1st Year In Office

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May 2015 - May 2016

I will be a President for all the people of Guyana...

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INSIDE 29 apprehended during TIP operation in Bartica... PAGE 4

Venezuelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest claim UN being approached to resolve issue... PAGE 5

President Granger commits support to further development of rice... PAGE 9

Public Security Ministry launches US $15M crime fighting project...

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APNU+AFC Coalition Government

2016. 1st Year in Office

APNU wins 2015 General and Regional elections

Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) party has won the General and Regional Elections. This was announced by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield during a live press conference hosted by the Guyana Elections Commission. The results for the General Elections are as follows: APNU/AFC 206,817 PPP/C 201,457 TUF 880 URP 338 NIP 561 IP 338

The results for the Regional Elections are as follows: APNU/AFC 201,324 PPP/C 198,148 TUF 1,253 URP 1,174 HTNTP 246 The results were taken after GECOM processed the 2,299 Statements of Poll (SOPs) which were presented to them by the returning officers who worked on May 11, during the 2015 general and regional elections. A total of 410,391 ballots were cast by the electorate. Giving an overview of the elections, GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally said that he was pleased with the effort put in by his staffers to ensure a successful activity. The due process was followed according to the law, he explained. (May 14, 2015)

I will be a President for all the people President Granger at swearing-in ceremony

efore a large crowd of people gathered around the Parliament Building, President David Arthur Granger was sworn in as Guyana’s 8th Executive Head of State. The retired Brigadier of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was sworn in by Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, on the balcony of the Parliament Building to cheers from the thousands gathered, to witness the historic event. President Granger in his inauguration speech quoted Biblical scripture saying that, “This is the day that the lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it”. All were gathered, he said, not only for the favourable results but also in the “enjoyment of our democracy”. The six-party coalition rallied across the country, he explained as

he thanked all of the candidates who will become members of the 11th Parliament. All were encouraged to be faithful to their oath of office and their constituents. He called for the ending of past rivalries and the working together to banish the many ills of society such as, “poverty, ignorance, fear and hatred”. The Head of State said that with the election of a new leader, Guyanese have “fortified” their right to democracy and stated clearly that “I shall be a good President for all the people of Guyana”. Given the occurrences of various challenges faced during the previous administration’s 23 years in office, President Granger said they are more determined than ever to “Re-fashion society, one in which our women folk look forward

to working for living wages to cope with high cost of living. One in which old folk can enjoy adequate pensions and social protection. One in which our young can attain higher educational standards and look forward to attain jobs when they leave school. One in which our women and girl children can look forward to living in safety, and look forward to being protected from abuse and violent crime” The gathering was urged to attend the formal inauguration on May 26th, Independence Day, at the National Stadium. The new and previous governments have agreed to set up a transition team for the transfer of assets and information to ensure smooth continuity of the country’s administration and its stability. The new President also extend-

President David Granger greets those gathered outside Parliament Building after his swearing-in

President David Granger addresses the gathering at his swearing-in ed a hand of friendship to the outgoing Former President Donald Ramotar and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. “Inclusionary democracy is the best way to overcome our divisions,” said the new president. As his first actions as President, Granger appointed Joseph Harmon to act in the capacity of Head of the Presidential Secretariat – a post held by Roger Luncheon for the past 23 years, to manage this transition process. Granger attended Queen’s College, where he was a member of the Queen’s College Cadet Corps. He then joined the GDF as an officer cadet in 1965 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1966. He received his professional military training at the Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria; the Jungle Warfare Instruction Centre in Bra-

zil; and the School of Infantry and the Mons Officer Cadet School, respectively, in the United Kingdom. Granger – a University of Guyana Valedictorian – founded the Guyana Review news magazine in 1992, and served as its Managing Editor. He has researched and published on military, historical and media themes, and is also the author of Guyana’s state media: the quest for control, and A Preliminary Study of Women Soldiers in

the Anglophone Caribbean. Sixty-nine-year-old Granger was the Presidential Candidate of the APNU+AFC – a coalition of six of Guyana’s major political players – the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), National Front Alliance, the Guyana Action Party, Justice For All Party and the Alliance For Change (AFC). (May 16, 2015)

President David Granger acknowledges attendees at his swearing-in

2016. 1st Year in Office

President receives congratulatory messages

uyana’s President David Arthur Granger has received congratulatory messages from the United States (US) Embassy in Georgetown following his induction to office at Parliament building on Saturday, May 16. The Embassy expressed the hope that President Granger will

work to repair the divisions in Guyanese society which emerged during the election period and, “will work to promote inclusive governance and national development in the best interests of all of the people of Guyana. The United States of America pledges its willingness to work collaboratively with the new

government in this regard.” Former US President Jimmy Carter also extended congratulations to President Granger, via the Carter Centre. The former US President said, “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 their country.” The Private Sector Commission (PSC) also extended congratulations to President Granger, de-

scribing the occasion of the swearing in of the nation’s 8th Executive President as ‘historic’. “The Commission lauds the new President for a well fought campaign which focused on uniting the people of Guyana and for the promise of an inclusionary government which ensures that the needs of

all the people are met.” The business organisation expressed confidence that the new government will encourage private investment and support the private sector “as it continues to strive for the creation of jobs and the overall development of our country”. (May 16, 2015)

President Granger ExxonMobil Guyana announces urges newest significant oil find ministers to uphold constitution

he nine newest members of the APNU/AFC Administration were sworn in at the Office of the President by President David Arthur Granger, who urged them to give their full commitment to the people whom they were elected to serve. The newest ministers are First Vice President and Minister of National Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin,

inister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson is moving to incorporate infrastructure work under his ministry. The minister said this move to streamline works being undertaken by under his ministry, is very important to achieve standardisation of roads, sea defences and other infrastructural works. He said it was discovered that several agencies other than Public Works (previous Ministry) were doing roads, “and those ended up being what people called the elections roads, meaning the ones that break up in couple days.” He noted that, strange enough, even the Finance Ministry had a road building department. One of the first things Minister Patter-

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, Minister within the Ministry of Finance Jaipaul Sharma, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Keith Scott, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ affairs Valerie Garrido- Lowe and Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix. (May 22, 2015)

uyana is set to join the group of oil producing nations with the announcement by ExxonMobil Guyana that it has found a deposit of a significant amount of oil in the Stabroek Bloc, some 120 nautical miles offshore Guyana. It was discovered in one of the two wells it dug, in the Liza-1 drill site which realised more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone. The well was “spud” on March 5, 2015 and the well data will be analyzed in the coming months to better determine the full resource potential. It was safely drilled to 17,825 feet (5,433 meters) in 5,719 feet (1,743 meters) of water in Stabroek Block which is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers),” the statement noted. In the released statement, Presi-

Deep Water Champion Oil Exploration Rig dent of ExxonMobil Exploration Company Stephen M. Greenlee, said, “I am encouraged by the results of the first well on the Stabroek Block…over the coming months we will work to determine the commercial viability of the discovered

resource, as well as evaluate other resource potential on the block”. Guyana has been identified as one the world greatest untapped potential sources for hydrocarbons by several surveying companies. (May 20, 2015)

All projects, infrastructural works to be streamlined under ministry son said he did was to speak with Minister Jordan indicating to him that works to be undertaken need to be standardised in order to deliver better products and services to the people. He also explained that there were also similar issues with drainage and irrigation, “While the Ministry of Agriculture does drainage and irrigation it was discovered that the sluices that hook up to the sea defences come under my ministry, and sluices were done by agriculture, and the sea defences by Public Works.” He added that there is no connection between the two and therefore they too will be streamlined. The Ministry of Infrastructure is currently pursuing several projects including the construction

and rehabilitation of several roads. The minister added that special focus is being placed on housing development projects particularly on the East Bank of Demerara. With regards to the completion of the East Bank Road, the Minister said he would be meeting with the contractors to realise a speedy resolution to the long overdue project. He spoke of plans to propose to the Housing Minister for the construction of an alternative road way into the Diamond community, and have a linkage from the back of Mandela Avenue to Diamond and onwards. He said that his ministry’s Work Services Group has informed him that that they previously drew up plans for this. Minister Patterson intends to meet with

the Housing Minister to discuss this issue. “We do feel that the four lane highway alone will not ease all the pressure. We need alternative routes so we going definitely do that”. Noting that there are several Semi- Autonomous Agencies, Minister Patterson said he is also trying to ensure that they do a more efficient job. With regards to the Demerara Harbour Bridge, he explained that several key decisions will have to be made due to the high volume of traffic. “The general manager explained that they are up to 10,000 vehicles per month, seven times a month. The first time they hit 10,000 vehicles was last year but every month they are over 10,000 vehicles travelling every 24

hours, and that is putting a tremendous strain on the aging bridge, and so some very serious decisions have to be made.” Some restrictions will have to instituted, the minister stated. These will include restrictions on the size of two axle vehicles crossing and the load that they can carry, so that the bridge’s structural integrity is not compromised. Minister Patterson also spoke of plans for a new bridge across the Demerara River, “I was told was that was actually a feasibility study and a prequalification tender. The feasibility study, I do not think it was absolutely finalised. It was done by this ministry, under the Work Services Group. Somewhere in the middle of that the NICIL organisation took over the

project and they advertised for Expressions of Interest to design and build it, but from my briefing, the Work Services Group as well as the Demerara Harbour Bridge Management felt that this was an inappropriate way to actually execute such a major project, and that we should have a feasibility study come up with a plan and then seek to go to tender. The Public Infrastructure Ministry intends to complete its studies and finalise a draft before moving ahead with plans for the new river crossing. The minister is in favour of the feasibility studies being done by the Work Services Group. (May 30, 2015)

2016. 1st Year in Office

Trotman assumes responsibility for Natural Resources Sector

aphael Trotman, who was recently sworn in as the Minister of Governance within the Ministry of the Presidency is now responsible for oversight of the management

of the nation’s natural resources which form part of the patrimony of Guyana. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, Minister Trotman will occupy the offices on Upper Brickdam and has already

met with the staff of his Ministry. The minister has commenced scheduled familiarisation meetings and visits to the several agencies under his portfolio. The minister will also

meet with international, donor, private sector organisations, other development partners and stakeholders of the governance and natural resources sectors. (May 29, 2015)

Raphael Trotman

New administration moving to address periodic flooding in capital city

inister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson intends to address the flooding of Georgetown which often follows heavy rainfall. He explained that he visited several locations in the city recently, and came to the conclusion that the municipality has to be engaged seriously on this issue, “The outfalls and the Sluices, I think it is beyond the current capacity of the M&CC. They are good people, but lack financial and technical capacity, so we should offer them as much technical capacity as we can”. There is also the issue of blocked drainage canals which Minister Patterson noted is compounded by persons squatting on

the government reserves, “People have built over the waterways and as such you can’t actually get to desilt them. I don’t want to start off people thinking I am a demolition minister or anything like that, but the welfare of the entire GT is paramount as opposed to a few individuals, so I think that is something we will be addressing immediately so we can clear the main canals and water ways.” The operation of Sluices used to drain Georgetown also needs reorganising according to Minister Patterson, “I am told that there are several sluices privately owned, working efficiently but this has to be streamlined. You can’t have some under city council, some under agriculture,

some under private holding because it passes through their estate that needs to be streamlined. I find it strange it was allowed to continue so long, as a city and as a nation.” He further added, “A primary purpose would be streamlining, one accounting, one delegated body for it, desilt our drains, our outfalls, how it is done, what funds are available for it, is a matter for the minister of finance, but this is a short term situation, but with the next rainy season we would be ready for it.” For immediate relief, the ministry has already embarked on clearing the drains, with assistance from privately funded initiatives, the minister explained. He said there are 13 sluices which drain the

Minister of Public Infrstructure David Patterson and Senior Engineer Walter Willis inspecting a drainage facility city, “and we are ready to get to them to get the water flowing towards the sluices and we will deal with it, and the problem

is, if the water doesn’t get to the sluices, then even though we desilt the sluices, the water doesn’t drain. So we try to drain all the

blocks, and that would also mean some harsh decisions on encumbrances affecting that work.” (May 30, 2015)

29 apprehended during TIP operation in Bartica

wenty-nine non-nationals were apprehended in Bartica, Region Seven following an exercise carried out by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes and a team of officers from the

Anti Trafficking in Persons Unit (TIP) and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO). This operation, which was executed at approximately 1:45hrs on June 7 at the Platinum International Hotel and the

Some of the persons who will be assisting the police in their investigation

Top Notch Hotel and Bar, was led by the minister herself, who acted on a tip off she received while visiting the region. The alleged victims are between ages of 20 and 30, and are citizens of Dominica, Brazil, Columbia and Venezuela. Four were in the country illegally and a similar number over stayed their time. The victims, along with two alleged perpetrators and others, were escorted by police officers to Georgetown where a proper investigation was expected to be conducted. Of the 29 persons, 11 are likely to face charges and possible deportation, while the others will be assisting in the investigations. The Minister explained that persons are

now breaching the borders and gaining entry into Guyana illegally. It was observed that this is a trend by persons from Dominica especially. The minister further indicated that the owner of the Platinum Hotel, is a flagged person and the GWMO has been monitoring his activities for a long time. The alleged perpetrators also had the victims’ passports in their possession. According to Minister Broomes, one of the alleged perpetrators who was charged with TIP and released on $1 M bail, was also held for questioning after she walked into the station with two of the girls’ passport. The Minister was also in contact with the Minister of Public Security,

The alleged victims boarding a boat at the Bartica Stelling for their journey to Georgetown whom she said indicated that he wants a thorough investigation into the matter. “I’m pleased so far that the minister is on top of this, and has instructed a thorough investigation because we have lots of persons who are here illegally. One Brazilian was refused entry into Barbados and she returned here

and she has an immigration officer number in her phone that she contacted,” Minister Broomes noted. She said the aim is not to scare anyone, but rather to protect them and ensure they are in Guyana legally, not held against their will, and should have their passport in their possession. (June 8, 2015)

2016. 1st Year in Office

Venezuela’s latest claim - UN being approached to resolve issue - Foreign Minister

he new claim being made by Venezuela on Guyana’s territory is the subject of highlevel discussions, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge. This claim comes on the heels of the news of the discovery of a significant quantity of oil in Guyana’s internationally recognised territorial waters, several weeks ago. Minister Greenidge said, “We have of course had, and continue to have discussions with the Ambassador who is here, with her Minister in Caracas, and indeed the President sent an envoy not so long ago, with whom we had discussions, and we’ve had an invitation from UNASUR to attend a meeting, or to agree to a meeting with Venezuela on the bilateral front. I would say that all the possible avenues are being explored. We are making sure that the avenues that should be used will be used.” The Minister pointed out that Venezuela clearly is also trying to take advantage of whatever avenue it thinks can serve it well. “The issue that we’re faced with now is this. Venezuela has issued a decree

in law, which law says this area, a very large area of the sea, not only belongs to Venezuela, but it calls upon its navy to enforce this zone, and to exclude others from the zone. Venezuela claims in justification, that the government, (and reading the papers over the last three four weeks,) it claims that the newly elected government, it says that, has been the cause of this decree because it has issued exploration rights to an oil company.” New claim Minister Greenidge made it clear that the area in which oil exploration was currently underway by ExxonMobil has never been the subject of any claim from Venezuela. “It is a new claim by Venezuela, not a repetition of any claim, it’s a new claim. Secondly, it is not the APNU government that issued the exploration rights, so to suggest that they have to move now because this government has gone a step too far, is not accurate.’ He added that in claiming this expanse of territory, the Government of Venezuela has not demonstrated and indeed can-

not show any reason for so doing. “The principle underlying the claim hasn’t any basis whatsoever in any known formula for allocation of the ocean, save bullyism.” Gun-boat diplomacy The previous tactic of imperialist ‘gun boat diplomacy’ was recalled by Minister Greenidge, noting that, “It is something that made the west infamous in the east, because you laid claim to a territory, the citizens didn’t like it, and you sent a gun boat, and you then seized the territory...I have heard reference to Guyanese imperialism which I find somewhat laughable, because the gun boat diplomacy was part of an imperial exercise.” The Minister explained that there is no international principle which says every country in South America must have an Atlantic coast or have sovereignty over some section of the Atlantic, “so there would be chaos if some president wakes up and says we must have part of the Pacific, Atlantic or Caribbean and Pacific. As regards marine territory, each country defines what it has, and goes to an inter-

national body and claims it, I am not aware that the decree is grounded in any such submission.” Territorial issues Territorial issues are not a matter for countries to settle unilaterally, Minister Greenidge emphasised, and noted, that unlike most nations, Venezuela is not a party of the Law of the Sea Convention. “If the world recognises that the apportionment of the Continental Shelf is important, and that it needs to be done in an orderly manner, all countries will have to embrace that, that’s why all countries have signed the order of the Law of the Sea who believe in it, and those who have not are not interested in it.” The fact that in the case of Venezuela the borders were set out in an arbitral award which both countries agreed to, was highlighted by the minister. “In 1899 the US whose company is exploring, forced the British to participate in a tribunal over the border, and three judges were appointed- one American, one was Russian identified by the US, and the other was British. This was not set up for Guyana, and granted to

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge the Venezuelans the bank and the mouth of the Orinoco River where Guyana lost territory. The award was accepted and now the world has agreed that treaties are sacrosanct and cannot be reopened.” As part of its attempt to lend some credence, Minister Greenidge noted that Venezuela said it has been giving resources to the Caribbean. This fact, the minister acknowledged, does not mean that the country should be able take their resources away. “We find it interesting that when the question arises, Venezuela tells you of the favours they have done for the Caribbean. What does that mean; it gives them a right to operate outside international law?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leading the effort to have this latest territorial issue addressed as quickly as possible. Minster Greenidge noted that prior to 1992, the ministry was viewed as the “Tip of the Spear” in Guyana’s defence and it has to be restored, “We will work on all the fora, UNASUR, OAS, Commonwealth and so forth. Right now the UN Secretary General has a responsibility and we are going to call on him to exercise that responsibility because the other options have been exhausted, and therefore in order to avoid further damage to Guyana we will call upon him to carry out his duties”. (June 13, 2015)

Petro Caribe Fund empty - US$15M needed to pay rice farmers - Minister Harmon

he PetroCaribe Fund, which was set up as part of Guyana’s arrangement with Venezuela, to pay local famers supplying rice to the neighbouring country under a concessionary fuel supply agreement, is empty. This was revealed to the media, at the first post-Cabinet media briefing by Minister of State Joseph Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency. He said that checks revealed that the fund is basically empty and currently there is no cash to pay rice farmers. “The fact of the matter is, that based on the casual and in some cases, very callous manner in which the previous Administration dealt

with the proceeds from that arrangement, that the fund is almost bankrupt. There is nothing of it.” Minister Harmon reminded that his Cabinet colleague, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan discovered and had reported that monies from the fund were used in part to fund the Hope Canal project and other things. He said that to cover the payment of rice from farmers, “we are actually going to have to find somewhere in the vicinity of $US15M to basically pay our farmers when they ship the next set of rice to Venezuela.” The issue is further complicated by the rice sector which is projected to break its own produc-

tion levels by October of this year, Harmon said. In preparation for this reality, he stated that “Cabinet approved of the setting up of a sub -committee to examine and aggressively look at markets for our rice.” Government is adopting an aggressive approach to finding foreign markets, the Minster added, and this effort will be spearheaded by the Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Ministries, and other stakeholders. The governance mechanism in the rice industry will also be examined, as mandated by Cabinet, to ensure transparency in the appointments to boards and other entities. The PetroCaribe fund contained most of the pro-

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon addresses the media at the first post-Cabinet briefing ceeds that came out of the Venezuelan ‘oil for rice’ deal. This has been estimated thus far to have amounted to hundreds of millions of US dollars.

Minister Harmon said since Guyana paid only 10 to 15 percent of the money, with a long-term agreement for gradual repayment. This payback period

has been endangered with a much shorter payback period now being considered, due to the actions of the previous government. (June 11, 2015)

2016. 1st Year in Office

Prime Minister promises full respect to media

rime Minister and First Vice President Moses Nagamootoo pledged the new Administration’s support of true press freedom. The Prime Minister, who also holds the responsibility of Minister of Information, said that the new Administration will make no attempt to curb the constitutional right of freedom of any media, including that of the state. He however urged that information be disseminated in a responsible way, that will “help, not destroy Guyana.” He explained that the right of reply must be catered for persons who “come under assault and attack” of their character or who suffer “threats of victimisation.” This is the kind of professional journalism and journalists that the new Administration is seeking to promote in the state media, the Prime Minister Naga-

mootoo said, noting “Journalists who practise the profession equally to their own standards, faithfully to their own ethics….” (he promised) will see less, and “perhaps ideally no interference” from him, as the Minister Responsible for Public Information. The PM was at the time addressing the National Assembly. He noted the already bipartisan turnaround of sections of the state media in taking up this mandate of professionalism. “Today Guyana is witnessing, what appears a magical transformation of public information,” the Minister said, speaking about what he described as the “amazing transformation in the Guyana Chronicle.” He pointed out that this state paper editorial used to be saturated with pieces that sought to divide and set Guyanese against each oth-

ers. He noted now that this paper which was used as a “partisan propaganda rod” has now turned into “a bastion of public information that is credible.” “We have revolutionised this newspaper,” he said. In moving forward, in further professionalising the state paper and television, the PM promised a major shakeup at these entities and at the Government Information Agency (GINA). He said that the National Communication Network (NCN) and Chronicle will soon be getting new boards with professional representatives. He explained that these board will be filled with persons committed to a professional standard of business; who will ensure that both Chronicle and NCN, as public information media, do not only carry out the functions of informing, educating and entertaining

people, but will also be “accountable and reliable.” He warned that the new Administration expects that its state media will be viable business entities. “If you are not viable you will be pushed to the wall and where the chips fall, they fall…,” he said. He explained that the “complete shakeup” at GINA will ensure that the entity function as it should; as it was set up to, and that as “a small professional body, tell Guyana and the world, what government, ministers, public servants…are doing for the people.” “…what should be placed in the public domain is information so that you have an informed public, that would make better choices and not fall prey to the stigma of racism and the appeal to ethnicity and all other-side agenda that are not healthy for the forward

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo movement Guyana,” the Prime Minister explained.. He said too that the new Administration will ensure that the advertisements that entities pay for GINA to place into the larger media arenot sidelined to pay propaganda ads for political parties. He explained that this is the reason for the poor performance of GINA and why it has become a “heavy lead pulling down NCN and Chronicle.” The money paid to GINA to remit transmission to the

television and state newspapers has never been paid over, the PM said. He explained further that an investigation is underway as to these outstanding payments including the huge sums of money, that is, the $76M that is owed to Chronicle alone. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister announced that the Administration will be moving to correct expeditiously the issuing of the television licenses to Linden. (June 25, 2015)

Rains flood capital - forecast predicts more days of heavy rainfall

wenty-four hours of heavy rainfall resulted in extensive flooding in the capital city, Georgetown and surrounding areas on May 31 and residents were advised that more rain and thunderstorms were expected. As the rains continued, business people and homeowners were mopping up and assessing the level of damage. Government announced that 25 public schools would remain closed be-

cause of the flooding. Residents called for more frequent openings of the kokers, regular cleaning of canals and for authorities to ensure that drainage pumps were in proper working order, among the measures to prevent flooding in the future. During a visit to affected areas, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson heard the complaints and assured residents that their concerns will be ad-

dressed. “We ask you to bear with us. We are the government and it is our duty to ensure that this problem be fixed, so come 2016, you won’t be faced with this type of situation,” Ferguson responded. Government has implemented some short-term solutions and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson said that work would begin on the three sluices that are not operational. The Force Account

The flooded inside of a business

Ministers Annette Ferguson and Simona Broomes inspect a flooded city area

Unit has also been mandated to repair one of the four damaged pumps, while the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will conduct conditional assessment on the remaining three pumps, with a view of having them repaired and functional as soon as possible. In addition, Patterson said, the Ministry of Agriculture and the NDIA would make two other

pumps available. Notwithstanding those efforts, Minister Patterson admitted that the expected rainfall over the next 72 hours would be overwhelming for the drainage system as it could only drain one- and- a- half inches of rain every 24 hours. Officials have warned residents to take all the necessary precautions to ensure their lives and properties are secure.

Additionally, Minister Patterson said he would be making recommendations to Cabinet for the establishment of a multiparty taskforce, which would include civil society, to examine the drainage situation and the restoration of the city. The city’s drainage system depends on 13 sluices, of which 10 are fully functional. (June 1, 2015)

2016. 1st Year in Office

Minister Trotman, team visit RUSAL, meet with residents of Kwakwani, Wiruni

inister of Governance Hon. Raphael Trotman, accompanied by Audwin Rutherford MP., Region 10 and a team of senior representatives of the Guyana Geology &Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Ministry of Social Protection and the Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Region 10 paid an official visit to Region 10, Upper Demerara Upper Berbice. During their two-day

visit the team held discussions with the management of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc., toured RUSAL’s plant operations, the KURUBUKA – 22 Mines and held an onsite meeting with employees of the company. The minister reiterated to the management of the bauxite company that the Government of expects that all investors respect the laws of Guyana, respect its citizens; especially its employees and be responsible stewards the environment. The Minister and

team, visited the indigenous communities at Wairuni and Calcuni and met with the respective Village Captains and members of the communities. The Kwakwani Community met with the Minister and team later, and residents were able to bring to the attention of the Minister many issues that affect their wellbeing. These frank discussions went well into the night, and residents left satisfied that their voices were being heard. The Minister assured

the gathering that change has come and their voices and needs would be addressed in a structured manner so as to ensure an improved quality of life, and the sustainable development of their community. The following day, the team visited Variety Woods and Greenheart Limited at Bamboo Landing, toured the saw mill and further processing facilities, met employees of the company and held discussions with management. The Minister was

Minister Raphael Trotman and team with RUSAL employees satisfied with this site visit, the maintenance of standards for sustainable forest management, the level of production effi-

ciency and the high quality of the timber products produced by VWL. (June 30, 2015)

the Minister pointed out. “…this process that you are embarking on is engaging youths to find solutions about these problems,” the Minister said, adding that he needs an action plan. “…What I am interested in is implementation, any report that comes to me that does not have a programme of implementation and an action plan is not a report that I am going to spend a lot of my time on,” the Minister said. Highlighting how critical it is to empower youths to make meaningful contributions to Guyana’s sustainable development, Minister Roopnaraine explained that “the sustainable solutions and actions, for society in a stage of crisis or pre-crisis, have always come from young people.” He noted that the journey of persons like Forbes Burnham, Cheddi

Jagan, Walter Rodney, Martin Luther King Jnr., Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro and Barack Obama all began in earnest during the days of their youth. “They did not come to where they reached by accident…they were inspired and nurtured in their youth,” he said. He promised that Government will offer avenues for such nurturing for Guyanese youths. “… we are going to listen to you, take your recommendations, work with you as partners, in making this society one that we can all be proud of,” he said. The two-day session saw presentations and youths being involved in panel and group discussions on the National Youth Policy and a National Youth Action Plan. (July 3, 2015)

Youths must become crusaders for national reconciliation - Education Minister at working session of National Youth Policy task force

ticking to its 100-day commitment to improve the situation of youths in Guyana through the implementation of a National Youth Policy, the Government of Guyana, along with the Ministry of Education, has brought together a wide cross section of youths, private and civil society members, for a twoday working session, aimed at advancing the process of finalising a National Youth Policy and discussing the broad themes of a National Youth Action Plan. Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine charged the youths present, to become crusaders for national reconciliation. Speaking of the division that has characterised Guyana, since the 1960s, the Minister, said that there is no more sacred task confronting youths and Guyana than that of healing the nation. “We have a nation that is always hovering on the brink of self-destruction, we need to heal this… we need to reconcile”. Dr. Roopnaraine pointed out that Guyanese youths have inherited this fractured and polarised society, and that Guyana cannot move forward as a nation without once again reclaiming and regaining that united anti-colonial democratic movement that it had in the fight for independence. He noted that this first

movement towards national reconciliation came about by the reconciliation of the Working People’s Alliance and the People’s National Congress, two warring parties. “Some of you may be too young to know something about the bitterness of the fight that these two parties were engaged in,” the Minister told the youths. He explained that in the 1970s, the WPA, led by Walter Rodney developed a national movement, “we entered into the most furious conflict with the People’s National Congress.” He noted however that the day came, “when we recognised the need for reconciliation,” and from these two warring parties, came the movement for national unity and the bedrock of this alliance, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Though the country has developed to the point, where it now is, there is yet much to be done,” Dr. Roopnaraine noted. “We still live in a society where there is too much suspicion, between major sections of the society,” he said. “I am convinced and I believe that you must be convinced after all this time and all this experience that without joining forces, without in effect becoming one nation, and devoting ourselves to the construction of that one nation, we as a country will falter,” He

Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine addressing the opening of the National Youth Policy working session said. He urged the youths to embark on this crusade of reconciliation and to “embrace a crusade of love and neighbourliness.” Meanwhile, Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment Aubrey Norton, in his presentation, noted that these working sessions are intended to encourage serious discussions on the question of the National Youth Policy and a National Action Plan. “It is important for us to recognise that we are here for ideas to clash, and not personalities,” he said. “….we welcome the clash of ideas, we welcome free and, frank discussions that allow us to disagree, but then arrive at a consensus on the way forward,” he added. Norton noted that Government has already shown that it has the political will to ensure young people develop a policy by their participation. He said that the intention is make sure that “we place youth work

on a professional footing.” “…the intention is to professionalise youth work so that young people can be involved in youth work; well trained, well prepared…young people who are in a position to represent themselves and not necessary be presented by someone else,” he said. Additonally, Minister RRoopnarine spoke of Government’s recognition of the importance of providing a framework for positive development of all Guyanese youths, Minister Roopnarine noted that youths are not only the future, but also “youths are here and now.” In terms of basic arithmetic, Guyanese under 35 years of age make up 70 percent of the national demographics and are disproportionally affected by “every ill thing that our society has to offer,”

Youth and private and civil society at the working session of the National Youth Policy and the National Youth Action Plan at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre

2016. 1st Year in Office

Taskforce to oversee drainage, irrigation to focus on long-term solution

embers of a taskforce to oversee the operations and overall functions of the drainage and irrigation system in Guyana and to come up with a feasible long-term plan will soon commence its work as the members have already been identified. “This taskforce will be supported by an administrative secretariat which has already been established and working for the last three weeks as the resource team who will do all the gathering of information, doing all the reports on the flooding situation in Guyana. They will be the persons executing the technical work on behalf of

where it’s going to be in 15 to 20 years and make provisions for that now.” The Public Infrastructure Minister pointed out that the Government is not interested in any band-aid solution to the problem. “The intention is to provide a holistic approach which we can act on, it is no use for us to simply do a band-aid solution by cleaning drainage or repairing sluices and things like that…the problem is much bigger than that, we have to give ourselves the time to study it and come up with a feasible plan including financing it,” he said. (July 23, 2015)

Two; Inshaan Ayube, Region Three; Earl Lambert, Region Four; Rion Peters, Region Five; Dennis DeRoop, Region Six; Olinda Griffith, Region Seven, Headley Pio, Region Eight; Carl Singh, Region Nine and Elroy Adolphus, Region Ten. After taking their oath of Office, the President in his charge to the chairpersons and their deputies urged them to take their oath seriously. Pointing to the seriousness of the oath, the President told the officers that they are expected to administer those regions for the benefit of all the residents. “It is not an idle oath; it is something that you must take seriously. When I was sworn in as President of this country those were the words that I uttered

on the 16 of May, I said I’m the President for all of Guyana.” In this light, the President said all the people of Guyana must have access to him as President and to the good things that flow from his administration. “Similarly in your region, all the people in your region, regardless of their religion or their ethnicity , regardless of what part of the region they are from, must get the benefits of your judgment, must get the benefits of your good will.” The President said civil society, councillors, social partners and other stakeholders to be involved in decision making for the regions’ best interest. “I would like you to examine your regions and work out a plan… I call it the Plan of Action for Regional Development, and I

Newly sworn-in Regional chairpersons, deputies with President David Granger would like to see all of you de- advised on the importance of govelop some sort of plan of action ing after investments for their refor regional development.” The spective regions as plans are on President said that even as these stream for creating more towns plans are being crafted, serious in the regions, with the aim of consideration must be given to attracting more investments. clearly defined economic goals. (July 10, 2015) The chairpersons were also

Total overhaul proposed for Diamond Hospital

inister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings has propose a total overhaul of the Diamond Regional Hospital. This comes as the minister toured the facility and held discussions with the staff at the hospital. After listening to complaints from senior staff members, Dr. Cummings concluded that the only possible solution is that of a total overhaul of the facil-

the Private Sector, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC,) as well as representatives of the various ministries will also be included. Government has been offered support from the Netherlands in the form of a technical team to assist the taskforce. This offer is pending approval by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Justifying his request of six months for the first preliminary report of the taskforce to the media, Minister Patterson explained, “the reason I have asked for six months is because we would like to look at what’s happening and we would like to project for example Georgetown,

Newly elected Regional Chairpersons, deputies sworn-in

resident David Granger has called on the newly elected Regional Chairpersons and their deputies to be regional leaders and not “party chairmen”. Recently these officials were sworn in before the President at the Ministry of the Presidency. Those sworn in as Regional Chairmen are: Brentnol Ashley, Region One; Devanand Ramdatt, Region Two; Julius A Faerber, Region Three; Genevieve Allen, Region Four; Vickchand Ramphal, Region Five; David Armogan, Region Six; Gordon Bradford, Region Seven; Bonnaventure Fredricks, Region Eight; Bryan Allicock, Region Nine and Renis Morian, Region Ten. The Regional Vice-Chairpersons are; Sarah Browne, Region One; Juliet Coonjah, Region

the commissioners,” Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson stated. Minister Patterson was at the time updating media operatives on Government’s long-term initiative to deal with the unprecedented rainfall which results in flooding of several parts of the country. During this engagement, the Minister pointed out that the taskforce will be headed by Major General Rt’d Joe Singh and will include Charles Sohan, Malcolm Ally, Egbert Carter, Andrew Bishop, Stanley Ming, Joseph Holder, Charles Ceres and David Singh. Members of Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE),

ity, since it serves a large catchment area and currently its capacity is limited. “If we are going to fix it, let’s fix it once and for all,” Dr. Cummings suggested. At this meeting, the need to improve several areas was raised. These include the need for more wards, an extension to the maternity unit, and relocating the doctors’ living quarters. Another major issue affecting the facility is the shortage of auxiliary staff,

especially porters and receptionists. The hospital has also been functioning without any form of direct leadership, since there has been no Chief Executive Officer (CEO) present there for some months. Minister Cumming pointed out that this was very unfortunate and the Ministry will commence immediate work to rectify this issue. The Minister also did a brief walk-through of the facility, inspecting

the operations and conditions of the employees. Upon a request, the Minister also met with the other staff and listened to several issues and complaints similar to those raised by the senior staff. The minister used the opportunity to inform the staff of the discussions that had taken place with the senior staff. In addition, she emphasised the need for staff recognition and rewards. The Diamond Re-

Minister in the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings meeting with Diamond hospital staff gional Hospital, on the million and commissioned East Bank of Demerara, on October 12, 2007. was built at a cost of $120 (July 13, 2015)

This is the first of a phased reduction in the Berbice Bridge Toll, and will benefit over 150,000 Guyanese who live in Regions Five and Six and have to traverse the Berbice Bridge to access education and health services, conduct business and generally travel on a daily basis. According to Minister Jordan, “Government

has heard the cries of the people and will lighten the burden of the high fares imposed on them. I am pleased to inform this House that the lives of the citizens of Regions 5 and 6, and indeed all Guyanese who travel to the Ancient County, will be improved.” (August 29, 2015)

Berbice Bridge Toll reduced by 13.6%

inister of Finance, Winston Jordan, during his 2015 Budget presentation, announced that as of September 01, toll for passenger cars and buses, traversing the Berbice Bridge, will be reduced from $2,200 to $1,900, a 13.6 % reduction. At the same time, the toll for all other types of vehicles will be reduced by 10 %.

2016. 1st Year in Office

President Granger commits support for further development of rice industry

resident David Granger, called on citizens to “disabuse” themselves of the notion that the industry is in “crisis”, even as he acknowledged that there are some challenges. The Head of State was at the time delivering the feature address at the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Rice Industry Conference, which was held under the theme, “Sustainable development amidst challenges”. In front of au packed audience at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, President Granger assured stakeholders that his administration, like the entire country, was aware of the problems facing the industry and his government intend to bring an end “to the anxieties endured by those involved in rice production”. “Rice faces challenges because of years of policy

he National Assembly today approved the 2015 expenditure of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC.) The $4.010 billion operating cost includes a

neglect, institutional decay and poor planning. We must convert these challenges into opportunities. I am confident that with the collaboration between the administration and stakeholders, the rice industry will overcome its challenges,” he said. Speaking on the importance of the industry, President Granger said, rice plays a significant role in Guyana’s history, society and the economy. Currently, rice sustains the livelihoods of over 20 percent of the country’s population, creates jobs for thousands and is the only source of income for hundreds of farmers. “Rice has historically been resilient; rice has survived floods and droughts, rice has survived the volatilities of international markets…rice has always overcome its challenges.” Noting that currently Guyana has about 40 ex-

ternal rice markets around the world and exports as much as 75 percent of the rice produced here, President Granger said that expanding markets continues to be a priority for this administration. “New markets have to be found constantly to cater for the increases in production but the international market is highly competitive,” he said. In this light the President called for a focus on the lowering of production costs and said his administration is committed to ensuring that barriers to market access are reduced and removed. The Head of State also touched on other issues affecting the industry, including the delay payments to farmers for paddy, inadequate storage for paddy, the challenge of producing value-added product and cost of production. He added that for the rice industry to

be viable and sustainable, high production costs at all levels must be addressed. “I would like this conference to seek solutions to these challenges rather than to allow our discussions to degenerate into a forum for confrontation or recrimination,” President Granger said. President Granger assured the stakeholders at the conference that his administration is committed to the practice of economic diplomacy and supports the sale of everything produced locally. “Private exporters, however, must penetrate foreign markets,” he emphasised. Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder re-emphasised the importance of the industry, calling on stakeholders to look to the future and its further development. He said, “In terms of food security, rice has

President David Granger as he addressed stakeholders and participants at the National Rice Industry Conference helped to secure Guyana’s status as a food secure country. Over the years rice has excelled in terms of production, moving from 298,135 metric tons in 2007 to 635,208 metric tons in 2014. This represents a 113% increase in production.” Referencing the need for a reduction in production costs, the Minister said, “Implementation of a rice marketing plan, improving productivity, improving operational efficiency in

rice mills and the development of those value added products are things we can do collectively and individually to address this”. As one of the pillars of our agricultural sector, the sale of paddy generates over G$ 50.B annually. Rice continues to be a major export commodity and a significant earner of foreign exchange as export earnings from rice have increased to more than US$250M annually. (July 27, 2015)

$4 billion GPHC budget approved current expenditure totaling $3.951 billion and capital expenditure totalling $59.312 million. The capital expenditure was provision for the construction on the maternity ward, operating theatre and works at

the ICU at the hospital, up to August 2015. The current expenditure includes a total employment cost of $1.796 billion, total wages and salaries amounting to $1.449 billion, overhead expenses of $346.964 mil-

lion and $2.155 billion for other charges. Questioned during the deliberation of the estimates, Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton provided clarification of a sum of $20.730 appropri-

ated for maintenance of buildings. He explained that the sum caters for the upkeep of health centres controlled by the GPHC. Inquiries were also made about a $13.965 budgeted for the rental of

buildings, to which Minister Norton clarified that the buildings are used to accommodate the foreign doctors and visiting tutors and examiners attached to the GPHC. (August 26, 2015)

US$50,000 to aid law enforcement - builds on $900,000 already received

uyana will benefit from a US$50,000 grant to be utilised in the areas of Law Enforcement Professionalisation and Support, Strengthening Counter –Narcotic Control Capabilities and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption. The grant aid comes through the latest agreement with the United States, under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CSBI.) Signing on behalf of the Guyana Government, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge said that thus far, the country has received US $900,000 in assistance since the initial agreement was signed on April 8, 2011, under the framework of the CBSI. Under the agreement, Minister Greenidge stated that Law Enforcement Professionalisation and Support Project will see additional training and technical assistance being provided for police and customs agents, and detection of fraudulent documents. The second element will enhance local capability to conduct counter narcotic interdiction nation-wide. The third, for the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Project, will seek to expand local capabilities in terms of prison

operations, ensure that they are safe, secure and humane, and conform to internationally accepted standards and norms. “It will enhance the skills, knowledge and ability of corrections officials to effectively manage a sustainable multi gender, multi-custody offender population so that the prison system contributes to public safety by ensuring that prisoners can be rehabilitated”. In brief remarks, Charge d’Affaires Bryan Hunt said that President Granger’s administration “has been clear in its political commitment to taking the steps necessary to ensure that Guyanese law enforcement agencies are able to prevent this country from being used as a safe haven by international criminal elements”. He added that the programmes that the funds will support have been designed in close collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. “Beyond the immediate financial support, such programmes will facilitate the regular collaboration between Guyana and American law enforcement counterparts, enabling for the exchange of information and international best practices.” The US Embassy official also explained that this year there will be additional inter-regional training op-

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and US Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt sign grant aid portunities to further enhance cooperation amongst joint CBSI members in the fight against corruption, smuggling and terrorism. This will result in the Drug Enforcement Agency and other US law enforcement agencies working with local counterparts to assess equipment needs to boost the fight against drugs and international crime. (July 13, 2015)

2016. 1st Year in Office

Comprehensive gender policy critical to bringing about equality - President Granger

ender equality will be a top priority of this administration, over the next five years. President David Granger, while delivering the feature address at the first ever National Conference on the Gender and Development Policy, said the government will be working to bring about true gender equality, which he said is needed to create opportunities, promote empowerment and provide protection for women. The Conference, which was hosted by the Ministry of Social Protection, was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, under the theme, “Equal rights for all-Be good to People”. The Head of State told the attendees that in-

creasing economic opportunities, tackling domestic violence and education of the nation’s women are among the key priorities of his administration. One of the measures the President announced is a plan to consider tax rebates for companies that are prepared to offer day care facilities to working mothers. Further, the President pointed out that the issue of violence against women is to be addressed forthwith as a National policy was being crafted. Given the fact that domestic violence has penetrated every corner of society, President Granger said the national policy therefore must take into consideration the causes of violence and focus should

be placed on the transformation of attitudes. President Granger said that despite the episodic initiatives to promote women’s rights and to offer greater opportunities, inequality persists. It is with this in mind, he said, the new administration will be working to craft a comprehensive long term gender policy. President Granger pointed out that Guyana’s legislation clearly provides for the promotion of women’s rights, and the country’s commitment to gender equality has always been reflected in its adherance to several international conventions and agreements. The President stated that another major obstacle, which stands in the way of

gender equality, is extreme poverty. “Poverty reduction ought to be an important means to lift the living standards of women and children in the communities. This aspect of government policy, however, has not had its intended effect.” In an effort to address this issue, President Granger said the solution would be to reduce poverty rather than increase the number of institutions that cater to vulnerable groups, such as drop in centres, night shelters and correctional facilities. Some measures to be implemented are; encouraging greater entrepreneurship, the establishment of micro credit schemes and creating access to small business loans. On the issue of enhanc-

ing employment opportunities for women, President Granger said the reality is that many women cannot find satisfactory jobs, but over the next five years, efforts will be made to bring an end to this issue. The government will be working towards setting up employment schemes in every administrative region, which will provide women with an opportunity to seek job opportunities closer to their homes. As it relates to improved access to education for women and young girls, the President said there is still a huge gap to be filled between what is available to females on the coastland and those in the hinterland regions. In the years to come, moves will

be made to create remedial programmes for young girls who have fallen prey to teenage pregnancy and other social ills. Specific emphasis will also be placed on promoting technical studies for young girls and women, in an effort to prepare them for technical jobs. Also on the occasion, Minister of Social Protection Ms. Volda Lawrence expressed her pleasure at being able to host the event, as the aim is to promote behavioural changes, and send a strong signal to all Guyanese that gender equality is important. (August 27, 2015)

House approves measures to facilitate Budget spending - Final act before going into shortened recess

he National Assembly this evening approved the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill No. 8 of 2015 and the confirmation of the Customs Duties (Amendment of First Schedule) Order No. 10 of 2015, to facilitate measures in the recently approved $181.7B National Budget. The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill No. 8 of 2015 seeks to amend section 16 (1) of the Income Tax Act to provide that in ascertaining the chargeable income of a person there shall also be deduct-

ed the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions made by an employee. The amendment increases the nine areas of deductible allowances for Income Tax purposes to ten. Speaking on the Bill before it was passed, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, explained to the House that the Bill seeks to reinstate a benefit that was previously enjoyed but that was inadvertently taken away by the present regressive flat tax system. “Not only is this contribution critical to employ-

ees in the working and nonworking life but, it is also an important source of financing and savings for the Government. This measure continues our quest to provide the good life for all Guyanese by giving back to them, putting more monies in their pockets,” Minister Jordan stated. The Minister explained that this is among the list of pro-poor measures his administration is putting in place to relieve the burden on the ordinary citizens. “Let’s assume that someone is earning $60,000

at the moment, they will be given a free pay of $50,000 per month that leaves chargeable income of $10,000. Now they will be asked to pay 30% (PAYE) of that $10,000 which is $3000 and also asked to pay $3,360 per month as NIS contributions so in essence their take home pay will be $53, 640,” Minister Jordan explained. He went on further to explain, “The same individual earning $60,000 will be given free pay of $50,000, that leaves $10,000 but also the $3,360 paid in NIS

contribution for the month would also be deducted from the $10,000, so that would leave a chargeable income of $6,640 and 30% of that is $1,992, giving this person a take home pay of $54,648.” This means the person has an additional $1,008 per month or $12,096 per year. Minster Jordan advised that this takes effect immediately. The Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will soon issue guidelines for refund of monies paid up to August 2015.

“He will issue also guidelines on how to make the appropriate adjustments so that you start enjoying your benefits and I know that it will come in handy for the Christmas,” the Finance Minister said. Today’s, sitting of the National Assembly was the las before the Assembly goes into recess from September 10 to October 10, 2015. (August 28, 2015)

Tourism Ministry helps fund Rupununi Music and Arts Festival

he Ministry of Tourism remains committed to the development of tourism and continues to support local efforts to aid in this process. The organizers of the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival were presented with a sponsorship cheque of $3M by Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes. The festival, established in 2014, was described as an interesting adventure by the organisers. It provides visitors with

many opportunities to explore Guyana’s interior before and after the festival weekend. From bird watching to fishing, walking to riding, it is an exploration of a beautiful country, an eco-oriented event and the musical experience could start from anywhere! The weekend offers ‘a window’ into the rich variety of the world’s music for everyone. The focus of the festival is; to create a pleasant campsite in a wonderful setting, invite

some great people with their families and friends and provide some music that maybe you’ll never hear on your radio. It is an outdoor, camping music event and will take place at Rock View Lodge, Annai from the 18 to the 20 September 2015. The festival itself takes place over 3 days (Friday to Sunday), but the camping area will be open from Thursday until Monday. (August 24, 2015)

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes presenting the sponsorship cheque to one of the organisers of the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival

2016. 1st Year in Office

$221 B budget for 2015 passed!

he 2015 National Budget was approved at 0316 hours this morning.. The $221 Billion budget is the first for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

Ministers of Government faced threegrueling days of questions with each of those days extending into the wee hours of the morning of the following day. Presented under the theme, “A Fresh Approach to the Good Life in a Green Economy” Budget 2015 sets the platform for the Government’s vision of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in the year 2020. It provides measures to ease the financial burden on citizens while improving their living conditions. Some of these measures are: • An increase of the minimum wage from $39,540 to $50,000. • All public servants above the minimum wage will receive a 5% increase plus $5000 • A 54% increase in the hourly rate paid to schools’ Sweeper/Cleaners. • Old Age Pension increased from $13,125 to $17,000 • A 10% increase in Public Assistance from $5900 to $6500 • An increase in the uniform allowance voucher from $1,500 to $2,000. Also, persons receiving payment for sewing uniforms in remote hinterland locations will receive a 25 % increase on the amount, from $800 to $1,000. • Eligible members of the Joint Services would be exempted from paying excise tax on motor vehicles. • Toshaos in approved Amerindian communities would be exempted from paying excise tax on All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) • Eligible small and medium scale gold miners would be exempted from paying customs duties on fuel, matting, ATVs, jack-hammer drills, flex hoses, expanding metals, pumps, pump housing, impellers, shafts and engines. • Workers will no longer have to pay Income Tax on their NIS contributions. • The following items will not attract VAT - yogurt, cereals, fresh carrots, Milo and Ovaltine, Nestum, mustard and mayonnaise, locally-produced fruit juice, locally-made chowmein, vinegar, locally-made uncooked pasta, ketchup, chicken sausages in packets, locally-produced Chinese sauce, baking powder, liquid detergent, household cleaning agents, rolls of paper towels, household cleaning agent, and computer printers for noncommercial use. • The subvention to Trade Unions was reinstated. • Exemption on custom duties for the following: fishing boats, spare parts, equipment for fishing boats and equipment and supplies for use in the processing plant-for use in the Fish/Seafood and the Aquaculture Industry. • The Berbice Bridge Toll reduced from $2200 to $1900 for mini- buses and cars and a 10% reduction for all other categories of vehicles. • Shrimp to be made eligible for the export allowance granted to non-traditional exports.

• $1.9 billion for housing development • $2.9 billion to improve water delivery countrywide. • $33.8 billion for education. • $23 billion to pay rice farmers. • $21 billion to strengthen and improve national security. • $1.6 billion to upgrade Sherriff Street/ Mandela Avenue in the city. • $1.2 billion to complete the East Bank Demerara Highway. • $300 million for Georgetown restoration. • $544 million to upgrade community roads and bridges countrywide. • $133 million to upgrade the Maternity Unit of the Georgetown Hospital and add 50 more beds. • A $115 million allocation for the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) initiative that would aim at stimulating community growth opportunities at the grassroots level. • A $155 million allocation for the Linden Enterprise Network to re-energise business activity in Linden and its environs. • $1.4 Billion to strengthen sea defences • $1.2 billion to upgrade farm-to-market roads as Laluni, Parika, Onverwagt, Ruby • $5.7 billion to rehabilitate and extend drainage and irrigation infrastructure countrywide. • $544 million to upgrade community roads and bridges countrywide. The reading of Appropriation Bill 2015, No 7 of 2015 was read for a third time as presented by Finance Minister Winston Jordan and successfully passed by the National Assembly. Successfully moving a motion to adjourn the National Assembly to August 28, was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, following the House’s acceptance of the National Budget 2015. The completion of the Budget means that the nation can now move forward according to Prime Minister Nagamootoo. He said that whilst most of the moneys allocated encompassed a significant portion of what has already been spent for this year, government has still managed to implement many of the measures promised during the pre elections campaign. He stated, “look at how happy the pensioners are, many of them never expected to get $17,000 dollars, even the school cleaners are happy now and they thought that no one remembered them, and they protested for years for better pay!” Moving forward, the Prime Minister, who is also the leader of the government’s side in the National Assembly, indicated his desire to work together with the Political Opposition to move Guyana and its people forward. This was despite some of the differences between the two Parliamentary groups, he added, “I would like to have a conversation, in fact a series of conversations with Jagdeo to examine the various ways in which all of us, together can come up with ideas on how to take this country forward …so that we all can have a good life.”

St. Cuthbert’s to be a model indigenous community

lans are on stream by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to make St. Cuthbert’s Mission a model Indigenous community where pilot projects and other initiatives can be implemented before they are done on wider scale. Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock disclosed this idea to the residents, during the opening ceremony of the community’s Heritage Day celebrations, on September 26, 2015. The Minister advised the residents that development of the Indigenous communities in Guyana remains a priority for the Coalition Government, and every step is being taken to ensure that Guyana’s first peoples have equal access to the resources of the State. Minister Allicock urged the residents to continue to work together and unite for the further development of the community, adding that “We would like to work with you to make your lives better.” The Minister added that he is proud of the level of cooperation and respect the people of the community have for the

Village Council, something he attributed to the leadership style of the recently appointed Toshao, Lennox Shuman. “We could have pilot projects here to showcase to others how things could be done. We would like to work with you, we would like to see you achieve economic strength, academic strength, as we have been seeing here today. You can be a good example, let us work together to achieve this,” he stated. Minister Allicock took the opportunity to solicit the assistance of the community in the reconstruction of the recently destroyed Umana Yana. “We would be joining the Wai-Wais, we would like you to join with them in reestablishing this wonderful building that was sadly destroyed and we would like to start this year,” Minister Allicock touted. He committed his Government and his Ministry towards ensuring that the languages and cultural practices of the indigenous peoples be preserved and protected. The Minister also asked the residents to support the leadership to

“ensure that you touch base with all the ministries, our doors at the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs will always be open for new ideas, new action.” Meanwhile, in his address, newly appointed Chairman of the National Toshao Council (NTC) Joel Federicks reminded his Indigenous brothers and sisters that they are the first peoples of Guyana, and that they have a rich cultural legacy, something they should be proud of, as “this is what I want to implore, never be ashamed of who you are.” St. Cuthbert’s Mission this year observed its 30th Heritage celebrations, and like all the other years, hundreds of Guyanese from several regions, government functionaries, Members of the Diplomatic Community, and tourists among others participated. Indigenous Heritage Month, September 2015 was observed under the theme, “Preserving Our Customs and Traditions.” (September 29, 2015)

A group of young Indigenous children at St. Cuthbert’s Mission in their native outfits for Heritage celebrations

2016. 1st Year in Office

Flash back...

Brigadier (Retâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d) David Granger being sworn-in as President of Guyana

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and wife Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo interact with citizens

President David Granger delivers his inauguration address to the thousands of Guyanese

President David Granger interacts with supporters

Part of the mammoth gathering witnessing the inauguration of President David Granger

Guyanese flock Parliament Building to witness the swearing-in of President David Granger

Moses Nagamootoo taking the oath of office as Prime Minister of Guyana

President David Granger and his Cabinet (May 2015)

2016. 1st Year in Office

A fresh look...

Avenue of the Republic

Kingston, looking out to the Atlantic Ocean

Avenue of the Republic with a view of the Supreme Court

Church Street with a wharf in the background

Square of the Revolution ‘spruced up’

A section of the rehabilitated New Garden Street

The rehabilitation of D’urban Park

Bourda Cricket Ground with clean drains

Brickdam with the renovated Independence Arch

Merriman’s Square between Church Street and North Road has been transformed into a play park

2016. 1st Year in Office

Project Restore Guyana taken to Region Two

he National Task Force Commission took its consultations to Region Two, where stakeholders were engaged on the Project Restore Guyana initiative that is intended to “re-brand” Guyana. The session was spearheaded by Chairman of the Task Force, Major General (Ret’d), Joseph Singh. Present also were; Secretariat Coordinator, Dr. Sewnauth Punalall, newly appointed Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region #2, Rupert Hopkinson, Regional Chairman, Davenand Ramdatt and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Joel Fredrick.There were also;Representatives from the Anna Regina Town Council, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs), youth, and women. Project Restoration Guyana, was conceptualized by Cabinet and will be used as an instrument for re-branding Guyana as a place where Guyanese can be inspired to embrace change that sees persons from all sections of society, working towards a wholesome environment and country. It is only by systemic changes in ethics, attitudes, behaviours and having a sense of responsibility that the restore Guyana project be sustainable. The project targets: • Drainage and traffic management • Sustainable urban, rural, and hinterland physical structure renewal. • Re-branding Guyana through the restoration of ethical attitudes, and responsible social behaviour by all citizens. • Solid waste management and derelict vehicle removal. • Welfare management of the homeless. (September 11, 2015)

inister of Foreign Affairs,Carl Greenidge,along with a high powered delegation on September 15-17 attended the 3rd trade policy review, to which all members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) are subjected. The review saw discussions primarily on the treatment of public corporations as it pertains to procurement and subsidies along with the environmental tax.Based on the reports and updates given by Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Min-

A section of the participants at the consultation at the Regional Democratic Council’s Boardroom

Guyana gives good report to WTO review body ister, the body seems satisfied and has asked Guyana to honour its obligations which are mainly the reporting on issues and ensuring that the commitments they’ve made are honoured. Guyana reported that since the new administration took office the legislation regarding the imposition of the Environmental tax was repealed. The WTO also heard that public corporations such as the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) while it receives subventions from the government,

the subventions are made within the context of international trade law, therefore it is not a grant given to the company so that it can produce sugar at a high cost to sell for a much lower cost. In this regard companies will now have to declare the amounts that were transferred to them by the National Assembly. The review body was also informed that Guyana has enacted new pieces of legislation that have incorporated suggestions and comments from the Caribbean Financial Action Task

Force. The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act of 2015, took into account the recommendations of CFATF. “We told them we are aware of Guyana’s sliding position in relation to competitiveness, the World Bank’s global index of competitiveness which ranks Guyana extremely poor. We explained to them that we are doing our best to try and ensure that the points raised in those discussions could be dealt with,” Minister Greenidge explained.

He added that Guyana will notify the WTO of measures that have been taken which have implications for trade, and those measures that perhaps conflict with its obligations temporarily and what Guyana proposes to do about them. Towards this end, an undertaken was given to report by the end of September 2015. Specifically, these are measures that deal with government’s procurement, competition policy and the management of state-owned enterprises, along with its agricultural

diversification strategies for non-traditional sectors. Trade Policy Reviews are an exercise, mandated in the WTO agreement in which member countries’ trade and related policies are examined and evaluated at regular intervals. Significant developments that may have an impact on the global trading system are also monitored. All WTO members are subject to review, with the frequency of review depending on the country’s size. (September 25, 2015)

Agricultural, Industrial Development Bank to be re-established work on deep water harbour and container port starts

he Government continues to place significant emphasis on the development and diversification of the agriculture sector, as it remains one of the main contributors to the country’s Gross Domestic product (GDP). First Vice President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo recently told Berbicians that his Government intends to provide seed capital to investors in the agriculture sector and, more specifically those in Berbice, to further develop the poten-

tial of the region, stating that “to meet the financing needs of the agriculture sector, our Government proposes to establish an agricultural and industrial development bank that will operate in Berbice also.” During his address at the opening of the 11th Berbice Exposition and Trade Fair on September 08, 2015, the Prime Minister informed the gathering that the Government has commenced, with private sector funding, a deep-water harbour and container port in the Berbice River. This, he

explained, will provide enhanced facilities for import of goods and the export of all commodities from Berbice and elsewhere. “While this was an initiative of the former administration, we feel that it was a move in the right direction, since it would facilitate business to North America and Europe, and Berbice would be presented with a platform for greater trade at our eastern border with Suriname, with the completion of a bridge across the Corentyne River,” the First Vice President stated.

Prime Minster Nagamootoo believes that Berbice has great potential in the area of agri-processing and aqua culture and that these must be hyped up. “We need more value added enterprises in Berbice, take agri progressing for example, Berbice is a tropical paradise, we have an abundance of fruits of all types, why then do we import the products that can be produced right here in Berbice, our food basin.” It is his belief that with the introduction of the agricultural financial bank

A section of the gathering at the opening of the 11th Berbice Expo mechanism, these areas of diversification will be further developed as it is anticipated that the requi-

site financing will be provided to potential investors. (September 28, 2015)

2016. 1st Year in Office

15 lots of sea defence works to commence in October

he crucial importance of sea defence in Guyana can never be emphasized enough taking into consideration that the bulk of its population reside along its coast, where most of the economic and commercial activities take place. The current administration, recognising such importance allocated

$1.4B in the 2015 National Budget to be expended on sea defence. From this allocation, sea defence structures in Regions 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 will be improved. Kevin Samad, Chief Sea and River Defence Officer said that the Ministry is currently in the process of finalising evaluations for works to be completed on 15

lots of Sea and River Defence countrywide. The administration has committed itself to investing heavily in the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of critical sections of the country’s sea and river defence infrastructure over the next five years, utilising sustainable and cost-effective designs and solutions.

In addition to the investments, government plans to develop new and integrated coastal zone policies and strategies to ensure an integrated approach to delivering sustainable sea and river defence management. It will also taking into account the need to mitigate the effects of climate change. (September 29, 2015)

One of the many rip-rap sea defences that line Guyana’s coast

Skeldon & New Amsterdam Hospitals receive new ambulances

he Ministry of Public Health handed over two fully equipped ambulances to the Berbice Regional Health Services (BRHS). These vehicles were then presented to the Skeldon and New Amsterdam Hospitals. The ambulances have modern equipment, including monitors, stretchers, beds, and oxygen lines among other necessary amenities. The vehicles were handed over by Minister of

The two new ambulances that were given to the Skeldon and the New Amsterdam hospitals

ing over ceremony, Minister Norton pointed out that the vehicles were procured through collaboration with the Turkish Government, to whom he expressed great appreciation for the much-needed input. Further, the Minister stated that this is a fulfillment of one of the promises made to the people of Region Six with regards improving the quality of health services offered to them. He emphasised too the importance of ambulances,

detailing that the Ministry has this aspect of health care as very important, and hence it’s under taking. The Minister highlighted that while the ambulances are important, training for medical personel is equally vital, and therefore they go hand in hand. To this end, Minister Norton noted that Government has begun training for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). (October 12, 2015)

Mining Commission, GEA sign new agreement with Miners’ Association to effect tax wavier

he Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) this morning signed an agreement with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), to make effective the granting of tax exemptions, to medium and

Public Health Dr. George Norton, and they will add to the two facilities’ transport capacity. The two institutions were chosen because they are the ones that need this kind of boost now. In addition, both Skeldon and new Amsterdam function as the two ‘receiving hospitals’ meaning that they do not only attend to persons in their catchment areas, but also those referred to them, from other villages, including Orealla and Siparuta. Speaking at the hand-

small-scale miners, as provided for in Budget 2015. The parties involved in the signing comprised Minister of Finance Dr. Winston Jordan, GGMC Commissioner Rickford Bourne, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) GEA Dr. Mahender Sharma, and President GGDMA Terrence Ad-

ams. The event took place in the boardroom of the Ministry of Finance, and the stage is now fully set for benefits to be enjoyed by eligible gold miners. The agreement provides for eligible gold miners to be exempted from the payment of custom duties on fuel, matting, All Ter-

rain Vehicles (ATVs), jackhammer drills, flex hoses, expanding metals, pumps, pump housing, impellers and shaft and engines. The tax exemption to small and medium scale miners was part of the A Partnership for National Unity Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Govern-

ment’s promise, in its 100 day Action Plan. To this end, Minister Jordan deemed the signing a “small and positive step” because it gives effect to a promise made by the Government. He said too that the signing was a representation that the Government will listen to, and “where appropriate

seek to give assistance to sectors that are in difficulty, as it relates domestic and international conditions.” Meanwhile, on behalf of all miners, Adams thanked the Government, for keeping its promise and delivering the agreement to the association. (October 2, 2015)

Liliendaal Community Development group gets $1M from PM

he Liliendaal Community Development Group was this afternoon presented with a $1million cheque by Prime Minister and First Vice President Moses Nagamootoo, to enhance the community’s development initiatives. The handing over took place at the community’s playground, Liliendaal Greater Georgetown, where the group members organised an afternoon of fun and games for the children of the area. The activity also saw the chil-

dren receiving gifts, enjoying pony rides, jumping on the trampoline and having their faces painted. In his remarks during the presentation of the cheque to founder of the group Beryl Haynes, the Prime Minister explained that this is the first time that an activity was held on the playground and, “in a sense we can say that some monies have been given to fence and secure the ground.” The Prime Minister committed to working with the community group to further develop the ground

into a community meeting place, one where the youths can undertake meaningful recreational activities. “We want to ensure that the young people are not involved in drugs, crime and all other non-productive activities and for them to move away from all the bad things that are happening,” he told the gathering. The community has an active football group. He urged the group’s members to continue to pursue developmental initiatives for Liliendaal’s further advancement.

Meanwhile expressing gratitude on behalf of the group and the residents of Liliendaal, Haynes said, “we accept this token because I know there is more to come. We appreciate it and we are grateful for it and it’s the first time that someone has reached out to us.” The group was first established in 1989 but became dormant, and according Haynes, it was resuscitated almost four years ago. The overall objectives of the group are to enhance the community of Liliendaal, empower the youths and

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and wife Sita Nagamootoo hand over the cheque to Founder of the group, Beryl Haynes in the presence of the community members to plan and organise activities to the benefit of the residents of the commu-

nity. Currently the group has 24 active members. (December 18, 2015)

2016. 1st Year in Office

Put differences aside for Guyana’s development - Minister Ally tells Region Nine residents

inister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally on Saturday, took the message of social cohesion to Region Nine (Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo) telling those present that the time has come for all Guyanese to work to achieve national unity and togetherness. Even as she shared the message of social cohesion, Minister Ally hinted at several projects, which will be undertaken and supported by her ministry in the coming months, to improve the economic and social landscape of the region. This government is interested in national unity, in working together for the development of you, your community and your country. I have great inter-

est in this region. I want to begin my projects in Region Nine. Not because you live in the Rupununi means you must enjoy the things the persons in the coastland enjoy,” the Minister of Social Cohesion said. To this end, she disclosed that one of the projects, scheduled to begin in early November, would be implemented in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), which will work with the farmers, producers and manufacturers in the Region 9 area to develop their products, marketing strategies, and proper labelling methods. Addressing a large gathering at Lethem, Minister Ally noted that the purpose of the activity was

to involve citizens at the community level in a national conversation on the promotion of togetherness and national unity. This, she explained, was one of the primary mandates of her Ministerial post. As she outlined her plan for the achievement of cohesiveness in the country, she reiterated that the work must not be left solely on Government, but citizens have a responsibility to support the fulfillment of the mandate set out. Minister Ally said that social cohesion is desperately needed for the region and the country to develop and reach its potential. To this end, Minister Ally said that the new administration’s priority and thrust at this time, was to

ensure that the lives of all Guyanese, especially those in the hinterland areas, are vastly improved. “It is about you; about your family, your community. You must feel as if you are included. It is not we or them; it is about us as a people. Let us begin to see the development of Guyana as our development. This is what social cohesion is based on and on behalf of the government we want to make this a reality for Guyana,” she said. The Minister of Social cohesion highlighted President David Granger’s ten-point plan for the Hinterland Regions, which her Ministry will assist in executing. These will include introducing a Hinterland Education Support

Region Nine residents at the meeting with Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally Programme, the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service, the development of the highway between Lethem and Linden and also the development of better roads and ports, the resolution of land title is-

sues through the Hinterland and Indigenous Peoples Lands Commission and the Hinterland Language, Cultural and Sport Service. (October 12, 2015)

Third low income settlement project to target hinterland housing needs

he Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (GOG/ IDB) are set to implement a third phase of the Low Income Settlement (LIS) Programme, following the success of the second phase, which ended in June 2015. IDB Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen has disclosed that the bank is currently finalising a project concept for the third programme that will be concentrated solely on the hinterland.

Addressing the closeout ceremony for the LIS-2 programme, Makonnen explained that approximately US$3M will be made available by the IDB for the implementation of this third phase. She said this new programme will be guided by lessons learnt from the implementation of the SLI-2. Makonnen extolled the success of the SLI-2, for which US$27.9M was spent by the bank, bringing benefit to about 19,000 households over its seven years

of execution, with a focus on low-income households. The project’s components were: (i) developing new sites with services, consolidating existing housing schemes, and upgrading squatter areas (US$24.8M); (ii) implementing pilots to attend issues of affordability and sustainability (US$1.8M); and (iii) strengthening the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) (US$0.7M). Among its many suc-

cesses were the completion of the access road in Section ‘D’ Sophia, upgrade of the electrical distribution network in RechtDoor-Zee and Amelia’s Ward, and the construction of 400 core houses. During the engagement, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan reaffirmed the new administration’s commitment to hinterland development and to the provision of affordable housing for Guyana’s first people. “We recognise that Guyana’s first

peoples, our indigenous brothers and sisters, have been neglected for far too long. The administration is committed to improving the standards of living of citizens who live and work in our large and diverse hinterland,” he said. The administration is determined to ensure that the vast wealth of the hinterland is finally used to develop and benefit those who make Guyana’s hinterland, their home. Under the SLI-2, Hinterland Housing compo-

nent, which is to be replaced in the third phase, 208 subsides were disbursed for construction of homes and repair of roofs in Regions 1 and 9, 122 houses were constructed and 86 roofs repaired. The communities that benefitted include Oronoque, Manawarin and Whitewater in Region 1 and Katoka, Kwatamanag, Apoteri, Annai and Massara in Region 9. (November 6, 2015)

Radio Paiwomak’s broadcasts to increase - PM’s office facilitates complete solar system

he Office of the Prime Minister has facilitated the provision of a complete solar system for Radio Paiwomak. This is Guyana’s only Indigenous Community Radio Station based at the Bina Hill Institute, Region Nine. The station is currently operating on minimal broadcast timing as there is inadequate power supply. Radio Paiwom-

ak broadcasts in original indigenous languages with a range of 65 miles. The system which includes nine solar panels, one inverter charger and four, 12-volt deep cycle batteries was procured at a cost of $780,000 and will significantly increase the broadcast period of the station. Coordinator of Radio Paiwomak 97.1 Bina FM, Vigil Harding said

solar system used by the station only allowed for 2 ½ hours broadcast. This is as a result of the nonfunctioning of the 20 KVA Grid on site at Bina Hill. Harding, who is happy that the request was facilitated, noted that the equipment will significantly aid the programme schedule for broadcasting as this will strengthen the current system.

There is currently a wind generation plant onsite at Bina Hill that has become inoperable due to several reasons. Plans are on stream to have this fixed to lend support to the current system. The name Paiwomak was derived from the names of the three communities it was set up to serve — the Pakaraimas, Iwokrama and Makrapan.

It was mandated to provide the local communities access to national news and current affairs, school broadcasts and other educational and/or training programmes, programmes on the environment and sustainable development, including public information programmes prepared by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and other

relevant agencies and organizations among others. Radio Paiwomak 97.1 FM is managed and run by the National Communications Network (NCN) in collaboration with the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB). The radio operates under licence held by NCN. (November 27, 2015)

2016. 1st Year in Office

Rural residents to benefit from US$2.4M CDF loan

ver 35,000 residents in rural Guyana are expected to benefit from a US$2.4M loan agreement signed between the Government of Guyana and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF). This allocation supplements US$9.1M that Guyana received in July 2013. Delivering brief remarks to the media prior to the signing, Minster Jordan explained that the funds will be utilised for upgrading roads and agricultural lands in certain key areas namely, Onverwagt, Region Five, Parika,

metres (km) of asphaltic concrete roads will be constructed, while 13km of allweather roads will be upgraded and two reinforced concrete bridges built. These upgrades will help relieve many of the problems hindering access to the backlands which are often impassible as a result of damage caused by adverse weather and heavy- duty machinery. The loan will also rehabilitate bridges that have been compromised. All the roads are expected to be completed by August 2016. An estimated 9,500

farming households will directly benefit from access to prime agricultural backlands in all seasons as government aims to help farmers in these areas increase production, income and export in cash crops. This in turn will contribute to price stability for green vegetables mainly on the domestic market. The CARICOM Development Fund provides technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to enhance their prospects for success-

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and CEO, CARICOM Development Fund, Rodinald Soomer sign loan agreement ful competition, and to re- CARICOM Single Market dress any negative impact and Economy (CSME). of the establishment of the (November 11, 2015)

GuySuCo ends 2015 with over 231,000 tonnes of sugar

he second sugar crop for 2015 officially ended with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) achieving 231,145 tonnes of sugar, 3,702 tonnes more than its target of 227, 443 tonnes. The second crop realised 150,007 tonnes surpassing the set target of 146,300 tonnes, breaking an 11-year period of a second crop not fulfilling its target. Chief Executive Officer of the corporation, Errol Hanoman told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that such achievement came about because the management team was very motivated and workers gave of their best. Most importantly, the corporation was allowed to do the job without interference “We have been allowed to manage. The management team focused solely on getting the tasks done, there were no distractions,” Hanoman reiterated.

and Ruby, Region Three and Laluni, Region Four. Jordan said that even as it brings new lands under cultivation, this would mean “new activities, in those areas and obviously rapid growth in agricultural output and production and incomes to households.” The agreement has been deemed by the Minister as particularly important for rural communities where activities are sparse as this will help to alleviate problems hindering access in the backlands. Under the agreement, approximately 12 kilo-

The Coalition Government, cognisant of sugar’s importance to Guyana and the livelihood of the industry’s 17,000 workforce, appointed a new Board of Directors to manage the ailing company, and instituted a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to look into the company’s operations. The last time the industry achieved its production target was in 2004 when it produced 325,317 tonnes of sugar. This is despite the company over the years, consistently lowering its set targets. Next year’s target has been set at 242,287 tonnes, a five percent increase over the 2015 target. Debt Hanoman told GINA that the company’s debt is still huge, standing at $78.6Billion, down from the $82Billion it had racked up by July of 2015.

Going forward But while it has achieved increased production, the company has to address its huge debt, and high production cost. Production is only one element to returning the corporation to viability. Reminding of the two strikes called by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), which affected the corporation attaining its sugar target earlier, he said, “We are looking forward to a healthy, constructive relation with all the unions. All of us are working toward the same goal of ensuring viability of the company and security of employment for the workforce.” Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Wednesday, speaking on the issue of viability, said that some estates may have to merge. Wales and Uitvlugt, the West Demerara Estates are two targeted for merging.

Cabinet on November 28, held a retreat, where members were briefed on the state of affairs at GuySuco, based on a detailed report from the COI.Harmon stated that it was agreed at Cabinet that “because the industry is vital to many people whose livelihoods depend on GuySuco and also because GuySuCo is important to Guyana’s overall economy, that there is a need for much wider consultations, with all stakeholders and (the) general public, regarding the future direction of GuySuco.” Over the years, the previous government injected billions of tax-payers’ dollars into the sugar sector yet it remained in a dire state. The industry’s output over the last two years did not meet expectations. The 2013 production was a meagre 186,770 tonnes, and only a modest target of 215,910 tonnes

Cane punts on their way to a factory was set for 2014. This is despite the industry receiving huge sums as bailouts. The removal of preferential prices which African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries like Guyana enjoyed from the EU worsened the corporation’s problems. Removal of the preferential market, therefore has forced GuySuCo to be more efficient, to remain competitive. Production costs and wages Apart from the rising production cost that

GuySuCo has to battle, the issue of wages and salaries impact greatly on the corporation’s operating costs. Wages and salaries have accounted for about 65 percent of GuySuCo’s operating cost. The sugar industry’s recovery will not be without many challenges and setbacks however, the coalition government is adamant that it will do all that it can to return the industry to a viable state. It has said that sugar ‘is too big to fail’. (December 24, 2015)

Pensioners can now uplift money in comfort

enior citizens on the West Coast Demerara are receiving their pensions in comfort, as Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure; Annette Ferguson commissioned the newly rehabilitated Meten-Meer-Zorg and Fellowship Post Offices. These rehabilitation works were done in collaboration with Commander of ‘D’ Division, and members of the religious and business communities, following a visit by Minister Lawrence. At that time the Minister was made aware of the level of accommodation that was available for pensioners. The post offices are outfitted with seating accommodation and sheds. According to Minister Lawrence, when one goes

around the country, there are always complaints of pensioners falling down and becoming ill while standing in long lines at the post offices. “… the country’s pensioners are precious elements of society and that as they grow; they should be treated with dignity and respect,” she noted. She also expressed gratitude to the Post Office Corporation for embracing the initiative and the Ministry of Infrastructure which has responsibility for post offices. Meanwhile, Minister Ferguson said she is aware of the financial constraints that the post offices face. However, notwithstanding the challenges, those on the West Coast were able to collaborate with stakeholders to better the services offered at the facilities. (November 3, 2015)

The rehabilitated Fellowship Post Office

2016. 1st Year in Office

Special welfare committee set up to target homeless

inister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence has revealed that her Ministry will be working side by side with a welfare committee that was established to target the homeless. This will ensure that persons are evaluated, and where possible,

reintegrated into society. Through the National Task Force Commission, which is responsible for Project Restoration Guyana, the welfare committee, chaired by Major General (Ret’d), Joseph Singh was established. The committee comprises persons from the

Ministries of Social Protection, Public Health, Public Security, Agriculture and the Mayor and City Council. Its objective is to deal with the welfare management for the homeless, mentally challenged and the addicted. As it relates to beggars on the streets, Minister

Lawrence revealed that a bit more will have to be done to target this group. She said that it is not just teaching them a skill, or providing the assistance, but also to deal with the mental aspect. There number of children begging on the streets is also increasing. Minister Lawrence noted that

“children are to be taken care of, they are to be nurtured, and they ought not to be out there working because that is child labour”. She said that a programme has to be instituted to educate persons who use begging as an economic means. Taking the home-

less and beggars off the street is one aspect of the multi-pronged approach the government has employed to restore Guyana. (November 11, 2015)

506 more teachers trained, urged to be agents of change

he Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) has added its latest batch of trained teachers into the education system. Five hundred and six (506) teachers graduated at the college’s 81st graduation ceremony at the National Cultural Centre under the theme “Quality Instructional Leaders: Empowering 21st Century Learners.” Four hundred and forty-four (444) teacherswere bestowed with an Associate Degree, with 83 endorsed in early childhood, 159 in primary education, 132 in secondary academic, 56 in secondary pre-school vocational and 14 in technical instruction. The remaining 62 teachers received a Trained Teachers’ Certificate. Of this number, 21 were trained in early childhood education, 37 in primary education and 4 in secondary academic. Delivering the feature

address, Registrar of the University of Guyana, Dr. Nigel Gravesande said that the graduation should be more than just the conferral of certificates and degrees to the graduates. Gravesande said that the day should also be a reminder, of the inter-connective relationship involving CPCE, the student teachers and the Ministry of Education. He pointed out that it is through the support of the Government of Guyana that all the stakeholders are able to execute the day’s ceremonial rite of passage. “Through the support, our students have completed practice teaching in schools, across the country, across the regions and the small communities.” Dr Gravesande referred to a recent ELAC study which estimates that the cost to train one single teacher throughout a programme leading to a certificate and/or an associate degree in the region is

A section of the 2015 graduating batch of teachers US$8,000. “If I was to do my mathematics, the cost of your training at minimum would have cost the taxpayers of this country in excess of $590 million. You have to give back something,” Gravesande said. It is also in this context that he urged the graduating batch to become agents of change in times of “economic, social, cultural and even spiritual turbulence. We all have the potential to act as a catalyst for growth, development and what is right,” he noted. “Celebrate this potential

with us today,” he said, as he urged them forward. CPCE’s principal, Viola Rowe during her delivery of the college’s report noted an increase in the number of males graduating. Of the total number of students that graduated,88 percent are females and 12 percent males. This represents a 9 percent increase in the number of males graduating in 2015 as against 2014, Rowe said. During the period, September 2014 to August 2015, the college offered the one-year Associ-

ate Degree in Education (ADE) programme, the two-year ADE programme, the Trained Teacher’s Certificate (TTC) programme and the Teacher Upgrading Programme (TUP.) Rowe explained that of the 14 students, who accessed the new ADE oneyear programme, one was awarded distinction and 13, credit. She said that on the ADE two-year programme, 9 students were awarded, distinction, 418 received credit and there were 3 passes. Fourteen (14) students were awarded credit while there were 16 passes in the TTC programme. Addressing specifically the role of the college in contributing to the local education system, Rowe said that the college continues to prepare students to respond to the changing need of learners and the education system. She said that whilst the institution is satisfied with its efforts in helping the student teach-

ers to further develop their cognitive abilities, “we would like to register the need for us to have a deliberate focus on the affective domain of learning.” She urged the graduands to strive to give their students even more than they would have received from their lecturers at the college. This year CPCEs best overall graduand was Tameshwor Mohabir from the two - year ADE programme. Other outstanding performers include Devon Thomas from the one -year ADE programme, Narendra Lall, Delicia Vancooten, Nikita Natasha LaRose, Nick Edwards, Kamini Debi Singh, Alyne AnnDownes, Dianne Persaud, Sherry Ann Austin and Anthony Chatterpaul from the two- year ADE programme and Lynnette Fiedtkou, and Donna Ambrose from the Trained Teacher’s Certificate Programme. (December 17, 2015)

Public Security Ministry launches US$15M crime fighting project

he US$15M Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP), a project that will target the reduction of crimes and violence in Guyana was launched by the Ministry of Public Security in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) . This project aims at bringing crime and violence to a minimum, and will be executed under the theme “Building Capacities, Strengthening Security”. Minister of Public

Security, Khemraj Ramjattan at the launch at the Marriott Hotel, expressed his gratitude towards the IDB for its commitment towards aiding Guyana’s crime prevention efforts. He noted that the CSSP has come at an “opportune moment” that will certainly help bring a reduction to crime in Guyana. With crime on the rise over the last decade, Minister Ramjattan recognises that it has become a major concern for everyone. He noted that there is

a need for citizens to play their role in government’s crime fighting efforts. “While it is obligatory for government to address problems related to public security, in an effort to safeguard their rights and wellbeing of their citizens, the emerging trend in successful crime prevention show that government-citizen partnerships are most effective in tackling crime and violence,” explained Minister Ramjattan. One of the causes for the rapid rise in crimes

over the years is linked to the fact that there is “low level of trust in law enforcement agencies,” Minister Ramjattan pointed out. However, he noted that it is improving. He stated that gov’t will continue to work with NonGovernmental Organisations, community groups, international organisations and government ministries to help supplement the IDB-funded programme. IDB Representative, Ms. Sophie Makonnen noted that the bank re-

mains committed to providing financial and technical assistance to Guyana in the battle against crime. Specific objectives of the programme are: to improve behaviours for non-violent conflict resolution in target communities, increase the Guyana Police Force’s effectiveness in crime prevention and crime investigation nationally, and improve the Guyana Prison Service’s effectiveness in reducing offenders’ recidivism at the national level.

(January 25, 2016)

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

2016. 1st Year in Office

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs focusing on thriving economic communities, aggressive tourism promotion

he first six months in office has seen the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs conducting situational analyses, with the aim of understanding the needs of Amerindian communities. These evaluations involved teams visiting Indigenous communities and listening to the residents’ concerns. According to Sydney Allicock Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, the overall objective was to develop thriving economic units within hinterland communities. He said that the first step was to visit the communities, and establish what their individual needs were, and then develop programmes and policies to meet those needs. One of the most critical areas for residents is ‘land rights.’ “Communities want their land titled and demarcated, because without land we can’t talk about development for the Indigenous peoples,” Allicock explained. Community empowerment It was observed that many of these communities were ‘rundown’ due

to the lack of transparency and accountability by village leaders. The Ministry immediately sought to provide support, by training the village leaders. Additionally, Government delivered on its promise to de-politicise the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC). The council is in the process of establishing its secretariat. Minister Allicock noted that is one way of ensuring the council takes responsibility of guaranteeing that the people get the support needed. Voices heard The first ever Indigenous Peoples Rights and Resources Conference saw over 112 Indigenous leaders participating. This conference allowed for Amerindian leaders to highlight issues affecting their respective communities, and at the same time, make recommendations. Revising the Amerindian Act The Ministry is in the process of holding discussions with the relevant stakeholders regarding the revision of the 2006 Amerindian Act. We

need to get feedback from all of the various players before we decide on how we move forward.” Economic projects Minister Allicock noted that projects such as the Community Development Plans (CDP), under the Amerindian Development Fund, continue to be rolled out in communities. One hundred and sixty (160) hinterland communities will benefit from this project eventually. Minister Allicock noted that communities are embarking on projects such as village shops and offices, agro-processing, tourism, poultry rearing, logging, fuel stations and farming. Tourism is another aspect that is being promoted, as the Ministry is strongly pushing “nature based tourism.” The Ministry will also be placing emphasis on culture, agro and other hardcore tourism products including hiking, biking and boating. “The type of tourism we are looking at is not necessarily hotels and lodges. What we are looking for are activities, when you go into the hinterland, persons want to

know about the history of that area and so on. This will also help the Indigenous communities to have a better understanding and value their history,” Minister Allicock further noted. Women Meanwhile, Minister with in the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, who is responsible for women and children, said that Government fully understands the role of women in the family, and as such, the Ministry has created a programme which has seen women benefitting from funds to create income-generating projects. Garrido-Lowe revealed that over the last six months, 15 women’s group received funding to assist with their projects. Agro-processing, tourism, catering, craft and jewellery-making. Youth development The Ministry in 2015 began rolling out the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme. This will see youths receiving a certificate after completing a oneyear training course in

Minister in the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido Lowe sepaking to a Kato resident about eco tourism ventures specific skilled areas. The HEYS programme will involve initial training at institutions such as the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College and other institutes of higher learning. Minister GarridoLowe revealed that during the period June-December, the Ministry secured scholarship for students at various secondary schools, the Government Technical Institute (GTI), Carnegie School of Economics, Burrowes School of Arts, Guyana School of Agriculture, Bina Hill Institute and the

Kuru Kuru Training College (KKTC). Additionally, for the first time in years, the Bina Hill Institute has doubled its intake from 30 students to 67 from various hinterland regions. Sports The Ministry has been working to ensure Indigenous youths’ involvement in sports at the national and international levels. In this quest, a number of outreaches were conducted, especially in the area of football. (December 22, 2015)

Agri Ministry, FAO training programme targets youth

oung people with an interest in the agriculture sector will now benefit from support from the government, along with international partners as greater emphasis is being placed on the participation of youths in agricultural development. In this regard, the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment launched a project titled “Strengthening Decent Rural Employment Opportunities for Young Women and Men in the Caribbean”. The regional project is aimed at creating greater involvement and capacity building for youths in

the sector. The launching ceremony was followed by a working session with stakeholders to develop a National Action Plan for Guyana which is expected to be implemented as a part of the project. Speaking at the ceremony at the Agriculture Ministry, Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry, George Jervis pointed out that United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council will soon be hosting a forum in New York under the theme ”Implementing post- 2015 development agenda, moving from commitments to results”. Guyana will be addressing the topic of youth employment and entrepreneurship at that forum. He added that this forum is in line with the

launch of the local initiative since they both seek to address youth employment and entrepreneurship in agriculture. He explained that a small section of youths was mobilised to engage in discussions to foster knowledge building and to better inform the National Action Plan for this project. Further, PS Jervis pointed out that the government is committed to sustaining food security while simultaneously tackling youth unemployment. The Ministry of Agriculture will support the achievement of the project’s goal as it undertakes youth development and employment, he added. In addition, he urged that agriculture must be viewed as a profitable business and not only be

done for subsistence. It’s one of many similar projects that government is planning for the development of youths, he stated. Meanwhile FAO’s Country Representative, Reuben Robertson highlighted that young people have a significant role to play in achieving food security around the world. He pointed out that agriculture is declining in almost every country in the South American Region which has been borne out through studies and reports carried out by the UN. There is a rural-urban shift, and young people are moving away from agriculture which has contributed to the increasing incidence of poverty in the Region, he stated. The Country Representative pointed out that

George Jervis Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture the government, along with international bodies has a critical role to play in curbing this issue. The beneficiaries of this programme will be trained within the enterprises identified and in areas of their choice. In addition, they will be able to build capacity in management, as well as be engaged in enterprise developments, as groups or individuals.

Persons are using more imported food which has led to increasing incidences of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) with the Caribbean food import bill being approximately $4.5B. The average age of farmers is 60 years and studies show most families have now educated their children outside of agriculture. (January 27, 2016)

2016. 1st Year in Office

Restructuring the local education system… laying the foundation

new mandate has been set for the education system. It is one that spells out a sweeping shift from the churning out of top performers to producing wellrounded Guyanese, capable of moving the country forward. This new mandate was set out six months ago, and since then it has been a period of reviewing and analysing, to identify the gaps and the changes needed to bring about this new ‘effective’ system.

A failing system “It is not working when you are losing hundreds of people who are not completing school. It is not working if people coming out of school are not able to read and write completely. It is not working if the standard of the university is constantly falling. These are things that we need to address, and we have to begin to do a thorough analysis to get an understanding of what has gone wrong in the education system and we have to begin at the beginning,” said the newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. Just days after assuming office, he signaled his intention to completely overhaul the education system.

Very early, he said that absolutely everything will be looked at-from the curriculum to the textbooks that are being used in the classroom. He noted that the revision must be at the earliest level of education in Guyana because “the mistakes that we make (with the children) when they are very small and very young are the mistakes that we come to regret when they are very much older.”

Major overhaul Overhauling, the old system of delivery in line with the new mandate, however, was very early on recognised as a lengthy process, if one were to ensure that at every level of the system, the students will receive quality education. This, therefore, means intense scrutiny of the curriculum, the textbooks, and the teaching process to ensure that what was being taught and its methodology were correct. In the very early days, this translated to looking at the establishment of the various Departments, meeting with the different Heads, interviewing persons and trying to get practitioners who are experienced in all these areas of operations to make their contributions towards the process.

Later, countrywide audits of each and every school across the country were initiated and a Commission of Inquiry set up. The audits have been completed and a report compiled. At the time of writing the inquiring was ongoing.

Stakeholder collaboration In moving this process forward, stakeholders’ support was not taken for granted. To this end, key consultations were held and continue to be facilitated with the sector’s stakeholders. “If you do not do it this way, then the implementation becomes a real problem. There is no point making laws that do not have the full benefit of the widest consultation among the people who will be affected by it,” the Education Minister explained about the process. One key stakeholder for the Ministry in educating the nation’s youth has always been the parents. This explains why focus was placed on re-establishing communication among the parents, teachers and administrators in the education system. In this regard, within the past six-month period, all the Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) were re-acti-

vated across the country. Restructuring National Assessments Meanwhile, in line with moving the students beyond a ‘regurgitation education’ to producing better thinkers, the Ministry, with immediate effect, discontinued the weighting previously attributed to the Grades Two and Four Assessments. The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) 2016 will not include marks obtained from the recent Grades Two and Four assessments. The assessments will be used strictly for diagnostic purposes, as was initially intended. Producing 21st century citizens Working with Digicel, the Ministry has created, at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School, the first smart classroom in Guyana. Additionally, a contribution of some 59 television sets from the Guyana Revenue Authority will allow students from across the country, to access ‘new age’ learning programmes, emanating from the Guyana Learning Channel, right from their classrooms. Meanwhile, teachers have also been included in the quest to adopt technology in the schools. The conversion of the One Lap-

At Education Month launch, Minister Rupert Roopnaraine plugs bigger role for PTAs, fathers top Per Child into the One Laptop Per Teacher programme will now allow all teachers to have a personal computer from which they are expected to improve on the delivery of lessons. Merging of Education and Culture, Youth and Sport The new administration’s vision is to bring the former Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, under the umbrella of the Education Ministry, since restructuring of the education system encompasses a holistic development of both aspects. With regards to Culture, Youth and Sport, in addition to identifying the gaps and the corresponding changes needed, emphasis has been placed on reworking old policies that guide the development and implementation of these areas. Specific work was done on incorporating new

areas of focus within these policies, such as strategies that guide their integration into the education system. New policies To this end, in the area of youth, a new national five- year plan was completed, that is awaiting the finalisation of an implementation strategy whose execution will ensure that all sectors are involved in the activities outlined in the national plan, and that the objectives arrived at are beneficial to all. In addition to the national plans, initiatives, taken within the past six months to directly impact youth, particularly in the area of education, training and capacity building, include expanding the intake into institutions such as the Kuru Kuru Training Centre. (December 18, 2015)

Old age pension increased to $18,200, other benefits for senior citizens

ver 50,000 pensioners will benefit from an Old Age Pension increase that will take their amount to $18,200, as against the $17,000 they were receiving. This was announced by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan during his presentation of the 2016 National Budget.

In the short space of eight months, the Coalition Government has been able to increase old age pension by 38.7 percent, the largest increase in recent memory, and a testimony of Government’s commitment to govern in the interest of all Guyanese. According to Minister Jor-

dan, this increase will be extended to ex-employees of Guyana Telecommunications Corporation. These pensioners have waged a prolonged struggle to get their correct pension, but were denied by the PPP/C regime. The increases will be effective from April 1, 2016.

All Guyanese citizens 65 years and older will no longer be required to pay for a driver’s licence, and will be exempt from paying travel tax when travelling overseas on a Guyanese passport. However, they will still be required to pay the Airport Security Tax.

Additionally, public assistance will increase from $6,500 to $7,300. Over 9,600 persons will benefit from an almost 24 percent increase since this Coalition Government took office. (January 29, 2016)

CDC’s national response mechanism activated - in response to El Niño

he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) which is Guyana’s premier agency for Disaster Response and Preparedness has activated the National Response Mechanism to address the shortage of water in affected Regions. Minister of Natural

Resources and the Environment Raphael Trotman at a post-Cabinet media briefing spoke of this development and reminded that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has also issued an advisory for citizens to conserve water especially in the city.

“The water level of the conservancy has dropped considerably…CDC will brief the entire Cabinet on Friday at 2pm at their Thomas Lands Office,” Minister Trotman said. El Niño as a term now equates to a period of record drought that has

been found responsible for as much as 90 per cent of the deficiency in rainfall in September and October, and for the complete failure of a rainy season in midNovember to mid-January. The weather pattern continues to affect all coastland farmers, as their crops

are in dire need of water. Rice farmers and the rice industry are especially hard hit by the situation since the lack of water has made it difficult for them to plant the current crop. Farmers in Region Nine also find themselves in a grave situation due to the shortage of

water. The CDC has provided a number of water tanks and pumps. Water is being pumped from the nearest river and trucked to the needed locations. (February 3, 2016)

2016. 1st Year in Office

Budget 2016 measures

inister of Finance, Winston Jordan on January 29 presented a $230 Billion budget to the National Assembly, under the theme “Stimulating Growth, Restoring Confidence: The Good Life Beckons.” The 2016 budget proposed many measures that are aimed at entrenching in law, concessions which are either discretionary or granted arbitrarily. Most of these are designed to support the Government’s thrust of stimulating the economy while rekindling hope and confidence, he stated. Pension increase Effective from April 1, 2016, almost 50,000 pensioners will benefit from an increase in their pensions. They will from that date receive $18,200 monthly. In the short space of eight months, the Coalition Government has been able to increase old age pension by 38.7 percent. This increase is extended to ex-employees of the Guyana Telecommunications Corporation. Effective April 1, 2016 as well, all Guyanese citizens 65 years and older will no longer be required to pay for a driver’s licence, and will be exempt from travel tax when travelling overseas on a Guyanese passport. Public assistance increase Effective April 1, 2016, Public Assistance will increase from $6,500 to $7,300. Over 9,600 persons will benefit from an almost 24 percent increase since this Government took office. ‘Greening’ the economy The 2016 Budget proposed the removal of excise tax on motor vehicles under four years old under 1500cc. With this removal, the effective tax rate will be reduced to 68.2%. The restriction of the importation of used and re-conditioned vehicles to under eight years old from the date of manufacture to the date of importation was proposed. This restriction shall be enforced from May 1, 2016. The budget also proposed the Government’s intent to ban the importation of used tyres and to reduce taxes on new tyres. A ban on styrofoam used in the packaging of beverage, food and food products, except styrofoam containers of a type used for packaging frozen fish and seafood will be effected. There will be an amendment to the Customs Act to exempt all bio-degradable containers used in the packaging of food and beverages. Excise tax on alcoholic beverages The Finance Minister also proposed an amendment on the Excise Tax Act No. 11 of 2005 to provide for a new basis for the imposition of excise tax on alcohol for consumption. The intent is to introduce a graduated, specific rate system for the collection of excise tax on alcohol based on the alcoholic strength. Removal of arbitrary, discretionary or undefined remissions Budget 2016 also proposed the amendment of the Customs Act to exempt import duty on motor vehicles imported by eligible public officers, qualifying re-migrants and settlers. The Financial Administration and Audit Act will be amended to exempt diplomatic, consular, international, charitable and non-profit organisations, semi-autonomous agencies,

resident David Granger has extended congratulations to the West Indies male and female teams on their emphatic victories in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) World Twenty20 and Women’s World Twenty20 championships.

government departments and public corporations from the payment of want-of-entry charges, stamp duty and environmental tax.There will also be an amendment to the Customs Act to exempt computer printer ink and toner cartridges for non-commercial printers. The Value Added Tax will also be amended to exempt parboiled rice, packaging materials, and other malt extracts except ovaltine; the importation of personal effects, including motor vehicles for re-migrants and settlers who qualify for exemptions from Customs duties. Meanwhile, the amendment of the Income Tax Act will allow for artistes to be exempted from the payment of income tax. Tax Administration In order to improve the efficiency of administering taxes by the Guyana Revenue Authority, Budget 2016 proposed the amendment of the Tax Act to ensure that prior to the issuance of all licences for public use, including those to conduct forms of trade and business, the applicant complies with his/her obligations to file annual returns and pays, or makes arrangements to pay, all taxes due and payable. Enhanced Revenue Government has also proposed to amend a raft of legislation, the effect of which is to increase the fees paid to obtain various licences. The pieces of legislation are: Regulations under the Auctioneer Act; Regulations under Hucksters Licencing and Control Act; Regulations made under Miscellaneous Licences Act; Regulations under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act; Regulations under the Rice Factories Act and under the Tax Act. In addition, it is proposed to amend Section 19 0f the Firearms Act Cap 16:05 to increase the annual fee for firearm licences. GPL rebate It was proposed that the rebate granted by the Guyana Power and Light be increased from 10 percent to 15 percent, with effect from April 1, 2016, as the government is cognisant of the need to provide incentives to the manufacturing sector and to boost households’ income. Fuel price reduction With effect from February 1, 2016, the prices of fuel sold by Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) will be reduced. Wages and Salaries The announcement on salary increases for public servants, for 2016, has to await the conclusion of discussions with the relevant unions. This will make way for the process of collective bargaining. Improving Workers’ Income Government proposed to amend the Income Tax Act to increase the Income Tax Threshold to $660,000, from $600,000 yearly. With this measure, over 68,000 workers will be removed from the income tax roll, in addition to the fact that workers have an additional disposable income annually. (January 29, 2016)

President congratulates West Indian teams The President said that these victories provide Guyanese with an opportunity to celebrate and be proud of “our collective achievement as a region’. These victories also illustrate the indomitable spirit of the people of the West Indies and what is

West Indies Under-19 and West Indies Women’s players honoured

possible when we work together for a common good. The Government and people of Guyana are proud of and send heartfelt congratulations to West Indies Captains, Darren Sammy and Stafanie Taylor, who led their teams to these historic victories. The President also specially mentioned 18-year-old Windies Women’s opener Hayley Matthews, who hit a stunning 66 off 45 balls with three sixes and man of the match Marlon Samuels, who guided the men’s team with his 85 off 66 balls. Of course special mention must be made of Carlos Braithwaite, who

brought the victory home for the men’s team with four consecutive sixes in the final over of the match. The Government and the people of Guyana salute and congratulate each player and the entire support staff who have rallied together to contribute to these fulfilling and stunning victories, which have brought joy to the people of the Caribbean and which they will celebrate with fervour. The West Indies’ triumphs in these global tournaments seat the region’s men’s and women’s Twenty20 teams at the pinnacle of this format of the game on the world stage. The

Female and male U-19 West Indies players with Government and cricket officials and sponsor, Digicel West Indies Men’s team is follow that of the West the first to have won the Indies Under 19 Team a ICC World T20 on two oc- few months ago indisputcasions and the West Indies ably positions West InWomen’s team has won the dies cricket as a whole as trophy for the first time. a world force in the game. Further, that these (April 3, 2016) two enigmatic victories

2016. 1st Year in Office

US DEA office opens - aims to destroy crime networks

he coalition government has tangibly demonstrated the much canvassed hardline approach being taken to tackle the scourge of crime; corruption and all other related ills, as the United States’ Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) office was declared open. Prior to it’s opening, the US DEA agents were working closely with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU) from its office in Trinidad and Tobago. However, after lengthy overtures were made over the years to have such an office set up, it was discovered that better support could be given to Guyana with the presence of a local office. Whilst the presence of a DEA office locally is

expected to have a deterring effect, information will also be shared with local authorities on other areas such as gold smuggling and money laundering. It is therefore expected that this will be used to disrupt and dismantle crime networks with the vast array of information that will now be available to local law enforcement agencies. US Ambassador Perry Holloway indicated that the private sector and the public have to both commit to helping the process for it to work as intended. He explained that the DEA agents that will be based locally do not have the authority to arrest, more so they will not be kicking down doors or dragging people into their cars. “They are here to advise and assist. Their pri-

Ambassador Holloway informed media operatives that the US Embassy will be hosting future training sessions with them on how to report on narcotics issues and crimes since they are of a sensitive nature and police officers, judges and prosecutors cannot share critical information for cases being worked on. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ram-

jattan said having a local DEA office in Guyana will bolster and be an asset to the Guyana Police Force, CANU and the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) enforcement and drug interdiction unit. He added that the DEA’s presence in Guyana will also provide additional benefits in the form of training programmes which will reinforce the operation capacity of crime fighting institutions and the judiciary. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 ounces of gold is smuggled out of Guyana on a weekly basis. More recently approximately 476,000 pounds of Guyana’s gold was found to be smuggled into Curacao. The tightening of measures, the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financ-

From left to right: Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway and DEA’s Regional Director, Matthew Donahue ing of Terrorism (amendment) Bill along with the establishment of the local DEA office, are measures put in place by the coalition government to bring crime and corruption to an end. DEA’s Regional Direc-

tor, Matthew Donahue said that the agency has offices in Puerto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Guyana, all the Islands and soon Cuba and the Bahamas. (February 10, 2016)

Immediate steps taken to address prisoners’ concerns

three-member Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has been launched to look into the circumstances that led to the disturbances at the Georgetown Prison that resulted in the death of 17 prisoners and injury to others including prison officers. This was announced by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan at a media conference he hosted with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Officer in Charge of the Georgetown Prison, Kevin Pilgrim. The Terms of Reference stipulate that the CoI is to, “enquire into all the circumstances surrounding the death of 17 prisoners from the Camp Street Prison on the morning of Thursday, 3rd of March 2016, to report the findings and conclusions to the Minister of Public Security and to make recommendations on any action that should be taken to avoid a recurrence.” Those named to the Com-

mary focus is on cases with a US nexus that has something to do with a crime that is happening or will happen in the US…in the course of doing their work they may come across lots of information that may not have a US nexus, but may speak to a crime going on locally and that information will be shared,” Ambassador Holloway explained.

abinet has engaged in a lengthy discussion on audits that were completed, with the discourse centered on what should be done with the stack of documents, according to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

mission are, Justice James Patterson, Merle Mendonca and former Director of the Guyana Prison Service, Dale Erskine. Minister Ramjattan and Minister Harmon met with an 18 - man delegation from the prison to hear their concerns. Based on that meeting, Ramjattan announced that a number of measures are to be put in place almost immediately to address the prisoners’ concerns. These include: - telephone calls to their families being increased from two to three per week with the possibility of this going up to four or five when more telephone lines are installed at the prison. - the prison authority being reminded that meals are to be of a sufficient good quality and in conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures of the prison system. - the families of the deceased will be offered support

to off-set funeral expenses. This will be coordinated through the Guyana Prison Service and the Ministry of Social Protection. - a look into the length of time persons spend on remand. According to Minister Harmon, a meeting was scheduled with the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Carl Singh. “What we can say to the inmates, is that their concerns with respect to the long periods of incarceration on remand will be addressed and addressed very quickly by the judiciary and the Administration,” Harmon assured. Officer in Charge of the Prison, pilgrim gave his unreserved apology for what transpired. “It is my mandate to preserve the lives of every inmate and the officers who supervise those inmates. Yesterday was a very unfortunate incident. I am sorry,” Pilgrim said. Pilgrim said that it is an emotional time, not only for the prisoners but the officers as well.

Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security flanked by Senior Prison Officers at a Press Conference Five officers were injured and. Meanwhile, Deputy Director Gladwin Samuels has been asked to proceed on six weeks leave. Ramjattan said it was his considered opinion and that of the Director of Prison, that it was necessary for Samuels to proceed on leave. Also, 47 young offenders were removed from the Camp Street Prison to the Timehri Prison. The Officer in Charge of the Prison confirmed that following

the meeting between the ministers and the prisoners, some level of calm was restored at the prison. He said sections of the prison that were damaged were being repaired with assistance from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, and a team from the Demerara Harbour Bridge was doing some welding to aid the repairs. This is to ensure the security of the prison. (March 4, 2016)

Audits to be handed over to legal authorities During a post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister Trotman said there was a two-foot pile of audits and Cabinet discussed what should be done with them “since there is quite a bit of material in all of them, that perhaps should be handed, we believe to the legal au-

thorities for further action.” He said Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams will be commenting soon on the findings, and the possible courses of action that will be taken. Minister Trotman

stated that the audits were intended to ascertain if there were any breaches of the law and, or if there were any administrative procedural breaches. The Minister said, “for example a minister reaching into an agency and giving instructions which may

not necessarily be against the law, or lead to criminal action. It may just be administratively wrong. The audits looked at both.” He made it clear that most if not all of the forensic audits have instances of breaches. “We share the views of all the people of

Guyana that we have got to do something about all these audits that are stacking up.” The Coalition Government, upon taking office, ordered forensic audits of Ministries and state owned agencies. (March 9, 2016)

2016. 1st Year in Office

Small miners to benefit from higher yielding lands

inister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, announced that he has mandated the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Closed Areas Committee (CAC) to urgently release higher yielding lands to small miners. He was at the time speaking at the inaugural Small Miners’ Conference held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC). The Conference, organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the GGMC, provided a forum for small miners to talk to officials about the challenges stymieing their ability to ply their trade, with a view to crafting policies

and legislation that will address them holistically. Minister Trotman noted that mining has been in the spotlight lately for all the wrong reasons and the forum aims to remedy the most pressing problems. “It is for these reasons that the Government of Guyana is committed to working closely with all stakeholders in the mining sector to ensure that its continued contribution to the local economy is sustained. In this regard, the Government intends to fulfil its mandate in ensuring that miners - small, medium and large scale, can ply their trade to maintain their livelihoods and secure their fair share of Guyana’s national patrimony,” he said.

A mining operation in Guyana

To this end, the Minister said that he has mandated the GGMC Board and the CAC to urgently release lands with known occurrences of minerals and accessibility to small scale miners in each of the six mining districts. “The new administration is cognizant that many persons can acquire lands that are without any minerals or with occurrences too low to ensure viability. We are also aware of the significant amount of lands abandoned by mediumscale miners alone over the last year, for one reason or another; these lands are ideal for small-scale miners who are more likely to bear fruitful prospects. I, therefore, want to ensure that access to these lands is given to genuine smallscale miners who can ... make effective use of [it] and more importantly, that this process be completed within three months,” Minister Trotman said. Additionally, it is expected that with the transparent and equitable distribution of lands, the agency will also be required to provide infrastructural development, make mineral data available to the miners,

provide technical support in recovery methods, provide support to ensure mine safety and occupational health, establish demonstration sites to train miners in best practices, provide geotechnical services and provide resolutions to land tenure disputes within the areas allocated. According to the Minister, the Government will be making these provisions since it recognises that the traditional miner, with limited resources but with a quest to explore unchartered lands, has been the mainstay of the mining industry in Guyana. He commended the miners who make their declarations at the Guyana Gold Board, noting that while several largescale mining companies came to Guyana last year, it was the small and mediumscale miners who accounted for approximately 411,000 ounces of the 451, 490 that was recorded. Occupational Health and Safety Meanwhile, Minister Trotman said the Administration remains concerned about key occupational, health and safety issues,

A section of the miners at the conference including the incidence of mining pit cave-ins. “Last year alone, mining pit accidents resulted in a number of fatalities, the worst occurring at Mowasie, Region Eight, which claimed the lives of 11 miners. The Government of Guyana will not condone haphazard mining practices that put people’s lives at risk. One life is one too many, negligence is like suicide. Minister, Simona Broomes has been tasked with the specific responsibilities: to oversee aspects of the occupational health, safety and protection of the rights of miners. Mining safety and environmental sustainability will, therefore, be a high priority for the regulatory

agencies and the Ministry, Mr. Trotman said. Diversification Minister Trotman also encouraged the miners to explore for other less known minerals and stones, particularly in light that gold prices have dropped on the world market. Some of the issues which were raised by the miners included land titling, tax concessions, landlordism and GGMC’s sloth in dealing with issues under its purview. The Minister assured the miners that a collective and swift approach will be taken in addressing the issues raised to bring relief. (January 15, 2016)

Government satisfied with outcome of LGE - Minister Trotman

inister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman said that Government is “quite satisfied” with the outcome of the recently held Local Government elections. “We believe that the elections and results confirm that our strategy as we advance it has worked,” Minister Trotman said, addressing the media at a post cabinet briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency. “We are not here to give support to statement made by the Opposition. We concentrated our efforts on the towns, the urban centres that strategy worked,” Minister said, responding to a question posed by a reporter as to the Opposition’s conclusion that the result of the lection show that the Government was losing ground among the general voters.

Minister Trotman said too that Government is “not at all turned-off” by what people are calling a low turn-out for the elections. In fact the Minister said that Government feels that the turn-out for the election was “quite average,” based on what obtained in the past and what obtained in other parts of the world. “We are quite satisfied with the outcome and we believe that the vision of the organisation of Guyana is actually taking root and we are well on our way to advancing our agenda,” he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister and First Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo described the holding of the elections as, “a fairly tremendous achievement...This is taking their own powers in their hand. This is about being able to

take a stake in their own affairs and their local communities,” Nagamootoo said. When GINA visited polling places, there was poor turnout of voters in some communities. The Prime Minister believes that this is as a result of the absence of Local Government Elections over the last two decades. “We have had only two local government elections. This is the third in almost 50 years since 1970 and then 1994. So I believe that the fact the people have not grown accustomed to electing leaders that they become a little apathetic. Lethargy has stepped in the way,” The Prime Minister said. He reiterated that with local democracy based on a “majoritarian principle,” if voters did not go out to cast their ballots, “someone else

will make up that majority.” He added that some elected positions could be filled by a meager amount of votes. Local government elections were held for 10 Municipalities and 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) confirmed that less than 40% of eligible voters exercised their franchise during Friday’s Local Government Elections. Some 507, 584 persons were registered to vote in 542 constituencies across the country. Only 239,070 representing a 47.1 percent voter turnout. The Election Commission also reported on Tuesday that the government won most of the Municipalities and Opposition the majority of the Neighborhood Democratic Council.

Raphael Trotman Minister of Natural Resources Government won in constituencies 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14 out of the 15 constituencies in Georgetown. The coalition also managed to secure most of the seats in the municipalities of Lethem, Bartica, Linden and New Amsterdam. The main Opposi-

tion People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), is tied with the coalition for the township of Mabaruma, but is reported to have won the townships of Rose Hall, Corriverton and Anna Regina. (March 9, 2016)

FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION Government Information Agency (GINA) Area ‘B’ Homestretch Avenue D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown. Tel #: 592-225-4255, 226 8843, Fax: 226 4003 Email: ginagovgy@gmail.com Website: www.gina.gov.gy Youtube: gina.guyana May 2015 - May 2016

Bartica officially a town

esidents of Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), on May 7, braved the rain to witness Bartica’s inaugural township celebration, a historic event for the 185-year-old community. President David Granger, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, parliamentarians, mayors of the other towns and other dignitaries were also in attendance. The event commenced with a military march pass at First Avenue, Bartica, followed by interfaith prayers, a wreath laying ceremony and the official township declaration by the Head of State who said that this community,

being one of the oldest in Guyana, is most deserving of township status. “Bartica is a well-laid out community with its avenues and its streets. Bartica possesses everything that it needs to be a capital. It has its own aerodrome; it has its banks, churches, hotels, hospital, market, post office, police stations, schools, television station, electricity and water supply. There is no good reason why Bartica was held back for so long,” President Granger said. The President, who just returned from the United States after attending the US-Caribbean-Central American Energy Summit, said that Guyana has to move more quickly to develop a green economy and that Bartica, as the country’s first green town, must lead the way in wind and solar energy, solid waste management, electrical vehi-

cles and recycling. “Bartica is going to become a laboratory for Guyana’s green economy…every school, every hospital, every police station, every government building has to move quickly over the next four years to adopt sustainable sources of energy, renewable energy. No more addiction to gasoline and dieseline, we are moving to clean energy,” the President said. He also urged residents to become a magnet for economic growth and for attracting investments and gave assurances of his Government’s commitment to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is put in place to facilitate such growth. (March 7, 2016)

President David Granger looks on as student cuts the ribbon on the boat

President David Granger hands over a bicycle to a student

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Guyana, David Granger receives salute by Joint Services ranks during the march pass and military parade

President David Granger interacts with nursery school students

For more information on the APNU+AFC Government, please visit: www.gina.gov.gy 2016. 1st Year in Office