The AFC Newsletter w/ Sheila Holder supplement

GUYANESE

ELECTIONS

CHOICE

Leader of the Alliance for Chnage, Khemraj Ramjattan, is confident that the APNU+AFC Coalition will remain a formidable force come 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“I am certain that we will have another Coalition Government come March 2 [2020],” said Minister Ramjattan recently to residents of Karia Karia, a riverine community located approximately 40 minutes away from Parika.

The Public Security Minister condemned the biased politics that sometimes take root in the country around the elections period and instead championed the Coalition Government’s

vision for unified Guyana.

“We want to bring social cohesion to the people of Guyana… We want to work together,” the leader continued.

In this regard, he called on Guyanese to consider the work the Coalition has achieved in less than five years, noting that it has the best interest of all Guyanese at heart. He also issued a call on eligible voters to make the right choice.

At the community engagement in Karia Karia, the Public Security Minister was accompanied by Minister of Public Service Tabitha Sarabo-Halley.

EDITORIAL

Every time Guyana holds National and Regional elections, a new government is sworn in whether it is made up of members of the incumbent party or another. Either way, it is considered a new government. But it was no surprise that the PPP tried to gain political mileage from the recent tweet by US Senator, Marco Rubio who said: “I look forward to the democratic electoral process of our important regional ally, Guyana. It’s in our strong interest to stand in support of the Guyanese people as they seek to elect a new government that can advance their security and prosperity”.

The take-away from the Senator’s comment is his wish for the advancement of Guyana’s security and prosperity. This APNU+AFC government has started this country down that road, and with the electorate’s vote next March, we will continue to clean up the institutions and messy political situations we found in 2015. We will continue to implement new programmes, build new infrastructure, donate/present computers to our children to prepare them and their parents for the brave new world of high technology. With heavy investments in Education, Guyana is on its way back to the top tier of the CXC where we used to live before 2000.

The PPP is demonstrating an appalling ignorance of their country’s history, but this is not the forum for a lesson on the PPP’s reliance on our pre-independence legacy of social divisions, bitterness and distrust. Guyana is now entering its future with a brand new legacy, and we urge all citizens to keep your eyes on the prize.

This Coalition Government is more determined than ever to strengthen our national pride through unity among communities. No division of any kind will do Guyana any good, and we are very certain that none of our foreign partners in trade or in diplomacy is advocating for this nation to lose the momentum we have gained.

They all have a vested interest in seeing Guyana peaceful, stable and prosperous; in seeing our citizens and their business interests safe from piracy, banditry, governmental and institutional corruption. They want what we want, to see us unite to fight our common enemy like Venezuela which is still hell bent on stealing three-quarters of Guyana’s land – the entire Essequibo region – and all of our Exclusive Maritime Economic Zone where the undersea oil fields are located, and where a number of internationally renowned oil and gas producers are preparing for first oil. We have a common enemy outside our border so this is the time for us to band together to fight this enemy, to keep the proceeds from OUR resources, our oil, gold, diamonds, and forests

for our people.

Guyana stands on the threshold of wealth, possibly greatness, but the PPP’s constant harping is robbing us of the excitement we all should be feeling, that anticipation of great things coming to us. They are confusing you, and distracting you, preventing you from concentrating on the new businesses you should be setting up.

While the government is doing its job of passing new legislations to protect the income from all our natural resources so it could be distributed evenly among the entire population from Region One (Barima-Waini) to Region 10 (Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice where even more natural resources like bauxite and kaolin are in bountiful supply), you have to grab the new job opportunities and openings for new business. You cannot allow yourself to be distracted or you will lose those opportunities to expatriates who want them badly. This land is your land, so step up!

Our foreign partners are aware that the Guyana economy is developing (already at 4.5 % for 2019). They have participated in the crafting of Guyana’s long-term sustainable development plans and the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040, as well as the Guyana Natural Resources Fund and other new legislations to make sure that our oil resources are prudently managed. They have witnessed Guyana’s efforts to change our financial/banking systems to comply with the global anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism requirements.

Our country is now stable and safe, and it will remain so once the Coalition government is allowed to continue Guyana’s transformation.

A point to note – every promise that the PPP is making in their election manifesto and campaigning is mirroring the Coalition’s programmes already in place. We notice, however, that the PPP is promising to re-open the same sugar estates they had run bankrupt and had put up for divestment in 2010. They are promising to reduce the 16% Value Added Tax they had imposed. The PPP/C is promising free education after instituting tuition phase in 1994. The Coalition Government has since reduced it to 14% with a further reduction to come. The PPP is promising everything that they failed to deliver in the 23 years when they ruled this nation.

UNDERGOES MAJOR REHABILITATION

Chairman of the Alliance For Change Raphael Trotman was instrumental in having the Kwakwani workers’ Club completely rehabili tated. Trotman who is the Minister of Natural Resources worked with a number of agencies to

During a visit to Kwakwani, Trotman had committed to assisting with the rehabilitation of the build ing and in March this year, he met with residents to discuss what they needed and how it could be achieved.

At the Commissioning of the rehabilitated building in November, Trotam recalled that his life was changed when he attended a prayer service in the building a few years back. Residents expressed sincere appreciation for the works done and undertook to maintain and preserve

the building.

The Kwakwani Workers’ Club is a central meeting place for residents of the community serving also as a centre for research. In the 1970s and 80s it was a premier recreation al facility for bauxite workers.

LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS FOR FORT ISLAND, LOWER BONSIKA

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson has committed to having LED street lights installed at Fort Island and Lower Bonsika. Patterson who is the General Secretary of the Alliance For Change, made this commitment at a meeting with residents in November.

“ I have some solar lights for both Lower Bonasika and Fort Island. These lights will be installed before Christmas. Let me also tell all present that we have budgeted $40M for the upgrade of the stelling, so next year a better stelling is guaranteed,” Patterson told the

residents.

Since coming into office in 2015, the coalition government has delivered improved services and facilities in the communities of Fort Island, Lower Bonasika. These include rip-rap sea defence structure, concrete walkway, sports grear and farming tools for Rivers View, Lower Bonasika. In addition, canals and drains were dug.

Fort Island boasts a brand new Teachers’ Quarters, a properly stocked health centre, after many years of neglect, the drains on the Island were cleared and work was done on the sea defence structure.

The refurbished Kwakwani workers Club

Minister of Public Infrastructure and General Secretary of the Alliance For Change Hon David Patterson interacts with residents of Fort Island, Region #3

GUYANA TO EXPORT MORE RICE TO CUBA

Paddy farmers and millers are to benefit from an expanding market in Cuba. Minister of Business Haimraj Rajkumar announced in November that at a meeting with President Miguel Diaz-Canel of Cuba, it was disclosed that Cuba has set aside a portion of their 2020 budget to import rice exclusively from Guyana.

Rajkumar who is also the Chairperson of the Alliance For Change Region Two Regional Management Committee headed a Guyana delegation to Cuba for the Havana International Fair (FIHAV) 2019.

“His Excellency [President Miguel Díaz-Canel] … is also very interested in our Eco-Tourism in terms of a multi-destination package which will see visitors from Guyana travelling to Cuba and visitors from Cuba travelling to Guyana. I think that it’s a fantastic idea and that the relationship between Guyana and Cuba will even grow stronger,” Rajkumar said.

Minister of Business Hon. Haimraj Rajkumar with first vice Minister of Tourism, Luis Miguel Diaz Sanchez. Also, in the photograph is Guyana’s Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency, Halim Majeed and Representatives from Cuba.

AFC OPENING OFFICES COUNTRYWIDE

The Alliance For Change (AFC) continues to expand as Guyana’s third largest political party in its 14-year history.

The serve the growing needs of its membership and the public at large the AFC has opened three offices recently at Lusignan (East Coast), Onderneeming (West Coast Berbice), Bath (West Coast Berbice), and at Corriverton (East Berbice). The next office opening is scheduled for Grove (East Bank Demerara), December 11, 2019.

During the opening of the office at Lusignan, Vice-Chairperson Cathy Hughes said that the AFC for a “very small” party, has made gains at the two elections they contested prior to the formation of the coalition government, which she says would not have been possible without the support of the party.

She stated, “It was the first time that the PPP were put out of

government and it was the first time that the PNC was able to get back into government since the late eighties so we know that the AFC plays a very strategic role and we are the balance of power. That is so because we provide a different kind of governance. We show our supporters that Guyanese can live and work together as one. We do not profess to represent any one ethnic group as some of the bigger parties do,” she stated.

She said with the offices now open members will intensify their campaigning and will worker even harder to ensure that the APNU+AFC gains more votes at the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

At least five more offices will be opened aimed at a repeat what happened in 2015, only on a much larger scale. The Party has a shared vision of serving the Guyanese people and for the common good.

Al-Imports is also set to increase the quantity of rice it purchases from Guyana by 29,000 tonnes.

Rajkumar also met with representatives of the Cuban Private Sector Commission where both sides expressed an interest in bilateral talks, particularly in the agriculture sector and with business representatives from South Africa and Kenya.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has assured that the Government will be channeling more resources into the agriculture sector. The minister visited No. 55 Village and Black Bush Polder in November.

There are concerns that as Guyana’s oil industry grows, the agriculture sector will lose importance. The Minister assured that agriculture will remain a priority for the government.

Holder noted that rice production has increased as did the price and Black Bush Polder is benefiting from some of the highest yields averaging 46 bags per acre as compared to

between 36-40 elsewhere.

Guyana exported 423,000 tonnes of rice and rice products valued at $37.3 B from January to the end of October 2019, compared to 409,436 tons valued at $33.5B for the corresponding period in 2018.

The farmers are asking for the resuscitation of the seed paddy facility in Black Bush Polder The facility has been under the control of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) since its construction several years ago and farmers claim is not serving its intended purpose.

Meanwhile, Minister Holder instructed that excavators be deployed to clear clogged canals in the area and for fuel to be supplied for irrigation pumps.

Paddy farmers explained that while many of them would have completed land preparation, they want to be sure that water is available before sowing. They said they want to start the crop before the end of the year so as to avoid having to harves duing the rainy season next year.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), had installed five pumps but only two are operational. In 2018, a system was agreed where the NDIA would be responsible for the main canals and the Regional Administration to be responsible for secondary drains. However, the Region Six Administration failed to hold up their end of the agreement resulting in many of the issues currently facing farmers. In 2018, the government purchased some 40,000 gallons of fuel to remedy a similar situation.

Farmers and residents were encouraged to hold the regional administration accountable.

Minister Holder talks with residents and farmers in #55 villages

There has been a significant drop in the crime rate since the Coalition Government took office. Prior to 2015, Guyana had a crime rate of 19.5 per 100,000 persons. That figure now stands at 15 per 100,000 persons. A significant decrease.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan noted that over the past four and a half years, the Government has poured resources into the Guyana Police Force to strengthen its capacity.

“Never before, in the history of the Guyana Police Force, have there been so much training available for members of the force. Ranks have undergone training in places like Mexico, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, as well as in the Caribbean. These programmes have led to

better overall performance by the police force with improved skills in catching criminals, and solving crimes.”

While acknowledging that crime is still too high, Ramjattan said resources are being made available to the force to help in the fight against crime and to improve the working conditions. Over 16 police stations have been renovated in the past four years.

The minister said the force must be able to utilise improved technology in the fight against crime. He highlighted the effectiveness of the Smart City model where surveillance cameras placed at strategic locations are used to identify persons in the execution of a crime.

PIRARA BRIDGE REPAIRED AND REOPENED TO TRAFFIC

Less than three weeks after ordering the Pirara Bridge closed and that immediate repairs be undertaken, the Bridge has been reopened.

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson closed the bridge after it was discovered that it was in danger of collapsing posing a threat to persons using. The Bridge is located just outside of Lethem, Region Nine.

Minister Patterson had instructed

that a bypass road be constructed to facilite the flow of traffic while emergency works was carried out on the bridge.

High visibility reflectors were put up so drivers can see from a distance that there is a problem with the bridge. In addition, the Ministry dispatched advisories for motorists and pedestrians to traverse the area surrounding the bridge with extreme caution and to adhere to all road safety signs.

PAKURI RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO USE ART TO GENERATE WEALTH

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe has encouraged residents of Pakuri, formerly St. Cuthbert’s Mission, to use their artistic talents to create a livelihood for themselves.

“Your community is filled with talented people – painters, sculptors. I think your community can make this an exclusive and unique business” Lowe told the residents. She encouraged them to establish an artist arena where fellow artisians can come to be inspired and to learn.

Pakuri is home of the famous Lokono Art Group. In the 1980s, Six Indigenous artists banded

together to promote, exhibit and market their art. Led by George Simon, the group included Foster Simon, Oswald Hussein, Roland Taylor, Telford Taylor and Lynus Klenkian. Their work ranged from intricately carved totem poles to tiny sculptures and depicted the beauty of the hinterland.

Since 2015, Pakuri has benefited improved services and facilities. New teachers’ quarters, solar lights for the playfield and internet service to the community are just some of those services. A pavilion for community events is under construction.

The Minister, who is also an Executive Member of the Alliance For Change, noted the strides Indigenous students are making with the support of the coalition government. “For the first time, they (Indigenous students) have topped the country academically, and that is a fantastic thing. We are a brilliant people, and once given the opportunity we can show just how brilliant we are, and that is what is happening right now,” she said.

Minister Garrido-Lowe donated sewing machines, sports gear and other items to the community.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Hon Valerie Garrido-Lowe hands over sewing machine to women of Pakuri Village]

APNU+AFC

This type of elections allows anyone to run for their area, it's not a dictatorship election anymore whereby some was barred from running because they are not politically affiliated especially to the PPP. This was achieved in three years for the grassroots people. We saw drug lords being pulled from doing their business as if it was a legal one. We read and heard of the amount of drugs that are being found every day and many persons being prosecuted under this government. This was never done under the PPP twenty-three years. Total security reform under this government. We saw the CPGs being made as a political arm of the PPP. They were used to do political work for the PPP throughout Guyana during elections. They were handed political gifts as handouts. Today many of the said CPGs are failing the purpose of that arm because they cannot be used by the PPP and have those handouts. CPGs today under this APNU+AFC government are more open and transparent than those years under the PPP. It took the APNU+AFC government almost five years to do what the PPP could not have done in twentythree years for the sugar industry.

that there are proper infrastructural works being done in this land of ours. In twenty-three years we had to fixed bridges, roads, streets, pavements, buildings, etc after months of completion within various villages and regions under the PPP administration. When we look at the infrastructures before this government took office will show the pattern of works that the PPP was inclined to. Some of the streets had to be rehabilitated year after year. Poor drainage system and maintenance of village drains was the hallmark of the day under PPP.

Dear Editor,

Please allow me a space in your letter column to partly look at the above subject as the coalition government is in its fourth year in office, it makes the PPP twenty-three years look really bad.

It shows in four years what the PPP could not have done in their twenty-three long years. Today the PPP wants us as Guyanese to believe and feel as if they had Guyana at heart as if they cared for Guyanese and the working class. The APNU+AFC almost five years in government exposes the twenty three years of PPP failure to develop Guyana infrastructures, its working class, its health sectors, security sectors, its agricultural sectors, the education sectors, regional development, transparency and accountability, racism and its vindictiveness towards those who do not agree with the dictatorship of the party leadership.

In almost five years we saw and heard what citizens could not have done in the twentythree years of the PPP and that is FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Today I can proudly say that every Guyanese found their voice, be it government supporters that are speaking up to the government publicly or those that support the opposition. Some of our well educated and highly qualify Guyanese could not have found their voice in twenty-three years to tell the PPP Government anything. Today they truly want to be patriots of this land by cussing out this APNU+AFC. The APNU+AFC government ministers never threatened any media owner or their employees to go after them but the PPP did it within their twenty-three years in office on numerous occasions. Brothers and sisters, it is this APNU+AFC government that brought back local democracy in this land and we are having local government elections.

That is to make it viable and profitable again by downsizing the industry to ensure its sustainability. The PPP did not have the nerves\ guts to do that because they were using the sugar workers and their families to get support and votes. This APNU+AFC government did it because they want the industry to survive. The PPP in twenty-three years could not even better one estate to show that they care for the workers but rather invested billions at Skeldon. If once is to recall it is the PPP that took the sugar from Blairmont Estate to package it at the packaging plan in Enmore and called it Demerara Gold.

They never look at the cost of transportation, etc. They did that to show workers and their families that they care, but we all know it was a game. The naked truth is that it is PPP in their twenty-three years fail the sugar workers and was using them to gain votes and benefits for themselves and cronies. Sugar workers need to understand that GAWU fails to represent them in twenty-three years. Today GAWU is fighting as if they and their collaborator the PPP care for the workers.

It's A Political Game by both GAWU and PPP. Under the rice sector, the farmers were made a scapegoat and used by the PPP for support. The PPP hadn't the guts to implement the correct rates and taxes that had to be put in place at MMA\ADA according to the ACT, all because the majority of the farmers are said to be PPP supporters. The PPP uses to divest monies from elsewhere in ensuring that entity survives because they would have lost votes. This government ensures that the ACT is implemented and today the same PPP that was and presently is using the farmers want to challenge an ACT that they are a part of when in government. SHAMEFUL! Brothers and sisters, it's the PPP that messed up the PetroCarib deal by giving it to their close associates, families and friends. Those were the people getting the cheese from the bread, leaving the others with bare bread to survive. Some of those that benefitted from the cheese had their pictures placed on PPP billboards during elections in West Berbice.

This APNU+AFC government is ensuring

The PPP did nothing to better Guyana when it comes to this sector. Youths were robbed of opportunities all because they were not part of PYO. They were victimized all because they don't want the dictatorship leadership of the PPP esp since Bharrat Jagdeo gain Presidency. Many were given opportunity when they should not have, all because PPP knows they have an opportunity to use and embedded in them racism and hatred. Today under this APNU+AFC government young people have opportunities as long as they solely met the criteria without being afraid of being victimised. Young people have an opportunity to share and voice their concerns openly and they are doing that without being called or deem a racist. I can go on and on to say things that are happening better under this APNU+AFC government that could not have happen in twenty-three years under the PPP. I am calling on all my Guyanese brothers and sisters to open your eyes and see the vast difference under this government that is making the PPP going crazy. Let's look at what the PPP achieved in their twenty-three years and compared it to the almost five years of this APNU+AFC government and you will see the reason for the PPP to be afraid of 2020.

Many of our own supporters towards this government is being led astray by the PPP today. Why?. Because the PPP is spreading lies and trying to tell the nation that nothing good is being done under this government. But yet for all, it is this government that is enhancing the airport, roads, etc, that the same PPP members are using. It is this government that lowered the Berbice Bridge toll that many of the PPP members are using. It is this government that raised the benefits of old age pensioners and PPP members are benefitting. It is this government that is ensuring there are better streets in villages that Bharrat and the PPP are using to access their supporters. Let us not be blinded by the blindness of the PPP. Let's open our minds and see the reality and truth about Guyana. No one has anything to lie to you about in this government but we lived under lies and deception for twenty-three long years under PPP. Let's ask ourselves as to, why didn't the PPP wants Cde. Moses Nagamootoo, Khemraj Ramjattan and Ralph Ramkarran in their party after the death of Cheddi?. They took a while to tell those gentlemen that we don't care about your struggles but we care about our Pradoville. Guyana is on the rise under this APNU+AFC and let's all cooperate as we work with the government in having that "Better Life For All". Come March 2020 lets pull our voices together and Vote APNU+AFC for another five years in office so that we can have more development. One Good Term Deserves Another, Vote APNU+AFC.

Regards Abel Seetaram

SHIELA HOLDER- A life

supplement honouring the life and work of an

stalwart

COLUMN

A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. They do not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of their action and the integrity of their intent.

I did not have the pleasure of knowing Sheila Holder personally, but like every great leader, stories of her strength, resilience and perseverance lives on. As a founding member of the AFC, our reality today is attributed to the sacrifices that Mrs. Sheila Holder, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan and Mr. Raphael Trotman made when they decided to form the Alliance For Change.

Mrs. Holder is often referred to as the “Mother

of the AFC” as the leadership and guidance that she provided is one that was valued by all.

Remembering Sheila Holder cannot be done without remembering why the AFC was formed and what brought each of us here. We will not all have the same memories or the same reasons for being here, but the ideologies that our founder leaders stood up for is what binds us together today. Sheila Holder was one of those; she brought principles and disciplines to the AFC that we hold strong to onto today.

Today the Youth For Change joins in remembering Sheila Holder as a great leader that did not set out to be a leader, but set out to

make a difference, someone that never made it about her role but rather always about the goal. Sheila Holder will not only be remembered by the people that started this great party with her and believed in her cause in 2005, she will be remembered by us, new and old members, as a role model.

John Adams said “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. – She holder was and will always be remembered as A LEADER.

In her Own Words

An article on the National Assembly by Sheila Holder for the special edition of “The Key” to mark the Third Anniversary of the Alliance For Change (AFC)

Why are the Guyanese People loosing Faith in our Parliament?

I’m often told by people from all strata of society that the National Assembly, in which the AFC Members of Parliament exert much effort, is a waste of time. If the truth were told the AFC parliamentarians have often had reason to share this view when our efforts were thwarted, not on the basis of sound reasoning but for partisan political purposes. What led to this institution that is often described as the highest forum in the land being so disparaged?

In a Democracy the Legislature Plays a Pivotal Role

The legislature in a country that professes to be democratic is indeed expected to play a pivotal role; but in Guyana where the governing political party regularly claims to having returned democracy to our country, the public perception of parliament seriously dents this claim. In my view we are in the process of developing our country’s fledgling democracy where the principles of checks and balances between the executive, judiciary and legislature are also evolving. In these circumstances it is, therefore, necessary that the AFC makes every effort to advocate for the continued reform of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana.

Why are MPs so distant from the people?

Undoubtedly, a schism has developed between the Members of Parliament (MPs) and the people as a result of the failure of the National Assembly to deliver, in a timely manner, on the expectations of the people. In my opinion this situation evolved for a number of reasons but essentially because of the following: –

• The twenty-five Geographic constituencies seats established in 2001 are yet to be demarcated to allow MPs to serve constituencies that are manageable in size. Successive PPPC governments have refused since 2001 to continue the process of upgrading the electoral system as recommended by the 2006 Commonwealth Observer Group and others. For example, of the sixty-five seats in the National Assembly forty constitute Top-Up seats without a constituency base. This contributes in no small measure to the disconnection between the people and MPs.

• There are no funds allocated and resources made available to support the work of individual MPs. Following the 2006 elections a monthly stipend of $G15, 000 was given to the twenty-five geographic MPs which serves little or no meaningful purpose in this regard.

• There is no priority candidates’ list system to empower the electorate to choose their MPs and to hold them accountable. As a result, the majority of MPs fail to display independence in the National Assembly.

• Our electoral system delivers poor accountability in government as a result of racial politics but also because there is no ex ante

engagement with the budget cycle.

• The governing political party frequently employs the use of its parliamentary majority tyrannically.

It is my view that only when these issues are addressed along with others related to elections campaign financing, the misuse of state resources by incumbent governments for partisan political and campaigning purposes, the adoption by GECOM of a policy of equal treatment for all contesting political parties in order to level the ‘playing field’, will Guyana’s quest for a free and democratic society become a reality and the disregard for the National Assembly reversed.

AFC will work for more enabling conditions in the National Assembly Despite these realities, it would be ill-advised for the AFC to abandon the parliamentary tools available to perform, as far as possible the oversight watch-dog role assigned it in the National Assembly. To this end we have piloted Motions on matters which, in our opinion, deserve attention by the administration and, as frequently demonstrated, we utilize parliamentary question time to raise issues with Ministers of the Government that are of concern to the Guyanese people.

Matters pending for debate are a Freedom of information bill standing in the name of Leader Raphael Trotman, MP and a motion by yours truly calling on government to uphold Article 146 (1) of the Constitution that provides for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens of Wismar and Linden not to hindered in their desire to access television stations other than those of the state.

Unlike the government the AFC has publicly declared its parliamentary agenda designed to tackle some of the most troubling social and political issues affecting the wellbeing of our people: -

• GPL whose rates, service and disconnection practices are blatantly unjust.

• Increase the age of retirement with the objective of halting the hemorrhaging of scarce expertise and institutional memory, but not obstructing the promotional opportunities of young professionals while maintaining current retirement rights to time-line payment of gratuities and other benefits.

• Call on the PPPC and the PNCR to account to the nation for their failure to appoint the Public Procurement Commission

• Call on the government to fulfill its responsibility as recommended by the Constitution Reform Commission to publish the Guyana Constitution and circulate widely to the populace.

• Call for an end to radio monopoly in the country as well as the monopoly of state television in Linden.

• Call for the adoption the Caricom Civil Society Charter by the National Assembly.

• Examine and make recommendations for traffic regulations and building codes and practices.

The following legislative initiatives are to be pursued: -

• Reform the Administration of Estates Laws, which often prove more costly and time consuming to acquire than the inheritance itself.

• Propose amendments to the narcotic drugs & psychotropic laws that unfairly make criminals out of our young people for a few grams of illicit drugs.

• Propose amendments to elections laws to level the playing field during the campaign period for National & Regional elections to curtail government’s misuse of state resources.

• Propose legislation to introduce political party financing for administrative purposes as well as for campaigns for National & Regional

elections.

• Introduce Equal Opportunities legislation as recommended by the Caricom Heads since 1998.

• Propose amendments to correct the term in office of GECOM’s Chairman and Commissioners as well as depoliticize the method of their appointment.

We urge Guyanese to fulfill their duty as citizens and to take note of what transpires in the National Assembly. When Ministers fail to provide satisfactory answers to our questions, or fail to provide redress for some injustice that the AFC brings to their attention, you, as voters, are being given an opportunity to see for yourselves how willing or, indeed, unwilling Ministers of the Government are to serve the people of this country. Guyanese who are members of the electorate are expected to act responsibly by voting according to the performance of the ministers and the government. It is only when the electorate do so that government, be it PPPC or AFC, will display a willingness to deliver better physical security and good governance that the majority of Guyanese desire. This in turn will contribute to the building of an enabling environment essential for attracting local and foreign investment, creating jobs and delivering economic development for the nation’s good.

TRIBUTE TO COMRADE SHEILA HOLDER

On the Occasion of the Night of Reflection for Our Comrade Sheila - November 27th 2019

By President of the Women for Change Mrs. Tamara Khan

Good Evening AFC Comrades.

I am honoured and indebted to stand before you in a light formed and left by our dear Comrade Sheila.

On the occasion of this night of reflection, I am proud that we have come together as an AFC family to remember, honour and celebrate the life of an exemplary woman: Sheila Valerie Agnes Holder.

We know our dear Comrade Sheila was a wife, mother, social activist, career women, housewife, parliamentarian, political leader and humanitarian. An irreplaceable woman of many hats. Shouldering much responsibility, as matriarchs do.

I am grateful to Kaila, Comrade Sheila’s daughter, for spending time speaking with me about her wonderful mother and for graciously accepting my invitation to join us in reflection tonight, though it is not easy to reflect on a loss so incalculable.

I asked Kaila to choose from among the stellar qualities her mother possessed, and say which of those qualities was most memorable. The quality of humility stood out most profoundly. Comrade Sheila was adamant and unwavering in her belief on humility. A belief that she passed on to her children; that no one person was more important than the other, and that each of us must be treated with dignity and grace.

The other quality often spoken of was her candidness, that she was never afraid to address injustice head on in any of its forms. This was the heart of our Comrade Sheila – one of service, one of humility and one of strength.

Much like Comrade Sheila, our WFC women can aspire to wear many hats with excellence, grace, humility and strength. Rising to each occasion and providing value. Continuing to break glass ceilings, stifle inequality, nurture communities and mentor the next cadre of strong women of excellence.

The legacy that our dear comrade Sheila has left for us, as founder of this great party, is one for which we can never truly repay. But we can forge ahead with dignity and with a just cause; with a mandate for ensuring that Guyana and her people can enjoy good governance, unity and prosperity, regardless of race, gender or creed.

Thank you, our dear Comrade Sheila, for your legacy, your service and your love of country.

Thank you.

We must continue with good works in her name. We are faced, even today, with glass ceilings and inequalities that must still be dismantled –and I will ask that we think of the mother of the Alliance for Change (AFC), as we pursue what is just, what is exemplary and what is forward-thinking for the good of all.

Sheila Holder with a resident of Buxton

Electricity has been restored at Port Kaituma, Region One following the intervention of Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson.

Working with Power Producers and Distributors Inc.(PPDI) the minister was able to have a replacement engine transported to Port Kaituma. Technicians worked around the clock to have it up and running, much to the delight and relief of residents who had been without electricity for weeks.

Residents had reported that several engines of Port Kaituma Power and Light (PKPL) had become inoperable and blamed it on mismanagement.

The Hinterland Electrification Inc., a subsidiary of NICIL and holding company for a number of satellite electricity companies including the PKPL said they had to strip the entire old engine to determine the case of the failure. They later said that some of the spares were not available in Guyana and had to be imported and that would

take some time to arrive.

Minister Patterson did not believe that the Region One Sub-District should be without electricity especially for the Christmas season and sought the assistance of PPDI. It was thought that that a new engine to replace the old one would be a better option for the residents and the power company.

NEW HOUSE FOR

YR OLD KARISPARU RESIDENT

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has committed to assist in building a new house for 87 year old Lucille Williams. Williams had complained that a miner destroyed her house and farm.

“Mamai’ as Ms Williams is popularly known, lives at Karisparu, Region Eight and claims to have lived on the same plot of land since she was a girl. She speaks only Patamonian.

Trotman who is also the Chairman of the Alliance For Change visited ‘Mamai’ recently where he handed over $150,000 worth of groceries and committed providing a chainsaw, zinc sheets and other materials for the construction of a house for Ms Williams.

Minister Trotman assured the family that mining would not be allowed to interfere with ‘Mamai’s’ peaceful enjoyment and occupation of her homestead and farm.

AFC Chairman Raphael Trotman hands

to Lucille ‘Mamai’

CRIME SOLVING MUST BE DATA DRIVENOp Ed

Violent crime is a solvable problem. We may never get the homicide rate down to Singapore or Kuwait or Iceland where it is below 1 per 100,000 persons per year. Steven Pinker in his Enlightenment Now says: What has to be done is that, “We have to stay close to the symptoms – the neighborhoods and individuals responsible for the biggest wedges of violence – and chip away at the incentives and opportunities that drive them. And it begins with law enforcement.”

He further added: “An aggressive posture must be adopted to deter all the violent gangs and individuals, otherwise people will break the law with impunity. A most effective tactic is focused deterrence. A laser like focus must be directed on these neighborhoods and hotspots identified by data gathered in real time.”

Here is where CariSECURE is so important. Attention must be paid too to troublemakers who are impulsive, who jump on opportunities to steal and vandalize and attack viciously, people who cross them, heedless of the long term consequences.

This machismo of especially our young males can be reduced or neutered through anger management, social skills training, and counselling for at risk youth programs. Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Public Security graduated 50 young people at this Guyana Police Officers Training Center under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) doing exactly this kind of training.

Focus must also be directed by denying opportunities to potential miscreants from staying out of trouble by removing the environment which propels or facilitate these opportunities. Pinker in Enlightenment Now stated that “when cars are harder to steal, houses are harder to burgle, goods are harder to pilfer, when persons carry more credit cards than cash, and dark alleys are lit and video monitored, would - be criminals do not seek another outlet for their larcenous urges. The temptation passes and a crime is not committed.”

A more difficult challenge to focus is on drugfueled violence which remains an unsolved international problem. But in all cases where these challenges are, it is an evidence based approach which vastly help regional and international institutions to fight violent crime. That is what this new information system is all about.

With an automated Police Records Management Information System (PRMIS) in place, it would be easier for the police to capture and analyse the reports made by any person to a police station where the system is installed.

Easily identify the subject. The system permits the tracking of subject’s address and telephone number, history and any alias names that the

subject has been known to use, store multiple photos of the subject referenced by date, as well as references to prior incidents or crimes as applicable. This system will make it easier to identify persons of interest and allow the user to easily pull up lists of persons who are known to be: Child Molesters, Sex Offenders, Deportees, Murderers, Witnesses, Persons with outstanding warrants, Persons with travel restrictions, Drug traffickers, Gangs members, etc.

PRMIS will capture all data vehicles and their relationship to any type of incident/crime or person of interest.

PRMIS has the capacity to work in conjunction with other systems throughout the justice system (case management – Police, DPP, Courts, Prison). The system contains an electronic case file (ECF) module capable of capturing, storing, querying and retrieving information relating to various objects (personnel records, documents, exhibits, events, photo albums, etc.).

With this system in place, the police can enhance traffic data including data concerning the time and location of the incident, weather conditions, as well as road and traffic conditions at the time of the traffic accident. Additionally, PRMIS have the ability to capture an unlimited number of associated persons and vehicles. Both persons and vehicles are classified with regard to their

By Khemraj Ramjattan

relevance / relationship to the accident.

PRMIS will be pilot tested for six months in two station districts (Alberttown Police Station and Forth Wellington) and following the pilot testing PRMIS will be available in all station districts throughout Guyana.

Commitment from GPF leadership teamHowever, the success or failure of PRMIS will largely be a function of police service leadership active involvement in the implementation of the system, and as such, the GPF has appointed Mr. Jermain Johnson, Superintendent of Police as readiness manager to carry out the implementation of PRMIS.

Capacity building - Maintain both hardware and software, continuous training for the police and other members of the security sector/justice system.

And improve resource sharing with organisations such as RSS and CARICOM can be appointed to upgrade and maintain the system.

An Abridged Address by Minister Ramjattan at the Launch of the Police Records Management Information System (PRMIS).

Guyana Police Officers Training Center, Kingston, Georgetown, July 19, 2019

The residents of Leguan, their farms, their cattle and other animals, their kitchen gardens, boats and markets lived at the mercy of surging tides from the raging Essequibo River that rose several times every single year. Their homes and farmlands flooded with depressing regularity just because the defence structures that were supposed to protect them were insufficient, inadequate, old and porous.

New rip-rap structures to strengthen the island’s shoreline took just about a year to construct, and they were officially commissioned in November 2019. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, responsible for developing and overseeing construction of infrastructure countrywide, intends to continue to repair and maintain the structures on the islands of Leguan and its neighbor Wakenaam, all of which is securely protected during high tides, spring tides, and ultimately rising water levels as a result of global warming.

In Cane Garden at the northern end of Leguan, a $44M structure was built to complement the earthen embankment surrounding nearby farmlands. Cash crop farmer, Rhamat Hussain, recalled the losses he experienced over the years due to poor sea defences. He said, “We had a flood ... that damaged thousands of watermelon and pumpkin. So, this (new sea defence) is going to be a good help for the farmers here”. Residents have also complained about constant over topping, flooding of homes and open spaces, and damage to land, crops, loss of livestock and money.

Over in Elizabeth Ann, the failed sandcrete structure was replaced by a concrete crest wall costing $9M.

Region 3 Engineer, Seenarine Nandram, recalled the 2010 sea defence breach measuring about one

kikometer which exposed the island to flood, but that breach was patched up in a hurry. No one went back to install permanent sea defence. He said that it was this Government that began to upgrade the boulder face structures and replace it with rip-rap sea defence.

So, early in November, the two recently completed sea defence projects, together costing $627M, were commissioned by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally who was accompanied by Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine. Now, with these defenses in place against the fast running, often surging Essequibo River, residents of Leguan will have no more anxiety during seasonal high tides.

These projects form part of a multi-billiondollar Infrastructure Development Programme financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). During his visit, Minister Jordan said, “This is evidence of what the Coalition Government has been saying from the inception of this term, that we are interested in developing the entire country. This is all for all the people who live on this island, people who make a living off of this island”.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has been focused on Leguan since 2016 when the flooding and related problems were placed at the top of their list of priorities. The fact is that the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam are in close enough proximity to the mouth of the Essequibo River. This situation results in some salt water from the Atlantic mixing with the Essequibo river water and managing to seep underneath the 40+ year old structure to cause residents a lot of discomfort and loss during high tides and other tidal events.

During the visit to Leguan earlier this month,

the two Ministers and Mayor Narine took the opportunity to interact with residents, at the Leguan Secondary School in Blenheim, on the streets and in their homes.

Solar farm, road upgrades for Leguan A one-megawatt (1MW) solar farm, LED street lights, further strengthened sea defences, and upgraded roads are just a few of the planned infrastructural projects for the island in the very near future.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and a team had visited in September to assess the progress on the new sea defence structures. He announced that his Ministry’s master plan includes two 1 Megawatt solar farms to be installed in both Leguan and Wakenaam to stabilize electricity on the islands. The solar power farms will be funded through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF).

The Ministry also came through on a previous promise to change out 47 incandescent street lights with energy-saving LED lights. He also gave 53 additional LED lights to the community, and invited the residents to interact with the technicians who now have a permanent base there.

Together is better

The AFC wishes to confirm reports that consensus has been reached on the Cummingsburg Accord between APNU and the AFC. Details of the revised Cummingsburg Accord will be provided upon the formal signing.

The parties will campaign jointly for re-election of the APNU+AFC Coalition at the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Much has been achieved by the APNU+AFC coalition during its first term in office (2015-2020), and this high pace of national transformation will continue during a second term together.

The AFC remains committed to inclusive governance, and to end winner-takes-all politics in Guyana. With the approach of first oil and the creation of a vibrant new sector in our economy, the AFC gives this nation the commitment that no Guyanese will be left out of the prosperity that is sure to follow.

The APNU+AFC Coalition Government embarked on an aggeessive programme to ensure schools all across the country have free internet service. This is to assist students in their reseachs for School Based Assessments (SBAs) and other assignments

In 2016, just about a year after taking office as Minister of Tourisn, Cathy Hughes was moved to the newly created Ministry of Public Telecommunications.

According to Hughes, the ministry was established because the coalition government realises that when it comes to technology, Guyana was not where it needed to be and did not compare favourably with the Caribbean and the rest of the world.

Since being asked to head the portfolio by President David Granger, Hughes has been able to drive a programme that resulted in

72 hinterland communities having internet connection installed. Over 170 schools have been connected and over 130 other institutions of learning, including the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture are now benefiting from free internet provided by the Government.

“We are also ensuring today that in the education system, internet is there so that young people can consider careers and can be a part of a process of pushing the development of technology in Guyana,” Hughes told a recent gathering.

The minister projects that by 2020, there will be close to 200 online services inclusive of the theoretical part of the drivers’ licence.

“So I’m encouraging you to be a part of this digital Guyana that we want to create; there are several schools that are developing apps through my ministry to test soils. Technology also allows

us to do agriculture in a totally different way; the sky is the limit, you are the chosen generation,” Hughes said.

Hughes, who is also Vice Chairperson of the Alliance For Change called for young and not so young entrepreneurs to use the internet to market their goods and services.

would like to remind citizens of some of

made

in

years,

gallop once

ALLIANCE ON THE MOVE

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman speak with residents in Parikwarinaw, Nappi and Toka in the Rupununi

AFC Headquarters, Center For Change lit for Diwali 2019

Alliance For Change (AFC), Lethem Office receives ATV from Party Chairman, Raphael Trotman, to aide in the party’s work during the upcoming Christmas and elections season that follows.

Meeting residents in Black Bush Polder

Fiona Benjamin, AFC Moruca District Chairperson working hard.

The Women for Change distributing food items to vulnerable and single mothers in various areas across Guyana including Aliki on the Essequibo River and in the Rupununi.

Party Leader Khemraj Ramjattan at a Brooklyn / Queens event in September.

MP Michael Carrington and Activist Charlene Garaway meeting with a resident of San Souci, Wakenaam.

AF sisters at the GTT Cancer Awareness Walk recently.

Minister Patterson visiting Berbice recently, inspecting roads and ensureing residents get value for money and taking feed back from the community.

Alliance For Change National Executive Committee Meeting for the second quarter of the year 2019, Arthur Chung Conference Center.

Minister David Patterson assessing the flood situa tion recently in Region 5.

MP Reynard Ward interacted with a members of the public who called in to the AFC's TV program Alliance on the Move.

Linden Amelia's Ward meeting Khemraj Ramjatta, Dr. Vince Adams and Minister of Business Haimraj Rajkumar.

Onderneeming West Coast Berbice

Bath, West Coast Berbice

Lusignan, East Coast Office Opening