literally screaming, seemingly feeling vindicated at having cast their ballots in support of the coalition on Monday last. ELECTIONS RIGGED Head of State, Donald Ramotar, has however not taken the news lightly. He has since lashed out at the international observers, all of whom had declared that the elections process had been free and fair. President Ramotar has charged that there was rigging in the process, and he has since demanded a recount of every single ballot cast across the country. Word of this threat did little to subdue the elation which was spreading like wildfire. The coalition’s flags were by this time draped across vehicles, as horns blared ever more frequently. Ever so often, an impromptu motorcade criss-crossed the streets of Georgetown with the common chant: “Granger! Granger! Granger! Granger!” ACCEPT RESULTS/MOVE ON The diplomatic community and other stakeholders quickly issued statements, urging all parties to accept the results and move forward with a peaceful transition. The Private Sector Commission (PSC), in its missive to the media, said it welcomed the release of the results of the General and Regional Elections of 2015 by GECOM. According to the Private Sector umbrella body, “We urge

all parties to accept these results… We have every reason to believe that the results reflect the will of the people of Guyana… We urge the leaders to move forward in a spirit of unity, trust and reconciliation, as we continue to build our beloved Guyana.” Meanwhile, the Commonwealth of Nations’ Observer Group, headed by former New Zealand Minister of Government Kate Wilkinson, in reaction to the GECOM announcement, said: “We congratulate the Guyana Elections Commission for releasing the preliminary results of voting as soon as they could…. We encourage the people of Guyana to continue to display patience and restraint whilst awaiting the final declaration of

election results.” In face of the countrywide celebrations following the GECOM announcement, APNU+AFC did issue a formal statement, wherein it called on all Guyanese to remain calm and respectful, “even as we await the official declaration of results of the 2015 elections and the swearing in of David Granger as the next President of Guyana.” According to the coalition, the preliminary results, as announced by GECOM, “demonstrate that we have come together as Guyanese to elect a Unity Government that will represent the rights of all…We call on Guyanese who are celebrating this victory to do so respectfully and within the ambit of the laws of the land.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE INAUGURATION SPECIAL May 26, 2015

The Promise

GUYANA CHRONICLE INAUGURATION SPECIAL May 26, 2015

The new APNU+AFC

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CABINET His Excellency, President David Arthur Granger

Hon. Moses Nagamootoo, Prime Minister & First Vice-President

Hon. Joseph Harmon, Minister of State

Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan, 2nd Vice President & Minister of Public Security

Hon. Catherine Hughes, Minister of Tourism

Hon. Carl Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Hon. Volda Lawrence, Minister of Social Protection

Hon. Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities

Hon. Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of Education

Hon. Basil Williams, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Hon. Dr George Norton, Minister of Public Health

Hon. Winston Jordan, Minister of Finance

Hon. Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Business

Hon. Noel Holder, Minister of Agriculture

Hon. Sydney Allicock, Minister of Indigenous Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Affairs

Hon. David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure

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GUYANA CHRONICLE INAUGURATION SPECIAL May 26, 2015

Hit the ground running...

PRESIDENT GRANGER MEETS OP STAFF

DDRESSING staffers at the Presidential Complex two days after taking office, President David Granger reminded employees that the entity is a very important branch of the Public Service and the hub of Government, hence it is very important that it functions efficiently. “You’re all professionals, and I am not going to enquire into your political leads, I am not going to enquire into your business leads, I don’t know if you belong to the lodge, I don’t want to know if you put your head in a turban, (or) burn candles at night. When you come in to work, I want you to understand you’re serving the people of Guyana without fear or favour, affection or ill will,” the Head of State said. He reminded them of the oath he took on May 16 when

-urges professionalism

he became President, saying, “I am not being sworn in as leader of APNU/AFC, I am being sworn in as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. If I could have a public conscience, or public vision, or public sense of vision, I would expect all of you to have that vision.” He pointed to the fact that while everyone is biased, the degree of their professionalism is determined by their ability to suppress that bias. In whatever field persons work, the first thing is professionalism, President Granger reiterated, noting that their Office of the President jobs are determined by their expertise. He explained that professionalism also is based on a sense of

President David Granger meeting with staff of the Office of the President

solidarity and, “We’re all working here together, we’re not working at daggers drawn… so in any group of professionals there has to be a sense of solidarity. If you don’t possess that solidarity, well then we will fail in our duty.” Staffers were also reminded that, “Parties come, (and) parties go,” and asked that all stakeholders put behind them all of the acrimony and antipathy of the past week or the past years. “I would like us to look forward to a Guyana which is respectful of all of the people”. Yesterday’s meeting was one of several that President Granger had on his schedule as part of the transitioning phase of taking the reins of Government, and ensuring the smooth continuity of the administration of the nation. (GINA)

President David Granger addressing staff of the Office of the President. At right is Mr Joe Harmon, acting Head of the Presidential Secretariat

GUYANA CHRONICLE INAUGURATION SPECIAL May 26, 2015

The pundits say...

David Granger’s ascension to the presidency no accident -rather, it was predestined; an act of divine intervention

By Shirley Thomas Y the time you get around to reading this article, Mr David Arthur Granger will have been formally inaugurated as Guyana’s 8th Executive President, mere hours after the traditional hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead at the recently restored National Independence Arch at the junction of Brickdam and Vlissengen Road. The occasion, as just about every Guyanese will know, is the celebration of the 49th anniversary of Guyana’s attaining its independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966.

‘I know it will be a big thing for Guyana, but when it’s your father, you can actually feel it; it’s magnified;it’s more than your body can hold, and having the whole family together makes it tremendous’ –Han Granger-Gaskin At the time of writing, the city is already abuzz with excitement and jubilation, and all systems are in place for the auspicious occasion which will take place at the Providence National Stadium on the lower East Bank, bringing together thousands of Guyanese, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and other foreign guests to witness its unfolding. For all Guyana, it is a grand occasion; but for the Granger family, it is even bigger still, according to his elder daughter, Han. Family members, she said, are all teeming with excitement as they prepare for the patriarch’s inauguration. “I know it will be a big thing for Guyana, but when it’s your father, you can actually feel it; it’s magnified; it’s more than your body can hold, and having the whole family together makes it tremendous,” Han said, the emotion evident in her every movement. DIVINE INTERVENTION The ascension of Mr. David Arthur Granger to the highest office in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana was no accident. Rather, his ascension to the Presidency of this country was in response to the ballot, and the earnest, fervent prayers of a people crying for deliverance. As a matter of fact, there are many that feel that his emergence in Guyanese politics at this most crucial juncture in Guyana’s history is most timely, and evidently was predestined. And so, today, as we “lean not upon our own understanding”, all Guyana can give thanks with joyful hearts ► Contiuned on page

President David Granger’s daughter, Han, speaking with Guyana Chronicle’s Shirley Thomas one day last week (Photo by Delano Williams)

GUYANA CHRONICLE INAUGURATION SPECIAL May 26, 2015

David Granger’s ascension ... ► From

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as we celebrate his and the people’s victory.

THE NUMBER 8 And perhaps for President Granger, the 8th Executive President of Guyana, there is a certain significance about the number eight (8) in his life. In his family orientation, there were eight children; and by some quirk of fate, there were eight children also in the Chan-A-Sue family into which he married. But what is even more significant in this context, is that the number eight in the Bible represents new beginnings, and Guyanese have every confidence that President Granger’s term in

the whole process of national unity forward, and I feel happy.”

GROWING UP David Arthur Granger, the seventh of eight children, was born to Chetwynd Granger, a police officer and steward of the St. George’s Cathedral, and Verleigh Granger, née De Florimonte, a theatre nurse at the St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital. In those days, it wasn’t unusual for midwives to be invited home to deliver mothers in labour. And so, David was ‘Born by the [Demerara] River’ at his parents’ home in the police officers’ compound at Ruimveldt, here in Georgetown, on July 15, 1945.

‘It’s a little ironic that someone who is a career soldier is actually quite so non-violent. I guess his skills are based more on strategising than trying to solve things physically. But that’s just his way; he is the sort of person who is very devout; who could be very, very quiet and drive the fear of God into you’ –Han Granger-Gaskin office marks a new beginning for the nation. This was never more evident than in the dramatic transformation of the landscape of the capital city within hours of his being sworn in to office on May 16, 2015 on the balcony of the Public Buildings. NATIONAL UNITY Reflecting on the august occasion a few days later, President Granger himself conceded that it was naturally a proud moment in his life, and that he regarded it as an opportunity given him to serve the people at the highest level in the land. Evidently a nostalgic and emotional moment for him, President Granger said: “I feel very proud, but there is also a sense of responsibility; there is a sense of belonging; a sense of obligation; a sense of responsibility; and I hope my presidency can bring Guyanese closer together... I feel responsible for moving

In David’s young days, his father’s postings took him and the family to Bartica and Whim, in East Berbice where he spent most of his childhood days before returning to Georgetown. Back in the city, he attended the Comenius Moravian School, which to this day is still located on Anira Street, Queenstown, and later Queen’s College. After leaving school, he ventured out into teaching, and later worked with the Guyana Graphic newspaper before entering the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). He had risen to the rank of captain when he met, and after an exciting period of courtship, married Sandra Chan-A-Sue in 1971. The union produced two children: Mrs. Han Granger-Gaskin, Managing Director of Topaz Jewellery, located at Oronoque and Crown Streets here in the city, and Afuwa Granger, who flew into the country a few days ago from Canada,

where she now resides, for her father’s inauguration. Meanwhile, always at his side as a pillar of moral strength and support in every way is wife and mother of their two wonderful children, Mrs. Sandra Granger. Initially a script writer with the then Radio ► Contiuned on page

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Demerara, Mrs Granger, one of whose fortes is Modern Languages, later became a lecturer at the University of Guyana, and subsequently Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Arts, before moving on to the CARICOM Secretariat as a Conferences Officer and as Project Manager before retiring.

MILITARY CAREER Brigadier Granger, former Commander of the GDF was also National Security Adviser to the late President Desmond Hoyte. He received his military training at the Mons Officer Cadet School and the School of Infantry in the United Kingdom; The Jungle Warfare Instruction Centre in Brazil and the Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria. He was a member of several defence and security agencies, and the holder of The Military Efficiency Medal (MEM) ; Military Service Medal (MSM); and Military Service Star (MSS), all awards for distinguished military service. He retired at the level of Brigadier. In addition, Brigadier Granger attended a host of workshops and training programmes internationally, for which he was duly certified and held various portfolios. As an academician and historian, he was elected to the presidencies of the Guyana Heritage Society; the University of Guyana Guild of Graduates and the Guyana Chess federation. He is also a former member of the University of Guyana Council; Association of Caribbean Historians; Caribbean Studies Association; Guyana press Association; Guyana Book Foundation: the Board of Trustees of the Guyana Veterans Foundation and a member of the Guyana Legion and Ex-GDF Association. He is a graduate of the University of Guyana, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees; the University of the West Indies, with a Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations; and the University of Maryland, where he was a Hubert H. Humprey Fellow. While in the Army, he also published newsletters extensively, and later set up and published his own news journal, The Guyana Review. His daughter Han held the position of Editor of the publication. Once retired from the Army, he got involved in publishing the University of Guyana’s History Gazette, a monthly news magazine which published academic articles of an analytic content. CLOSE BONDS Widely regarded as a very close-knit family, Han said that occasions such as her father’s inauguration tend to bring back fond and sometimes nostalgic memories of the wonderful times they shared growing up in the Army compound, a gated and highly reserved community that is not normally given to excitement. Never-the-less, as a family, they had great moments together, and according to Han, even though, as an army officer, her father was a stickler for discipline, he was certainly not in the league of Captain von Trapp of The Sound of Music fame. “We had a very close family,” she said. “Our relationships were always open, and we had parents who were very liberal and also placed great emphasis on education. We never had the kind of life where we had to hide anything; in fact, our parents were our best friends, and so, naturally, we shared everything with them, and our home was one where love abounded.” Both Han and Afuwa attended St. Margaret’s Primary and later the Bishops High School, where they did very well indeed. GRANGER, THE MAN Being a consummate military professional, high-ranking and extremely skilled and accomplished, and having functioned in numerous high-profile capacities, retiring at the level of Brigadier in the Guyana Defence Force, one immediately gets the impression that he was always very resolute and meticulous.

Han begs to differ. “That is not really so,” she said. “I daresay he is always easy going, of amenable personality, and certainly a good father to have. As a Commander of the Army, I think that his strength was to lead without shouting or being coercive.”

DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Asked what would have sparked his eventual interest in politics after being a military man for the greater part of his adult life, and to the extent that he would agree to contest the presidency of the land, Han replied: “I think that his leadership qualities being known, people with confidence in him might have talked him into it. But more importantly, the sense I get is that he saw some things that needed fixing, and he’s the kind of person that would try to fix it. In all fairness, I’d say he probably thought that it was something that he could do; he does have that kind of mind to confront situations hands on.” And looking back in the recent past, President Granger, tempted and tried, provoked to anger and pushed to the limit, demonstrated his mettle as a statesman personified; one who could keep his cool; one who could calm a raging sea, even with his calm demeanour. AMAZING STRATEGIST According to Han: “It’s a little ironic that someone who is a career soldier is actually quite so non-violent. I guess his

skills are based more on strategising than trying to solve things physically. But that’s just his way; he is the sort of person who is very devout, who could be very, very quiet and drive the fear of God into you.” And with that response, Han probably hit the nail right on the head. Naturally, what is in the mind of an analytical writer invariably comes out in his writings; and we see this happening with Brigadier Granger’s well documented and scholarly journals on topics such as ‘The Crisis of Governance in Guyana’ and ‘Criminal Violence and Policing in Guyana’ , all matters of concern to him, which evidently he would want to fix or make right. Additionally, his post-graduate qualifications in International Relations would be a boost to his diplomatic relations as he embarks on championing Guyana’s cause going forward. Also, his analytical mind and experience as President of the Guyana Chess Federation would serve him to good stead, making him the ideal strategist in the planning and implementation of public policy. And dramatically, within the first few days of being sworn into office as President of Guyana, Brigadier Granger has made gigantic leaps and bounds into one of the most urgent tasks in Guyana: The cleaning up of the city of Georgetown, literally transforming the landscape and being able to mobilise and attract voluntary participation from the business community among other sectors of civil society.

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Hit the ground running...

PRESIDENT GRANGER goes ‘walkabout’

President Granger during a ‘walkabout’ last Sunday in the vicinity of the Independence Arch at the junction of Brickdam and Vlissengen Road where a ‘clean-up’ exercise is in full swing (Photo courtesy of NewsNow.gy)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE INAUGURATION SPECIAL May 26, 2015

Col. Larry London promises...

Inauguration ceremony will be ‘An event to be remembered’

HEAD Coordinator of the May 26, 2015 inauguration of President David Granger promised

last Friday that the event will be a sight to behold, and one that will not be easily forgotten. “We are

Head Coordinator of the Inauguration event, Col. Larry London

going to be celebrating 49 years, and it’s a proud moment. There are things that we really can do to make the Guyanese public at large feel involved; feel better about ourselves, and feel as if there is hope,” he told the media during rehearsals at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara. According to London, the inauguration programme is three-fold, with the first segment catering solely to entertainment. “A lot of Guyanese artistes are coming out to say we want to showcase our talent, and that is going to be a spectacle in itself,” London said, adding that the second segment will be more official, in that after President Granger will have delivered his remarks, the military will display their skills. “We are hoping,” he said, “but we do not want to promise anybody that the parachute jumping will still be a feature; but right now, it is in limbo, because we are dealing with certain aspects of the aviation community that we are not sure about right now.” He promised, however, that the entire event will be something that Guyanese would be able “to reflect on” after it ends. “When you go home, you can talk about it; you can feel it, so this is going to be a very nice event…I really want people to come out and understand where we are, and where we are going” he said. A number of Heads of

State are expected to be in attendance at the big event. “One thing you will see is that the leadership of this new country will not all be sitting in the VIP stands; some of them will be mingling with the people and rubbing shoulders and sitting in the bleachers. And that is what you will see going forward; a government for the people and by the people. They will be out there,” he said. Meanwhile, London reported that preparations at the Independence Arch for the Flag Raising and Remembrance celebration that is scheduled for earlier in the day on May 26 are also progressing apace. “If you passed there recently, you would have noticed that the clean-up campaign is well on track; it’s moving apace.” He promised that by Independence Day, when the renovated arch is unveiled in all its former beauty, many citizens would be amazed and will again “want to be proud of it and will be motivated to keep it clean. It is a site that we hope that when people come to Guyana, they would come to visit. That is the arch that was donated by the DEMBA bauxite company in May 1966, and we need to preserve it. We need to preserve all our National Monuments and the President has already given instructions for these things to be done,” London said. (Excerpted from the May 24, 2015 edition of the Guyana Chronicle)

Members of the Joint Services at rehearsals at the Guyana National Stadium for the official Inauguration ceremony of President David Granger

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Dear Uncle David

Let me tell you about my life...

WILL only address you as Mr. President when we are in those overly formal situations which demand it. Outside of that formality, you will be Uncle David to me because you are family, and I hope that by holding you so close to my heart, it will encourage you to keep me close to yours. I know for certain that I have faith in you and one or two of your soldiers. I recognise that at this point in Guyana’s history, a government led by you is the best choice for our nation moving forward. But I don’t think many Guyanese realise just why this was so necessary. It is necessary because it is the first step in changing the political tradition which has ripped our nation limb from limb. Tonight, I expected to be happy now that you’ve been sworn in, but instead, I find myself in a kind of pain for which I am still too young to describe with just the right words. Tonight, Uncle David, I am in tears, and I look at my family and I look at the walls of my home and I feel as if I am alone here, and as if I am homeless. Many of us have said much about what one government or the other has done to Guyana. But most of our stories seek only to cast blame on one side or the other. But me, I am lucky that I can see the bigger picture; I see that it isn’t one side or the other, but it is the entire system and tradition of politics which have been responsible for our state. Let me tell you about my life, Uncle David; let me tell you about what our country’s tradition of politics has taken from me. It has taken my mother’s peace and replaced it with a fear so heavy that it drags her into deep, dark places where even I cannot reach her. It has taken my Nani’s good sense and replaced it with a loyalty to men and women who will never love her. It has taken my family from me, Uncle David, and replaced them with strangers who look at me across our kitchen table with anger in their eyes. I have looked steadily back at them, and done my best to calm their fears while dealing with my own. I told Nani to remember that the greatest wars in our Hindu scriptures were fought within families to rid the world of evil. I have told her that it is her own wayward family that has blinded her so, and that love is no excuse for tolerating things which are wrong. I am not sure she could really hear me. Even the woman I have loved best in my life; even she has been taken from me. This week I walked through my village to shouts of “We done with dem coolie sk*nt” and “Yuh coolie crass, we gon tek back everything now.” These words will hurt me for years to come, but hurt is all I will feel. I will not feel anger or bitterness or the need to retaliate, because I know that this is the legacy of our political tradition. So you see, Uncle David, I have inherited the hate and anger that is directed to that last batch of politicians for their infamous deeds. And this is yet another thing politics has taken from me, Uncle David; it has taken my face and turned it into an icon which represents one section of the elitist group of rulers who have ruined our nation in the only twisted sort of unity of which they were capable. The things I feel today, I am certain that many Guyanese have felt them to some degree in their lives. But how many have been able to resist the anger that comes from that sort of pain? How many have been able to keep their fear in check,

so that it did not manifest into hate? I am afraid of the answer, Uncle David; very afraid. This is not what our people deserve. I chose to tell you these things today, because I am certain that even as you go through the necessary social rituals, you are well aware of how serious our situation is and just how difficult the road ahead will be. I want you to remember my words, and keep in mind that every day we spend not bridging the divide is one more day of misery for me and you and all of us. Go with our blessings. Without Wax Bharrat (Re-printed from sarabharrat.wordpress.com and written by Sara Bharrat. Published on May 16, 2015)

Sara Bharrat

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The scene outside the Public Buildings on the day Mr Granger was declared and sworn in as President

DAVID ARTHUR GRANGER SWORN IN ► From page

by their elders. “It has been 23 long years my dear, we can wait a few minutes more,” one older woman could be heard telling a relative, friend or acquaintance; I never bothered to find out as it was a scene replicated across the floor. The massive crowd erupted in frenzied, loud screams at the sight of the vehicles and security escort for what could only be the newly elected President. ALL BLACK This was dwarfed, as the decibel levels skyrocketed further when Guyana’s new leader emerged from his light green Mark ‘X’. Attired in black, the 63-year-old former military commander was warmly received as he raised his hand to the crowd. Having dispensed of the pleasantries, social greetings and other formalities, Brigadier (rtd) Granger, with hands on the Holy Bible, held up by life partner, Sandra Granger, he took his Oath of Office and solemnly swore to uphold the Office of the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and its Constitution. PRESIDENT FOR ALL According to Granger in his Oath, “I will bear true faith and allegiance to the people of Guyana.” Introduced to the nation for the first time as the duly elected Head of State, President Granger said he intends to be President for all of Guyana. The newly elected president in his inaugural address said, “I extend the arm of friendship to former president, Donald Ramotar, and the members of the PPP to join this great movement of national unity.”

In his appeal to those gathered and the thousands paying attention across the country, President Granger said, “let us rejoice in the people’s choice.” According to President Granger, as the nation moves forward, “let us embrace each other regardless of religion, regardless of race, regardless of class, regardless of occupation…as fellow Guyanese let us work together to realise our inspiring national motto, One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” In his address to the nation, President Granger was adamant in saying: “Guyanese, the elections are over, the people have chosen their representatives, the Constitution has been respected, our democracy has been fortified, let us now put past rivalries behind us and work in unity to banish poverty, ignorance, fear and hatred.” In what was described as the first statesman-like address to the Guyanese nation in many years, President Granger said Guyana was not witnessing the swearing-in of a party leader, but rather it was the swearing in “of the President of all of the people.” He promised “I shall be a good president for all the people,” adding that Guyanese have chosen to inaugurate a government of national unity “and to promote multi-party, inclusionary democracy.” President Granger told the nation: “We are convinced that this is the best way to overcome our historic divisions.” YES WE CAN President Granger, as he embarked on his tenure at the helm, called on the thousands of jubilant supporters outside of Public Buildings to grab the hands of the person to his or her side and sing, the national song, “Let us cooperate for Guyana.” Led by their newly elected President, the throngs upon throngs of people that converged in and around Parliament Buildings, perched on every available real estate, hand in hand, sang out loud, “Let us cooperate for Guyana, let us cooperate for our land, let us resolve to fight together, see we do it right together can we do it,” to which the crowd screamed “Yes we can!”

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Congratulatory Messages U.S. Embassy congratulates President Granger THE Embassy of the United States national development in the best interof America also ests of all of the people of joined in extending Guyana,” the Embassy said congratulations to in a recent statement. Brigadier (rtd) DaIt said the United States of vid Granger on his America pledges its willingswearing-in (to be ness to work collaboratively followed by today’s with the new government in inauguration) as this regard. the new President At the same time, the of the Co-operative Embassy said it wishes to Republic of Guyextend its appreciation to ana. outgoing President Donald “It is our hope Ramotar and the members of that President his Government for their serGranger will work to vice to the people of Guyana. repair the divisions The Embassy congratulates in Guyanese society Mr Bryan Hunt, Deputy President Ramotar for the that have emerged Chief of Mission of U.S. numerous achievements that Embassy in Guyana during the election his Government made in the period and will work socio-economic development to promote inclusive governance and of the country and in strengthening the

relationship between Guyana and the United States of America. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with President Ramotar's Peoples Progressive Party/Civic in its new role as loyal Opposition,” the Embassy stated. The Embassy also congratulated the people of Guyana on “a democratic and peaceful election and transfer of power and the leadership and staff of the Guyana Elections Commission on a free, fair, and credible electoral process”. Now that the election campaign has concluded and all ballots cast, counted, and verified, the Embassy said it is time for Guyana to move forward. The Embassy is also calling on all political leaders to work together in a spirit of reconciliation and to focus their efforts on collaboratively building the nation’s future.

Kuwait congratulates President Granger - looks forward to strengthening ties with Guyana

EMIR of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah, has congratulated Brigadier (rtd) David Granger on being victorious at the recent General and Regional Elections and on becoming the President of Guyana. In a cable message, the Emir wished President Granger everlasting health and wellness and looks forward for further progress and bilateral ties between Guyana and Kuwait. Kuwait’s Highnesses, Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, and Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al-Sabah, have also sent congratulatory messages, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported. Kuwait ties with Guyana dates back

to the early 1980’s with the funding of Mr Jagdeo and his delegation were orphans in Guyana thorough guests of the Kuthe Central Islamic Organisawaiti Emir and tion of Guyana. Kuwait has stayed at the Bayan also funded a small mosque Palace. Two Memin Guyana as well, wrote Ray oranda of UnderChickrie in his blog, Caribbean standing (MOU) Muslim were signed during Guyana/Kuwait ties have the visit to bolster grown increasingly since the cultural ties and bivisit of former Guyanese Preslateral investments. ident, Cheddi Jagan, to Kuwait Kuwait also in 1996. appointed an amThis was followed by sevbassador to Guyeral lower level visits from Emir of Kuwait Sheikh ana and agreed in Kuwait. In January 2010, principle to loan Sabah Al-Ahmed Guyana’s President Bharrat Guyana $10M to Al-Jaber Al Sabah Jagdeo’s 3rd visit to the Middle develop GeorgeEast took him to Kuwait. town’s housing sector.

Muslim organisations congratulate President Granger THE Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) & The Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (GUSIA), on behalf of the wider Muslim community, have expressed “heartfelt congratulations” to Mr David A. Granger, as the 8th elected President of the Republic of Guyana. “In choosing you, the Guyanese people have chosen the path of change and optimism. At a time when the nation is so divided, the expression of faith in you and in the future is placed in the hands of yourself and your Government. It is now up to you to bring about the unity that is so badly needed in our country,” Mr Hakeem Khan, President General of the ACIC said in a statement on behalf of the wider Muslim Community. “At this time when we must face the enormous challenges in this beautiful country of ours, your election raises immense hope for the establishment of a united Guyana and to ‘FLASKBACK’: Mr David Granger preserve peace and prosperity as well speaking at a recent Muslim function as the enviable diversity of the peo-

ples of this great nation,” Khan stated. “We call on you to be a President for every Guyanese; those who voted for you and those who voted against you. Your extension of a hand to the Opposition party will be most welcomed to take our nation forward. Your leadership remains vital to meeting the tremendous challenges; peace and security and basically living the dream of a people who are united by race, by religion and by ethnicity. Guyanese are prepared to work together to build our country,” the Muslim organisations urged. Khan assured that the Muslim community will work and support President Granger’s new Government and pledge its contribution in nation building. “As an Honorary Member of ACIC, we are doubly proud of your assumption to the highest office of the land and we are committed as a group to remain involved in the process of nation building by holding the Government accountable for the decisions and the implementation of all the promises made during the campaign period,” Mr Khan added.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter congratulates President Granger FORMER U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who was here for the historic elections in 1992 and was here again for the recent historic elections but had to leave Guyana after becoming ill, has congratulated newly sworn-in President of Guyana, David Granger, on his ascension to the highest office in Guyana. “I would like to congratulate President David Granger and the APNU/ AFC coalition on their success in the 2015 election. I have great expectations that the new Government will reach out and promote healing and reconciliation in Guyana. It is now time for all Guyanese to unite and work together to realise the great potential of Jimmy Carter their country,” he said in a statement. Though former President Carter has departed Guyana, members of the Carter Centre remained to monitor the elections. The Carter Centre deployed more than 50 observers throughout all 10 regions of Guyana for the 2015 General and Regional Elections. Its observers have remained in Guyana to monitor the process of tabulating and declaring results. The Carter Centre has commended the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for a job well done in managing the elections, and has declared that the process was free, fair, and transparent. The PPP/C has, however, contended that the elections were not without irregularities; but the British, Canadian, U.S., Caricom and Commonwealth observer missions have maintained that the process was fair and free of any irregularities.

All Guyanese should congratulate the APNU+AFC coalition - on a well-deserved electoral win

Following is congratulatory remarks to APNU+AFC from Dr Prem Misir: “The Guyanese people through the sheer power of their vote have brought forth to this land a new paradigm in Guyana's politics; where no more would any one political party has an exclusive monopoly over the political destiny of any ethnic group. At the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections, the people spoke loud and clear about national unity as their critical priority, and they did this through fracturing the traditional support bases of the two major political parties. And for those who are reluctant to accept and engage this new historical reDr Prem Misir ality must be deemed to be in denial. But for now, all Guyanese should congratulate the APNU+AFC coalition on a well-deserved electoral win which places it in the driver's seat to advance nation building, fully inclusive of the poor and vulnerable. Let me also use this window of opportunity to wish the coalition well in the formidable tasks that lie ahead.”

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